Chapter 2470: Another Me 39

Lai Chi fell entirely into Jin Chen's embrace, his cheek pressed tightly against Jin Chen's shoulder.

Lai Chi had imagined countless scenes of this moment in his dreams; the dream imagery always shifted with Jin Chen's thoughts, so there was the house from his childhood memories, the corridor of many mirrors, but never this scene before him—no amount of imagination could replicate it.

Jin Chen felt a soft, warm touch on his neck; it was Lai Chi lightly kissing him.

"Brother, I love you so much."

Jin Chen lowered his head, his fingertip gently rubbing over Lai Chi's lips, which glistened with moisture.

"I love you too."

Jin Chen embraced him and kissed him under that starlight.

Gentle and lingering.

After pulling apart slightly, Jin Chen brushed away the moisture lingering at the corner of his eye and said, "A candle can grant only one wish, but tonight, Xiao Chi can make as many wishes as he likes."

Lai Chi looked at him, lightly pursed his lips, truly closed his eyes, quiet and devout.

Lai Chi silently thought, actually he only had one wish: that Jin Chen never leave him, for he was his other half of soul, the most important part of his life; once lost, he would die.

Lai Chi quickly opened his eyes, starlight and Jin Chen reflected in his pupils, his arms once again wrapping around Jin Chen's neck.

In the gap of his unsteady breath, Jin Chen suddenly recalled something, pressing his lips to Lai Chi's and chuckling lowly, "Is this romantic enough, Lai Xiao Chi?"

Lai Chi paused, opened his eyes to look at him, his cheeks instantly flushing.

How could he still remember the offhand complaint?

He felt a bit like laughing, and in retaliation he pressed a firm kiss to the corner of Jin Chen's lips, saying, "Brother, you're the most romantic."

——

Time passed from autumn to winter, the coolness replaced by biting north winds; after this term ended, they welcomed their first New Year together.

At this time of year in previous years, it was what Lai Chi most dreaded facing.

The myriad lights of countless homes, the joy of reunion, only made his empty little room feel even more desolate; the laughter and chatter of the Lai Fendou family drifting through the door panels sounded like silent mockery.

But this year was different.

This year Lai Chi loved celebrating New Year, loved going out to wander with his brother before the holiday, didn't feel compelled to buy anything, he just wanted to join in the festivities.

The festive atmosphere, the red lanterns strung up on street corners, the holiday songs looping in malls, all made Lai Chi feel fresh and full of longing.

They would browse winter garments under the mall's bright lights, eventually choosing matching couples' outfits of similar style.

The red scarves were also a pair, soft and joyful.

They wore the red scarves, striking playful or intimate poses for the camera; Jin Chen deliberately printed an extra copy of the photos, and together with a brand-new red scarf, sent them via express delivery to Jin Ge, who was far away in Shanghai.

Jin Ge complained on the surface, telling Jin Chen to buy Lai Chi something nice, but the next day he wore a suit with that red scarf at the company's year-end party.

Their home was gradually decorated with a strong New Year atmosphere by them.

The spring couplets and Fu characters they bought were laid out on the tea table, one each side, carefully smoothed and pasted on both sides of the door frame.

When it came time to paste the horizontal scroll, the position was a bit high; without a word, Jin Chen squatted down and gestured for Lai Chi to climb up.

Lai Chi steadied himself on Jin Chen's broad shoulders, carefully applied the red-background gold-character horizontal scroll, then patted it to make sure it was secure.

As soon as his feet touched the ground, Lai Chi rose onto his tiptoes and planted a loud kiss on Jin Chen's chin, his eyes crinkling with smiles.

Before the holiday, Jin Chen drove Lai Chi back to the former villa to fetch some old items.

The car stopped at the villa's entrance.

"Wait a moment, I'll be quick," Jin Chen said.

Lai Chi nodded, pushed open the door and stepped out, pulling tight the white fluffy down jacket he wore.

In the cold wind, the white down jacket made him look not bulky at all, but rather like a glutinous rice ball, standing quietly outside the carved door waiting.

Zhou Shuo instantly recognized that familiar figure at the entrance.

He was somewhat surprised that Lai Chi would return, and even more surprised by how much Lai Chi had changed.

No longer the gloomy, timid boy of memory; the Lai Chi before him now shone brightly, his posture relaxed, handsome to the point of being almost dazzling.

Zhou Shuo's steps halted, a complex feeling welled up in him, and inexplicably he wanted to step forward and say hello.

But before he could take a step, he saw Jin Chen emerge from the underground parking lot.

In an instant, Lai Chi's face broke into a smile; he jogged over, put his arms around Jin Chen's waist, then was taken by the hand by Jin Chen, and they walked side by side through the villa's main gate.

Even their backsides were in harmony, as if they were born to walk together like that.

Zhou Shuo stood where he was, watching the closed door; his raised hand slowly lowered, he gave a self‑mocking tug at the corner of his mouth, then turned and left.

New Year's Eve.

Outside the window, firecrackers burst one after another, gorgeous fireworks bloomed in the night sky, casting the living room windows in a flickering light.

The TV played a lively Spring Festival Gala; the table was laden with the dishes they had prepared together—not overly lavish but warm enough for a New Year's Eve meal.

When the New Year's bell rang and the ceremonial robes sounded simultaneously, Lai Chi embraced his other half of soul.

As the whole world was wishing each other a happy New Year, he said to Jin Chen, "Brother, I love you."

……

【Congratulations, host mission completed, blackening value cleared to zero, reward points, accumulated!】

【Now transmitting to the next world……transmission successful!】