By Zephyria 
The next day, at the base.
The club was busier than usual.
After the global tournament, ME. had skyrocketed to become the hottest star team in the esports scene. Having endured national and global competitions, the once-declining, outdated team had completely become a thing of the past.
Now, Glory was the club that players from all servers were scrambling to join.
And their dream was to one day fight side by side with Sheep.
Just today, Glory’s system servers were officially updated.
The update included the opening of newly tested maps, innovative modes for challenge matches and PK battles, pop-up windows for live tournament broadcasts, and minor optimizations to several details.
But what caught players’ attention the most—was the latest PK ranking list Glory showcased to all servers.
With this data update, the points became even more precise, and everyone noticed—
Sheep, who had originally been in sixth place on the PK leaderboard, had now risen to third place in this update!
【Congratulations!!】
【Ahhh, our baby is in third place!】
【Only heaven knows how hard it is to climb this leaderboard. For example, Greek played day and night for eight years, and with his solid skills and strong abilities, he only managed to achieve second place back then.】
【Then, after one PK match with Ash, he lost a whole year’s worth of experience in a single round (whispering).】
【Hahahaha, feels like it was just yesterday.】
【As a new player, he was once a streamer, became a pro player, joined a club, competed in tournaments, became a world champion, and finally returned covered in glory—all by the age of twenty.】
【Based on the current trend of point increases, in another year or two, he’ll probably surpass the myth created by Ash.】
【This young player has a promising future.】
The rise in the PK leaderboard ranking also meant that this player’s future market value and commercial worth would inevitably skyrocket. Unfortunately, this active player had already signed with ME. early on, completely dashing the hopes of other teams.
Probably no one would have expected,
that the once-unknown little streamer would, step by step, overcome all obstacles and create such an awe-inspiring, brilliant myth.
When Jing Mian returned to the base, the club was unusually lively.
Not only was training still in full swing, but the logistics team had already started decorating the base. Though the changes weren’t extensive, Jing Mian noticed something different as soon as he stepped inside.
Spring Festival couplets were pasted on the doors, paper cuttings adorned the top of the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the team jackets had been switched to the New Year edition.
The festive atmosphere was strong.
Since the base had a refrigerator, the members had stocked up on New Year’s goods in advance, buying all the ingredients needed for the New Year’s Eve dinner. Come New Year’s Eve, it would turn into a lavish feast.
It was then that Jing Mian realized—there were only two days left until New Year’s Eve.
The young man stopped at his familiar seat, booted up the computer, and put on his headset. For some reason, his heart felt inexplicably excited.
He thought about it and realized it was probably the scene he had just witnessed that had infected him with the atmosphere.
This would be the first New Year’s Eve he would spend with Mr. Ren.
After all, the previous New Year’s Eve had been spent at his family home, with Jing Luo, back when Jing Guozhen and Li Qiao were still married.
Back then, Jing Luo was very young and would sit in his lap. The two of them would watch the fireworks outside the window, and the little one would occasionally get startled by the sharp crackle of firecrackers.
But this year’s New Year’s Eve, he would be celebrating with his Brother.
Jing Mian couldn’t help but feel a little nervous.
New Year’s Eve was ultimately different from other days. He could make dumplings with Mr. Ren, enjoy the New Year’s Eve dinner, go outside Maple Leaves to set off fireworks in the evening, then curl up together on the sofa watching the Spring Festival Gala while holding each other. Finally, the little one could legitimately stay up late.
…………All of this sounded incredibly tempting.
What mattered wasn’t the holiday itself, nor the atmosphere or scenery.
What made his heart flutter was Mr. Ren himself.
With no major tournaments recently, the closest events were the single-season regular matches two months away and the International Invitational. So everyone could rarely relax a bit – routine training, random matches, without having to grind maps and control recoil day and night like they did months ago.
After three matches, Jing Mian stretched lazily when Xuan Cheng suddenly walked into the training area, looking like he had something to say.
Team members looked up at the sound.
“With two days left until New Year’s Eve, most of our Team members going home have already boarded trains, with the latest departing today.” Those remaining were mostly locals, or those from distant hometowns who couldn’t manage the trip back, or those who simply failed to get tickets. Xuan Cheng continued: “But there’s an event the night after tomorrow, sponsored by many brands, requiring live broadcast. It’s a special New Year’s Eve activity.”
“Several famous veteran major Teams are participating.” The captain asked: “Is everyone interested? I can notify the organizers to put us in the promotion section early.”
Little Mirror asked: “What kind of event is it?”
Xuan Cheng: “Simply put… it’s recording our Team’s daily life on New Year’s Eve, like a vlog.”
“There will also be matches against other Teams midway, focusing more on fun elements. With sponsors and bidding, every member gets substantial rewards if we win.”
At the mention of rewards, everyone lifted their heads.
They were somewhat tempted.
Song Meiyang took off her headphones: “Like an esports carnival?”
“Yes.” Xuan Cheng nodded: “That’s the name in the backup introduction, so the meaning is roughly the same.”
Another newcomer asked, “How will the matches then differ from usual? Which Teams are participating?”
“Will… Shock participate too?”
“Not much different, except all competition interfaces will be replaced with New Year’s Eve elements.” Xuan Cheng recalled: “I saw the game interface will turn festive red, with dumplings replacing second-round entrance keys.”
“Your costumes and props will also have New Year’s Eve decorations – couplets on red doors, fireworks displayed in the game’s holographic sky, firecracker sounds in your earphones… these count as differences.”
Red Hair listened in astonishment: “Truly worthy of a New Year’s Eve carnival.”
Then Xuan Cheng answered the second question: “Yes.”
“Shock is confirmed to participate.”
Team members silently exchanged glances.
An unspoken understanding gradually rose among them.
Then they unanimously declared: “We’ll participate too!!”
Almost rubbing their hands in anticipation.
After all, in the last national tournament, they had been just one step away from the championship trophy. So now, merely hearing Shock’s name reflexively ignited their fighting spirit.
Xuan Cheng felt quite gratified.
“Many of our members have hometowns in other provinces, and returning home would mean crossing more than half of China. I thought this year, with this event, we’d have the most people gathered together,” the captain said. “For those staying behind, let’s just celebrate the New Year together at the base.”
Upon hearing this, Jing Mian froze slightly.
Soon after, he privately asked Xuan Cheng: “Do locals have to participate too?”
Xuan Cheng shook his head and quickly replied: “No, it’s voluntary for locals too. About half of our base members are going home for the New Year – it’s not mandatory.”
After thinking for a long time, Jing Mian sent a message to Mr. Ren:
[Brother, there’s an event at the base on New Year’s Eve]
[I can’t come home for the New Year this year]
During his first live stream after the global competition, the number of comments on Sheep’s homepage had skyrocketed. One popular comment stood out:
,”MianMian calls his husband ‘Brother’! Does anyone get it? Not just ‘bro’ but the two-character ‘Brother’ – in Teacher Ren’s eyes, isn’t this basically the same as acting cute?”
Unsurprisingly, Sheep had seen this comment too.
So afterwards, Jing Mian quietly changed from using two characters to just one.
Soon, Jing Mian received message notifications:
[Go ahead]
[Have fun]
Jing Mian looked down at these two messages, staring blankly for a while.
Well, the acceptance was calm and straightforward.
Mr. Ren… really seemed to indulge him a lot.
Although Mr. Ren wasn’t the type to question or complain about why he wasn’t spending the New Year at home with him, throughout their marriage, his husband had always been the more mature one.
Thinking carefully… it seemed he had never shown jealousy toward him either.
Jing Mian suddenly remembered a popular online joke where a guy boasted about how understanding his girlfriend was – she never checked up on him, never asked questions when he came home after midnight, never got jealous or acted cute – practically the perfect girlfriend.
The top comment was particularly sharp, hitting right at the heart:
[That’s not understanding – she just doesn’t love you.]
The premonition from that night quietly resurfaced. Jing Mian realized this possibility wasn’t entirely impossible… He and Mr. Ren didn’t really seem to be in the passionate stage of love.
The world champion found himself unavoidably troubled by relationship worries at this moment.
On New Year’s Eve.
Mr. Ren dropped the young man off at the base entrance. Jing Mian leaned down to say goodbye to the man.
As soon as the youth entered the club, he noticed a small crowd gathered in the corner. Unable to see what was happening clearly, Jing Mian approached and began to faintly hear their conversation:
“Do you want any snacks?”
“So tiny.”
“Such big eyes, and such long eyelashes. Whose baby is this adorable?”
“Looks a bit like MianMian.”
Then, from within the small gathered crowd, Jing Mian heard a young voice speak nervously: “I’m looking for my brother.”
Jing Mian froze.
He instantly recognized this as the little bun’s voice.
Sure enough, when Jing Mian entered the crowd, Jing Luo was sitting on the table with a small cushion underneath him. The moment he saw the youth, Jing Luo’s eyes immediately lit up as he called out: “Brother!”
“Luo Luo, how did you get here?” Jing Mian put down his backpack in surprise. “How did you find this place?”
Seeing the person he’d been missing day and night, the little bun sniffled, his eyes becoming moist: “I wanted to see Brother. Dad said this is where you are on TV, so he brought me to the base.”
Everyone looked somewhat surprised: “So this is MianMian’s little brother?”
Jing Mian noticed Jing Luo only carried a small backpack and asked, “Did he not mention me?”
Chen Xi said, “He didn’t mention any names.”
“Just said his brother is a world champion.”
Damn.
Jing Mian:
His ears silently grew warm.
That introduction was way too hardcore.
“Sweetie looks so young, how old are you this year?”
Jing Luo was picked up by the youth, his small hands holding onto his brother’s neck as he tilted his head and whispered, “Four and a half years old.”
The members:
Damn, that’s too adorable.
They could already imagine what Jing Mian looked like as a child.
Jing Mian put down his backpack and placed Jing Luo in his gaming chair. Jing Luo was very small, and even when sitting properly, his feet didn’t reach the ground.
Jing Mian asked, “Do you want to spend New Year’s Eve with Brother?”
Jing Luo nodded.
Jing Mian: “Does Dad know about this?”
Jing Luo continued nodding.
Jing Mian paused: “But I’m not going home today. We’re spending New Year’s Eve at the base, is that okay?”
Jing Luo nodded frantically.
The youth thought, so well-behaved.
He settled Jing Luo in the rest area where there were comic books and a tablet. Jing Mian took out a small takeout box from his backpack, which contained a complete round frozen dessert.
It was something Mr. Ren had brought for the kids.
But now there was an even younger friend present.
Jing Luo took the small spoon and looked up to ask, “What is this?”
Jing Mian had ordered it himself, so of course he remembered the name: “Caramel pudding brulee.”
Though not particularly fond of desserts, Jing Luo thought since it was from his brother, he should try it. He lowered his head, scooped a spoonful into his mouth, tasted it with the tip of his tongue, and then his eyes lit up: “So delicious!”
“Your sister-in-law made it.”
Jing Luo:
“…”
“The taste is… acceptable.” The little bun silently changed his tune and said, “I’ll make some for Brother in the future too.”
The vlog activity had started since early morning, with members taking turns holding phones for live streaming. Xiao Jingzi opened: “Hello everyone, what you’re seeing now is the ME club base. Today is New Year’s Eve, wishing everyone a happy new year, eat well and drink well!”
【ME joined the carnival too!】
【Xiao Jingzi changed into new clothes, Red Hair looks beautiful】
【Happy New Year’s Eve!】
【Where’s my baby? Has MianMian arrived?】
【Want to see Mole!!】
Xiao Jingzi brought the camera past each member’s seat, introducing the base’s different areas while saying: “Everyone is still training now. When evening comes, there will be more activities – team league matches, making dumplings, having New Year’s Eve dinner… Of course we also bought a very expensive firework. The boss said we’ll be the brightest scenery in Lincheng.”
Xiao Jingzi added quietly: “Everyone bear witness – if we get scammed I need to go check tomorrow whether he’s run away…”
Red Hair deliberately moved the camera toward the little treasure: “Luo Luo, want to say hello to the camera?”
The little bun was startled. Kindergarten had taught him how to do a proper self-introduction – first politely say hello, then state his identity, finally add his name. He knew how to do this.
So Jing Luo sat up straight, put down his pudding, looking completely serious as he said in his milky voice: “Hello everyone, I am the world champion’s younger brother, Jing Luo.”
【HAHAHAHAHAHA】
【I’ll wave the flag for my brother, every sentence mentions the world champion】
【Damn, that’s killing me with cuteness】
【Is this MianMian’s real brother? Oh my god I’m already imagining what Sheep looked like as a child】
【Help, let auntie give you a kiss】
When the next member took over, He Jing walked into the lounge and saw Jing Mian drinking coffee. He asked, “Drinking it this early? What if it wears off by evening? We still have to play against Shock.”
Jing Mian finished the last sip and murmured, “I can still win even if it wears off.”
Red Hair: “!”
Damn, he adored this well-behaved yet wild MianMian.
Little Mirror seemed to recall something, “Aren’t you going home for New Year’s Eve? Is your Husband okay with that?”
Jing Mian paused while setting down his cup, “It’s fine.”
The young man hesitated for a moment before asking, “Do newlyweds need a honeymoon?”
It was a somewhat off-topic question.
Red Hair was stunned: “?”
He randomly replied, “Of course!!”
Little Mirror said, “You only get married once in a lifetime, and the same goes for the honeymoon. Of course, you can’t take it lightly.” He waved his hand, “Even I, a single dog, know that.”
Jing Mian:
……
The young man’s Adam’s apple moved slightly, as if he didn’t quite understand, and asked, “What’s the point of a honeymoon?”
He Jing also thought for a moment before answering, “Maybe there’s no point at all, but the scenery is beautiful when traveling, and the atmosphere gets better.”
Then, he whispered something into the young man’s ear.
By the time Jing Mian returned to his seat, the heat flushing his ears still hadn’t faded.
He put on his headset and silently started a match. Since he directly entered the second level, Ash, as his Shadow Guard, soon appeared behind him.
Jing Mian pursed his lips.
He thought, this honeymoon matter still needed further consideration.
Because, based on the information he currently had—traveling might involve nonstop… activity.
No wonder a honeymoon was an essential step for newlyweds. Wouldn’t such a journey deepen their bond?
By the afternoon, to allow extra time for the Team’s friendly match livestream in the evening, the members gradually stopped what they were doing and gathered around a round table to make dumplings.
Most of the members were young, so their skills were quite clumsy. A few who were skilled in cooking quickly became role models for the others.
Jing Mian wiped his face and clumsily made a beautiful dumpling, earning unanimous praise from everyone. Xuan Cheng even took a photo of it.
He Jing took a tissue and wiped Jing Mian’s cheek, completely unaware that he had smeared flour all over his own face.
But soon after, he made a relatively perfect dumpling.
Then he asked Mole how his was doing.
Cen Xian glanced at his dumpling out of the corner of his eye: “It looks a bit like… the moon.”
Little Mirror’s eyes lit up: “Like the moon?”
Cen Xian finished: “A mutated moon.”He Jing:
@Infinite Good Literature, All in Jinjiang Literature City
The chat was filled with “hahaha,” and the atmosphere was cheerful both online and offline.”
[The Team’s vibe is really great.]
[I was about to say, I never knew before, but with such a warm atmosphere, it’d be hard not to win championships.]
[Better than the Spring Festival Gala.]
[This is my dream team.]
[I just checked out opo Team’s livestream, their team atmosphere is so strict, it reminded me of the fear of being controlled by my homeroom teacher………………]
(+1)
Around 8 p.m., some members gathered in front of the TV to watch the Spring Festival Gala, while the rest, itching to play, took their positions. The New Year’s Eve friendly match was about to begin.
Before the match started, Jing Mian found the captain.
“Can I ask for leave?”
Xuan Cheng was surprised, “I thought you and Ash had already had your honeymoon.”
Jing Mian thought that regardless of whether they would have a honeymoon in the future, if the club couldn’t spare him, everything would just be empty talk.
“No problem, there aren’t many matches recently. Have fun and come back—it won’t delay training,” the captain asked. “Is one month enough?”
Jing Mian nodded: “Probably won’t need that long.”
Because even if he made time, Mr. Ren might not be able to spare that much. Around twenty days would be more ideal, though currently they might not even have this trip.
Eight o’clock arrived quickly.
Most TV channels began switching to broadcast the grand Spring Festival Gala. Jing Mian and Cen Xian put on their headsets and joined the Team friendly match.
Glory’s updated system indeed had a special New Year’s Eve league channel. The game interface was filled with New Year’s atmosphere as rumored. After a brief rules introduction, the league officially began.
The tournament lasted three hours, structured like a pyramid—winners advanced to the next round until only two teams remained at the top to compete for the New Year’s Eve championship.
[Secretly hoping AUB and ME meet]
[(+1]
[Same here]
[Doesn’t feel very formal though—Little Mirror and Big Brother are watching the Spring Festival Gala, so it’s not the strict four-versus-four revenge match from before]
[Haha that’s why it’s a friendly match, mainly for entertainment]
When the clock struck 10:30, the third comedy sketch of the Spring Festival Gala was airing. Teammates were laughing uproariously while the computer screens nearby showed a change:
Round 8 [Final Match]
AUB vs ME.
The chat exploded. Just as expected!!!
When Shock’s voice came through the public speaker, everyone stiffened. His voice was low, carrying a lazy yet intimidating aura: “Mole, not going home for New Year’s?”
Cen Xian chuckled, “Is that any of your business?”
The tension could literally be cut with a knife.
Jing Mian, who knew the inside story, took off his headset and silently played with his phone for a while. When it seemed like the two had finished, he wordlessly clicked “Start.”
The New Year’s Eve map was newly unlocked, making all players beginners. Now each team could only rely on experience from previous rounds to feel their way forward.
The usual eerie settings were replaced by four-horned, four-legged beasts—widely spread legendary monsters of New Year’s Eve. Players’ guns were transformed into firecracker styles and effects, with firecracker sounds effectively driving away and repelling the beasts.
Their mission was to light the fireworks at the map’s edge.
Only when the fireworks burned out would the red door adorned with couplets appear.
[Dang, so fitting!]
[Want to play!!]
[Got to admit, Glory really put effort into this]
Sheep obtained the first firecracker gun and headed deep into the forest, running toward a distant Chinese-style brick house with glowing lights.
After repelling three beasts named “Xi,” Jing Mian encountered Shock searching for supplies at the first corner of the quadrangle courtyard.
Not only was ME’s lineup different from the national tournament, but Shock’s side had changed too. Despite the different circumstances, both sides remained fiercely competitive, neither yielding an inch.
Fierce gunfire erupted.
Sheep hid behind a cylindrical barrier and quietly threw a smoke grenade. As smoke filled the area, he saw beasts attracted by the noise approaching from outside.
Sheep didn’t attack.
Behind him.
Instead of staying behind cover, he dashed toward the ferocious beast.
Though the mini-boss was relatively slow to react, its attacks still dealt real damage. Sheep crouched, then slid, maneuvering around Xi.
Amid Xi’s furious roar, the smoke gradually dissipated, leaving only the massive silhouette of the beast.
Shock froze.
He couldn’t see Jing Mian’s health bar, nor were there any system prompts. He wasn’t sure if Sheep was still there.
But the player’s instinct made him raise his gun, instantly headshotting Shock.
As the giant beast collapsed, a figure stood atop Shock’s head, holding a gun with a steady angle, face and muzzle stained with blood.
A high-speed airflow burst forth at that moment, tracing a phantom-like straight line.
Shock’s pupils constricted.
The moment he was taken down, the barrage fell silent.
Then came an overwhelming flood of comments:
[Ahhhh!!!]
[Incredible!!]
[Such an intense fight in the New Year map, that’s my MianMian]
[First time seeing Shock so caught off guard]
After eliminating Shock, the remaining map became much easier. Sheep passed through layers of pavilions and spotted the final Boss guarding the fireworks.
The final Boss was a massive Nian beast with horns on its head and a fierce expression.
It had thick health and was hard to defeat, but fortunately, the Nian beast’s huge size worked to his advantage. After three minutes of fighting, Sheep successfully emerged from the massive dust cloud raised by the Boss’s fall and lit the cluster of fireworks.
A red gate appeared before him.
The unforgettable New Year friendly match thus concluded.
[Not enough!!!]
[Wuwu Little Tear Mole got chased and surrounded by Shock from the start, didn’t even make it to the red gate]
[It’s 10 PM!]
[Little Mirror said they’re going to light the most expensive fireworks in Lincheng at midnight]
[Haha feels like they’re about to get scammed by the shady boss]
As the Spring Festival Gala approached its end, the clock hands slowly moved to 11:50 PM.
The ME members finished eating dumplings and warmly gathered outside the base.
Small fireworks and firecrackers were lit one after another, illuminating the street corner. He Jing made preparations, taking out a lighter and timing it to ignite just before midnight.
Jing Mian felt somewhat nervous, holding his breath slightly. His face beneath the scarf was flushed red from the cold, with faint mist swirling around his lips.
He picked up his phone and, as midnight approached, dialed Ren Xingwan’s video call.
At that moment, Little Mirror bent down, sparks jumping as he slid the lighter, immediately igniting the fuse.
At the stroke of midnight, a breathtaking spectacle bloomed across the sky.
Little Mirror hadn’t been scammed.
Against the backdrop of Lincheng’s most magnificent fireworks, Jing Mian said to Mr. Ren:
“Happy New Year’s Eve.”
Jing Luo spent his happiest New Year at his brother’s club.
He was even reluctant to leave the next day, asking with red-rimmed eyes if he could stay one more day, saying he’d be fine going home before evening.
Thus, Jing Mian’s meeting with Mr. Ren was delayed by half a day.
The youth remembered the man had a short schedule on the first day of the New Year. He planned to send Jing Luo home first, then wanted to pick up Mr. Ren at the studio, but wasn’t sure what time would be appropriate.
So he called Chen Ke, who answered quickly: “MianMian? Happy New Year.”
“Happy New Year, Brother Chen Ke.” Jing Mian was somewhat nervous but quickly got to the point, asking: “Around what time will Mr. Ren’s shooting end tonight?”
“Oh? It’ll be quick, mainly recording New Year’s greetings. Should be done in about an hour.” Chen Ke asked: “Are you coming to see Brother Ren? I’ll let him know.”
The youth quickly said: “No need, I’ll wait for him there.”
Chen Ke guessed the kid probably wanted to surprise Brother Ren, so he decisively said: “Okay, I’ll send you the address. The shooting should end around 8 PM.”
The call ended.
Early in the morning, the TV began replaying sketches from New Year’s Eve. Jing Mian was called by the family members to eat the leftover dumplings from last night that hadn’t been cooked.
That evening.
After sending the little one home, Jing Mian arrived at Linshui Film Studio according to the address.
The photography studio was at the far end of the first floor, very close to the back door. Jing Mian had been here more than once – Mr. Ren’s previous photoshoots often took place here, so the young man was familiar with the place and stopped at the back door.
The back door connected to a relatively secluded alley where pedestrians rarely passed. Because it was out of the way, even vehicles seldom drove through. Even the streetlights were hidden in the corners of the alley, quiet and dim.
With his back to the exit, beside him were marble steps about half a person’s height.
Jing Mian glanced at his watch and found it was still early, so he lowered his head to play with his phone for a while. When his fingers grew stiff from the cold, he silently put the phone back in his pocket, along with his hands.
When the staff member came out, she happened to see the young figure sitting on the steps. He was carrying a backpack, facing away from the back door. The edge of the steps was so high that his shoes weren’t even touching the ground.
The woman paused, immediately recognizing him: “MianMian?”
Jing Mian turned his head and saw it was a familiar staff member. He said: “Hello, sister.”
“…” “Are you waiting for Teacher Ren?” The woman said in surprise: “Why don’t you wait inside? It’s so cold out here, what if you catch a cold? Come in quickly.”
“I just arrived.” Jing Mian showed a slight smile. “Isn’t it almost over? I’ll just wait outside for a bit.”
Based on previous experiences, whenever he entered the backstage, the staff would fuss over him, offering tea and water with all kinds of attention. Jing Mian felt embarrassed to trouble them repeatedly, so this time he firmly chose to wait outside.
“It is almost over, but the timing isn’t certain…” The young woman didn’t insist, saying: “I’ll go back and check. If it’s still going to be a while before he comes out, MianMian, you should come in and wait.”
Jing Mian nodded.
The winter night was solemn and quiet,
faint sounds of firecrackers echoed through the empty streets, then quickly faded away. Streetlights shone on the snow covering the roads, the light mixing with snowflakes, romantic and gentle.
The contours of Jing Mian’s profile were illuminated, along with his hair tips.
He spaced out for a while, unaware of the footsteps behind him.
Only when he was lifted from the steps did Jing Mian’s heart suddenly jump. His body and feet suspended in mid-air, and when he came to his senses, he found himself pulled into an embrace.
Look at him.
Mr. Ren’s outline was shrouded in the shadow he cast himself, only his pupils were light and bright, hidden in the delicate shadows beneath his eyelashes, currently looking at him.
The young man’s chest heaved heavily. Just as he was about to say something, he felt the arm holding him tighten its grip. His off-balance upper body was forced to lean forward, and Jing Mian hurriedly wrapped his arms around his Husband’s neck. Just as he stabilized, his lips were captured in a kiss.
Jing Mian felt like his heartbeat didn’t belong to him this night.
They had only been apart for two days, yet it felt like they hadn’t seen each other for a long time. The kiss filled with longing wasn’t just a brief taste, but rather a conquest, until he was almost breathless when the other party timely released him.
He asked: “Have you been waiting long?”
Jing Mian’s Adam’s apple moved slightly: “Not long.”
“Why are you lying?” Mr. Ren said quietly: “Your lips are cold.”
Jing Mian’s brow twitched slightly, his face slowly flushing red.
At this moment, all doubts automatically dissipated.
He and Mr. Ren were currently in the world’s most passionate love affair.
Jing Mian seemed to remember something and said softly: “Happy New Year’s Eve.”
Although New Year’s Eve had passed, the effect of saying it in person was naturally different from saying it over the phone.
Mr. Ren paused slightly, then kissed the boy’s brow line, seemingly revealing a faint smile as he said, “Happy New Year’s Eve.”
When Jing Mian was set down, the solid feeling beneath his feet still seemed somewhat unsteady. Having previously experienced being kissed until his legs went weak, the boy silently stepped twice, the sensation gradually returning as his movements became practiced enough to be heartbreaking.
The first to notice Jing Mian’s loose shoelace was Ren Xingwan.
“Wait a moment.”
The man bent down, his slender fingers hooking the boy’s shoelace that had fallen to the ground, now stained with a thin layer of snow.
Jing Mian paused slightly, his lower back lightly resting against the edge of the steps, his eyelashes fluttering.
“Brother.”
This time,
he
uttered two words.
Perhaps Mr. Ren didn’t understand—he was being coquettish.
The man was tying his shoelace: “Hmm?”
Jing Mian lowered his gaze, his voice very soft:
“Let’s go on our honeymoon.”