* * *

“Catch, Wei Jie!”

Zhuang Yi shouted, tossing the basketball.

Wei Jie jumped, catching a glimpse of someone passing by the edge of the court.

He hesitated, and the ball flew past his ear, landing with a loud thud on the empty ground.

Zhuang Yi watched the ball get intercepted by the opponent and grumbled, “Wei Jie, what the heck are you spacing out for?”

A nearby classmate jogged by, elbowing him playfully and smirking, “You don’t get it, do you? Wei Jie’s wife just left.”

Following his gaze, Zhuang Yi saw the figure in the distance, distorted by the bright sun, but he recognized it as Fang Shucheng .

Fang Shucheng’s silhouette was special. Unlike the other guys who slouched, he always walked with a straight back, as if ready to give a speech at any moment.

Zhuang Yi shrugged, glancing at Wei Jie, “Are we still playing?”

Wei Jie had already taken a few steps away. Without turning back, he replied, “You guys keep playing. I’m leaving.”

Zhuang Yi exchanged knowing looks with the others and asked, “What about you guys?”

“How can we keep playing? Let’s just go home.”

Zhuang Yi sighed, feeling bored, “Alright, fine.”

As Wei Jie was about to leave the court, he suddenly turned back and shouted, “I’ll treat you all to barbecue this weekend!”

Zhuang Yi cursed, “Forget the barbecue! Go chase your wife!”

Wei Jie smiled and ran off.

A student from another class, unaware of the situation, asked, “Did his girlfriend come? I didn’t see any girl.”

Zhuang Yi patted his shoulder, pointing at Fang Shucheng ‘s retreating figure, “See that over there?”

The guy was confused, “Isn’t that a guy?”

Zhuang Yi grinned mischievously, his eyes glinting, “So what if it’s a guy? Want me to explain?”

The guy was startled, “Really?”

Zhuang Yi stopped teasing him, not wanting him to take it seriously, “Don’t overthink it. They’ve been best friends since they were kids, always together, inseparable. Everyone just jokes about it. You’re not in our class, so don’t spread rumors.”

The guy muttered, “Who started the rumor anyway? I mean, is it even possible for two guys? I heard sex hurts.”

—–

Wei Jie caught up with Fang Shucheng , grabbing his backpack strap, and said unhappily, “Didn’t you say you’d call me when you leave? Why did you go alone?”

Fang Shucheng’s backpack was pulled up by Wei Jie, nearly lifting him off the ground.

He stood on tiptoes, shaking his shoulder but couldn’t free himself.

Annoyed, he said, “You were playing basketball. Why would I call you? Let go of my backpack. I have things to do.”

Wei Jie easily grabbed both his hands and pulled the backpack off his shoulders, holding it himself.

He smirked and asked, “What things?”

“Give me back my backpack,” Fang Shucheng tiptoed, trying to reach it but couldn’t.

Frustrated, he stomped his foot, “Can’t you just go back and play basketball?”

“No,” Wei Jie held the backpack high, watching Fang Shucheng jump like a rabbit, unaware that their bodies were now pressed together.

He smiled, “Tell me what you need to do first.”

Fang Shucheng gave up, stepping back and frowning like a grumpy old man, “I’m going to the bookstore to buy some books. It’s not on your way home. I didn’t mean not to call you.”

“Why don’t you just come along? I’m going home with you anyway, so wherever you go, I’ll follow.”

Wei Jie forced his arm around Fang Shucheng ‘s shoulder and walked forward, his hand holding the backpack hanging by his side, smiling, “I’ll go to the bookstore with you.”

Fang Shucheng, unable to break free, reluctantly agreed, “Then let’s go back to the classroom and get your backpack first.”

Wei Jie was puzzled, “Why get my backpack?”

Fang Shucheng snapped, “You’re not doing your homework? The teacher said the key points from the past few days are crucial. If you don’t study properly, you won’t know anything, and you won’t get into college. I’m not responsible for you.”

Wei Jie thought to himself, according to the teacher, which point isn’t crucial?

But since Fang Shucheng said it, he didn’t argue and went along with it, “I’ll do it, I’ll do it tomorrow morning.”

Seeing Wei Jie’s nonchalant attitude, Fang Shucheng knew what he was thinking, “Doing it tomorrow morning? Let me tell you, I won’t let you copy my homework this time. Think it over.”

Wei Jie pouted, “I’ll do it myself, alright?”

Fang Shucheng gave him a doubtful look, making a firm promise, “I’m telling you now, I won’t be soft-hearted this time. If you can’t turn in your homework, you’ll have to face Teacher Qin.”

Finally losing patience, Wei Jie said, “If you nag any more, you’ll turn into an old lady. What’s the point?”

Fang Shucheng bumped Wei Jie’s chest with his shoulder, “Then let go of me, aren’t you hot?”

Wei Jie, taking the hit, tightened his hold, “No way, you’re nice and cool.”

Fang Shucheng reached around to pinch Wei Jie’s waist skillfully, “Let me cool you off.”

Wei Jie’s thick skin didn’t mind Fang Shucheng ‘s pinch at all.

But fearing Fang Shucheng ‘s anger, he quickly grimaced and pretended it hurt.

He didn’t loosen his grip, though, and instead smirked, looking at Fang Shucheng , “Hey, do you know what people call you?”

Curious, Fang Shucheng released his hand, “I have a nickname?”

Wei Jie shook his head, “Not a nickname.”

Fang Shucheng was confused, “Then what?”

Wei Jie grinned mischievously, “They all say you’re my little wife.”

Fang Shucheng froze, his face flushing, “Who has that much time on their hands?”

Wei Jie said, “I think they’re right. You keep my pocket money, what’s the difference? We’ve known each other since we were kids, so you’re practically my child bride, aren’t you?”

Furious, Fang Shucheng reached for Wei Jie’s backpack, “I’ll give you all your pocket money back.”

Wei Jie dodged, “You can’t catch me, you can’t catch me…”

* * *