Chapter 20 – Confession

This year’s Christmas wasn’t on a holiday but fell awkwardly on a Wednesday, a day when both office workers and students had to attend their respective duties. As a result, fewer people were celebrating the holiday compared to usual, most of whom were concentrated during the weekends. Thus, Ye Zhou didn’t find it too difficult to take time off from work.

Guan Heng only had one class on Wednesday, which lasted from one to three in the afternoon. Since it was still relatively early after his class ended, there was no need for him to specially ask for leave.

After checking Guan Heng’s schedule, Ye Zhou decided to take the entire day off. If they left home around three in the afternoon, they would arrive at the cinema early enough to avoid rush hour traffic. Once they reached the city center, they could enjoy dinner before heading to the movie. By the time the film ended, it would be around nine or ten o’clock. Whether they wanted to go back home to rest or have a drink, they would have plenty of flexibility, making the plan perfect.

Many couples tend to pack their first date from morning till night, acting as though they need to spend the whole day together. However, newly dating couples are often unsure of each other’s preferences and lack experience. Prolonged dates can lead to fatigue and limit the activities they can do together, potentially resulting in a less enjoyable experience. Therefore, it’s better to spend quality time together in moderation, planning out the time and events properly, which can make both parties feel more comfortable.

Ye Zhou was accustomed to taking charge of such matters and continued to do so effortlessly.

On Christmas Day, he didn’t sleep in despite taking the day off. He woke up at the usual time, had breakfast, and then spent some time selecting his outfit for the date from his wardrobe. He also took advantage of the free time to clean the house. Ye Zhou liked to be prepared for anything that might happen, even though Guan Heng had been to his place before and had even entered his room to fetch clothes for him. The situation was different now, and their relationship had changed significantly since then. A clean and tidy environment would be more conducive to intimate behavior.

Once Ye Zhou finished cleaning, it was almost noon. He didn’t slack off just because he was close to winning Guan Heng’s heart; instead, he went to the kitchen to prepare lunch and delivered it to Guan Heng on time.

While Guan Heng was having lunch, Ye Zhou casually brought up their plans for the day. “Let’s take my car later.”

Guan Heng didn’t mind who drove; it didn’t make a difference to him. “Okay.”

Ye Zhou thought about how there wouldn’t be much to do after returning home and added, “I’ll pick you up after your class ends.”

Guan Heng chuckled. “It’s so close, no need.”

Although Guan Heng said it wasn’t necessary, Ye Zhou still showed up right on time to pick him up once his class ended. He didn’t wait outside Guan Heng’s office but stood outside the classroom instead. Coincidentally, Guan Heng’s class was held in a large lecture hall that could accommodate many students. Ye Zhou arrived a few minutes early and, to avoid disrupting Guan Heng’s class, deliberately stood under a tree farther away.

Students have keen eyesight, and as the end of the class approached, they grew restless. Seeing a handsome man standing outside the window caught everyone’s attention. Female students especially couldn’t help but glance over frequently, probably assuming one of their classmates had found such a handsome boyfriend. They started whispering among themselves.

Guan Heng quickly noticed his students’ gaze and subtly glanced outside, spotting Ye Zhou.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the class. Guan Heng packed up his books and answered a few questions from his students. Perhaps due to Ye Zhou attracting the female students’ attention, Guan Heng managed to leave the classroom without being delayed for too long.

As soon as Guan Heng stepped out of the classroom, Ye Zhou immediately approached him.

“I’m sorry, did I disturb your class?” Ye Zhou asked with a bashful smile, feeling somewhat embarrassed. He merely intended to wait for Guan Heng to finish his class, but he unintentionally caused his students to lose focus during the lesson. Were today’s students so bold? Their unreserved stares left him uncertain whether he should leave or not.

From Ye Zhou’s perspective, he found Guan Heng incredibly attractive and exuding the charm of a mature man. However, from a young student’s viewpoint, someone like Ye Zhou, who exuded a sunny disposition, would likely be more popular.

“No,” Guan Heng didn’t seem bothered and smiled warmly. “You’re watching me so closely; are you afraid I’ll run away?”

“No.” Ye Zhou could tell Guan Heng was joking and laughed along. Perhaps due to his pleasant mood, he spoke frankly without holding back. “I’m just worried they might delay our date.”

It wasn’t the first time Guan Heng had been held back by his students. His popularity and scarcity made him a target for students who loved to engage him after class.

“It won’t be a problem,” Guan Heng remained unfazed by Ye Zhou’s straightforwardness. “I’ll make up for any lost time.”

Ye Zhou paused momentarily, his steps faltering, before quickly catching up. His heart pounded wildly.

The two dazzlingly handsome men, although different in style, attracted attention as they walked side by side down the street. Neither paid any attention to the gazes of the students behind and around them, walking shoulder to shoulder toward their destination.

After changing into their outfits at home, Ye Zhou parked his car outside and waited for Guan Heng to get in.

Ye Zhou usually dressed in shirts or formal attire for work, but his personal style leaned more towards casual wear that was relaxed yet fashionable and stylish. Guan Heng’s clothing style remained consistent, understated luxury. But today, something seemed different. He wore a dark, tight-fitting knit sweater that subtly outlined the contours of his chest and abdomen, revealing his well-toned physique. The collar of his shirt was turned outward, with the top button undone, exposing his collarbone, adding a touch of restrained sensuality. Despite the simplicity of his outfit, it left a stunning impression, a visual temptation that sparked an irresistible desire to uncover more.

Attractive individuals enhance their appeal with well-suited clothing. If Ye Zhou wasn’t driving, he would undoubtedly sneak glances at Guan Heng every now and then.

Everything unfolded as Ye Zhou had planned. There were slightly more cars on the road than usual, but traffic flowed smoothly without any major hindrances.

Ye Zhou had already made a reservation at a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant near the cinema. Although the prices were higher than average, both of them were financially independent and could afford it. While affordable restaurants were also decent, during special holidays like these, not only couples but also many young people would gather for meals. Long lines would form outside the doors, and the inside would be bustling and noisy, lacking any atmosphere. They were no longer fresh out of college and didn’t need to compete with others. Sometimes spending a little extra money could provide a more comfortable environment, which was definitely worth it.

Ye Zhou’s decision proved to be correct.

As evening approached, the streets became crowded with people, creating a lively atmosphere. Many were waiting in line outside restaurants, hoping to grab a bite to eat. Both Ye Zhou and Guan Heng were tall and handsome, making them stand out in the crowd, drawing frequent glances.

However, once they entered the high-end restaurant, this phenomenon disappeared. The customers dining here possessed a certain level of sophistication and etiquette, refraining from staring directly at others. The staff were well-trained, providing excellent service. The restaurant’s interior was quiet and private, with ample space between each table, ensuring that conversations remained undisturbed.

When Ye Zhou made the reservation, he inquired about a window-side seat. These seats were typically smaller and designed for two to four people, with screens or decorations separating them from the surrounding area, creating a cozy and intimate space ideal for conversation and building rapport.

Ye Zhou ordered a Christmas set menu for two, which featured exquisite dishes characteristic of high-end restaurants. The portions weren’t particularly large, but they excelled in creativity and taste.

Ye Zhou himself owned a restaurant and occasionally dined at other establishments to sample their offerings. He found the meal satisfactory, despite the fact that there was no leftover food. However, he sensed that Guan Heng didn’t seem very interested and asked, “Is something wrong? Do you not like the taste?”

“Not really. I just prefer your cooking.”

Ye Zhou chuckled, feeling pleasantly surprised. “You have such high praise for my culinary skills?”

“Mm-hmm.”

The two had reached this point in their relationship and were now on a date. All that was left was a verbal confirmation. Ye Zhou felt that the moment was right, with the perfect atmosphere and timing. “Guan Heng, I think you can see that I am pursuing you. I like you a lot, not just because of your appearance, but for many reasons that have touched me. The more I get to know you, the more I discover your virtues and admire you even more. I know there’s a significant gap between us, and perhaps in your eyes, I’m just an ordinary person. But I can’t help being drawn to you.

My conditions may not match yours or those of the people you’ve dated in the past, but I’m not that bad either. I don’t have any bad habits, and I’d say I’m reasonably humorous and entertaining. My only advantage might be my cooking skills. If you enjoy my dishes, I can cook for you every day. If you ever feel bored or need company, I’d be more than happy to be there for you and entertain you. I can’t guarantee what will happen in the distant future, as that would be unrealistic. But I hope you can give me a chance to prove that I will treat you exceptionally well.”

Throughout his confession, Ye Zhou maintained eye contact with Guan Heng, neither backing down nor avoiding his gaze. He didn’t use flowery language or sweet talk; he simply expressed his inner thoughts. His words might not have been the most eloquent, but they conveyed genuine emotions.

Guan Heng had probably heard numerous confessions of this nature before. Ye Zhou wasn’t the most unique or original, but he listened intently, not interrupting or giving an immediate response.

They silently stared at each other for a while.

Then, Ye Zhou suddenly smiled. His confession had been carefully thought out, so it was understandable for Guan Heng to take his time considering his response. Not hastily making a decision was actually a sign of respect. He broke the silence. “You don’t have to answer me right away. I hope you can think about it carefully.”

“Alright.”

After confessing, Ye Zhou didn’t feel awkward. He had said everything he wanted to say and had expressed his feelings, leaving the rest to Guan Heng’s discretion. From Guan Heng’s reaction, it seemed that he wasn’t going to reject him outright, indicating that there was still some consideration involved. Based on Ye Zhou’s understanding of Guan Heng, the absence of an immediate rejection meant there was still hope. He didn’t lose heart and remained determined to continue his pursuit.