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“Why…. are we here?” Fei Du’s incredulous gaze shifting slowly back and forth between his mansion and Luo Wenzhou was quite amusing to an onlooker. With a chuckle the man beside him undid his seat belt and pulled his surprised lover into a solemn kiss.
Fei Du easily melted into it as his palm cradled the side of Luo Wenzhou’s face. After a few moments Luo Wenzhou pulled back with a smile, “Well, I did want to surprise you on your birthday. I seem to have succeeded.”
Fei Du softly sighed with fondness that took over him momentarily.
He remembered the first time they kissed in front of this mansion. Rough and cold, desperate in a way as if he wanted to get rid of unnecessary burden. The first shift in his stale universe.
But now…
Everything has changed since then. It hasn’t been an easy transition, but the uneven road was definitely worth it for what he has now.
Fei Du could pick out the sentiment behind Luo Wenzhou’s intention of bringing him here on his birthday. It certainly was a warm gesture.
To be brought to a place that used to be devoid of warmth, and on this certain day? Luo Wenzhou wanted to make a point of changing that about Fei Du’s life, as he did in every aspect.
With a huff he leaned away to get out the car, “Such a sap, as expected of my Shixiong.”
Luo Wenzhou couldn’t help the grin that stupidly tugged at his lips, “But don't worry. This isn’t the only gift I have prepared for you.”
With a chuckle Fei Du brought the cats over from the backseat by the time Luo Wenzhou came around with his arms filled with groceries.
They indeed stopped at their apartment to pick up the cats and get some groceries after Luo Wenzhou got out of his office earlier than usual.
It was nearly 6 pm so he wouldn’t have been much surprised if that sappy man were to take him for a little romantic picnic somewhere, but certainly this was better, and managed for a good enough surprise.
Luo Wenzhou instantly got to work like a responsible housewife. And Fei Du was just there to distract him in every way possible. Sometimes going over to the living room to tend to the other two cat siblings of his.
His antics came to a halt when suddenly that damned phone vibrated annoyingly by the kitchen counter. It was Luo Wenzhou’s.
Fei Du turned away and poured himself a small glass of cold grape juice for a sip. Well, since the exquisite wine bottle was stored away by that brute of a man saying, “Be patient!”
He watched Luo Wenzhou say something & then hung up before coming back in.
Fei Du only perked up an eyebrow without verbally asking anything, inwardly wondering if it was a duty call.
Luo Wenzhou gave an amused huff & got back to washing the vegetables saying, “I had Tao Ran look into something. He only just reported back.”
Fei Du brushed back his long fringes & uttered an “Oh”.
He then picked up small Fei Qian on his lap as he sat by the tall stool beside the kitchen counter, watching the love of his life flexing his sexy muscles every time he would chop the vegetables & meats into bite sizes while they converse & bicker, all the while wondering why his Shixiong suddenly grew a glutton’s appetite & prepared bowls of meats more than enough for the two.
Over an hour and a half later, including some messing around in the kitchen & then later shooed off like a child being a nuisance, it seemed Luo Wenzhou actually managed to do his job fairly well.
There’s now two bowls of sizzled meat,a bowl of spicy dumplings with thick broth & another bowl of vegetable soup along with some appetizers, sitting on the kitchen table, looking absolutely tempting.
Just then his phone rang again.
He made a gesture at Fei Du this time who was lounging on the couch, fiddling on his phone with the little kitten sleeping soundly on his lap. It was quite an adorable sight that Luo Wenzhou couldn't help the smile that tugged at his lips.
But there’s still work to do.
He called out to Fei Du to go to the bedroom to bring him the wallet that he “Accidentally” left by the bedside lamp when he went there to change and he had to pay the courier that had just arrived.
Even though Fei Du could very much pay in his stead, he decided to let his Shixiong do as he pleased, if it made him happy to fuss over him like this.
Fei Du went up the stairs and took a minute to return with the wallet. By the time he came down, Luo Wenzhou wasn’t by the front door.
That earned a small frown on his face.
It felt a bit odd, the sudden silence even inside the kitchen. Something didn’t seem right, every nerve in his body seemed to agree, and yet….
Carefully he rounded the corner and stepped inside.
Just then a sudden burst of “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” cheers and pocket fireworks flipped off in his direction from behind the counter with 4 people wearing ridiculous cone hats that they wear at children’s birthday parties.
Fei Du certainly wasn’t prepared for this and seemed to be at a loss for a moment, the racing heartbeat not apparent in his demeanor. He let out a breath of laughter after a while and leaned by the wall for support, “So this is your courier… You guys almost gave me a fright there.”
So by the time he went up and came back, these clowns made it inside to hide and give him the fright of his life to surprise him? He did feel a bit… impressed.
Luo Wenzhou was already by his side with his arm looped around his waist and with a grin he pressed an affectionate kiss by his temple, “Aww honey you’re supposed to thank your shixiong for this brilliant plan you know!!”
Unfazed by the public display of affection, Lang Qiao hopped over and handed him over a wrapped box and grinned, quite out of character but she figured she can make an exception sometimes and said, “Happy Birthday prez Fei!! Long live our king!”
Luo Wenzhou made a face at her; as usual, not being regarded as the Imperial father when they’re in Fei Du’s presence, how dare she!
She got out of the kitchen as she looked around the house with arms on her waist, seemingly admiring the rich people’s extravagant taste in decor.
Xiao Haiyang fixed his glasses as he too handed him over a mid-giant box and wished him a happy birthday before making his way over to the cats. The only person who took a moment to recover from the slight embarrassment from their PDA was Tao Ran.
He cleared his throat and brought over a package as well, “Happy Birthday kid!! Hah!! I should say, oh how the child has grown, shouldn’t I!?” Fei Du laughed a little at that, feeling quite overwhelmed but in a good way, “Tao Ran ge, won’t I always be a kid in your eyes?… I’m glad you guys are here though. Figuring you had to finish up even His part of the work…..”
Luo Wenzhou lightly smacked the back of his head, earning himself a mild glare, “Who do you think I am, kid!”
But Fei Du wasn’t too far off the mark.
Fei Du fled before he could land another hit to mess up his hairstyle in the presence of other people.
Lang Qiao was drooling looking at the foods on the table and hummed with content as she said, “The day to enjoy the cooking skill of the Imperial housewife, has finally come!’’
Tao Ran dragged her away.
Luo Wenzhou was finishing up whatever final touches he needed to do before their dinner when Fei Du peeked in again, “Shixiong, thank you..”
Luo Wenzhou gave him a smile quietly. Maybe he didn't notice it himself but Fei Du picked up a little hint of…...nervousness?
A few minutes later the doorbell rang, Luo Wenzhou’s eyes instantly followed the sound.
He made a gesture at Fei Du to open the door before drying hands and making his way over.
Fei Du seemed…..visibly rooted on the spot. His face seemingly confused, shocked with a hint of delight being embraced by a very giddy and dressed up Mu Xiaoqing as she cheered, “Happy Birthday Fei Du!!! Aww look at you, looking all thin and pale, have you not been treating yourself properly? If my son’s giving you trouble..” and glared at his son who seemed to feel very wronged by that statement. The usual kind of complaints that elderlies would complain when they see you after a long time. But in his case, it hasn't even been that long. Fei Du couldn't help the chuckle as he welcomed them in, letting Mu Xiaoqing fuss over him.
It’s true Fei Du just doesn’t gain weight at all. Luo Wenzhou only hurried over to take the giant box from his father who seemed very upright and elegant in his grey suit, minus the fact he was holding a big package quite awkwardly. Luo Wenzhou took a glance at Fei Du, worried if he was getting overboard by bringing all these people over..Here. Seeing Fei Du continue on with his sickly sweet gentlemanly manner, he let out a sigh and thought, even if Fei Du felt perplexed, he wouldn’t show it now. Better just get it all over with. But he hoped..
Hoped Fei Du would make loving and warm memories here so one day he would look back with a fond smile on his face and not be bothered by the cold that froze his heart once.
What was in the giant package brought by Luo Wenzhou’s parents was an easy guess. A very high class birthday cake, personally looked over and chosen by none other than the Imperial mother Mu Xiaoqing, of course the task she took upon herself, not putting any faith in his son’s rough, in her words “no class” taste. From the looks of it, it certainly lived up to Fei Du’s extravagant taste.
Fei Du’s face shone in a way that felt quite adorable and genuine.
Luo Wenzhou’s heart, if it could melt any more than it already did.
The dinner and the ceremony of cutting the cake went quite loudly and joyously. Fei Du finally got permission to open that stored exquisite bottle of wine. The taste was quite the soother he was desperately seeking. The dinner was absolutely delicious. Luo Wenzhou’s years of living as a bachelor who cooks for himself was paying off. Although Tao Ran was the one to pick up Luo Wenzhou’s extra food orders on the way. After all, he couldn’t have prepared all these foods for so many people in so little time.
Mu Xiaoqing’s presence was quite the air warmer, paired with Lang Qiao- these two women doubled the lively aura of the dinner.
Mu Xiaoqing’s fussing over Fei Du was quite the sight. Poor Fei Du was quite at a loss but thanks to his smooth mouth, he seemed to be handling the ladies just fine.
The other men in the house weren't left out of course.
After dinner, they took the sofa in the living room for their business talks, sports and the likes of similar interests with drinks in their hands.
By the time they all deemed it the right time to bid goodnight and get rest was already midnight.
They left idly, Luo Wenzhou pushing his parents out the door to save himself from his mother’s embarrassing reminiscences and jabs.
Once they left, he turned to look at Fei Du whose smile was yet to recede after the clownery at the door. Luo Wenzhou felt his heart soften, his eyes softly dropped down to look at Fei Du.
Noticing the gaze, Fei Du turned to look at him and let out a chuckle, ‘‘What’s wrong? Sleepy? Is Shixiong really going to wither so soon?”
Recalling his mother’s jab at his age Luo Wenzhou spluttered, “Don’t listen to that woman!! Or is it that you can still get up in the morning giving you the wrong idea, huh? Just you wait…”, he scowled as he pulled his lover in closer.
Fei Du hummed, amused as he ran a finger at the outline of his sharp jaw.
Luo Wenzhou looked down for a second before softening his voice, “Did… did you mind?”
The young man in his arms seemed visibly confused for a moment before letting out a faint, affectionate smile as he looked at the messy living room, the aroma of sweet and spice still lingering in the air with hints of floral sceny. A room that used to be without a speck of dust and absolutely spotless, a room that used to be so empty and chilly.
He understood the question. Did he mind having his in-laws over unannounced at this place that was haunted by the ghosts from the past? Was it really okay to make this mansion a part of his life again?
Fei Du chuckled looking back up at the pretty face close to him. He couldn’t help but lean over and place a soft peck on the lips before continuing, “Of course not. This couldn’t have been any more merrier a gift.”, and because he couldn’t help the rush of fondness that clenched his heart, he said, “I love you, Shixiong…”
Luo Wenzhou beamed at him like a child given his favourite toy before picking him up in bridal style.
A nuzzle and kiss over Fei Du’s soft hair, he whispered softly, “Happy Birthday, Fei Du! Now, onto my actual present for you….” as he strode towards the second floor bedroom.
Fei Du gave a start, a foreboding sense shivered down his spine at that suggestive tone.
"Actual present...", only if this romantic man knew how much such acts of sentiment and care meant to Fei Du more than any materialistic presents. Or maybe he Did know. Fei Du couldn't tell. But, he was glad for it. Glad for the way his heart knows the joy of being in Love now.
This mansion was the very place where everything had started. A place he only came back to to ensure his humanity was intact and not because he had attachment to it. Not because he had fond memories to revisit as he submitted himself under machines.
The house with so many hideous secrets, where no one else could enter, just like the darkest corners of his heart. The cold, empty, stagnant air filled manor was both his downfall & redemption.
But also, the house where he met the star who guided his way.
A house now filled with the delicious aroma of foods and wine, warmth seeping into his bones. There would be people who would chase away the chilling ghosts. How could he mind?
In almost a stupor, a flash of thought overwhelmed him; "If you're by my side, maybe...maybe I wouldn’t quite mind venturing into the abyss either."
If that’s what Luo Wenzhou aimed for, he certainly succeeded.
Fei Du let his mouth ghost around his Shixiong's neck seductively, anticipating whatever gift this cheesy man had prepared as they disappeared behind closed doors.
["The bay at which a boat docks,
A ray of light shines through the window.
Being next you healed the scars of my heart.
Tens of thousands years later,
You and I,
Have become two foams at sea
As we meet again, being with each other at times of need."]
Happy Birthday, Fei Du…. ❤️