2.18

Today was an important day for every high school diploma who had just graduated from their high school. Because today was the national examination for college entrance or Gaokao. Duan Biya drove Junze and Yunyu to the exam site, which was the national university located in the heart of the city.

"Ah, I can't imagine the moment when my son graduated from high school with a high score and also took the Gaokao," Duan Biya said half-jokingly, "Tell me, what do you want? A new car? A new house? A new land? I will give it to you!"

"I want to have a formal engagement with Yunyu after my test," Junze said clearly. There was no doubt in his voice. He held Yunyu's hand tightly.

Duan Biya glanced at Yunyu who also confirmed his wish, "If aunty allows it, then I will marry Junze after university graduation."

Duan Biya stared at these pairs of young lovebirds who were taking care of each other. Yunyu's presence in Junze's life changed many things, from his study, his attitude, and his life goal. Duan Biya was assured that Junze would be able to take care of Duan's family business after she retired.

Meanwhile, for Yunyu, Junze's presence gave him security and the love that he never felt before as an orphan. His quality of life also significantly increased, because Junze would always take Yunyu every single day to eat delicious and healthy food.

Duan Biya rubbed their heads and said, "Of course, if you two want to get engaged after enrolment, then so be it. I will hold a grand engagement ceremony for you two! Let the world know that my son has an amazing fiancée!"

Junze was wholly satisfied with his mother's answer. He was afraid that he would need to take drastic measures to assure his mother about his goal to marry Yunyu, but his mother was very supportive of this, unlike his father who would still demean him and Yunyu, no matter how much achievement he got.

It didn't matter anyway. Junze had a thousand ways to give Yunyu happiness without the help of his father.

The announcement for the examinees to enter the building was heard, "Alright, you two need to go now, I will wait here."

Junze nodded and pulled Yunyu to his side. Their backs slowly getting further and further from Duan Biya's eyes, and her smile finally dissipated.

She returned back to her car and called her assistant, "Lin, how is the current condition of the company?"

"It is quite bad, ma'am. Master Zhou seems to be eager to take control over Duan family's new thriving business. Last time, he sent that illegitimate son of his, Yang Ronghui, to come to our company and demanded to see you."

"That kid is dangerous, he will be Junze's rival for a long time. Tell my uncle to accelerate the plan to separate the Duan family from the Zhou family. Zhou family has been a parasite for our family far too long, I will take care of my husband before he do anything stupid."

"Yes, ma'am."

Duan Biya disconnected the call. She stared at the building where Junze and Yunyu were now taking exams. Since Junze was now on the right track, she wanted to accelerate the process of separation between the Zhou and Duan family.

Duan family could soar high under her son's leadership. Junze was a talented young man, but his husband's words turned him into a bad apple, until a boy named Li Yunyu helped him. She didn't care if Junze married a man, as long as Junze was happy and could lead the family's legal business, then it was all worth it.

***

The test was easier than Yunyu expected. In his real world, he didn't try Gaokao after graduating from high school. He wanted to chase his dream as an actor anyway, he thought, if he failed to be an actor, then he would take Gaokao the following year.

But thanks to regular study sessions with Junze, Yunyu could answer every question easily. In the meantime, he chatted with the system:

[Ah, I should've taken the Gaokao in my real world.]

[Pupa: Do you regret skipping Gaokao to chase your dream of becoming an actor?]

[I don't exactly regret it, but I would be pretty sad if I failed my acting career. Especially if all my hard work goes unnoticed by Han Ye.]

[Pupa:… he will notice you.]

[Eh? Why do you say so?]

[Pupa: You've worked hard enough, I'm sure you can be a great actor in your world and Han Ye will notice you.]

[Aww, is this your way to encourage me, Pupa? I know that you are not completely black-bellied inside. Once we return to the dorm, you can materialize and I will give you a warm hug.]

[Pupa: No thanks, my shell is not equipped with anti-bacteria.]

[Never mind, you are still the same.]

Yunyu turned in his answer sheet faster than the rest of the examinees. He glanced at Junze who was still focusing on his test, probably nervous that he would make any mistake. Yunyu smiled and left the room.

Since he was the first one to leave, he went outside and was greeted by the stares of the parents who were waiting anxiously for their children to come. Yunyu shrugged and left the building. He turned on his phone and texted Junze, telling him that he would wait for him in a café near the building.

Yunyu giggled when he remembered Junze's serious face. He knew that Junze already finished the exam before him, but he checked his answer five times because he was afraid that he would mess up.

Yunyu walked on the street when he heard a notification from his phone. He opened it and saw an unknown number sent him a message.

*You did well, I am proud of you, Yunyu.*

Yunyu got goosebumps suddenly. He knew who the sender was, but he wasn't sure if he was watching somewhere. Because Ronghui hadn't shown up in front of him after that time in the arcade, two years ago. However, Ronghui often sent him messages with different phone numbers, which scared him.

Pupa system who was idle the whole time suddenly noticed something and warned Yunyu:

[Pupa: On your left!]

Yunyu turned his head to the left, but he was too late to react. A tall silhouette in black hoodie stretched his hand and pulled Yunyu inside the small alley.

He embraced Yunyu gently and kissed Yunyu's hair fervently, "I miss you so much, I miss you too much that might go crazy, Yunyu."

Yunyu's head was buried on this man's chest. His gentle, soothing voice hadn't changed at all after two years, Yunyu looked up, and he saw the same handsome face that was missing for two years. This guy was still stunningly handsome, but the trace of righteousness in him had vanished.

Overwhelmed with guilt, Yunyu's tears welled up and streamed down.

"Ronghui…"