Lately, Xiao Zhan has been acting a bit mysteriously. Occasionally, he'd be nowhere to be found, and Wang Yibo had a feeling something was off.
But Xiao Zhan seemed completely fine, in fact, he was in a really good mood. On top of that, Wang Yibo was incredibly busy with his internship, and he had other things on his mind, so he didn't immediately ask about it.
On a late summer evening, Jiang Cheng managed to gather everyone, and they all went to the nearby beach for a barbecue, sunbathing, and swimming.
Even Nie Huai-Sang, who hadn't kept in touch with his friends for a while, was called out. Wenqing was very surprised by this and asked Jiang Cheng how he managed it. Jiang Cheng glanced at Mo Ran, who was helping set the table, and Nie Huai-Sang, who was cutting watermelon a little further behind. He looked a bit disgusted, yet resigned.
"How did I manage it? It's simple, really. They're both people who've been through tough times, so when they see others in the same situation or even worse, they push through and persevere. They can't afford to be picky."
Wenqing didn't argue and quietly said, standing on tiptoe to whisper in Jiang Cheng's ear.
"After all, we're good friends. Thanks, Jiang Shaoye (young master)."
Nie Huai-Sang brought a volleyball. Since Fang Tianze couldn't play intensely due to his health, the group split into two teams to play volleyball, thoroughly enjoying themselves.
On the summer beach, with the sea breeze blowing, even sweating profusely felt refreshing. The young group eventually got tired and sat by a long table under the trees to eat fruit. Jiang Cheng looked at the time—it was already dusk. He grabbed Nie Huai-Sang and the two boys prepared to start the barbecue.
Wang Yibo saw this and called out.
"Let me help with the grilling too. I brought a portable grill; I'll roast the vegetables."
Jiang Cheng made a sound of acknowledgment. "Portable grills are really convenient. Good idea."
Just as Wang Yibo was about to go over, Xiao Zhan tugged at his sleeve.
Wang Yibo turned around, and sure enough, Xiao Zhan was looking even more mysteriously playful than usual.
"Come with me first, I want to show you something."
Seeing the mischievous glint in Xiao Zhan's eyes, Wang Yibo's heart softened.
Xiao Zhan led him to a shady spot about ten meters away, behind a tree, where he held up a picture frame.
As Xiao Zhan slowly turned the frame towards Wang Yibo, Wang Yibo's eyes widened in surprise.
The person in the painting... was Wang Yibo himself, looking carefree and dominant on the racetrack! The sharp, intelligent boy froze. He looked at Xiao Zhan, then back at the painting, unsure of how to react.
Xiao Zhan chuckled and showed the painting proudly.
"Don't get too emotional too soon! I must admit, I cheated. Actually, I couldn't resist taking a photo during that race. You can't blame me; you looked so handsome that day! The racing boy! This is the first time I've ever painted you, and I was worried it wouldn't turn out well or that I'd ruin the image, so I, uh, traced the photo I took. I hope you don't mind..."
He said this last part a little bashfully, considering it was thanks to Wenqing's encouragement that he even tried painting in the first place.
Wang Yibo raised a hand. His long fingers traced the oil painting, stopping at the number 85 on the racing suit.
"How could I blame you?"
His voice was a little hoarse as he spoke.
"I'm just so touched! Xiao Zhan, I was only joking, I thought you'd just casually listen... I didn't realize you put so much effort into this!"
Xiao Zhan chuckled lightly, his smile a little sly. "You think I'd just casually listen to what you say?"
Wang Yibo hugged the painting tightly, as if holding something precious. "You're truly the best!"
Xiao Zhan pretended to be nonchalant, nodding. "No, you should say I'm the best!"
Wang Yibo firmly repeated, "Xiao Zhan is the best and one of a kind."
He paused, then remembered the joke from that night, feeling a bit suspicious.
"Didn't you say you'd want me to wear women's clothing? I thought you'd ask for something like that."
Xiao Zhan laughed bitterly. "I was just kidding; do you really want to wear women's clothing?"
Xiao Zhan leaned back against the tree, and Wang Yibo, who had placed the painting aside, suddenly pulled Xiao Zhan into his arms and kissed him.
The kiss was intense—half from the heat of the summer and half from the youthful excitement and warmth of the boy's body. Xiao Zhan didn't expect Wang Yibo to press him up against the tree and kiss him fiercely, and for a moment, he froze. After a second, he hesitantly pushed back but only half-heartedly, barely managing to push a little.
"Other people can see us..."
Xiao Zhan whispered into Wang Yibo's ear.
Wang Yibo slightly loosened his hold.
The shadows of the trees played across them, and Wang Yibo gazed at Xiao Zhan, his dark eyes filled with a softness and gentleness that only Xiao Zhan could see—unfamiliar to anyone else.
"Would it be more sincere if I said thank you like this?"
Xiao Zhan opened his mouth, pulling back from Wang Yibo's warmth, and his words felt a little lackluster. "What's with that? Are you backing out?"
Wang Yibo's expression held a little mischievousness. "Isn't it enough? If you want more, I can give you more."
Without waiting for Xiao Zhan to respond, Wang Yibo lifted Xiao Zhan's chin and kissed him again, though this time, his kiss was playful and gentle.
They continued their tender kiss for a while, surrounded by the golden light of the setting sun. Eventually, the sound of Jiang Cheng's near-anguished shout and Nie Huai-Sang's teasing whistle broke through the quiet.
Jiang Cheng yelled, "You two are totally inappropriate! Can't you think about the poor bystanders?!"
Nie Huai-Sang saw Xiao Zhan struggling but still being held by Wang Yibo, and he blew another whistle.
"The younger guy's pretty ruthless! Keep going! I'm feeling better now!"
Mo Ran, who was also watching the scene, peeled an orange absentmindedly.
Xiao Zhan gave up struggling and simply stayed still, letting Wang Yibo kiss him, like two little animals in a soft embrace, their foreheads touching. Their hearts were full of tenderness.
Meanwhile, Wenqing had brought Fang Tianze to the edge of the sea.
In the late summer evening, the sea was sparkling beautifully under the sun.
Wenqing's feet were half-submerged in the white sand, as the waves gently washed over them, retreating back into the sea.
She looked down at her feet, her voice soft.
"Fang Tianze, do you remember the promise you made that day?"
Fang Tianze remembered the promise he made about taking good care of her health, among other things, but he was still confused.
Wenqing kept looking at her feet as the waves brushed gently over them, feeling a slight tickle.
"You said that no matter what, you'd like whatever I have."
Fang Tianze still didn't fully understand, but his eyes slowly widened. Wenqing looked back at him, her face flushed with some shyness as she gently took his hand and placed it on her stomach.
"I think I might be pregnant."
Fang Tianze froze completely. The sound of the waves crashing and the wind blowing seemed far away as he slowly realized what she meant.
Fang Tianze started trembling, his eyes red. He hugged Wenqing tightly, feeling as though his hands were burning from touching her belly, as though something incredibly precious was there.
Wenqing allowed herself to be held, but after a while, she quietly said, "You're squeezing me too tight."
Fang Tianze immediately loosened his hold, feeling overjoyed yet unsure of what to do. He turned toward the sea and shouted with excitement.
"I'm going to be a dad! I'm going to be a dad!"
There weren't many people on the beach, but his voice was loud, and before long, everyone looked over.
Mo Ran, Jiang Cheng, and Nie Huai-Sang stopped what they were doing. Wang Yibo and Xiao Zhan paused their moment too. Wenqing had originally planned to tell Fang Tianze first in a calm, private way, but Fang Tianze's loud announcement had ruined her carefully planned approach.
She was embarrassed and lightly hit him a few times.
"Can you be quieter? I said might!"
Fang Tianze was too overwhelmed with joy to care, hoisting Wenqing up in a rush.
"Ah!"
Wenqing, much smaller than him, was easily lifted and placed on Fang Tianze's shoulders as he ran toward the shallow sea. The waves crashed against the pristine beach, and the setting sun lit up the distant horizon.
Fang Tianze ran, shouting over and over.
"I'm the happiest man in the world! I'm going to be a dad! I love Wenqing!"
Wenqing was both upset and embarrassed, but more than that, she felt shy. She wanted to hit him but feared losing her balance, so she just pouted, red-faced.
"You're so shameless!" she grumbled, but there was a warmth in her voice, like the blooming of love.
Wenqing and Fang Tianze ran in the sunset, and Wang Yibo turned his head.
This was a perfect moment. Everything was just right. Under the vast sky, nothing else mattered but love.
He clenched his fist and called out. "Xiao Zhan."
Xiao Zhan, still processing the surprise about Wenqing's pregnancy, turned around and looked at Wang Yibo.
"What's up?"
Wang Yibo took a deep breath, as if gathering courage, and said slowly.
"I'm planning to go back to A City in a couple of days to visit my mom. She knows I'm in a relationship now. Would you... would you like to come with me to meet her?"
Before, Wang Yibo would always use his busy studies to avoid these conversations with his mom, but this time, he stayed silent, essentially giving his consent. His mom had sensed something was going on and, knowing Wang Yibo's personality, didn't push him. She was waiting for the right moment to ask questions. Wang Yibo had finally confessed.
The moment Xiao Zhan heard those words, his heart skipped a beat.
"Your mom knows about me?"
Wang Yibo nodded quickly.
"She doesn't mind! In fact, she's curious about you. I told her you're amazing and treat me really well."
His fists were clenched tight, his ears and neck flushed bright red, worried Xiao Zhan might hesitate.
Seeing the nervous expression on Wang Yibo's face, Xiao Zhan reached out and gently touched his chin.
"Why are you so nervous? I'm really happy that you want to bring me along. Sure, I'll come with you."