Expecting the Child of an Older Man

Chapter 8

The ones causing him embarrassment were a few unruly boys in his class, the type found in every school who somehow managed to get in despite their lack of interest in studies.

Chen Nuo had always been admired by many, though most were secret admirers. Now that they knew he liked men, a few girls glared at him fiercely, while others remained indifferent.

He noticed all these reactions, cursing himself for not knowing how to argue back.

His face flushed with anger he couldn't express, Chen Nuo refused to be humiliated. "I didn't sell myself. You owe me an apology."

The boy scoffed, "Are you crazy? It's not me spreading it; everyone’s saying it. Why don't you make them apologize?"

"Besides, flies don't land on seamless eggs. Why isn't anyone saying others are selling themselves?"

Someone, seeing the teacher approaching, tried to defuse the situation. "Come on, it's almost winter break. Don't stir up trouble."

"Hey, I'm not the one causing trouble. I'm embarrassed!"

Normally, student conflicts were minor and would receive a few words from university teachers. But Chen Nuo stood his ground, and the professor frowned. "Chen Nuo, why aren't you sitting down to paint?"

Stubbornly, Chen Nuo said, "He pinched me. I want an apology."

The elderly professor was taken aback, never having heard such a complaint before.

The boy, hearing this, threw down his brush and stood up aggressively. "You little punk!"

"You're just jealous," Chen Nuo retorted, unafraid. "I get better grades, win more awards, and paint better than you. More people like me, too. You're a useless troublemaker hiding behind your family's money. I'm not afraid of a parasite like you!"

Chen Nuo's voice grew louder, making sure all 45 classmates could hear every word.

"You seduce married men. Is that noble?"

Chen Nuo was stunned. "What did you say?"

The boy smirked. "The complaint letter was sent to the school. You’ve got guts, liking men and selling yourself, and even harassing someone’s boyfriend. Who respects you here?" He punched Chen Nuo’s shoulder lightly, each punch tinged with humiliation.

"I don’t sell myself. You’re insulting me, and you owe me an apology. I work at the club to support myself, not to sell my body. Don’t project your dirty thoughts onto others!"

"Chen Nuo!" the professor shouted, furious.

"Why are you angry, professor?" Chen Nuo once respected him greatly, but now saw him as biased. "Yes, I like men. So what? Are you going to kill me for it? Does liking men offend you somehow?"

"Chen Nuo, is it necessary to create chaos in the classroom?" The professor, pointing to the door, was livid. "You’re excused for today. Leave!"

"I’m not wrong. Why should I leave?" Chen Nuo demanded. "The culprit sits comfortably while I’m kicked out. Why?"

Everyone stopped what they were doing, watching Chen Nuo as if he had lost his mind. In their memories, Chen Nuo was quiet, polite, always helpful—clearly well-bred. Now, standing defiantly, he challenged the injustice he faced.

"Chen Nuo, are you sick?" someone whispered.

"Yes, I’m sick," Chen Nuo said, looking at each of them. "In your eyes, I’m sick because I like men. You judge me by a few photos, assuming I sell myself. Sitting with you is my shame!"

"You bastard!" The boy who had been restraining himself finally snapped, moving to hit Chen Nuo. Prepared, Chen Nuo grabbed a paint can and threw it, causing screams as the professor dragged him out.

"This will be reported. You’re either expelled or transferred. My class will never welcome you again!"

"Do you think I want to be with you people?"

Chen Nuo pulled his torn coat around himself and left, the professor still shouting threats. Other students gathered to watch; after all, he was now infamous on campus.

He had done nothing wrong.

Yet, it seemed he couldn't stay at school anymore.

Behind Building 10, there was a small grove of osmanthus trees, their light fragrance marking the early autumn. Chen Nuo sat on a bench, his mind blank as his phone buzzed incessantly with messages from the department group. Checking the school’s forum, he found his name among the posts, filled with vile comments.

He also saw the complaint letter, clearly written by Li Haozhe.

He wanted to call and yell at him, but he was too tired.

The cool breeze numbed his cheeks, and Chen Nuo touched his face, realizing he was crying. He hadn't cried even when he broke up with Li Haozhe, but now, he couldn't hold back.

While he sobbed quietly, a hand suddenly rested on his shoulder. Startled, he looked up to see Su Cheng sitting beside him. "I was worried about you at school and decided to check on you."

"You saw everything."

Su Cheng patted his shoulder. "I saw you storm out. Actually, I saw everything but wanted to preserve your dignity."

"Many schools are on par with or better than Qingjiang Art Institute. With your grades, you could study abroad. I can help you with that."

Chen Nuo, sniffing and sounding nasally, asked, "The condition is my baby, isn’t it?"

Su Cheng, not wanting to kick him while he was down, saw the dejection in Chen Nuo’s eyes. He let his hand hover for a moment before gently placing it on Chen Nuo’s shoulder, letting him lean on him. "It has nothing to do with the baby. Consider it my debt to you. Other people's opinions don't matter. You need to know they don’t deserve you. Just be true to yourself and make yourself happy."

Perhaps from exhaustion, Chen Nuo gradually relaxed against Su Cheng. "Everyone knows about me and my ex now. I’m not a homewrecker, but now I’m seen as one, a relentless male homewrecker."

The complaint letter was the final straw, breaking Chen Nuo’s spirit.

"Mr. Su, am I a monster?"

Su Cheng, leaning closer, pinched his cheek and smiled. "You’re not a monster. You’re just an ordinary person."

Chen Nuo's nervous eyes began to calm, and he finally made a decision.

"I want to keep the baby."

Su Cheng was taken aback, shadows from the tree leaves falling on the scholarly young man's face, eyes still filled with uncertainty. "Are you sure?"

"Yes." Chen Nuo nodded firmly, then, realizing how close they were, moved away slightly. "I think… Mr. Su, you’ll be a good father."