“Alright, I understand. I’ll make sure to teach him a lesson when we get back. We still need to buy some New Year goods, so we’ll be heading off.”
Yun Qianxin ended the small talk at the right moment, waved goodbye to the woman, and left while holding Gu Yu’s left arm. Still immersed in her role as a girlfriend, she teased him playfully, “My boyfriend is quite impressive—so many girls flirting with you. Should you kneel on a washboard when we get home?”
“Qianxin-jie, stop teasing. You know I like—”
“Yes, yes, Xiao Yu likes your female classmate the most. You won’t even play along with your sister a little.”
Yun Qianxin pouted, her cheeks puffed slightly with a hint of cuteness. Even on her mature, cool, and beautiful face, it didn’t look out of place.
Gu Yu shifted his arm, trying to take the chance to pull it out from her ample chest. “Then maybe don’t hold me like this. Someone might laugh at us.”
“Who’s laughing? Is it embarrassing to be mistaken as your sister’s boyfriend? If you bring up other girls again, I’ll bite you. Right now, Xiao Yu belongs to me.”
“Alright, alright, do whatever you want.”
At this moment, Yun Qianxin looked like a spoiled, lively young girl. The contrast between her tall figure and stunning appearance made her even more alluring. Gu Yu caught a glimpse of her possessive side—something he didn’t quite know how to handle.
Once they exited the residential area, they reached the familiar old street. With the New Year approaching, it was especially lively. Many shops had bright red signs displayed outside, loudspeakers blaring. There were many unfamiliar faces on the street—people who had returned from working in other cities.
Gu Yu saw them dragging suitcases along the sidewalk, speaking casually on the phone. Some were greeted by family members who had come out to welcome them, exchanging handshakes and warm words. The scene was full of warmth and happiness.
A middle-aged man carrying large bags was greeted by two little girls and an elderly woman. Gu Yu recognized them—they were a family from his neighborhood. The parents had gone to work in a big city, while the girls stayed with their grandparents.
During times of reunion, every household was filled with life. Gu Yu used to avoid going out at times like this—he didn’t want to see it. That warmth didn’t belong to him.
“This hat looks nice. Xiao Yu, try it on.” Yun Qianxin stopped in front of a clothing store and placed a light gray fluffy hat on his head.
She turned him toward her, capturing all his attention, and looked him up and down. “It suits you quite well. It matches your scarf too. What do you think? Is it warm?”
“It’s warm. Very comfortable.”
“Then it’s yours.” She adjusted the brim and turned to pay before he could refuse. “Just accept it. Don’t be fussy.”
“I… I understand.”
People passed by constantly on the street. Yun Qianxin happily dragged Gu Yu around, smiling brightly, acting intimately, occasionally teasing his awkwardness with ease.
A handsome boy and a beautiful girl easily attracted attention. If Gu Yu acted more natural and relaxed, others would see them as a young couple on a romantic date.
But with his current reaction, it looked more like an older sister teasing a shy younger boy.
The street stretched far into the distance. As Yun Qianxin searched for interesting things, she spotted a cinema getting closer.
“Xiao Yu, Xiao Yu, let’s go watch a movie!” she said excitedly, pointing at it like an energetic child.
The cinema had been there for many years. Its sign was worn but it was still operating. At the ticket counter, an older woman was selling tickets. Several Spring Festival movies with good reviews were showing, and there was quite a line.
The last time Gu Yu came here was when his father was still alive—after he got full marks on a final exam in elementary school.
Yun Qianxin bought the tickets and led him into the theater. The movie was about to start. The big screen was already lit, and the lights were dimmed. It seemed popular—the seats were mostly filled.
They sat next to each other in the middle. Yun Qianxin bought a bucket of golden, sweet popcorn and placed it between them.
Gu Yu had chosen the movie—a newly released sci-fi film.
As the movie began, Yun Qianxin turned her head, tracing the outline of the boy’s face. The light from the screen illuminated him, revealing his delicate features—handsome, gentle, with a natural innocence and obedience. Very fitting for his personality… and very suitable to be kept as a pet.
The grand and dazzling opening scenes quickly captured all of Gu Yu’s attention. His eyes stayed fixed on the screen.
Yun Qianxin suddenly felt a bit regretful. She should have chosen something more suitable for them. Leaving the choice to him meant his attention was easily stolen.
She recalled a phrase she had once seen online—“How can women compare to games?”—and felt a bit displeased.
She would respect his interests and accompany him, but before that, his sense of belonging had to be hers. Only when he bore her mark would he be worthy of that freedom.
Yun Qianxin picked up a piece of popcorn and held it to his lips. He froze for a moment, about to take it, but she seized the moment he opened his mouth and pushed it in. Her slender fingers brushed against his lips and teeth.
“Is it good?” she asked innocently.
“Mm, it’s quite sweet.”
She picked up another piece. “Here, let your sister feed you.”
“No need, I can—”
“Be good.” She knocked his hand away and stuffed it into his mouth again. “You’re going to bite my fingers off.”
Gu Yu didn’t respond, returning his gaze to the screen. The small interruption didn’t distract from the climax.
Nearby, a young couple whispered and laughed softly. Their intimacy reached Yun Qianxin’s ears. She looked at the boy’s gentle expression—there was no trace of herself in it.
He still didn’t understand what he should truly be looking at. Even when the girl wasn’t by his side, his eyes weren’t filled with her.
Or perhaps… it was precisely because she wasn’t the one he liked that she wasn’t reflected in his gaze?
Since it was the New Year, shouldn’t she give herself a gift too? Such an obedient boy—going a little too far wouldn’t matter. After all, he would belong to her sooner or later. Taking some “advance payment” wasn’t unreasonable.
Two hours later, the movie ended. The noisy crowd gradually filed out. Neither of them liked crowds, so they stayed seated.
The noise faded. Everyone had left.
Gu Yu stood up. “Qianxin-jie, we can go now.”
No response.
Yun Qianxin had grown quiet during the last part of the movie. She stood up. The lively, cheerful girl was gone—her eyes now cold and domineering, like a queen looking down on everything.
Suddenly, she grabbed Gu Yu, pressed her head into the crook of his neck, and viciously bit down on his slender throat.