Peace at last

Ling Xie's thoughts took a direction entirely different from what everyone in the room anticipated. They had expected him to lash out, to become defensive about Uncle Liang's roundabout way of introducing himself as a suitor. But instead, his eyes held a spark of curiosity and amusement at the unexpected revelation.

And then, suddenly, he laughed.

"So? When's the wedding?"

Auntie Cao and Uncle Liang were left utterly speechless, their reactions poles apart. Chen Yi, on the other hand, let his slight smile grow into a wide grin.

"W-W-Wedding—? When—? Wa—" Auntie Cao stammered, struggling to form a coherent sentence. Her natural blush deepened, glowing brighter than her makeup.

Uncle Liang, by contrast, managed to maintain his composure—or at least outwardly. Years in his line of work had taught him how to mask his emotions. But inside, he was celebrating with a mental victory pose, fists pumping in triumph. Auntie Cao's children approving of him was half the battle won. Now, she would have nowhere to escape.

"It is still being discussed," he replied, his smile so radiant it seemed to outshine everything around him.

Ling Xie nodded enthusiastically, repeating "Good" under his breath. His eyes gleamed with excitement as he began thinking about a perfect gift for his mother's wedding. The thought alone made him want to bounce with joy.

Auntie Cao, still frozen in her stupor, was abruptly tugged away by Uncle Liang, who seemed determined to discuss marriage preparations immediately. The faster she walked down the aisle, the faster he could claim victory and begin his lifelong plan of doting on her endlessly.

Ling Xie, now alone with Chen Yi in the Cao residence, couldn't help but giggle at the image of his mom looking adorably flustered while Uncle Liang, who seemed like he might float away any second, led her off in a hurry.

Chen Yi chuckled softly and gently guided Ling Xie back to his room. They settled onto the plush sofa, where Chen Yi naturally pulled Ling Xie onto his lap. Without hesitation, Ling Xie instinctively wrapped his arms around Chen Yi's neck, leaning into him with ease.

Ling Xie melted into Chen Yi's embrace, feeling the dark clouds that had once loomed over his life dissipate one by one. When was the last time he had felt this free? His heart felt light, unburdened by worries, as if he might float away at any moment.

Chen Yi glanced down at Ling Xie, who now resembled a folded-ear cat lazing comfortably in his arms. A wave of sweet fondness washed over him. "Xie'er?"

"Mmmm?" Ling Xie murmured, nuzzling his head against Chen Yi's chest and shifting closer, instinctively seeking the perfect position. He was completely unaware of the effect his movements were having, slowly igniting a fire within Chen Yi.

Suddenly, Chen Yi tightened his embrace and held his breath, his jaw clenching before he exhaled a sigh of defeat. "Stop moving—!"

Ling Xie tilted his head up, confused by the sudden command. He had no idea what was wrong, but he obediently stilled.

It wasn't until he noticed the pressure against his lower body that realization struck. His face flushed crimson in an instant, and his wide, glistening eyes darted up to meet Chen Yi's gaze. Nervousness mixed with a strange excitement as he stared at him.

"Urgh, you little incubus. Don't look at me like that," Chen Yi groaned, his voice tinged with both frustration and amusement.

The sight of Ling Xie's innocent yet tantalizing expression was pure torture. Resisting the temptation that surged within, he forced himself to think of Confucian teachings—anything to cool his desire.

Fortunately for Chen Yi, salvation came in the form of Ling Xie's phone ringing, breaking the moment. Chen Yi's lips curved into a bright smile as he said, "Go pick it up."

Ling Xie, grateful for the distraction, quickly hopped off Chen Yi's lap and bounded toward the bedside table where his phone vibrated insistently. Only then did Chen Yi release the breath he'd been holding, relief flooding through him.

Ling Xie glanced at the screen and saw Mrs. Fengli's name flashing. He answered with enthusiasm. "Good morning, Mrs. Fengli!"

"Churong'er, you finally picked up!" the older woman exclaimed, a hint of relief in her voice. "How are you?" she asked, her tone filled with concern. Last night's events had clearly shaken her.

Ling Xie was deeply moved by her genuine care and gave his utmost effort to reassure her. He spoke warmly and confidently, assuring her that he was perfectly fine and there was no reason to worry anymore. It took a few minutes of gentle convincing, but Mrs. Fengli eventually believed him.

"Ah, that's right!" Ling Xie suddenly remembered Syaoran. "Mrs. Fengli, I found a better candidate than Miss Xue Chu last night!" His excitement was so contagious that it radiated through the phone, lifting the madame's spirits.

"Really?! Who?" Mrs. Fengli exclaimed, intrigued.

Xue Chu had been the only candidate who had truly caught her eye. But she trusted Ling Xie immensely—not only because of his reputation as a matchmaker but also because she genuinely liked him. She might have even considered him as a candidate herself if Chen Yi hadn't swooped in first.

"His name is Syaoran," Ling Xie began, his voice brimming with confidence. "He seemed genuinely interested, and I could tell he's sincere. I'll arrange for them to meet up on Monday if that works for you?" He could hardly wait to start tying their red thread.

"Syaoran?" Mrs. Fengli repeated the name, a flicker of familiarity sparking in her mind. "Syaoran?!"

Suddenly, it clicked—Syaoran, the multi-billionaire from America! Mrs. Fengli felt as though she had struck gold—no, maybe diamonds? For a moment, she even forgot which was more valuable.

"Yes! It seems you know him?" Ling Xie asked innocently, assuming Mrs. Fengli had met Syaoran at the party.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Fengli assumed Ling Xie was fully aware of Syaoran's staggering identity. Their knowledge about Syaoran differed—one calm, the other in disbelief—but both had arrived at the same thrilling conclusion.

"Yes, yes, yes! It's absolutely an okay from me—and from my husband too!" Mrs. Fengli declared decisively, taking it upon herself to green-light the match. This was Syaoran, after all! She still couldn't quite believe her luck.

Ling Xie spent a few more minutes discussing his plans with Mrs. Fengli, who hung up the phone feeling thoroughly satisfied.

Ling Xie practically bounced back to Chen Yi, tossing his phone onto the bed before jumping onto Chen Yi's lap. Settling comfortably, he wrapped his arms snugly around Chen Yi's waist, his energy bubbling over.

Chen Yi let out a helpless sigh as he held Ling Xie close, his cooled desire reigniting once again. He pressed a gentle kiss to Ling Xie's hair and murmured, "Let's go on a date tomorrow."