A Guide to Caring for My Frail Childhood Friend

Setting: An economic boom

A meticulous, fatherly top × a sweet, obedient, beautiful, delicate bottom (a bit of a handful, though it's hard to say when)

Not biologically related

At the turn of the millennium, a time of scarce resources and rapid development, a transfer student arrived at Yulin High School.

Soft, fair, beautiful, and good at school, he seemed like a flower nurtured in a greenhouse, the sort of child who might come from one of Yulin's wealthy families.

Everyone assumed Song Ci came from a rich family.

But no one knew that at night, he returned to a cramped, impoverished rental with no heating and fell asleep in his brother's arms.

A soft, pale bundle, held completely in the embrace of Li Ming's sturdy, wheat-colored chest. Song Ci would curl up as if nestled into him, resting his hand against his brother's warm skin to keep warm.

A year earlier, he had been the village's jinx, blamed for his parents' deaths. Frail and sickly, he was passed around like a hot potato. Li Ming alone cared for him wholeheartedly, taking on the responsibility of a brother who was a father to him.

Even in those hard times, Song Ci had never gone without.

The life of comfort he seemed to enjoy was all because his brother loved him.

**

Li Ming had a beautiful younger brother who did well in school. Though frail and delicate, he was obedient, considerate, and never a bother.

Everyone who knew Li Ming said he was blessed, but Li Ming knew they weren't biological brothers.

He watched his younger brother grow up, all while standing in the role of his big brother.

Like any old-fashioned parent trying to keep a child from dating, he lectured him with righteous conviction: “Focus on your studies. No dating.”

At first, Song Ci obediently did as he was told.

Until Song Ci's rebellious phase arrived.

He began arguing with Li Ming.

Song Ci looked up at him, his little face stubborn. “There's someone I like, and I'm going to date them!”

Furious, Li Ming glared and raised his hand to swat his little brother on the rear, but Song Ci suddenly silenced him with a kiss.

He had always scrutinized everyone who came near his younger brother:

If they had brightly colored hair and looked like some delinquent, they were bad company. If they were slick talkers, they couldn't be trusted.

But the moment his younger brother kissed him, Li Ming's hands and feet went numb. His heart clenched.

I was the one who led my little brother astray!

**

Bonus scene:

After Li Ming noticed his younger brother going through puberty, he began keeping his distance, whether consciously or not.

But he worried his brother might be led astray by the wrong sort of people, so he decided to help him himself.

Song Ci lay on the bed, his straight legs held apart, his knees flushed pink and faintly trembling.

His eyes were hazy, his voice soft and enticing. “Ming-ge. Would a big brother help his little brother with something like this? Would you do this to your little brother?”

Content warnings:

1. I like writing stories about people who understand and depend on each other

2. Sickly bottoms are my personal preference

3. Includes pregnancy and childbirth

4. My take on the entertainment industry

Theme: Live toward the light and embrace the future