Free Web NovelChapter 219: YOU’VE BECOME MORE ROMANTIC
Guiying nodded enthusiastically.
"We’ve only explored the petting zoo and the greenhouse so far."
His eyes immediately brightened.
"The animals were adorable. One greedy little goat even tried to steal my entire basket of feed."
Little Tao laughed.
"It succeeded?"
Guiying sighed dramatically.
"It almost did."
Liuxian looked at him with a smile.
"I warned you not to underestimate them."
"You failed to mention they were thieves."
"They’re opportunists."
"They’re adorable thieves."
The exchange earned another round of laughter around the table.
ShangYan watched Guiying’s smiling face quietly.
He hadn’t seen that smile during the dinner.
Back then, his son had looked confused, heartbroken and overwhelmed.
Seeing him laugh so freely now made the month of worry feel worthwhile.
After everyone had eaten for a while, ShangYan finally set down his chopsticks.
"I heard from Butler Wang that you’ve been touring the estate."
Guiying nodded. "We have."
His eyes wandered toward the endless sea of orchids surrounding the space.
"It’s beautiful here."
Liuxian turned toward him.
"We’ve barely seen anything."
"There are still the orchards, tea fields, vineyards, horse stables, fishing lake and several gardens left."
Guiying’s eyes widened.
"I thought we’d already covered half the estate."
Liuxian laughed.
"We’ve only seen a small part."
Guiying leaned back in his chair before letting out a defeated sigh.
"Then we’re definitely going to need more than one day."
"You have all the time in the world."
Liuxian’s voice was gentle.
"This is your home."
Those simple words caused Guiying’s smile to soften.
He looked around the space before his gaze slowly drifted across the endless fields beyond it.
Then he looked back at the people seated around the table.
For the first time in a very long time...
Home no longer felt like a place.
It felt like the people sharing lunch with him.
Lunch gradually came to an end as the servants quietly cleared away the empty dishes, leaving only the teapots and a few plates of pastries on the table. The gentle fragrance of the orchids drifted through the pavilion once again, replacing the rich aroma of grilled meat.
ShangYan slowly placed his teacup back onto the table before looking at Guiying. Although they had only spent a short time together, he found himself reluctant to leave.
"I should get going."
Guiying nodded gently.
"You still have a lot to do."
"I do."
ShangYan smiled, although the determination in his eyes was impossible to miss. "I’ll begin searching for your mother immediately, and I’ll call before I come next time. If you’re free, I’d like to visit often."
"You don’t have to ask for permission."
Guiying looked at him with a warm smile that reached his eyes.
"You’re my father and this my home, so you’re always welcome here."
The words struck ShangYan harder than he expected.
His eyes immediately reddened again, and he had to look away for a brief moment before he could trust himself to speak.
"Thank you."
His voice came out noticeably hoarse.
"I’ll make up for the years I’ve missed, even if it takes the rest of my life."
Guiying simply smiled.
"I’ll be waiting."
ShangYan slowly rose to his feet before turning toward Liuxian. The warmth on his face gradually gave way to a more solemn expression as he looked at the younger man.
"Liuxian."
Liuxian stood as well.
"Father."
ShangYan stepped forward before placing a hand on Liuxian’s shoulder.
"My son has suffered enough in his lifetime. I know I don’t have the right to ask anything of you, but please... take good care of him."
Liuxian nodded without the slightest hesitation.
"I will."
His answer came calmly, yet every word carried unquestionable certainty.
"I’ll spend the rest of my life taking care of him."
ShangYan studied him quietly before a satisfied smile finally appeared on his face.
"I believe you."
Little Tao also stood before bowing politely toward the couple.
"It was a pleasure meeting you again, Young Master. Mr. Liu."
Guiying returned the smile before inclining his head.
"It was nice seeing you too, Mr. Tao."
After saying their final goodbyes, ShangYan and Little Tao climbed into the waiting golf cart. Guiying remained where he was, quietly watching until the vehicle gradually disappeared beyond the sea of orchids lining the stone pathway.
The pavilion became peaceful once more.
Guiying picked up his teacup and took another slow sip before setting it back onto the saucer. He watched Liuxian pour himself another cup before smiling to himself.
"Liuxian."
His husband immediately looked over.
"Mhm?"
Guiying crooked a finger toward himself.
"Come here."
Liuxian looked faintly amused as he set his teacup down and walked around the table. He stopped beside Guiying before leaning down slightly, clearly expecting Guiying to whisper something into his ear.
"What is it?"
The moment Liuxian came within reach, Guiying suddenly wrapped both arms around his neck and threw himself forward without the slightest warning.
Liuxian’s eyes widened.
Almost entirely on instinct, both arms circled Guiying’s waist before he lifted him securely off the ground. The force of the sudden tackle made him take two small steps backward before he finally regained his balance.
A helpless laugh escaped his lips.
"What are you doing?"
Guiying laughed happily as he tightened his arms around Liuxian’s neck.
"I just wanted to hug you."
Liuxian couldn’t help laughing with him.
"What if I hadn’t caught you?"
Guiying gently bumped their foreheads together before smiling.
"But you did."
His voice softened considerably.
"I love you."
He looked directly into Liuxian’s eyes, and the smile on his face became gentler than before.
"Let’s always stay together."
For a long moment, Liuxian simply looked at him.
Then he carefully adjusted Guiying higher in his arms before pressing a lingering kiss against one cheek and then the other.
"I will love you forever, Guiying."
His forehead rested lightly against Guiying’s as his thumb gently stroked the small of his back.
"You are my sun, the person who gives warmth and light to every corner of my life. As long as you’re beside me, nowhere else could ever feel like home."
Guiying’s eyes curved into crescents as he smiled.
"You’re becoming more and more romantic."
Liuxian chuckled quietly.
"I learned from the best."
Guiying laughed before resting his head comfortably against Liuxian’s shoulder. Neither of them spoke again for a while, choosing instead to enjoy the peaceful silence as the afternoon breeze carried the sweet fragrance of orchids through the pavilion.
