SBS chapter 28

It took Bai Yue a few seconds to recall what Ye Xi meant by “cultural festival.”

To someone who had already graduated, all the chaotic university activities had long erased any memories of the high school winter charity fair.

The only reason he remembered at all was because Ye Xi had been his last customer at the stall.

“Oh, that one…” Bai Yue turned to look at Ye Xi. “Did your class apply for a booth this year too? Or are you going to perform?”

As he said this, he couldn’t help smiling.

Because he knew Ye Xi wasn’t talented in the arts. The Zheng family had hired plenty of instructors over the years—piano, violin, vocal lessons—in hopes of turning him into a well-rounded student.

But Ye Xi failed at everything. Especially violin—calling it wood-sawing was generous. He once played so badly that Zheng Yang wanted to hang himself.

Sure enough, Ye Xi shook his head hurriedly.

“I’m not performing,” he admitted, a little embarrassed as he rubbed his nose. “I signed up to help out at our class booth. We’re doing a coffee stall, with desserts and some creamy soups.”

He hesitated before adding, “If you have time, Bai-ge, you can come check it out.”

Bai Yue chuckled softly.

A coffee stall, huh…

Actually, lots of classes chose that. After all, how much could high schoolers really pull off? Coffee stalls were popular and practical—they could raise money and sneak some snacks for themselves. Like a little field trip.

To attract more people, many classes tried gimmicks.

In Bai Yue’s year, someone had even brought their pet cat and dog to charm visitors.

Who knew what tricks Ye Xi’s class might try.

“What day is it?” Bai Yue asked.

He half-closed his laptop, no longer interested in the assignments. In truth, he was already mentally rearranging his schedule. Even if it clashed with his professor’s seminar, he would make time to go.

“January 28th,” Ye Xi quickly replied, staring eagerly at Bai Yue. “Our school’s WeChat account has a form to register as a visitor. If you want to come, just scan the QR code.”

In fact, even if Bai Yue didn’t scan his ID, just standing at the entrance would be enough for the security guard to recognize him.

He glanced at the calendar— the 28th… he should already be on winter break by then.

“I’ll try to come.”

He didn’t give a firm promise, but he smiled at Ye Xi and said, “If I do come, save me a piece of bread and a cup of coffee.”

Ye Xi was instantly energized.

Because of Bai Yue’s promise, he became more focused on doing his homework.

….

At eight in the evening, Bai Yue drove Ye Xi back to school. His stomach was stuffed with Bai Yue’s homemade beef curry rice, and because it was so delicious, his belly was even slightly rounded.

He secretly touched it.

He seriously suspected he had gained weight recently from eating at Bai Yue’s place.

When they got to the school, Bai Yue, like a parent dropping off a boarding student, handed him a whole bag of snacks.

Ye Xi no longer refused.

But holding that big bag of snacks and looking at Bai Yue, Ye Xi truly felt like Bai Yue was his parent.

Especially when Bai Yue was still nagging him to take care of himself.

“I might not be able to come see you these next two weeks. Don’t stay up too late,” Bai Yue said. “But if anything comes up, you can still call me.”

Ye Xi nodded obediently.

With his backpack on and snacks in hand, he took a few steps, then turned around to look.

Bai Yue was still sitting in the car, not leaving immediately, watching him intently.

Even just a few steps of distance, Bai Yue would always see him all the way in.

Ye Xi couldn’t help smiling and waved at Bai Yue before finally heading inside.

Back at the dorm, Li Rui was reading a comic. The comic was spread out in front of him, his phone screen still lit—waiting for someone who hadn’t replied to his messages.

Hearing movement, he peeked his head out from the bed curtain and saw Ye Xi’s fair, rosy face. The usual cold little iceberg was completely melted. Even as he poured water, he couldn’t help smiling.

Ugh.

Li Rui thought, This is what being nourished by love looks like.

Ugh—seriously, comparing yourself to others just makes you suffer.

He already knew the answer, but still leaned on the bed railing, smiling as he asked, “Did you enjoy your Christmas date?”

Ye Xi was sitting below, unwrapping snacks Bai Yue had given him, and found a pack of almond crisps he had recently grown fond of.

“Super happy.”

He was completely honest and looked up with a smile.

He was just too cute like this.

Li Rui dramatically clutched his chest and flopped back onto the bed.

A few minutes later, he climbed down and shared the snacks with Ye Xi, crunching on the biscuit sticks Bai Yue had bought.

He grumbled, “That jerk Sheng Yuhe—he said he’d ignore me, and he really did. Went traveling out of town with friends for Christmas and only sent me one message: Merry Christmas.”

And to think he had dressed up all nice in the dorm, hoping Sheng Yuhe would change his mind.

At the thought, he bit the biscuit stick even harder.

He leaned on Ye Xi’s shoulder and sighed, “Your Bai Yue is so much better. Honestly, he does everything you ask, is super thoughtful, tutors you, makes you snacks—my God… is this the power of childhood sweethearts?”

Li Rui suddenly sat up and reflected: “Wait—is spontaneous love no longer in fashion? Do you need to grow it from childhood now?”

Ye Xi laughed out loud.

He patted Li Rui’s back to comfort him, thinking this guy really had been triggered by Sheng Yuhe and was now rambling nonsense.

Still, he agreed Sheng Yuhe was oblivious and tactless.

He consoled Li Rui, “Just forget about Sheng Yuhe. Didn’t you say there’s a cute junior in 11th grade? Why don’t you pursue him instead? Worst case, after we graduate, I’ll line up a bunch of male models to feed you fruit platters.”

Forget that useless guy. Even if Sheng Yuhe was innocent, Ye Xi would always side with his best friend over logic.

“Wow…”

Li Rui imagined the scene and felt comforted.

The two of them squeezed together, chatting a bunch of silly, happy nonsense. Ye Xi even made Li Rui watch the latest episode of an anime with him.

But when the protagonist was on a date in a café, Li Rui suddenly remembered something.

He pulled out his iPad and showed Ye Xi, “By the way, for our class coffee booth that day, we need to wear coordinated outfits. The girls will wear plaid skirts, the guys suits with bowties. You know our class—super chill, we’re not trying to win popularity or anything. The class rep said we can do whatever we want. Whatever designs we want to print on the bread wrappers and coffee cups, go for it. Our academic rep is even planning to print a kissing pic of her OTP.”

Li Rui looked deeply at Ye Xi: “You can print your OTP too—Bai Yue, maybe?”

Ye Xi laughed.

He took the iPad and looked. The suits were standard—charcoal gray three-piece sets—not cheap, but luckily their class fund was well-supported, so no risk of bankruptcy.

Most of their class had other tasks—performing, guiding parents, emceeing—so only about ten students would actually be manning the booth.

They’d work in shifts, three groups, so everyone could still enjoy the festival.

Li Rui and Ye Xi were assigned the 2 to 4 p.m. slot.

Li Rui smugly touched his face, “The class rep said we’re the face of the class. Whether we sell those pastries or not depends on our looks, so she put us in the busiest time slot.”

Not to brag, but he and Ye Xi were indeed top-tier in looks—only that jerk Sheng Yuhe didn’t see it.

Ye Xi looked at their class group chat, where everyone was buzzing with excitement.

Even though no one planned to compete seriously at the charity fair, everyone was still enthusiastic and offering ideas.

Liang Zhan said: [I’ll set up a tarot booth next to ours. Spend 50 yuan and get a free reading—should attract some interest.]

Class Rep: [Sounds good.]

Academic Rep: [What readings can you do? Forget everyone else—give me a reading on the fate of my crush. I need this.]

Li Rui chimed in: [Me too! I want to know about my love life.]

After putting down the iPad, Li Rui launched into another dreamy monologue: “What if I invite Sheng Yuhe to the culture festival—do you think he’ll come?”

He was the very definition of “defeated yet persistent,” always bouncing back after rejection.

Ye Xi frowned slightly. Judging from Sheng Yuhe’s attitude… it was hard to say.

But he didn’t want to discourage Li Rui, so he said, “Just try inviting him. Who knows? He might come. Though… he might be busy.”

Li Rui didn’t really have hope, but still picked up his phone.

He casually said to Ye Xi, “You should invite Bai Yue too. It’s a great opportunity—he could revisit his old school.”

But he didn’t get a response.

He turned to look at Ye Xi—only to see that Ye Xi was trying hard to keep a straight face, but his bright eyes betrayed him. He looked utterly smitten.

“I already invited him,” Ye Xi said.

He was picking at the clear keyboard caps on the desk, looking a little shy.

In a small voice, he added, “he said he’ll try to come.”

Li Rui: “…………”

Seriously.

This is what they mean by “same fanfic, different fates.” Both are crushing on someone, so why is his life full of storms and Ye Xi’s all sunshine and flowers?

Compared to Ye Xi, his life was just tragic.

Did the Matchmaker God even care about him?

Li Rui now truly felt heartbroken, clutching his chest with a dead look in his eyes. He tossed his phone aside, not even wanting to invite Sheng Yuhe anymore.

To hell with it.

He never wanted to see that stupid guy again.

Ye Xi guiltily fidgeted with his keyboard caps.

He didn’t mean to flex or hurt Li Rui’s feelings—it just slipped out because Li Rui asked.

Luckily, Li Rui only wailed for a bit before going back to munching on chocolate, even getting it all over his lips.

He looked at Ye Xi and said in disbelief, “Honestly, with how obedient Bai Yue is to you, I really suspect you’re his long-lost baby brother.”

What’s so great about a school cultural festival anyway? It’s just high school kids playing pretend. Only the most repressed teens would find it exciting.

If Ye Xi hadn’t invited him, he doubted Bai Yue would even consider coming.

“I’m serious. With how he spoils you, you could totally confess to him. If he says no, just cry a little. He’d definitely give in.”

With his chocolate-smeared lips, Li Rui said this with utmost sincerity.

Ye Xi knew he was just talking nonsense and kicked him lightly, then handed him a clean tissue to wipe his mouth.

“Stop spouting nonsense.”