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"Attention, passengers: Flight MU793 from Zurich Airport has arrived at Yancheng International Airport. Please proceed to the arrivals hall."
Announcements like this were continuously relayed to the ever-changing crowd. They evoked myriad feelings, from the sweetness of reunions tinged with longing, to the bitterness of knowing some would likely never see each other again. A different category existed for those who were more complex. Some felt a sense of freedom, knowing they were breaking the chains that bound them to their home. Others felt a strong desire to venture into the unknown, which meant they might never experience what others know as belonging.
Among so many people, Fei Du was like a small stain that repelled any color around him. The only thing they had in common was waiting for someone, but the feeling was so difficult to handle, and so heavy to bear, that—as selfish as it might sound—he didn't think anyone here could understand him.
His judgment was rarely wrong. But if he had learned anything over the past few months, it was that he mustn't allow himself to be blinded by the rot that his father had instilled in him. A strong, bright light at his side, as dazzling as the sun itself, reminded him that any darkness could be dispelled with a little affection, attention, and care.
Luo Wenzhou gently placed the hand on his shoulder. When their eyes met, he gave him a smile full of the same warmth he had been showing him since he knew he loved him, "let's go."
Fei Du simply nodded and let himself be guided by his hand. Time passed for everyone, and he knew that this moment might one day come, as long as he didn't end up in prison or reduced to ashes in a pretty ceramic jar, hopefully in Luo Wenzhou's cozy living room.
His image of her was vague. He didn't even know if the features he remembered were real or a figment of his imagination. Aging is inevitable, but can someone become unrecognizable?
He had grown up, too. He was no longer the boy who brought her flowers every week, hoping they would spend the weekend together. What if she wasn't able to recognize him, or accept who he had become? What if, when she looked at him, she could only see the man who had almost destroyed her entire essence as a person? He longed to see her as much as he didn't want to; he preferred that she continue enjoying the freedom she had worked so hard to regain.
"Honey," the soft voice of the man he loved brought him back to reality. No more words were necessary; Fei Du understood exactly what he was saying.
He raised his head, and his eyes met those of a woman in her fifties. It took some calculation because her beauty was delicate and neat like that of a flower, and it didn't reflect the years or the pain she once felt. Her hair was straight, and the strands that might have bothered her were gathered into a small bun. She was wearing a beautiful dress; for some reason, Fei Du was happy not to know the brand.
Two young women accompanied her, ensuring that the journey was completed successfully, but as the relatives closed the distance between them, they allowed her to go ahead. They merely greeted their boss with a nod of the head, out of respect.
A small squeeze on Fei Du's hand served as a silent message. Luo Wenzhou was conveying his full support. At that moment, the young man looked at him. His peach blossom eyes conveyed a happiness that was struggling to overcome the pain that wanted to steal the spotlight.
Luo Wenzhou didn't want to let him go, but he knew that there would come a time when he couldn't hold him forever. He nodded, silently indicating that it was time to move on, and slowly released his grip, always looking into his eyes, smiling with nothing but affection.
Saliva slowly passed through Fei Du's throat as he understood what Luo Wenzhou was trying to do. He filled his lungs with air and looked at the woman who had brought him into the world.
Ten years ago, she and Fei Chengyu were in a car accident. He was left in a vegetative state, and she fell into a coma from which she seemed unwilling to wake up. The man who had taken everything from her, her husband, controlled every detail of her life, even the way she breathed, but he hadn't counted on the fact that, before getting married, she had signed a living will that gave her the opportunity to fight for her life in one of the best medical centers in Switzerland. He never found out, and his poor son was forced to take on the role of an imposing conglomerate and deal with all the corruption and malice that existed beneath it, not knowing his mother's whereabouts. Fei Chengyu was foolish, because he could have checked it when she tried to commit suicide, but it was too late for him to regret it.
The doctors didn't expect a good outcome for her, but a large amount of money had been designated for the treatment. When Fei Du found out where she was, he immediately mobilized his people to ensure that any relevant information reached his ears. He also made additional payments to ensure the machines caring for her continued to function and were updated with the latest scientific advances.
Surprisingly, even to her own son, the woman woke up. Her body was too weak to sit up in bed, but her neurological functions indicated that she could physically improve with good care and effort. As for the psychological damage, only time would tell.
Today, at this very moment, Fei Du decided to travel through time. Now, in his memories, he found himself in the frightening, dark villa, writing a letter—hoping that it would be enough to make her desire to live greater than her desire to try to die again. He didn't have an eidetic memory, but he remembered each and every word he had used.
I'm writing this to you with the best of intentions. I don't want to cause you any more pain than you've already experienced.
Knowing that you are alive, and with a chance of recovery, fills me with happiness. I only hope that life will smile on you again.
Mom, that monster won't bother us anymore. While you were able to save yourself, he wasn't so lucky. Maybe it's fate, karma, or just luck. Whatever the reason, you can rest assured that no one else will come after you. I'll make sure to protect you, just as you tried to do for me so many times.
I would like to thank you for all your efforts over the years, and ask you for one last favor: don't come back. There are many things I must take care of before I can provide you the security and comfort you deserve—and that's assuming you ever want to come back.
I have paid for two wonderful girls to stay with you. Don't worry about them; they're trustworthy. They are nurses with a past they want to leave behind, just like us, but with a strong desire to care for others. If you need anything, ask them.
Perhaps, someday, we can meet again. Until then, prioritize your health.
With love,
Fei Du
During those days, living freely and with impunity wasn't part of his plans. He could only see himself underground or behind bars. With a little luck, he might be reunited with his mother in the prison visiting area; without that, he could only hope that they would find peace in their next lives. Of course, all this was before a certain person fought tooth and nail to put an end to his tragic story and give him the opportunity to live as he deserved.
Only God knew how much money had gone into caring for his unconscious, deeply hurt mother. But, at the end of the day, that was what had brought them to this day. They gathered under the bright light of a place that is always active, no matter the time.
"Welcome home," was the first thing Fei Du said; his voice remained soft and low, polite and respectful, as he bowed in her direction.
When he straightened, his hands trembled. He didn't know what to do next, how to act most appropriately when reuniting with someone he'd shared so many negative experiences with.
At that moment, a hand rested on the center of his back, applying just enough pressure for him to move—awkwardly—toward where the woman was standing. Luo Wenzhou didn't see the same thing he did. As he appreciated this reunion, he didn't think of the monster that had stolen so much from them. He simply saw two people with a unique bond who wanted to make up for lost time.
Fei Du followed his discreet advice, offering the woman a hug. His mother smiled and hugged him back. He was about six feet tall, so the woman had to tiptoe to lean on his shoulder.
In this warm moment, they both remembered the time when little Fei barely reached her waist; now he was a tall, elegant young man who exuded an aura of power, albeit with a more noble tone than one might think he possessed upon learning what he had done a couple of months ago.
"Thank you so much, son," she paused briefly, allowing his arms to hold her tightly, as if to confirm that this moment was real, "I haven't been able to thank you before for everything you've done… I hope we can talk properly."
"Of course, mom, count on it. We have all the time in the world for whatever you want, I promise," he didn't like to make promises he couldn't keep, but he could make a little exception this time.
Fei Du broke away from the embrace after patting her on the back one last time. Then, with his heart skipping a beat, he stepped aside to allow Luo Wenzhou to join them, "mom, this is Luo Wenzhou, Captain of the Criminal Investigation Unit of Yancheng City, who has been leading the case against those people. My work was good, but his was even better."
No matter how well he might hide his emotions, anyone who listened to him could detect the hints of pride coloring his voice. There were so many positive things Fei Du could say about the man he loves that, in a moment like this, he could only look at him with affection and devotion as he addressed his mother. After all, the deepest feelings are rooted in one's being and are impossible to express.
"Lady, it's a pleasure to meet you," he also bowed to offer his respects, "thank you so much for coming. I hope you had a good trip."
"Oh, what a polite man!" His mother-in-law—who was unaware of her role—chuckled softly, wanting to ease the tense atmosphere she felt had formed around her, "there's no need for either of you to be so formal, really… the pleasure is all mine to finally be reunited with my son and to meet the officer who has helped so much."
"Don't worry, it was the same with us. It's better to get used to her requests than to contradict her," one of the assistants commented, smiling at her boss.
Fei Du could sense that the woman didn't want to be treated as part of the nobility, just as she had lived for all the years she was Fei Chengyu's trophy. After a few seconds, he readily accepted the request.
"Mom, I asked for your bags to be sent to your new apartment. How about we go see it? If there's a problem with the airline, which I doubt, I'll take care of it later."
No one present was surprised by his financial prowess. It had become part of their routine. All that was left was to head to the parking, where a large, flashy car awaited.
"Mom," that word still sounded strange on his lips, but perhaps it was because he had come to think of Mu Xiaoqing as a second mother that it wasn't so difficult to say. The thorns that had pierced his vocal cords were gone, and he even felt a certain freedom in being able to say it out loud to two wonderful people.
The woman asked him to continue, as he had lost himself in his thoughts again. Coming back to the present, as he took the keys out of the vehicle, he continued, "also you have to meet Lu Jia. He's not only my right-hand man, but also one of my close friends. He's also been keeping up with all your medical procedures. He really wants to meet you in person."
"You're surrounded by good people, Fei Du. Whoever you want to introduce me to, I'll be delighted to meet them," she nodded progressively, showing him a kind expression.
President Fei stepped forward to open the door for the ladies, but Captain Luo—who could be barbaric at times—seemed to remember his manners and opened the passenger door for his mother-in-law.
"Aunt, please sit in the front. It's been a while since you've seen the city, I'm sure you'll want to enjoy the view."
The woman thanked him with the same politeness he displayed, accepting the offer. However, Fei Du looked at his husband with some concern.
Luo Wenzhou waved his hand dismissively, downplaying the importance, "don't worry, I'm going with the girls," a soft smile appeared on his lips, but Fei Du's gaze remained full of questions, "don't think too much about it, honey. Make up for lost time. That's the most important thing of all."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The car ride was uneventful. There wasn't much traffic, but Fei Du didn't press the gas pedal like he did when he needed to rush his husband to a crime scene before the investigators could take away the most relevant and easily destroyed evidence.
The apartment where he would be staying was the one Fei Du had owned when he was single. The fact that he had never considered selling it spoke volumes about his purchasing power, yet no one questioned why he hadn't listed it for sale.
It was inevitable to pass in front of the conglomerate, and the President could see how the woman's facial features contract with unease, perhaps fear. Faced with this, he couldn't help but call out to her, wanting to erase her thoughts.
"Things have changed since I took power. Years ago, I dismissed most of the people loyal to him. The few who remained were recently exploited and discarded. We are in the process of a more thorough cleanup to address certain fraudulent expenses and profits, but it's nothing that my legal team can't handle."
The information made his mother look at him; there seemed to be a hopeful gleam in her dark eyes.
"I personally supervised the hiring process for this location, at least. For other locations, I have someone I trust who keeps me informed. Oh right, you should also meet Zhou-dage, my Chief Financial Officer and one of my closest friends. If you have any concerns about the company or its funds, he will be happy to resolve it. In fact, he and Lu Jia have prepared a welcome pack for you in the apartment."
"At first…" the woman finally interrupted her son's one-sided conversation, "I wasn't sure if you were still running the company or had sold it and were living off the proceeds and your savings."
Luo Wenzhou had to use all his mental strength to literally bite his tongue and avoid making a disrespectful—but reasonable—comment about her beloved son's extravagance. At that moment, Fei Du saw him in the rearview mirror; the connection between them was so strong that the corners of his mouth trembled, holding back a smile.
"What can I say, mom? You need money if you want to achieve certain things. I lost some shares during the first few years, but those are boring details that aren't worth mentioning. The most important thing is that… I donated all that tacky stuff adorning the office," he shook his head gently, while inevitably gripping the steering wheel slightly tighter, "another day I'll give you a little tour of the company. I'll also give you a key with full access."
Fei Du considered these formalities necessary, even though it couldn't be that way for her, as she had no intention of working there. But it all stemmed from the young man's desire to give her the purchasing power and dignity that had been taken from her and her father.
The car stopped in front of a large apartment building just ten minutes from the company. Fei Du smiled at her mother as she unbuckled her seatbelt, "I used to live here because it was close to the company. You can stay if you like. I've prepared everything for your comfort, and the suitcases should arrive in…" he glanced at the expensive watch on his wrist before uttering a sound of affirmation, "an hour."
The woman wanted to ask where he would stay if she took his apartment, but she didn't find the opportunity to ask, as Captain Luo had opened the door for her to exit the vehicle.
As the two young ladies who had accompanied them for so many years guided her to the reception area with its own security, Fei Du approached Luo Wenzhou, who was looking at him with a smile on his lips.
"Are you happy? You really seem to be," he said, putting his hands on his hips and pulling him into his space.
Fei Du looked down as his hands rested on his shoulders. It took him a couple of seconds to answer, "I'm… but you're coming with us, right? I'd like to talk to her about our relationship. I hope the years in Europe have opened her mind," to lighten his own nerves, he joked with a somewhat complicated expression.
Luo Wenzhou followed his chuckle, raising a hand to brush away the strands of hair covering his face. Then, two of his fingers lifted his jaw and, after checking that no one was looking at them, he pressed his lips together in a kiss. It was only a few seconds—a shy, casual touch—but it was enough for Fei Du to release all the air he had been holding in; he really wanted to wrap his arms around him and hold him until it was late enough for his mother to start getting suspicious.
As for the answer he should give, Luo Wenzhou seemed to think about it for a moment. However, Fei Du had the feeling that he already knew what to say, even before the suggestion was made.
"For now… I think it would be best if it was just the two of you. To her, I don't have to be anything more than the senior officer in charge of the case. I don't want her to think that if I accompany you everywhere, it means you're under police supervision."
Fei Du chuckled softly and stared blankly at him before lightly punching his shoulder, "that's exactly why I want to make it clear… are you sure you don't want to come?"
His husband knew he was afraid to spend time alone with his mother, but it was a necessary step.
The older man gave him a warm smile and closed the distance between them to kiss him on the forehead, "we have all the time in the world to do it, as you said. It's okay. Besides, I haven't seen Zhou Huaijin in a couple of weeks. I'll invite him out for a drink. Do you think it will be too expensive?"
He managed to lighten the mood, and Fei Du laughed in response, leaning in to brush his nose against his, "nah… he usually adapts to the person he's with, but you can always use my card, honey. I didn't give it to you just to decorate your wallet."
"What would I do without my millionaire beauty?" He rolled his eyes in a show of dismay, and before continuing, he pushed him away from his body, "come on, go now. See you later, baby."
Before leaving, Fei Du leaned down and whispered a sincere "thank you" into the man he loved's ear. He didn't allow him to reply; he quickly entered the doorway.
Luo Wenzhou stared at his back until he got into the elevator with his mother. In the end, all he could do was take a deep breath before asking the two young women who worked for his husband, "would you like a ride to the office?"
Fei Du had hired every available service to ensure the apartment was spotless. His mother praised his efforts, although he was sure she would have done so even if he had taken her to a shack.
The woman sat down at the kitchen island, looking around with a smile. Despite spending too much time in bed, her features remained soft and elegant, accentuating her beauty. Her recovery seemed to have had a greater impact than the passing of the years itself.
"By the way… is Captain Luo your friend?" The question stopped Fei Du, who was starting to make her some tea; faced with his silence, she continued, "or is he just a very dedicated person who wanted to accompany you because he was in charge of… that case?"
It was still difficult to mention anything directly related to Fei Chengyu. Her therapist had recommended avoiding the topic altogether. She struggled to bury the memory of him deep in her mind, but her maternal love was so genuine and strong that she could still talk about certain things related to Fei Du.
Regardless of how Fei Du answered, his partner wouldn't listen; he could lie without hurting his feelings, thus avoiding an awkward situation with his mother. However, the conversation they had the night before was inevitable to remember.
It was late when they settled under the warm comforter. As usual, the older man wrapped his arms around his beloved and kissed him on the forehead. It was routine, but Fei Du felt he was overthinking how to bring up a certain topic.
The young man raised his head, and they gazed at each other for a long second. He didn't want to be the one to dwell on the possible issues that might be bothering him, much less jump to conclusions. So he leaned in to kiss him on the lips and said, "whatever it is, you can tell me."
Luo Wenzhou clicked his tongue in annoyance, "always so intuitive, haven't they told you that's not a good thing?" He broke eye contact, giving him a little push so he would lean back against his chest.
Fei Du chuckled and used one arm to hug his stomach. The move was made, now all that remained was to wait for the man to accept it and respond appropriately.
Two minutes passed as they lost themselves in each other's gentle caresses. Luo Yiguo made an appearance, taking advantage of the open bedroom door. The fat, grumpy cat jumped up and curled up against Fei Du's side.
Captain Luo let out a laugh, stretching to pat his striking butt, "there was a time when he was afraid of you."
The corners of the young man's eyes curved into a mischievous smile as he replied, "what can I say, Shixiong? You started out hating me, and you ended up madly in love with me," a sigh was released as he left a kiss on his heart.
If he had lifted his head,, he would have seen the faint crimson tinge on the man's cheeks. Instead, he could only feel a pinch on his hip and hear a complaint about how shameless he was being for the sake of art.
Nevertheless, the mention of their relationship prompted Luo Wenzhou to also let out a soft "hey," wanting to get his attention. He seemed more confident, and Fei Du was willing to listen.
"I've been thinking… even though I asked for the day off to accompany you, I understand that it may be difficult or uncomfortable for you to introduce me, so you don't have to, don't feel pressured to do so, bec-..."
"Shixiong," the young man used a sharp tone, cutting him off even though he was particularly interested in letting him finish, "I like being with you, you are also the person I have chosen to spend my life with. I have no reason to hide it."
Their love could be frowned upon by certain groups of people, and society could reject them to the point of marginalizing them. But they knew how much they meant to each other and that their relationship could overcome all negative predictions and adversities. Allowing their closest friends and family to know about their relationship was another way of showing the respect and value they felt for each other and prevented them from being introduced to well-intentioned potential partners.
Fei Du had never been in a relationship like this before, but these were concepts that were easy to understand even for someone who had grown up with the most disastrous teachings about love. Certainly, he had also been influenced by Mu Xiaoqing.
One night, while Luo Cheng and his son argued about which cat litter was best, Mu Xiaoqing sat with her second son on the sofa. She hooked her arm around him and whispered, "ah, finally alone! I can tell you how my husband and I found out about your relationship. You're going to laugh at that fool until you're bored."
Even though their relationship was vague and uncertain—as he was completely unaware of what Fei Du felt or what he might aspire to—Luo Wenzhou's voice hadn't trembled when he confirmed it in front of everyone. He wanted to do the same, not only because he felt he owed it to him, but also because he understood the value behind his sincerity.
A cup of excellent quality tea was placed on the table, and Fei Du took a seat across from her, still without answering her genuine curiosity.
The woman definitely felt that she had touched on a sensitive subject—the reality was that she didn't know the reason behind her son's silence. Her hands slowly reached for the hot cup, and she cleared her throat, "I'm sorry if I asked something you're not comfortable with. I don't really know you very well, and it's difficult for me to find a suitable topic of conversation, but I'll do better next time, I promise."
Fei Du placed his hand on hers. His cold fingers began to warm up thanks to her body temperature, and the corners of his mouth lifted into a delicate smile, "mom, you don't have to apologize. I really appreciate you doing your best to get our relationship on the right track finally. It's just that…" it was his turn to be at a loss for words; it was one of those rare times when nerves closed his throat, "he's special to me, but we're more than friends."
"Oh," those two letters were uttered twice; the first time was like someone opening a book for the first time, knowing only a brief summary; the second time was one of complete realization, her eyes widening even more than usual, surprised by the turn of events.
Fei Du couldn't help but laugh as he lowered his gaze to her drink, which was still steaming. When he looked back at her, she seemed to have regained her energy after realizing that she had chosen an inappropriate topic.
"Then I apologize for not realizing it sooner," the corners of her mouth lifted into a more timid smile, but at no point did she express her displeasure, "how long have you two been together?"
"It's okay, there's too much to catch up on, don't worry," when she nodded, he continued, "we've known each other for several years… but we've been together for a year and a couple of months."
"I'm glad to hear that. I hope you continue like this," she said, venturing to pat him on the back of his hand; her expression as pure as her words, "he seems like a good man, and it says a lot about him that he wanted to accompany you today."
Fei Du could talk about the butterfly effect that occurred around him and Luo Wenzhou as a result of his decision to flirt with him one day, but he simply decided to summarize it. He treasured the details as if they were gold that belonged only to them.
"He's, and he has helped me a lot, too. I'm sure you'll get along very well," he paused briefly, taking the opportunity to moisten his lips, "his family raised him to be a good person. They are as charming as he is. I would like you to meet them. They have made me feel like part of the family from the beginning. I would like to return the favor in the same way."
So many years of repression had had a strange effect on her, and Fei Du had no doubt that her current reaction was thanks to the psychiatric treatment she had undergone to heal the deep wounds Fei Chengyu had caused. When she heard the proposal, she hesitated for a moment, but her features showed warmth, not wanting to pass up the opportunity.
"Are you… are you sure about that? I'm glad to know that you're part of something, I wouldn't want to change that."
He dispelled her negative thoughts before she could spiral into self-loathing, "it's okay. You're my mother, and they're important to me. I would be really happy if I could have you both."
"If that's the case, then I'd be glad to do it too. Have you and Captain Luo thought of anything?"
Finally, the woman began drinking the tea her son had made for her and complimented him on how good he had prepared it. Fei Du laughed to himself, wishing he could tell his beloved about it—it was very rare for anyone to comment positively on his cooking.
"We want to organize a dinner at our house. It will start around 7 p.m., but feel free to come earlier. You don't have to help. It's just to… chat for a while."
Actually, the proposal didn't come from either of them. The mastermind was a beautiful and elegant lady: Mu Xiaoqing.
"Wow, how nice that you're already living together! Are you going to surprise me by saying that you've also adopted a boy or a girl?" Her comment was full of good intentions, laughing in between.
Fei Du hesitated for a moment before laughing with her, "well… we have two cats, Luo Yiguo and Fei Qian. I think your only grandchildren will be furry four-legged ones."
She had witnessed firsthand the atrocious teachings and practices that Fei Chengyu had inflicted on him. She would be lying if she said she wasn't surprised to learn that he was capable of caring for two small animals at home despite this. Still, that didn't stop her from feeling proud.
"I think that's more than enough. If you adopt another one, I promise to give you two something to celebrate," she paused briefly to let out a sigh, "I hope Fei Qian and Luo Yiguo will accept another grandmother."
"Oh, they will. Just make sure you bring fat Luo some good food. He's not very picky, even though he looks like a baddie."
The two laughed again, thinking about the idea. In this cozy, elegant kitchen, mother and son talked superficially about the events that had taken place in their absence.
When Fei Du walked out of the doorway, Luo Wenzhou was leaning against the wall, looking at his phone. Of course, as soon as he noticed his presence, he gave him his full attention.
President Fei would figure out later how long the excuse of seeing Zhou Huaijin had actually lasted. For now, he simply gave him a gentle smile and thanked him for waiting as he offered his hand.
"Do you think I'm doing fine? Shouldn't I do… something else?"
The other man shook his head gently as his arm wrapped around his shoulders. A kiss was placed on his forehead, "you're doing perfectly."
After a couple of seconds of silence, Fei Du pulled away from him and interlaced his fingers, pointing toward the car, "we have to plan dinner. Mom already knows, and we'll probably have to stop by the supermarket on the way home."
"What? Did I take over your soul without realizing it? How did you become so responsible all of a sudden?" He couldn't help but laugh as he followed him, obeying his orders just as Fei Du used to.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Just as Fei Du had said—influenced by his months of living with Luo Wenzhou—when they entered the supermarket, the older man was struck by a flash of inspiration: if they wanted to make a complete meal, they would need several ingredients that had run out days ago, and they hadn't had time to go shopping—they could have used one of Fei Du's services to have someone else do it for them and leave it neatly arranged in the kitchen cabinets, but Luo Wenzhou believed that the homeowners should do it themselves— and Fei Du enjoyed everyday tasks too much to complain.
It was barely noon, and with a simple lunch, they would have time to prepare a proper dinner for the two families.
As soon as they arrived home, Luo Wenzhou put on his chef's apron and began giving instructions to his three cats: Fei Qian and Luo Yiguo—especially the latter—were warned that they would be meeting their other grandmother, so they had to behave like decent, well-mannered felines; Fei Du, on the other hand, received orders typical of a kitchen assistant.
By six in the evening, the only thing left to do in the kitchen was to keep an eye on the pot simmering on the stove. They just had to make sure that Luo the glutton didn't ruin the moment by forcing them to order food to impress their loved ones.
When Luo Wenzhou put the lid on the pot, two arms wrapped around his waist, and a sharp jaw rested on his shoulder. It was inevitable to let out a deep sigh, considerably relaxing his muscles against the thin chest; Fei Du smiled when he noticed it.
"Can I say I cooked everything myself?" The young man joked as he planted a kiss on the side of his neck.
"Tsk, and leave me without a chance to win over my mother-in-law? Sorry, President Fei, but I'm going to have to pass on that offer," his hands sought his to intertwine their fingers, "it's been a while since you've negotiated so poorly with me. What is wrong with you?"
Fei Du laughed against his neck, and if he noticed that the warm touch of his breath against the skin affected him, it was something he decided to keep quiet and use to his advantage later.
"Uhm… but that's because I haven't offered anything yet," to emphasize his point, he loosened his grip and moved his hands toward his waist—one hand slipped under his shirt to touch the firm abs while the other began to unbuckle his belt.
His intentions were short-lived—a strong, firm grip was placed around his right wrist, stopping the metallic sound, "I have no doubt that your charms are good enough to make me come before our guests arrive, but there are other things to attend to, Mr. Fei. Have you showered yet? Since I know the answer is no, move along and leave men with heart problems alone."
Fei Du laughed as he released his body and took two steps back, raising his hands as if waving a white flag, "can we at least shower together?"
"Get out!" The refusal was clear, and the push on his chest was taken as the final word.
Luo Wenzhou stopped hearing his giggle only after he entered the bedroom. Sighing, he picked up the few things that were out of place, hoping to make a better impression on his mother-in-law.
His wish became reality—the doorbell rang. After feeling his heart skip a beat, Luo Wenzhou let the woman in.
"Aunt, welcome to this humble house. Please make yourself at home. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me," he paused to ask for her jacket and hang it on the coat rack—also, he offered her some slippers.
He consciously avoided mentioning that Fei Du also lived there, just in case the man wanted to avoid the subject. Why the celebration was being held at his house, and why his own parents were invited, was something he preferred not to ask about, fearful of the answer.
His mother-in-law smiled at him and patted him affectionately on the back of his hand; somehow, the gesture reminded Luo Wenzhou of his beloved.
"Thank you so much for your hospitality. I wasn't sure what to bring, but I hope you like it," she held out a cute gift bag to him.
When Luo Wenzhou took it, the corners of his eyes lifted into a warm smile. Two beautiful boxes of desserts had been carefully wrapped, and she had also bought several cat products.
"Auntie… it wasn't necessary, but thank you very much. Fei Du loves sweet things, I'm sure he'll be more than happy with this gift."
It was only then that this kind woman seemed to realize that she had a source of information about her son right in front of her. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
However, she also wanted to get to know her son-in-law better, "what about you? Do you like sweet things?"
Such sudden attention surprised Luo Wenzhou. Of course, he was so unable to pressure Fei Du into moving forward at a pace he didn't want that he hadn't even asked if he had talked to his mother about their relationship. Now, he felt that his mother-in-law's words sounded a little too familiar.
Interestingly, that was the same thing Fei Du felt when Luo Wenzhou didn't tell him that his parents knew how much he loves him and that he wanted to stay by his side until the end of eternity.
His mother-in-law seemed to understand the dilemma he was going through and gave him a shy smile. After clearing her throat, she opened up, "we didn't have enough time to talk earlier… first of all, I would like to thank you for your work. I believe you don't hold that title in vain. On the other hand, I imagine that I'm a stranger to you… but the fact that you are by my son's side automatically makes you someone special to me, and I would like to treat you as such."
The words hit Captain Luo so hard that they completely stunned him. His eyes widened in surprise and his lips moved as if he were trying to speak, but he couldn't form a coherent response. He stammered a weak "aunt," but was unable to follow his own train of thought.
The woman chuckled softly with pity for his poor, confused state, "my son told me, so the least I can do is support and bless the two of you. I have no doubt that he is better off because of you. After all, he is much happier than I ever imagined he could be."
The hustle and bustle—coupled with the delicious smell of food—had attracted the cats, who were watching cautiously from the side of the entrance. When the woman noticed them, she crouched down carefully, holding out the back of her hand so they could get to know her scent.
"You are two very adorable kittens. It's clear that you are well cared for here," now that a few seconds had passed, she allowed herself to pet them with their permission, "I've joined in and brought you a couple of cans of wet food. I hope you like it."
Seeing that she wanted to say their names but couldn't remember who was who, Luo Wenzhou crouched down to help her.
"This fat, big guy here is Luo Yiguo, and the little one is Fei Qian. Fei Du adopted him recently, so he's still a little afraid of strangers, but I'm sure he'll warm up to you if you pet him a little," he paused for a moment as he glanced at her; then added, "mom, thank you for coming today. I'm looking forward to you meeting my parents. You can treat them with confidence; they're eager to meet you."
The concept of family was as strange to this woman as it was to Fei Du. But that didn't mean they wouldn't do their best to accept what was being offered to them on a silver platter.
Fei Du returned, wearing a white silk shirt and grayish suit pants. Luo Wenzhou had to use all his mental strength to avoid commenting aloud on how attractive he looked.
"Oh, mom, I didn't know you were already here," his hair had been tied back to prevent it from getting wet and taking longer to dry; now he was smoothing it with his hands as surprise washed over his features for a moment, "thank you so much for coming. Did you leave your things?"
"Captain Luo is very kind, he has helped me with everything."
Fei Du had certain complaints to make about his man's kindness, but he forced himself to keep them to himself as he smiled at them.
Luo Wenzhou helped the woman up, more out of courtesy than necessity, as she was clearly showing the positive effects of rehabilitation.
"Shixiong, you can take a shower while I show her around our house, okay?"
The suggestion earned an affirmative sound, and the two switched places. The woman could sense a synchronicity and comfort that could only be achieved after spending a lot of time together—she smiled unconsciously at the thought.
The house wasn't big, but it held many memories, which is what Fei Du wanted to show her. The drawings he had made when he was bored and Luo Wenzhou wanted to keep in his study; the cat towers and their beds—which they rarely used because the human ones were better—; the photos together, with friends and family scattered around every corner and shelf; the decorative details that Fei Du had acquired once he had moved in completely... everything was so colorful compared to the cold, dark villa.
Shortly after Luo Wenzhou rejoined them, the doorbell rang, indicating that the last two guests had arrived. As soon as he opened the door, two large white bags were placed in his arms; one contained homemade food and high-quality ingredients, the other had cat products. Unsurprised, the man complained, "what? What if it had been your spoiled prince who opened the door? Would you have given him all this just like that?"
He definitely had to juggle to keep everything from falling and avoid getting scolded as if he were fifteen years old again.
"I knew you were going to open, silly," his mother sighed at his foolish hypothetical scenario and kissed him on the cheek—of course, he had to bend down and she had to lean over, even though she was wearing elegant heels, "please take that to the kitchen. Nothing can be spoiled!"
Luo Cheng took advantage of their interaction to greet Fei Du first. However, his intention to start an interesting conversation was cut short by his wife.
"Fei Du, it's been so long! It feels like months have passed…" with her characteristic cheerfulness, Mu Xiaoqing wrapped her arms around his waist and gave him a warm hug.
"Mom, it's only been two weeks, but I've missed you too," Fei Du laughed softly, hugging her back.
"Are you taking good care of yourself? Is that silly son of mine cooking you good meals? Ah… I always tell him that you need to eat more nutrients than he does. I hope he's listening to me!"
"Comrade Mu Xiaoqing! Don't you know that talking behind someone's back is a sign of your decline as Empress? Please control yourself. I take perfect care of him, even when I'm not around!" From the kitchen, Luo Wenzhou raised the voice, defending his pride.
His mother's reaction was one of exasperation, as she hooked her arm through the one who might be considered her favorite, "don't listen to him. If he does anything, tell me quickly and I'll take care of putting him in his place, okay?"
"Shixiong is the best… but I'll keep your words in mind," with a soft smile, Fei Du took his beloved's side, and Mu Xiaoqing couldn't have been happier about that.
From the side, the new family member looked at the newcomers with shyness and embarrassment. Mu Xiaoqing and Luo Cheng were unaware that she had arrived before them, so Fei Du moved to make the appropriate introductions.
Seeing how difficult it was for hi mother to start a conversation, Fei Du couldn't help but do it for her, giving a reassuring smile, "mom, Mu Xiaoqing is a fashion expert. She has a closet full of wonderful pieces. We go shopping together every once in a while. You have to come with us."
"Yeah, yeah! I was just saying that to my husband on the way here. You have to join us for lunch on Fridays."
"President Fei is turning the Empress Dowager into a big spender! Mom, be careful not to let that bad lifestyle rub off on you," Luo Wenzhou raised his voice to be heard.
"He's lying," Mu Xiaoqing replied quickly, as if she shouldn't be the one to praise him, "he's jealous because Fei Du and I spend Friday mornings together while he's bored at the police station."
"That has nothing to do with it!" Without denying or accepting her comment, Luo Wenzhou let out a clear groan.
Luo Cheng chuckled softly as he cleared his throat, "as you can see… don't worry if you don't know what to talk about. My wife speaks for everyone here, and if necessary, she'll even call a neighbor."
Mu Xiaoqing nudged him gently in the ribs, eliciting a gasp from him, "don't mind him either. I may talk a lot, but I also love to listen. Ah! Fei Du told me that now that you're back, you want to open a flower shop. Is that true? Have you studied gardening or botany?"
Then, she seemed to remember something from one second to the next and snapped her fingers accordingly, "right! I have some very good books at home that can help you get started in that world."
Unintentionally, she ended up proving that her husband knew her too well—she had hooked the arm around hers and was leading her to the sofa to find out more about her preferences and expectations.
Luo Cheng was about to remind her of all the times she had failed to save one of their plants, but Fei Du's laughter distracted him.
"Dad… I think her next blow will be even stronger. Be careful what you say," he whispered, making sure the woman couldn't hear him.
Luo Cheng sighed, shaking his head as he patted his shoulder a couple of times, "you're always so intuitive… that's good, that's good."
In the end, a couple of chuckles escaped his throat, making it impossible to remain serious.
"Oh yes, where have the kitties gone? Are they trying to steal our dinner already? Ah, that's because my foolish son doesn't feed them properly. Isn't that right?" He clicked his tongue in disapproval and began to search for the two cats with his eyes; as soon as he spotted them, he invited them into his arms, thinking about how he could convince all of these people to take them home for a week.
Luo Wenzhou joined them, choosing to ignore the second offense of the night; there was no way he could maintain his dignity in front of his mother-in-law anymore. He walked over to where his beloved was standing, and when one of his arms wrapped around his waist, they looked at each other. A knowing smile played on his lips, and the older man couldn't resist planting a kiss on his forehead.
Feeling safe in his embrace, Fei Du leaned back against his chest. He closed his eyes for a second as he allowed his cologne to completely envelop him, "thank you, Wenzhou."
Once again, a kiss was placed, this time on his hair, "I would do it again."