Last minute, Gu Zhun booked the earliest flight and flew to Japan the next day. He disembarked from the aircraft and wandered around with his luggage.

He only knew was that this was Tokyo, as he continued to wander around aimlessly. Coincidentally, he was back in the same country that he had visited with Zhang Heng.

However, Zhang Heng didn’t come with him so no one would carry his luggage. Gu Zhun dragged his luggage and continued to wander the streets of Tokyo.

He gazed up at the signs that filled the streets and the floating cherry blossoms that were falling like snow against the backdrop of the night.

“It’s already the end of spring. We’re really lucky to be able to see cherry blossoms this late in the year…” Gu Zhun heard a passerby say.

That’s right, they were lucky to be able to see the cherry blossoms but you’re not here...

If you saw it, would you whip out your phone frantically and take pictures? I knew that your lens were always focused on me.

The first time we travelled together on the bus, you brazenly took pictures of me from all angles right in front of all the new company employees.

At the time, I thought you were just collecting data from employees for a more detailed report.

You brought me to soak in the hot springs while we were on our staff trip. When we entered the hot springs pool, you wanted to bring your phone in but I advised you against it since your phone had a lot of important client contacts saved inside. If you dropped your phone, you would have to bear the consequences yourself. It was only then did you drop the idea, but you kept leaning towards me. Initially, I thought that you wanted to bridge the superior and subordinate gap.

The second time we went on a trip to Japan, you lied to me that it was a business trip. You brought me to a comic store and showed me different things and broadened my knowledge. I thought that it was the necessary knowledge to have as President Zhang’s personal assistant.

“...” But…

Now, I have realized...

The reason why you took pictures of me at every angle during the first employee trip was because you liked me. You even confessed to me at the hot springs.

The reason why you brought me to Japan and broadened my horizons was because you liked me. You wanted to take the next step with me.

I finally realized that you truly liked me… I didn’t believe it in the past...

When did you start to like me?

You said that you liked me seven years ago and you will continue to like me in the future.

But seven years ago, you told me that we would be good friends. It was just friends, right?

Moreover...

If you liked me, why did you disappear without attending the post-exam party during the third year of junior high? During senior year of high school, I learned that you went abroad from other people... It seemed that it was planned beforehand.

You were kidding when you said that you liked me, right?

You said that you liked me in the past, present, and you will continue to like me in the future. If so, why did you leave me during the third year of junior high?

Did you know? The year that our exams ended, the stress and burden that I had was released and I became really relaxed. Although I was unable to do anything about my stoic nature, I really wanted to talk to you about different topics… your favorite NBA teams, computer games, and female celebrities...

I knew that you liked those topics because you would always talk about it during our self study lesson after class ended.

“I know…”

You’re just joking and using me for your own entertainment, right?

Gu Zhun walked by several streets and coincidentally arrived at the hotel they had previously stayed in. For a second, the lady boss who was seated at the front desk was stunned when she saw Gu Zhun. She wore her glasses and stared at him for awhile before recognizing him— “Aren’t you the Chinese guy that came here before? Why are you alone this time?”

“...” I don’t want to lead him on.

Gu Zhun kept quiet and took out some money from his wallet to pay.

The lady boss only took a one thousand yen note and said: “It’s not worth it for a heartbroken person to spend so much money to stay at such an expensive hotel. I will only take one thousand yen and you can stay as long as you like. I will not chase you out. “

Huh?

Although Gu Zhun really wanted to clarify and reject the lady boss’ good intentions, he was pushed away by a young and energetic girl: “Rest assured, my granny meant what she said! We are a credible hotel with a hundred years of history and we would not ask you to pay more money in the future!”

The little girl pushed Gu Zhun all the way to his room. Afterwards, he took the room key that she handed him.

Gu Zhun organized his luggage, sat on the bed, and looked at the wooden ceiling.

He still remembered that scene during their trip in Japan—

Zhang Heng closed the door and looked at Gu Zhun quietly. Gu Zhun felt that Zhang Heng's sudden silence was a little strange.

“What's the matter?” Gu Zhun asked.

Zhang Heng walked in front of Gu Zhun with his head lowered and lifted his head to look at Gu Zhun.

He looked at Gu Zhun straight in the eyes. It was as if there were signals that would transmit from Zhang Heng's eyes to his.

Zhang Heng suddenly hugged Gu Zhun. He used a lot of strength to hug him and it flustered Gu Zhun .

“What's the matter with you?” Gu Zhun’s hand, which was was stretched behind Zhang Heng's back, was left hanging in midair. He didn’t dare to touch Zhang Heng.

Zhang Heng finally said one sentence: “Thank you for spending time with me this week.”

“...” Gu Zhun actually wanted to tell him that it wasn’t necessary to say thanks for such matters. There was nothing to thank him for…

The corner of Gu Zhun’s lips curved up and his brows gently lifted up. Revealing an indulgent smile, he said: “Isn't accompanying one’s superior on a business trip something a subordinate ought to do?”

“Yes… it's a shame. That's the reason I used from the start to con you to Japan.” Zhang Heng gave a dejected smile.

Gu Zhun, whose hand that was still stretched behind Zhang Heng’s back, touched him. He said: “I’m willing.”

“...” There was no reply. Zhang Heng buried his head in the crook of Gu Zhun's neck and smiled in satisfaction.

That's right. There wasn't a need for words.

At that time, it was clear that he and Zhang Heng had so much chemistry… he was the one who promised to take the next step with Zhang Heng. However, he was now a despicable person fleeing from him.

Too hateful! Too selfish!

Zhang Heng, I am unable to return your feelings completely. I’m too scared… My parents’ love must not have been honest enough since it led to their divorce. Once they divorced, they left my sister and I alone without care for so many years.

I’m really afraid. If I am unable to completely love you while you always invest 100% or even 1000% of your love, then our love wouldn’t be on an equal scale. In another seven years, would you still have any feelings for me? Would you still want me? Or would you abandon me? I would be hurt, battered, and bruised once again. If I asked to get back together, you would be unwilling and you wouldn’t even want to look at me.

Once it reaches that point, we would only be badly wounded and scarred...

Gu Zhun woke up really early the next day. He was unable to sleep even though he was really tired after a long journey as his mind was occupied with thoughts about Zhang Heng. It was not until 5AM that he managed to sleep for two hours.

He washed up, changed his clothes, and prepared to go out for a stroll instead of holing up in his room. If a traveler didn’t leave their room after a week, it would make people suspicious and cause unnecessary trouble for the lady boss. It was also to prove that he was not running away because of Zhang Heng. He was just… just...

He should go out and have breakfast first.

Gu Zhun did not buy breakfast from the small stalls around the hotel. Instead, he took the bullet train alone and arrived at Akihabara, which was a famous place filled with electronic stores.

Zhang Heng brought him to this place and showed him his childhood friend’s BL merchandise store on the second floor.

Gu Zhun was clearly able to remember what happened that day —

Gu Zhun paused and thought about the different pronunciations between widening horizons and increasing knowledge.

“Widen horizons or increase knowledge?”

“Widen horizons.”

Yes. It was answered correctly.

At times, Gu Zhun was unable to follow along with Zhang Heng’s thought processes. On the other hand, Zhang Heng thought that his logic was really good. Of course, there were times when his logic was not easily understood by a normal person.

Zhang Heng continued and asked seriously: “Would you be willing to try it with me?”

“... Try? Was it not referring… to the feeling of being together?” Gu Zhun stammered and asked. To this day, he was still unable to understand why he said that to Zhang Heng.

Was it from a moment of impulse of not being used to Zhang Heng’s dispirited expression or had the seed been planted a long time ago? This was something that remained unknown.

Zhang Heng was serious as he replied gravely.

“I hope to try both.”

Gu Zhun was struck by Zhang Heng’s response. Trying both meant that Zhang Heng wanted both his body and his heart. This was the first time that someone wanted him so much and wanted to treasure him so dearly...

Maybe it was worth a try?

Gu Zhun stood up and circled around the coffee table before arriving at Zhang Heng’s side. He knelt on the sofa with one leg and leaned towards Zhang Heng’s ear— “This is the multiple choice question you gave me. A: Body, B: Heart, C: Body and Heart.”

“...” Zhang Heng waited for Gu Zhun’s answer.

Gu Zhun opened his mouth after a few seconds and faintly replied: “I choose C. I hope that it is the correct answer.”

Zhang Heng reached his hand out, stroked Gu Zhun’s face, and pulled it towards him. After that, he kissed Gu Zhun’s lips again.

This time it was a light and chaste kiss. It was not the deep and lingering kiss from before.

“Thank you for choosing. That is definitely the right answer because I’m the one that will be grading it.”

Gu Zhun pretended to lightly slap Zhang Heng: “A bad student still wants to decide on the grades.”

Zhang Heng wasn’t happy. Although he knew that this was the first and only time that Gu Zhun cracked a joke, he still pretended to be angry and said: “Elite Student Gu, I have studied abroad and I am now your boss.”

“...”

“...” Gu Zhun touched his lips unconsciously when he thought about past. He could still feel the warmth on his lips as if it had just happened yesterday.

Gu Zhun decided to not continue strolling around! Why did he choose to come to Japan? China was filled with memories of him while Tokyo contained traces of him!

Zhang Heng, I thought that you were sick of my insensitivity so you left during the third year of junior high. But in the end, you still pestered me even after seven years…

I liked it when you pestered me! However, I am really terrified!

I seemed to have fallen for you! My mind is filled with thoughts about you and I can’t seem to get rid of you, but I must! Because… the deeper you love, the greater the pain.

A gust of wind blew and scattered the cherry blossoms. The ladies on the street hurriedly held down their skirts while the guys opened their umbrella to prevent their suits from being dirtied before meeting important clients. Gu Zhun walked along the hillside that was filled with blooming cherry blossoms. Halfway up the hill, there was a school.

Gu Zhun entered the school. Perhaps there wouldn’t be any traces of Zhang Heng here...

Thousands of miles away, Zhang Heng sneezed while he was sitting in his office.

“Is this a good sign or… a bad sign?”

It didn’t take long for him to deny himself—“No. Gu Zhun said that this is just superstition…”

He snapped out of it and suddenly dialed the resource department— “Have you found it? The surveillance footage after Gu Zhun left?”

The president was furious! It had been three hours and they still couldn’t find Gu Zhun’s location!

Sitting in his office, Zhang Heng appeared calm on the surface but his heart was in a frenzy! Were these people really the elites that he had personally hired? How could all of them be so slow?!

On the surface, the elites accepted their president’s request to search for his assistant but they didn’t dare to neglect the work they had on hand. Zhang Corporation had a large market value business deal. If there was even a slight mistake, who would take the responsibility for it? Moreover, it was impossible to guarantee that the president wouldn't shrink from his responsibilities and put the blame on them.

During work, they searched for any relevant information regarding his assistant and analyzed the footage from the surveillance camera near Gu Zhun’s apartment. They would investigate any suspicious people loitering around the neighborhood at night. However, they had to take advantage of their lunch break to secretly discuss their work.

The president wanted some time alone, so he told them not to bother him if there wasn’t anything important… (By important, he was referring to Gu Zhun)

Gu Zhun, why did you leave without a word? Was it something that I did? Did you dislike the endless social gatherings? Or did you feel very helpless and embarrassed by that baffling dance challenge that Ye RuiXi issued? It’s alright since I will set things straight!

I even berated Ye RuiXi. He was a grown up yet he still wanted to dance and compete!

Come back quickly! My heart can’t bear this any longer!

The silence was broken by the sound of someone knocking on the door.

The veins on the president’s forehead bulged. Who was it that had nothing better to do than to knock on his door at this time?

“Reporting, President!”

“What do you want to report?! Didn’t I mention that…”

“President, it’s regarding the matter you’ve instructed us about Gu Zhun…”

“Speak!”

The employee stood stiffly and started to report.

……………………………………………………….. A lengthy speech was omitted.

Zhang Heng cut to the chase and said: “Did you all find him?”

“Yes!”

“Where?” You talked so much about the process to find him but what I care about is his whereabouts!

“He is in Japan!”

...

He is… in Japan?

Zhang Heng was baffled. If he wanted to avoid him, why would he choose to go to a place that was related to him?

Moreover, they agreed to try and take the next step there...

“...”

Zhang Heng left the office and called Gu Li: “Sis, I want to ask you about Gu Zhun…”

Inside a cafe—

Gu Li added sugar as she stirred the bitter coffee with a teaspoon.

“So, Gu Zhun is in Japan?”

Zhang Heng nodded his head. It was apparent that even Gu Zhun’s sister was doubtful about her brother going to Japan without leaving any explanation ….

“Sis, did you know why Gu Zhun always avoids me?”

Gu Li took a sip of coffee and said: “Wasn’t it because you made him unhappy?”

Zhang Heng raised both hands to express that he was wrongfully accused!

Zhang Heng continued: “Usually, Gu Zhun doesn’t respond when I tease him and sometimes, he would intentionally distance himself from me… He even left on his own during the last dinner party…”

“Actually, that child isn’t hiding from you. He is just avoiding his own feelings…”

“What do you mean?”

Gu Li took out an old photo from her bag. It was a family portrait of her and her parents standing beside a young Gu Zhun. He looked really young, like he was an elementary school student.

Gu Li pointed at the two adults in the photo and said: “These are my parents and they divorced a long time ago. At that time, I was eighteen years old and Gu Zhun was eight.”

Zhang Heng kept quiet. He waited for Gu Li to divulge the past; the pandora box that no one dared to open—

“Initially, they sent a lump sum of money for our daily expenses. But it gradually came to a stop when they each had a new family and abandoned us at the old house in our hometown. We were being taken care of by our relatives, who also got sick of us later on. I had to quit school a few months before the National College Entrance Exam, and took the graduation certificate that my principal had handed me out of pity in order to look for a job. Afterwards, I struggled and worked hard all the way till this day. But it wasn’t just me who was affected, Gu Zhun was the one who was really affected by this. He really loved his parents but one day, his parents got into a fight and by the next day, he never saw his parents again. I told him the truth because I didn’t want to lie to him that our parents went on a trip…”

Zhang Heng really wanted to know the reason why, because a child wouldn't be able to accept such a harsh truth— It was too painful and cruel.

Gu Li saw Zhang Heng’s misgivings and said: “I did think about lying to him but Gu Zhun was a sensitive child. He knew something happened and when he looked at me, it was as though he was imploring for the truth… so I told him. We can only depend on each other, since our parents didn't want us anymore. But as a sister, I would take good care of him.”

Midway through, Zhang Heng ordered a tiramisu cake for Gu Li. He felt that throughout all these years, Gu Li had suffered and was unfairly treated. As Gu Zhun’s future husband, he must take good care of his sister-in-law.

Gu Li did not stand on ceremony as she ate and talked at the same time. It seemed like she had already treated Zhang Heng as her sister-in-law. Oh no. It should be brother-in-law?

“Although Gu Zhun really wanted to know the truth, he knew he would be hurt by it. After finding out the truth, he locked himself in his room and wallowed over it. He didn’t leave his room to eat for several days. At the beginning, I was really worried about him and also felt really guilty about telling him the truth. I was so upset and I blamed myself while abruptly breaking down into tears outside the room…”

Gu Li’s eyes turned slightly red when she spoke about this. It seemed like it had struck a chord in her heart.

“But did you know? Gu Zhun actually opened the door when he heard me crying. He hugged me and told me not to cry…” He was only eight years old yet wasn’t he strong? He was so mature that he didn’t seem like a child...

Gu Li sighed and took a deep breath before she continued: “Gu Zhun continued his studies but ever since then, he seemed to have changed completely. He started to distance himself from his good friends. From that point onwards, Gu Zhun didn’t have any friends and he became a loner…”

A sudden realization struck Zhang Heng. He finally realized that Gu Zhun wasn’t aloof because he was an elite student. Gu Zhun wasn’t used to socializing with others at a young age. It would be more accurate to say that he purposely distanced himself from the crowd...

Zhang Heng didn’t understand. “Why did Gu Zhun shut the door to his heart?”

Gu Li angrily pointed her fingers at Zhang Heng. After she said so much, he still didn’t understand Gu Zhun?

“He is scared! He is afraid that once he gets into a relationship, he would be sad and hurt if the other person abandoned him! Just like the day he found out the truth…”

Zhang Heng was stunned… He didn’t know that Gu Zhun actually had such a past. He only knew that the Gu Zhun from seven years ago was an aloof elite student with a stoic face and cold disposition.

...

Zhang Heng lowered his head and was deep in thought. Gu Li continued: “That child is afraid of hurting you…

“... What do you mean?”

Zhang Heng couldn’t understand. Why did Gu Zhun avoid him? Why was Gu Zhun running away from him because he was afraid of hurting him? Shouldn't it be the other way around?

Seemingly unworried about how her brother was getting by in Japan, Gu Li ordered another cake. This future brother-in-law of her’s was slow and indecisive like a girl...

“He wouldn’t invest his feelings easily because he is afraid of getting hurt, and he felt that he couldn't completely give you his heart. However, you invested 100% or even 1000% of yourself to love him… He felt that this kind of love was unfair and it wouldn’t last for long. In the end, the both of you would only be badly wounded and scarred. It would be better not to be together from the start. Do you understand?”

“...” Zhang Heng bowed his head and kept quiet. Gu Li was seated across and was happily munching on cake— It was great being a love advisor!

Zhang Heng stood up. He took out a few hundred dollar bills from his wallet and gave it to Gu Li: “Sis! This is my gift for you! Use it as you please! Please don’t stand on ceremony!”

He dashed out of the cafe and rushed into a car parked near the cafe. He stepped on the accelerator and left in a flash...

Gu Li caressed the pink hundred dollar bills… She couldn’t help but remark: “Heavens… My brother-in-law is really filial…”

Gu Li decided to continue eating up a storm! Let it sweep all her bad luck away! Once this bad luck was swept away, her luck with romance would come storming in...

When he got in the car, Zhang Heng called May, the front desk receptionist: “Hurry up! Help me book the earliest flight to Japan now! I’ll give you a pay raise!”

He hung up the call without waiting for May’s response. If she couldn’t even react to such things, then she didn’t need to continue working in Zhang Corporation. She could just pack her bags and go home.

Five minutes later, Zhang Heng received the information on his flight while he was still driving to the airport.

The earliest flight possible was at 6PM. Zhang Heng didn’t prepare anything so he only had his wallet, which contained some cash and credit cards.

He took out his phone and dialed: “Ma ShangQian, tell Xu YaLe to go to my house and take my passport along with my luggage that I have set aside for last minute business trips. I want to see you at the airport in 20 minutes!”

“...”

Zhang Heng rashly hung up the call once again.

Xu YaLe was able to guess the situation before Ma ShangQian could react to it— He must have found out about Gu Zhun’s whereabouts and rushed to find him.

Xu YaLe quickly left the company with Ma ShangQian and arrived at Zhang Heng’s house. They took Zhang Heng’s passport, some documents, and stuffed a formal suit in his luggage.

“Why are you stuffing these? Didn’t he just ask for his passport?”

“Are you dumb? What if Zhang Heng went to the Netherlands to look for Gu Zhun? Wouldn’t it be perfect if they get married there? How could he get married without these documents? I don’t know about the formalities there so I helped him stuff all these in.”

But wasn’t it unnecessary to stuff Zhang Heng’s elementary graduation certificate that his mother had stashed away? Was it necessary? Besides, why are you so familiar with Zhang Heng’s house?!

“Don’t be bothered by all these small details! Did you forget about my initial plans before we got together?”

“...” Ma ShangQian was exasperated. Was this Xu YaLe still that Xu YaLe from before? He was at a loss for words...