Chapter 104: Parallel World (3)
Han Min sucked in a big gulp of milk tea, startled.
It had been two months since he last saw Han Min. Fu Xun looked at him, then suddenly turned his head: “Brother.”
Fu Lin was walking behind, talking to Han Shi. Hearing the call, he responded.
Fu Xun ran a hand through his sweat-damp hair. He simply didn’t know what to do in front of Han Min—didn’t know what to say, didn’t know how to walk over, didn’t even know where to put his hands or feet.
Han Min sipped his milk tea, still watching him with curious eyes, making Fu Xun’s heart flutter in confusion.
This wasn’t something he could tell his older brother about, so he had to grit his teeth and walk over alone.
Actually, Han Min had recognized him long ago, but the previous “chubby little boy” image had left such a deep impression that Han Min was still startled for a moment.
When he reached him, Han Min jokingly greeted him: “Not bad, you’ve lost a lot of weight.”
Fu Xun stiffened his neck, unable to even nod. He finally just coldly responded: “Mm.”
Grandpa Fu frowned slightly: “Why all of a sudden can’t you speak? Weren’t you arguing like roosters over the phone a few days ago?”
He was referring to the time Han Min accompanied Grandpa Fu to visit his hometown. That day, Grandpa Fu had asked him to call the Han family, intending to speak with Grandpa Han. But he wasn’t there—Han Min answered instead.
For some unknown reason, the two ended up arguing over the phone, burning through dozens of long-distance call fees. Grandpa Fu’s heart ached.
Finally, they each dropped a harsh word and hung up. That day, Fu Xun didn’t even go to the court; he lay in bed playing games all day.
At that time, Han Min said: “You’d better go to school and say hi early. In high school, I won’t sit with you, and I don’t want to be considered your ‘good friend’ by others. As for Wei Gui, go explain—I’m not close to you at all.”
Fu Xun thought, I can find another deskmate, after all.
After a while, he set down the game controller. It seemed like he truly couldn’t find one.
He only wanted Han Min. He never even thought about sitting with anyone else.
It wasn’t that he had no friends. In middle school, he was the center of attention. He always had the latest comics from the department store, the newest sneakers, the latest game controllers from across the ocean.
Fu Xun’s parents had separated early. He lived with his father, who left him in his grandfather’s care. His living allowance was a five-digit sum when he was five. His mother went abroad for work, sending occasional items, like game controllers.
All boys loved these things. They called him “Brother Xun,” and would hang out at his place on weekends. So he wasn’t friendless.
But having someone sit this close, beside him, every day—he didn’t really like that.
No one could really replace Han Min.
Suddenly someone tapped him. Grandpa Fu said: “Take Min’er to your room to play for a bit. We’ll have dinner together later.”
Fu Xun tossed the basketball to Fu Lin and said to Han Min: “Let’s go.”
Han Min also loved comics but had always thought they weren’t close enough to speak up. Every visit, he brought Wei Gui and Fu Rang along and carefully asked if he could borrow them to read.
After two months’ absence, going to his room—of course Han Min was happy and even walked ahead.
Fu Xun jumped and made a shooting motion before bumping into the door with a clang.
Han Min looked over and suddenly noticed how tall Fu Xun had grown.
Fu Xun picked out clean clothes from the wardrobe, while Han Min stood at the bookshelf opposite, trying to remember where he had left off two months ago.
Just as he was about to ask, Fu Xun said: “Take it yourself.”
Han Min thanked him, pulling a book from the shelf. Fu Xun glanced at his outfit today and quietly put the clothes back, replacing them with a similar set to what Han Min wore.
Even he didn’t know why he did that.
After a quick shower, Fu Xun put on his clothes and returned to the room.
Han Min sat on the chair, grinning foolishly while reading comics.
What’s so funny? Fu Xun touched his damp hair.
—
Soon, Han Shi called them out for dinner.
After two months apart, the two elders naturally wanted to meet, and so they arranged for both families to have dinner together.
In the courtyard, a large round table was set up. Han Min and Fu Xun walked out one after the other. Just as they reached the table, someone jumped out and draped an arm around Han Min’s shoulder.
Fu Rang cheerfully called: “Min Min!”
The two who could have sat together were suddenly separated.
With Fu Rang sitting between them, they chatted and laughed, leaving Fu Xun inexplicably frustrated.
Once dinner began, Fu Xun focused on eating. Not long after, he overheard Grandpa Fu talking to Han Min about him:
“Thanks to Min Min tutoring Fu Xun for six months, otherwise this silly boy wouldn’t have been able to study at all.”
Are you my real grandpa?
“High school boarding, Grandpa can’t oversee him. You help teach him so he can continue his studies. Here, Grandpa will give tutoring money.”
Grandpa Fu pulled a card from his pocket. Grandpa Han tried to stop him but failed.
“The PIN is your lunar birthday. For the next few days, help him look at books, do some prep.”
Han Min nodded: “No problem. I’ll go buy books with him tomorrow.”
“Good. Grandpa will give book money and travel expenses. Eat lunch outside, money’s included. If you like milk tea, some extra money for that too.”
You really are my grandpa! Fu Xun and Han Min thought in unison.
—
The meal lasted a long time. As night fell, Han Min helped clear the dishes and went back to his room.
Fu Xun and Fu Rang were still in the courtyard, trying to move the large round table.
As they were about to lift it, a scream came from Han Min’s room.
Before anyone reacted, Fu Rang also shouted. Everyone looked up: Fu Xun had dropped the table and dashed in, almost hitting his foot. He had grabbed a stick and rushed inside.
Han Min stood on the table, broom in hand, ready for battle.
Fu Xun, already inside, hid the iron rod behind him: “What’s wrong?”
Han Min pointed to the corner: “A mouse. I turned on the light and saw two big rats biting my books.”
Fu Xun was about to comfort him when Fu Rang entered: “Brother, when Min Min leaves, Grandpa asked you to help clean his room.”
Han Min angrily stomped on the table: “Fu Dog!”
It seemed that was indeed the case. Fu Xun didn’t dare meet his eyes: “Probably the last time the window was open for ventilation. I’ll help you move things out; tonight you sleep in my room.”
His voice trailed off as he spoke.
At night, Han Min refused to wear clothes the mice might have touched, so Fu Xun gave him two of his own.
Han Min washed up and leaned on the bed reading comics. After a while, Fu Xun entered.
Unsure if Han Min was still angry, Fu Xun stood for a moment, then asked: “Want to play the new game console?”
Han Min turned his head away.
Fu Xun pushed him: “It hasn’t been unboxed yet.”
He opened the box, the screen lit up, and the little speaker played game music.
From the outside, the Fu house didn’t seem special, but Fu Xun’s room alone could furnish two courtyards.
After hesitating, Han Min put down his book and went to play.
The two sat cross-legged on the bed, light falling on their faces. Han Min wore Fu Xun’s oversized pajamas, exposing his slender neck and fair collarbones. He focused on the game, his dark eyes slowly filling with laughter.
Fu Xun cleared his throat and looked away.
They had only played one round when someone knocked. Fu Xun opened the door: Fu Rang stood there with three cups of hot milk tea.
“Brother, I…”
Fu Xun followed his gaze: Han Min was engrossed in the game. He picked up two cups. “It’s late, go back and sleep.”
“Brother…”
“You have some in your room too.” Saying that, Fu Xun closed the door.
He casually placed the cups near Han Min. Han Min sipped, finally a bit pleased.
“You have to clean my room.”
“Okay.”
—
Time slipped by. Around midnight, Grandpa Fu got up for water, saw light under the door, and knocked: “A Xun, stop playing with Min Min.”
Both scrambled. Han Min pushed Fu Xun onto the bed, pulled the blanket over him, and claimed: “No, Grandpa. Fu Xun’s asleep. I turned on the light to get water.”
Fu Xun lay still, perfectly still. Han Min, obedient as always, was believed by Grandpa Fu. “Go to bed early,” he said, returning to his room.
Han Min drank a little water. Fu Xun, under the covers, suddenly felt his heart pound. When the light went out, the soft bed sank slightly, and he couldn’t help sliding toward Han Min.
He held himself back. Don’t go over… Fu Xun, if you slide now, you’ll land on Han Min! Stop!
Han Min fell asleep quickly from staying up too late. Fu Xun didn’t dare move. Only when he got genuinely sleepy did his arm tingle. Just a small movement, and he touched Han Min’s hand.
A chord in his mind tightened instantly. He felt fully awake again.
This happened repeatedly. Every time he felt sleepy and touched Han Min, he became alert.
Even in kindergarten, they napped together every day. Fu Xun, you’re abnormal.
—
Fu Xun had had a dream before.
A few months before the high school entrance exam, Han Min tutored him. That day, he was extremely sleepy and sent Han Min away, collapsing on the bed.
In the dream, Han Min was still tutoring him, pen in hand, tapping the textbook, talking nonstop.
Fu Xun watched his lips move, but couldn’t hear anything, thinking it would be great if there were a way to make him stop talking.
Then—Fu Xun woke up, ears red, scolding himself, washing sheets and clothes.
Later, after the entrance exam, he went back to playing basketball.
—
Morning sunlight streamed into the room.
Fu Xun opened his eyes, drowsily pushing away the hands resting on his waist, got out of bed, and drew the curtains.
He flopped back on the bed, wanting to sleep a bit more, but suddenly opened his eyes.
Han Min was sleeping right in front of him, breathing steadily.
It was too comfortable. He quickly turned over, sleeping with his back to Fu Xun. His loose pajamas rode up, revealing his slender waist.
The curtains blocked the bright sunlight, the room dim. Strange thoughts sprouted in Fu Xun’s mind. He pressed his lips, reached out, and used his thumb to cover Han Min’s waist.
