Ever since the morning meeting was interrupted by that “compensation,” Arthur had been avoiding Shen Yanzi for several days. It wasn’t out of fear, just… he needed time to cool down! If this continued, he was bound to develop an irregular heartbeat from that man’s teasing sooner or later.
Shen Yanzi didn’t pressure him. The daily “breakfast of love” still appeared like clockwork, and his occasional work emails were interspersed with one or two seemingly professional, yet clearly pointed “reminders.”
For instance: “Free tonight? The interest on deferred compensation will accumulate.”
Arthur would read these with a flaming red face before frantically deleting them.
Just as Arthur thought he was about to achieve the zen-like patience of a monk, Shen Yanzi suddenly called his private phone.
“Pack your things. We’re on a flight tomorrow afternoon; follow me back to Beijing.” The tone on the other end was, as usual, an announcement, not a consultation.
Arthur froze, holding the phone in a daze. “Huh? To Beijing? Why? Isn’t the project based here…”
“The project is fine,” Shen Yanzi interrupted, his tone flat. “Private itinerary. It’s my grandfather’s milestone birthday, and he specifically called for you to come along.”
Fa—family?! The old man’s birthday?! He specifically called… for me?!
Arthur’s brain stalled instantly, his tongue tripping over itself. “No—not… I, why am I going? This… isn’t this inappropriate? In what capacity?” He was so panicked his voice changed pitch.
There was a two-second silence on the other end before Shen Yanzi’s unreadable voice came through: “In what capacity do you think?”
Arthur: “…”
His face turned a brilliant red instantly. His heart felt as though an invisible hand had squeezed it tight before suddenly letting go, sending it into a wild thumping. Is this… actually going to be the ‘meeting the family’ moment?! So suddenly?!
“I… I’m not ready yet…” Arthur instinctively wanted to retreat. Is this progress actually moving at rocket speed? We haven’t even officially started dating yet! (Though we’ve already done most of what we should and shouldn’t have…)
“No preparation needed,” Shen Yanzi’s tone allowed no doubt. “Just be there. Tomorrow afternoon at three, I’ll pick you up.”
With that, he hung up, giving Arthur no chance to refuse.
Arthur held the phone, which was now emitting a busy signal, staring blankly for a long time without moving. To Beijing? To see Shen Yanzi’s family? To attend his grandfather’s banquet? This is… too much information!
For the next twenty-four hours, Arthur fell into unprecedented anxiety and chaos. What should he wear? Formal or casual? What are the taboos for a Chinese birthday celebration? What gift should he bring? What does the old man like?
He ruffled his hair, turned his dressing room upside down, and frantically made calls to friends who might understand Chinese culture. He even searched online for “Precautions for meeting a Chinese boyfriend’s parents for the first time,” reading until his head spun.
The next afternoon, Shen Yanzi’s car appeared punctually at the palace entrance. Arthur, sporting two dark circles under his eyes and carrying a carefully selected yet still seemingly inadequate gift bag, climbed into the car with trepidation.
Throughout the journey, Arthur was restless, questions coming one after another: “Um… is your grandfather scary? Is it really okay for me to wear this? Will he dislike the gift? Do I need to learn a few Chinese birthday blessings? Like… May your fortune be as vast as the Eastern Sea? May you live as long as the Southern Mountain? That’s how you say it, right?”
Watching Arthur looking so nervous he was nearly moving in an uncoordinated daze, a trace of an extremely faint smile flashed through Shen Yanzi’s eyes, though his face remained expressionless. “No need. Just show up.”
That line again! Arthur nearly wanted to bite him!
During the ten-plus hour flight, Arthur barely closed his eyes, his mind repeatedly rehearsing various meeting scenarios and potential mistakes. In contrast, Shen Yanzi was as calm as if he were just heading back to a normal hometown, even taking the time to process several documents.
The plane landed in Beijing. In early summer, the air of the city carried a hint of dryness and a bustling, lively atmosphere, a sharp contrast to the humid reserve of London. The car sent by the Shen family had long been waiting.
The vehicle drove all the way into a traditional Chinese-style courtyard that appeared both wealthy and heavily guarded. Blue bricks, gray tiles, and vermilion gates guarded by two majestic stone lions conveyed an air of grandeur and historical weight.
The moment Arthur stepped out of the car, he was even more intimidated by the spectacle, his palms sweating. Entering the main gate and rounding the screen wall, he found a sprawling courtyard filled with pavilions, terraces, and small bridges over flowing water, all arranged with extreme elegance.
Many guests had already arrived, mostly middle-aged and elderly people with extraordinary bearing, dressed in either traditional Chinese tunics or suits, chatting in small groups.
The moment Shen Yanzi appeared, he instantly became the center of attention. He naturally took the somewhat cumbersome gift bag from Arthur’s hand and handed it to a nearby servant. Then, with an air of complete naturalness…
He grasped Arthur’s slightly trembling hand!
Arthur stiffened, instinctively wanting to pull back, but Shen Yanzi’s grip tightened. That warm, dry palm enveloped his, carrying an indisputable force and reassurance.
“Don’t be afraid.”
Shen Yanzi turned his head, whispering the words in a very low voice against Arthur’s ear. Then, he led him toward the main house with a composed expression. As they passed, guests cast curious, scrutinizing, and even somewhat probing gazes. Arthur could feel those eyes lingering on their joined hands. His face burned fiercely, but he could only steel himself and strive to maintain his composure as he followed Shen Yanzi.
Inside the main house, an elderly man in a dark-red Chinese tunic sat in the seat of honor. He looked spirited and carried an aura of natural authority while talking with several old friends. This was presumably Old Master Shen.
Seeing Shen Yanzi lead in an impossibly handsome young man with golden-brown hair and blue eyes, the Old Master’s conversation halted. His gaze swept over them like lightning.
Arthur’s heart leaped into his throat; his breathing nearly stopped from the tension. Shen Yanzi, acting as if he didn’t feel the scrutinizing gaze, led him to the Old Master and spoke calmly: “Grandfather, happy birthday. This is Arthur.”
Arthur hurriedly squeezed out the most “proper” smile he had practiced for so long and stammered in broken Chinese: “He-hello Grandfather… Ha-happy Birthday… For-fortune like the Eastern Sea…” He forgot the second half!
The Old Master said nothing, simply looking Arthur up and down with a gaze so sharp it felt like it could pierce right through him. Arthur’s back was nearly soaked with cold sweat, and his smile grew increasingly forced.
It’s over, it’s over, he’s definitely not satisfied, right? Was I too reckless? Will he kick me out?
Just as Arthur was about to buckle under the pressure and bow in apology, the Old Master suddenly let out a “hmph” and spoke, his voice sounding hearty and full of energy: “So you’re the brat who hooked our Yanzi’s soul all the way to England?”
Arthur: “???”
He didn’t understand a single word! He could only look to Shen Yanzi for help.
Without changing his expression, Shen Yanzi translated: “Grandfather asks you if you think Beijing is fun.”
Arthur: “…Ah? Yes, it’s fun!” He nodded frantically.
The Old Master then spoke another rapid string of words.
Shen Yanzi continued to translate with a straight face: “Grandfather says you should eat more; you’re too thin.”
Arthur: “…Thank you, Grandfather?” Although he felt something was slightly off, he obediently accepted the comment.
Several younger relatives who looked to be Shen family members were stifling laughter, their eyes sweeping ambiguously between the two of them. The Old Master studied Arthur for a few more moments, then suddenly waved his hand at a servant and said something.
A servant soon brought over a red sandalwood box that looked quite old. The Old Master opened it to reveal a jade “Wushi” (no-trouble) pendant, completely green and of excellent translucency. He took it out and handed it directly to Arthur, saying two words in heavily accented Chinese: “Meeting gift! Take it!”
This time, Arthur understood! He was overwhelmed by the favor, waving his hands in a panic. “No, no, no, this is too valuable! I can’t accept…”
Shen Yanzi took it instead and shoved it directly into Arthur’s hand, his tone flat: “Grandfather gave it to you, so take it.”
Holding that warm, translucent piece of jade, Arthur felt as if he were holding a hot potato surprised and joyful, yet at a total loss.
Then, several young men around Shen Yanzi’s age who appeared to be his friends approached with a laugh, their Beijing slang coming out fast and smooth:
“Yo! Yanzi! Not bad! You brought back such a beautiful ‘daughter-in-law’ without a word?”
“Exactly! You kept him well hidden! When are we getting the wedding wine?”
“Little Highness, don’t be shy. Come to Beijing to play often in the future; your brothers here will take you to eat your way across the whole city!”
Although Arthur couldn’t fully understand, he caught the words for “daughter-in-law” and “wedding wine.” His face felt as though it were about to explode, and he didn’t know where to put his hands and feet.
Shen Yanzi didn’t refute them. He simply pulled Arthur behind him slightly, blocking most of the overly enthusiastic gazes. The corner of his mouth seemed to curve almost imperceptibly. “Don’t scare him.”
The birthday banquet officially began, the atmosphere lively and warm. Although Arthur didn’t speak the language, he could feel the harmonious and intimate atmosphere of the Shen family. While Shen Yanzi still didn’t say much, he would occasionally put food on Arthur’s plate, whispering in English to explain what the dish was or translating the jokes made by the elders.
That natural, unobtrusive care caused Arthur’s initial tension and unease to slowly dissipate, his heart filled with a warm, steady feeling.
After the meal, Shen Yanzi was called away by several elders to talk. Arthur sat alone on the veranda, watching the lively scene in the courtyard and touching the warm jade in his pocket, still feeling like he was in a dream.
A young woman who looked somewhat similar to Shen Yanzi presumably his cousin sat down beside him with a smile, chatting in fairly fluent English: “Don’t be nervous. Grandfather actually likes you a lot; he’s just stubborn. In private, he praised you to us, saying you’re handsome and have a bright spirit!”
Arthur’s eyes went wide with surprise. “Really?” The Old Master’s expression certainly didn’t show it!
“Of course!” the cousin laughed. “Yanzi has never brought anyone home; you’re the first. And look at how protective he was just now…”
As they were talking, Shen Yanzi returned. The cousin winked at Arthur and walked away with a smile.
Shen Yanzi sat down naturally beside Arthur, looking at the jade still clutched in his hand. “Still nervous?”
Arthur shook his head. His heart felt warm, and his courage grew a bit. He asked in a small voice, “Did your grandfather… really praise me just now?”
Shen Yanzi glanced at him but didn’t answer directly. Instead, he reached out and gently ruffled the soft golden-brown curls on Arthur’s forehead, the gesture carrying an intimacy he hadn’t even noticed.
“Mm,” he responded. He looked into Arthur’s shining, expectant grey-blue eyes and paused. Then, in a low voice carrying an unprecedented, clear seriousness and tenderness, he added:
“They all like you very much.”
“Because…” He looked into Arthur’s eyes and said every word clearly:
“This is my beloved.”