Chapter 10: Conflict

After school, Li Fuling dragged his heavy steps to the Shen family’s car.

Having spent the entire afternoon uselessly lingering in the corner of the playground, he now felt utterly exhausted both physically and mentally.

During dinner, he listlessly picked at the rice in his bowl. After just a few bites, he murmured I’m full in a low voice and went upstairs.

Madam Yu watched his dispirited figure with concern, her delicate brows furrowing slightly: What’s wrong with A-Ling? Did something unpleasant happen at school?Shen Jici, who had been focused on eating, paused his movements and snorted impatiently: ‘Who knows? Maybe he’s… growing mushrooms.

Madam Yu gently put down her chopsticks and said softly: Jici, go check on him later. You’re around the same age, so you understand each other’s thoughts better than us adults. As the older brother, you should take more care of your younger brother.

Upon hearing this, Shen Jici immediately knitted his brows, his face full of impatience: Alright, alright, fine! So troublesome…

Before he finished speaking, Madam Yu picked up a tender piece of spare rib and placed it in his bowl, her tone softening: You should eat more too, you’re still growing.

Seeing the extra meat in his bowl, Shen Jici’s irritated expression stiffened slightly. His voice lowered as he mumbled in response: …I know.

After dawdling for a while, Shen Jici eventually shuffled upstairs in his slippers, clearly reluctant.

He stopped outside Li Fuling’s door, hesitated for a moment, then finally raised his hand and knocked twice.

Li Fuling wasn’t actually asleep, but lying on his bed staring blankly at the ceiling.

Hearing the knock, he hesitantly opened the door.

Fresh from his shower, he was enveloped in a mist of steam and the fresh scent of shampoo. His cheeks were flushed pink from the heat, with several damp strands of black hair clinging softly to his forehead.

Under the careful nurturing of the Shen family, he had become fair and delicate, his skin so fine that he appeared even paler than Shen Jici, who had been raised in privilege since childhood.

He glared at the unexpected visitor at his door, his tone guarded: What do you want?

The slight awkwardness Shen Jici had been feeling instantly vanished under Li Fuling’s defensive gaze.

He stiffened his neck and squeezed through the door gap: What? Just took a shower. We’re both guys, what’s there to hide?

He deliberately looked Li Fuling up and down with a critical gaze, a mischievous smirk curling at the corner of his mouth. Unless…

Li Fuling grew uncomfortable under his scrutiny, turning around to frown at him.

Shen Jici drew out his words teasingly: …you’ve got something to hide?

Li Fuling was momentarily stunned, then grabbed the towel he’d been using to dry his hair and threw it hard at Shen Jici: Get out!

Shen Jici laughed heartily as he nimbly dodged, taking the opportunity to walk over to Li Fuling’s bed and plop down boldly.

His joking expression faded as he looked at Li Fuling’s back, the younger boy angrily drying his hair.

Hey, seriously, what’s wrong? At school… were you bullied?

Li Fuling’s drying motions halted. Silence filled the room for several seconds before he stiffly spat out two words: No!

Tch, stubborn. Shen Jici pursed his lips. If you really were bullied, just tell… ah forget it, telling the teacher probably wouldn’t help anyway.

He rubbed his nose, his gaze drifting elsewhere as his voice lowered slightly with a barely noticeable awkwardness. …You could tell me. No matter what, we can’t let the Shen family lose face. I can handle this kind of trivial matter.

Li Fuling felt a slight stir in her heart but stubbornly retorted, Who wants to tell you?

Shen Jici seemed to have expected this response. He scoffed and leaned back against the headboard. Fine, don’t tell me. Then suffer on your own—just don’t cry into your pillow tonight.

Suddenly, Shen Jici sniffed the air, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. Huh? What’s that smell in your room?

Li Fuling didn’t turn around, continuing to dry her hair with a towel, her expression blank. Shampoo, body wash. What else could it be?

Shen Jici sniffed again, frowning slightly. No… it smells familiar. Almost like… sandalwood?

Li Fuling’s hand holding the towel stiffened imperceptibly before resuming its motion. You and your dog nose.

You’re the one with a dog nose! Shen Jici shot back immediately.

You are.

You are!

You’re a dog.

You’re a pig!

…

The absurdly childish exchange made even Shen Jici crack. He was the first to burst out laughing, pointing at Li Fuling. Hahaha… you can’t even insult people properly. Repeating the same lines over and over—how are you this dumb?

That laugh pushed Li Fuling over the edge. Her cheeks flushed crimson like a cat with its tail stepped on. With a low cry, she lunged at him.

Caught off guard, Shen Jici was knocked backward onto the soft bed.

The two instantly tangled into a heap—arms entangled, legs locked—less a fight and more a lopsided, playful wrestling match, each trying to pin the other down to prove dominance.

Shen Jici, who exercised regularly, was naturally stronger than Li Fuling and quickly gained the upper hand. With one forceful move, he flipped her beneath him.

During the struggle, several buttons down the front of Li Fuling’s pajamas popped open, revealing a expanse of pale, gleaming chest that rose and fell with her rapid breaths.

Shen Jici’s gaze unconsciously dropped to that skin. Almost involuntarily, he reached out, brushed his fingers quickly over the smooth surface out of curiosity, and clicked his tongue.

Tsk. Why’s it so fair, like a girl’s? he remarked.

The flippant gesture and comment instantly ignited all of Li Fuling’s shame and fury.

Without a second thought, she wrenched her right hand free and swung—a sharp crack echoing as her palm landed squarely on Shen Jici’s cheek.

The slap was hard. Shen Jici’s head snapped to the side, a clear handprint immediately blooming on his face.

He froze, clutching his cheek and staring at Li Fuling in disbelief. You hit me?!

His voice rose sharply. No one has ever laid a finger on me my entire life!

Blind with rage, Shen Jici flipped them over, using his size to press Li Fuling firmly beneath him. With one hand, he easily pinned both her slender wrists above her head, his knee pressing down on her legs to immobilize her completely.

Leaning close, he growled through gritted teeth, Apologize! Now!

Li Fuling was pinned down, struggling to breathe, his wrists aching from the tight grip. Yet his clear eyes burned with unyielding fire, lips stubbornly pressed together without uttering a sound.

Seeing his unbending demeanor, Shen Jici’s anger flared even higher, but with nowhere to vent it, he could only growl in frustration, Stubborn mule!

With reddened eyes, Li Fuling retorted defiantly, Who told you to touch me?

Shen Jici replied with unshaken confidence, We’re both men—what’s wrong with a little touch?

Furious, Li Fuling struggled with his hands, only to have Shen Jici pin them effortlessly above his head.

Helpless, Li Fuling could only let large teardrops fall one after another.

Seeing Li Fuling in such a state, Shen Jici didn’t dare push further. He quickly released his hands and even straightened Li Fuling’s clothes for him.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Shen Jici rubbed his head and said stiffly, Stop crying.

Li Fuling lay on the bed, wiping his tears.

Shen Jici added, …I’m sorry.

Li Fuling ignored him.

Shen Jici ruffled his hair irritably.

Not only had he failed to comfort him, but he’d also made him cry—he was utterly frustrated with himself.

Just then, Madam Yu called for Shen Jici from outside. Seizing the chance to escape, he hurried out.

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