Chapter 2 A-02

Early the next morning.

Mother Yun pulled Yun Xiu from his warm, soft bed. Seeing the grumpy expression on his face, she tapped his forehead lightly and smiled, "So reluctant? How about not getting the marriage certificate with your elder brother? Mom will find you ten handsome, eligible bachelors to choose from."

Yun Xiu, afraid he might lose what was already in his grasp, shook his head repeatedly, "None of them could be better than Elder Brother."

Mother Yun couldn’t argue with that.

After Yun Xiu finished getting ready and went downstairs for breakfast, the stylist was already working on Yun He’s hair in the adjoining room. Once the final touches were done, they would start on Yun He’s styling.

Yun He was clearly busy—even while getting his hair done, he held a tablet to review documents. When Yun Xiu came downstairs, he only gave him a brief, dismissive glance.

Mother Yun hesitated, wanting to say something but reluctant to interfere in the relationship between her children. After a moment of hesitation, she decisively went to discuss with the stylist about what to wear and how to style Yun Xiu’s hair.

Yun Xiu yawned while admiring his elder brother’s handsome appearance. Unlike Yun Xiu’s slightly longer bangs, Yun He’s hair was neat and tidy, giving him an exceptionally gentlemanly look after styling.

Then, glancing at his own reflection in the mirror, Yun Xiu pouted. His facial features and temperament simply didn’t allow for a tough, masculine style.

The stylist, who didn’t dare speak much around Yun He, felt much more relaxed with Yun Xiu and Mother Yun, switching to praise mode.

"The young master has such flawless skin—no need for makeup or concealer! Just darkening his eyebrows slightly to complement the eyes will be perfect!"

Most people have dark brown irises, but the young man’s eyes were as dark as ink. Darkening his eyebrows would further accentuate his youthful, endearing charm.

Mother Yun nodded repeatedly in agreement, "My little one is naturally beautiful—he’d look good even in a burlap sack!"

Hearing this, Yun Xiu laughed, "Mom, you’re exaggerating."

Father Yun also joined in praising his younger son.

The atmosphere was warm and cheerful on their side, in stark contrast to the quiet, detached corner where Yun He sat on the sofa. One living room, two completely different moods.

In the end, Yun Xiu changed into an all-white suit with an ornate, costly pin attached to the chest. The waist was slightly tapered, and the fabric shimmered with iridescent hues under changing light. As he came down the stairs, he looked like a young master from an ancient, noble family—pampered, sheltered, and doted upon.

Yun He was already waiting at the bottom of the stairs, his expression aloof, giving no hint of what he was thinking.

Yun Xiu rolled his eyes inwardly. With that expression, anyone would think they were heading to a funeral rather than getting married.

Suddenly, the young man paused on the last step, lifted his chin slightly, and demanded imperiously, "Elder Brother, hold my hand!"

When the other didn’t move, he added, "Other couples hold hands when they get married. I want that too."

Yun He still didn’t move.

The atmosphere in the living room grew tense, tilting toward an awkward standoff.

Father and Mother Yun, familiar with Yun He’s personality, worried the two might argue and prepared to intervene.

Unexpectedly, Yun He let out a soft snort from his chest and, under his parents’ stunned gazes, raised his left hand.

Yun Xiu raised an eyebrow, confidently placed his right hand in Yun He’s, and flashed a perfunctory sweet smile. "Elder Brother is so nice."

Seeing the two off, Father Yun initially intended to follow but was gently tugged back by Mother Yun.

Mother Yun whispered, "Why are you tagging along? You’re not the one getting married! You know how our little one is—if you’re there, he’ll be too self-conscious to speak to Yun He. Give them some private space!"

Father Yun thought about it and didn’t think his younger son was the shy type, but since his wife said so, he abandoned his plan to accompany them. Besides, they weren’t exactly free today—their biological son, Yun Qian, was returning that evening, and there was much to prepare. He couldn’t leave everything to his wife.

He sighed worriedly, "What a situation. I just hope Yun Xiu and Yun He can learn to accept each other."

...

Meanwhile, in the car.

Yun Xiu was unaware of his father’s concerns, and even if he had known, he wouldn’t have paid them much mind.

This marriage was a "transaction" both he and Yun He understood clearly. Yun Xiu’s only advantage was that Yun He couldn’t figure out his intentions, making the latter restricted in his moves.

The young man secretly glanced at the man’s handsome profile, feeling a surge of excitement.

Hehe.

What ill intentions could a cannon fodder character have?

He just wanted to enjoy some male attention.

As the saying goes, "The grass is always greener on the other side." Elder Brother probably wouldn’t allow him to feel his muscles or steal a kiss anytime soon. He wondered what the new second brother was like.

Of course, the key question was whether he was handsome.

Also, the character Yun Xiu was twenty years old, currently a sophomore in college. Thanks to his talent in painting, he was studying oil painting.

According to the memories provided by the system, there were many stylish, handsome guys in his art department. To the left was the athletics department, full of guys with great figures; to the right was the mathematics department, brimming with brilliant minds. There was no shortage of charm, physique, or intelligence...

Stop!

Any more and he’d be drooling!!

"What are you thinking about?"

Just as Yun Xiu watched the scenery fly past the car window, his mind wandering through thoughts of various handsome men, Yun He suddenly spoke up beside him.

"Thinking about handsome—" Yun Xiu blurted out but caught himself mid-word. "Ahem, I’m looking forward to the certificate process later!"

Yun He’s gaze intensified, staring at him for a few seconds before looking away. It was unclear whether he believed him or not.

After a moment, he said slowly, "Yun Qian is returning tonight."

"Ah? Oh."

Yun Xiu hadn’t known about this, but since he was about to get married to Yun He, there was no risk of being kicked out of the Yun family before the final framing incident. So, he wasn’t too concerned about when Yun Qian returned.

Yun Xiu pondered for a moment, feeling that this elder brother probably knew more than he did and wondering if he could probe for details.

He shifted in his seat, feigning nervousness, and tentatively asked, "What kind of person is Yun Qian—Second Brother?"

Yun He said meaningfully, "You sure know how to find your place."

He hadn’t even met the man yet, and he was already calling him Second Brother.

The young man lowered his head. Yun He thought he might have spoken too harshly, but then he felt a warm, soft hand on his thigh.

The man’s expression darkened. "What are you doing?"

Yun Xiu didn’t answer. His hand glided upward along the taut, warm fabric of the other’s suit pants and grasped the last two fingers of Yun He’s right hand—the ones he used for the tablet.

From his vantage point above, Yun He could clearly see the boy's round and blunt-shaped eyes and naturally noticed the timid fear in them.

His right hand was shaken slightly by the boy before being released.

His usually willful younger brother now looked pitifully well-behaved, with hands pressed together, pleading, "Please, Big Brother, tell me."

"..."

Yun He took a wet wipe from nearby and wiped his hands, casting his eyes down as he said, "You'll find out tonight."

Yun Xiu had expected this outcome and sighed, "Alright."

However, watching the man's actions, he was at a loss for words.

Seriously? Just from me touching him and he has to wipe his hand? If he finds it so disgusting, why didn't he change the sheets Yun Xiu slept in yesterday?

Yun Xiu felt a bit regretful. Meeting such a handsome man right from the start meant he’d probably never forget him no matter what.

This Big Brother was not only aloof but also heartless, making him as difficult to handle as the second male lead in his mission. Yet, giving up so easily felt unsatisfying.

In a place Yun He couldn’t see, a fiery glint ignited in the boy's eyes.

No way!

So what if he’s a little difficult? Before getting kicked out of the Yun family, he had to get his fill!

Filled with ambitious determination, Yun Xiu strode into the civil affairs bureau and emerged less than twenty minutes later.

Holding the red marriage certificate in his hand, he still felt a sense of unreality.

But to Yun He, it seemed like Yun Xiu was staring at the marriage certificate motionless, as if he had finally gotten what he wanted.

Was he really that eager to marry him?

At this thought, Yun He’s expression softened slightly, and a hint of warmth seeped into his cold voice. "I have to go to the company later. You can go home by yourself."

Yun Xiu looked up in shock. "We just got married less than two minutes ago, and you’re telling me to hail a cab home?"

Yun He seemed to realize it was inappropriate. Under the boy’s expectant gaze, he paused and said, "I’ll take you to the subway station."

Yun Xiu: Seriously?

*

Yun Xiu stormed off angrily.

However, instead of taking the subway home as Yun He suggested, he hailed a taxi to his university.

With the semester approaching, the academic advisor had sent out a notice about dormitory reassignments. Sophomore boys in their major were to move to another building to live with students from other programs, freeing up the modern, high-end dorms for the incoming freshmen.

Come to think of it, he had to thank Yun He. If it weren’t for his actions, Yun Xiu would have forgotten he had tasks to attend to.

The art department had few students but no shortage of wealthy ones. Since Building 10 had no single or double rooms left, after discussing with Yun Xiu, the advisor assigned him to a four-person room in 10529.

Sophomore year was packed with classes, and with Yun Qian’s return, it was unclear what changes might follow. Luckily, he had some free time today, so he decided to take the opportunity to go to school and pack his belongings.

Fortunately, he lived close to home, and the original owner often stayed there, so he didn’t have much to move—just a suitcase and a large storage bag.

Many students were being "kicked out" of the high-end dorms, and the elevators were completely packed. Since he didn’t have much to carry and the floor wasn’t too high, Yun Xiu confidently took the stairs.

Before even reaching the fourth floor, Yun Xiu regretted it.

He was certain this body lacked exercise—just carrying something upstairs left him panting heavily!

Just then, a gentle, jade-like voice came from behind him. "Classmate, do you need help?"

Though tired, Yun Xiu was still a guy and could manage carrying less than 50 pounds of luggage up to the fifth floor.

He was about to refuse, but upon seeing the person who offered, he changed his tone. "Then I’ll trouble you. Could you help me carry this? The clothes and bedding are lighter."

The guy smiled, his friendly appearance becoming even more charming. "I’m strong. Let me help you with the suitcase."

Yun Xiu quickly declined. He had only accepted the handsome guy’s help to spend more time admiring him.

The suitcase was filled with books and paints, making it extremely heavy. Even he struggled with it—how could he trouble someone else?

The handsome guy was not only good-looking but also enthusiastic. He insisted on taking the suitcase from Yun Xiu, smiling warmly. "Which dorm are you in?"

"10529, fifth floor."

Yun Xiu carried the storage bag and followed behind the handsome guy, watching as the veins on his fair arms tensed effortlessly without showing any strain. Yun Xiu couldn’t help but feel envious.

He remembered Yun He’s thighs and arms were also firm, clearly well-exercised. Why were his own arms so thin and weak, feeling like they had no strength after just a little exertion?

How annoying.

He cursed, wishing their muscles would transfer to him!