Tch, I Know How.

When a person isn't present, you always need some object to entrust your thoughts and feelings to, otherwise it's easy to get lovesick. When Gu Zhuoyan left, he entrusted the German Shepherd to Zhuang Fanxin. The person went far away and left the dog as collateral, saying that if he didn't return as scheduled, the hostage could be killed.

The German Shepherd was moved from the Xue Family to the Zhuang Family. As a hostage, he sat on leather sofas, slept on double beds, and ate more than Zhuang Fanxin and Zhao Jianqiu combined. When out for a walk, he ran into his former owner, Gu Baoyan, but showed no excitement at all. He wagged his tail once to show some respect, then left with Zhuang Fanxin.

After coming home from school, Zhuang Fanxin didn't even take off his backpack and ran straight to the back garden. His family's garden was comparable to a picture from a gardening magazine, filled with clusters of flowers and lush greenery. These days, a big, glossy black-furred dog had been added to the scene.

"Bond!" Zhuang Fanxin found that lord on the coarse cotton sofa. Behind it were a few grape trellises hung with small lights, which cast down a glow, illuminating a mangled gardenia petal on the sofa.

Zhuang Fanxin cursed, "Fuck," and quickly destroyed the evidence, cleaning everything up. He even found the broken twig and trimmed it. Otherwise, if Zhao Jianqiu found out, she would make him spread fertilizer all night. He nestled beside Bond, opened a pack of sugar-free vegetable crackers Qi Nan had given him, and fed more than half of it to the dog.

When dinner was ready, Zhuang Fanxin went back inside the house. He saw that the amaryllis flowers below the steps had also met a cruel fate. He couldn't help but wonder. Even if Zhao Jianqiu was so busy she didn't have time to warm her seat, she would definitely walk around the garden once or twice a day. But it seemed Zhao Jianqiu hadn't been to the garden today.

He went to the dining room to eat. There were two dishes and a soup. One of the dishes was takeout, and the soup was made from an instant soup packet. At the other end of the table was a large bag of snacks: bread, yogurt, potato chips, potato chips, potato chips... His eyes widened at the sight.

"Mom, did you go to the supermarket?" Zhuang Fanxin asked.

Zhao Jianqiu came out of the kitchen carrying a small dish of preserved olives. She said, "I bought some food. If I don't have time to cook or if you don't feel full after a meal, you can have some to tide you over."

Usually, Zhuang Xianyang did the cooking. Zhao Jianqiu, having grown up abroad, didn't know how to make many Chinese dishes, only occasionally handling breakfast or helping out. Now that Zhuang Xianyang was away, it was inevitably a struggle for her to manage the meals alone.

Zhuang Fanxin asked, "Mom, I can eat potato chips now?"

Zhao Jianqiu said, "When there's a problem of not having enough to eat, we can't worry about whether it's healthy or not." She felt she was being a bit derelict in her duties as a mother. "Don't tell your dad."

"Oh!" Zhuang Fanxin slurped his soup. "Mom, have you been very busy lately? You haven't even tended to the garden."

Zhao Jianqiu tucked her hair back, her every move unable to hide her exhaustion. After a long moment, she replied, "Quite busy." Zhuang Fanxin was sensible enough not to ask more, but he couldn't help but overthink. Zhuang Xianyang had been in Los Angeles for over ten days and had called twice, but he still didn't know the specifics of his grandfather's condition.

"Mom," Zhuang Fanxin said, choosing his words carefully, "when Dad called you, what did he say?"

Zhao Jianqiu looked up. "He gave a lot of instructions, pretty much the same as what he says every time he's on a business trip."

"So... how's Grandpa?"

"He's still in the hospital under observation. With heart and cardiovascular problems, no one can predict the variables." Zhao Jianqiu said, "Your dad didn't go into specifics. He knows what he's doing, you don't need to worry."

Zhuang Fanxin breathed a sigh of relief. "What about Grandma?"

"Grandma has your dad with her, she's fine." Zhao Jianqiu wiped her mouth, having only eaten half a bowl of rice for the entire meal. "As for you, focus on reviewing your schoolwork. As soon as winter break starts, we'll fly over to be with Grandpa and Grandma. Maybe seeing you will make your grandpa feel better."

Zhuang Fanxin's gaze faltered slightly. He had already promised Gu Zhuoyan he would stay in Rong City for the Spring Festival this year, and he'd even made a promise to Xue Maochen on New Year's Day. Who would have thought that just one night later, he would find out his grandfather was sick. In order to spend the new year with him, Gu Zhuoyan had stubbornly argued with his family without yielding. Now, Gu Zhuoyan had rushed back as if to pay a debt, so how could he go back on his word.

But his grandfather's condition in Los Angeles was unclear...

Zhuang Fanxin put down his bowl and chopsticks, his lips parting and closing as he hesitated, wondering how to say it. However, Zhao Jianqiu didn't notice his state and got up to wash the dishes in the kitchen on her own.

He closed his mouth, unable to voice his thoughts for the moment. 'Forget it, I'll just tell Zhuang Xianyang directly the next time he calls.' He left the dining table and went upstairs. He paused by the bag of snacks but didn't take anything, having lost his appetite for potato chips.

Zhuang Fanxin stayed in the study. Ever since Gu Zhuoyan went home, he would contact him more or less every night. At most, a phone call; at least, a text message. Today, because of the matter of whether to fly to Los Angeles for winter break, he stayed quiet and didn't make a move.

But the other side was thinking of him and sent a text as if to test the waters: Busy? It was like a secret code; it wouldn't matter even if someone else saw it on his phone. Zhuang Fanxin was in the middle of solving a math problem, so he didn't see it or reply.

Gu Zhuoyan couldn't wait any longer and called directly. The ringtone in the quiet study made the tip of Zhuang Fanxin's pen slip. Zhuang Fanxin tilted his head, cradling the phone between his ear and shoulder, and answered. Gu Zhuoyan's soft breathing was right by his ear.

"What're you doing?" Gu Zhuoyan asked. Behind those three words was a long string of sentences: Why didn't you text back, why didn't you contact me, what do you have to do that's more important than love?

Zhuang Fanxin replied, "Doing a math worksheet."

Gu Zhuoyan laughed. "Do you know how? If you don't, read the problem out loud, and I'll tutor you remotely."

"Tch, I know how." Zhuang Fanxin's pen didn't stop, but his mouth did. Gu Zhuoyan never rushed him, patiently waiting for him to finish writing. He finished writing in silence, straightened his posture, but still didn't speak, only stirring the other's nerves with his long, drawn-out breaths.

After a long time, Gu Zhuoyan said softly, "If something's on your mind, good or bad, you can tell me."

This kind of gentleness was truly fatal. He clearly saw everything but didn't ask directly. They clearly had the most intimate relationship, yet he maintained a sliver of distance, representing respect or trust. Staying outside the boundary line, while at the same time saying, full of protectiveness and understanding, "you can tell me."

Zhuang Fanxin's expression was wooden. His heart was already soft and 'juicy', unable to stand being poked at. Being marinated and kneaded like this by Gu Zhuoyan's kindness, he became even more unsettled, like a poorly-made dough ball, and found it harder and harder to hold back.

His voice was low, as if his throat was being squeezed. He said his family wanted him to go to Los Angeles after winter break started, and he hadn't found a chance to say that he wanted to stay in Rong City for the New Year. Afraid Gu Zhuoyan would be disappointed or unhappy, he added a diffident "I'm sorry" after he finished speaking.

"How is your grandfather's condition?" Gu Zhuoyan asked.

Zhuang Fanxin said, "I'm not too sure. I plan to ask my dad next time. If it's nothing serious, I'll tell him I'm not going over for winter break."

That was the good outcome, but what if the old man's condition was worrying? Even if it wasn't serious, if a sick old man asked to see his grandson for the New Year, how could he refuse? Zhuang Fanxin knew he couldn't refuse, so he didn't say what would happen otherwise. Facing Gu Zhuoyan, who was far away in the north at this very moment, he couldn't bring himself to say it.

But Gu Zhuoyan could guess, and he could also figure out Zhuang Fanxin's worries and feelings. He said, "You went back every year before. Since your grandpa is sick this year, you should go back even more."

Zhuang Fanxin said, "But I promised you I'd spend the New Year in Rong City."

"There's a reason for it, and it's not like I'm unreasonable." Gu Zhuoyan said, "If my grandpa were sick, I would definitely come back to see him too. Otherwise, I'd be a real ingrate."

Zhuang Fanxin was a little regretful. "If I had known, I wouldn't have tied you down. I made you stay, but now I'm leaving. I'm so disloyal..."

Gu Zhuoyan burst into laughter. "I'm fucking dating you, what bullshit loyalty are you talking about? How about you take a knife in the ribs for me instead?"

He was like a caring big brother, comforting and coaxing, telling Zhuang Fanxin not to worry about it. They had a lifetime ahead of them, so what was a winter break of less than twenty days? Besides, there was no need to dwell on the worst. Things might take an unexpected turn, and he might be able to stay in the end.

Zhuang Fanxin was won over by Gu Zhuoyan's clever words and stopped worrying. He was quite happy after they teased each other a bit. Bond, who was lying under the desk, shot out upon hearing the laughter, bumping into the table leg and knocking off a few design drawings from the corner of the desk.

Each sheet was numbered, and one of them was the newest one. Zhuang Fanxin picked it up and held it, looking down at it. 'Going to Los Angeles does have one benefit, it'll be more convenient to make the gift.' But he couldn't wait. Once the design was done, it had to be made, and there were so many steps. If the final product wasn't satisfactory, it had to be redone. If it was still not satisfactory, it had to be redone again, and sometimes even the design had to be scrapped and started over.

After ending the call, Zhuang Fanxin was completely freed from his sea of melancholy and mountain of sorrow. Instead of worrying about the unknown, it was better to put his time and energy into more important things.

After finishing his homework, he revised the design draft—a complex and magnificent king's crown. The lines seemed irregular, but they held a sense of familiarity. If one were to connect the dots of the main outline within, the design's original foundation would be fully revealed—like the sea-blue Earth, like every ocean around the globe.

Zhuang Fanxin used the distribution of the world's oceans, straits, and rivers to outline the shape of a crown. Shaped by the sea, then filled with the sea. When the time came, it would be inlaid with sea glass of varying shades, creating a three-dimensional blue planet.

The inspiration for the "White Chess Queen" was a chess game—precise, methodical steps, the epitome of dignity and elegance. It was his interpretation of Western crowns and Eastern culture. But this eighteenth birthday present for Gu Zhuoyan had a broader, yet more personal, definition. The ocean waves of an entire planet were frozen onto the crown; he wanted to give Gu Zhuoyan a world.

This was a romance of his own creation, a cheesy sentiment he would only offer to one person in his life.

As for the name... he thought about it so hard his hair could fall out, but he still couldn't come up with one. So, to avoid going bald, he decided to think about it later.

Zhuang Fanxin's life became more disciplined than ever before. He studied seriously at school, took care of the dog and did chores after school, and focused most of his attention on making the gift. After searching for a few days, he found a good studio. The old master craftsman there was skilled and reliable, and the assistants were enthusiastic and patient. Once the final draft was set, he went to the studio to start the production process ahead of time.

After scanning the precise blueprints, Zhuang Fanxin arranged each step, from creating the mold to cutting and shaping the sea glass. He made it crystal clear which parts he would do himself and which parts he had to supervise on-site. Everyone was surprised to see that someone so young was actually an expert; it was truly novel. He never mentioned his background, just treated it as if he were participating in another competition, and all the steps proceeded smoothly with a sense of urgency and efficiency.

The evening glow tinted the sky red. It was Saturday. Zhuang Fanxin had spent the entire day at the studio. Now, he had showered and was out walking the dog. Bond was flirting with a Samoyed, while he sat alone in front of a convenience store eating oden.

He didn't get to eat enough last time. Gu Zhuoyan ate one skewer after another, while he only got to chew on a piece of daikon radish.

His thigh buzzed slightly, and Zhuang Fanxin took out his vibrating phone. He quickly swallowed the fish cake and answered, "Dad!"

Zhuang Xianyang was originally a bit tired, but hearing this crisp voice perked him up a little. "Did you miss me?"

"I did!" Zhuang Fanxin replied. He sat up straight, like a well-behaved elementary school student, but it was a pity that Teacher Zhuang on the other side of the ocean couldn't see him. However, Zhuang Xianyang praised him, saying he'd heard he was very sensible, helping with the garden, washing dishes, and sweeping every day, and even knew to wash his own dirty clothes without being told.

Zhuang Fanxin chuckled, feeling a bit embarrassed. He complained, "Dad, Mom's cooking is really not that great. I want to eat the food you cook."

Zhuang Xianyang said, "Are you stupid? Just take a small gift and go eat at Grandpa Xue's house."

"That would be too much of a blow to Mom." Zhuang Fanxin took a sip of the broth, feeling delighted. "I'm eating oden in front of the convenience store now to tide me over, so I can eat less for dinner."

Zhuang Xianyang said, "Don't secretly eat potato chips."

"Do I even need to eat them secretly?" Zhuang Fanxin said proudly. "My mom's given up completely. She bought a ton of potato chips for me. I take a bag to school every day."

Zhuang Xianyang clicked his tongue, his amusement tinged with how much he missed the mother and son. The father and son chatted idly for a while, sharing a laugh. Over here, the evening glow faded completely. Zhuang Fanxin looked at the sky and heard a muffled English sentence from the phone.

A nurse must have said it while passing by. Zhuang Xianyang must be at the hospital. Zhuang Fanxin finally couldn't help but ask. He became nervous. It turned out that no matter how much you try to build up to it with jokes and banter, a nerve-racking matter will still be nerve-racking.

"Dad, is Grandpa okay?" he asked.

"Yeah," Zhuang Xianyang answered. Just like when Zhao Jianqiu answered if she was busy, he paused for a moment before saying, "He's okay."

Zhuang Fanxin had no intention of discerning whether it was true or not. He went on to ask about his grandmother, how long his grandfather would be hospitalized, whether Zhuang Xianyang was tired these days, and when he would probably be back.

Suddenly, Zhuang Xianyang said, "School's about to let out for break, right?"

Zhuang Fanxin's heart tightened. He seemed to have guessed what Zhuang Xianyang was going to say next. Luckily, he had talked it over with Gu Zhuoyan and had already prepared for the least desirable scenario.

He was prepared to fly to Los Angeles as soon as the break started.

However, Zhuang Xianyang said, "After this semester ends, just go abroad to study."