Chapter 27

A cold snap had hit without warning. Outside the car, everyone was bundled up in thick coats, walking quickly through the chill. But inside the taxi, it was warm. The driver uncle seemed to be rushing to finish his shift and drove at full speed. The soft voice of a female radio host floated through the speakers.

Xu Heng had the lower half of his face tucked into his scarf, his breath warming the fabric around him. He turned his head slightly to glance at Chen Ang, who was sitting beside him. There was still a trace of a smile on Chen Ang’s face, his expression vivid, even his eyebrows looked like they were smiling.

Say yes.

That voice had been surfacing in Xu Heng’s mind these past few days, tempting him, coaxing him toward something dangerous. Say yes, and just like that, he could fall into a reckless romance. His studies in Japan did not have to be rushed. He and Chen Ang could even go together, make it a trip. He wanted to visit Otaru, catch the first flake of snow in his hands, and then kiss him.

“We’re here.”

Xu Heng’s thoughts were cut off. They had arrived at their destination.

Tonight, Chen Ang had picked a Western restaurant. Christmas was just around the corner, and there was already a tree set up in the corner of the dining room. The music playing was Christmas Is All Around. Xu Heng liked that movie. He watched it every Christmas. The atmosphere inside the restaurant was warm and cheerful. If only it would snow outside, it would have been perfect. But it was not quite snow season yet.

They chose a booth in the corner and sat down. Chen Ang held the menu and began ordering. The heating in the restaurant made the air comfortable, so Xu Heng took off his scarf and set it aside. He looked out the large window. The view showed a glittering river, the colorful neon lights along the banks reflecting in the golden ripples of the water. He was a little nervous. Today was his birthday.

He wondered if Chen Ang knew. He had shown his ID the last time they checked into a hotel together, so maybe he had seen it. If he had, would there be a surprise? Like in a TV drama, where just as the meal was winding down, the waiter would snap his fingers and someone would appear with a violin playing Happy Birthday, pushing out a cart with a cake and a bouquet of roses.

Xu Heng spent the entire meal tense and on edge. Near the end, just as they were finishing up, Chen Ang suddenly raised his hand to signal the waiter. Xu Heng’s breath caught for a second, and he nearly knocked over his wine glass.

Chen Ang said, “You can bring out the dessert now.”

Xu Heng blinked. “Oh.”

Chen Ang looked over. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing… really…”

The dessert was tiramisu and raspberry sorbet. Xu Heng ate carefully, almost nervously, as if expecting to find a hidden ring inside. Of course, that was just his imagination. He polished off both the cake and ice cream until there was nothing left, and ended up hiccupping from how full he was. There was nothing inside, and while part of him was relieved, he also felt a little disappointed.

Since leaving home, he has not properly celebrated his birthday in a long time.

Xu Heng had work early the next morning, so he really did need to head back soon, take a shower, and get to bed. Just as they were settling the bill, one of the waiters suddenly pulled out a party popper, the kind usually used for kids. With a loud pop, colorful streamers rained down all over Chen Ang’s head. Another server appeared, holding a bouquet of flowers, and handed it to Xu Heng.

“Congratulations,” the waiter shouted.

Xu Heng froze. “What?”

Chen Ang blinked. “What happened?”

The guests at nearby tables had no idea what was going on, but when they heard the pop and saw the flowers, they jumped to conclusions.

“Say yes! Say yes! Say yes!”

Xu Heng’s face turned scarlet. “No, no, it’s not what you think!”

The waiter clarified with a wide grin, “Congratulations. You are our restaurant’s nine-thousand nine-hundred and ninety-ninth table. We have a special mystery gift prepared for the two of you.”

Xu Heng looked suspicious. Chen Ang, on the other hand, lit up. “Wow, really? That’s such a surprise. What a lucky day.”

“But,” the waiter said, “you’ll need to go find your gift yourselves.”

Xu Heng wrapped his scarf back around his neck. Chen Ang took his hand, and the two of them followed the steps down toward the riverbank. It was a cold night, and the area was deserted. Xu Heng started to head left, but Chen Ang sneezed and quickly pulled him back, pointing in the other direction.

“I think it’s that way.”

Xu Heng raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Why is that? I feel like it’s to the left.”

“Trust me, it’s to the right.”

Xu Heng deliberately contradicted him. “I’m pretty sure it’s to the left. Let’s check that side first.”

Chen Ang gave in. “It’s actually on the right. Let’s go that way. It’s freezing.”

From a distance, Xu Heng spotted it. There on the riverbank, someone had arranged a circle of sparklers. They crackled and sizzled, throwing off dazzling bursts of light. As they walked closer, the sparkles lit up Xu Heng’s eyes.

Chen Ang put on an exaggerated tone of surprise. “Wow, who set off fireworks here?”

Xu Heng quietly watched the sparklers burn out one by one. In the center of the circle sat a box tied with ribbon. Chen Ang walked over and picked it up.

“Say yes! Say yes! Say yes!”

The chanting came from above. A group of onlookers had gathered by the railings of the riverside walkway above, cheering them on. From a distance, under the dim lights, Xu Heng’s small frame and shoulder-length hair made him look like a girl.

Chen Ang held out the box and presented it to Xu Heng with a grin. He cleared his throat and said, “Want to open it?”

Xu Heng’s heart thudded like a drum. His mind went blank. He nodded slowly and reached for the ribbon, tugging it gently. The bow came loose with one pull. He opened the box with both hands.

Inside were two things.

One was a bouquet of hydrangeas. Blue, made of glass, crystal clear. The petals caught the light from the streetlamp and sparkled brightly.

Chen Ang said, “I saw you dried and kept the bouquet I gave you before. This one can last even longer. It will never fade.”

Xu Heng reached out and gently touched one of the light blue petals. It was truly beautiful, glowing softly under the light.

Beside the bouquet was a small ceramic plate, on it sat a red bean rice cake.

“I thought you might prefer this over a birthday cake. It’s too windy by the river to light candles. I originally wanted to give this to you during dinner, but the fireworks only work out here by the river. I…” Chen Ang took a deep breath, a little nervous, then finally said, “Happy birthday.”

Xu Heng did not say a word. He put his hands together, closed his eyes in front of the rice cake, then opened them and gently blew out a breath toward the imaginary candle.

Chen Ang added the sound effect for him. “Whoosh. It’s out.”

The fireworks had already burned out, but Xu Heng’s eyes were still lit with that glow. He looked up at Chen Ang, who was still holding the gift box. Emotions swelled in his chest, crashing wildly like waves, desperate for a way out.

Chen Ang had a soft smile on his lips, his eyes squinting slightly. He looked gentle, handsome, and steady.

“Did you make a wish?”

Xu Heng said softly, “I did.”

“What was it? Can you tell me?”

“Will you help me make it come true?”

“Of course.”

Xu Heng looked at him and said, “Kiss me. That’s my wish. I want you to kiss me.”

“As you wish.”

Chen Ang balanced the gift box with one hand and wrapped the other around Xu Heng’s waist, leaning in to kiss him.

“Happy birthday, baby.”

Xu Heng buried himself in Chen Ang’s arms. That dangerous voice in his mind grew louder than ever, more persuasive than it had ever been.

Say yes. Everything will work out. Everything will be fine.

Xu Heng listened to the steady rhythm of Chen Ang’s heartbeat. He parted his lips slightly and began, “I…”

Suddenly, he felt Chen Ang’s body tense up.

“What’s wrong…”

Xu Heng looked up, following Chen Ang’s gaze, and felt a chill run down his spine.

Standing on the viewing platform above them, right by the railing, were Chen Jing and her husband, looking straight at them. Chen Jing’s expression was stern and unreadable. She called out calmly, “Chen Ang.”

Xu Heng froze, panic taking over his body. His first instinct was to push Chen Ang away, but Chen Ang held his hand firmly and pulled him behind, whispering, “It’s okay.”