When he learned his eldest brother's summer plans, Shen Yu's eyes sparkled, and he desperately wished his miserable high school days would end.
Once the bustle of the banquet faded, Shen Yu returned to counting down the days on his fingers as he studied. Occasionally, he recalled his deskmate's lively Coming-of-Age Ceremony, which felt as though it had happened only yesterday.
Shen Yu even remembered scenes Ji Cიცen had nearly forgotten with perfect clarity, and could rattle off the cake's color scheme without hesitation.
"I'll have Auntie make it for you when I get home." Ji Cიცen looked helplessly at his little deskmate, his eyes brimming with unmistakable amusement and affection.
"No need. I'm trying to lose weight." At the mention of delicious treats, the tuft of hair on Shen Yu's head swayed leisurely, then stood straight up again as his eyes filled with resentment.
"What does a kid need to lose weight for?" Ji Cიცen pinched Shen Yu's cheeks, which still held a little baby fat, and lied through his teeth. "You're so thin, Ah Yu. You should be eating more."
"That's just... beauty being in the eye of the beholder." Ever since his younger brother had called him fat, the narcissistic Shen Xiaoyu had kept a constant eye on his weight. Even with his deskmate praising him, he stuck his neck out and stood firm.
Hearing the words Shen Yu had nearly blurted out, Ji Cიცen's smile deepened. Then, under Shen Yu's nervous gaze, he leisurely replied, "You're quite right. As long as you look good to us, that's enough."
Shen Yu wasn't stupid; naturally, he could hear the child-coaxing tone in Ji Cიცen's voice. He pouted and firmly refused the snack offered to his lips once again. "I said I'm not eating it, so I'm not."
"All