Chapter 111: Surprise

Chapter 111: Surprise

The special protection regulations for Type D were ultimately temporarily retained.

In addition to objections from various parties, after thorough deliberation, it was unanimously agreed that not all Type Ds are as abnormal as Xu Qingran.

He's a special case.

Outliers can be monitored more closely, but the personal safety of other vulnerable Type Ds should not be overlooked just because of him.

"I heard that Silver Dragon intends to promote Colonel Xu to the position of Deputy Commander of the General Camp based on his achievements in eliminating the XX-type devils and his contributions to the camp since his appointment?" Shen Tingyu suddenly asked Mu Ziyu across the negotiation table.

Mu Ziyu hesitated for a moment.

He had indeed discussed this matter with the high-ranking officials of Silver Dragon for some time, and it was practically an open secret.

Only Xu Qingran, who had been resting during this period, was unaware.

Hearing this, Xu Qingran looked at the person beside him, his eyebrows slightly raised, with a smirk.

Seeing his smug expression, Mu Ziyu felt both love and hate for this precious talent of Silver Dragon.

He could only clear his throat and answer Shen Tingyu with a serious expression: "Colonel Xu has always been an outstanding officer in our camp. Now, he has become the key figure in breaking the stalemate in the long-standing war between Kayan and the devils, successfully subduing the rebellious army of Tianlong, reclaiming Silver Star and the old Silver Dragon City, and gradually bringing the forgotten Tianlong system back into the public eye."

"I think, with such achievements, it is very reasonable for him to be promoted to one of the Deputy Commanders of the General Camp?"

Mu Ziyu thought Shen Tingyu was going to object, so he almost gritted his teeth while praising Xu Qingran.

After all, Xu Qingran is still a bit younger compared to most senior veterans.

When this suggestion was first proposed, some people raised doubts. However, these doubts were overturned by the more rational majority, as Xu Qingran's positive results were evident to all, and he himself possessed strength not inferior to top-tier Type Es like Shen Tingyu, making it reasonable for him to become a Deputy Commander of the General Camp.

—Besides, the Deputy Commander is not the supreme commander; there are usually 3 to 4 Deputy Commanders in the General Camp who coordinate and supervise each other.

Even if Xu Qingran were to reach that position, surrounded by his senior predecessors, each more authoritative than the last, he couldn't act so lawlessly and arbitrarily.

While Mu Ziyu was still cautiously pondering Shen Tingyu's intention in raising this question, he saw Shen Tingyu nod in agreement: "Very reasonable."

"This way, my future work interactions with Colonel Xu might inevitably increase." Then he smiled and said, "If the royal family and the military have concerns about such a special individual as Colonel Xu, I can help keep an eye on him."

"I think, even if Colonel Xu goes completely crazy, he probably couldn't beat me?"

Shen Tingyu's words were quite casual.

Paired with his gentle expression and slight smile, it seemed like he was just trying to diffuse the awkwardness caused by Xu Qingran being targeted earlier. However, the representatives from Silver Dragon seriously considered the feasibility of this, as they had no major objections to Shen Tingyu himself, and he was indeed quite reliable.

Xu Qingran, wearing the Silver Dragon uniform, saw all beings as equal.

Facing Shen Tingyu's slightly condescending attitude, he sneered and challenged: "Feel free to try, General Shen."

—What was the official soul compatibility data between Shen Tingyu and Xu Qingran again?

Oh, 0.01%, right? Extremely incompatible, so there would definitely be no favoritism. Especially now that the empire is gradually entering a reform phase, high-ranking officials from both camps mutually check and balance each other, which could indeed achieve better pressure and improvement effects.

Thus, everyone particularly agreed with this model.

They even began to discuss in low voices whether to implement this extensively across important positions. This way, it might reduce some slacking behaviors within the camps and ensure that neither side would form cliques for personal gain, repeating past mistakes.

Only Mu Yesha, who saw the truth, remained silent.

Sometimes I really hate being too smart, seeing through the essence of things in advance, and being force-fed a bitter pill.

Looking at those representatives who feel slightly relieved about Xu Qingran's promotion, I give a soft chuckle.

Thinking to myself—keep enjoying your little victory, you'll regret it later. Who will end up controlling whom is still up in the air.

On the other hand, Mu Ziyu is also worried.

But not because he has figured out the relationship between Xu Qingran and Shen Tingyu, but because he is concerned that the two, who are already extremely close in private, might team up against him in the future. Enough is enough—he wants to settle things quickly. Whoever wants to be the commander can have it!

The meeting between the two camps wrapped up smoothly in this unexpectedly harmonious atmosphere.

—At least for Xu Qingran, it was a resounding success.

The two groups, all smiles and politeness at the negotiation table, instantly dropped their cheerful façades the moment the meeting ended and the cameras were off.

They went their separate ways, clearing out of the room. Only Mu Yesha, Mu Ziyu, Xu Qingran, and Shen Tingyu stayed behind, lingering at the table to chat.

Mu Yesha observed as the guards escorted the media personnel away, then glanced at the first batch of tables and chairs that had been destroyed by Xu Qingran and temporarily piled in the corner.

She clapped her hands and praised her camp's colonel, "Well done! The best thing my brother's done in years is designing the Silver Dragon uniform that won you over, and using that to recruit you."

Mu Ziyu's expression soured, "Second sister, what do you mean?"

Mu Yesha replied, "I’m being polite here—don’t make me crush your fragile ego."

Mu Ziyu, "..."

Xu Qingran raised an eyebrow, "I didn't know the Third Prince had such talent?"

Mu Yesha crossed her legs, her feet swinging playfully, "Just a stroke of genius—inspiration strikes when it wants."

Mu Ziyu, "..."

Xu Qingran nodded, "Got it. The Third Prince excels at everything except, you know, actually managing the camp."

Mu Ziyu, "..."

So now that the meeting’s over, is it open season on him?

He was seriously getting pissed!

—But, he could only think about it.

After all, he couldn’t take on any of the other three even if he tried. Mu Yesha might not be a fighter, but his upbringing wouldn’t let him lay a hand on a woman, let alone his own sister.

Xu Qingran had no plans to stick around. "Alright, my work here is done. Time to head out."

Before getting up to leave, he remembered something and looked at the sulking Mu Ziyu, "Oh right, about the promotion you mentioned..."

At the mention, Mu Ziyu felt the sting of humiliation all over again.

The worse he’d treated Xu Qingran, the harsher his insults, the more it came back to bite him.

He cut Xu Qingran off angrily, "Don’t get too full of yourself!"

"This matter is still under discussion, there's no final decision yet." He raised his chin arrogantly, "There are still quite a few voices of opposition, it's not that easy to finalize your promotion!"

Though in reality, it’s pretty much a done deal.

Even their headquarters' Major General Lu Cheng had no objections to this and even strongly supported it.

However, Mu Ziyu certainly wouldn't tell Xu Qingran about this.

Xu Qingran didn’t get upset; instead, he smiled brightly, as if relieved, and said, "That’s great."

Mu Ziyu was speechless.

Xu Qingran: "I actually wanted to tell you that the longer this decision takes, the better. There's no rush for me to take up the position."

"I’ve been swamped these past few months, working non-stop. I was thinking of asking you for some time off. Since you’ve said so, I’ll consider it your permission to take a little break while waiting. Thank you."

After speaking, he patted Mu Ziyu’s shoulder in a friendly manner and greeted Mu Yesha. Then, he walked out of the hall without looking back, leaving Mu Ziyu staring in shock and disbelief.

As for Shen Tingyu, he was always the type to leave immediately after finishing his duties.

Clearly, the only reason he stayed today was Xu Qingran. With his partner gone, he naturally stood up, put on his hat, and followed him out.

Mu Yesha, who had been in meetings all afternoon, had her phone filled with messages.

She patted her younger brother, mimicking Xu Qingran’s tone: "I told you to stop trying to outmaneuver Xu Qingran. You’re no match for him."

Mu Ziyu had no response.

Outside the building, Xu Qingran and Shen Tingyu walked side by side.

Xu Qingran walked to where his aircraft was parked, with Shen Tingyu following, thinking he was being escorted.

When they arrived, Xu Qingran asked, "So, see you at the villa?"

Shen Tingyu, however, replied, "No, we’re heading back together."

Xu Qingran was puzzled. "What about your aircraft? Are you just leaving it here?"

Shen Tingyu smiled faintly. "I didn’t drive here myself."

Xu Qingran was stunned.

Shen Tingyu had traveled all the way to Tianshe by multiple transfers just to go home with him, so they only needed to fly back in the same aircraft.

With this extra time Shen Tingyu had carved out for them, they weren’t in a hurry to head back.

As one of the officers who had been swamped, Shen Tingyu could finally catch a break with the empire’s situation stabilizing, though not as much as Xu Qingran, who got a long vacation. Especially now as the acting Commander-in-Chief, many responsibilities could be delegated via phone and communicator, unlike before when he was constantly ordered around and burdened with all sorts of tasks.

On their way back, they took their time, even making a detour to a restaurant run by Shen Tingyu’s chef friend for a meal before heading home, satisfied.

By the time they reached the villa on Fei Star, it was already between eight and nine in the evening.

Xu Qingran pushed open the door and stepped inside, casually asking the man behind him, "So, when do you have to leave this time?"

The two large dogs, one white and one black, had been waiting by the door ever since their aircraft entered the garage.

Xu Qingran looked down at the two furry creatures nuzzling against him, his hands vigorously petting each one, their soft, dense fur feeling incredibly soothing.

He hadn’t felt this way when he first, inexplicably, took in the white dog.

Now, coming back from a hectic schedule to someone waiting and welcoming him, this kind of life felt pretty good.

"In two days," Shen Tingyu replied. "I still need to head back to headquarters to confirm their task execution and arrangements."

Xu Qingran turned around, grabbed his collar, pulled him closer, and said meaningfully, "It's alright."

"Rest tonight; we have the whole day to have fun tomorrow."

The word "play" was quite suggestive.

Shen Tingyu gazed into his peach blossom eyes, which seemed to carry affection in every eyelash, thinking that after the long journey back, he hadn’t planned to do anything to him.

He leaned in and gave him a light kiss, then separated: "Go ahead, I'll head to the study to take care of some things, and I'll sleep after taking a shower."

"If you're tired, rest first."

The couple had now settled into sharing the same room and bed.

"Okay," Xu Qingran responded.

He must have been exhausted, as he didn’t keep teasing him and went straight back to his room.

Before heading upstairs, Shen Tingyu glanced once more at Xu Qingran's door.

He still remembered when Xu Qingran first arrived, Auntie Song had, unexpectedly, arranged for him to stay in the secondary master bedroom adjacent to his own. Although it didn’t make much difference whether Xu Qingran’s belongings were upstairs or downstairs, there was always this odd longing for him to be closer.

He thought to himself that he should probably find time in the next couple of days to rearrange that room.

—This time, it was truly going to welcome the other master of the house.

Shen Tingyu returned to the study and worked for nearly an hour.

By the time he’d finished all the essential tasks and emails, the sound of running water from the downstairs bathroom had long since stopped. He walked through the passage connected to the bedroom, turned off the study light and turned on the bedroom light, then pressed the mechanism button to let the bookshelf slowly close, separating the two rooms again.

Without the workspace, the bedroom felt less formal and tense.

The bed was neatly made, and the man downstairs who’d claimed to be exhausted and in need of rest still hadn’t come up, maybe he’d accidentally dozed off in his own room.

Shen Tingyu glanced at the empty bed, his lips pressed together slightly.

Feeling a bit displeased, he walked into his bathroom.

Once inside, another half hour passed.

It wasn’t until after his shower and drying his hair that he stepped out of the bathroom, still faintly warm, wearing a bathrobe.

The moment he opened the door, Shen Tingyu instinctively paused.

The bedroom light appeared to have been turned off by someone, and it was completely dark in front of him.

After his rebirth, Shen Tingyu’s injured eye from his previous life was like a blind eye in the dark, so he wasn’t in the habit of turning off the lights every time he left a room.

In the spacious bedroom, only the small patch lit by the bathroom light remained faintly bright.

Shen Tingyu wasn’t nervous.

If anyone other than Xu Qingran had entered the house, he would’ve noticed right away. Clearly, it was likely his dear partner who’d come up and absentmindedly turned off the light. It didn’t matter, as both his eyes were in good condition now, and he could still see the space in the room in the dark.

Even if he couldn’t see, he was already very familiar with his own room, so it didn’t make much difference.

Thinking this, Shen Tingyu was about to tidy up and rest, when a scent suddenly wafted to his nose.

It smelled strongly of scented candles.

At the same time, faint sounds seemed to come from the darkness.

Soft, like heavy breaths holding back something, mingled with low moans.

Shen Tingyu first worried that Xu Qingran might be sleeping restlessly because his previous injuries hadn’t fully healed, so he quickly walked to the wall and turned on the light.

The warm yellow light flickered on, and he turned around, his gaze falling on the only large bed in the room.

The next second, he was shocked by the scene before his eyes.

On the dark bedding, Xu Qingran was there.

He was only clad in an oversized long-sleeved shirt, not lying down to rest, but kneeling in a striking pose, hands propped in front, facing Shen Tingyu. When the light came on, he was slightly bowing his head, his legs exposed to the air, unobstructed, his already pale skin even more pronounced against the dark bedding.

Noticing the movement, Xu Qingran instinctively looked up.

In his affectionate eyes, a cold, misty haze, like that of a frosty moon, spread the underlying emotions.

Shen Tingyu looked at him in astonishment, his peripheral vision even catching sight of various... unspeakable items scattered messily around him. On the floor, his discarded sleepwear lay casually, and nearby lay a bottle that looked suspiciously like lubricant.

The black-haired, blue-eyed man in a bathrobe, still faintly scented from his bath, fell silent.

And in this sudden silence, faint, odd sounds could still be heard.

Xu Qingran, with his usual cold demeanor, had a flush on his face that seemed out of place.

Clearly, it was a reaction to external stimuli, making his body heat up and become sensitive.

Shen Tingyu stared at him, his voice slightly trembling as he spoke, "...Xu Qingran, what are you doing?"

To make things worse, he only now realized Xu Qingran was wearing his shirt. And not just any shirt, but one he wore daily, infused with his own essence.

His rational mind was intensely vibrating, seemingly on the verge of collapse.

Shen Tingyu's thoughts were slow and sluggish.

The man on the bed let out a soft laugh at this.

He replied hoarsely, "Didn't I tell you in Tianlong that I'd apologize and make up for not considering your feelings?"

As he spoke, he slightly lifted his body with his legs.

He reached out a finger, hooking a pair of handcuffs by his feet, and with a half-smile, he looked directly at Shen Tingyu, clasping it onto one wrist.

The action was casual.

Slow and unhurried, yet this very lack of urgency created a visual impact.

"I am now fulfilling my promise."

As he spoke, the other end of the handcuffs clicked against his hand, voluntarily placed behind his back. Even in such a restrained, submissive posture, his eyes and expression remained proud.

Shen Tingyu fell silent again.

Feeling as if his entire soul was impacted, unable to comprehend how someone could blend such pride with indulgent softness, making it irresistible.

Seeing Xu Qingran's face unnaturally red, he frowned, his tone unconsciously tinged with concern, "You again..."

Perhaps the tacit understanding between partners is gradually enhanced through daily interactions.

Before he could finish his question, Xu Qingran already understood his meaning.

Squinting slightly, he said, "Yes, I used something to spice things up."

"But it's all above board."

"It has nothing to do with the previous medication."

Shen Tingyu went quiet again.

Xu Qingran, in the midst of indulgence, was clearly fighting to hold back, especially since he had now restricted himself and could do nothing.

"Shen Tingyu, just for today, I allow you to tease me all you want," he said, looking at him with a mix of anger and helplessness. "So, are you going to do it or not?"

Could Shen Tingyu refuse?

No, not at all. If he could still maintain his composure and rationality in such a situation, it would truly mean he was incapable.

For a moment.

The storm of passion raged, the green light flickered like waves, and the sound of metal clanging echoed.

Their breaths were soft, controlled.

In the quiet, their bodies spoke softly, slightly restrained, yet unable to completely suppress the sensation that sent shivers down the spine and shattered the mind, it was unconsciously released.

The thick bathrobe, which had been shed, had somehow ended up at the edge of the large bed, hanging precariously.

A corner of the bathrobe snagged on his foot with rounded, clean, and well-maintained toes, and as they shifted between relaxation and tension, it finally slipped off and fell heavily to the floor.

As for that long-sleeved shirt.

It was already a wrinkled mess.

Their energies mingled endlessly, both sides equally frenzied.

It was a fierce battle of wills, whether taking the lead or following, it was all so bold and unrestrained.

Shen Tingyu lowered his head to kiss the physiological tears that fell from the corner of Xu Qingran's eyes, locking eyes with him, feeling his soul-piercing gaze, watching as they both lost themselves in the world of the flesh.

Until the hand on his back gripped tightly.

He retaliated, leaving red marks, his gaze slightly unfocused and difficult to fixate amidst the fatigue and transcendent emotions, gasping for clarity.

Only then did Shen Tingyu ask him in a deep voice, "When will we make our relationship public?"

Their military duties conveniently shielded their romance.

They'd been together for years, they hadn't gone out of their way to hide it, yet surprisingly few knew they were in a relationship. Even now, with a permanent soul bond already formed, in the eyes of the entire empire, they were still the pure uncle and niece-in-law.

Although the cancellation of the engagement was a poorly kept secret in the Shen family, General Shen was eager to flaunt to the world that the little lunatic Xu was his exclusive partner.

Xu Qingran glanced up.

His fair neck arched beautifully.

"Then—let's wait until everyone discovers this secret, and then we'll tell them."

He curved his eyes again, "I love the thrill of our public encounters, as if we're sneaking around."

Shen Tingyu: "..."

He lowered his head and playfully bit Xu Qingran's sensitive Adam's apple.

This sent a shiver through Xu Qingran, and his words trailed off into faint, fragmented murmurs.

His eyes filled with affection as he struggled slightly and said, "Once it's over, quickly untie me, let's wash up and sleep."

Yet Shen Tingyu held him and flipped him over.

Leaning close to his ear, he murmured, "Be good, we still have two days, no rush."

Xu Qingran: "?"

You dog, don't push your luck too much, hmm—

The night and the holiday stretched on, seemingly endless.

In the living room, two fluffy wolfhounds snuggled together on a soft, warm carpet, sleeping soundly.

·

Two days later, Shen Tingyu reluctantly returned to work.

After a unanimous decision by the Golden Wing management, it was decided to recognize him as the new commander of the Golden Wing Battalion. The royal court, led by Mu Yesha, raised no objections, and the citizens were delighted, making it a joyous occasion celebrated by all.

While lounging in the living room at home, Xu Qingran caught sight of his boyfriend on a TV interview again.

His attire was still meticulous and neat, every inch the polished gentleman, completely unlike the fierce man he became once his clothes were off.

Every time Xu Qingran saw Shen Tingyu, he couldn't help but marvel at him.

He was grateful that he was the one dating this beast of a man; otherwise, someone else might have already been exhausted by this seemingly perpetual motion machine of an E-type.

Shen Tingyu would return home about two or three days a week.

Every time he was home, he would cook for them, and the couple would eat together, watch TV, chat, and also go out to exercise or spar to keep in shape.

And, of course, engage in their adult games.

Shen Tingyu wanted him to move his things to the room next to his master bedroom.

Back then, Xu Qingran crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe, watching him with a half-smile for a long time, unwilling to comply with this self-contradictory request.

Finally, Shen Tingyu lost his patience.

He locked him in the downstairs room for what felt like an eternity, until Xu Qingran couldn't look at the room without remembering the unspoken memories in every corner, and only then did he agree to move his belongings upstairs.

—Of course, Shen Tingyu had also locked that room he had stayed in.

Except for storing miscellaneous items, it was off-limits.

The furnishings in the upstairs room were no different from when he had stumbled into it years ago.

When Xu Qingran hauled his belongings to the desk, he saw the black and white wolf figurines perched on a swing, and instinctively picked them up to examine. Gazing at them, he suddenly laughed.

So, everything had left its mark.

Xu Qingran's vacation was short-lived.

Mu Ziyu probably couldn't stand seeing him so idle.

He had promised to give him a longer vacation, but Mu Ziyu sent him a return-to-work notice just two weeks later, asking him to resume his duties and help lead the remaining disaster-stricken areas.

Xu Qingran's promotion was quite smooth, and even when Silver Dragon officially announced it, the applause and congratulations far exceeded the doubts. At the same time, it also meant that he needed to return to the jurisdiction of the Silver Dragon Battalion to carry out his work.

Shen Tingyu reluctantly allowed him to leave.

When Xu Qingran left, his workload actually lightened significantly, and he could only find time to contact him.

Thinking to himself—with this kind of relationship, it would be strange if the public could find out.

That night, Shen Tingyu was sitting in his study, pondering whether to act more obviously to stir up more public speculation and debate.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and Shen Tianyi's curious head poked in from outside, cautiously saying, "Uncle, I have something I want to ask you."

Shen Tingyu casually placed the device he was holding on the desk, stretched his fingers, and pointed to the empty seat on the other side of the desk: "Sit."

The empire's situation had stabilized again, the devil army crisis was gradually being resolved, and Shen Tianyi had returned to his house on a weekly basis as usual.

Shen Tianyi was now nearly 10 years old.

He had grown a bit taller, but only slightly. His face still had a bit of youthful chubbiness, with big eyes, both handsome and cute.

He obediently sat on the chair in front of Shen Tingyu, fidgeting nervously as he spoke: "Uncle, I came today mainly because I remembered what you told me before about the engagement matter..."

Shen Tingyu leaned back in his chair, his elbow resting on the armrest, holding a pen and tapping it lightly on the desk.

Shen Tianyi was struggling to find the right words when he suddenly heard him ask: "Hmm? What engagement?"

Looking at his expression, calm and collected, with a serious and puzzled look, as if he had really forgotten about it.

Shen Tianyi scratched his head, feeling a bit uncertain because of his response: "Uh, it's just that before... you seemed to say that I have a high soul resonance with Brother Qingran, and we had to be forcibly arranged into a marriage contract?"

He still remembered that Shen Tingyu had said he was too young before, and would keep an eye on things for him.

He felt that he had grown up and become a little more mature now, and couldn't keep troubling his uncle, so he originally wanted to come up and discuss with him about the plan, whether he needed to prepare anything in advance.

After all, he was still a bit clueless.

But his classmates all said that as long as he liked Xu Qingran, everything would be fine. As for Xu Qingran, this powerful brother, he definitely liked him a lot!

But now, Shen Tingyu was actually asking him back.

After hearing his question, Shen Tingyu replied: "Xu Qingran?"

"You misunderstood, he's not your fiancé, he's your future auntie."

Shen Tianyi rarely saw his uncle smile so warmly.

He relaxed a bit, but when he mentioned this familiar title, he frowned and said: "Hmph! Talking about this makes me angry!"

"I'm not the silly kid I used to be, you and Brother Qingran can't fool me anymore!"

"Auntie is clearly the title for your wife!"

Shen Tingyu nodded: "Yes."

"Xu Qingran will be my 'wife' in the future, so what's the problem with you calling him auntie?"

Shen Tianyi: "?"

Wait, didn't you say he was your husband?

Shen Tingyu smiled kindly: "You remembered wrong."

"He's not here to be your spouse, but mine."

This made Shen Tianyi start to second-guess himself.

—How did he remember it differently before?

Facing his nephew's questioning, Shen Tingyu stayed calm and firm, saying, "You remembered wrong."

After saying this, he took out the data printed by Xu Qingran as proof from the drawer.

Handing it to Shen Tianyi: "Look, your soul compatibility hasn't even reached the minimum threshold suitable for marriage."

Shen Tianyi took a look.

It was exactly as his uncle had said.

Shen Tingyu added: "If you don't believe me, go ask your grandfather about it."

That is, the patriarch of the Shen family.

Shen Tianyi, feeling overwhelmed, left the study and went downstairs to call the patriarch of the Shen family.

Finally, he came back pouting and sniffling, admitting, "It seems I really misunderstood."

Facing his pitiful nephew, Shen Tingyu felt no remorse at all.

Then, Shen Tianyi, on the verge of tears, asked him, "In that case, won't I be able to see Brother Qingran in the future?"

"I thought we had to get married to stay together as one family."

"Now that he's not marrying me, will we be separated?"

Shen Tingyu asked him, "Are you still living with me now?"

Shen Tianyi nodded.

Shen Tingyu added: "Then in the future, when Xu Qingran becomes your 'aunt', he will still live with us in the same house, and you can still see him."

Shen Tianyi was probably influenced by the childhood notion that 'Xu Qingran is living with you and your uncle because he is going to be your spouse', and subconsciously thought that if they didn't get married, Xu Qingran would leave them.

It wasn't until Shen Tingyu explained it to him.

Only then did he realize, "So even if I misunderstood, Brother Qingran won't leave us?"

Shen Tingyu smiled: "Of course not."

Shen Tianyi was happy for just a few seconds before pouting again, "Then why didn't I see him when I came back this time? Uncle, are you lying to me again?"

"He temporarily needs to return to work at Silver Dragon and will come back when he's done." Shen Tingyu sighed softly, saying, "I miss him too."

November.

Shen Tingyu's birthday.

Having been busy at Silver Dragon for quite a few days, Xu Qingran, who could only catch news and work progress from various reports, seemed to have forgotten about this matter. In his daily chats with Shen Tingyu, he never brought it up. Shen Tingyu subtly inquired if he would return, but Xu Qingran only sent a screenshot of his recent schedule and tasks.

His schedule was jam-packed.

Shen Tingyu even considered calling Mu Yesha directly to protest the workload Mu Ziyu had arranged for Xu Qingran. But thinking that all this was paving the way for him to smoothly step into the role of Chief Commander, he held back.

Until this afternoon, about two days before his birthday.

His phone system detected a keyword and automatically sent him the latest news about Xu Qingran.

This time, however, his name appeared not in the current affairs section but in the entertainment section.

In the photo, Xu Qingran was surrounded by several young, attractive girls, their eyes brimming with admiration and joy. Looking at Xu Qingran's expression, he wore a rare gentle smile, his naturally affectionate peach blossom eyes giving him a deeply affectionate look towards anyone.

The background of the photo wasn't a serious military base or residential area.

It was a bustling commercial street, and behind Xu Qingran, the front of a shop faintly showed a maneki-neko icon wearing a pink dress.

Shen Tingyu: "..."

—Great, he has time to chat with girls but no time to come back and accompany him.

Commander Shen slipped into the role of a resentful husband.

He even considered deliberately scheduling work around his birthday, not keen on spending such a day alone.

Shen Tingyu usually didn't care about the ceremonial aspect of such holidays.

Before meeting Xu Qingran, he never even celebrated birthdays. But now, with someone to care for, he found himself inexplicably wanting to spend these significant days with the person he cherished most.

On the 10th, Xu Qingran was too busy to even answer his calls.

He rang him once in the morning, and the other end hurriedly replied with a 'busy' before hanging up.

Shen Tingyu clutched his communicator, incredulous.

...Had Xu Qingran and he not even hit the seven-year mark, and already begun experiencing the seven-year itch?

He mused.

Until the evening, Shen Tingyu figured it out.

Since Xu Qingran couldn't make time to see him, he decided to go to him. He could also check out what his increasingly popular boyfriend was up to when not by his side.

Commander Shen had just freshened up and was about to head out.

But as he opened the door, he nearly bumped into the person who was just entering.

Xu Qingran stood outside the door, swiftly pulling back his forward motion, holding a box aloft, as if concerned that a collision might damage its contents.

"...Xu Qingran?"

Shen Tingyu, inside the house, was stunned as if in a dream upon seeing the person outside.

Xu Qingran paused, maintaining the action of holding the box, hesitantly speaking: "Surprised? Unexpected?"

Shen Tingyu: "...Quite surprised and unexpected."

Xu Qingran was still wearing his uniform.

Seeing that he was about to leave, Xu Qingran quickly realized, "You weren’t about to go out looking for me, were you?"

Shen Tingyu stayed quiet.

Xu Qingran laughed and said, "I knew it, I figured this would happen."

"So I came back early."

Hearing his voice, a tender part of Shen Tingyu's heart felt like it had been kissed.

The gloom that had weighed on him for days vanished in an instant.

Just then, the clock in the house struck midnight.

Xu Qingran seized the moment to hand the cake box to Shen Tingyu: "Happy birthday, boyfriend."

The box wasn’t from the famous P bakery.

It had a familiar pink Maneki-neko (lucky cat) design.

Below the icon, the text said:

— Want to make a special cake for your special someone?

Welcome to our workshop, guaranteed even beginners can make a delicious cake!

Xu Qingran’s eyes crinkled softly, his smile warm.

His eyes sparkled like stars had fallen into them.

He lifted his hand, cold from the wind outside, and pressed it to Shen Tingyu’s cheek.

He whispered, "It’s the first time I’ve gotten to celebrate your birthday—how could I forget?"