Chapter 83: The Gift on the First Snow Day

Chapter 83: The Gift on the First Snow Day

Mr. Li's expression was a mix of emotions.

"What's wrong, Mr. Li?" Fan Ming took two steps forward. "Is it still not fixed?"

"No."

Mr. Li flipped the tablet face down on the desk, took a deep breath with a complicated expression, and said, "You can go ahead with your work."

Jing Yi stole a glance toward Mr. Li.

Their eyes met across the two desks. Mr. Li's handsome features were visible, his expression calm, but his eyes hid a warmth.

Jing Yi's heart pounded, and he suddenly stood up. Fan Ming was taken aback by his abrupt movement. "...What's wrong, Jing Butler?"

"Nothing..." Jing Yi swallowed. "I'm thirsty; I need some water."

"I just made some tea." Fan Ming brought over a pot of hot tea.

Jing Yi: "..."

He just wanted to slip away for a moment. How could Secretary Fan, the jack-of-all-trades, not catch his drift!

"Secretary Fan, you can leave now," Mr. Li spoke up.

Fan Ming: "Alright."

The office door clicked closed. Jing Yi stood in place, his ears flushed a faint red.

"You..."

Jing Yi looked up at him with eager eyes.

After a long while, Mr. Li looked up at him, his tone laden with meaning. "Nothing to explain?"

Jing Yi straightened his neck. "No."

"Go ahead, scold me."

"I didn't do it on purpose."

"Why would I want to scold you?"

His gaze was steady, emotions swirling. Jing Yi blinked, feeling his gaze was somewhat intense, and accused, "The boss is so harsh, are you going to make me compensate for it?"

"..." Mr. Li's breath caught.

If he were really a fierce boss, he would have already taken the young butler over his knee and spanked him for being too mischievous and always causing trouble, but also irresistibly cute, so he wouldn't be too harsh—just a little lesson would do.

Mr. Li said, "If you wanted to watch, you could have told me."

Jing Yi was taken aback. "What?"

Then he hastily countered, "I didn't really want to watch."

Mr. Li sincerely asked, "As a participant in this matter, shouldn't I also be in on the key details?"

Participant in this matter... key details...

Jing Yi's mind was instantly filled with a flood of pop-up content: "..."

His face quickly turned red.

He wished he hadn't looked; who knew those kinds of websites would have viruses? Before he could react, his tablet froze, giving him no time to exit.

"I had no idea you were curious about this," Li Wenzhao chuckled lightly. "It seems I've been failing as your boyfriend."

"I wasn't curious about it!" Jing Yi's head felt like it was about to steam. "It was an accidental click, I didn't mean to."

As he spoke, Li Wenzhao fell silent.

Jing Yi looked up and met his eyes. Their gazes locked, and it seemed as if some emotion was ignited in Li Wenzhao, his deep, intense eyes filled with a fiery intensity that made Jing Yi's heart skip a beat.

"So, when do you plan to try it out?" Li Wenzhao asked, cutting straight to the point.

Jing Yi: "..."

It was over; even the Yellow River couldn't wash away this misunderstanding.

Li Wenzhao: "I'm available anytime."

Jing Yi: "..."

At a certain point of embarrassment, Jing Yi actually felt less awkward. He glanced at Li Wenzhao, feeling like he was being teased, poked at every opportunity.

"You... just wait for the announcement," Jing Yi stammered, even though he had mentally prepared himself.

Li Wenzhao raised an eyebrow, as if he had guessed something.

Jing Yi quickly changed the subject, "If you want to watch, then go ahead and watch it on your own." He stumbled over his words, "I'm off work now, you can stay and watch it..."

Once Jing Yi got nervous, he would start to babble, stumbling over his words and not knowing what to say.

Li Wenzhao gave him a knowing look, remained silent, and lightly coughed, a faint blush spreading to his ears. He then changed the topic, "Don't leave yet, let's go out for dinner together."

Jing Yi stopped in his tracks: "Oh."

·

The dinner spot was quite far, requiring a forty-minute drive. The destination was a light-flavored health-preserving hot pot restaurant.

"Is this place really that good?" Jing Yi asked from the passenger seat, "We're driving all this way just for this."

Li Wenzhao, who was driving, replied, "It's decent."

Jing Yi nodded and looked out the window, bored.

As night fell, the city lights lit up, and the streets were filled with traffic, the evening rush hour causing a jam.

At the corner, two police cars were parked in front of a building, their red and blue lights flashing, drawing attention.

Jing Yi, who loved to watch the action, craned his neck to see.

At the building's entrance, Shen Shubai appeared, escorted by several uniformed police officers, his arms straight in front of him, his wrists hidden by his sleeves.

Beside him, Qin Ningning looked on the verge of tears.

Jing Yi: "?"

No wonder you took the long way to that restaurant; you wanted to see your nemesis get taken away in person.

You could have told me earlier.

"Hey, eldest young master, look at this," Jing Yi said, leaning against the car window and pointing. "Your nemesis, Shen Shubai, has been arrested."

The evening traffic was terrible, and the car wasn’t moving at all. Li Wenzhao turned his head calmly, just as Shen Shubai was being pushed into the car.

"Yeah."

"Wow, he’s finally in," Jing Yi said, then remembered Shen Shubai’s protagonist aura and couldn’t help but worry, "He won’t be able to get out, right?"

Jing Yi was pretty happy that Shen Shubai was going to prison.

It’s a shame his original plan didn’t work out—if things had gone according to his initial idea, Shen Shubai would have spent the rest of his life in a mental hospital, not in a prison where there was still a glimmer of hope for release.

"He won’t," Li Wenzhao murmured.

Jing Yi: "Hmm?"

Li Wenzhao’s dark gaze fixed on the horizon. "For months, I’ve been gathering evidence of his illegal dealings. By today, the documents were compiled, and I had Fan Ming submit the report. He’s not getting out."

If after all this, Shen Shubai still finds a way out, I’d be truly incompetent.

"But how did the guy who jumped me in the garage end up confessing?" Jing Yi wondered.

Shen Shubai had plenty of loyal followers willing to die for him, and with his paranoid nature, he wouldn’t just let anyone take on such a risky task.

If they were a trusted confidant, why would they flip so easily?

Jing Yi: "Is this some kind of setup?"

"No," Li Wenzhao said firmly, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

Jing Yi turned his head and smiled. "You’ve got a backup plan, don’t you?"

"Not exactly," Li Wenzhao chuckled. "I just stirred up more conflict between them."

"I faked a bid for the land and tipped off the news early. Shen Shubai thought I was determined to win, so he invested all his resources to outbid me. That left him broke, unable to pay the hitman’s final fee."

Jing Yi suddenly understood. "That’s why the guy confessed!"

"Exactly."

Jing Yi finally relaxed. Although he hadn’t been directly involved, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. "That’s good. You can rest easy now, eldest young master. The Li Corporation is safe now."

The young masters of the Li family wouldn’t have to worry about any dark hands appearing at any moment.

Li Wenzhao glanced at him. "Yeah."

Jing Yi: "Let’s go then."

Have you seen enough? If so, let’s eat.

Watching someone get taken to prison feels a bit like bad luck. I’ll have two extra bowls of rice tonight!

Li Wenzhao started the car and merged into the traffic.

With the conflict settled, Li Wenzhao glanced lightly into the rearview mirror, where he saw Shen Shubai reaching out from the car window to shake hands with Qin Ningning, as if bidding farewell or expressing remorse.

The towering Shen Group building stood behind them, looming beneath the dark, heavy clouds like an aging elder.

Traffic crawled along, and the police cars screamed into the distance. Li Wenzhao drove in another direction, as if fate had split at this moment.

·

Half an hour later, they arrived at the restaurant.

Jing Yi was intrigued by this place. He was a foodie who loved exploring new flavors. Following the waiter to the private room, Jing Yi first inquired about the restaurant's specialties and asked about a few dishes. With a wave of his hand, he ordered almost everything on the menu.

The waiter asked, "Should we wait for the rest of the guests before serving?"

Jing Yi was taken aback and urged, "Everyone’s here. Please bring the food out right away."

The waiter paused, then smiled, "Of course, I'll place the order right away. We also offer free takeout if you need it. Please enjoy your meal."

Jing Yi pursed his lips, "Is she underestimating me?"

Why would we need takeout for this little food?

Li Wenzhao poured him a cup of hot tea, "She’s not underestimating you. She’s underestimating your appetite."

Jing Yi patted his belly, "Then let’s show this restaurant what we’re made of."

Li Wenzhao: "..."

The dishes were served quickly.

Jing Yi dug into his food, occasionally looking up to see Li Wenzhao picking at his food, as if he didn’t particularly enjoy it. "Is it bad?"

"No."

Jing Yi thought for a moment and understood, "Is it Shen Shubai’s arrest making you feel like fate’s unpredictable?"

So you’re worried? Anxious?

It's possible. Even as rivals, they’d crossed paths often, and there might’ve been a sliver of camaraderie. One’s downfall might stir sympathy in the other. Jing Yi expressed his understanding.

"No."

Jing Yi froze, chopsticks halfway to his mouth.

Li Wenzhao, his expression grave, said, "I was wondering when your notice would arrive."

Jing Yi: "What are you talking about?"

Meeting Li Wenzhao's gaze, Jing Yi caught a flicker of something in those dark eyes, a subtle glimmer.

Jing Yi’s heart raced.

...So it’s about getting frisky after a good meal!

"No, no rush."

Li Wenzhao took a sip of tea, "Then I’ll keep holding my breath."

"..."

Dinner passed in a tense atmosphere for Jing Yi.

The meal went on until seven in the evening.

As they stepped outside, the night sky was unusually still, and Jing Yi curiously looked up, "It's snowing."

As soon as the words fell.

A cascade of frosty white snow descended, fluttering and scattering, a sight that was visually stunning.

Jing Yi had never seen anything like it before; the dreamlike scene left him awestruck, "Let's walk back, eldest young master."

Li Wenzhao glanced towards their home, which wasn't far, and it would be a good way to walk off the meal, "Alright."

Jing Yi stepped out, eager to embrace the first snow, when a large umbrella suddenly appeared over his head.

?

Jing Yi turned his head, "Where did this umbrella come from? How am I supposed to play in the snow like this?"

"Got it from the store," Li Wenzhao answered one by one, "If we don't use the umbrella, you'll be covered in snow by the time we get back."

Jing Yi tilted his head, giggling, "Perfect! By the time we get home, you'll have two walking snowmen."

Li Wenzhao glanced down at his antics, "If we go back soaked, I'll just have two frozen patients on my hands."

Jing Yi: "..."

Giggle giggle.

"..."

As they walked through the heavy snow, the sound of falling snowflakes added a romantic touch. People without umbrellas hurried along, their feet crunching softly on the snow.

Jing Yi suddenly thought of the romance that comes with the first snow.

Couples, heavy snow, closeness—all symbols of beauty.

He sneaked a glance at Li Wenzhao, his heart almost jumping out of his chest, then looked away, just in time to spot a vending machine at the street corner.

"Eldest young master, are you thirsty?"

Li Wenzhao: "Not thirsty, but I'll get you something. What would you like to drink?"

Jing Yi: "Coke!"

Li Wenzhao then guided him towards the street, the road slick from the fresh snow. Jing Yi moved very slowly.

Li Wenzhao handed him the umbrella, "Wait here for me."

"Alright..." Jing Yi had just started to speak when he caught sight of a dim corner next to the vending machine. Suddenly inspired, he changed his words, "Let's go together."

Li Wenzhao: "The ground is slippery."

"Then let's slide towards happiness together!"

Li Wenzhao had no choice but to take him along.

The vending machine was open 24 hours. Li Wenzhao scanned the code to select a drink, while Jing Yi stood behind him, looking around.

The narrow corner was dimly lit, making the snow appear even whiter. Jing Yi's heart began to stir with excitement.

"Here you go." Li Wenzhao bent down to pick up the fallen drink. "Drink."

Jing Yi: "Why isn't it soda?"

"Out of stock," Li Wenzhao said. "The water's warm. Drink up."

"Oh."

The vending machine's built-in heater was thoughtful. The warm water slid down Jing Yi's throat, intensifying the restlessness in his heart.

"Mr. Li," he looked up, "Do you want some?"

Li Wenzhao took the bottle, tightened the cap, and held it in his hand. "No, let's go."

Jing Yi didn't move. Suddenly, he rose on his toes, reaching for Li Wenzhao's cold lips. "You sure you don't want a taste?"

Li Wenzhao's fingers tightened, and the water bottle rustled.

Jing Yi boldly looked at Li Wenzhao. The usually cold face showed no expression, but his eyes betrayed a hint of disbelief and shock.

In the next moment, his waist was pulled close. Li Wenzhao lowered his head without a word, pressing down. Jing Yi looked into his dark eyes and suddenly wanted to tease him. "Mr. Li, there's a surveillance camera."

"Li Wenzhao, the president of Li Corporation, kissing his boyfriend on the street. This will go viral online, won't it?"

Li Wenzhao looked up, his breathing a little ragged.

Sure enough, a camera in the corner blinked red, clearly recording.

Jing Yi pursed his lips and smirked.

The next second, Li Wenzhao raised the umbrella, covering both of them. He hooked his arm around Jing Yi's waist, pulling him close and easily enveloping him beneath him. Their lips met, and he whispered softly, their breaths mingling intimately, "Now no one can see us."

Jing Yi: "..."

Oops. Forgot about the umbrella.

·

Ten minutes later, a weak-kneed Jing Yi was led out of the corner by Li Wenzhao.

"Still playing around?" Li Wenzhao asked.

"Not anymore," Jing Yi mumbled.

Jing Yi's lips were slightly swollen, his eyes shiny with tears. He didn't dare to act up anymore. He was indeed too much to handle; the price was too high. This time, he'd let it go, but next time... he'd still dare.

His boyfriend was so charming; it was understandable that he messed around a little.

The snowy ground was icy, and Jing Yi fell twice on the way home. He loved to play around, often running out from under the umbrella to step on the snow. Li Wenzhao couldn't react in time, and he slid out, rolling into a snowdrift.

By the time they got home, his clothes were soaked through.

Fortunately, the heating had been turned on in advance. Li Wenzhao peeled off his soaked outer clothes and pushed him toward the bathroom. "Go take a hot shower first."

Jing Yi shivered from the cold: "Yeah..."

Back in the master bedroom, Jing Yi opened the wardrobe to get his pajamas. When he touched his fluffy pajamas, he paused and glanced at the serious and stern shirts of Li Wenzhao beside them.

Jing Yi's cheeks were flushed red.

He hadn't yet experienced wearing his boyfriend's shirt.

Jing Yi touched his warm face, steering clear of the clearly expensive fabrics, and rummaged through the wardrobe, pulling out a somewhat youthful-looking T-shirt.

It was oversized, white, and long - perfect.

Jing Yi grabbed the clothes and dashed into the bedroom.

·

Li Wenzhao took off his coat, folded his shirt sleeves twice, took out ginger and cola from the fridge, and got ready to brew some ginger-infused cola to warm Jing Yi up.

As soon as he grabbed the kitchen knife, his phone rang.

[Ming Zhi]: Big brother, Happy First Snow Day! I won't be coming home today, I'm heading to the rooftop glass conservatory with Chu Yuanjiu to watch the snow!

[Li Ting]: I heard about the Shen family situation, big brother, you've worked hard, Happy First Snow Day! By the way, if it's convenient, could you have my sister-in-law make an appearance and wish me an early New Year?

[Li Xu]: Big brother, Happy First Snow Day. Jing Yi's wonderful - wishing you happiness.

Li Wenzhao replied to each one, the twinkling lights of countless homes outside, all his younger brothers safe and thriving, life couldn't get any better than this.

A few minutes later, he put down his phone and began finely slicing the ginger.

It only takes fifteen minutes to boil a pot of ginger cola. Li Wenzhao carried the warm drink into the room, but Jing Yi hadn't come out of the bathroom yet.

Li Wenzhao then took out his pajamas and went to the guest bathroom to wash up.

Fifteen minutes later, he returned to the master bedroom, the bathroom door remained shut.

Li Wenzhao arched a suspicious eyebrow and knocked on the bathroom door: "Jing Yi?"

"Ah... what?"

The voice from the bathroom held a hint of panic, Li Wenzhao's frown deepened, "Why so long, are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Jing Yi said: "I'll be out soon."

Seeing the figure outside the glass door walk away, Jing Yi finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He looked at the T-shirt in his hand, his face burning crimson.

This was no ordinary T-shirt, it was unmistakably Li Wenzhao's high school uniform, with his name and grade embroidered on the chest.

Jing Yi scratched his head in frustration, what was he thinking, of all the clothes in there, he had to pick this one!

Originally, he wanted to set a romantic mood.

Now, all that was left was some childish amusement.

Jing Yi: "..."

He had wanted to make the most of this special first snowfall to stir up some mischief, but it seemed there was no chance now.

After a moment, he steeled himself and slipped it on.

The loose clothes easily covered his hips. He tugged at the hem, tossed the dirty clothes into the washing machine, took a deep breath, and opened the door.

Li Wenzhao had been waiting for quite a while. The ginger cola had cooled to room temperature, and he was leaning against the headboard, flipping through a book.

The bathroom door clicked softly, and he instinctively glanced over.

Just then, the lights went out.

Everything suddenly went dark. Assuming there was a power outage at home, Li Wenzhao set the book down and started to get up. "Jing Yi?"

"I'm fine," Jing Yi quickly responded upon hearing the noise. "Um... don't move."

Li Wenzhao: "?"

Shouldn't I be the one saying that?

Jing Yi: "Just stay there. I'll come to you."

Though puzzled, Li Wenzhao obeyed and stayed put.

"Clatter."

"Ouch."

"Thud!"

"Clink."

After a series of clattering noises, Li Wenzhao felt a warm presence in front of him. The dim winter light wasn't enough to clearly see what was happening, so he tentatively asked, "Jing Yi?"

He realized the lights were fine—Jing Yi had turned them off himself.

As a suspicion formed in his mind, Li Wenzhao's breath hitched.

The next moment, a warm, soft body pressed against him. The thin fabric couldn't conceal the damp, smooth skin, and the young butler's nervous voice, mingled with warm breath, sent a shiver through Li Wenzhao's ears.

"A gift for the first snow. Please accept it!"

"..."