****
Mr. Xián's voice was low and gentle as he turned to Zi. "Zi, can I ask you something?"
Zi looked at him curiously. "What is it?"
Mr. Xián's eyes locked onto Zi's. "Do you...have feelings for me?"
Zi's face suddenly flushed, and he looked away, trying to hide his emotions. But instead of admitting his true feelings, he pretended to be shocked and defensive.
"Huh, n-no way! I mean, nothing!" Zi's voice was louder than usual, and he tried to sound convincing, but his face betrayed him.
Mr. Xián's eyes narrowed slightly, a small smile playing on his lips. He wasn't entirely convinced by Zi's denial, but he decided to let it slide...for now. "Okay, I just wanted to know," he said softly.
Zi's face was still red, and he looked away, trying to compose himself. The atmosphere between them was a bit awkward, but Mr. Xián didn't seem to mind.
Zi's voice was still a bit shaky, but he tried to regain his composure. "Actually, a bit only," he muttered, trying to downplay the situation. "But it didn't change the fact that you didn't tell me about your family. That's what's bothering me."
Mr. Xián's expression turned serious, and he nodded understandingly. "You're right, I should have told you. I was just trying to protect you, I guess."
Zi's eyes searched Mr. Xián's face, trying to read his true intentions. "Protect me from what?" he asked, his voice softer now.
Mr. Xián's gaze drifted off, and he seemed to be collecting his thoughts before speaking again.
*****
Mr. Xián's voice was low and sincere as he began to open up to Zi. "I don't know how to say this, but...the more we're together, the more time seems to slow down. And when we're apart, I find myself wishing time would fly by faster until I can see you again."
Zi's eyes locked onto Mr. Xián's, and he felt his heart skip a beat. "Actually, I have feelings for you too," Mr. Xián confessed, his words hanging in the air.
The night seemed to grow quieter, as if the world around them had melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in this moment of truth. Zi's face was inches from Mr. Xián's, and for a moment, they just looked at each other, the tension between them palpable.
Mr. Xián's voice was barely above a whisper as he asked, "Zi, is there...a possibility that we could be together? As a couple, I mean."
The question hung in the air, and Zi's heart seemed to be racing. He looked into Mr. Xián's eyes, searching for any sign of uncertainty or hesitation. But all he saw was genuine hope and longing.
Zi's face softened, and he took a deep breath before responding. "I'd like that," he said softly, his words sending a flutter through Mr. Xián's chest.
Mr. Xián's face broke into a warm smile, and he reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair out of Zi's face. "I'd like that too," he whispered, his eyes locked.
Zi's expression turned serious.
"But there's something you should know," Zi said, his voice tinged with concern. "My mother...she won't agree to this,..I don't know if she'll understand."
" he knew it from the beginning.. " Xián Response to Zi with smile.
" How did she...? "
Zi's eyes widened as a memory flashed back to him. He remembered his mother mentioning something about Mrs. Chén learning new dishes from his future son-in-law. Zi's face turned red with surprise and a hint of embarrassment.
"Wait a minute...Mom said something about Mom Said learning new dishes from my future son-in-law when we were eating the other day," Zi said, his voice filled with realization. "You and Mom were already discussing us behind my back, weren't you?"
Mr. Xián's face turned slightly red as he nodded sheepishly. "Your mom and I were discussing our feelings and...well, it seems like she's been thinking about our relationship for a while now."
Zi's expression turned playful, and he chuckled. "I should have known. Mom's always been one step ahead."
Zi's eyes sparkled with amusement as he teased Mr. Xián. "Nah, you stabbed me at my back," he said, chuckling.
Mr. Xián's face turned bright red as he laughed. "I guess I deserved that," he said, holding up his hands in a defensive gesture. "But I promise, it was all for good intentions."
Zi's smile softened, and he leaned in closer to Mr. Xián. "I know," he said, his voice gentle. "I'm just teasing you."
The tension between them dissipated, replaced by a warm and playful atmosphere. Mr. Xián smiled, feeling relieved. "I'm glad you're not too mad at me," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Mr. Xián's eyes sparkled as he pulled out a small box from his pocket. "Actually, I have something I wanted to give you," he said, his voice filled with excitement.
As he opened the box, Zi's eyes widened in surprise. Inside, he saw a beautiful Yin Yang couple bracelet, each half perfectly complementing the other. Mr. Xián took Zi's hand and gently placed one half of the bracelet on his wrist.
"When this moment came, I wanted to give you this," Mr. Xián said, his voice filled with emotion. "This bracelet symbolizes harmony and balance. It represents the two parts of a single whole, and we cannot exist without each other."
Zi's eyes locked onto the bracelet, and he felt a deep sense of connection to Mr. Xián. "It's beautiful," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Mr. Xián smiled, and he put on the other half of the bracelet. "We're two halves of a whole, Zi," he said, his eyes shining with love. "We're meant to be together."
Zi's expression suddenly turned serious, and he said, "You know, I have to tell you something. Because of our situation, Restobar has banned you from entering the premises."
Mr. Xián's face didn't show any surprise. "It doesn't matter to me now," he said calmly. "I can drive you to work and pick you up after work. At least I'll know you're safe."
Zi's eyes softened at Mr. Xián's words. "You're really willing to do that for me?" he asked, his voice filled with gratitude.
Mr. Xián nodded. "Of course, I am. Your safety is all that matters to me." He smiled and gently brushed a strand of hair out of Zi's face. "I'll take care of you, Zi."
Mr. Xián's face lit up with a warm smile as he said, "Let me drive you home so I can see your mom again." Zi's eyes sparkled with amusement, and he chuckled.
"You're really eager to see her again, aren't you?" Zi teased, playfully rolling his eyes.
Mr. Xián's smile didn't falter. "Well, she's important to you, and that makes her important to me," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.
*****
As they walked into the house, Zi's mother greeted them with a warm smile and a spread of delicious food on the table. Zi's eyes widened in surprise as he took in the feast.
"Wow, Ma...it's a lot," Zi said, his voice filled with amusement.
His mother beamed with pride. "Let's celebrate for you two being together," she said, her eyes shining with happiness.
Zi raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism on his face. "Huh..." he started to say, but then he caught Mr. Xián winking at his mother.
His mother's face lit up with a knowing smile, and she exclaimed, "Hai...Baobao, I knew it!"
Zi's face turned red as he protested, "Maaa, calling me Baobao...I'm not a baby."
His mother just chuckled and patted his hand. "You'll always be my Baobao," she said, her voice filled with affection.
*****
As they sat down to eat, Zi's mother couldn't help but comment on how adorable they looked together. "You two are so cute together," she said, her eyes shining with delight.
Zi's face turned bright red as he looked at Mr. Xián, who was smiling at him. "Ma, stop it," Zi said, his voice barely above a whisper.
But his mother just laughed and continued to gush over them. "I'm just saying, you two are meant to be. You balance each other out so well."
Mr. Xián chuckled and put his arm around Zi's shoulders. "I think your mom is right," he said, smiling at Zi.
Zi rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "You two are ganging up on me," he said, laughing.
Zi's mother smiled innocently as she suggested, "Xián, why don't you stay here for a night? So you can spend a night together."
Zi's eyes widened in surprise, and he suddenly choked on his food. His mother and Mr. Xián immediately reacted, saying in unison, "Oh, just eat slowly."
Zi's face turned bright red as he coughed, trying to compose himself. Mr. Xián gently patted his back, saying, "It's okay, take your time."
Zi's mother just smiled and continued to serve food, seemingly unaware of the awkwardness she had just caused.
*****
After Eating Together,
Zi Lying On The Bed Suddenly Zi's eyes widened slightly as Mr. Xián walked into the room, a towel wrapped around his waist. The sight of Mr. Xián's bare chest sent a flutter through Zi's chest.
Mr. Xián seemed to notice Zi's gaze and smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Just got out of the shower," he said, his voice low and smooth.
Zi's face felt warm, and he looked away, trying to play it cool. But he couldn't help sneaking another glance at Mr. Xián, who was now rummaging through his bag.
The atmosphere in the room felt intimate, and Zi's heart beat a little faster.
*****
Zi's mother walked into the room, a box in her hands, and placed it on the table with a gentle smile. "Maybe you two can use this," she said, her voice soft and knowing.
Zi's eyes widened in surprise, and he felt a flush rise to his cheeks. He looked at Mr. Xián, who seemed just as taken aback, his eyebrows raised in question.
The air in the room felt suddenly thick with tension, and Zi's mind was racing with thoughts. What was his mom thinking? Why would she just leave a box like that out in the open?
Zi's mom seemed oblivious to the awkwardness she had created, smiling warmly at both of them before turning to leave. "Goodnight, boys," she said, her voice cheerful.
As soon as she left, Zi turned to Mr. Xián, his face still flushed. "What...what is that?" he whispered, his eyes darting towards the box.
*****
As soon as Zi's mom left the room, Zi and Mr. Xián exchanged a shocked glance. Zi cautiously opened the box, and his eyes widened in horror as he saw the contents.
"What the...?!" Zi yelled, his voice echoing through the room.
Mr. Xián's face turned bright red as he stared at the condoms inside the box. "Your mom...she didn't!" he exclaimed, his voice barely above a whisper.
Zi's face was on fire. "What is she thinking?!" he shouted, feeling mortified.
Mr. Xián looked like he was trying not to laugh, but Zi was beyond consolation. "This is so embarrassing!" Zi said, covering his face with his hands.
The two of them stood there in stunned silence for a moment, the only sound being their heavy breathing.
Mr. Xián's eyes sparkled with mischief as he said, "Why don't we use it?" Zi's eyes widened in surprise, and he shook his head vigorously. "What?! No! We only just met today."
But Mr. Xián wasn't deterred. He playfully chased Zi around the bed, laughing as Zi dodged and weaved to avoid him. They tumbled and fell onto the bed, rolling around in a fit of giggles.
As they played, their earlier awkwardness melted away, replaced by a sense of joy and freedom. They laughed and teased each other, their happiness infectious.