What kind of situation would require sending the kids away? If it was just ordinary intimacy, it wouldn’t affect getting up the next morning, so there was no need.
Only if he anticipated not being able to get up the next day—and it wouldn’t be convenient for Nono to come check on him—would they…
Fu Yanli’s meaning was already self-evident.
Jiang Shunnian’s face began to flush red. He didn’t dare imagine what would happen tonight.
Moreover, Fu Yanli was being far too sly. Once he agreed to send the kids away, wouldn’t that indirectly mean agreeing to what would happen tonight?
Not deserving of being a capitalist—one sentence packed with two traps.
Although after all this preparation time, Jiang Shunnian was no longer so resistant to the idea. In fact, every time, Fu Yanli took such good care of him that it felt amazing.
But he was still thin-skinned and too embarrassed to agree outright. Instead, he refused to answer, pulling the blanket over his face to play ostrich.
When Jiang Shunnian wouldn’t respond, Fu Yanli had his ways. He smiled warmly and said, “If my wife doesn’t speak up, I’ll take it as a yes.”
“I don’t agree! And tonight, I’m sleeping with Nono!” Jiang Shunnian immediately threw off the blanket, giving a firm no.
Fu Yanli pulled him back into his arms, his voice husky and seductive as he pleaded, “Wife, please. It’s my birthday today.”
Half of Jiang Shunnian’s body went numb.
Five minutes later, Jiang Shunnian opened the door to make breakfast, with Fu Yanli following him out.
The little ones were already awake, playing in the living room. On the coffee table sat three neatly wrapped gift boxes—clearly presents for Fu Yanli.
“Dad, happy birthday!” Nono ran over first. Fu Yanli reached to scoop him up, but Nono stepped back, cupping his hands in a formal bow and sincerely blessing him: “May Dad be as constant as the moon, as rising as the sun. As enduring as the Southern Mountains, unyielding and unbroken. As verdant as the pine and cypress, ever flourishing without fail.”
Fu Yanli’s heart warmed. He crouched down and hugged the noticeably taller Nono, holding his soft little body close as he murmured, “Thank you, baby.”
Nono spread his arms and hugged back.
Atticus and Lu Yunchuan came over too, offering their blessings: “Uncle, happy birthday. May everything go smoothly for you.”
Fu Yanli was in high spirits today, so he even gave the two little ones a rare smile, nodding his thanks.
Nono handed over his birthday gift first—a custom fountain pen in luxurious black and gold, very fitting for Fu Yanli.
Lu Yunchuan gave a matching custom notebook, while Atticus’s gift was a collectible Cabernet Sauvignon from Lucien.
Fu Yanli accepted the gifts, thanking them again.
His gaze lingered on the red wine in its wooden box, a smile flickering in his eyes. Perhaps tonight I can taste it with Shunnian.
I wonder if Jiang Shunnian tipsy would be even more delicious.
“Nono, can Dad talk to you about something?” Fu Yanli spoke candidly with Nono. “I love your dad very much. I want to be his partner and marry him someday.”
Nono nodded. Dad had never hidden his feelings for Daddy, and he understood.
He could tell Daddy really liked Dad too.
“But we haven’t made it official yet,” Fu Yanli continued. “Tonight, I want to confess to him properly and hope he’ll say yes. Confessions like this aren’t suitable for kids, so could Nono stay at Grandma’s tonight?”
Nono was incredibly sharp and immediately got it. His big, beautiful eyes blinked. “Got it. I won’t be a third wheel, hehe. Good luck, Dad—go get Daddy’s approval!”
Fu Yanli couldn’t help chuckling. He ruffled Nono’s hair. “Thanks, Nono. I’ll do my best.”
After settling things with Nono, Fu Yanli went to the kitchen to help. The two worked in perfect sync, whipping up a hearty breakfast in no time.
Fu Yanli’s longevity noodles were boiled just for him by Jiang Shunnian alone. Fu Yanli thought they were the most delicious thing he’d ever eaten.
Though it was his birthday, Fu Yanli still had to go to work. But he’d arranged everything: he’d leave early in the afternoon, when the roses he’d ordered would arrive, and he’d redecorate the place.
Plus, he’d custom-ordered a semi-transparent long shirt that barely reached the thigh roots, hidden in his office lounge. Wonder if there’s a chance to see Shunnian in it tonight.
After breakfast, Fu Yanli dropped the kids off at school. Jiang Shunnian had etiquette training that morning and planned to bake the birthday cake at home in the afternoon.
Shen Boheng was sending over air-shipped fresh steaks today. Maybe we can have a candlelit dinner.
Once Fu Yanli arrived at the Fu Corporation, he received birthday wishes from the employees. In an excellent mood, he nodded and smiled at each one.
He wasn’t harsh at work on a normal day, but he rarely smiled, and his piercing gaze carried intense pressure. His powerful aura made people avert their eyes from his face.
But today, smiles softened his eyes and brows, dispelling his noble aloofness and making him approachable. His deep, handsome features finally shone through.
Did he finally win over the boss’s wife?
The employees weren’t just Nono fans anymore—they were Jiang Shunnian fans too. He was just that stunning. Standing with anyone else, it was like he had his own filter: strikingly beautiful yet utterly unaggressive.
His acting was top-notch too. The spoiled, willful Zhou Wenqi in Starlight Bestowed on You was so love-to-hate, you wanted to grab him and spank his butt.
—Of course, they only dared think it privately. Hilarious—who could compete with the CEO?
Word was, his new drama Nine Heavens Palace was coming out soon. They were all prepped to binge it.
Jiang Shunnian got home at noon, grabbed a quick bite, and started on the birthday cake.
From baking to whipping cream and piping flowers, he moved methodically, every step a visual feast—like filming a gourmet show.
When Fu Yanli got home, this was the sight that greeted him.
He slipped up behind Jiang Shunnian, wrapping his arms around him from behind. “I’m having trouble waiting until tonight.”
Jiang Shunnian nearly dropped the piping bag in shock and elbowed him away. “Don’t mess around.”
“Alright, no messing.” Fu Yanli chuckled lowly, pecking his earlobe before leaving the kitchen.
Just then, the massive bouquet of 9,999 roses Shen Boheng had arranged arrived.
A sea of roses.
Fu Yanli scattered them around the house, instantly infusing romance.
Hearing the commotion, Jiang Shunnian came out—and froze at the sheer volume. This is way too many!
Fu Yanli picked the prettiest one, carefully removed the thorns, and tucked it behind Jiang Shunnian’s ear. The radiant young man with a red rose—indescribably beautiful.
“Baby, this isn’t nearly enough,” Fu Yanli said, a touch aggrieved. “You can’t go public with our relationship yet, so I can only do this at home.”
One day, when Jiang Shunnian was willing, he’d book every billboard in S City, stage a drone show, update every personal account to “Jiang Shunnian’s Love,” and let the world know: Jiang Shunnian is mine. Hands off.
But Fu Yanli slyly kept that to himself—Shunnian would definitely object.
Jiang Shunnian sensed Fu Yanli wasn’t saying everything but couldn’t guess it. He let him fuss and returned to cake-making.
Fu Yanli kept decorating. In the bedroom, he swapped to red silk bedding and scattered pink rose petals over it.
Very ceremonial.
Nothing could stop Fu Yanli from wanting a perfect, enchanting night.
As dusk fell, Fu Yanli pan-seared the steaks on white plates, the unique rosemary aroma filling the air.
He dimmed the lights, turned on the starlight projector and speakers. Gentle piano music played, making the home rival any high-end private restaurant—more serene and cozy.
Even the red roses on the table screamed romance.
He opened the Cabernet and decanted it. The dark red liquid gleamed like gems under the starlight.
Fu Yanli stayed in his shirt and slacks. Seeing this, Jiang Shunnian picked a more formal outfit from the closet: embroidered shoulder straps with a blue gem—princely, elegant, like a fairy-tale prince.
Fu Yanli pulled out Jiang Shunnian’s chair, and they sat.
He poured a glass of red wine and slid it over. “This is Lucien’s vintage stash. Should be good—try it.”
Jiang Shunnian’s tolerance was average. Back in the industry, he’d attended many dinners, but with Fu Yanli’s protection, no one forced drinks, so it hadn’t improved.
The aged Cabernet was full-bodied and velvety smooth, easy on the throat. It paired beautifully with the steak and foie gras.
But Fu Yanli only let him sip lightly.
They ate leisurely, chatting now and then, the mood perfect.
After dinner, Jiang Shunnian brought out the cake. Its beauty tempted Fu Yanli to snap photos before closing his eyes to wish.
He’d planned to wish for a smooth confession, success, and a wonderful night. But the moment his eyes shut, his mind filled with Jiang Shunnian.
He wished for Jiang Shunnian to live free of calamity, safe and healthy—that he could accompany him till old age.
Jiang Shunnian had meant to buy candles but skipped it after a video said Chinese people shouldn’t blow them out.
He hoped everything went smoothly for Fu Yanli, no hitches.
Wishes done, Fu Yanli cut a small slice for Jiang Shunnian. Soft and delicate with hazelnut chocolate filling, the cream rich yet not cloying.
Too bad Jiang Shunnian needed to stay camera-ready and wasn’t immune to gaining weight—he only tasted a bit.
Fu Yanli wasn’t worried. Tonight’s workout will burn it off.
Once the table was cleared, Fu Yanli led Jiang Shunnian into the rose sea. He dropped to one knee. “Shunnian, our meeting four years ago wasn’t romantic, but I’m grateful to fate for you. Reunited, my love for you grows daily. I admire your character, your passion for acting—I adore everything about you.
After this time together, you know who I am. I hope you’ll accept my pursuit and be my partner. But rest assured, I won’t restrain you. You’re always free with me, to do anything you want. No matter when, I’ll be right behind you.
Jiang Shunnian, will you?”
The handsome, regal man knelt before him, love bare in his eyes. Despite mental prep, Jiang Shunnian was moved to the core.
As Fu Yanli said, he was reliable—strong, steady, devoted. Jiang Shunnian felt that love clearly.
And day by day, he’d fallen too, weaving Fu Yanli into his life plans.
So yes, he was willing.
Eyes stinging, Jiang Shunnian nodded solemnly. “Fu Yanli, I accept.”
Fu Yanli pulled a black velvet box from his pocket, revealing two rings. Smiling, he said, “Shunnian, these commemorate us going official. There’ll be others for proposals and marriage later. May I put it on you?”
“Yes.” Jiang Shunnian extended his hand.
Fu Yanli slid the exquisite, simple ring onto Jiang Shunnian’s middle finger, kissing the base. Then he let Shunnian do the same for him before rising and pulling him into an embrace.
His whole world was in his arms.
The bedroom lights were dim, rose scent thick. Fu Yanli kissed Jiang Shunnian’s lips, murmuring, “Shall we shower together, Shunnian?”
Jiang Shunnian’s face burned brighter than the roses. He nodded softly.