April 14th.
After finishing lunch, Qiao Shu lay on the sofa and called Gu Chenyan.
Qiao Shu: “I might not come over this afternoon.”
He yawned.
Gu Chenyan: “Tired?”
Qiao Shu’s voice softened: “A little. I want to sleep at home this afternoon.”
Gu Chenyan: “Didn’t sleep well in the morning?”
Qiao Shu slept quite well, but feeling a bit guilty, he touched his nose and nodded: “Yeah.”
He pouted slightly: “It won’t be as sweet if you go to work and I’m left sleeping alone.”
Gu Chenyan chuckled softly: “You’re so clingy?”
Qiao Shu: “Yep.”
“Mr. Gu.”
Gu Chenyan: “I’ll accompany you on the weekend.”
Qiao Shu couldn’t help but smile: “Great, Mr. Gu is the best.”
Gu Chenyan: “Be good, go to sleep.”
Qiao Shu: “Okay.”
“Oh, by the way.”
Gu Chenyan: “Hmm?”
Qiao Shu asked cautiously, “Are you busy with work today? Will you be working overtime tonight?”
Gu Chenyan: “Not busy today.”
Qiao Shu smiled, “Then I’ll wait for you to come back tonight.”
Gu Chenyan: “Okay.”
After hanging up the phone, the person who had just sounded sleepy suddenly became lively and energetic, jumping up from the sofa.
He ran to the storage room on the first floor where things were placed and dragged out a box from inside.
Seeing this, Aunt Lan hurried over to help, “Madam, what are you going to do?” She looked at the box, “Is this the delivery from a few days ago?”
Qiao Shu: “Yes.”
“Aunt Lan, can you help me later?”
Aunt Lan: “Sure.”
The box was a bit heavy and quite large. Aunt Lan called Uncle Zhou, who was outside, to help. The three of them carried the box and walked to the courtyard together.
The weather today was exceptionally good.
The sun was shining brightly, but it wasn’t too hot. It was warm and cozy, making people feel comfortable.
Qiao Shu moved the box to the lawn under the balcony of his and Gu Chenyan’s room.
Then he opened the box.
Inside the large cardboard box were white foam pads all around, containing many small and adorable heart-shaped electronic candles, along with numerous LED ground lights and several starry sky projectors.
Aunt Lan: “Madam, what is this for?”
Qiao Shu scratched his face, feeling a bit embarrassed, “It’s nothing, just… just wanted to use it for my husband.” His voice trailed off at the end, barely audible.
Aunt Lan immediately smiled, “I’ll help you.”
Qiao Shu quickly declined, “No need, really. I can handle the rest myself. Aunt Lan, you and Uncle Zhou go and rest.”
Aunt Lan: “Are you sure?”
Qiao Shu scratched his head, “I want to do it myself.”
Confessing, huh?
It’s better to prepare it oneself.
Qiao Shu: “Oh, Aunt Lan, actually, I still need your help with something.”
Aunt Lan: “Madam, just tell us.”
Qiao Shu: “Could you and Uncle Zhou help me later by making sure everything is set up properly? Remind me if anything looks crooked.”
Aunt Lan: “Sure.”
“I’ll be watching with Uncle Zhou.”
Qiao Shu had seen many suggestions for confession online. After considering various options, he ultimately chose to confess on their room’s balcony by arranging lights.
Firstly, as a celebrity, it was easy for him to be recognized when he went out, especially now with his increased popularity.
Secondly, finding a romantic spot without anyone around was possible, but those places were quite far away. Qiao Shu didn’t want to bother Gu Chenyan since he had to go to work.
Thirdly…
Qiao Shu had read many stories where boys had set up candles and played the guitar romantically under girls’ dormitories to confess to their girlfriends. At that time, he had watched the scene with envy while reading, wishing he could have someone he liked and confess in such a grand manner.
Although it seemed a bit cliché.
Qiao Shu arranged a large and beautiful heart shape with electronic candles, surrounded by LED ground lights, and found the perfect angle. He also placed the star projector on a nearby tree trunk.
It sounded simple, but it was actually quite a project.
After Qiao Shu finished arranging and was satisfied, an entire afternoon had passed, and the sky was gradually darkening.
He felt a bit tired as he stood up.
Suddenly, his steps wavered, and his vision darkened.
Uncle Zhou, who was nearby, hurried over to support Qiao Shu. “Madam, are you okay?”
Qiao Shu took a moment to recover and smiled, “I might have been squatting for too long this afternoon.” He rubbed his eyes, “I’m fine now, Uncle Zhou, don’t worry.”
After carefully observing Qiao Shu and confirming that he was indeed fine, Uncle Zhou finally let go of Qiao Shu’s hand, relieved. “That’s good.”
Qiao Shu glanced at the sky and checked his phone, realizing it was already six o’clock. “My husband will be back soon.”
“Uncle Zhou, could you take another look and see if everything I set up looks alright?”
Uncle Zhou smiled, “Don’t worry, Madam, what you’ve arranged looks very nice.”
Qiao Shu grinned widely, “That’s good to hear.”
“I’ll go take a shower first.”
Qiao Shu turned around with a smile, then turned back with concern, pleading to Uncle Zhou, “Uncle Zhou, when my husband comes back later, please help me keep everything here a secret.”
Uncle Zhou happily agreed, “Leave it to me.”
In the kitchen, Aunt Lan was already preparing dinner. Qiao Shu greeted her briefly before quickly running back upstairs to take a shower.
After a busy afternoon, he had worked up a bit of a sweat.
He carefully lathered his entire body with shower gel, washing every part meticulously. As he washed, the thought of what was going to happen later that night made Qiao Shu blush and chuckle.
Excitement.
But also nervousness.
He took his shower very seriously. Just as he was about to finish and leave the bathroom, there was a knock on the door.
Qiao Shu opened it, and his eyes lit up, “You’re back.”
Gu Chenyan nodded, “Mm.”
He stood at the bathroom door, looking at Qiao Shu, then naturally took the towel from Qiao Shu’s hand and began drying his hair, leading him out of the bathroom.
Qiao Shu obediently complied.
Gu Chenyan led Qiao Shu to the sofa and gestured for him to sit down, then took the towel to dry his hair. “Why are you showering at this time?”
Qiao Shu hesitated, his eyes darting around nervously as he tried to come up with an excuse. “I, I just woke up, and I was a bit sweaty.”
“Yeah, and then I wanted to take a shower.”
Gu Chenyan didn’t think much of it, nor did he notice Qiao Shu’s anxious and nervous gaze. He gently dried Qiao Shu’s hair and then grabbed a nearby hairdryer. “Just woke up?”
Qiao Shu nodded. “Yeah.”
“I don’t know why, but I feel especially tired today.”
Gu Chenyan chuckled softly. “Little pig Qiao.”
He turned on the hairdryer.
Qiao Shu pouted.
But soon, he couldn’t help but smile sweetly at this nickname.
“I’m Little Pig Qiao, so are you Big Pig Gu?”
“Big pig Gu.”
Before Gu Chenyan could respond, Qiao Shu burst into laughter at this quirky and earthy nickname.
“You, really.”
Qiao Shu tilted his head back, grinned, and deliberately said, “You’re Big Pig Gu.”
Gu Chenyan sighed in resignation.
Qiao Shu continued, “Little Pig Qiao’s Big Pig Gu.”
Gu Chenyan couldn’t help but chuckle softly.
After drying his hair, Gu Chenyan set the hairdryer aside. “Aunt Lan called for dinner.”
Growl
At the mention of dinner, Qiao Shu’s stomach couldn’t help but growl, asserting its strong presence that couldn’t be ignored.
Qiao Shu swallowed and said, “Let’s go, we’ll eat.”
He hadn’t felt hungry until now. But as soon as the idea of food was mentioned, he realized how famished he was, especially after being busy all afternoon and forgetting to snack.
So hungry.
Qiao Shu eagerly took Gu Chenyan’s hand and headed downstairs.
Gu Chenyan: “Take it easy, no rush.”
Qiao Shu didn’t look back. “I’m hungry.”
After devouring three large bowls of rice, Qiao Shu regained his energy. Then, he served himself half a bowl more. He ate with gusto, completely absorbed in his meal, with food being his only focus.
Gu Chenyan glanced at him. “Have you grown taller recently?”
Qiao Shu paused his eating for a moment and absentmindedly scratched his head. “I think so? I’ve forgotten to measure lately.”
Gu Chenyan said, “I’ll measure you in a moment.”
Qiao Shu smiled and said, “Okay.”
Aunt Lan watched the sweet couple affectionately and chuckled as she got up to serve Qiao Shu a bowl filled to the brim with seaweed pork rib soup.
After finishing their meal, Gu Chenyan led Qiao Shu upstairs to measure his height. He took out a tape measure and asked Qiao Shu to take off his shoes.
Qiao Shu obediently complied.
Qiao Shu asked eagerly, “How much? Have I grown taller? By how much?”
He looked excited and expectant as if he could already see himself growing to nearly 1.9 meters tall, just like Gu Chenyan.
Gu Chenyan looked at the measurement on the tape.
“178.2.”
Qiao Shu’s excited face seemed to freeze in disbelief.
“???”
“Point 2?”
“2 millimeters?”
Gu Chenyan nodded.
Qiao Shu couldn’t believe it. He took the tape measure and looked at where Gu Chenyan’s finger was pointing.
It really was 178.2…
After all this time, and after eating so much, he had only grown by two millimeters?!!!
Qiao Shu felt a bit disappointed.
He rubbed his head with his big hand and looked up at Gu Chenyan with a bit of grievance.
Gu Chenyan: “Qiao Qiao, you’re amazing.”
Qiao Shu blinked.
Gu Chenyan: “Growing two millimeters taller is impressive. At my age, I’m not growing anymore.”
Qiao Shu thought to himself, ‘That’s because you’ve finished growing in your early years.’
Hmph!
Growing so tall!
Qiao Shu silently pursed his lips. But after a second or two, he couldn’t help but laugh.
His Mr. Perfect, who was a bit dry and exaggerated in comforting him, was also very cute.
“Ha-ha.”
Feeling happy again, Qiao Shu pretended to be shy and gave Gu Chenyan a playful glare.
Then, he tiptoed and gently nibbled on Gu Chenyan’s lips. His voice filled with a teasing tone and a hint of fuzziness escaping from between his teeth, “Mr. Gu, why are you so cute when you comfort people?”
Gu Chenyan looked at him.
Qiao Shu was still smiling.
His eyes were curved, the pupils overflowing with light, like stars in the universe.
Gu Chenyan: “Cute?”
Qiao Shu replied, “Mm-hmm.”
Gu Chenyan: “Indeed, very cute.”
“My little wife.”
Qiao Shu responded with a soft sound.
The last three words gently disappeared between their lips.
Qiao Shu was left breathless from the kiss.
Gu Chenyan: “Am I cute?”
His hot lips pressed against Qiao Shu’s earlobe, as Gu Chenyan held Qiao Shu’s waist, pressing him against the cool wall.
“Hmm…”
Qiao Shu breathed heavily.
His gaze was hazy.
Gu Chenyan asked again, “Am I cute?”
Qiao Shu weakly placed his hands on Gu Chenyan’s chest, the corners of his eyes reddened, his eyes shimmering with tears. “No, not cute.”
Gu Chenyan’s chest trembled.
He let out a low chuckle.
Qiao Shu glared at him with embarrassment, then muttered with grievance and shyness, “So mean.”
Gu Chenyan: “Hmm?”
Qiao Shu: “Mr. Gu is so mean.”
Gu Chenyan: “Do you like it?”
Qiao Shu’s gaze wandered, his cheeks turning red.
Gu Chenyan couldn’t help but chuckle again.
It seemed that his little wife liked this fierce Mr. Gu.
So the fierce Gu Chenyan couldn’t resist and continued to intimately interact with his adorable little wife against the wall for several minutes.
When Qiao Shu ran downstairs, his face was still flushed.
Gu Chenyan was becoming more and more… Qiao Shu couldn’t help but cover his face, then patted his cheeks to cool them down.
After patting his face, Qiao Shu looked outside and saw that the sky was completely dark.
Qiao Shu: “…”
Ah!
His confession plan!
Qiao Shu sneaked back upstairs again. He quietly opened the door to the room, but Gu Chenyan was no longer there. So he quietly tiptoed to the study door.
Great!
There was light leaking from under the door, indicating Gu Chenyan was inside.
But just to be safe, Qiao Shu still discreetly opened the study door a crack.
He peeked inside.
The next moment, he was caught in the act.
“Um, um…”
Qiao Shu hastily explained, “I, I was just wondering when you planned to take a shower tonight.”
Gu Chenyan: “Shower?”
Qiao Shu: “Don’t get any ideas!”
“…”
Ah!
Qiao Shu! Silly Qiao Shu! It’s you who’s getting the wrong idea!
LSP!
He quickly tried to remedy the situation: “I didn’t mean anything else. I just wanted to tell you that I’m downstairs playing games.”
Gu Chenyan chuckled lightly, “Okay.”
“I just have a little work left here, and I’ll finish it quickly. I’ll come downstairs to play games with you later.”
Qiao Shu: “Okay.”
“You go shower first!” he emphasized.
Gu Chenyan didn’t understand why but still replied, “Alright, I’ll come down to play games with you after I shower.”
Qiao Shu was finally satisfied.
He closed the study door, chuckled to himself, then went back to his room and rummaged through the wardrobe to find the clothes he had specially bought these past few days.
A set of white suit.
Cough!
Confessions should be formal, right?
Qiao Shu changed into the small suit and carefully checked himself in the mirror several times. After confirming that he looked perfect, he turned off the lights in the room and then went downstairs.
Both Uncle Zhou and Aunt Lan were downstairs.
Aunt Lan smiled, “Are you ready?”
Qiao Shu scratched his head and went to the storage room to fetch the guitar he had prepared long ago.
Ahem
“I’m ready.”
“Thank you for your help, Uncle Zhou and Aunt Lan.”
Aunt Lan covered her mouth and smiled, “No problem.”
The three of them found a secluded spot in the yard and waited. After a short while, they saw the lights in the master bedroom on the second floor turn on, followed by the lights in the adjacent bathroom.
Qiao Shu: “Let’s begin!”
In the yard, the three of them started to turn on the pre-placed electronic candles, LED ground lights, and projectors one by one. The spacious lawn was instantly illuminated with a romantic and soft glow, forming a beautiful large heart shape, while the beautiful starry sky projection created a romantic atmosphere.
Qiao Shu smiled: “It’s done.”
“Thanks to Aunt Lan and Uncle Zhou.”
Aunt Lan hooked her arm with Uncle Zhou’s and said with a smile, “If there’s nothing else, your Uncle Zhou and I will go for a walk.”
“We’ll come back later tonight.”
Qiao Shu blushed.
Aunt Lan and Uncle Zhou left quickly. Qiao Shu stood in the heart-shaped area with his guitar, looking up at the quiet master bedroom on the second floor, waiting patiently.
After waiting for a while and estimating Gu Chenyan’s usual shower time, Qiao Shu dialed Gu Chenyan’s phone number on his mobile.
Gu Chenyan came out of the bathroom drying his hair and heard the ringing of his phone.
He walked over and picked it up.
Qiao Shu?
He swiped to answer, “Qiao Shu?”
Downstairs, Qiao Shu, who was holding his guitar, took a nervous deep breath.
“Gu Chenyan.”
“Come to the small balcony.”
“I have something to tell you.”
Beep beep
Gu Chenyan looked puzzled as he stared at the disconnected phone. Something to tell him?
Putting down the phone, he walked towards the adjacent small balcony. The curtains had been drawn up at some point. Gu Chenyan reached out and pulled them open, striding with long legs.
After just a few steps, he vaguely saw a different light downstairs than usual.
Gu Chenyan became even more puzzled.
Soon he reached the edge of the balcony, gripping the railing and looking down at the lawn on the first floor.
He saw his little wife wearing a white suit, looking beautiful like a prince charming from a fairy tale. His little wife was holding a guitar, smiling up at him from below.
Around his little wife was a beautiful heart shape made of candles and ground lights. Not far away, the light projected a beautiful starry sky onto the heart, shining on his little wife.
Gu Chenyan was momentarily stunned.
Then something stirred in his heart.
Qiao Shu, looking up from below, spoke, “Gu Chenyan, can you hear me?”
Actually, the distance wasn’t far.
Gu Chenyan: “Mm.”
“I can hear you.”
Qiao Shu smiled, “Then you should listen carefully next.”
He lowered his head, gently plucking the guitar strings with his fingers. A gentle melody, filled with Qiao Shu’s joy and boundless love, emanated from the guitar.
The music traveled to the second floor.
And into Gu Chenyan’s ears.
Qiao Shu looked up.
He gazed sweetly at Gu Chenyan on the second floor, then opened his mouth, and his voice echoed through the silent night.
It was a confession.
Qiao Shu’s confession to Gu Chenyan.
As Gu Chenyan listened to the sweet and gentle voice of his little wife singing downstairs, his dark eyes flickered slightly.
He watched quietly.
He listened attentively.
Until the song stopped, until the last note of the guitar faded away.
Qiao Shu let out a gentle sigh, his fingers holding the guitar tightening nervously.
He looked up, his heart trembling, and asked, “Gu Chenyan, did you hear it?”
Gu Chenyan didn’t answer.
After a few seconds, Qiao Shu couldn’t help but ask again, “Did you hear the song I sang for you?”
Gu Chenyan nodded finally, “Mm.”
Qiao Shu smiled faintly, “I think I just said what I wanted to say in the song, but I still want to say it to you formally.”
“So!”
“Gu Chenyan! Listen carefully!”
Gu Chenyan: “Okay.”
“I’m listening attentively.”
Qiao Shu put down the guitar, his hands forming a trumpet shape near his mouth. He took a deep breath, then shouted at the top of his lungs, “Gu Chenyan! I like you!”
“Very, very much.”
“I love you!”
“Very, very much.”
“Mr. Gu!”
“Your Little Mr. Qiao wants to walk with you hand in hand with overflowing love until old age.”
After shouting, Qiao Shu stood there bewildered and nervous, gazing up at Gu Chenyan with anticipation.
“What about you?”
“What’s your answer?”
Gu Chenyan pursed his lips.
His hands clenched tightly onto the railing of the balcony. He stood there for a few seconds, but ultimately, driven by his heart, he exerted force with his arms, leaping directly from the second-floor balcony amidst Qiao Shu’s astonished gaze.
Qiao Shu ran over in a panic, catching Gu Chenyan as he landed. He asked anxiously, “Are you okay? Why did you jump down like that? It’s so high… Um.”
His lips were sealed by a kiss.
His waist was firmly gripped by an arm.
Qiao Shu was tightly pressed against Gu Chenyan’s chest by that arm, the back of his head firmly held by the man’s hand.
There was no escape.
Qiao Shu didn’t want to escape either.
His lips were forcefully pried open by the man’s dominant and urgent kiss, his territory was aggressively invaded and swiftly conquered.
The man seemed to be trying to devour him whole.
Qiao Shu: “Huh.”
The heated and tender kiss lasted for a long, long time before Gu Chenyan gently nibbled on Qiao Shu’s lips.
“I’m fine.”
His voice was very low, very husky, making Qiao Shu’s heart melt.
Their foreheads touched, noses almost touching, their breaths mingling.
Gu Chenyan: “Why did you suddenly want to tell me these things?”
Qiao Shu blushed.
Gu Chenyan: “Hmm?”
So sensual!
Qiao Shu almost felt his legs give out, but thankfully the man’s hand supported him at the waist, preventing him from embarrassingly falling onto the lawn.
His voice was shy and gentle, but his eyes were earnestly fixed on Gu Chenyan: “Because, because I wanted to tell you.”
“I wanted to let you know.”
“And also wanted to know if you like me or not.”
“And love.”
Gu Chenyan: “Qiao Shu.”
Qiao Shu nervously pursed his lips.
Gu Chenyan’s fingertip gently brushed over Qiao Shu’s blushing and earnest eyes: “Do you know?”
“I’ve never, never been so impulsive.”
“Like an inexperienced kid, impulsive and reckless. I’ve never been so embarrassed.”
His gaze fell.
Qiao Shu followed his gaze.
Qiao Shu: “…”
The slippers on Gu Chenyan’s feet were gone at some point, and his large feet were now completely exposed on the lawn, with some dirt and grass stuck on his toes.
Qiao Shu looked further up.
His lower legs were also dirty.
And…
Gu Chenyan was still wearing the white bathrobe he had just washed and hadn’t had time to change into pajamas.
The once pristine white bathrobe was now disheveled, hanging crookedly on him, with a clear mud stain on the knee and some grass stuck on it.
Indeed, quite a sight.
It was the first time Qiao Shu had seen Gu Chenyan like this, and he couldn’t help but laugh.
Gu Chenyan chuckled too.
His voice was gentle in the night: “Qiao Shu.”
“I didn’t know what liking and loving meant; I haven’t experienced those before.”
The smile on Qiao Shu’s face vanished.
Gu Chenyan continued gently, “But I think, the impulsive jump from the second floor just now, that’s love.”
“And also…”
He held Qiao Shu’s hand, placing it over his heart, “Can you feel it?”
“Since I saw you just now, it’s been noisy, very noisy, so noisy that I couldn’t think calmly.”
Qiao Shu swallowed nervously.
He looked at Gu Chenyan, asking hopefully, “What about your answer then?”
Gu Chenyan said, “I think…”
“I love you too.”
“I want to love you, Qiao Shu, my dear wife.”
“My little husband.”
Ba-dump, Ba-dump, Ba-dump—
Qiao Shu’s eyes widened, then exploded with joy.
He jumped up and hugged Gu Chenyan.
“Mr. Gu.”
“Mr. Gu’s answer, Little Mr. Qiao likes it very much. He’s very satisfied. Little Mr. Qiao is so happy.”
Truly happy.
He and Gu Chenyan loved each other. Gu Chenyan’s feelings for him weren’t out of obligation or possessiveness.
It was love.
The sound of water flowed in the bathroom.
Gu Chenyan resisted for a moment, then couldn’t help but open the bathroom door. He walked into the dressing room, where Qiao Shu was getting ready to change.
“Qiao Shu.”
Qiao Shu turned around.
He walked in and held Qiao Shu’s hand that was on the button. “Don’t change yet.”
“Huh?”
“I’ll help you.”
He bent down and lifted Qiao Shu horizontally, heading towards the bathroom.
Author’s note:
Muah~
Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or irrigated nutrients between 2021-02-23 23:58:42~2021-02-24 23:59:06~
Thanks to the little angel who launched the depth charges: Old Dominion 1;
Thanks to the little angels who launched the landmines: Dream of Floating Life, Ink Dyed 1.
Thank you to the little angels who irrigated with nutrient solution: Xiaodengdeng 13 bottles; 33612004 10 bottles; Mimi Jiang 6 bottles; Ran Ruo & Qingchen, Zhi Nan 3 bottles; Jiufang Chenyue, Ylrenjing, -_-Jiangjiang 1 bottle;
Thank you all very much for your support, I will continue to work hard!
⌈Weekend chapters: 0⌉ ⌊Progress: 1/2 ⌋
