Our Entire Family Has Secrets [Transmigrated] - Chapter 29

When October arrives, the temperature in Qiancheng drops unexpectedly without warning.

The seasons in this city always seem to arrive early or late, and everyone has grown accustomed to it.

This morning, as they left the house, Zhang Shu mentioned, “It’s been a while since my little son bought new clothes. Do you want to go shopping with Mom this weekend?”

Yuan Bozhu shook his head; he mostly wore his school uniform, so there was no need to buy new clothes.

However, Zhang Shu reminded him, “You’ve grown a lot taller since last year; your autumn and winter coats are probably too small now.”

Before she could finish, she paused, her gaze dropping to Yuan Bozhu’s sneakers, and she said seriously,

“You need new shoes too. I don’t know why, but your shoes always seem to fall apart easily. When I was cleaning them last night, I noticed they were already coming apart at the seams. We can’t put this off; we’re buying new ones tonight.”

Yuan Bozhu remained silent.

His shoes wore out easily because he often ran into the mountains; he couldn’t practice swordsmanship in the sky all the time, and the mountain roads were rough and muddy, with gravel constantly wearing down his shoes.

He glanced down at his feet; although they seemed fine at first glance, who knew when the soles might fall off.

It was definitely urgent.

“I’ll go by myself.”

“No,” Zhang Shu insisted, “Your taste in buying things is even worse than Dad’s. I’ll go with you.”

Going shopping with Zhang Zhu was terrifying; she could turn a ten-minute task into an all-night ordeal.

It might end up with Yuan Bozhu carrying her bags. So Yuan Bozhu said, “I’ll just take whatever fits.”

“No way! Boys need to dress nicely too!”

Zhang Shu then enumerated the impact of dressing well or not on life, and finally said, “Sweetie, don’t always think about saving money. Our family is very wealthy.”

Yuan Bozhu didn’t actually think about saving money;

He just wasn’t interested in dressing up. As long as the clothes fit and the shoes were the right size, he didn’t see much of a difference.

However, he did agree with Zhang Shu’s statement about their family’s wealth.

Regardless of Zhang Shu’s background, it was simply true that for her, shoes costing less than four digits were considered junk.

It was hard to say their family was poor.

After some negotiation, they compromised.

Yuan Bozhu could buy clothes and shoes by himself, but he had to show them to the family.

It had to be approved by two or more family members to pass. Yuan Bozhu agreed verbally, but he wasn’t actually convinced.

He could just bring the clothes back; who could stop him?

However, when Zhang Shu mentioned letting their older siblings take a look, Yuan Bozhu’s gaze flickered toward the rooms of Yuan Wanjiao and Yuan Qifeng.

The doors were open, and there was no one inside. They hadn’t come back. This was expected.

Yuan Wanjiao’s energy gland was damaged, forcing her into a state of forced shock, sealing her spiritual power.

She probably needed some time to recuperate in the spider domain. Yuan Qifeng wouldn’t enter the spider domain, of course, but he was also injured—

The power of the witch’s prophecy was very strange; it might not directly cause much physical harm, but it could continue to disrupt the mind and psyche for a period of time afterward.

Before the influence was eliminated, the beastmen were easily prone to unstable changes; they might suddenly extend their wolf claws while eating or howl at the moon in the middle of the night.

To avoid such a situation, Yuan Qifeng should find a place to lay low.

For some reason, Yuan Bozhu wasn’t worried about him.

Not only because after the mercenaries were caught in the spider domain last time, a ban was issued on the spider domain, and it was unlikely to mess around again in the short term.

Also, because he knew the place where Yuan Qifeng was temporarily hiding was very safe.

Yuan Bozhu’s calmness stemmed from his clear understanding that the situation of these two people was not dangerous. But his parents also completely ignored it, even more indifferent than Yuan Bozhu.

This was probably a kind of talent.

The couple always believed that young people in their twenties should go out more, staying at home would only waste their youth.

So when faced with the situation where their son and daughter disappeared without saying a word, their acceptance was very high.

They seemed to have never thought that Yuan Wanjiao and Yuan Qifeng might one day leave like this and never return.

When Yuan Bozhu left home, Zhang Shu gave him a credit card, earnestly instructing him, “Better to buy wrong than miss out. Sweetie, this is your dad’s card; swipe it as much as you want!”

Yuan Bozhu took the card, unable to imagine himself shopping in the mall with bags in hand. He could only nod, but he decided to just close his eyes and grab a couple of sets when the time came.

On Monday morning, the school gate was always filled with hurried students.

Perhaps they were rushing to finish homework, perhaps they wanted to get to sleep earlier.

Yuan Bozhu noticed that many people were already wearing coats.

A small number of students, who were keen on being different, rushed into the school gate in thin summer uniforms, only to be stopped by teachers who reminded them to wear more clothes.

Getting a cold would not be good; it could easily spread in school.

The weather was indeed very strange.

Last year, at the beginning of October, the temperature was still around 28 degrees, but today it was only eighteen degrees.

YuanBozhu’s body temperature always remained at a normal degree, unaffected by external temperature changes. But he still obediently put on his school uniform coat.

Although some deviations had occurred recently, it didn’t stop Yuan Bozhu from quietly blending into the crowd, unnoticed.

“Classmate, I’m a talent scout from the Four Star Media Limited. I see you have a tall figure, handsome features, and a remarkable temperament… Are you interested in coming for an interview for our platform model and internet celebrity positions?”

Of course, this wasn’t directed at Yuan Bozhu.

He followed the sound and saw a man in a black windbreaker wearing sunglasses and a mask, handing a business card to a student.

The person was tightly wrapped from head to toe, almost obviously suspicious.

But the student who was intercepted by him actually took the business card.

“Talent scout? Internet celebrity? So you think I’m handsome?”

“Of course! I saw you from far away, standing out from the crowd completely. It’s a waste not to be a model.”

“Right. I also think I’m handsome, but I’m not short of money at all. What’s the benefit of interviewing with you?”

Qin Rui glanced at the business card in his hand, seemingly indifferent.

The other party said, “Achievement, attention, having millions of fans, becoming the prince charming in girls’ hearts, these are things that money may not be able to buy…”

Qin Rui thought carefully, then chuckled and said, “Alright, I was actually thinking about finding a part-time job. I’ll contact you later.”

“Great, great, make sure to contact me. We at Four Star are in great need of outstanding talents like you to pave the way in the market. I’m very confident that I can make you famous!”

Qin Rui chuckled and said, “Okay, if I find your company good, I’ll invest some money in it.”

“…Well, that would be great.”

Yuan Bozhu silently withdrew his gaze, deciding not to get involved in this voluntary matter.

When Yuan Bozhu came to school, he made two preparations.

First, Lin Shuanghuai might still cling to him.

This had been going on for a while, but Lin Shuanghuai knew how to be discreet, so it didn’t bother him much, which Yuan Bozhu thought was okay.

Second, Lin Shuanghuai would stop pestering him.

That would be even better; Yuan Bozhu wouldn’t have to deal with him. But what he never expected was the emergence of a third situation.

The person clinging to him changed from Lin Shuanghuai to both Lin Shuanghuai and Han Banlan.

The development of this situation couldn’t be said to be entirely unexpected.

Yuan Bozhu’s act of rushing into the fire last week to rescue Lin Shuanghuai had left a deep and unforgettable impression on Han Banlan, Yu Yangen, and Xu Zhilong.

They practically worshipped him as a hero.

Han Banlan had thoroughly discovered Yuan Bozhu’s charm—steady, reliable, mature, reserved, decisive, not fond of smiling, and outwardly aloof.

He had a better figure than Yu Yangen, was braver than Yu Yangen, had a sharper mind than Yu Yangen, and was more reliable than Yu Yangen.

When Yuan Bozhu kicked through the glass, Han Banlan felt herself falling in love.

She also greatly praised Lin Shuanghuai, “Ling’er, you’re really something, your choice of friends is great! I feel deeply ashamed of my past shortsightedness!”

To this, Lin Shuanghuai did not respond. He was also confused. He was still lost in his own feelings for Yuan Bozhu, while Han Banlan’s side was already ignited with love.

Han Banlan was very different from Lin Shuanghuai when it came to pestering people.

She didn’t deliberately avoid the crowd like Lin Shuanghuai did; instead, she directly called out Yuan Bozhu’s name loudly in front of everyone.

She couldn’t read Yuan Bozhu’s expression, so she thought if Yuan Bozhu didn’t get angry, it meant he welcomed her advances, so she could boldly cling to him.

Strictly speaking, Han Banlan wasn’t annoying. She was an outgoing, lively, cheerful, and straightforwardly pretty girl.

But she was much more lethal than Lin Shuanghuai because she acted without considering the consequences and didn’t care about anyone else.

Yuan Bozhu wasn’t good at dealing with such people.

As the flag-raising ceremony ended and they walked towards the classroom, Yuan Bozhu heard Han Banlan’s excited voice behind him.

“Yuan Bozhu! Yuan Bozhu! Yuan Bozhu——”

Beside her, Lin Shuanghuai rubbed his forehead, tugging at her sleeve, and whispered, “Don’t shout like that; he doesn’t like it.”

“If I don’t call him, he’ll leave! Look, he’s already gone with those long legs of his!”

Han Banlan was very excited, squeezing next to Yuan Bozhu.

“Cool guy, how about having lunch together today?”

“…”

After finally dealing with a group of younger students, Lin Shuanghuai caught up, feeling inexplicably as if his heart had been squeezed.

“Cool guy, cool guy, if you don’t say anything, I’ll take it as you agree. Let’s go for skewers at noon, my treat!”

“No need.”

“Then I don’t care; I’ll wait for you at the classroom door.”

“No…”

“I can’t hear you, I can’t hear you—”

The conversation stopped, and Lin Shuanghuai’s footsteps suddenly halted.

His hand hidden in his sleeve clenched silently.

After a while, when Han Banlan let go of Yuan Bozhu and turned back to find him, she happily shared her victorious fruit.Top of Form

“He’s so cool! Wow, there really are people in this world who are aloof but not annoying! I just can’t figure it out. Why were you so reluctant to sit with him before? Actually, as long as you are shameless enough, he won’t say anything.”

Lin Shuanghuai bit his lip. “Is that so?”

“Oh, good Shuang’er, you have to help me!”

Han Banlan took Lin Shuanghuai’s hand and whispered to him, “I think, this time, I’m really right. He’s the kind of man full of masculinity that I’ve been looking for!”

Lin Shuanghuai’s body suddenly stiffened, and his mind exploded like fireworks.

He asked slowly, “You don’t… want to be friends with him?”

“Being friends is the first step.”

Han Banlan was frank. “First be friends, get close, then pursue him and make him your boyfriend. How perfect! In the future, when I’m in a relationship with him, I’ll be your best friend, he’ll be your best friend, ah, that scene, just thinking about it feels so warm—”

For a long ten seconds, Lin Shuanghuai felt like he couldn’t breathe.

His friendship with Han Banlan had lasted for many years.

Although Lin Shuanghuai hadn’t been able to tell her his biggest secret, in his heart, Han Banlan was an irreplaceable friend.

But to Lin Shuanghuai’s surprise, he found himself slightly angry with her the moment she said she wanted to pursue Yuan Bozhu.

But why was he angry?

Han Banlan didn’t know what he felt about Yuan Bozhu. Perhaps even he himself was still confused.

Yeah, if he just wanted to be friends with Yuan Bozhu, why wasn’t he happy right now?

Why wasn’t he happy?

Unless he didn’t just want to be friends.

Suddenly, Lin Shuanghuai pushed away Han Banlan’s hand.

Han Banlan was taken aback. “What’s wrong?”

After a brief internal struggle, Lin Shuanghuai said, “I need to tell you something.”

He took Han Banlan’s hand, diverted from the crowd, and walked to a quiet place behind the teaching building.

After taking two deep breaths, Lin Shuanghuai said, “Do you really like Yuan Bozhu?”

“I do!” Han Banlan was straightforward. “He makes me feel really secure, totally my type.”

“You know, from freshman year until now, how many people have you liked?”

“Oh, um, I haven’t counted, maybe seventy-eight or ninety?”

“Sixteen.”

Han Banlan was shocked. “How do you remember that so clearly?”

Lin Shuanghuai was speechless. “Because every time you dumped someone, they would add me as a friend and complain to me about your behavior as a jerk.”

“Wow, they have such poor mental resilience!”

“Seriously.” Lin Shuanghuai held her shoulder, rehearsing what he wanted to say in his mind for a few turns, but in the end, he couldn’t bring himself to say it, so he said in a roundabout way, “Yuan Bozhu, he’s different from the guys you’ve tangled with before.”

“Yeah, he’s different. That’s why I’m serious this time!” Han Banlan quickly justified herself. “Before, I was impulsive, judging people by their appearance. But Yuan Bozhu is different. Look at him, he doesn’t stand out, but I’m still attracted to him. That’s true love!”

Lin Shuanghuai was stunned, suddenly finding himself understanding Han Banlan. He was also suddenly attracted to Yuan Bozhu in the same way. “…It seems like it.”

“Ling’er, what do you want to say?”

“I don’t know, I just feel… uncomfortable when I think about you liking him.”

Lin Shuanghuai was very honest; he didn’t want to lie to Han Banlan. But he couldn’t explain himself clearly because he himself hadn’t figured it out yet.

The two suddenly locked eyes.

Just as Lin Shuanghuai was struggling internally, Han Banlan suddenly burst into laughter three times. “Haha! Haha! Haha!”

Lin Shuanghuai: “?”

“Turning against each other and becoming enemies shouldn’t happen,” Lin Shuanghuai confessed honestly. “But it’s possible for things to get complicated.”

Suddenly, Han Banlan’s throat seemed to close up, and she couldn’t speak for a long time. Her face turned red.

Finally, as Lin Shuanghuai awkwardly rubbed his nose, Han Banlan suddenly exclaimed, “Damn it!”

“Are you serious, Lin Shuanghuai?”

“…Uh.”

“You really are ga…ga…ga…ga…” Han Banlan almost bit her tongue, then lowered her voice and said, “gay?”

“Well… I haven’t figured it out yet.” Lin Shuanghuai’s ears turned red, feeling embarrassed. “I’m still not sure.”

The place behind the teaching building was very quiet. Usually, aside from the janitors or the students on duty who came to take out the trash, hardly anyone else would come near.

The atmosphere became heavy as the two fell silent.

Lin Shuanghuai covered his face. He could empathize particularly well with Yuan Bozhu on that Saturday. It turned out that publicly admitting to being homosexual was such a stimulating experience.

“I won’t pursue him anymore,” Han Banlan made a decision. “I’ll just love whoever I meet; it’s not a big deal.”

Lin Shuanghuai shamefully breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

“That’s nothing to thank me for. Have you ever thought that it’s because we have a good relationship that we can discuss this? What if it were someone else? Would they still discuss it with you?”

“Oh…” Lin Shuanghuai started to feel awkward again.

Han Banlan looked at him seriously. “Yuanbo is like an unpolished gem. Right now, no one is competing for him because they haven’t realized his value yet. Just like me, I initially thought he was nothing special, but then I experienced his charm and fell for him— but I can give up, what about others? In the future, that script might not just be about a love triangle; it might turn into a harem competition.”

“It won’t. He’s not the type to accept just anyone.”

“I’m just giving an example. You have no experience, so don’t argue with me.”

“Oh.”

“I’m telling you, if you don’t make a move, someone else will come along sooner or later. If you encounter a pro, who can charm a pure-hearted guy in three sentences, I wonder where you’ll go crying.”

“…That shouldn’t happen.”

Han Banlan sneered. “Do you think Yuan Bozhu is handsome?”

Lin Shuanghuai didn’t hesitate to answer, “Yes.”

“Cool.”

“Is he kind-hearted?”

“Yes.”

“Besides you, would anyone else like him?”

“…Yes.”

“Then there you have it.”

Lin Shuanghuai’s last remaining doubt seemed to vanish. He took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and said, “I’m going to pursue him.”

In the classroom, Yuan Bozhu sneezed.

His desk mate moved a little farther away from him without saying a word.

A cold?

For Yuan Bozhu, that was out of the question.

His body couldn’t be invaded by any viruses, so he didn’t pay any attention to the sneeze.

Most of today’s classes were review sessions because it was the week before the monthly exams. And unsurprisingly, the big class reshuffling was scheduled for next week.

Describing the atmosphere in the classroom today as tense would be an understatement.

The top-ranking students were studying with all their might, hoping to get into the top class. Even during break time, they didn’t go to the restroom; instead, they stayed in the classroom, reviewing and doing exercises.

Yuan Bozhu had thought about this issue before.

He had stayed in Class 7 because he missed the entrance exam while traveling with his family.

After being placed in Class 7 with a zero score, and after studying there for a semester, Yuan Bozhu had settled into his marginal position and didn’t bother thinking about transferring to another class.

After all, regardless of the class or the teacher, his study efficiency remained more or less the same.

If Yuan Bozhu wanted to, he could spend just one day to learn the key points of the entire high school curriculum and even memorize three hundred essays.

However, Yuan Bozhu didn’t pay too much attention to the school exams.

He knew that the top students in each class had the opportunity for direct admission. Those who consistently ranked in the top three of the grade had a high chance of being directly admitted to the Alliance Academy.

But whether it was the Alliance Academy or other top-tier institutions, Yuan Bozhu didn’t want to be directly admitted.

He wanted to choose his own path through the college entrance examination.

There was no other reason; he just wanted to change the plot.

Direct admission was a passive decision and was highly likely to be influenced by the world’s main storyline. Besides, the future protagonist was someone who attended the Alliance Academy.

Yuan Bozhu wanted to avoid that at all costs.

So, he decided that this time, he would intentionally underperform and stay in Class 7.

“Yuan Bozhu, are you free?”

It was Qin Rui.

Yuan Bozhu looked up and noticed Qin Rui’s expression was extremely awkward. Even though he hadn’t said anything yet, it seemed like he was already in an uncomfortable situation.

“What’s up.”

“Could you… come with me for a moment? It’s not suitable to talk here.”

The quiet corridor near the clock tower.

The usually proud Qin Rui scratched his earlobe, avoiding eye contact with Yuan Bozhu. “Could you, uh, accompany me to an interview?”

“…What?”

Yuan Bozhu doubted his ears.

Two people who had no connection whatsoever, Qin Rui actually asked him to accompany him to an interview?

“I know you’re surprised; I am too!” Qin Rui was getting agitated. “I… I… I had a quarrel with my followers, and now they refuse to follow me.”

“…,” Yuan Bozhu tried to give him the opportunity to rephrase his words, “How does that concern me?”

“Who do you think I am? Of course, I won’t bow down to them! Hmph, they always eat my food, use my stuff. I treat them so well, consider them friends, but when I asked them to accompany me to an interview, they asked me for money! Saying it’s affecting their homework and they want double the pay.”

“Damn it! I usually give them money because they do things for me, but for accompanying me to an interview, a friend’s task, they still want money?!” He scratched his earlobe even redder, his voice getting lower and lower. “So, is it that only money can buy friends? I don’t believe it…”

Yuan Bozhu had no friends; he couldn’t answer Qin Rui’s question. He simply said, “So?”

“I know you’re not someone who loves money. I want to be friends with you.”

Qin Rui looked at Yuan Bozhu firmly.

Yuan Bozhu felt like he had heard this sentence before.

In theory, he shouldn’t have. It made no sense to be friends with someone like him. There was Lin Shuanghuai in front and Qin Rui behind. Yuan Bozhu simply couldn’t understand their way of thinking.

“I don’t need friends.” Yuan Bozhu still refused and turned to leave.

Qin Rui didn’t accept this outcome quietly like Lin Shuanghuai did. Having faced consecutive setbacks, his entire demeanor lost its color, and he slumped in place, holding his hair in despair. Muttering to himself, “Indeed, in this world, only money won’t betray me. Damn it!”