Date (2)

In the center of the room, there was a soft, off-white circular sofa that surrounded an intricately designed circular table. The floor was made of wood, but Ling Xie could feel the solid foundation beneath it, likely cement. The structure of the building seemed secure. Above them, the roof was a spherical glass, with vines and flowers decorating its frame.

Chen Yi gently tugged Ling Xie toward the sofa before heading toward the kitchen.

"Where are you going?" Ling Xie asked, his voice tinged with slight panic, instinctively clutching at Chen Yi's shirt.

Chen Yi was momentarily surprised, but his eyes gleamed with delight. "I'm going to cook for you. Want to help?" He leaned in and planted a quick kiss on Ling Xie's lips, waiting for his response.

Ling Xie felt embarrassed by his own reaction. He simply didn't want to be apart from Chen Yi. While he had accepted this reality, he still couldn't shake the feeling that it might all be a dream. Without hesitation, he nodded.

They moved to the east side of the room, where the kitchen was located. The kitchen was a stunning blend of modern and fantasy elements, featuring white marble countertops, an island, cabinets with sliding glass doors, and white-colored appliances. The flowers, vines, and exotic plants spilling over the counters added a magical touch to the space.

"How can I help?" Ling Xie asked eagerly.

Chen Yi thought for a moment before grinning. "You're already helping just by standing there." He then began preparing the ingredients and tools, not waiting for Ling Xie's reaction.

Ling Xie tilted his head in confusion, only to blush when he finally understood. "Does it hurt you to not flirt for one day?" he muttered, covering his face in embarrassment.

All he earned in response was a heartfelt laugh from Chen Yi.

Chen Yi decided to cook Ling Xie's favorite dishes: stir-fried tofu, dumplings, golden fried rice, and chicken and corn soup. These were simple and easy to make, but in Chen Yi's hands, they would be absolutely delicious.

While Chen Yi worked, chopping, stirring, and frying, Ling Xie busied himself with wiping his sweat, occasionally letting his tofu get eaten, and giving Chen Yi a backhug whenever he wanted one.

When everything was ready, the sun had set, and the moon was rising. The view from the top floor, with the sunset painting the sky in vibrant hues, made everything feel even more dreamlike. Ling Xie stared at the horizon, where the sun was half-hidden, and a wave of sentimentality washed over him. The corner of his eyes began to water, and his tears threatened to fall.

"Xie'er, let's eat," Chen Yi said, pulling Ling Xie by the waist. As he noticed Ling Xie's tears, his worry intensified. "What's wrong? Did something happen? Do you not want to eat? Do you not like the food? Should I cook something else? Xie'er?"

Ling Xie couldn't help but laugh at Chen Yi's panicked reaction. This man is mine. He was before, and even more so now. And I am his. He raised his head and kissed Chen Yi, taking the initiative by prying open his lips to tangle their tongues together.

Chen Yi froze for a moment, surprised, but quickly responded. He wasn't sure why he was suddenly being rewarded, but he wasn't about to turn it down. He pulled Ling Xie closer with one hand, while the other circled his waist, pressing them together with no space in between. They shifted their angle to deepen the kiss, nibbling each other's lips until they were both breathless.

"What's wrong?" After catching his breath, Chen Yi asked softly.

Ling Xie blinked up at him before a smile bloomed on his face. "Hehe, tears of joy!"

Chen Yi was left speechless. Okay, so it's tears of joy. And here I was, about to have a heart attack. With a sigh of relief, he kissed Ling Xie's eyes gently before pulling him toward the circular sofa.

The meal was quiet but harmonious. They both wanted to feed each other at first, but their chopsticks kept clashing in the middle of the serving. The situation sent them both into a fit of laughter. Ling Xie melted under the warmth and happiness he was receiving, feeling as though, no matter what challenges the world threw his way, he could overcome them.

When the meal was finished, they cuddled right there on the sofa, not minding the empty dishes on the table. There were no leftovers. Chen Yi pulled Ling Xie close, allowing him to rest his head on his arm as they both gazed up at the night sky.

The moon was bright tonight, and stars filled the sky. Since the roof was glass, Ling Xie could see through it, discovering a galaxy above him. Surprisingly, nature and space seemed to mix perfectly: the night sky served as the backdrop, while the seemingly floating vines and flowers wove across it.

"Your restaurants are all beautiful," Ling Xie commented, his eyes glued to the still night.

Chen Yi chuckled. "You designed them, don't you remember?"

Ling Xie widened his eyes in surprise. He glanced to his side and saw Chen Yi smiling sweetly at him. "I did?"

"Mmm," Chen Yi replied, gently pushing back the strands of hair that had fallen across Ling Xie's face. "Back in high school, you buried your head in all kinds of designs. Architecture was one of them."

Ling Xie lamented that he couldn't remember. But he wasn't going to force it anymore. If the memories came back, they would. If not, that was fine too.

"Xie'er, look up," Chen Yi said softly, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

Ling Xie returned his gaze to the galaxy, and just as he was about to ask why, fireworks lit up the night. His eyes widened, his mouth falling open as tears began to fall when the fireworks reached their peak.

Will you marry me?

The words reflected in his glassy eyes. He abruptly sat up and covered his mouth, staring at the words formed by the sparks that lingered in the sky.

"Xie'er?"

Ling Xie's shoulders jerked as he slowly turned to his side. Chen Yi had moved to sit on his legs, holding a white box in his hands. His face was calm, but his eyes betrayed his nervousness.

Before Chen Yi could even say the words that were caught in his throat, Ling Xie leapt into his arms.

"YES!!!"

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—END