OL CH34

For the vast majority of students, the Gaokao was an event of paramount importance. Consequently, the grading process was remarkably efficient, and it wasn’t long before the exam scores were released.

Bai Su’s results were, of course, stellar. While not exaggerated to the point of topping the city or province as the ultimate valedictorian, it was just as they had anticipated: every domestic university was his for the picking.

Once the scores were out, it was time to submit college applications. True to what he had said before, his chosen institution was B University.

Seeing his little partner achieve such an outstanding score, Chen Tian, playing the role of the doting “foolish uncle,” was grinning from ear to ear. He decided to invite all of Bai Su’s young friends over to the Qin ancestral residence for a proper celebration.

Over the years, he had come to understand Bai Su’s personality well. He knew his beloved disliked mingling with superficial acquaintances and loathed unnecessary hassle. Hosting a small, intimate gathering with only his closest friends would bring him genuine happiness.

The following day, the children from the orphanage who were close to Bai Su all arrived. Over the past few years, they had never fallen out of touch. Bai Su visited them regularly, and they often came to find him.

Thanks to the Qin Corporation’s financial patronage, the children at the orphanage had lived comfortably these past two years. In addition to the director mother, many more caregivers had been hired. The facility had expanded several times over, allowing them to support far more children.

Every one of them was enrolled in school, no longer sporting the sallow, emaciated, and disheveled appearances of the past. Well-fed, well-rested, and dressed in new clothes tailored to the changing seasons, they now lived a blessed life that had once been beyond their wildest dreams.

Seeing the female lead again, Chen Tian couldn’t help but marvel at how true the old adage was: a girl changes eighteen times between childhood and womanhood. Su Zhaozhao was seventeen this year, and just two short years had transformed her dramatically.

When they first met, she had been malnourished, looking barely eleven or twelve. Who could have guessed that with proper nourishment, she would hit a growth spurt so rapidly, blooming into a slender, graceful young lady? Furthermore, she appeared far brighter and more cheerful, and her academic record was reportedly stellar as well.

Watching Qin Fei constantly find excuses to hover around Su Zhaozhao, Chen Tian raised an eyebrow. As expected of the canonical male and female leads—they naturally gravitated toward each other without any external nudging.

But Su Zhaozhao wasn’t the only one who had changed significantly; Heipi and Xiao Lei had also matured considerably. Heipi’s skin remained deeply tanned, but his facial features were strikingly handsome. Xiao Lei, unexpectedly, had grown even taller than Heipi; wearing rimless glasses, with fair skin and red lips, he looked even shrewder and more sharp-witted than before.

Adjusting the glasses on the bridge of his nose, Xiao Lei stepped over to Bai Su and leaned in, whispering, “Brother Bai, the mini-games our studio produced earlier have received great feedback. Can we start experimenting with monetized projects now?”

Bai Su nodded upon hearing this. “I recall the team has already been developing several projects. I also have a half-finished game on hand right now—it’s not very large, but the quality is top-notch. Once the team polishes it up, we should be able to launch it by the beginning of next month. It ought to help make a name for our studio.”

Hearing Bai Su’s words, a shrewd gleam flashed in Xiao Lei’s eyes. He knew instinctively how to handle the operations; after all, he was already thoroughly adept at managing such affairs.

Over the past two-plus years, Bai Su had focused on far more than just his studies. He wanted to better himself and refused to merely depend on Uncle Qin; without real competence to his name, how could he have the nerve to pursue the person he loved?

After exploring various fields, he discovered a strong interest in software and networking. He spent his spare time teaching himself how to write code, only to realize he possessed an astonishing innate talent for it, improving by leaps and bounds.

Over a year ago, Bai Su had already made a name for himself, rising to prominence as a renowned hacker online.

Yet, this was never his ultimate goal. Becoming a hacker was merely a means to master technical operations. His true passion lay in game development, and he had already foreseen the immense market potential ahead.

In secret, Bai Su had discussed the venture with Xiao Lei, Heipi, and his close circle. Xiao Lei was naturally quick-witted; though not quite on Bai Su’s level in programming, he had rapidly developed master-class skills. Heipi excelled at team cohesion, was great at boosting morale, and had his own distinct strengths.

Being only a few months younger than Bai Su, Xiao Lei wasn’t burdened with as heavy a schedule and could devote more time to the studio. Once Xiao Lei came of age, Bai Su officially registered the studio under Xiao Lei’s name, leaving daily operations in his hands.

Naturally, Bai Su spearheaded the core R&D and quality control for their games and software, while the remaining workload was handled by the talent Xiao Lei and the others recruited.

During his stint as a hacker, Bai Su had amassed a tidy sum, sufficient to fund a modest studio.

Although their studio had fewer than ten people, they were all driven youths burning with passion. Banding together and sharing mutual respect, they had churned out quite a few projects in a short span. The early phase had been exploratory, naturally far from profitable. But in Bai Su’s eyes, the team had matured enough to independently develop mini-games and application software. In accordance with his plans, they could now begin testing monetized releases.

Of course, his primary focus remained on a major flagship project currently in the works: Divine Realm.

This massive title had already consumed over a year of planning and development. From the very beginning, he had envisioned crafting a game that blended various mythological elements from both East and West. The mini-game he had just mentioned was essentially a trial balloon for this universe—akin to a side story of Divine Realm, designed to lay the groundwork for the main title’s debut.

Thus, even as a smaller game, its production quality was exceptional; if it garnered positive word-of-mouth, the eventual launch of Divine Realm would undoubtedly achieve an even greater impact.

Bai Su shared this plan with Xiao Lei. Having known about the project for a long time, hearing that Divine Realm was finally moving toward release brought a solemn expression to Xiao Lei’s face.

“Brother Bai, I don’t doubt your capability for a second, but this game is our centerpiece. There’s a monumental amount of work involved, and with our studio’s current scale, I’m afraid we won’t be able to shoulder it. I worry the execution might fall short or the marketing won’t generate enough buzz, squandering all your hard work.”

Bai Su understood Xiao Lei’s concern—he feared their financial resources were insufficient. But didn’t Bai Su have an incredible uncle?

At the thought, a smile touched Bai Su’s lips. “Don’t worry. I have a solution for both the funding and the promotion.”

Following Bai Su’s gaze toward Chen Tian standing in the corner, a look of realization dawned on Xiao Lei’s face, and his worries dissipated completely.

Chen Tian stood at a discreet distance. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to come closer, but he knew his presence would likely make the youngsters feel constrained.

Watching those vibrant, youthful faces chatting animatedly in the living room, and gazing at Bai Su surrounded like the moon among stars, Chen Tian felt a slight twinge of jealousy. Still, if it made his beloved happy, swallowing a bit of vinegar was well worth it. After weighing his thoughts, he sighed softly and quietly took his leave for the time being.

Having finally gotten the chance to see Su Zhaozhao, Qin Fei went all out trying to win her favor.

Beside them, Heipi could hardly bear the sight—feeling as though his little sister was about to be snatched away, he competed fiercely with Qin Fei by piling food onto Su Zhaozhao’s plate, leaving the girl caught between laughter and tears.

Noticing that Su Zhaozhao favored Heipi, whom she had grown up with, Qin Fei felt a pang of jealousy. He pouted to Su Zhaozhao, “Zhaozhao, we rarely get to see each other. Can’t you chat with me a little more?”

He shot a disgruntled glare at Heipi. Seeing this, Heipi flashed a grin of bright white teeth, casually throwing an arm around Su Zhaozhao’s shoulder: “She’s practically my blood sister. What’s wrong with her spending time with her big brother?”

Delighted by Qin Fei’s sour expression, Heipi grew even smugger. Suddenly, a cough sounded from behind him, causing his entire body to stiffen instantly.

Immediately after, a fair yet sturdy arm slung over his shoulders, peeling back the hand he had wrapped around Su Zhaozhao.

“Brother Heipi, you only care about Zhaozhao and not me? I’m going to feel neglected!”

Wearing an expression of utter innocence, Xiao Lei leaned in and planted a quick kiss on Heipi’s cheek, causing Qin Fei’s eyes to nearly pop out of his head.

Then Qin Fei watched in stunned silence as the boy who had just been acting so cocky flushed crimson, yet miraculously offered no protest. Stammering incoherently, Heipi simply allowed Xiao Lei to hold him. Su Zhaozhao merely giggled on the side, completely unfazed and used to the sight.

Wait, what on earth was going on here?!

Qin Fei had harbored a crush on Su Zhaozhao for ages. His greatest worry had always been Heipi and Xiao Lei, convinced they would be his rivals in love.

And now… his supposed rivals had resolved things internally amongst themselves?!

The person he had feared as a romantic rival was genuinely just an older brother figure!

In that instant, Qin Fei’s emotions became exceedingly complicated…

Everyone found the public display of affection between Heipi and Xiao Lei blinding, none more so than the guest of honor, Bai Su.

Rubbing his strained eyes, he felt a massive sense of disparity in his chest.

His younger brothers had already found true love, and his little sister was actively being courted—so why was his own romantic journey so fraught with obstacles?!

Dwelling on this, Bai Su lifted his eyes, searching for Chen Tian. To his dismay, a sweep of the hall revealed no trace of Uncle Qin, plunging him into another wave of disappointment.

While he was certainly glad to celebrate alongside so many good friends, no one knew that what Bai Su truly craved was a world with just him and Uncle Qin.

After hours of lively celebration, the night had grown deep. Aside from a few who still had some energy, most were drowsy, and several retired to the guest rooms prepared in advance.

Bai Su had lost all enthusiasm to linger downstairs; all he wanted was to find out where his Uncle Qin had gone.

He went up to the second floor and knocked on Chen Tian’s bedroom door, but received no answer. With nowhere else to look, he wandered aimlessly through the Qin manor.

Noticing the study door left slightly ajar, Bai Su hesitated for a moment before pushing it open. Inside, a tall figure stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, holding a can of beer and taking an occasional sip.

Several empty cans were scattered haphazardly across the desk, suggesting the man had been holed up here for quite some time.

“Uncle Qin, why are you here by yourself? I didn’t see you at all during the party!”

Bai Su walked over, his tone laced with a hint of petulant complaint.

Hearing his voice, Chen Tian turned around. Reaching out, he rubbed Bai Su’s forehead and smiled gently. “My presence would have spoiled your fun. You know your young friends get nervous the moment they see me.”

“But today is such an important milestone for me. The person I wanted by my side most was Uncle Qin!”

Outside, the moonlight was enchanting. Hearing his beloved utter such emotionally charged words, Chen Tian’s fingers twitched. Unable to hold back any longer, he pulled Bai Su fiercely into his arms.

Releasing a contented sigh from the bottom of his heart, he whispered, “Uncle Qin is right here. I’ve always been with you.”

The two held each other for a long while before parting. Bai Su pulled up a chair and sat beside Chen Tian. Looking up at the man he idolized most, his heart swelled with adoration. To cover his fluster, he picked up an unopened beer from the desk, popped the tab, and took a sip, declaring he would stay to admire the moon with Chen Tian.

Chen Tian asked about his plans for the future, and Bai Su naturally brought up the game studio.

Chen Tian was already somewhat aware of it, fully supporting whatever his little partner set his heart on. He had asked earlier if Bai Su needed assistance, but seeing the youth’s determination to build it from the ground up himself, Chen Tian had refrained from meddling.

Now, hearing his beloved mention wanting to develop and publish a large-scale game that might require his help, Chen Tian was thrilled to finally be of use.

“Don’t worry, Uncle Qin. I’ll only ask the Qin Corporation to invest once I have absolute confidence. I’ll prepare a comprehensive business proposal for you when the time comes,” Bai Su promised earnestly.

“No need,” Chen Tian chuckled softly. “Just let my secretary know how much you need. I believe in you. My Xiao Bai will always be the best!”

Seeing the unconditional trust shining in the man’s eyes, Bai Su was deeply moved.

Why was his Uncle Qin always this wonderful?!

A warm, intimate ambiance settled over the study as the two closest souls drank and chatted, basking in the tranquil stillness.

Yet as the night deepened, the man’s voice gradually tapered off.

Bai Su turned his head in curiosity, only to discover that Uncle Qin had quietly fallen asleep against the sofa at some point.

It made sense; Uncle Qin had already consumed quite a few beers before he arrived. While beer had low alcohol content and wouldn’t make him truly drunk, it was enough to induce drowsiness.

Right now, Chen Tian leaned peacefully against the cushions, framed by the silver moonlight like an ethereal painting.

Bai Su gazed at him, his expression growing hopelessly entranced.

He couldn’t resist drawing closer, closer still.

Reaching out, he lightly brushed Chen Tian’s wrist. The warm, supple touch sent a gentle surge of heat coursing through Bai Su’s veins.

Hesitating for a heartbeat, his hand finally drifted upward to caress the man’s face.

Fingertips traced over each sculpted feature—the usually stern, cool brows and eyes now softened by sleep, the high bridge of his nose, the resolute line of his jaw. In the end, his hand came to rest gingerly upon the man’s pale, thin lips.

Soft. Unexpectedly soft.

The sensation struck a chord deep within Bai Su’s heart, completely unleashing the beast he had kept locked away behind iron doors.

He had only intended to watch from afar, or at most touch gently with his fingertips. But now, Bai Su realized that he was, after all, merely a mortal who could never withstand the allure of a god.

Tilting his head up in a posture bordering on reverent kneeling, Bai Su gazed upon his deity. Then, leaning in, he closed his eyes and devoutly pressed his lips against the man’s.

The night breeze stirred a drifting fallen leaf, scattering the whispered “Goodnight” into the air…