IOLYF Chapter 45

The curtains by the floor-to-ceiling windows were left open, and the first morning light from Chuanhai, warm and gentle, silently bathed the bed.

Han Shao Zhou’s arm was around Wei Ming’s waist under the blanket, gently pulling him closer. Mo Luo was fast asleep, his fair face softly illuminated by the morning light, fine little hairs gleaming, and his slim, straight nose with visible blue veins on the bridge. His nose tip was a soft pink, and his full, glossy lips, still bearing a tempting hue from last night’s kisses…

Such a sweet, soft little lamb, and Han Shao Zhou’s mind flashed back to last night, when this little guy had been in tears under him, sniffling and yet still stubbornly holding his face, trying to kiss him.

Those whispers of “Zhou-ge” had his blood boiling; he had wanted nothing more than to devour him whole.

The golden sunlight grew warmer…

In a daze, Wei Ming drifted into a dream.

In his dream, the little goofy pup he’d raised had grown into a huge Golden Retriever, a sturdy dog pressing its weight on his chest, wagging its tail and smothering his lips with wet kisses.

Blinking sleepily, he opened his eyes, only to find a familiar face in front of him.

Still hazy from sleep, he was quickly dazed by the kisses again.

Wei Ming tipped his head back slightly, eyes half-closed, as Han Shao Zhou’s teeth grazed his neck, and he couldn’t help but laugh quietly, low and ticklish.

Han Shao Zhou gave his waist a playful pinch. “Seeing me the moment you open your eyes makes you this happy?”

Wei Ming pursed his lips, pulling his hand out from under the covers to try and wrap it around Han Shao Zhou’s neck. Seeing him struggle a bit with the movement, Han Shao Zhou turned over to lie beside him.

“Zhou-ge…”

Wei Ming called softly, a hand slowly reaching around Han Shao Zhou’s waist. Exhausted from last night’s intensity, he was still tired but utterly at ease.

Han Shao Zhou wrapped his arms around Wei Ming’s back, resting his nose against the soft black strands of his hair. In a low voice, he said, “Remember, this is the last time.” He hoped this time had taught the little one a lesson.

“Mm…”

Definitely the last time.

Han Shao Zhou drifted off into a second sleep. He didn’t have work that day, just a flight to T City in the afternoon.

They stayed in bed until nearly noon, with Han Shao Zhou sitting at the bedside, getting dressed.

Wei Ming, still drowsy, sat up on the bed, rubbing his eyes and watching Han Shao Zhou by the bedside with a look of sleepy contentment—until he belatedly noticed that the bed was covered in a rich red color, his yawn instantly swallowed in shock.

Last night, they’d only had the moonlight from outside, so he hadn’t noticed the room’s details.

Wei Ming stared blankly at the bedspread. It was a bright celebratory red, embroidered on the back with two golden dragons entwining a gold-stitched xi character, along with other intricate red patterns along the edges.

The room was modern and minimalist, decorated in cool tones, yet the sudden burst of traditional red bedding gave the room an odd, time-bending feeling.

Noticing Wei Ming’s stunned gaze, Han Shao Zhou pointed to the wall behind him. “There’s more back there.”

Wei Ming turned his head, only to gasp.

A massive, gold-foil xi character was plastered on the light-blue wall, encased within a large red heart-shaped paper cut-out. The colors were so bold they nearly blinded him.

Wei Ming: “…So…tacky.”

Turning slowly, he looked at Han Shao Zhou, his throat tightening. “Did…did I sleep in your wedding room?”

Han Shao Zhou continued buttoning his shirt, his solid chest stretching the fabric slightly, giving glimpses of muscle underneath. “Not only did you sleep in it, but you also messed it up last night.”

“And it’s not just messed up—you even scratched a few places out of shape.”

Wei Ming’s face burned so hot it nearly steamed. It wasn’t just his fault!

Seeing his pout, Han Shao Zhou sat down by the bed, continuing to press, “Now that you’ve messed up my wedding room, what do you plan to do?”

Wei Ming lowered his head, fidgeting with his fingers. “But…Zhou-ge brought me here. You’re partly to blame, too.”

“This is my home, and I forgive myself. What about you?”

He’d never met anyone this cheeky before. “I…I can pay for it. I’ll get an identical set…”

Han Shao Zhou smirked. “And will it have the same meaning? My grandfather bought this for me and my future wife.”

Wei Ming was speechless, burying his face in the covers to hide, but Han Shao Zhou wrapped an arm around his waist, lifting him up.

“Running won’t help,” Han Shao Zhou chuckled, patting his head. “Alright, let’s talk seriously. At the end of the month, come home with me for dinner with Grandpa.”

Wei Ming blinked. “Y-you mean, go to your house?”

“Grandpa’s been asking me to bring his future grandson-in-law home. He nags me about it every other day, so you’ll come along and help out.”

“Are…are you planning on fooling him, Zhou-ge?”

“It’s called a white lie.”

Wei Ming looked down, pondering carefully, then asked cautiously, “Then, before we meet your grandfather, will Zhou-ge keep me by your side?”

“You look so tense.” Han Shao Zhou softened, pressing a comforting kiss to the corner of his lips. “As long as you don’t make me mad, you can stay as long as you like.”

Wei Ming stayed in the villa through the afternoon. His body was still sore from the night before, and though he wanted to go sightseeing, the pain in his waist and legs left him stuck in bed.

Han Shao Zhou had a 3 p.m. flight to catch, heading out of the province for work. The housekeeper was busy packing his luggage.

As Han Shao Zhou changed in the dressing room, Wei Ming slipped in behind him, wrapping his arms around him from behind.

Han Shao Zhou, tying his tie in the mirror, allowed the grip around his waist to tighten. “Feeling naughty again?”

Wei Ming buried his face against the solid expanse of his back without saying a word.

Han Shao Zhou’s tone softened. “I’ll probably be in T City for about a week. If you didn’t have work, I’d take you with me.”

Wei Ming’s body stiffened. “T City?”

“Yeah,” Han Shao Zhou said. “And don’t forget to send me a photo tonight.”

Wei Ming smiled. “Okay.”

Before leaving, Han Shao Zhou arranged for Wei Ming to stay in Xiangpin Villa, with a driver to take him around and a chef to prepare nutritional soups. He spoke calmly, but just before he left, he couldn’t help pinning him against the wall for a long, lingering kiss. If he hadn’t been in such a hurry, he might not have been able to hold back.

The first night in T City, Han Shao Zhou received a picture from Wei Ming. He lay on his pillow, face half-hidden under the covers, showing only his glistening eyes, gazing intently at the camera…

Han Shao Zhou instantly regretted not giving him the ring before he left.

Initially, he’d thought presenting it right after their fight last night would make him seem too eager. But now, looking into those clear, affectionate eyes, he realized his concerns had been overthinking it.

Did it really matter? Knowing that this guy liked him was enough.

[Han Shao Zhou]: You look good.

[Xiao Guai]: [Shy Kitty • JPG]

[Han Shao Zhou]: I miss you, Xiao Guai.

[Xiao Guai]: [Kitty Running to You • JPG]