Around Christmas, the convalescent home was also filled with a festive atmosphere.
Little bells and red ribbons were hung everywhere. After all, this was a private convalescent home, extremely expensive, with all services and facilities fully equipped. On Christmas Day, the weather in New Zealand was still warm, sea breeze salty and humid, the horizon endless.
Ye Ran pushed Father Ye’s wheelchair and accompanied him for a stroll.
Father Ye had been awake for nearly a month now. From being unable to get out of bed at first, to now being able to walk a little and get some fresh air and exercise, everything undoubtedly proved that his health was improving.
Ye Ran was worried he would be thinking too much about the Ye Corporation. Ever since his father’s recovery, he had been waiting for him to bring it up. But as the days passed slowly, it seemed that after that period of unconsciousness, Father Ye truly no longer cared about those mundane affairs.
Ye Ran’s heart had gradually settled as well. But today, after pushing Father Ye to the shoreline and wrapping a blanket over him, Father Ye suddenly spoke and asked: “Ranran, have Zhang Minghao and the others contacted you recently?”
Ye Ran froze, then shook his head after coming back to himself. “…No.”
He hadn’t expected Father Ye to already know what had happened to the Ye Corporation. After a brief stiffness, he took a cushion out of the wheelchair’s side bag and placed it next to Father Ye before sitting down.
A cool sea breeze brushed across the water, sweeping across his cheeks, rumpling his hair. Ye Ran sat quietly for a long time, listening to Father Ye slowly speak: “Your Uncle Zhang, Uncle Sun, and I knew each other many years ago. Back then, your mother started her business with them…”
It was a past that belonged only to those people of that era.
Ye Ran sat in the gentle sea breeze, listening to his father who had just recovered from a major illness speak in a calm, natural voice about the past. About Zhang Minghao, who was loyal; about Sun Guohai, who was generous and dependable; and about Mother Chen, who was decisive yet gentle and patient.
After so many years, everyone else had moved forward. Only Father Ye remained trapped in those memories.
Perhaps he held onto that period so tightly because everyone from that time was in the most beautiful stage of their lives.
The two stayed by the sea for a long time. Whenever Father Ye mentioned certain memories, he would lapse into silence, then turn and smile at Ye Ran. He rarely smiled especially in front of Ye Ran. The Ye household had always been a classic portrayal of a strict father and gentle mother. Ye Ran quietly watched him, as though seeing deep, exhausted weariness behind that smile.
“Ranran,” Father Ye finally concluded their talk with certainty: “You’ve done very well.”
“Every decision you’ve made during this period has been good.”
Father Ye smiled again. He looked at Ye Ran, and reflected in the pupils so similar to his own was Ye Ran’s slightly dazed expression. Softly, he said: “You’re very much like your mother.”
If she could see you today, she would be proud of you too.
In times of crisis, what the Ye Corporation needed was never an investment partner, it needed stability at its core.
To this day, Ye Ran still firmly held Father Ye’s shares. Those shares were the foundation for the Ye Corporation’s revival.
…
That evening, Father Shen and Mother Shen happily brought a pot of dumplings to the convalescent home.
Father Ye couldn’t eat them, but Ye Ran sat with Mother Shen and ate quite a few. After nine o’clock, the two even had a bowl of sweet fermented rice dumplings together while watching the melodramatic romance on TV. In the background, Father Shen and Father Ye casually chatted away.
Ye Ran occasionally caught a bit of their conversation, he seemed to hear Shen Shi’s name, but he wasn’t sure whether it was “Shen Shi” or the “Shen Corporation.” Before he could think further, the TV volume was turned up.
Mother Shen patted his hand with a smile and whispered, “Men are so annoying. They just ate and they’re already talking about the company. Aren’t they afraid they’ll get indigestion? Ranran, don’t grow up to be like them.”
Ye Ran snapped out of his thoughts and nodded with a smile.
Mother Shen also seemed to realize something and exclaimed, “I almost forgot our Ranran is an artist. Not like those money-stinking men.”
“What about Big Brother Shen Shi, then?” Ye Ran blinked and asked.
“Him? He reeks of money too.” Mother Shen pursed her lips. “He practically lives at the company. Ranran, don’t let him lead you astray.”
From then on, Ye Ran didn’t understand a thing about the drama anymore.
When he returned to the bedroom, about ten minutes later, Shen Shi’s video call came through.
Ye Ran was sitting on the carpet, holding one of the many packages Shen Shi had mailed him from China, more than a dozen. He was opening them one by one.
The light in the room wasn’t very bright. The fishing-lamp cast a warm orange glow across the room. Ye Ran wore long pajama pants, and because of how he sat, his right ankle with three anklets wrapped around it peeked out. The reddish beads circled his pale skin, looking even prettier under the light.
In Beijing, it was already past two in the morning.
Shen Shi hadn’t slept yet, working in his study. He wore light gray pajamas, his fringe resting loosely above his brows. A pair of silver-rimmed blue-light glasses sat on his face. When he lifted his eyelids to look at the screen, his gaze was deep and his presence refined.
“Ranran?” Shen Shi called.
Ye Ran held a small knife and didn’t look up while opening a box. “It’s wrapped so tight… Is this food from Chen Ma?”
Shen Shi let out a soft, helpless laugh. “If you want anything, I’ll have Chen Ma prepare meal kits and send them to you.”
“That’s too much trouble.” Ye Ran thought for a moment, then looked at Shen Shi on the screen. “Just have her send me the recipes. I’ll cook for Uncle and Aunt instead.”
Shen Shi lifted an eyebrow but didn’t comment.
The first big box finally opened, revealing seven or eight brocade cases inside.
Each brocade case was wrapped securely with foam and inflatable bags.
He opened them one by one. In each case, set in the center was a gemstone, each surrounded by recessed velvet lining. The sapphires were the familiar deep ocean blue, crystal clear, glowing faintly like they held a piece of the sea inside them. No matter what angle they were viewed from, they were flawless.
This was the first gift Shen Shi had ever given him.
He suddenly knew exactly what would be inside the remaining brocade boxes.
One after another, he opened them—rubies, pink diamonds, agate, jadeite… different shapes, all exquisite and luxuriously beautiful.
He liked them too much. He couldn’t help taking them out one by one, lining them neatly at the edge of the bed. Half-kneeling, he carefully picked each one up to admire.
He held a teardrop-shaped ruby between his fingertips, head slightly lowered, his black hair brushing against his cheeks. His eyelashes were long and thick, and the warm orange light cast a soft glow along the side of his face, smooth and pale like fine white jade.
On the other end of the video, Shen Shi’s gentle gaze gradually darkened.
“Little one,” he said, Adam’s apple bobbing, voice low and hoarse, “talk to me.”
Ye Ran was reminded only then that he was still on video call. He turned his head, looked at Shen Shi, and seeing him leaning back in his chair, his expression unchanged as always, Ye Ran suddenly blinked with mischief.
“You’re sure you want to hear?”
Shen Shi looked at him, as if sensing something, a faint smile touching his lips. “I want to hear.”
Ye Ran said softly, “Aunt Shen told me not to learn from you.”
Shen Shi cooperated. “Why?”
Ye Ran almost couldn’t hide his grin. “Because you reek of money.”
He had clearly gained the upper hand. He was so delighted he stopped looking at the gemstones altogether, focusing only on Shen Shi’s expression, wanting to see whether his words had any effect.
Minutes passed. Shen Shi on the screen froze like a lagging video, motionless, gaze lowered, shadow cast beneath his lashes.
Ye Ran grew uneasy. “Shen Shi? Shen Shi?”
“…Mm.” After several calls, Shen Shi finally responded, sounding tired. “I’m here.”
He had changed expression just as Ye Ran expected. But instead of feeling triumphant, Ye Ran felt only regret as he saw the faint sorrow hidden in Shen Shi’s brows.
After squirming in guilt for a while, he put the gemstone down and asked softly, “Are you okay?”
He tried desperately to comfort him. “Auntie was just talking casually… Don’t take it to heart… She still talks about you proudly…”
His collar had slipped slightly, revealing a bit of pale, soft skin at his neck.
Shen Shi’s eyes darkened slightly. He suppressed the thoughts rising within him and said in a low voice:
“Ranran, I’m not upset because of what you said.”
Ye Ran froze. “Then because of what?”
“Because today is a holiday we should be spending together but I can’t go to New Zealand to be with you.” Shen Shi let out a bitter laugh. “And it’ll probably be like this through the New Year as well. I’m sorry.”
Ye Ran was shocked.
For a moment, all he could think was: I’m such a terrible person.
Guilt surged like a flood. He opened his mouth, and under Shen Shi’s deep gaze, managed to say, “Then… maybe I can talk to Auntie later, ask her to fly back and accompany you?”
Although Mother Shen always grumbled about him, she was actually very proud of Shen Shi. If she knew how lonely he felt, she’d hop on a plane without hesitation.
Shen Shi paused. “…No need to trouble her.”
But Ye Ran was already planning ahead and didn’t listen to him at all. “Tomorrow I’ll tell Auntie about you. Don’t worry. My dad is awake now, I can take care of him by myself.”
“Ranran.” Shen Shi raised his voice slightly, pulling his attention back. Warmly, he said, “My parents are getting older. Long flights aren’t good for their health.”
Ye Ran frowned, considering that.
Then he heard Shen Shi say, casually yet not casually: “Chen Ma and the others really miss you too. Why don’t you come back for a while? Stay until after New Year before returning.”
“Me?” Ye Ran was stunned. He immediately lowered his head to check the screen. Shen Shi was looking at him patiently, waiting for his answer.
“But I…” worked so hard to escape!
Right!
He ran away!
If he went back now, wasn’t that just walking into the wolf’s den?
Ye Ran snapped back to clarity, eyes widening as he stared at Shen Shi. Without hesitation, he said: “No.”
Shen Shi laughed.
Ye Ran: “I’m not going back. Enjoy your holiday by yourself.”
After that, he reached over to hang up the call. In the video, Shen Shi wasn’t angry. He watched Ye Ran, who had grown brighter and more lively ever since Father Ye awoke, with gentle eyes. Smiling, he said: “Ranran, good night.”
…
Click.
The call ended.
The study was warm with heating.
Shen Shi leaned back in his chair and waited patiently.
A few minutes later, the phone buzzed.
Ye Ran: [Good night]
Shen Shi slowly curved his lips.
In the end, he couldn’t help but laugh.
After Christmas came New Year’s.
People in New Zealand also celebrate New Year’s, and even the Lunar New Year. On New Year’s Day the weather was bright and pleasant. Ye Ran pushed Father Ye out for a stroll, then rushed to the airport to pick up An Yu, who used the holiday to fly over to New Zealand to visit him.
An Yu also visited Father Ye, bringing with him the health supplements that Father An and Mother An insisted he bring across the ocean no matter what.
Father Ye knew he and Ye Ran were close, and he also knew An Yu only had two days off. He didn’t stop them and smiled, asking Ye Ran to take him around New Zealand a bit. This country had beautiful scenery and a boundless blue sea.
On the first day, Ye Ran took An Yu to experience the local culture. On the second day, the two of them played on the beach near the convalescent home. The sand was soft and fine beneath their feet. Ye Ran wore flip-flops and took pictures of An Yu.
An Yu struck several classic tourist poses, smiling with squinted eyes. His beach shorts puffed up in the wind. They took many photos together. Since Father Ye’s accident, this was the first time An Yu had seen Ye Ran smile so happily.
He felt deeply moved, then dragged Ye Ran into the water to splash around, making a racket for quite a while.
The two-day trip ended quickly. Before leaving, Ye Ran bought a lot of New Zealand specialties for him even two cans of milk powder, which made An Yu laugh. Carrying his backpack, he went to check in his luggage.
Looking at Ye Ran’s current energy and spirit, he patted Ye Ran’s shoulder comfortingly, saying seriously, “Ranran, the past is already over. Cherish the present. Now that Uncle Ye is awake, there’s nothing you need to worry about regarding those things.”
Ye Ran looked bewildered. “Huh?”
An Yu didn’t notice his confusion. Thinking of the form his father had asked him to give Father Ye before he came to New Zealand, and Father Ye reading it right in front of Ye Ran, he assumed that Ye Ran already knew everything.
“Reborn from near death. Uncle Ye is truly bold.” After saying this, he put away his emotion and hugged Ye Ran. “Alright, Ranran, I’m leaving. See you at New Year.”
Ye Ran was still confused, but he naturally responded, “Travel safely. Message me when you arrive.”
An Yu: “Got it.”
An hour later, the plane crossed the sky.
An Yu left New Zealand completely.
Ye Ran pressed down his confusion and slowly thought over An Yu’s words.
…Reborn from near death.
What did that mean?
Back at the convalescent home, Ye Ran didn’t go to Father Ye right away. Since Father Ye had hidden something from him, it meant he didn’t want him to know.
In the past, when encountering things like this, Ye Ran wouldn’t dig deeper. But perhaps because of Father Ye’s long coma, he had developed feelings toward the Ye Corporation too. After hesitating for a long time, he finally knocked on the ward door. With Father Ye’s permission, he entered.
“Dad.”
Ye Ran looked over and saw the folder in Father Ye’s hands. He paused, and Father Ye also reacted, calmly setting the folder aside. “Why are you here? Did An Yu board the plane?”
“Yes, he just did.” Ye Ran sat beside the bed and glanced at the papers near Father Ye’s hand. “Ah Yu told me about the Ye Corporation before he left… Your health isn’t well yet. You shouldn’t be putting your energy into work so soon.”
“An Yu told you?” Father Ye was stunned again.
Ye Ran nodded.
Father Ye pinched the bridge of his nose, his eyes softening. He reached out and ruffled Ye Ran’s hair. “Ranran, you’ve loved drawing since you were little. Your mom and I always hoped you’d do what you wanted to do. The Cheng family is full of schemes, even I can’t always see through their intentions after so many years in business. But thanks to their actions, I finally saw the Ye Corporation’s flaws. Don’t overthink it.”
…The Cheng family?
Wasn’t it about tax evasion?
How did this get tied to the Ye Corporation?
Ye Ran’s heartbeat gradually sped up. His intuition told him that a truth long frozen beneath ice was about to surface.
He didn’t speak.
Father Ye didn’t notice the change in his mood. “Your Big Brother Shen Shi helped us a lot. His methods are even stronger than your Uncle Shen’s. With a business partner like him, the Ye Corporation will only grow stronger. You don’t need to treat him any differently because of the partnership. Treat him the same as always.”
The Ye and Shen families were working together?
Ye Ran frowned deeply. Thinking of how he video-called Shen Shi every day these past few days and Shen Shi didn’t mention a single word of this, he felt inexplicably frustrated.
He wondered absentmindedly whether he should ask Shen Shi about this during tonight’s call. The next moment, Father Ye said something that left his mind blank.
“The Cheng family deserved it. The first trial verdict is already out. The sentence for money laundering depends on the amount laundered. Since Cheng Anbang dared to use the Ye Corporation to test the waters, he must bear the consequences. He’s been jailed now, and Cheng Jiaming and the other kids were also detained for provoking trouble. So, Ranran…”
Father Ye gently rubbed his hair and looked at his pale face, assuming he was still frightened. “These scheming people will face retribution. As long as we conduct ourselves properly, we’ll have nothing to fear.”
…
New Zealand time, 11 p.m.
Only one lamp was on in the room. Ye Ran’s phone buzzed nonstop beside his pillow. After a minute, the call hung up automatically, then rang again. The name “Shen Shi” flashed repeatedly, but no one answered.
Ten minutes later, it switched to a video call.
Dozens of messages were sent.
In bed, Ye Ran finally picked up the phone.
He answered. Shen Shi’s tense, low voice came through.
“Ranran?”
“Ranran? Be good, let me see you.”
…
2 a.m.
The capital airport was brightly lit and full of noise.
Unable to hear Ye Ran’s voice, Shen Shi strode through the terminal. Xu Wen and Anna followed closely behind, looking at the suit he hadn’t even changed out of.
Shen Shi held his phone, the hem of his coat fluttering. His face was expressionless, brows tightly drawn. Hearing nothing from Ye Ran’s side, he took a deep breath, loosened his collar, and glanced back at Xu Wen. Xu Wen immediately went to handle his flight procedures, while Anna opened her laptop to reschedule his next week’s itinerary.
Seeing the now-packed schedule, Shen Shi’s eyes darkened. He closed his eyes briefly, pressing down the tension inside, and said gently, “Ranran, I’ll arrive in New Zealand soon. Whatever the problem is, I’ll explain it to you in person.”
From the phone came a faint rustling sound.
Every nerve in Shen Shi’s mind tightened. Finally, he heard Ye Ran’s restrained breathing.
Ye Ran’s voice was hoarse and damp, heavy with sadness. “The Cheng family’s engagement with me… was to use the Ye Corporation for money laundering, wasn’t it?”
The taut string in Shen Shi’s mind was about to snap.
His grip on the phone tightened, veins bulging. The bright airport lights washed everything into pale white.
He stood in the middle of the busy walkway, suddenly craving a cigarette. Ignoring the looks around him, he moved into a corner, his tall figure swallowed by shadow.
“Ranran, other people’s wrongdoing is not a burden you should put on yourself,” he coaxed.
“Don’t say pretty words,” Ye Ran’s voice trembled uncontrollably. “The Ye Corporation… did it almost fall because of me?”
“No.” On this point, Shen Shi’s voice was steady and firm, instantly anchoring Ye Ran’s heart drowning in guilt. “Cheng Anbang and Sun Guohai colluded to use the Ye Corporation’s empty shell for laundering funds. But most of the shares were in your hands. Their room to operate was limited.”
This was why Father Cheng supported the engagement with Ye Ran. Once the engagement was set, he could find ways to obtain some control over Ye Ran’s shares to continue laundering.
Ye Ran’s breathing quickened. Even after hearing this, he was still drowning in fear and regret for almost dragging the Ye Corporation into disaster. His voice was soaked with tears, low and rough. “Besides this… is there anything else you’ve hidden from me?”
Shen Shi slowly closed his eyes. When he opened them, the weight he carried settled back into its usual steady composure.
Xu Wen hurried back after finishing the procedures. Seeing Shen Shi’s pitch-black eyes, he didn’t dare approach and waited from a distance.
“We’ll talk when we meet,” Shen Shi said.
Ye Ran shook his head. “I don’t want to meet you. Don’t come… Tell me, is there anything else you’ve hidden from me?”
As the young master of the Ye Corporation, he was the last to know… even his father who’d been in a coma for half a year knew before him.
The helplessness of being kept in the dark and the shock of learning the truth tangled together, climbing around his heart like constricting vines, suffocating him.
He didn’t even remember how he got back to his room from Father Ye’s ward or how he messaged Shen Shi. He only wanted to be alone, away from everything.
Shen Shi truly hadn’t expected Ye Ran to find out suddenly.
In his plan, he would slowly guide Ye Ran to review old financial records of the Ye Corporation, letting him discover the inconsistencies on his own, giving him time to prepare mentally before learning the truth.
With Father Ye awake and the Ye Corporation being reorganized, the positive news would cushion the emotional blow.
But he didn’t expect Father Ye to tell him directly.
The information gap between them caused Ye Ran to discover the truth abruptly and without preparation.
Ye Ran’s natural reserve and strong moral sense made him internalize all pressure. Once it exceeded his limit, he collapsed.
His trust in Cheng Jiaming and his gratitude toward the Cheng family would now become blades that stabbed into himself.
This was the worst outcome.
And it had already happened.
The next flight to New Zealand was in two hours.
Standing in the corner, shadow over his eyes, Shen Shi spoke gently, coaxing him: “Little one, don’t say that. Let’s talk when we meet, okay?”
Ye Ran stayed silent.
Shen Shi’s voice softened even more, low and tender: “Give me a chance, please?”
The weather seemed to darken with the arrival of the truth as well.
Because of its temperate maritime climate, New Zealand had large temperature differences between morning and night, frequent rain, and rapidly changing weather.
Ye Ran didn’t know how long he slept. When he woke again, it was already past four in the afternoon.
Dark clouds churned above the sea, forming a sweeping mass of black. Jagged lightning split the sky, flashing cold white light.
The blue ocean surged violently, waves rolling and crashing against the shore, like a scene from a disaster film.
Though the air conditioner was on, Ye Ran felt cold and raised the temperature.
Wrapped in a blanket, he sat by the window, staring blankly at the storm outside.
His mood blended with the scene, a heavy stone sat on his chest, pressing down until he could barely breathe.
He stared into the sky, lost in thought, until the vibration of his phone pulled him back.
He took it out. Shen Shi was calling.
“Ranran, I’m outside the convalescent home. Can we meet?”
“It’s raining. If you come, bring an umbrella.”
…
Outside the convalescent home, lightning and thunder split the sky; wind and rain lashed violently.
Inside a Bentley with the heat on, Shen Shi sat in the driver’s seat. He had parked in a sheltered corner.
Xu Wen and Anna hadn’t come, they had too much to handle back home.
Shen Shi rubbed the cigarette pack in his pocket, suppressing the urge to smoke as he stared at the storm.
He waited a long time. The rain grew heavier. Water streaked down the windows. The whole street blurred under a haze of mist.
Half an hour later, a figure slowly appeared in his line of sight.
Ye Ran held an umbrella, wearing only a thin T-shirt and pants, pale-faced, walking through the rain. Shen Shi’s expression changed instantly. He rushed out, braving the downpour.
He took off his coat and draped it over Ye Ran, grabbing his hand and guiding him into the back seat of the Bentley.
Ye Ran’s reactions were slow. Only then did he come back to his senses, sitting dazedly in the car. Shen Shi was carefully drying his wrists. His profile in the shadows exuded the calm of someone who would not be shaken by anything.
Ye Ran’s eyes reddened. Tears he had held back for so long spilled one by one from his lashes.
He cried silently.
He thought he heard a sigh, then felt himself pulled into a warm, solid embrace. Shen Shi took out tissues and wiped his tears gently.
Ye Ran took a deep breath and let him wipe his tears. His voice was hoarse. “…Tell me. What else have you been hiding from me?”
From yesterday until today, even in his dreams, he had worried about the things he didn’t know. Only a child who had never been given unconditional forgiveness would fear their own mistakes this much.
Shen Shi looked into his damp eyes, his large hand soothing his trembling back. Under his palm, the slender spine curled, a gesture of utter insecurity.
Shen Shi slowed his voice, holding him gently. Ye Ran rested against his chest, hot tears soaking through Shen Shi’s shirt.
“The fact that Cheng Jiaming cheated, I knew it before you did.”
Ye Ran froze and lifted his head. Shen Shi’s face blurred in his vision. He couldn’t see clearly and asked in confusion, “…You knew before I did?”
“Mm,” Shen Shi said lightly, “I ran into it by accident. Just as I was about to tell you, you already knew.”
Tears fell from Ye Ran’s eyes again. “…Even this, I’m the last to know?”
Shen Shi looked at him helplessly and raised a hand to wipe his tears. His movements were gentle, careful not to hurt Ye Ran’s cheeks.
“I also knew before you that someone inside Ye Corporation had leaked information.”
“But you didn’t tell me…” Ye Ran’s eyes were red. He turned his face away, avoiding Shen Shi’s hand, struggling to get out of his arms. “I don’t know anything. I’m always the last to know everything.”
Shen Shi suppressed his resistance, his large hand pressing firmly against Ye Ran’s back. He lowered his head, holding Ye Ran’s chin, looking into his slightly swollen eyes. “No, Ranran, there’s one thing you knew very early on.”
“About me falling in love with you at first sight.”
His eyes were deep and dark, but his voice was gentle as he calmly said something that made Ye Ran’s thoughts explode. His broad, warm hand around Ye Ran’s waist radiated heat. Ye Ran, still shedding tears and lost in confusion, was bent over and kissed.
The familiar scent invaded, intertwining with his tongue, not with the rough greed of before but with soothing tenderness.
Ye Ran couldn’t handle this kind of kiss. The car’s heater seemed to rise, making him sweat along his back. His black hair clung to his cheeks, eyelashes damp, pupils briefly dazed from the kiss.
The pressure of the tongue was just right. After a moment, he still reluctantly pushed back, trembling with tears, tilting his head, lips swollen and red like a ripe berry, sweet and sticky.
It had been over a month since any intimacy, and Ye Ran had already forgotten the breathing techniques Shen Shi had taught him. His cheeks flushed, pupils scattered, and once released, he turned his head, gasping heavily.
Soon after, Shen Shi kissed him again. Gradually, Ye Ran’s mind cleared of all sadness and distress, leaving only Shen Shi’s endless kisses.
…
Outside, the wind and rain roared.
The rain fell heavily, like soybeans hitting the car hood.
Ye Ran curled up in Shen Shi’s arms, unable to move, only holding onto his neck, dizzy. Shen Shi lifted the hem of his shirt to his lips.
“Little one, bite,” Shen Shi’s hoarse voice whispered, warm breath on his ear, peppered with soft kisses, full of care and indulgence. His hand on Ye Ran’s back remained gentle, soothing his tension. “…Be good, it’ll hurt a little.”
Ye Ran, dizzily comforted, obediently opened his mouth. His soft, deep red lips swelled like crushed flower juice, biting the fabric of the hem.
His tear-soaked, black-clear pupils looked back in confusion.
Moments later, his pupils completely lost focus, tears soaking his lashes and cheeks. His lips trembled on the fabric, swallowing uncontrollably, feeling as if he were immersed in a warm spring, a comfortable current flowing through his body, bringing shivers and weakness.
Before falling asleep, Ye Ran, still muddled, tried to recall in his mind.
…What “love at first sight”?
…What “knew long ago”?
It was just an excuse to trick him into doing this!
When he woke again, Ye Ran had slept almost five or six hours.
He slept deeply, his body shedding all fatigue, sinking into the soft bedding. The bedroom was warm and cozy, a small nightlight casting dim light.
Groggily, Ye Ran got up. His chest still sore, he sat on the bed for a while, face gradually turning red, eyes shimmering. His fingers clutched the bedding, knuckles reddening.
Too shameful.
Too much.
Ye Ran, who had lived twenty pure years, couldn’t handle such stimulation. He got out of bed and staggered to the bathroom for a shower. Afterward, while drying his hair, there was a knock on the door.
It was Mother Shen.
“Ranran? Still not awake?”
“A-awake…” Ye Ran hurriedly said. “Auntie? What’s wrong?”
Her voice held a smile. “You, keeping secrets with the little one like when you were kids… Any surprises this New Year? Were you too tired these past days to sleep well? Now that you’re awake, come down. I made soup; drink more.”
Ye Ran was stunned but quickly responded affirmatively.
Downstairs, he saw Shen Shi sitting in the living room with his father and Ye Ran’s father, discussing financial policies. Shen Shi wore light gray loungewear, silver-rimmed glasses, calm, legs crossed, holding a steaming cup of green tea.
None of the three were talkative, yet when it came to financial policies, each had their own insight, speaking continuously.
Ye Ran glanced at Shen Shi, heart burning with suppressed frustration. Shen Shi seemed to notice, tilting his head slightly and smiling softly, eyes calm, as if the intimate things in the car earlier had never happened.
“Ranran, awake?”
At his call, Ye Ran’s father and Father Shen looked toward him. Ye Ran quickly greeted them individually. Finished with greetings, he didn’t linger, heading straight to the kitchen to help Mother Shen cut fruit.
“Is it noisy?” Mother Shen said with a helpless smile. “It used to be just the two of you. Now with another hour, it never ends.”
Ye Ran smiled faintly, not intending to discuss the elders’ topic.
Dinner was Chinese, six dishes and one soup: stewed pigeon soup, rich and fragrant. The soft meat melted in the mouth. One bowl warmed his entire body.
Shen Shi had flown all the way from Beijing to New Zealand, only to stay a week.
Mother Shen, worried for him, planned to use the week to go shopping, buy clothes, and eat nourishing food.
Dinner ended harmoniously.
For the week Shen Shi stayed, the events of that day were vivid in Ye Ran’s mind. He could hardly forget them. Except during meals, he remained in the bedroom, barely moving, yet Shen Shi often entered, holding him, teasing, or speaking affectionately.
Wednesday night, 10 p.m., Shen Shi would fly back to Beijing the next morning.
Mother Shen fussed incessantly, worried he had no one to care for him, even bringing up setting him up for a blind date.
Ye Ran felt a bit stifled, burying himself in his blanket to play with gems.
The beautiful, transparent gems were arranged, scattered, rearranged, and scattered again. The blanket felt stifling, sweat forming on his cheeks. He peeked out, holding a ruby, gazing at the warm yellow light.
Like a child who had these for the first time, curious about everything.
A light laugh came from the door.
Ye Ran instinctively tilted his head. Shen Shi leaned against the doorway, light brown loungewear softening his usually cold aura.
He carried hot milk with honey, smelled sweet, walking slowly into Ye Ran’s room, closing the door behind him.
Ye Ran immediately sat up, shrinking under the covers. “Don’t come over!”
Shen Shi raised an eyebrow, halting, placing the milk on the table. “Drink it while it’s hot.”
“…I know,” Ye Ran said slowly, wrapping himself tighter. “Go out.”
Shen Shi seemed amused, standing still, watching him with a faint smile. “Ranran, use me and then throw it away?”
Ye Ran ignored him, returning to his gems, arranging them haphazardly. A shadow fell over him. He didn’t look up as the shadow descended, effortlessly lifting him, holding him in his arms.
“Angry?” Shen Shi sat on the carpet by the bed, wearing refined glasses, black deep eyes partially hidden. One hand around Ye Ran’s waist, the other smoothing his hair.
“You know,” he said softly, a light smile in his voice, kissing Ye Ran’s cheek, “the person I like is right in front of me.”
Ye Ran: “….”
Ye Ran glanced at him silently, ignoring the tingling in his ears, continuing with his gems.
Shen Shi held his waist, chin on his shoulder, watching him play. Interested, he asked, “Which color do you like the most?”
Red, pink, blue, green, the gems sparkled in Ye Ran’s soft, white palms.
Ye Ran finally spoke: “Pink.”
The pink diamond was the clearest and most beautiful, not the most expensive, but the one Ye Ran had played with most in recent days.
Shen Shi didn’t think liking pink was wrong, nodded, and patiently accompanied him.
That night, Ye Ran stayed up late, sleeping until 10 a.m. the next day.
Shen Shi’s plane left at 5 a.m.
Before leaving, he left a small box with new gems inside.
The emeralds were clear and rich, full of noble color.
For the month leading up to the New Year, Ye Ran no longer video-called Shen Shi nightly as before. Their contact frequency dropped sharply. Early in the year, with year-end business tasks everywhere, Ye Ran occasionally saw Shen Shi in his mother’s video calls, looking tired, holding reports.
Ye Ran felt an inexplicable tightness in his chest. When calling Shen Shi, though still silent, he would slowly relay that his mother told him to rest more.
Shen Shi would smile, then gently ask: “Still upset today?”
Being angry about being kept in the dark, angry that it hurt in his chest, angry that he didn’t know anything, everything could be summed up with just the words “being angry.”
Whenever it came to this, Ye Ran would nod seriously. “Of course.”
Of course he was angry.
Being treated like something fragile that couldn’t handle anything.
It made him very uncomfortable.
And very angry.
Day by day, time passed, drawing closer to Lunar New Year. People in New Zealand also celebrated the New Year; they even hung red lanterns and ate dumplings. Chinese supermarkets sold New Year goods: peanuts, melon seeds, assorted nuts, everything one could want.
Ye Ran woke up early from the heat, then went to the rehabilitation center to visit Father Ye.
Father Ye’s rehab was going very smoothly. Even the doctors and nurses praised him repeatedly. Red lanterns hung around the facility, and in front of some Chinese patients’ rooms, “Fu” characters and Spring Festival couplets were pasted up. Wherever Chinese people went, the spirit of the New Year followed.
This year’s Spring Festival would be spent in New Zealand. Shen Shi would fly in on Chinese New Year’s Eve. On the 29th of the lunar month, Ye Ran accompanied Mother Shen to pick out gifts for her girlfriends and relatives back home.
The mall was not crowded. The luxury stores were almost empty. Mother Shen enjoyed collecting gemstones and gold, not for simple admiration like Ye Ran, but because she liked to wear them.
They walked into a low-key yet luxurious gem shop. Only then did Ye Ran realize it was a century-old custom jewelry store, specializing in handcrafted diamonds and gems.
Mother Shen was their supreme VIP.
The display cases showed unpolished raw stones.
Below them were descriptions of origin, type, and history.
Mother Shen looked through them with great interest. The shop attendant followed politely, making recommendations. Ye Ran’s legs were sore after walking around with her all morning. He found a sofa and sat down to rest.
Embedded in the wall of the lounge was a TV screen, showing mesmerizing scenes of gemstone-cutting craftsmanship. Translucent rubies, sapphires, turquoise flashed by. A refined foreign narration recited romantic phrases, giving each gemstone its own language of love.
Ye Ran’s hands stopped massaging his legs without him realizing. He lifted his head blankly and stared at the screen.
A teardrop-shaped sapphire was encircled by a dark velvet backdrop.
The shifting light outlined its exquisite curve and mysterious color, deep and endless like the ocean, yet vast and clear like the blue sky.
Ye Ran listened in a daze as pure French flowed from the narration—
jet’aime à vue (I fell in love with you at first sight)
…
Ye Ran couldn’t even remember how he got back to his room.
The moment he entered the house, he rushed upstairs and locked himself inside.
His palms were sweaty as he took out embroidered boxes one by one, carefully pulling out gemstones, different colors, jade, diamonds.
He still remembered the name of that shop.
Mother Shen had said all her jewelry was custom-made there.
If nothing unexpected, all the gemstone knowledge Shen Shi possessed must have also come from that shop.
Finally, he found their official website. His movements grew slow as he picked up a pink diamond and matched it to the unique “love language” listed online, translating one by one.
qu’à la mort (romantic devotion until death)
Sapphire—
fidélité, fidélité, é (loyalty, steadfastness, kindness, and honesty)
Jade—
…
Finally, Ye Ran picked up the emerald Shen Shi had given him last month.
The beautiful emerald glimmered with rippling green light, brilliant and romantic.
He slowly scrolled down the page and found the emerald’s “love language.”
je veux t’épouser (I want to marry you)
…
Memory pulled him back to long ago, on that rainy night, when he’d been drunken and dazed. The cold wind had barely sobered him up as he lay weakly on the sofa. Then, the grip on his ankle woke him. He looked down blankly.
The man kneeling before him had been restrained and gentle, wrapping a beautiful ruby anklet around him. His voice had been soft, as if afraid to disturb the quiet night, as he said tenderly:
“Ranran, I don’t want you to go find someone who can marry you,” he said. “I’m the one who wants to marry you.”
Those words that once terrified him, words that made him panic and exposed his fear the next day, Shen Shi had never repeated them. Ye Ran never dared recall them, burying them deep like broken fragments.
Only now did he finally understand: it was because he had been so afraid that Shen Shi had prepared so many beautiful gemstones for him, each carrying countless threads of affection.
He really should have known long ago.
That embroidered box Shen Shi had given him as a “meeting gift” contained the “love at first sight” he could not bring himself to say aloud.
A man who always strategized, who planned everything perfectly—
At their very first meeting,
Had already given himself to him.
That night, when Shen Shi’s plane landed in New Zealand, it was already 2:30 a.m.
He wearily turned on his phone and was surprised to see a missed call from Ye Ran.
Standing at the airport exit, waiting for the driver, the icy night wind blew past him, lifting the hem of his coat. He called Ye Ran back. His voice was tired yet smiling. “Ranran?”
On the other end, Ye Ran replied quietly, “Mm.”
Shen Shi glanced at the time. “Why are you still awake this late?”
Ye Ran didn’t answer. In recent days, Ye Ran often fell into silence. Shen Shi had grown used to it and waited patiently.
After a long wait, he suddenly heard Ye Ran inhale.
Before he could frown, Ye Ran’s light, slightly hoarse voice, damp with emotion, came through the speaker, lingering at his ear.
“…Next time something happens, can you not hide it from me?”
A strange swelling warmth rose quietly in his chest. Shen Shi’s pupils tightened as he caught the meaning behind those words. He stood frozen, rare and stunned.
The night was deep. The cold wind swept against him. His neatly brushed-back hair became slightly disheveled, falling across his brow. His mind went blank. Only after a long moment did two hoarse words squeeze from his throat.
“…Okay.”
Ye Ran hummed softly. After a pause, he added, “I’m still young. I don’t want to get married so early.”
Shen Shi closed his eyes briefly. His Adam’s apple moved. His voice grew even raspier. “Mm.”
The Bentley stopped at the steps. The driver was about to get out, but Shen Shi quickly opened the door himself and sat down.
Sensing his urgency, the driver, hired by the Shen family in New Zealand, didn’t ask questions. After confirming the destination was the residential building near the rehab center, he drove at top speed.
Silence stretched on over the phone.
Ye Ran could even hear the engine’s low hum, the sharp whistle of the wind being cut through.
Then the sound of the car stopping, doors opening, footsteps across the carpet, and finally, a soft knocking sound: knock, knock, knock.
The entire villa was dark and silent.
Father Shen and Mother Shen slept early. Tonight, Father Ye was also staying here. At three in the morning, everyone should have been fast asleep.
Ye Ran opened the door and saw Shen Shi standing outside, travel-worn and cold from the night wind.
He was pulled into Shen Shi’s arms, held gently by the waist. Warm breath brushed his ear, bringing a faint tingling sensation.
Ye Ran didn’t move. He buried himself in Shen Shi’s chest. The broad, solid embrace was the same as always, holding him time and time again, protecting his bewildered self from every storm.
Tears threatened to fall. Ye Ran forced them back. He didn’t want to always cry in front of Shen Shi.
The long corridor was silent. In the darkness, he lifted his tear-blurred eyes. A gentle hand wiped his tears away.
And he heard Shen Shi’s soft voice: “Ranran.”
Shen Shi’s tone was low, slow, with a smile. “About marriage, I don’t accept a loveless, sexless marriage.”
“We have lots of time. We can take it slow.”
Even if Ye Ran only felt a little moved, a little fond of him now.
Even if Ye Ran was still too inexperienced to understand what love truly meant.
Even if they hadn’t met at the perfect age.
As long as they met, they would inevitably be drawn to each other.
This was their own sincere, romantic story.
…
At that moment, in the darkness of the second floor, two silhouettes quietly embraced.
Father Shen, who couldn’t sleep and went out for a cigarette: “……?”
Mother Shen, who came out to catch Father Shen smoking: “……?”
Father Ye, who felt oddly suffocated and came out to clear his head: “……?”
The three of them stood awkwardly on the stairs of the third floor, looking down at the same time.
A few seconds later, they exchanged looks.
…Wait.
When did those two get together?!
Author’s note:
Should I write some post-marriage daily life (?)
This chapter nearly killed me, but finally I tied up all the earlier foreshadowing. Big Shen is such a money-losing fool. At the very first meeting, intentionally or unintentionally, he handed his heart over.
First marriage = Big Shen
Later love = Big Ye
