After the exam, the students were officially on break.
Except for Tian Yuhao, who was called to the office by his tutor, everyone else dashed joyfully to their dorms to pack for the winter vacation.
“Professor Lin, what are your plans for the holiday?”
Wu Tiantian lingered, reluctant to part from Professor Lin.
Though the winter break was exciting, the thought of not seeing Professor Lin dimmed her enthusiasm.
“I plan to spend more time with my family, but I haven’t made any specific plans yet.” Lin Zhiyu replied with a smile, looking at Wu Tiantian and the others.
He reminded them, “Don’t forget your paper assignment.”
Everyone groaned in unison.
“Professor Lin, please, don’t be so harsh!”
As they talked, a female professor walked by with a laptop, smiling as she stopped to ask, “Saying your goodbyes here?”
Lin Zhiyu smiled, “Just reminding them not to forget their homework.”
Professor Sun laughed and teased the students, “Don’t look so miserable. You get to go on break today, but we teachers still have exams to grade, scores to record, and reports to write… Our breaks are shorter and busier than yours.”
It’s tough after work, with fewer and fewer holidays.
The students thought silently.
Liu Guohua, known for his talkative nature, suddenly chimed in, “Professor Lin, why not visit our hometown after the New Year? Winter here is so much fun, perfect for a relaxing time. We’re the southernmost part of China, ideal for escaping the cold, and there are plenty of beautiful sights…”
“Liu Huahua, don’t assume everyone wants to see beautiful sights like you do every day!” Wu Tiantian interrupted, “Professor Lin, come to the Northeast instead! We have breathtaking ice sculptures!”
“I’m interested in both suggestions, but I’ll need to discuss them with my family. If I do visit… I’ll ask you both to be my tour guides.”
Lin Zhiyu’s eyes crinkled in a smile, but his phone suddenly rang.
He motioned for the students to go pack, then stepped aside to take the call.
“Hello? Who is this?”
“Hello, Mr. Lin, I’m your service provider, ordered by your loved one. I’m available 24/7 for all your needs. When can I start?”
Lin Zhiyu almost laughed out loud—it was Xie Youzhou.
This guy even had a virtual number now?
Clearing his throat, he said, “There are so many fine options. Do you have photos? Let me choose one.”
The voice on the other end paused for a second, then lowered in pitch, “We have three options: First is Xiao Xie, cool, mysterious, and confident—the top choice for fans of bold personalities. Next, Xiao You, is sweet and obedient, perfect for those who love innocence. Finally, Xiao Zhou, a passionate heartthrob, ideal for those who adore deep devotion. Which one would you prefer? He’ll meet you after work.”
Lin Zhiyu barely contained his laughter.
What in the world was this?
He coughed, stifled his laughter, and replied, “Then I’ll order the first one today, and the other two tomorrow.”
“Alright, Mr. Lin, he’ll prepare to serve you right away. Today’s special comes at a discount—just one kiss.”
Lin Zhiyu froze, his ears turning red.
His eyes softened with a hidden sweetness.
He hurried to a quiet corner, checked to see no one was around, and then gave a quick kiss into the phone.
On the other end, Xie Youzhou was already grinning, returning an exaggerated kiss through the line.
…
In the evening, Xie Youzhou arrived at the Academy of Sciences in his new sports car, dressed all in black.
His dark, tousled hair was styled with layers, giving him a bold, rebellious look. He sported a dark blue agate earring, which highlighted his deep, ocean-blue eyes, exuding an unruly charm.
Lin Zhiyu was stunned when he exited the building.
His colleagues and passing students were equally captivated.
The sight caused quite a stir among students and parents at the entrance.
“Oh my god, who is that? So handsome!”
“Oh wow! The mysterious, dangerous male lead just came to life!”
“Ahhhh, is he here for his girlfriend?”
“Wait a minute, isn’t he Professor Lin’s younger brother? I remember him picking up Professor Lin before, but he changed his look!”
“Oh, now I remember! He was handsome before, but now he’s breathtaking.”
“Handsome doesn’t even cover it.”
“Hehehe… quite the match for Professor Lin, hehehe…”
“……”
Even the two associate professors with Lin Zhiyu couldn’t help but ask, “Professor Lin, did your brother change his style?”
“Is your brother seeing someone, Professor Lin? He’s dressed up quite nicely—maybe he has plans after he picks you up?”
Lin Zhiyu coughed lightly.
This “brother” didn’t have a girlfriend, but he did have a boyfriend.
Smiling, he replied gently, “No, I just encouraged him to try a different style since he’s young. It looks good on him.”
With eyes as gentle as an ink painting of misty mountains, Lin Zhiyu subtly asserted his claim, then raised his chin and walked toward Xie Youzhou, sparking a fresh wave of exclamations.
“It’s Lin Zhiyu!”
“Honey, honey, look, isn’t that Lin Zhiyu?!”
“Our kid may not be his student, but it’s an honor to be in the same school!”
“Nini, quick, take a picture of your mom with Lin Zhiyu in the background!”
“……”
As Lin Zhiyu approached, Xie Youzhou stepped forward to greet him.
“Brother,” he murmured, leaning in close, “how is the service you ordered?”
In public, the gesture wasn’t overtly affectionate, but close enough to feel intimate. Lin Zhiyu’s ears turned red as he reached up to give Xie Youzhou a gentle pat on the head.
“Alright, let’s go home.”
“Yes, brother, please get in.”
In the car, Xie Youzhou activated the window tint, shielding them from outside eyes.
He immediately pulled Lin Zhiyu into his arms, kissing him deeply.
Xie Youzhou’s transformed look made Lin Zhiyu’s heart race and blush, and despite the people milling around outside, he couldn’t help but hold Xie Youzhou back and return the kiss.
As the fiery evening clouds filled the sky, casting a brilliant golden light over everything…
*
Lin Zhiyu’s holiday plans were simple.
Aside from minimal work, he spent his time with Xie Youzhou and his family.
On the day before New Year’s Eve, Lin’s father took Lin Zhiyu and Lin Zhaoqiu on a supermarket shopping trip.
Lin Zhaoqiu, responsible for the snacks, soon disappeared down an aisle with a cart.
Father Lin and Lin Zhiyu strolled through the aisles, and Father Lin suddenly asked, “Xiao Xie… where will he spend the New Year? Has his father returned yet?”
“His mom is coming back today, so he’ll be with his family,” Lin Zhiyu replied.
When they reached the seafood section, Lin Zhiyu noticed fresh Arctic shrimp on display and stopped.
“Dad, let’s get some Arctic shrimp.”
“Sure.”
Father Lin’s expression softened. Although seafood wasn’t popular in their home, Xiao Xie loved it.
“If it’s only Xiao Xie and his mom at home this year, why don’t we invite them over for New Year’s Eve dinner?”
Lin Zhiyu was taken aback, then smiled, “Actually, he mentioned that idea a few days ago.”
Father Lin saw the joy on his son’s face, feeling both happy and bittersweet.
He’d noticed that since being with Xie Youzhou, Zhiyu seemed healthier and more vibrant. Although Xie Youzhou was young, he was caring and attentive.
It was wonderful.
Still, it felt strange to see his son “claimed” like this…
Sigh.
“So why didn’t you mention it when he brought it up?”
“His mom hadn’t arrived, and there was uncertainty about whether his dad and older brother would be home. And I didn’t want to worry you with extra cooking.”
Lin Zhiyu picked out the shrimp and continued with his father. “Even if they join us on New Year’s Eve, it’s just a few extra chopsticks. Don’t cook too much, Dad.”
“Alright, as long as you’re happy.”
Father Lin suddenly thought of something.
He could guess his son’s relationship with Xiao Xie, but did Xiao Xie’s parents know?
What if they didn’t approve?
Father Lin’s heart sank.
He wouldn’t allow his child to suffer—never!
Strengthening his resolve, Father Lin became a fierce advocate for his children’s freedom to love.
“Pick up some steak too—this batch looks great,” Father Lin suggested.
Beef was high in protein. His kids needed to eat well and stay strong.
“Strong bodies for strong minds!”
“Dad! Brother!”
After a successful snack run, Lin Zhaoqiu returned, her cart overflowing.
She was catching her breath like she’d just fought a battle.
“I think I saw Xiao You just now, but he disappeared in a blink. I’m not sure if it was him.”
“It was.”
A voice spoke up from behind. They turned to see Xie’s mother smiling behind the aisle.
“Long time no see! Shall we celebrate New Year’s Eve together this year?”
