But you love a fool - Chapter 5:
While driving, Jian Suiying sent a quick text to the family chauffeur,
telling him to pick up Jian Suilin.
That little brother of his was the family’s treasure,
the one everyone was counting on to continue the Jian bloodline.
After that, Jian Suiying drove back to his apartment,
collapsed onto his bed, and slept like the dead.
Normally, unless his father summoned him, he rarely went home.
So for the next several weeks, he didn’t see his brother, much less Li Yu.
Usually, after meeting someone once, he’d forget them in two or three days.
But not this time. Li Yu’s clean, bright face, those red lips and white teeth,
kept appearing in his mind uninvited.
He even caught himself checking the dates of the college entrance exams,
thinking that once the tests were over,
maybe he could take Li Yu out somewhere to have a little fun.
Of course, he’d have to drag Jian Suilin along as an excuse,
because inviting Li Yu alone might not go well.
Three days before the exams, Jian Suiying had a
business meeting with a real estate boss outside his company.
When they wrapped up, he realized he was just a few streets away from Li Yu’s school.
He drove past the school gate and glanced inside.
There were a few students playing basketball on the court near the entrance,
but it was just a passing look; he couldn’t possibly tell who was who.
Jian Suiying laughed softly and shook his head.
He drove another hundred meters before realizing his thoughts were still lingering behind.
He cursed under his breath, spun the steering wheel,
and made a U-turn right under a traffic camera, crossing a solid line.
Whatever. Let the ticket come.
He parked outside the school gate and strolled in.
The campus was quiet. Most students had gone home,
leaving the place vast, still, and almost solemn.
The only sound came from the basketball court a few shouts,
the rhythmic thump of the ball but against the calm of the afternoon,
even that seemed faint and far away.
He walked slowly toward the court and stopped at the fence,
scanning the three groups of students playing there. Not one familiar face.
Jian Suiying chuckled to himself, amused by his own foolishness.
What were the chances? Life wasn’t a TV drama.
He didn’t even know why he came.
Maybe it was just that it had been so long since someone had caught his eye like this.
Empty, meaningless indulgence had long lost its flavor.
With all the stress from work, he found himself wanting someone who could make him relax,
someone who could actually make him happy.
Someone good-looking, with a spark of defiance,
someone not so easy to get so the chase itself would be thrilling.
Someone who’d make his bl00d move again.
And then he’d met Li Yu.
Not too soon, not too late. Just the right kind of boy young, handsome, a little proud.
The kind that made his pulse quicken more than closing a big business deal ever could.
He couldn’t wait to experience the satisfaction of winning him over, of tasting that victory.
So really, standing here like an idiot outside a high school court,
waiting for a coincidental encounter, wasn’t so unreasonable after all.
Unfortunately, no such miracle occurred.
He sighed and was about to leave when a clear, young voice called behind him.
Jian ge?
The voice was bright and melodic, carrying easily across the court.
It struck something deep inside him, making his chest tighten for reasons he couldn’t name.
It felt like a tiny wish he didn’t even realize he’d made had just come true.
He turned sharply and there he was.
Li Yu stood a few steps away, drenched in sweat. His hair was dripping,
his white shirt soaked through and clinging to his chest, the fabric half-transparent.
His cheeks were flushed from exertion, his skin glowing with health and youth.
Even years later, Jian Suiying would still remember this exact moment with perfect clarity.
Li Yu smiled a little, embarrassed, tugging at the front of his wet shirt and
wiping his face with his hand. Too hot today.
Jian Suiying blinked, finally snapping out of it. Yeah, it’s roasting.
Why’re you still here at school?
Couldn’t stand staying home. Came to shoot some hoops. Suilin didn’t come today.
Without thinking, Jian Suiying walked beside him.
Oh, I was just passing by, thought I’d check if he was here. Could’ve given him a ride home.
Most people are home resting.
Yeah, with the exams in three days, they should be taking it easy.
The two of them weren’t exactly close, so conversation didn’t come easily.
Li Yu caught a pass from a teammate, gave an awkward glance in Jian Suiying’s direction,
then looked away.
Jian Suiying knew he didn’t belong here, but for some reason, he didn’t want to leave.
Just then, one of Li Yu’s classmates jogged over.
Hey, aren’t you Jian Suilin’s brother? The one from the KTV that day?
Yeah, that’s me.
Suilin didn’t come today.
Yeah, I was just passing by.
We’re short one for a three-on-three. You play?
Jian Suiying grinned. Sure, why not.
He yanked off his tie, dropped his wallet and keys on the ground, and rolled up his sleeves.
Li Yu looked at him with amusement. Jian ge,
you sure you can play in those shoes and that suit?
Jian Suiying glanced down at his tailored trousers and shiny leather shoes.
Doesn’t matter. I used to be on the school team.
He bent his knees into a ready stance, and one of the boys whistled.
Pass the ball to the big guy.
It had been a long time since he’d played, and the moment his hands touched the ball,
a surge of excitement shot through him.
After a few dribbles, his body remembered the rhythm.
His muscles woke up, his bl00d started humming.
They split into teams. Li Yu ended up on the opposing side.
At first, Jian Suiying’s movements were clumsy, but soon he found his rhythm.
The sun beat down on him, sweat poured off his face, but it felt good.
Playing with these kids made him feel younger again
especially whenever he brushed up against Li Yu. Basketball,
he thought, was an unexpectedly satisfying sport.
Still, his formal clothes were a bit of a handicap.
Distracted and flushed with adrenaline,
he turned suddenly, and Li Yu’s face appeared inches from his own.
For a second, his mind went blank.
Then Li Yu crashed into him hard.
Li Yu was tall and strong, at least 160 pounds of solid muscle,
and the full-speed impact knocked Jian Suiying flat on his back.
Pain exploded in his ankle as he hit the ground.
The boys around them scrambled, trying to pull Li Yu up while shouting if he was okay.
In the confusion, Li Yu lost his balance and stepped on his leg a few more times.
Li Yu crouched down, worried. Jian ge, are you alright?
Jian Suiying winced, sucking in air between his teeth.
My foot. You’re on my foot.
Someone helped him up. Li Yu lifted the hem of his trouser leg,
revealing a rapidly swelling ankle.
They helped him to the bleachers. Jian Suiying laughed weakly.
Getting old, I guess. Can’t even play a few rounds without falling apart.
One of the boys chuckled. Come on, you’re in your twenties.
Happens to everyone. Li Yu didn’t mean to.
Yeah, I know. Someone get me some water.
A bottle was handed over. He twisted the cap off and gulped it down in one go.
Li Yu crouched again, pulling off his shoe and sock. The ankle was already red and puffy.
Jian Suiying tried to pull his foot back. It’s fine. Just help me to the car.
I’ll be fine in a few days.
Li Yu held his foot still and looked up. How are you going to drive like this?
Jian Suiying froze. Damn. Right foot. He couldn’t press the pedals.
Li Yu turned to a classmate. Go get some ice from the shop at the gate.
Then he stood and helped Jian Suiying up. Jian ge, I’ll take you home.
Jian Suiying thought to himself, maybe this wasn’t such bad luck after all.
Worth it.
A few of the boys helped them to the car.
Li Yu wrapped ice in Jian Suiying’s tie and pressed it to the swollen ankle.
The cold made him yelp, then laugh. That feels good.
Li Yu shook his head. Jian ge, give me the keys. I’ll drive.
Jian Suiying tossed them over. You can drive?
Yeah.
Got a license?
Li Yu kept his eyes forward as the car started moving. No.