Deadly Sweet - Chapter 8 - Mixed Fried Rice

Yan Heng’s mind was filled with Jiang Yao’s cold and undeniable “yes.” The smile on his face became strained, his fingers clenched into fists under the desk, and his dark eyes began to redden with emotion.

So, he already has someone he likes… The person I fell for at first sight already has someone in his heart? The smile on his lips turned bitter. He blinked and focused intently on Jiang Yao, who was looking out the window, unwilling to meet his gaze. The sense of grievance in his heart surged like a flood, crashing against the dam of reason.

The intensity of Yan Heng’s gaze was so overwhelming that it felt like it could set Jiang Yao on fire.

Jiang Yao took a deep breath to steady his expression before turning his head. His clear eyes met Yan Heng’s burning gaze, and he smiled lightly.

“Although I don’t know what you’re thinking, I’m not suitable for you.” And you’re not suitable for me either.

Jiang Yao hadn’t interacted much with Yan Heng, but he inexplicably felt that Yan Heng had straight alpha syndrome.

Even though Yan Heng had spent the whole day trying to please him, doing everything to make him happy, it didn’t change Jiang Yao’s sudden impression.

“…We haven’t even seriously interacted. How can you be so sure we’re not suitable for each other? Maybe I’m more suitable than the person you like…” Yan Heng retorted without thinking, only to see Jiang Yao’s faintly amused expression. His thin lips pressed tightly together, unwilling to say more. But his intense gaze never left Jiang Yao, not for a moment.

Jiang Yao could even feel the grievance in that gaze, but what did Yan Heng’s grievance have to do with him?

Jiang Yao had always been cold-hearted towards outsiders. His emerald green eyes showed no emotion as he calmly observed Yan Heng’s pain.

The bell signaling the end of class rang amidst the tense atmosphere between them. Yan Heng was the first to look away, his hurried steps like a defeated soldier fleeing the battlefield. Jiang Yao watched his retreating figure with a complex feeling.

He hadn’t had time to sort out his thoughts when Jiang Yuan, who hadn’t spoken to him for days, appeared at the classroom door, drawing everyone’s attention.

Jiang Yuan irritably ruffled his stiff hair. Meeting Jiang Yao’s clear gaze, he finally sighed and walked over. His slender fingers tapped the desk twice.

“Yao, I’m sorry.”

He shouldn’t have taken out his bad mood on Jiang Yao. Jiang Yao hadn’t done anything wrong and didn’t deserve his anger and dissatisfaction.

Jiang Yao tilted his head, a light but genuine smile appearing on his lips. His emerald green eyes shimmered like the vast ocean, embracing everything in the world.

“Want to go eat?” This was his way of forgiving Jiang Yuan for his behavior over the past few days. Jiang Yao was always indulgent with his family, like a sweet and clingy cotton candy, never holding a grudge.

“Sure, Yao, what do you want to eat?” Jiang Yuan took his brother’s hand and led him out. His narrow eyes squinted slightly in the sunlight. He seemed to remember something and turned to seriously examine Jiang Yao’s flawless skin.

“Did you take your medicine today?”

“Yes…”

Jiang Yao didn’t understand why, despite his high combat power, his immune system was as weak as a novice. If he didn’t take his medicine, it would shut down like a malfunctioning machine.

“How about something light for dinner? Vegetarian?”

“Second brother, why don’t you become a monk?” Jiang Yao couldn’t understand why Jiang Yuan always wanted to take him to eat vegetarian food. He raised an eyebrow, his pupils slightly enlarging to reflect Jiang Yuan’s image.

“Let’s have buddha jumps over the wall¹.”

“Alright.” Jiang Yuan naturally wouldn’t refuse Jiang Yao’s request. The two of them swaggered out of the school gate. Jiang Yao, who had been looking down as if studying the ground, suddenly lifted his head and stared straight at a familiar figure.

Yan Heng was ahead, with another boy. The boy seemed to be Yan Heng’s brother, teasing him with a mocking smile, hoping to dissuade him from his unrealistic and whimsical thoughts.

Jiang Yuan, noticing Jiang Yao’s gaze, squinted his narrow eyes and scrutinized the tall alpha ahead. He tightened his grip on Jiang Yao’s hand, his eyes scanning the area before speaking nonchalantly.

“Is that your new deskmate this semester?”

“You already know, so why ask?” Jiang Yao raised an eyebrow, his eyes filled with a faint smile as he looked at Jiang Yuan’s uncertain expression. Finally, he couldn’t help but laugh at the dark, bottomless eyes staring back at him.

The icy expression melted away with his laughter, like spring water flowing freely through lush forests, basking in the sunlight.

Jiang Yao’s lively eyes resembled an angel fallen to earth, his thin lips curving into a bold smile. His youthful energy radiated the unique arrogance and recklessness of their age.

“Second brother, what are you worried about?” His fingers lightly rested on Jiang Yuan’s shoulder as he leaned his head down, completely trusting and relying on him.

“Afraid my little treasure will be taken away.” Jiang Yuan easily lifted Jiang Yao onto his back, turning to smile at him. His dark eyes sparkled like stars, enough to light up the world.

Jiang Yao didn’t struggle, resting comfortably on his brother’s back. The smile on his lips stiffened for a moment but quickly returned to normal. He laughed, his eyes curving: “Brother, I’ve been eyeing a car recently.”

Though he wasn’t old enough to drive, he had a rare fondness for cars.

“Which one?”

“The one from HE’s latest line.” It was the most expensive model of the season. Jiang Yuan, always indulgent with his brother, naturally agreed to buy it upon hearing Jiang Yao’s interest.

The two chatted and laughed as they quickly arrived at a nearby restaurant, where the prices weren’t something an average person could afford daily.

The owner, familiar with the two young masters, hurried to welcome them into a private room. His round belly and beaming smile gave him a Buddha-like appearance.

“What would you like to eat today?”

“Buddha jumps over the wall.” Jiang Yao smiled and handed the menu to Jiang Yuan. He never liked ordering food.

Jiang Yuan skillfully ordered a few of their usual dishes. His slender fingers ruffled Jiang Yao’s hair, making it look like a bird’s nest, and couldn’t help but laugh, causing Jiang Yao’s face to darken.

“Keep laughing, and I’ll wipe that smile off your face.” Today, Jiang Yao was particularly irritable.

Footnote:

1. Buddha Jumps Over the Wall(佛跳墙): A luxurious Chinese dish from Fujian cuisine, consisting of premium ingredients like abalone, sea cucumber, and shark fin stewed in a rich broth. The name humorously implies the aroma is so enticing that even a vegetarian Buddha would jump over a wall to taste it.