LUO YAN happily trotted towards their house. They just returned from their three-days, two-nights vacation in Chengdu. It was a very fruitful vacation. He was able to spend some quality time with his family, eat Sichuan cuisines, go to different beautiful places, and see pandas. He even met his idol in person!
But most of all, he was able to once again meet Shen Ji Yun in reality. The two of them even exchanged the same gift with each other.
Speaking of that, Luo Yan pulled back the sleeve of his jacket and a smile unknowingly crossed his lips when he saw the red-string bracelet with the green jade carved with the character 'Yan'. It was truly such a shock knowing that he and Shen Ji Yun ended up buying the same thing for each other. It was a very pleasant surprise though.
Judging by his reaction when he received the gift, Shen Ji Yun was definitely over the moon when he accepted it. Luo Yan almost thought that the other would float in happiness the moment he tied the bracelet on him. If Shen Ji Yun was a puppy, his tail would definitely not stop wagging at that moment. Showing just how happy he was.
Luo Yan couldn't blame him though. Because he was also very happy accepting his gift. The happiness he felt was even greater compared to when he received that customized music box.
Probably because the feelings he had back then was completely different to the feelings he had now. He no longer thought of Shen Ji Yun as a mere friend. Even though he was still in the process of slowly accepting his feelings, there was no doubt in his mind that Shen Ji Yun was very special to him.
So, of course, he would be happy receiving gifts from the other. Especially if it was a well thought out gift.
"Yan Yan, don't run too fast," Luo Ren shouted from behind.
Luo Yan turned back at his brother. "Okay!"
He then slowed down his speed.
"Welcome home, second young master," their housekeeper greeted him.
"We're back, Aunty," Luo Yan smiled at the housekeeper, a gentle-looking woman in her 50s.
Luo Ren, Luo Jin, and their father followed right after.
"Home at last," Luo Jin said who unceremoniously plopped himself on the couch.
"Has dinner been prepared?" Luo Wei Tian asked the housekeeper.
"Yes, Master," the housekeeper answered.
Then Luo Wei Tian looked at his three sons. "Go and wash up, we'll have dinner after."
"Yes," the three said unanimously.
Then they looked at each other and laughed, all feeling like little kids who just agreed to bathe together.
———-
= B City =
Shen Ji Yun just finished making dinner. He made sure that the dishes were all well insulated before walking to the living room. He was planning to wait for his uncle there.
Before leaving for the company today, his uncle told him that the two of them should have a serious talk later. He already had a feeling that it would be about his feelings for Luo Yan. After all, his uncle had already noticed some clues from his behavior while they were in Chengdu.
Besides that, he also openly admitted to him that the reason he wanted to go to Chengdu was Luo Yan. His uncle was not dense when it came to feelings. So, he was sure that he had already noticed that Luo Yan was special to him.
Shen Ji Yun was not scared of that. If, at this juncture, he couldn't even admit to his closest family about his feelings for Luo Yan, then there really wouldn't be any future for the two of them. Not admitting his feelings was almost the same as him saying that he was ashamed of it.
And he wasn't. Why would he be? Loving someone in an upright manner was not something to be shameful about.
So, whatever his uncle asked him. He would answer honestly.
He took out the red-string bracelet from his pocket and tied it once again on his wrist. He removed it earlier when he started cooking dinner. How could he bear to wear it while cooking? What if some debris landed on it accidentally? Of course, he had to prevent that.
This was the first ever gift Luo Yan had given him. It's only natural for him to treasure it.
Looking down at the bracelet, his gaze became even more gentle. A soft smile even appeared on his lips.
This was the scene that welcomed Shen Yi Mu when he entered the house. Just looking at his nephew's expression and that loving gaze he was giving the red-string bracelet, there's no doubt in his mind that he was thinking about Luo Yan.
Ever since they returned yesterday, he had already noticed Ji Yun looking at that bracelet very lovingly. As if it's a piece of treasure that he couldn't live without. He didn't need to ask to know that it was most likely given by Luo Yan.
He sighed. It seemed like his nephew had really been planted.
Shen Yi Mu cleared his throat, catching his nephew's attention.
Shen Ji Yun raised his head and saw his uncle coming in. He nodded. "Uncle, dinner is already ready. Shall we eat?"
Shen Yi Mu walked towards the living room and sat opposite Ji Yun. "Sit down first. Remember what I told you this morning?"
Shen Ji Yun nodded. "Shall we talk first?"
Shen Yi Mu stared at his nephew and he knew that this kid had already guessed what they were about to discuss. So, he also didn't go around the bush and just went straight to the point.
"Tell me honestly, do you like Xiao Yan?"
"Yes," Shen Ji Yun answered without any hesitation. "I like him not just as a friend, but romantically."
Although Shen Yi Mu already expected this answer, hearing his nephew saying it so straightforwardly still shocked him a bit. Then his expression turned serious.
"Do you fully understand the meaning of that answer? The hardships that you may encounter in the future? You must know how our society frowned upon such a relationship. Are you ready to face it all?"
"The moment I accepted my feelings for Yan Yan and decided to fight for it, I had long been ready for everything," Shen Ji Yun said, his blue gaze full of determination.
Shen Yi Mu observed his nephew's expression and sighed once again. "Then listen to my story. After that, if your decision hasn't changed, then uncle won't stop you."