IOLYF Chapter 46

Seeing the cat emoji rushing toward him, Han Shao Zhou couldn’t help but chuckle. He felt the warmth in his heart from imagining Mo Ming’s eagerness to run into his arms. His fingers quickly tapped on the screen, sending over a red envelope.

Though they were separated by thousands of miles, this was the only way he could think of to make that little money-grubber happy.

The work in T City wasn’t too stressful, but it was enough to ruin his mood…

During a dinner party that evening, the manager from the branch office, knowing Han Shao Zhou’s preferences, arranged for a pretty young man to sit beside him. The young man, a trainee who hadn’t debuted yet, was youthful, handsome, and knew how to talk, pouring drinks for Han Shao Zhou and engaging him in lighthearted banter, occasionally even making him laugh.

As the drinks flowed, the atmosphere at the table grew more harmonious, and the young man’s hand began to venture under the table, tentatively brushing against Han Shao Zhou’s leg.

When Han Shao Zhou’s glass was empty, the young man eagerly refilled it, his body subtly leaning closer.

“Do you believe…” Han Shao Zhou’s face still carried a faint smile, but his eyes were icy, “that I’ll beat you to death?”

His voice was soft, but loud enough for everyone at the table to hear.

The young man’s face froze.

Han Shao Zhou leaned back in his chair, his expression turning emotionless as he scanned the table. “We’ve all had enough to drink. Now, who’s going to explain to me what position this guy holds in the company?”

Everyone exchanged uneasy glances, too afraid to speak.

“You all managed to lose the Xibin project, and I’m curious. Did the old man hire you for your brains or because you’re good at this?” Han Shao Zhou turned to the young man sitting beside him, who was now sitting stiffly. He continued in an even tone, “Come on, tell me, which genius on this table decided to bring you here?”

T City’s winter arrived much earlier than Chuanhai’s.

As Han Shao Zhou stepped out of the hotel, the cold wind that hit him sobered him up a bit. The manager, who had followed him out, looked pale and swore that nothing like this would ever happen again, but Han Shao Zhou didn’t even glance back as he got into the car.

Outside the window, white snowflakes were carried by the wind, sticking to the glass.

Gradually, amidst the neon lights, the sky filled with snowflakes like floating feathers.

It was snowing…

Inside the car, the heater was on, making it comfortably warm. Han Shao Zhou silently watched the snow outside.

He remembered that Mo Ming loved snowy days… If the little guy were here right now, he’d be thrilled.

After returning to the hotel and taking a shower, Han Shao Zhou pulled back the curtains in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. Outside, the heavy snow fell like feathers from a torn pillow, covering everything in sight.

It was magnificent, beautiful, and even awe-inspiring, but it was also eerily silent, as if it had sealed him in another world.

Han Shao Zhou picked up the cigarette box from the bedside table, took out a cigarette, and held it in his mouth. He searched for his lighter but couldn’t find it, scratching his damp hair in frustration.

In the end, he picked up his phone and took a photo of the scene outside.

Just as he was about to send the picture to Mo Ming to start a conversation, he received a message from Mo Ming first.

【Mo Ming】: A special delivery is on its way. Please check it carefully. [Cat kiss emoji.jpg]

Han Shao Zhou was taken aback.

【Han Shao Zhou】: What is it?

【Mo Ming】: It’s already arrived. [Cat kiss emoji.jpg]

As Han Shao Zhou was about to ask more questions, the room’s landline rang. It was the front desk informing him that a package had arrived for him. The sender was simply marked as “Mo.”

Han Shao Zhou immediately said, “Please send it up right away.”

Before long, two hotel staff members carried a large cardboard box, about half his height, into Han Shao Zhou’s room.

Han Shao Zhou was bewildered, but knowing it was from Mo Ming, his hands moved faster than his mind. He quickly untied the straps on the box.

As the last strap fell away, he couldn’t wait to lift the lid.

Mo Ming suddenly stood up from inside the box, throwing a handful of colorful confetti into the air.

“I’m here, Shao Zhou!”

He exclaimed joyfully, his smile as bright as a blooming peach blossom in early spring. He was dressed in a snowy white down jacket, with a red scarf around his neck, radiating warmth and cheerfulness that filled the room instantly!

Han Shao Zhou stood there, frozen, his eyes wide in disbelief as he stared at the person in front of him.

Mo Ming still had his hands raised, and the confetti gently fell onto both of them. He smiled at Han Shao Zhou and said, “You said you missed me, so I came.”

Outside, the snow continued to fall heavily, but it felt like fireworks had just exploded in the cold winter night.

Han Shao Zhou stared at Mo Ming, utterly astonished.

After a moment of silence, Mo Ming slowly lowered his hands. Seeing Han Shao Zhou staring at him without reacting, the smile on Mo Ming’s face gradually faded into unease. He started fidgeting with his clothes, murmuring, “I thought you’d be happy…”

Mo Ming suddenly felt foolish. This kind of cheesy, over-the-top entrance was something straight out of a melodrama, and he actually thought it would please Han Shao Zhou.

Creating this self-indulgent surprise was so dumb…

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have just shown up without warning…”

“I was too presumptuous. It won’t happen again…”

“Don’t be mad, Shao Zhou. I’ll leave now…”

Flustered, Mo Ming quickly climbed out of the box, squatting down to flatten it. Then, he grabbed the cardboard and started dragging it toward the door.

Han Shao Zhou rushed forward and hugged Mo Ming from behind, wrapping his arms around him and pulling him tightly into his chest.

The cardboard box fell to the floor with a rustling sound.

Unable to see Han Shao Zhou’s face, Mo Ming only heard his heavy, intense breathing.

“Shao Zhou, are you mad?” Mo Ming asked cautiously.

Han Shao Zhou didn’t respond. He closed his eyes, resting his face against Mo Ming’s soft scarf.

After a long pause, Mo Ming finally heard Han Shao Zhou’s hoarse voice. “You look beautiful in this outfit. Really beautiful, my little Mo. Really…”

It felt like the heavens had sent him an early New Year’s gift…

Mo Ming smiled. “I’m glad you like it, Shao Zhou.”

Mo Ming turned around in Han Shao Zhou’s embrace, about to say something, but then he was met with Han Shao Zhou’s moist, gentle gaze, which was so unlike his usual self.

Mo Ming stood on his tiptoes and kissed Han Shao Zhou’s face, trying to soothe him.

Han Shao Zhou lifted Mo Ming and carried him to the bed.

By morning, the snow had stopped.

After a night of passion, Han Shao Zhou learned from Mo Ming that the upcoming variety show he was scheduled to record was also set to take place in T City.

So, Mo Ming had just decided to come over and see him…

Realizing that Mo Ming hadn’t come just for him, Han Shao Zhou felt a bit uneasy. But when Mo Ming snuggled up to his ear and sweetly called him “good brother” he was more than happy to forget about it.

Mo Ming was exhausted, curling up in the blankets and sleeping soundly. Han Shao Zhou, worried about waking him, moved quietly as he got out of bed to wash up.

Once he was fully dressed in his suit, Han Shao Zhou sat by the bed, pulling out a small blue velvet box.

Gently, he took Mo Ming’s left hand from beneath the covers and slid a ring onto his middle finger. The size was just right, and the silver band made his slender fingers look even more delicate and beautiful.

But Han Shao Zhou was still more excited about the custom-made rings. He imagined how stunning the diamond rings would look on Mo Ming’s hand.

“Is this a gift from Shao Zhou?” Mo Ming’s sleepy voice was hoarse, but it sounded particularly tender. “It’s beautiful…”

Seeing that Mo Ming was awake, Han Shao Zhou smiled. “There’ll be even more beautiful ones in the future.”

Mo Ming quickly noticed the identical ring on Han Shao Zhou’s left hand. He reached out to touch it, looking up at Han Shao Zhou in confusion.

Han Shao Zhou raised an eyebrow, placing his left hand next to Mo Ming’s. His smile was filled with hidden meaning. “Can you see what it is, little Mo?”

Mo Ming frowned. “Couple rings?”

Han Shao Zhou chuckled. He had been waiting for Mo Ming to burst with excitement, but instead, Mo Ming just kept frowning, looking utterly puzzled.

Mo Ming finally looked up at Han Shao Zhou, blinking. “Can I really wear couple rings with Shao Zhou?”

The question wasn’t met with the enthusiasm Han Shao Zhou had expected. Instead, Mo Ming’s earnest gaze made his face flush with warmth.

It was clear that Mo Ming couldn’t believe he’d be in a romantic relationship with him.

“Uh…consider it a reward.” Han Shao Zhou scratched his cheek with one finger. “Last night really surprised me, so I thought, hmm, I should give you some encouragement.”

“Encouragement?” Mo Ming pondered for a moment, then smiled, saying, “Thank you, Shao Zhou.”

Han Shao Zhou, satisfied, patted Mo Ming’s head. He then added, “As you said last night, the place you’ll be recording at the day after tomorrow isn’t too far from here. Once you’re done with the day’s shoot, I’ll send someone to pick you up.”

“The accommodation is arranged by the production team. I can’t make an exception.”

“Then I’ll come to see you after work every day.”

“If I get caught, it wouldn’t look good.”

“Wouldn’t look good.” That was probably the four words Han Shao Zhou hated most. He leaned down and bit Mo Ming’s lip. “How could a family visit be a bad thing?”

“If I get caught, they’ll say I’m not dedicated.” Mo Ming said, his brows furrowing with worry. “They’ll say I’m not serious about my work, that I’m abusing my privileges. The variety show has a script, and for three days straight, cameras will be following me around. If you accidentally end up in a shot, it could mess up the filming schedule. They wouldn’t dare blame you, but they’d definitely hold it against me. While all my colleagues are working diligently, I’d be the only one slacking off. I’d become a target of resentment, hated, ostracized…”

Han Shao Zhou was stunned. He had only wanted to see his pretty little Mo. Who would’ve thought there were so many potential risks involved?

He certainly couldn’t allow his little Mo to endure such grievances…

“Alright, alright. I get it. You’re a dedicated and upstanding artist. I’ll listen to you…” Han Shao Zhou scratched his head. “Why is it so hard just to see you? Fine, I’ll make sure no one notices when I come. That should avoid all these problems, right?”

“Everyone knows you, Shao Zhou. It’s hard not to get noticed.”

“What if I dress up as a delivery guy?” Han Shao Zhou suggested, grinning mischievously. “You just send me a message when you get back to the hotel, and I’ll deliver ‘food’ right to your door. Guaranteed top-notch service.”

If they were separated by hundreds or thousands of miles, he might not be this eager. But with Mo Ming so close by, how could he possibly resist?

The sex was secondary; he just wanted to see him…

Hearing the mischief in Han Shao Zhou’s words, Mo Ming’s face turned red as he pulled the blanket over his head. Han Shao Zhou simply slid under the covers to keep kissing him until his assistant called.

A heavy snowfall had blanketed the entire city of T, with intermittent flurries continuing for two days.

After they left the restaurant, the snow was still falling lightly, making everything look especially beautiful under the dim streetlights.

Instead of taking a car, Han Shao Zhou and Mo Ming walked slowly along the snow-covered path.

The light snow had covered the footprints of those who had walked before them, leaving fresh tracks as they stepped forward side by side. Mo Ming seemed delighted, tilting his head slightly to enjoy the view of the snowflakes falling from the sky, while Han Shao Zhou kept an eye on the road, occasionally teasing him for acting like a little kid…

Before long, Mo Ming suddenly turned around, wrapping his arms around Han Shao Zhou’s neck like a little monkey clinging to him. As Han Shao Zhou continued walking forward, Mo Ming slowly moved backward.

Looking down, Han Shao Zhou was met with Mo Ming’s smiling eyes, sparkling like stars. Mo Ming spoke, “Shao Zhou, I have a small request.”

Han Shao Zhou chuckled, crouching down to lift Mo Ming’s legs onto his hips, securing him firmly in his arms.

“This way, you won’t fall.” Han Shao Zhou smiled, “Go ahead, what’s your request?”

Mo Ming, now sitting on Han Shao Zhou’s hips, found himself at eye level with him.

Although the position was stable, it was a bit embarrassing. Mo Ming’s face flushed as he softly said, “There are people around…”

“You mean the person giving a piggyback ride over there or the couple kissing across the street?”

“…”

With his height advantage, Han Shao Zhou’s face was perfectly aligned with Mo Ming’s line of sight.

Mo Ming reached out to pinch Han Shao Zhou’s face, then giggled softly. “Doesn’t this tire you out, Shao Zhou?”

“It doesn’t. In fact, it’s making me want to try this position.” Han Shao Zhou grinned, “We can give it a shot when we get back tonight.”

Mo Ming pulled on Han Shao Zhou’s lips, almost distorting them, as he laughed uncontrollably.

Han Shao Zhou wasn’t angry. With that beautiful smile in front of him, he found everything comforting. “Didn’t you have a request just now? What is it?”

Mo Ming released his grip and started rubbing Han Shao Zhou’s ears, but his gaze seemed a little nervous. “I…I want to hear you say something.”

“That’s it?” Han Shao Zhou smiled, “What do you want to hear?”

“I want to hear you say… Mo Ming, I like you.”

Han Shao Zhou stopped in his tracks.

They were standing directly under a streetlamp, the soft, yellow light casting a tranquil glow. A few small snowflakes landed on Han Shao Zhou’s dark eyebrows, and Mo Ming carefully brushed them away, but he didn’t dare look into Han Shao Zhou’s eyes.

“I…I didn’t mean it like that. I just… I just wanted to hear it, just to hear it…”

As he spoke, Mo Ming’s voice grew fainter and fainter… He suddenly felt like he had crossed a line, daring to ask for too much.

“Never mind, I was just joking.” Mo Ming forced a bitter smile.

“Mo Ming…” Han Shao Zhou softly called out.

When Mo Ming’s gaze returned to his face, Han Shao Zhou said, “I like you…”

“…”

“Mo Ming, I like you… I can say it as many times as you want.”

Under the streetlamp, Han Shao Zhou’s expression was complicated as he watched the tears well up in Mo Ming’s eyes.

Gradually, the tears filled his eyes, clinging to his long eyelashes before finally dripping onto Han Shao Zhou’s chest.

Mo Ming hugged Han Shao Zhou’s neck, his hot tears slipping into his collar.

“I like you too…”

After returning to the hotel, Han Shao Zhou made a point of calling the manager at the jewelry store to ask when the custom-made rings would be ready.

It was as if he had finally realized how serious it was to define their relationship. Han Shao Zhou was relieved he hadn’t used the plain, cheap ring on his finger as a token of his affection. That would have been an insult to his and Mo Ming’s relationship.

It hadn’t seemed important before, but now, he wanted everything to be just right.

The manager said it would take at least four more days.

Considering that Mo Ming would be filming the variety show the next day, Han Shao Zhou decided not to tire him out too much that night. Mo Ming still had some energy left and used it to cuddle and kiss Han Shao Zhou.

Feeling a bit giddy from all the affection, Han Shao Zhou, in a moment of inspiration, said, “Don’t call me Shao Zhou anymore. Call me Shao Zhou or Old Han, like an old married couple…”

Mo Ming stopped kissing him…

Han Shao Zhou stroked Mo Ming’s face. “Come on, be good. Call me Shao Zhou.”

Mo Ming pressed his lips together, his eyebrows furrowing in distress.

“Or how about calling me Han Shao Zhou? You’ve never said my full name before.” Han Shao Zhou was getting excited. “Say it once, it’ll definitely sound good.”

Mo Ming’s mouth twitched. After a long pause, he finally stammered, “Han…Han Shao…Shao…”

The warmth immediately evaporated, and Mo Ming yanked the blanket over himself, mumbling, “Let’s sleep, Shao Zhou.”

Han Shao Zhou snuggled up behind Mo Ming. He was in a good mood and was willing to go along with Mo Ming’s wishes. He chuckled and said, “Alright, little Mo. If you don’t like it, just keep calling me Shao Zhou. After all, you’re the only one who’s ever called me that. Consider it your exclusive right.”

“Mm…” Mo Ming replied, “I’m really sleepy.”