But you love a fool - CHAPTER 4

The moment the door opened, a wave of noise and cold air hit Jian Suiying square in the face. Music

blared, laughter echoed, and the chill made him shiver.

Inside the big private room sat at least twenty or thirty people. As soon as they saw the three of them

walk in, the crowd erupted into cheers.

The birthday boy’s here. He looks amazing tonight.

Several classmates rushed up, clapping Jian Suilin on the shoulder and shoving beers into his hands.

Someone turned down the TV volume.

Suilin’s face was glowing with pride and excitement. He gestured toward Jian Suiying, introducing

him with a hint of boastful joy. This is my brother.

Jian Suiying smiled and greeted the group.

A chorus of girls squealed, calling him handsome.

He felt his eyelids twitch and instinctively leaned closer to Li Yu for cover.

Li Yu didn’t even look at him, still laughing with an arm around Suilin’s shoulders, telling him to sit

down.

Suilin quickly turned back to Jian Suiying, asking what he’d like to drink.

Water, Jian Suiying replied, scanning the room. The girls’ eager eyes were unnerving. Other than his

brother and Li Yu, there wasn’t another decent-looking boy in sight. He didn’t even know where to

sit.

He glanced at Li Yu and decided wherever Li Yu sat, he’d sit too. After all, he’d only come because of

him. It would be a waste not to get closer.

Just then, a cute girl carried a large box to the table. She opened it to reveal a birthday cake.

Li Yu, who normally wasn’t the most lively type, took charge. He lit the candles, told everyone where

to sit, turned off the lights, and led the group in singing the birthday song.

Jian Suiying couldn’t help but notice that Li Yu had a natural sense of authority. He didn’t speak

much, but when he did, people listened. The noisy KTV room fell quiet, and everyone gathered

around Suilin as the candles flickered.

In the warm glow, Suilin’s face looked gentle and bright. Li Yu’s gaze lingered on him, unable to look

away. Fortunately, the light was dim; no one noticed the flicker of emotion in his eyes.

When the candles were blown out, Suilin cut the first slice of cake and handed it to Jian Suiying.

Jian Suiying wasn’t fond of sweets. He frowned but accepted it out of politeness.

Then Suilin smiled and passed the next piece — the one topped with a big strawberry — to Li Yu.

Li Yu’s face softened with a quiet smile, and that simple expression nearly made Jian Suiying’s heart

melt.

He forced himself to eat a couple of bites, more out of courtesy than appetite. Sitting among kids

nearly ten years younger than him made him feel awkward and out of place. He wasn’t a

kindergarten teacher  he couldn’t sit there pretending to enjoy himself. He was already regretting

coming up.

After the cake, the gift-giving began. Clearly, Suilin was well-liked; the pile of presents grew fast.

A few bold girls tried to strike up conversations with Jian Suiying, giggling as they sat near him.

He barely paid attention. His eyes were on Li Yu, waiting to see what gift he’d brought. Judging from

the box, it looked like a phone.

When Suilin opened it, Jian Suiying leaned closer — and sure enough, it was a phone.

Suilin laughed, saying it was the same as Li Yu’s. Li Yu smiled and said that he’d liked his so much he

thought Suilin should have one too.

Suilin was delighted and tucked it away with care.

Jian Suiying felt disappointed. He’d expected someone as refined as Li Yu to come up with

something clever or meaningful. Instead, it was a phone. The last trace of interest he had in the

evening vanished.

Coming upstairs had been a mistake; staying longer would only make it worse.

He stood up, walked over to where Suilin was singing, and told him he was leaving.

Suilin paused mid-song, quickly handing the microphone to someone else. Bro, you’ve barely been

here ten minutes.

Jian Suiying frowned, impatient. What am I supposed to do here? Just waste my time?

A flicker of disappointment crossed Suilin’s eyes. Then I’ll walk you downstairs, he offered quietly.

No need, stay here, Jian Suiying said, waving a hand.

Before Suilin could protest, Li Yu spoke up. Stay here. I’ll walk your brother out.

That, Jian Suiying thought, was exactly what he wanted. He smiled. Right, you stay. You can’t just walk out of your own party.

Li Yu gestured toward the door.

Jian Suiying said a quick goodbye to the group and left without looking back.

On the way to the parking lot, he commented casually that Suilin seemed to have a lot of friends at

school.

Li Yu, lost in thought, only murmured that he did.

How long have you two known each other? You seem like you’ve been friends for years.

I moved away when I was still in primary school, Li Yu said. We didn’t see each other for nearly ten years, but we kept in touch.

So you were close before?

Yeah, we played together all the time.

Really? I don’t remember seeing you around.

The corner of Li Yu’s mouth twitched in a faint, mocking smile. You’re older. You never hung around

Suilin’s crowd.

True enough, Jian Suiying said with a shrug.

They reached the parking lot. The place was empty and quiet. Jian Suiying felt the urge to tease. He

grinned and said that if he’d known Li Yu would grow up to look like this, he would’ve paid more attention back then. Boys really do change a lot.

Li Yu smiled faintly, looking down to crush a still-glowing cigarette under his shoe. His voice was

calm when he spoke. Jian-ge, you didn’t know today was Suilin’s birthday, did you?

Didn’t remember, Jian Suiying said casually.

Li Yu raised his head, his dark eyes sharp. You didn’t even say happy birthday.

Didn’t I? Jian Suiying tried to recall, but it didn’t matter to him. He’d shown up, given a gift  that

was enough. Words were cheap.

Li Yu said quietly that Suilin had always admired him, that a simple happy birthday would’ve meant more than any expensive present.

Jian Suiying wasn’t one for sentimental talk. He’d given the boy a hefty check what could a few words

possibly add? He decided he’d been giving Li Yu too much credit; this sounded like something a kid

would say.

He chuckled. Admire me? Well… forget it. Things between us aren’t how you imagine.

Li Yu started to say something, then swallowed it, forcing himself to stay calm. Still, he insisted softly

that Jian Suiying should at least send a message.

Jian Suiying found it amusing the two boys were so earnest, so young. He couldn’t even remember if

he’d ever been that naïve.

Alright, alright, he said with a grin, pulling out his phone. He typed quickly and showed it to Li Yu.

Xiaolinzi, happy birthday  from your brother.

Less than twenty seconds later, the reply came. Thanks, bro. I’m really happy you came today.

Jian Suiying slipped his phone back into his pocket and looked at Li Yu with a teasing smile. Satisfied now?

Li Yu nodded once. Thank you.

Jian Suiying shook his head, amused, and opened the car door. Before stepping in, he turned back with a crooked smile. When you guys finish exams, I’ll take you out to have some fun. Don’t forget to

give me some face, alright?

Sure, no problem, Li Yu said, meeting his eyes without flinching.

Humming softly to himself, Jian Suiying got into the car and drove away.