Wen Yan’s mind had turned into mush, incapable of coherent thoughts.
He pulled the blanket up to his chin, exposing only a pair of round, innocent eyes as he looked at Wen Xueli. His expression was both cute and amusing.
Wen Xueli chuckled, “Are you scared of me?”
Wen Yan shook his head.
The blanket moved with his every motion, becoming increasingly adorable.
In the lamplight, the man’s eyes grew darker.
Even if Wen Yan was slow to catch on, he could sense the danger. Strangely, instead of evading, he licked his lips, a hint of excitement in his expression.
Unable to resist, Wen Xueli leaned down, nearly pressing his face against the younger man’s.
Wen Yan widened his eyes, locking gazes with the man.
He thought the man was going to kiss him, but there was no movement. He could only feel the warm breath of the man brushing against his face, and the pleasant scent of sandalwood lingering in his nose.
Just when he was almost overwhelmed by the ambiguous atmosphere, the man suddenly spoke in a hoarse voice, “Yanyan, do you want to close your eyes and sleep, or do you want me to tell you a story?”
Not a kiss?
Wen Yan couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed, but he obediently replied, “Um… tell me a story.”
He recalled the stories his grandparents used to tell him when he was a child and felt a sense of nostalgia.
Wen Xueli gazed at him tenderly and suddenly reached out his hand.
Misinterpreting again, Wen Yan thought the man wanted to hug him, but instead, the man gently stroked his forehead. His fingertip slid down and stopped at the corner of his eye, saying, “Okay.”
The warm fingers touched his eyelashes, causing a slight itch. Unconsciously, Wen Yan closed his eyes.
Wen Xueli continued, “Let me tell you an adult story, somewhat related to love… There’s a man in his thirties who falls for a teenager under twenty. The young man has a good personality, is intelligent, and, in the man’s eyes, has no flaws. The man feels a bit insecure, thinking he’s too old, and is afraid the young man won’t like someone of the same sex. Yanyan, what do you think the man should do next? Should he let the young man know about his feelings?”
This story…
Wen Yan suddenly opened his eyes and met the deep gaze of the man.
His reflection was crystal clear in those eyes.
He opened his mouth, intending to say something, but found his throat hoarse. It seemed he couldn’t utter a word.
Feeling the need to express something, he urgently grabbed the man’s sleeve, vigorously nodding, trying to convey to the man that the young man also liked him.
Wen Xueli silently looked at him, then lifted the corner of his mouth and slowly leaned closer. Their eyes met, and he asked, “Hmm? What do you want to say?”
Maybe it was an illusion, but Wen Yan saw a hint of determination in the man’s eyes.
Without much thought, he just wanted the man to understand his feelings. So, he grabbed the man’s hand and was about to speak.
However, at the next moment, Wen Xueli’s phone rang.
It must be urgent for someone to call him so late. Wen Xueli slightly furrowed his brow and answered the call.
Glancing at the anxious expression on Wen Yan’s face, it seemed like he urgently wanted to express something.
He reached back, grabbing Wen Yan and enveloping the young man’s fingers in his palm, slowly interlocking their hands as he answered the phone.
Wen Yan was stunned.
The man’s hand was broad, warm, and comforting. He felt like he was floating in the clouds, his mind dizzy. He didn’t even register what the man was saying on the phone.
Wen Xueli, however, kept a close eye on the young man’s reaction. Seeing Wen Yan looking dazed, a subtle smile appeared on his lips.
After talking for a few moments on the phone, he covered the receiver and whispered in Wen Yan’s ear, “Yanyan, you go ahead and sleep. I need to step out for a bit. No need to wait for me.”
He planted a kiss on Wen Yan’s forehead and lifted the blanket before leaving the room.
Wen Yan: “…”
He touched his forehead, staring blankly at the spot where the man disappeared at the doorway.
So, the man liked him… Did the man know that he also liked him?
Wen Yan didn’t fully understand emotions, but the man kissed his forehead and held his hand, which should mean he understood Wen Yan’s feelings, right?
Were they now mutual admirers?
Unable to contain his joy, he rolled around in bed.
Unfortunately, there was no one to share his excitement with. Over the years, he had been busy working and hadn’t made many friends. He only had a good relationship with Ye Ting, who always sought his company. He appreciated Ye Ting’s straightforward personality, making them close friends.
But he didn’t send a message to Ye Ting; he knew his friend was busy. He didn’t want to disturb the couple.
He heard the man return to the room, probably changing clothes, and soon after, he went downstairs. Shortly afterward, the sound of the car starting reached his ears, but he had no idea where the man had gone.
The man said not to wait for him. Wen Yan thought for a moment, suppressing the excitement in his heart, and silently closed his eyes to sleep.
Even though he had trouble sleeping again due to the man’s actions, he stayed awake until midnight.
…
The next day, he was awakened by the alarm clock. Wen Yan, rubbing his eyes in a daze, heard voices outside as if Wen Xueli and Tang Ji were talking.
He suddenly became fully awake, slipped on his slippers, and went to open the door. Glancing outside, he noticed the two had just come up from the stairs, both looking tired.
Wen Yan speculated silently. Could it be that the man returned only now after leaving last night?
Wen Xueli, while tilting his head to listen to Tang Ji, caught sight of him, waved to interrupt Tang Ji, and then beckoned him over, saying, “Come here.”
Wen Yan immediately jogged over to his side, resembling a small, obedient puppy.
The smile at the corner of Wen Xueli’s lips deepened, and he spoke softly, “Let’s have breakfast and then head back.”
Wen Yan naturally had no objections, but he was curious about the phone call the man received last night.
Seemingly sensing his curiosity, the man touched his face and said, “I’ll tell you on the way.”
Wen Yan obediently agreed.
The two stood facing each other like this, smiling at each other.
The crimson morning light bathed them, creating a particularly beautiful scene.
Although they didn’t say anything, the affection between them was evident to anyone who looked.
Tang Ji on the side felt like covering his eyes.
These two hadn’t done anything, but he felt like he had consumed a mouthful of dog food.
After eating, Wen Yan returned to his room to pack his things while Wen Xueli stood with his arms crossed, smiling at him from the doorway.
They didn’t exchange any words, but their moods were both good.
When he finished packing, the man naturally took the shoulder bag from his hands.
Side by side, they descended the stairs together.
As they were about to get in the car, Wen Yan suddenly noticed a flower shop diagonally across the inn. A thought struck him, and he said to Wen Xueli, “Uncle, wait for me a moment. I’ll be right back.”
After saying that, he ran out.
Wen Xueli stood by the car, watching his figure recede, eyes smiling.
Tang Ji walked over and asked in a low voice, “Are you two together now?”
One look was enough to know that something was going on—the eyes were affectionate, completely resembling the state of being in love.
Wen Xueli withdrew his gaze, glanced at Tang Ji, and did not deny it.
Tang Ji exclaimed, “It’s actually true?”
Wen Xueli calmly swept his eyes over him and said, “Now that you know, tone it down a bit. Don’t scare my person away.”
The serious tone left Tang Ji stunned for a moment.
He carefully observed his friend’s face and asked, “Are you serious?”
Calling someone ‘my person’ didn’t seem like a casual affair.
Moreover, his friend, who had never shown interest in either gender, had admirers of all genders from across the sea.
Who would have thought that the one to capture the attention of the young prince was an inconspicuous boy?
It’s not that Tang Ji looked down on Wen Yan. Anyone who could get admitted to the Material Science Department of Shanghai University was undoubtedly a future elite, with an IQ ranking among the world’s top.
It’s just that compared to the people who used to pursue his friend, Wen Yan’s background was somewhat lacking… or rather, significantly lacking.
However, for someone with his friend’s background, finding a partner from a similar family might be preferable, but it wasn’t a necessity.
While a prestigious match would be good, finding someone genuinely liked seemed to bring more happiness.
Besides, when a friend makes a decision, others have no right to intervene and no qualification to give opinions.
Tang Ji sincerely said, “Rest assured, I will definitely respect Little Wen Yan.”
Wen Xueli nodded in satisfaction.
After about five minutes, Wen Yan returned to the parking lot, holding a bouquet of roses.
Wen Xueli still didn’t move; he stood by the car, watching the young man walk towards him in the sunlight.
The young man stopped in front of him and handed the flowers to him, saying, “Uncle, these are for you.”
In the inn, with guests coming and going, witnessing this scene, they all stopped in their tracks, whistling and making friendly encouraging laughter.
Tang Ji, on the other hand, had already hidden in the car with his friends, but they had lowered the windows, sneakily observing the scene between the two.
Wen Xueli paid no attention to the tourists’ cheers, smiling as he accepted the flowers, “What kind of flowers are these?”
He wasn’t very knowledgeable about flowers.
Wen Yan replied, “Roses.”
The man’s eyes deepened, “What is the meaning of these flowers?”
A hint of embarrassment flashed across Wen Yan’s face, and he fell silent.
Wen Xueli smiled, kissed the petals, and didn’t press further, saying, “Thank you, I really like them.”
Even though the kiss landed on the deep red petals, it felt as if it was placed on his own heart. Wen Yan’s heart pounded violently, and his ears turned red.
The man smirked, touched his face, and said, “Get in the car.”
Coincidentally, everyone around was cheering for a kiss. Feeling increasingly shy, Wen Yan obediently sat in the passenger seat.
Wen Xueli placed the flowers on the back seat, carefully blocking them with a backpack to prevent them from falling.
It was clear that the man valued these flowers greatly.
A sweet feeling surged in Wen Yan’s heart as he silently fastened his seatbelt.
The car started, and for a while, neither of them spoke.
Wen Yan glanced at the man, looking at his handsome face in the sunlight, and his heart beat faster.
He wanted to ask about the story from yesterday and the meaning behind that kiss. Does it mean that the man also likes him? Moreover, does the man also understand his feelings? Today, he gave the bouquet, and the man accepted it. Shouldn’t that mean he understands his intentions? So, are they now on the same page emotionally?
Wen Yan was a bit fidgety, clutching the seatbelt, secretly wondering if they were about to enter into a romantic relationship. Lost in his thoughts, the man suddenly reached out, clasping the fingers of his hand firmly, held in the palm.
Wen Yan’s heart skipped a beat.
Although the man didn’t say anything, he suddenly understood the man’s intention. He quickly clasped the man’s fingers in response, feeling a bit shy.
Wen Xueli chuckled softly, bringing his hand to his lips for a kiss.
Wen Yan felt like his heart was about to leap out of his chest.
As the car continued on its way, sunlight danced on the car window, like little elves, so lovely and dazzling.
Amid the radiant sunlight, the man spoke softly, “Yanyan, after I drop you off at the villa, I need to rush to the airport.”
Wen Yan recalled that he didn’t return all night, expressing concern, “Is something wrong?”
Wen Xueli nodded, “Something is going on in Hongcheng; I need to go back and handle it.”
The Wen family’s business is quite extensive, and Wen Yan doesn’t understand much about it. Seeing the man frowning, he couldn’t help but tighten his grip on the man’s fingertips, whispering, “Is it serious?”
The man didn’t hide anything from him, saying, “It’s a bit troublesome; I need to go there in person. But it’s not too major, don’t worry too much.”
Wen Yan responded with an “Oh” but remained silent.
Wen Xueli looked at him through the rearview mirror, paused, and said, “It will take about a week.”
Wen Yan was slightly surprised.
A whole week? That long?
The National Day holiday is only seven days, and today is the third day. If the man returns after a week, Wen Yan will already be back at school. The two of them, in their current situation, just starting a relationship without clear definitions, are now facing separation.
Sensing Wen Yan’s reluctance, the man grabbed his hand and kissed it gently, then changed the subject, saying, “Someone came to the town last night, and Tang Ji and I went to meet that person… The other party had some information and came to the mainland to see me secretly. I have to leave with them today.”
Wen Yan nodded without further inquiry.
There are some things he’s better off not knowing.
He remembered the man not returning home the whole night and asked, “Can you drive?”
Wen Xueli replied, “It’s okay. Once we leave the ancient town, there will be a driver to pick us up.”
Seeing that the man had everything arranged, Wen Yan naturally didn’t say much. Although he felt a bit sad about the man’s departure, he also knew that as the helmsman of the Wen family, he was always busy. Even if he couldn’t bear to part, Wen Yan couldn’t bring himself to ask the man to stay.
The man remained silent, only holding his hand quietly as he continued to drive.
Before long, the Wen family’s driver was indeed waiting at the intersection. The two of them moved to the back seat, and Wen Xueli lowered the partition.
The confined and small space made Wen Yan inexplicably nervous.
Wen Xueli continued holding his hand, cradling the flowers in his other arm, and smiled, “Take good care of yourself at home.”
Wen Yan blushed a bit and softly agreed.
Wen Xueli gazed at him tenderly, suddenly leaned in, and kissed his ear, saying, “So obedient.”
Wen Yan instantly turned red.
The man chuckled, rested his head on Wen Yan’s shoulder, and whispered, “Be good; I’ll take a short nap.”
Thinking about the tiredness on his face, Wen Yan immediately sat up straight to make him more comfortable.
A few hours later, the car exited the highway. Wen Xueli woke up, said goodbye to Tang Ji and the others, nodded at Tang Ji, and then returned to the villa with Wen Yan.
The house staff had already packed Wen Xueli’s luggage.
Wen Xueli was truly just accompanying Wen Yan back. They said their goodbyes in the courtyard, and Wen Xueli didn’t enter the house.
Wen Yan couldn’t hide the reluctance in his eyes.
Wen Xueli caressed his face, kissed his forehead, and said, “Wait for me to come back.”
Wen Yan lowered his eyelids, softly responding.
Sensing his reluctance, the man pinched his earlobe, handed him the flowers, and said, “Take good care of these for me.”
Wen Yan took the flowers, bit his lip, and simply nodded.
Wen Xueli touched his face again, turned, and got into the car.
Wen Yan held the flowers, watching the car drive out of the gate, a wave of sadness surging in his heart.
After a while, he turned around, walked into the living room, bathed in the sunlight.
The little puppy whimpered as a welcome.
He held the flowers in one hand and cradled the little one in his arms, stroking its furry back. In a voice only he could hear, he said, “Xiao Ai, you know, Uncle has left and will be back in a week.”
The puppy didn’t understand his sadness and excitedly licked his face as if welcoming a little master back.
Wen Yan’s mood improved a bit as he carried the puppy inside.
Aunt Liang came out of the kitchen, smiling to receive the flowers from Wen Yan’s hand, saying, “Young Master, I’ve made the Squirrel Mandarin Fish you like. You can eat now.”
Just now, the master had reminded her on the phone to take good care of the young master, and she dared not neglect the instructions. Besides, she quite liked this polite and well-behaved young master.
However, Wen Yan avoided Aunt Liang’s hand, smiled, and said, “I’ll find a vase to arrange the flowers first, and then I’ll go to the kitchen.”
After saying that, he ran upstairs with the little puppy and the bouquet of roses.
Aunt Liang followed with a smile, helping him find a vase. Before leaving, she complimented, “These flowers are beautiful.”
Wen Yan lowered his head, fiddled with the flower stems, and seemed to be pleased by the compliment, showing a clear smile on his face.
After arranging the bouquet, he placed the vase on the table by the French window.
The next moment, he received a WeChat message from the man.
Uncle Wen: 【I looked up the meaning of roses.】
The man’s profile picture was his photo. When exchanging WeChat with the man, he changed the man’s nickname to Uncle Wen.
He stared at the message and realized that the man only wrote this one sentence.
Since he knew the meaning of the flowers, why didn’t the man give him a clear answer?
After about five seconds, the WeChat notification sounded again.
Uncle Wen: 【Same here.】
Wen Yan was stunned.
The same…
The meaning of roses is a desire to be together.
He gave them to the man to convey his wish to be with him.
The man’s response of ‘same here’ means he also wants to be with him?
Author’s note:
There will be a big, fat chapter tomorrow ^^
Thanks to the little angels for providing me with nutrients~
Thanks to the little angels who provided nutrients: 悠然见南山 10 bottles, 一口小甜饼 10 bottles, 闪闪发亮的小仙女 10 bottles, 何处繁华&笙歌尽落 5 bottles, バイパ— 5 bottles, 荷包甜蛋 2 bottles, 耽美是命 2 bottles, 菱荇 1 bottle, 往事,过往 1 bottle
Thank you very much for your support, and I will continue to work hard! ^_^
![There’s a Beauty [Ancient Wear Modern]](https://www.freenovels.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image_2023-11-22_095131618.png "There’s a Beauty [Ancient Wear Modern]")
