Pei Yusheng went through the F University materials quickly. Once he had a general understanding, he sent Lian Qing home and spent the day dealing with work, receiving a few more documents intermittently. By evening, he returned home with all the compiled materials.
When he arrived at the Tang Palace villa, Qi Ji was already home, on the phone in the living room. These past days, he had been constantly fielding calls related to university applications, sometimes even unable to eat in peace.
Pei Yusheng walked over and saw Qi Ji frowning as he answered yet another call, his smartwatch still on his wrist. The delicate wrist meant the strap was originally fastened at its tightest notch, but after these days of constant use, it had loosened a bit, hanging together with the strap Qi Ji’s father had left him, drooping over his pale, slender wrist.
Worrying over the application process had made Qi Ji lose the little weight he had just gained, leaving him looking leaner than usual. Pei Yusheng frowned.
He wanted the boy to experience a normal life, but not to the point of overthinking or excessive stress.
Finally, after the call ended, Qi Ji put down the phone and greeted Pei Yusheng. But before he could even finish saying “Sir,” the phone rang again.
Qi Ji instinctively glanced at the screen. Pei Yusheng stepped forward, wrapped one arm around his waist, snatched the phone with the other, and glanced at the display: “Teacher Zhao from Youxue.”
Youxue was a tutoring institution. Pei Yusheng immediately hung up.
Qi Ji froze. “Eh…?”
Pei Yusheng lowered his gaze at the boy in his arms. “Your voice is hoarse.”
Qi Ji had indeed been a bit worked up these past days, his throat showing the strain.
“It’s fine, not serious,” he coughed lightly. “I just want to gather more information—don’t want to miss this opportunity.”
Understanding his concern, Pei Yusheng didn’t comment further, instead handing him a bottle of pear syrup. “What does Mingyu himself think? Any preferred schools yet?”
Cradling the bottle, Qi Ji found a more comfortable position in Pei Yusheng’s arms before replying, “He’s mainly choosing between F University and T University. P University is out. He leans more toward engineering.”
Mingyu didn’t plan to study abroad for his undergraduate degree, so his choices were limited to top domestic universities. P University was better known for arts and sciences, while T University excelled in engineering. In comparison, T University offered stronger resources and rankings, leaving Mingyu torn between the originally planned F University and the newly considered T University.
Pei Yusheng held him close and asked, “What matters most to him?”
Qi Ji thought for a moment. “He doesn’t care much about rankings. He cares more about the major and the professors.”
At schools like T University and F University, high-achieving students could be assigned advisors early in their undergraduate studies.
“Mingyu had a favorite professor at F University, hoping to have him as his advisor. The professor is a Junior Scholar, but something changed in his family—he might return to his hometown in the south.”
This was a key reason Mingyu started considering alternatives to F University.
Pei Yusheng lightly pinched the boy’s soft, pale ear. “I brought F University’s training plan. Want to take a look?”
The touch made Qi Ji flush, his voice softening. “Mm…”
Satisfied, Pei Yusheng handed over the internal documents. “These are internal, no digital copies, don’t share them. Just read and leave them in the study afterward.”
Qi Ji accepted the folder, his voice stabilizing. “Okay.”
While Qi Ji read, Pei Yusheng removed his watch to charge it and went to the kitchen, bringing over various items. Since Qi Ji hadn’t told Mingyu about his relationship, he had stayed at Pei Yusheng’s house since the end of the exams, only returning when Mingyu went out. These four busy days of applications meant Qi Ji hadn’t gone home.
That night, Mingyu went to Old Master Xue’s house—partly to discuss majors, partly to help with bats flying into the house at night.
With Mingyu away, Pei Yusheng had the chance to pamper his “little one.” While Qi Ji focused on the documents, Pei Yusheng fed him strawberries, strawberry jam toast, strawberry nougat, and a large glass of strawberry juice. May was strawberry season, and the harvest from the villa was just right.
Qi Ji, having already eaten dinner, quickly grew full. The overwhelming sweetness made it hard to concentrate on the materials. When another strawberry-filled cookie reached his mouth, he finally admitted, “I’m full…”
Looking up, he saw Pei Yusheng’s light-colored eyes smiling—he realized Pei Yusheng was deliberately feeding him.
“I won’t eat anymore… mm…” he murmured, but the strawberry sweetness lingered between them.
Qi Ji’s eyes flushed slightly, looking almost wronged. Pei Yusheng, satisfied, wiped the corner of his eyes with his finger and spoke seriously: “Speaking of majors, T University’s Computer School is launching a new small-class program this year.”
Qi Ji, distracted, forgot to scold him as he listened.
“The small-class program uses a seminar-style teaching model, similar to the successful ‘Elite Class.’ Each student is personally guided by an academician. The difference is this new class focuses on AI, more advanced than the Elite Class.”
Pei Yusheng pressed his forehead and nose lightly against Qi Ji. “Interested?”
This caught Qi Ji’s attention. Mingyu excelled in math and physics, preferring math, with a focus on applied mathematics and software. This experimental small-class program suited him perfectly.
“What are the application requirements?” Qi Ji asked.
“Even if there are requirements, Mingyu won’t be excluded,” Pei Yusheng assured. “These experimental classes select students based on grades and a short additional test. It won’t be difficult for him.”
Qi Ji considered it. He was about to inquire further when he felt himself being lifted.
“Sir!”
Pei Yusheng scooped him up. “That’s enough work for today. Whatever’s left, we’ll deal with tomorrow.”
He carried Qi Ji upstairs. “Time for bed.”
Though they had talked nightly during his insomnia recovery, four days apart made the reunion intensely sweet. Feeling guilty, Qi Ji changed into fresh sleepwear and cuddled close, placing his cat plush on the sofa.
Yet with the stress of applications and new updates, Qi Ji didn’t sleep soundly. At dawn, the birdsong woke him.
Next to him was a familiar warmth… and heat beneath him.
Qi Ji froze. It was early summer, and his light silk sleepwear revealed the warmth pressing against him. Through the thin fabric, he could feel the man’s pulse.
Even more alarming, the heartbeat at his side told him the man was awake.
A warm hand grasped his, intertwining fingers.
“Up so early?” Pei Yusheng’s low, hoarse voice made Qi Ji’s ears tingle. Before he could decide whether to open his eyes, a gentle touch warmed his forehead, and the hands around his waist withdrew.
Pei Yusheng didn’t move him, instead rising and heading to the bathroom. Qi Ji, bewildered, touched his recently kissed forehead. His lower body still tingled.
After Pei Yusheng’s shower, breakfast was ready. Qi Ji nibbled a bun, feeling the coolness of the man’s presence.
Pei Yusheng skimmed emails on the tablet. “The small-class program’s plan is on T University’s official website. I’ve gathered other detailed info; I’ll organize it and send it to you.”
Qi Ji felt guilty watching him get up early to help him, but he only pushed a crab custard bun toward him.
“Okay.”
He was afraid that if he said any more, he wouldn’t have the energy to go through the documents.
The T University materials Pei Yusheng had gathered were indeed a big help to Qi Ji. After days of indecision, Qi Mingyu ultimately chose the T University small-class program. With the choice made, Qi Ji finally let out a sigh of relief.
“I thought it would be easy to decide before the exams,” he said to Pei Yusheng, “didn’t expect it to be so difficult.”
Pei Yusheng ruffled his hair. “It never hurts to think things through. It’s part of life’s experiences. Now that it’s settled, you can relax a little.”
Qi Ji nuzzled his palm. “Thanks for all your hard work, Sir.”
Pei Yusheng raised an eyebrow. “Not hard work.”
Hearing this familiar answer, Qi Ji felt a faint premonition. He didn’t expect it to take this long—what he had suppressed that morning now seemed to flare up more intensely, making his face flush and his heart race.
Only when he was truly out of breath did Pei Yusheng finally ease up, giving him a moment to catch his breath. Taking advantage of the pause, Qi Ji ignored the lingering ache on his lips. “The day after tomorrow… is graduation…”
Since they confirmed their relationship, the number of times they had been intimate could be counted on one hand. Not that he didn’t enjoy it—he was simply not used to it. His stamina was actually above average, enough to stand out among ordinary people, but beside Pei Yusheng, it fell short.
Their size difference was also significant. Though Pei Yusheng had restrained himself during their encounters, Qi Ji would still sleep heavily afterward, needing over a day to recover. With the graduation ceremony taking up most of the day—speeches and the tassel-turning—Qi Ji feared he wouldn’t have the energy, hence his plea.
Hearing this, Pei Yusheng paused, then pressed a kiss to the corner of Qi Ji’s lips and sighed softly. “Alright, endurance is part of life’s experiences too.”
Feeling guilty, Qi Ji kissed him back and whispered, “After the ceremony, it’ll be fine…”
Pei Yusheng brushed his fingertip along the boy’s soft cheek. “It’s okay. I’m happy just being able to kiss you.”
Yet, as he held Qi Ji in his arms, he muttered, “It’ll be even better after the ceremony.”
Qi Ji understood and buried his face against Pei Yusheng’s chest, unusually unembarrassed.
When the applications began, it was finally Qi Ji’s graduation day. Mingyu had to be at the school computer lab to submit his own choices, so he couldn’t come. Pei Yusheng, however, had cleared his schedule to accompany Qi Ji.
Qi Ji had applied for a companion pass, so upon arrival, he led Pei Yusheng straight into the main gymnasium. Graduates were seated early, leaving time before the ceremony began. Students chatted in small groups and took photos.
This graduation included students from all programs in the department, including undergraduates, postgraduates, and doctoral candidates. Upon seeing Pei Yusheng, some graduate students recognized him. “You’re… Mr. Pei from Yuntu?”
A young faculty member passing by also looked surprised.
Yuntu was a highly renowned company in S City, particularly in software. Recognition of Pei Yusheng wasn’t surprising.
In no time, Pei Yusheng was greeted several times. Beyond the surprise of his presence, people were curious why he was there. Naturally, they assumed, “Are you here to discuss a collaboration with the department?”
Pei Yusheng simply smiled. “No, I’m a parent today.”
Hearing this, Qi Ji, who was speaking with classmates, felt his cheeks heat up. Hearing Pei Yusheng called a parent was somehow more embarrassing than hearing the word “lover,” reminiscent of when he had first called him “Sir.”
Though seniors and teachers were curious, they politely refrained from asking more. Qi Ji and Pei Yusheng sat together; the attention from others was friendly and unobtrusive.
As graduation neared its end, everyone dispersed quietly. Once the ceremony began, attention shifted to the stage. After speeches and advice, students lined up for tassel-turning. Parents couldn’t accompany them, so Pei Yusheng stayed seated.
Qi Ji received his tassel, held his diploma, and posed for photos with classmates, noticing Pei Yusheng below, taking pictures just like other parents.
Suddenly, he realized: this was one of the most important moments in his life—and Pei Yusheng was part of it.
Ever since his parents passed, Qi Ji had faced the reality that his future path was his alone. It had taken him time to accept this. Now, someone else had entered his life, filling in his losses and accompanying him through the rest of his life.
The stage lights were bright, slightly blurring his vision, but his chest felt sweet—like strawberries, pure and blissful.
After the tassel ceremony, students could leave early. Qi Ji and Pei Yusheng walked out together. Once they were away from familiar faces, Pei Yusheng finally reached for Qi Ji’s hand.
They stopped beneath the century-old locust tree. The summer breeze rustled the green leaves, sunlight filtering through into circular patches on their shoulders.
The man smiled, fingers interlaced with his. “Happy graduation.”
Pei Yusheng had driven them there. On the way back, Qi Ji saw him answer three or four calls, all about scheduling. For the next two days, Pei Yusheng would neither attend meetings nor work.
Seeing the lines of his wrist on the steering wheel, Qi Ji remembered the promise he had made—tasks to be done after the ceremony.
Once the calls ended, the car fell silent. Qi Ji tensed—but then Pei Yusheng said something entirely unexpected.
“Qi Qi, do you still want to continue studying?”
Qi Ji blinked. “Studying? But… I just graduated.”
He had already signed with Yuntu.
“Mm.” Pei Yusheng’s tone was serious, thoughtful rather than impulsive. “Have you ever taken a language exam?”
Qi Ji shook his head. He was actually good with foreign languages, but the exam fees were expensive. He had debts before and couldn’t afford it.
Pei Yusheng said, “That’s fine. There’s still time. You can apply to schools abroad. With your undergraduate school and GPA, even Ivy League applications wouldn’t be too hard.”
Of course, staying in China was possible, but preparing for graduate exams would be trickier. With Qi Ji’s transcript, applying abroad was far simpler.
“Apply…?”
Qi Ji really hadn’t considered this before. His cumulative GPA ranked him in the top three of the entire department, enough to secure guaranteed admission to graduate school. But because he needed to earn money to pay off debts, he had voluntarily given up that opportunity and chosen to go into an internship instead.
And now, that missed chance was being placed back in front of him by Pei Yusheng.
“I… I…” Qi Ji hesitated, suddenly unsure when the topic came up.
Pei Yusheng tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. “It’s fine. Take your time to think it over. There’s no rush.”
He had always been endlessly patient when it came to matters concerning Qi Ji.
Qi Ji thought for a moment, then couldn’t help asking, “What about my job at Yuntu? I just signed the tripartite agreement…”
He paused, then continued, “But I just signed it—shouldn’t affect the company too much, right? And even if I go back to studying, I’ll still be considered a fresh graduate, so finding a job afterward shouldn’t be too hard…”
Pei Yusheng smiled. Though Qi Ji hadn’t made a decision yet, his tone already leaned toward continuing his studies.
“Won’t be a problem,” he said.
He was the boss—what kind of impact could it have?
But in front of Qi Ji, Pei Yusheng had no intention of using authority to pressure him. Instead, he offered another option: “Actually, Yuntu has positions that allow employees to take a leave for further study. If the school you apply to is good, Yuntu will even provide funding support.”
Qi Ji froze. “Leave for further study?”
He hadn’t expected such favorable conditions.
“Yes,” Pei Yusheng said. “Just look at Xinghai. They have collaborations with universities worldwide and allocate a considerable portion of funds each year to support research labs. Employees can enter these institutions, which also benefits Xinghai.”
Qi Ji couldn’t help feeling tempted.
T University’s small-class program had been similar—Pei Yusheng always seemed able to offer exceptional options perfectly suited to him.
“How do I apply for a leave-for-study position?” he asked.
Pei Yusheng explained, “These positions are usually for technical roles. It might be harder for design positions, but meeting certain evaluation criteria can get approval.”
“You worked on design proposals for Xinghai before, right? Just list them on the application form.”
“I remember seeing related posts on the internal forum under important matters. You can check them out.”
Qi Ji found the post. It was brief, and he finished reading it even before Pei Yusheng reminded him to be careful about carsickness.
By the time they got home, Qi Ji had made his decision. “I want to study,” he said.
He wanted to learn, to improve himself. To become a better version of himself.
The car entered the Tan Palace villa. Pei Yusheng parked, stepped out, and ruffled the boy’s hair, a smile lighting up his handsome features. “Good.”
No matter what the boy decided, he would support him.
“Go boldly after the future you want.”
I’ll go with you.
Walking from the front garden to the villa, Qi Ji still hadn’t calmed down from the thought of returning to study.
Pei Yusheng spoke again, this time about studying: “To apply, you’ll need to prepare for language exams. You should start now. Qi Qi, how’s your English?”
Entering the house, Qi Ji thought carefully before answering. “Should be okay? I remember in the second semester of freshman year, I scored 650 on CET-6.”
Pei Yusheng nodded. “Then you don’t have any major weaknesses. Let’s start by memorizing vocabulary first.”
Qi Ji nodded. “Do I need to buy a vocabulary book first?”
“No rush on the book.”
Once Qi Ji changed his shoes, Pei Yusheng pressed him gently from behind, holding the back of his neck.
His tall nose brushed the boy’s sensitive ear, lightly grazing, his warm breath flickering over the pale pink ear tip. “The most important thing is to set up a reward-and-punishment plan… right? Like, memorize fifty words a day, and you get a kiss.”
Caught off guard against the wall, Qi Ji’s ears tingled under the teasing, husky voice. “Mmm…”
The man behind him continued, voice low and teasing: “Miss one word, and you get punished with a kiss.”
Qi Ji bit his lower lip, gripping his palm to keep from making a sound. He drew in a deep breath to steady his voice. “That… that’s just… a way to make me not memorize them…”
“Huh?” Pei Yusheng raised an eyebrow. “So you just want me to kiss you?”
He gently bit the nape of Qi Ji’s neck.
“Didn’t expect my diligent little student to rebel,” he murmured.
“Ugh…!”
Qi Ji shivered, finally managing to reach back and touch the man behind him.
Not to push him away, but to clutch the edge of his clothing tightly.
Like holding onto a lifeline that gave him the most comfort.
His forehead rested against the wall, his breath fogging the smooth tiles.
Quietly, he whispered the last thing he could say aloud tonight:
“I… I want you to kiss me.”
To kiss me.
To hold me.
To go together.
Towards a better future.