Lu Qingyan didn’t know what expression to make facing this gift.
Honestly, this portrait Lin You had given him was beautiful, it was an oil painting. It depicted a lush green summer scene with a half-opened window, and Lu Qingyan leaning against it, holding a guitar. Every stroke was meticulously detailed—the scenery outside the window, the red roses on the balcony, and the handsome youth by the window, they all looked very lifelike. It seemed as though time had frozen in that moment and was captured within the painting.
Lu Qingyan was able to recognize that Lin You had painted this himself at first glance.
Others might not know, but he always knew that Lin You had been skilled at drawing since he was a kid. Lin You’s grandfather was a painter, and it was just that Lin You became so busy with studies in his third year of junior high that he gradually stopped drawing.
Unexpectedly, now he had picked up the brush again, he hadn’t lost his touch at all.
However, Lu Qingyan gently offered some advice to Lin You, “If you painted a portrait of yourself, I’d be even happier. If I hang this by my bedside, for those who know, it’s a gift from my boyfriend, but those who don’t, they’ll definitely think I’m narcissistic.”
Lin You laughed and lightly kicked Lu Qingyan, saying, “You ask for a lot! It’s already good enough that I’m painting for you, do you know how long I’ve worked on this? Two months!”
After all, he still had to go to school, and he only had time to paint a few strokes during the weekends when he went home.
“But this wasn’t meant to be a Valentine’s Day gift,” Lin You told Lu Qingyan, his gaze wandering around, feeling a bit shy. “Back then, when you confessed to me, I was so troubled, I didn’t want to see you, but I couldn’t stop thinking about you. So since I had nothing to do, I ended up drawing your portrait. It took so long, and it just happened to be ready for Valentine’s Day, so I decided to give it to you.”
After saying this, he felt he was a bit dumb.
Back then, even though he was so troubled by the confession, he still managed to find the heart to draw Lu Qingyan’s portrait. If that didn’t mean he likes him, then what did?
It was just him who couldn’t see the obvious.
Lu Qingyan also realized what Lin You didn’t say out loud, and the smile on his lips deepened. He leaned closer and kissed Lin You, saying, “It’s beautiful, and I love it.”
Lin You pushed him away, “Just saying ‘thank you’ would have been enough; no need to throw yourself into my arms.”
But despite his words, neither of them wanted to return to their dorms just yet. They stood in the dim corridor, gazing at each other with eyes filled with tenderness.
·
Twenty minutes later, Lu Qingyan put the gift he had received in his dorm. Then, he picked up a bag of snacks, and together with Lin You, they pushed open the door to the rooftop.
The rooftop was a place where south building students liked to hang out when they had nothing to do, but strangely, perhaps because there weren’t a lot of people, they rarely bumped into anyone there. Since last month, a set of small tables and chairs appeared on the rooftop of this building, and it’s unclear who placed them there. In one corner, someone also kept a few potted plants, and now that it was winter, only the dark green leaves remained.
Sitting there chatting and watching students in the opposite teaching building studying during their evening self-study, was also quite pleasant.
…It would be even better if it wasn’t for the slightly cold winter wind.
Lu Qingyan handed a carton of hot milk to Lin You, which he had bought from the vending machine.
Lin You’s gaze was fixed on the beers in the bag and didn’t seem very willing to drink the milk.
“You’re living alone now, there’ll be no one to take care of you if you get drunk,” Lu Qingyan forcefully shoved the milk into Lin You’s hands.
Lin You could only take it obediently.
As Lin You drank the hot milk, he chatted with Lu Qingyan about this and that.
He felt that life was quite magical. He remembered that last year on Valentine’s Day, it happened to coincide with the school break. Neither he nor Lu Qingyan were in a relationship at that time, so the two single dogs went out together, squeezing among all the couples in the cinema, not feeling uncomfortable at all. They even whispered in the theater, joking about how the couple in front of them had kissed eight times in the dark.
Who would have thought that a year later, his good bro who watched the movie with him back then had become his boyfriend?
But no matter what identity, Lu Qingyan had always been by his side.
Since the moment they were born, they had never been apart.
As Lin You was lost in thought, he heard Lu Qingyan ask, “Did you hear what Cai Guo said today? The school will be collecting school preferences at the end of the semester, and everyone has to fill in the university they want to apply to. Have you decided where you want to go?”
Lin You’s expression slightly stiffened.
He didn’t speak, but the paper cartoon in his hand was slightly crumpled.
Unlike other students who were highly in crisis, his and Lu Qingyan’s grades had always been exceptional, enough to get them into some of the best universities in the country.
So he had never seriously thought about this question and always answered casually that it didn’t matter where he applied, he would be going to the same school as Lu Qingyan anyway.
But recently, his goal had undergone subtle changes.
He heard Lu Qingyan continue, “There are only a few top universities in the country. Which one do you want to…”
He reached out and tugged Lu Qingyan’s sleeve, interrupting his words.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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After a brief moment of astonishment, Lu Qingyan regained his composure.
Somehow, when he thought that this was Lin You, who had always been carefree and spontaneous, he wasn’t that surprised.
He asked, “Then where do you want to go?”
As he asked this question, in his mind, he recalled the oil painting that Lin You had just given him. The brush strokes weren’t out of touch at all, as if he had never given up on painting, and even the details were beautifully done.
Sure enough, after a moment, he heard Lin You’s clear and resolute voice say, “Lao Lu, I think I want to transfer into art.”
·
JinNan High School’s art class had been established for only a few years, but it had achieved impressive results. Most students chose the art path from their first year and had a solid foundation in the subject.
However, there were also a few students who transferred to the art class in their second year.
And now, Lin You was prepared to be one of those few.
Lu Qingyan took a moment to question his heart. Upon hearing Lin You’s words, if he said he wasn’t disappointed at all, it would be a lie. After all, back in their first year of high school, Lin You, this little liar, had confidently promised to attend the same university as him.
But now, he’s pulling onto his sleeve and playing cute, saying that he wanted to ditch him and go to an art school.
On Valentine’s Day to boot.
Lu Qingyan deeply suspected that Lin You’s Valentine’s Day gift was a cover from the start.
But more than that, he wanted to understand why Lin You suddenly wanted to pursue art.
“How long have you been considering this?” he asked.
“For over a month now.”
Lin You no longer sat on the chair, but instead settled into Lu Qingyan’s embrace. Lu Qingyan wrapped his coat around him, and the two of them huddled together like small animals seeking warmth.
Lin You explained, “You know I’ve been learning to draw from my grandpa from a young age. But in our third year of junior high, I got too busy and stopped. When I visited my grandparents again for the New Year, just for three days, he still continued to teach me how to draw. I suddenly felt so happy.”
Lin You nuzzled against Lu Qingyan’s chin, trying to describe his feelings, “Like, are you able to understand? When I draw, I don’t think about anything else; I just feel so happy. Over the years, I occasionally sketched, but only as a hobby. But when I was at my grandpa’s, I drew all day without even thinking about taking a break. Later, when we went to see that movie together, remember? That animated film that won a lot of awards.”
“Mn, Witch and Cat.”
He had watched that movie together with Lin You. He couldn’t quite remember the details of the film anymore, but he vividly recalled how Lin You had been so excited and unable to calm down afterward.
“While sitting in the theater, I suddenly thought, if only I could create something like this too. I haven’t decided on a specific path yet, but I suddenly feel that this would make me even happier than following the same routine, taking exams.”
Lin You held Lu Qingyan’s neck, his eyes shining brightly.
Lu Qingyan looked at him, saying nothing. His expression couldn’t be described as serious, yet it didn’t appear happy either.
Lin You felt a little anxious. He stared at Lu Qingyan, looking quite pitful and saying quietly, “Are you against me going to an art school…?”
If he decided to pursue art, it would likely mean they wouldn’t attend the same school. He knew Lu Qingyan had no interest in art.
He also knew that with Lu Qingyan’s grades, all the best universities in the country were waiting for him to choose.
Thinking about this, Lin You’s heart also began to waver.
Not going to the same school for their last year of high school might not seem like a big deal, but if their target universities were in different cities, or even in completely different places, they might only see each other during holidays and special occasions.
Lin You couldn’t guarantee he wouldn’t regret it.
No, he would definitely regret it.
After a moment of silence, Lu Qingyan finally pressed his forehead against Lin You’s and asked softly, “If I say I really don’t want you to go to an art school. I want you to go to the same school as me, preferably in the same major. I want you to be by my side forever. What would you do?”
Struggle appeared on Lin You’s face.
Under the starry sky, Lin You blinked his eyes and lightly bit his lip.
He stared at Lu Qingyan for quite a while but couldn’t discern any hint of joking in his expression.
Finally, Lin You lowered his head and rested on Lu Qingyan’s shoulder, murmuring, “Then I’ll take the entrance exam for the art department of the university you want to go to…”
For so many years, it had always been Lu Qingyan accommodating him.
He should also accommodate Lu Qingyan once.
Right?
Lu Qingyan reached up held Lin You’s head still, then patted his head gently, as if soothing a child.
The little guy in his arms, usually lively and unruly, but is surprisingly obedient to him in matters like this.
So foolish.
“You can apply to any school you want,” Lu Qingyan said next to Lin You’s ear, “As long as you’ve made up your mind and won’t regret it, I won’t stop you.”
Lin You lifted his head from Lu Qingyan’s arms, “Then what about you?”
Lu Qingyan smiled at him, “I will choose a school closest to you among the top-ranked schools.”
Lin You wanted to say something, but Lu Qingyan placed a finger on his lips.
He continued, “But you need to know that with your current academic performance, you could get into any top university in the country. But if you transfer to art, are you still confident?”
After some thought, Lin You shook his head honestly, “Going to a decent school shouldn’t be a problem, but aiming for the best schools might be a bit risky.” He started to feel a bit nervous, “Lao Lu, what if I don’t get accepted?”
Lu Qingyan seemed very relaxed, “Then you can just retake the exam.”
What a boyfriend.
Lin You playfully punched him.
Then Lu Qingyan added, “And I’ll retake it with you.”
Lin You began to laugh again.
He thought the stars tonight were beautiful, and his boyfriend was just as handsome.
“I was actually thinking that even if I don’t get into my dream school, I could consider other options. But now, I won’t back down,” Lin You hugged Lu Qingyan, “I want to apply to Tongcheng Academy of Fine Arts.”
Tongcheng not only had the university he wanted but also two of the top five universities in the country.
He knew Lu Qingyan was leaning towards Tongcheng in the first place.
He still wanted to be close to Lu Qingyan, just a little closer.
The two looked at each other, smiles on their faces, and neither of them spoke, but their lips naturally pressed together.
Lu Qingyan’s tongue slipped into Lin You’s mouth, making Lin You clutch onto Lu Qingyan’s clothes. Lin You was kissed to the point where he had to gasp softly for breath, and his face rapidly flushed.
He caught a whiff of the faint scent of cedarwood from Lu Qingyan, a fragrance that worked like magic on him, stirring all his emotions effortlessly. He couldn’t help but nuzzle against Lu Qingyan’s arms, longing to be even closer to him.
He knew his pheromones had a similar effect on Lu Qingyan.
They had a 100% compatibility.
A perfect match.
After kissing for a while, Lu Qingyan tried his best to endure, but eventually pushed Lin You, who was still immersed in the kiss, away.
He was reluctant to let Lin You down from his lap, and his gaze still carried aggression as he hoarsely said, “If we continue, it’ll be bad.”
His fingers couldn’t help but caress the back of Lin You’s neck.
“I really want to mark you,” he said in a low voice.
Lin You was dazed for a while before he came to his senses. And as soon as he came to, he heard Lu Qingyan saying that he wanted to mark him.
He sat on Lu Qingyan’s lap, and glanced to the side with a red face. In a soft voice, he said, “Well, it’s not like you can’t.”
Lu Qingyan thought he had misheard.
But then Lin You blushed and leaned closer again, tilting his head to expose his slender neck and a small patch of fair skin.
Lu Qingyan’s Adam’s apple moved.
With closed eyes, Lin You reached out and randomly touched Lu Qingyan’s body a few times, mumbling unclearly, “If you want to mark me, just do it.”
Although Lu Qingyan’s eyes were almost burning red, his voice still sounded calm.
“Which kind of mark do you mean, a temporary mark or a permanent mark?” he asked.
He was intentionally teasing Lin You, thinking that Lin You would surely scold him for being perverted.
But unexpectedly, Lin You trembled all over, burying his head even lower, completely losing his usual fearless and defiant demeanor, and softly and timidly replied, “Either one.”
“Fuck,” Lu Qingyan couldn’t help but curse.
He held Lin You’s chin, not allowing him to lower his head, “Keep your eyes open, don’t close them.”
Lin You reluctantly opened his eyes, his eyes shimmering with watery light, like that of a harmless little animal, one that would only symbolically wave its claws when bullied.
Lu Qingyan felt like there was a fire burning inside his body.
Lin You had clearly used a blocking spray, yet he felt the sweet scent of orchids surrounding him.
All over the place and all tangled up.
What was even more maddening was that Lin You even tentatively touched him, his fingers lightly brushing across his lower abdomen, asking, “Do you want to… you know, since we have a school break soon…”
Lu Qingyan couldn’t listen to more.
If he continued listening, he might really end up doing Lin You right there.
“Can you have some omega self-awareness! How old are you? Your reproductive system hasn’t even fully developed, and you dare to ask for a permanent mark,” Lu Qingyan said, suppressing his anger. His voice carried a hint of gritted teeth, “I fucking dream about marking you, and you still dare to come and tease me.”
From the physical development perspective, an omega shouldn’t receive a permanent mark before the age of eighteen.
The normal marking age was after twenty.
Lu Qingyan had always kept this in mind.
Lin You didn’t say anything, but there was a subtle hint of unwillingness in his expression.
After all, Lu Qingyan was only four months older than him.
What was so impressive about alphas developing early?
But before he could say anything, there was a sudden warmth on his nape.
Lu Qingyan passionately kissed his nape, sucking on that small patch of skin, applying just enough force to cause a slight stinging sensation without reaching the force of a mark.
Lin You’s body slightly trembled as if struck by electricity.
He never knew his nape could be so sensitive.
He didn’t know how long it lasted before Lu Qingyan finally let go of him.
He heard Lu Qingyan saying softly in his ear, “I like you more than anyone else. Sooner or later, I will permanently mark you, but not now.”
Then Lu Qingyan bit down on Lin You’s nape again.
This time, his canines pierced through the tender skin.
And left behind a temporary mark.
–
The author has something to say:
We’re not far from the end.
SO LIN YOU PAINTED IT HIMSELF I GOT IT RIGHT LAST CHAPTER AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH
i love that in every important (or even the smallest) things in their life, they are always together but they know themselves individually and their worlds doesnt just revolve around each other. both of them wants the other person to grow. their relationship makes me so warm 🥹🤍
Ahhh I feel jealous😭 My future hubby where are you?
Such cuties 😍
Thank you for the chapter!
Thank you for the chapter 💝
Alas single dogs like me can only relish in their display of dog food :’DDD