Been Waiting for You to Escape Marriage for a Long Time

Chapter 96: Childhood Sweetheart Route – Extra (7)

With a snap, Zhao Yuheng broke the pen in his hand.

Shen Shuyi was completely oblivious.

Because he didn’t think he had done anything wrong.

These past few days, Shen Shuyi had diligently studied all the books he had bought from the library related to puberty.

The books said that when dealing with rebellious teenagers, you must never confront them; doing so will only push them further away.

Shen Shuyi considered the consequences.

Drifting further and further away from Zhao Yuheng? This was not the ending he wanted!

Since he couldn’t confront the child, Shen Shuyi chose to comply with Zhao Yuheng’s wishes.

Didn’t he feel out of place at school?

He would immediately fit in to show Zhao Yuheng!

However, in Shen Shuyi’s heart, Zhao Yuheng was his best friend.

That position would always belong to him.

To avoid conflict, yet appear to fit in…

The only empty spot next to him seemed to belong to his boyfriend or girlfriend.

Girl?

Shen Shuyi, being a gentleman, didn’t want to waste a girl’s precious youth, only asking her to pretend to be his girlfriend.

Boy? Hmm…it’s you, Zhao Ci—an exchange student who transferred from the mainland to St Paul for the new semester.

Outgoing and cheerful, but importantly, seemingly not very bright. Shen Shuyi promised to take him to the Hong Kong F1 race next Wednesday and would help him get the autograph of the driver he most wanted, number 001.

Zhao Ci immediately knelt down, acknowledging him as his godfather.

Pretending to be his boyfriend was second nature to Zhao Ci; he quickly adapted to his new role.

Shen Shuyi’s wrist was grabbed by Zhao Yuheng, who, with a dark expression, pulled him aside.

“Shen Shuyi,” Zhao Yuheng frowned, “What are you doing? What’s going on?” Shen Shuyi asked, surprised, “Didn’t you and my parents think I didn’t fit in at school? I did what you wanted. I fit in now, and I even have a new boyfriend.”

Those three words sounded incredibly jarring.

Zhao Yuheng was exasperated.

“What boyfriend? Do you even know what dating is?”

“I know!” Even if he hadn’t eaten pork, he’d seen pigs run.

St. Paul’s school rules weren’t strict; the school even encouraged students to enjoy their youth as long as it didn’t affect their studies, within the bounds of propriety.

“Many people in my class are dating, of course I know,” Shen Shuyi explained.

Zhao Yuheng’s grip on his wrist tightened.

At this moment, he felt like he’d shot himself in the foot. Zhao Yuheng, too lazy to waste any more words with Shen Shuyi, cut to the chase: “Break up with him immediately.”

Shen Shuyi was puzzled: “Why?” It was Zhao Yuheng who had encouraged him to be more sociable, and now that he was, Zhao Yuheng was unhappy.

“Didn’t you tell me to make friends?”

“Friends.” Zhao Yuheng’s brow twitched: “What are you making friends with, boyfriends?!”

That’s because you’re Shen Shuyi’s best friend!

Shen Shuyi had only chosen to have a boyfriend as a second choice to preserve Zhao Yuheng’s place in his heart.

Zhao Yuheng didn’t appreciate his kindness!

However, despite their frequent meetings, they were still in a cold war.

Shen Shuyi didn’t want to reveal how much he cared for him; it would make him lose face.

“I don’t want to,” Shen Shuyi said stubbornly. “If I break up with him, I won’t have a boyfriend again. Then you’ll say I’m unsociable and won’t sleep with me.”

Zhao Yuheng sneered, “You already have a boyfriend, can you still sleep in the same bed with me?”

“Of course I can,” Shen Shuyi looked at him, puzzled. “What does it matter?”

…. Zhao Yuheng was taken aback by his honesty.

Then, he couldn’t utter a single word in rebuttal.

Shen Shuyi seemed genuinely clueless about what “dating” meant.

Zhao Yuheng rubbed his temples. “Shuyi, you’re still young, you don’t know what a boyfriend is. Go tell your classmate right now… never mind, I’ll go tell him, you two break up immediately.”

Shen Shuyi got angry when he said he was young. “Where am I young? You always say I’m young, you’re only a year older than me, why do you always treat me like a child?”

He was indignant. Seeing Zhao Yuheng about to leave, he suddenly grabbed him from behind, blocking his way.

“You’re not allowed to go!” Shen Shuyi glared at him, his eyes darting around before he suddenly realized, “Oh! Are you angry because I started dating before you? Do you feel like I stole your thunder the first time?”

Zhao Yuheng: “…” It’s pointless to reason with this unreasonable cat, Shen Shuyi.

“No,” Zhao Yuheng said, “Shen Shuyi, have you forgotten? We were already married when you were in kindergarten. If you’re dating that male classmate of yours now, that’s adultery.” Shen Shuyi had almost forgotten about this if Zhao Yuheng hadn’t mentioned it.

He yelled, “What does that mean! You were the one who moved out first! As long as you moved out, we’re divorced!”

“Divorce? Who agreed to that? The marriage certificate you drew is still in my room. You took it?” “That has no legal effect whatsoever! I drew it myself in kindergarten!” Shen Shuyi retorted angrily.

Zhao Yuheng looked at him in surprise: “You actually know that marriage certificate has no legal effect?”

“What?! You’re really angry this time! Do you think I’m stupid? Of course I know!”

Shen Shuyi brought his new boyfriend to try and reconcile, but failed.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Yuheng, in his rebellious teenage years, was so difficult to get along with?

Shen Shuyi wasn’t discouraged, because the book said that a child’s adolescence lasts at least a year, and Shen Shuyi was prepared for a long battle with Zhao Yuheng.

If he felt that having one boyfriend was still too unsociable, then Shen Shuyi could have a second, a third, a fourth… or even a whole bunch at once.

Of course, this idea didn’t materialize.

During their cold war, something unexpected happened.

Chen Zhiqiang 2.0 passed away at the age of 10.

Actually, for a domesticated chicken, living to ten years old already surpasses 99% of its peers.

But Shen Shuyi still couldn’t believe it. When he returned home and heard the news from Uncle Lin, he had already been quietly bathing in front of Zhiqiang’s chicken coop for a long time.

“Young Master Zhao, please go see him. Young Master Shuyi has been at the chicken coop since he came back this afternoon, completely distracted. He watched Zhiqiang grow up, and used to talk to it every day after school. Now that Zhiqiang is gone, Young Master Shuyi is heartbroken.” Uncle Lin, unaware of the cold war between Zhao Yuheng and Shen Shuyi, couldn’t help but ask for help upon seeing Zhao Yuheng.

“I know,” Zhao Yuheng nodded.

As dusk fell, Shen Shuyi was heartbroken, and no one dared to disturb him. Zhao Yuheng quietly approached. Shen Shuyi sat on a small stool, Chen Zhiqiang’s chicken carcass in front of him, already quite cold.

Luckily, it wasn’t summer, so it wouldn’t smell bad after just an afternoon.

Shen Shuyi placed Zhiqiang in a basket lined with a soft blanket and silently watched him.

“Shuyi,” Zhao Yuheng walked to his side and squatted down, “Don’t be sad.”

Shen Shuyi glanced at him, experiencing the only calm conversation during their cold war.

“Zhao Yuheng.”

Since starting high school, Shen Shuyi rarely called him “brother.”

Just as he had declared he was growing up, Zhao Yuheng looked at his back, and in the silent night, he seemed to truly see Shen Shuyi’s upright back harden, becoming a bone that could withstand the entire world.

“You said…” Shen Shuyi said softly, “‘Die’—what does that mean?” Zhao Yuheng didn’t speak, but simply squatted down beside him, keeping him company.

“Does it mean we’ll never see each other again?” Shen Shuyi blinked.

“Why are you suddenly asking this?” Zhao Yuheng asked.

“I was just thinking, Uncle Lin said Chen Zhiqiang was fine this morning, but ‘died’ this evening. What does ‘died’ mean? Does it mean we’ll never see each other again? Does it mean we’ll be separated forever?”
Zhao Yuheng suddenly sensed a plea for help in Shen Shuyi’s words.

He hugged Shen Shuyi and said, “Little Shu, everyone’s life has an end in this world. Death is the fairest thing in the world.”

“Will I die too?”

“That’s a long, long time from now.”

“But I feel like what happened at kindergarten happened just yesterday. Mommy said it was a long, long time ago. Since a long, long time ago was yesterday, then a long, long time from now, will it not be long either? Will I wake up and it’s actually tomorrow?”

Shen Shuyi said, his body trembling slightly with fear: “Brother Heng, I’m so scared.” Zhao Yuheng hugged him tightly.

For the first time in his childhood, Shen Shuyi deeply felt the separation and fear brought by “death.”

“Will I die too, and never see you again, never see Mommy again?”

“No, baby.” Zhao Yuheng held him tightly in his arms.

Shen Shuyi started to cry softly, sobbing, “Let’s not fight anymore, okay? I feel really sad like this. I don’t want to break up with you. I’m so scared…”

“Okay.” Zhao Yu wiped away his tears. “We won’t fight anymore, and we won’t break up.”

“Let’s make up, okay, Little Shu?” Zhao Yuheng teased him. “Just for Zhiqiang’s sake, okay?” Shen Shu looked at him through teary eyes.

Halfway through, he chuckled.

“I’m so sad!”

Zhiqiang’s funeral was held with unprecedented grandeur.

Not only were the heads of the most prominent Shen and Zhuang families in Hong Kong in attendance, but Zhao Qing, who happened to be visiting his wife and children that day, also attended Zhiqiang’s funeral, making it a truly glamorous affair.

Chen Zhiqiang’s wives, Meiling, Xiulan, and Lifen, each wore a small white flower in their hair. The atmosphere was somber. Shen Shuyi, as Zhiqiang’s guardian, was busy all day, only managing to send Zhiqiang to the crematorium in the evening.

As Shen Shuyi’s ex-boyfriend, Zhao Ci, upon hearing the news, also felt immense grief, donned a suit, and saw his friend’s son off.

“Chicken.” That night, he cried his heart out, and at Zhiqiang’s cremation, he couldn’t help but mutter, “I should say, but I kind of want to eat roast chicken.” Shen Shuyi slapped him twice, and Zhao Ci let out a proud cry, making his sobs even more genuine.

Zhao Yuheng and Shen Shuyi made up again.

For some reason, after their argument, their relationship became even closer than before.

Days passed by at a leisurely pace, and Zhao Yuheng soon entered the first semester of Form Six, which was the first semester of his senior year.

That year, Zhao Yuheng’s studies finally became heavy. Form Six meant he would soon face the DSE exams in Hong Kong, the results of which would determine which university he would attend, both domestically and internationally.

That year, Zhao Yuheng’s height continued to increase, eventually stabilizing at around 1.8 or 1.9 meters.

Shen Shuyi’s height stabilized at 1.78 meters in Form 5, just two centimeters away from 1.8 meters. But those two centimeters seemed to be deliberately working against him; no matter how much milk he drank, he didn’t grow any taller!

Shen Shuyi had just turned sixteen, and he had completely shed his childishness, blossoming into a handsome and dashing young man, bright and sharp. He was undoubtedly the school’s most popular boy in St. Paul’s High School.

All the school’s publicity, big and small, fell on his shoulders.

Plus, Shen Shuyi’s status was particularly hot, making him incredibly popular. The number of admirers and suitors surged, attracting even more attention than last semester.

Every year at the sports meet, Shen Shuyi received twice as many love letters and confessions as usual.

This year was no exception. To avoid the harassment of these fervent suitors, Shen Shuyi was fed up and simply didn’t sign up for any events.

Zhao Yuheng was also not at school because he was participating in a competition.

He had been abroad for a week and called last night to say he would land in Hong Kong tonight. After hanging up the phone last night, Shen Shuyi had been eagerly anticipating going home tonight, and he’d been completely uninterested in the sports meet during the day.

This afternoon, his mind was already at the airport, wishing he could ask for leave to see Zhao Yuheng.

In class, Zhao Ci suddenly tugged at Shen Shuyi’s sleeve: “Hey, Shuyi, I have something good, wanna see?” There were no classes on the last afternoon after the sports meet, and the school announced that the remaining two periods would be used for a movie.

The classroom curtains were drawn tightly shut, with only the film *Titanic* playing on the black-and-white projector.

“What good thing?” Shen Shuyi’s curiosity was instantly piqued.

“Come here, come here!” Zhao Ci beckoned to him.

In the back row of the classroom, there were several students from other classes.

Completely opposite to Shen Shuyi, the social outcast, Zhao Ci was a social terrorist.

Thanks to him, Shen Shuyi actually only had Zhao Ci as a friend, but every time Zhao Ci came to his house, he would bring his friends, giving Lin Yiqiong and Shen Shizhang the illusion that Shen Shuyi had more than twenty friends.

Therefore, Lin Yiqiong never mentioned again that he should sleep separately from Zhao Yuheng.

“Hehe, top-quality stuff, I searched the entire internet to find it,” Zhao Ci chuckled.

?
What good stuff?

“If Shen Shuyi doesn’t like it after watching it, he’ll kill Zhao Ci.” What good stuff could a high school student possibly get his hands on?

If it were anyone else, seeing a few fifteen or sixteen-year-old boys with ambiguous smiles, they’d probably guess what was going on.

But Shen Shuyi was a complete novice in this area, so he didn’t think twice.

Until Zhao Ci played his so-called “good stuff” on his phone, Shen Shuyi blushed.

It was a pure and ambiguous anime/manga film, the male and female leads were very good-looking, but undeniably, it was… well, you know!

Zhao Ci eagerly showed it off, immediately jumping to the climax.

Shen Shuyi stared, wide-eyed: “You…”

He was speechless, “You watched this in the sacred classroom?”

Zhao Ci chuckled: “How is it? Pretty good, right? I searched for ages to find this top-quality resource! And it’s uncensored!”

“Look at the female lead’s figure, it’s absolutely amazing.” Shen Shuyi glanced at them and scoffed, “Aren’t these all just drawings? What’s there to judge about their quality?”

“I really don’t share the same aesthetic sense as you three-dimensional people,” Zhao Ci shook his head. As the plot unfolded, the scene reached its most exciting part.

In the story, the parents of the male and female protagonists had gone out on business, leaving only the brother and sister at home. They initially chatted about school matters, but then, the male protagonist pulled the female protagonist into his arms and started kissing her.

“I’ll sign! So exciting!” Zhao Ci exclaimed.

Shen Shuyi: “…” To be honest, Shen Shuyi felt a little awkward watching.

“Stop watching, what’s so exciting about this?” Shen Shuyi retorted speechlessly.

“Don’t you think it’s exciting? The male lead is the female lead’s brother, but they’re doing something so immoral and incestuous.”

“It’s just a kiss, they’re just close, how is it incestuous?” Shen Shuyi retorted.

“Wow. Shen Shuyi, I didn’t realize you were so innocent and naive.” Zhao Ci teased, “Isn’t this incestuous? Who kisses their own brother like that?!”

“…” Zhao Ci continued watching with great interest. Shen Shuyi suddenly said, “No? There should be. If the brothers have a good relationship and grew up together, isn’t that normal?”

“Kissing your own brother is normal?” Zhao Ci looked at him, then suddenly closed his eyes in ecstasy, pouting, and said with a swaying voice, “Little Shu, my darling, do you ever feel the urge to kiss me?”

“…”
“Get lost!” Shen Shuyi couldn’t bear to look.

A kiss from a good brother, and you’ll have nightmares for three nights in a row.

At the same time, a strange, inexplicable feeling welled up inside him.

Isn’t kissing your own brother normal? He used to do it often when he was in his first year of high school, but this semester, for some reason, he hadn’t kissed Zhao Yuheng much.

Maybe it’s because the other is busy with his studies, has a lot of competition fees, and isn’t often in the country.

What was originally a very normal intimate interaction seemed strange after Zhao Ci’s comment.

“Oh! It’s coming!” Zhao Ci excitedly lowered his voice.

What’s coming? Shen Shuyi glanced over, and that one glance sent shivers down his spine.

The couple on the screen were practically oblivious to the world around them; after kissing for a while, they started making love passionately.

What was terrifying was that the bed in the anime was drawn almost exactly like the bed in Zhao Yuheng’s bedroom!

Shen Shuyi, for some terrifying thought, was so startled that he slammed his phone to the ground: “Are you crazy?!”

He jumped up in shock, his handsome face flushed with embarrassment.

Just then, the back door of the classroom opened, and Zhao Yuheng appeared unexpectedly: “What are you doing?”

“Okay!” Zhao Ci exclaimed in surprise: “Why are you back so suddenly? Weren’t you supposed to be back tonight?”

“I bought a plane ticket in advance.”

Actually, he wanted to surprise Shen Shuyi, and he was indeed very surprised, staring at him wide-eyed, speechless.

Zhao Yuheng chuckled, looked at the phone on the ground, picked it up, and handed it back to Shen Shuyi.

Seeing Zhao Yuheng bend over, Zhao Ci suddenly realized what was playing on the phone and turned pale: “Wait!” Zhao Yuheng had just picked up the phone and flipped it over when he saw the video.

It was playing at its most exciting part, with a female character’s large breasts bursting off the screen with tremendous force, her breasts heaving, while she cried out in a sweet voice, “Brother… wants more…”

Shen Shuyi: …What the hell?