Arc.
1.21
The Wicked Child of the Stepmother
Today is Xie Yanjing’s birthday.
Nian Zhen had set up a candlelit dinner, intentionally leaving out any kind of cake because he knew Xie Yanjing wasn’t a fan of sweets.
Instead, he had ordered an expensive bottle of wine and arranged for a chef to prepare a thick steak along with several other dishes.
Tonight, he was determined to finally take their relationship to the next level.
How long could a person date without going beyond kissing?
Nian Zhen, as shy as he was, couldn’t bring himself to be overly forward(?), so he’d simply decided to rely on alcohol.
Xie Yanjing’s self-control was stronger than steel.
Only by intoxicating him could he provoke enough action to succeed.
Nian Zhen, lacking experience, also needed to get himself drunk.
Otherwise, where would the courage come from?
Nian Zhen’s knowledge was all theoretical, but in practice, it was much harder to make a move.
Tonight, though, with the help of some alcohol, he was certain that big Brother would be his.
Hehe.
[…] The system quietly planned to shut off its awareness in advance.
When Xie Yanjing returned from the office, the first thing he saw was Xiao Zhen, waiting on the couch in a crisp white shirt and black slack, holding Xiao Pang, who lay curled up with its ears flopping lazily.
The moment he entered, Xiao Zhen gently set Xiao Pang down and came over to greet him.
“Big Brother, was today tiring?”
The other party asked in a sweet voice, eyes filled with warm excitement.
Xie Yanjing’s normally icy expression softened noticeably.
“Not at all. Have you eaten yet, Xiao Zhen?” He said, reaching out to gently stroke Nian Zhen’s head, his gaze full of affection.
Nian Zhen took Xie Yanjing’s arm, leading him upstairs.
“Not yet—I waited for you. But why don’t you shower first, so you’ll feel refreshed?”
Pushing Xie Yanjing into the room, Nian Zhen sent the butler a quick glance, signaling for the rest of the plan to begin.
Big Brother, I want you to look dashing and a little seductive.
You’re a company president—why don’t you try flirting with me?
Woo me properly so I can fall even harder for you.
Nian Zhen thought to himself.
Sprawled back on the bed with a warm smile, he watched as Xie Yanjing removed his tie.
I really do want you, Big Brother.
So when will you finally come to bed with me?
[…] It really didn’t dare to warn the Host.
Xie Yanjing, in the middle of unbuttoning his shirt, paused and looked at Nian Zhen, who seemed calm but was clearly thinking something completely different.
Big Brother, you’re in amazing shape.
I’m a little envious, but it also makes you look incredibly hot.
At your age, though, how are you still this restrained?
Don’t you have any urges?
Or is something wrong down there?
His gaze drifted to Xie Yanjing’s lower body as if unintentionally.
The only reason he had held back with Xiao Zhen was that he was worried his younger brother wasn’t accustomed to it yet, so he wanted to let him grow comfortable at his own pace, yet now Xiao Zhen thought he might have an issue in that area?
Xie Yanjing took a look at Nian Zhen, who seemed to be teasing him more and more each day, conscious or not, and turned abruptly toward the bathroom.
When the time comes, don’t cry and beg for mercy.
“Big Brother, happy birthday.”
Nian Zhen smiled sweetly, holding out a small gift box to Xie Yanjing.
At last, the romantic candlelit dinner was a success, with soft violin music filling the air.
In the dim light, with only the glow of candles, Nian Zhen smiled sweetly as he watched Xie Yanjing accept his gift.
For Xie Yanjing, he hadn’t even realized it was his birthday.
He had long forgotten about dates and didn’t pay them any mind.
He’d assumed Xiao Zhen simply wanted a special dinner, not that he’d… planned a surprise birthday celebration just for him.
No one had ever done something like this for him before.
Xie Yanjing was overwhelmed with joy, his eyes soft and tender.
He opened the gift box, and and inside was a framed photograph of himself with Xiao Zhen, carefully preserved in an elegant frame.
As Xie Yanjing picked up the photo, he failed to notice a delicate necklace looped through a small hole drilled specifically into the frame.
When he moved the frame slightly, the necklace slipped and fell out.
The necklace also held a single ring.
With a bright smile, Nian Zhen spoke up, loud and clear,
“Big Brother, let’s get married!!”
His voice was so full of enthusiasm and hope that Xie Yanjing couldn’t hold back a smile.
Clutching the ring tightly, he felt tears slip down his face without even realizing it.
He was so happy he cried.
“Big Brother, why are you crying?”
Nian Zhen, alarmed, got up from across the table and walked over, holding Xie Yanjing with a worried look.
Big Brother, you’re crying like this?
I’m shocked.
I worked so hard to come up with this surprise proposal, almost died thinking about all the extravagant ideas in novels.
I figured you’d definitely catch on, so I went with this last-ditch effort, hoping to see a bit of surprise on your face.
But here you are crying—now I don’t know what to do.
Don’t you want to marry me…?
“Of course I’ll marry you. Let’s do it next month, okay?”
Hearing Nian Zhen’s thoughts, Xie Yanjing quickly responded.
He lifted his handsome face and kissed Xiao Zhen’s face repeatedly, love evident in every gesture.
“Big Brother, are you really so happy that you’re crying? I’m so glad! You know, I thought about this surprise for so long.”
Nian Zhen, now sitting on Xie Yanjing’s lap, spoke softly and playfully.
He snuggled against him, his small hands entwined with Xie Yanjing’s, pressing his cheek into his shoulder.
Xie Yanjing felt his heart stir with intense affection.
At this moment, he loved Xiao Zhen more than he loved himself.
Xiao Zhen was the only person who had ever truly loved him, the only one who cared for him from the heart.
After Nian Zhen had snuggled up to him to his heart’s content, he returned to his seat.
The butler brought over the dishes and poured more wine, and Nian Zhen smiled with satisfaction.
Xie Yanjing observed that sly look he wore whenever he planned to pull a prank on someone.
Could he still be thinking he’s the villain here?
“Big Brother, let’s drink. I went through a lot of trouble to find this wine.”
It was expensive, so we have to drink it all.
Big Brother, you’re always so serious—I want to see what you’re like when you’re tipsy.
I’m really curious, hehehe.
[…]
If Xiao Zhen really wants to see me drunk, it would be difficult.
Xie Lanzhong had trained him to drink from a young age, and a bottle or two of wine couldn’t affect him in the slightest.
He was only worried about Xiao Zhen himself, whose face was already flushed after only half a glass.
Nian Zhen was cutting into his steak with glassy eyes, feeling the heat rise in his body and and his blood surging.
It was clear that his face was likely flushed by now.
However, he gestured for the butler to pour more wine regardless.
Hey, Big Brother, your handsome face still hasn’t changed at all, but I’m really feeling woozy here.
Nian Zhen gave him a syrupy smile, eyes soft, and downed the rest of his wine before getting up and stumbling over to settle onto Xie Yanjing’s lap once more.
“Big Brotherrr, are you full yet?”
Nian Zhen cupped Xie Yanjing’s face and leaned closer.
Xie Yanjing signaled for everyone else to leave, then wrapped his arms around Nian Zhen’s waist, holding him securely as Nian Zhen fidgeted in his lap, clearly feeling the effects of the wine.
With the scent of wine mingling with Nian Zhen’s own fragrance so close, Xie Yanjing’s gaze darkened.
Tightening his embrace, he answered in a deep, husky voice,
“I’m full.”
“Good, big brother, take me to bed, please”
Nian Zhen nibbled his lip and giving Xie Yanjing an inviting look, resting his whole body against him.
His slender fingers traced along the edge of Xie Yanjing’s lips, a teasing gesture that only amplified the atmosphere.
It seemed that when tipsy, Nian Zhen became even bolder.
Xie Yanjing gently lifted Nian Zhen’s chin, pressing a deep, lingering kiss to his lips.
Nian Zhen parted his lips willingly, letting himself be devoured, as if they were sharing the intoxicating taste of wine.
The kiss ignited a spark between them, growing stronger.
Nian Zhen’s fingers threaded through Xie Yanjing’s jet-black hair as his eyes glazed over with warmth, the intensity of his emotions reflecting in their depth.
His body’s movements only fueled their rising desire.
The violin music playing in the background only deepened the atmosphere, drawing them further into a haze of desire.
When Xie Yanjing finally pulled away, Nian Zhen’s lips were swollen and flushed, even more alluring than before.
His large, warm brown eyes, misty with feeling, showed only the image of Xie Yanjing reflected back.
With a soft, tender kiss to those captivating eyes, Xie Yanjing then lifted Nian Zhen into his arms and carried him upstairs.
Nian Zhen’s gaze never left Xie Yanjing’s sharp features, as if completely entranced.
The soft bed cushioned Nian Zhen’s delicate back, and he felt as if his body were sinking into its comfort.
When Xie Yanjing leaned over him, it was like he was sinking even further into that softness.
Their eyes locked, and Xie Yanjing traced the contours of Nian Zhen’s beautiful face, as though memorizing every detail, engraving it deeply into his memory.
“Big Brother…”
Nian Zhen murmured softly, yet in the silence, his voice sounded clear and distinct.
His slender throat bobbed as he swallowed, causing his Adam’s apple to rise and fall.
His parted lips revealed a subtle allure, as if silently inviting to be tasted.
“Xie Yanjing…”
Nian Zhen said again, rarely calling the male lead by name so directly.
“Mmm…tell me, Xiao Zhen. What do you want me to do?”
Xie Yanjing whispered close to his ear, gently grazing his earlobe, deliberately coaxing Nian Zhen to reveal what he truly desired.
In truth, Nian Zhen’s mind had gone blank long ago.
All he could think about was Xie Yanjing, consumed entirely by the growing heat in his own body.
“Big Brother…make me yours.”
His voice looked soft and floating yet dripping with an intoxicating allure.
“I…can’t wait to belong to you anymore.”