Chapter 222 HE

Chapter 222: Happy Ending

Back at the manor, Tian Ruan ate a few spicy crayfish, but the alcohol started getting to him. He yawned repeatedly, tears prickling his eyes. Yu Jingmo suggested he take a nap.

Tian Ruan bid Yu Jingmo goodbye and rested in the guest room—which he had converted into a large study to hold more books and study materials. A rattan lounge chair sat on the small balcony, covered with a thick knitted blanket. He swayed gently in the chair and soon fell asleep.

In his dream, he wandered into a strange space that somewhat resembled Deyin, though only a single main road was clearly visible. In the distance, school buildings and castle-like structures were veiled in mist.

The surroundings were bathed in dazzling aurora-like light, the sky filled with auroras. Amidst blooming flowers and a fountain spraying pearly droplets stood a large, multicolored stone.

"Where’s Lord Wenchang?" Tian Ruan asked curiously, though there was no one around to answer. "Since when did Deyin turn into a fairyland?"

Staring at the stone, a sudden thought crossed his mind: "Is this the last stone left behind by Nüwa when she mended the heavens?"

After a while, the stone shimmered with rippling light, as if coated in dazzling glaze, and replied, "Yes."

Tian Ruan jumped in surprise: "Great Sage? Sun Wukong! Hey, Sun Wukong, come out already!"

The multicolored stone: "..."

"Not Sun Wukong? Then... Jia Baoyu?"

The multicolored stone: "Buzz off."

"??"

The multicolored stone: "I am the Will of the World, mortal! Kneel before me!"

Tian Ruan had never knelt to anyone or anything in his life. As he pondered how to kneel with the utmost sincerity, the stone erupted—

"Who do you think you are? Just a background character who graduated to a supporting role, and now you think you’re a big deal? You think you can just call it quits? What gives you the right? The main couple isn’t even together yet—how dare you talk about an ending!"

"..."

"Get this straight—Yu Shang and Lu Qiuyan are the protagonists of this world! Until they officially get together, there will be no ending!"

"...But all the readers think it’s already over."

"!@#$... You better get the main couple hitched yourself if you want an ending, or forget it! I’ll strike you down with heavenly lightning! Are you afraid of getting cursed by readers, or struck by lightning?"

"Both," Tian Ruan admitted honestly.

"Then hurry up and get them together!!" The Will of the World thundered, thunder rumbling ominously.

Tian Ruan jolted awake.

Outside, thunder growled in the distance, signaling the coming rain.

Tian Ruan: "..."

Auntie Zhang tiptoed in and said softly, "Madam, it’s about to rain. Come inside."

Groggy, Tian Ruan sat up and suddenly sneezed, as if the Will of the World had truly cursed him.

He began to doubt—had the story really not ended?

There's nothing more awkward than thinking your money was stolen, only to realize you never brought any. It’s when all the readers think the story is over, but the author backtracks and writes another chapter.

If the main couple doesn’t get together in this chapter, there might just be another one.

Tian Ruan: Thought this was a bonus chapter, but turns out it wasn't...

What else could he do? Tian Ruan rolled up his sleeves and got down to business.

If he waited for Yu Shang and Lu Qiuyan to get together on their own, it might take two or three years. Tian Ruan couldn’t afford to wait—if the story ended at any point during that time, he might get struck by lightning (i.e., face disastrous consequences).

They needed to get together—right now.

How could he speed up their romance?

Without a doubt, taking Tian Ruan himself as an example, it was only after he and Yu Jingmo had a very close moment that they officially became attracted to each other.

This method worked for anyone, but Tian Ruan didn’t want to use it to push Yu Shang and Lu Qiuyan’s relationship forward.

Tian Ruan scrapped that idea and considered another approach.

His phone buzzed. Tian Ruan unlocked the screen and opened WeChat.

Lu Qiuyan: Feeling better?

Lu Qiuyan: I’m back.

Lu Qiuyan: It’s pouring, so I’m staying in this afternoon. Let’s play games at your place.

Tian Ruan: Sure / happy

Only Lu Qiuyan came back. Because of the rain, Yu Shang had given him a ride before heading to work.

Tian Ruan held an umbrella to meet Lu Qiuyan. Raindrops drummed against the umbrella like marbles on glass. "I thought you said you were free today?"

Yu Shang: "Something came up at the company. Have fun."

Lu Qiuyan’s face was blank: "Oh."

Tian Ruan wanted to scream. With this pace, no wonder the original novel dragged on for two or three years before they officially got together.

Company matters were important, so Tian Ruan temporarily cut his "son" some slack and pulled Lu Qiuyan inside to play games.

Rain, game sounds, and chip-crunching filled the room. Tian Ruan kept zoning out and getting his character killed several times.

Lu Qiuyan chucked the controller. "If you don’t want to play, don’t. I’ll do it myself."

Tian Ruan snapped out of it and stood up to drink some water. Liu Ma came in with tea and snacks, saying, "You two must be hungry. Have some afternoon tea."

Lu Qiuyan: "..."

Tian Ruan: "Just leave it."

Lu Qiuyan corrected Liu Ma: "I’m not the young madam."

Liu Ma smiled faintly. "Alright, my mistake."

Then it hit Tian Ruan—yes! As long as Lu Qiuyan became the young madam of the Yu family, whether he and Yu Shang officially got together or not, they would still be together.

A marriage first, love later—perfect!

Coincidentally, Lu Qiuyan was also tired, so he and Tian Ruan went to the tea room to watch the rain over black tea and osmanthus cakes.

The autumn rain had washed away all the osmanthus blooms, leaving a golden, fragrant carpet. Lu Qiuyan found it a pity and gazed at it for a long time. Tian Ruan said, "Liu Ma and I collected a lot of osmanthus. Once dried, we’re set for a year."

Lu Qiuyan: "Oh." (flatly)

Tian Ruan gazed at Lu Qiuyan's increasingly handsome face and his upright posture, now with no trace of his youthful laziness. Whether standing or sitting, he radiated military bearing.

"...What are you looking at?" Lu Qiuyan noticed Tian Ruan's stare.

Tian Ruan grinned. "You're so good-looking, you and Yu Shang are perfect together."

Lu Qiuyan was speechless.

To orchestrate the main couple's arranged marriage-turned-romance, Tian Ruan spent three full days thinking but still couldn’t come up with a good idea. He decided to seek Yu Jingmo's opinion.

That evening, freshly showered and fragrant, he snuggled under the blankets. When Yu Jingmo stepped out of the bathroom, Tian Ruan eagerly lifted the blanket beside him. "Mr. Yu, please come in."

Yu Jingmo quirked a brow. A drop of water slid from his temple down his sharply defined cheek, along his slender neck, and into the hollow of his collarbone. His deep voice laced with amusement. "So enthusiastic?"

Tian Ruan stared dazedly at that droplet, like a scholar ensnared by a fox spirit. "Yeah."

Yu Jingmo knelt on the bed with one knee, seizing Tian Ruan’s straight, pale, long legs and draping them over his elbow. Like a predator pouncing, he lowered his phoenix eyes, devouring every inch of the young man’s skin with his gaze. "Then I’ll help myself."

"Hmm... huh?"

Yu Jingmo began savoring his feast.

This feast was ambrosia—creamy and velvety. He gripped the vessel, clasped its small opening, and tilted it to pour the nectar into a jade bowl.

Tian Ruan watched as Yu Jingmo drank the nectar, his body buoyant, untethered, as if drifting among clouds.

Yu Jingmo stirred the winds and clouds, and the celestial rain poured down, pattering incessantly.

Tian Ruan, burning red, rode a dragon through the skies.

He soared over countless mountains and rivers, finally reaching the celestial realm, only to be drenched by the rain, battered by waterfalls, and jostled by the dragon. Dazed and timeless, unmoored, he could only surrender to the current.

"......Not *that* kind of 'come in'!" Three hours later, Tian Ruan finally remembered what he had meant to say.

Yu Jingmo bathed him, wrapped him in a warm robe, dried him thoroughly, and bundled him into bed. With a sweep of his long arm, he pulled Tian Ruan firmly into his embrace.

"If not this 'please come in,' then which one?" Yu Jingmo asked, puzzled.

Tian Ruan’s cheeks flushed. "I lifted the covers—obviously inviting you *in*."

"Same bed, same blanket—the meaning of 'coming in' is about the same."

"...Then what if your subordinate opens a door and says 'please come in'? What would you do?"

"I wouldn’t confuse a real door with *your* door."

Tian Ruan bit his chest, leaving a ring of teeth marks. Satisfied, he got to the point. "Mr. Yu, do you approve of Yu Shang and Lu Qiuyan getting married?"

"I do," Yu Jingmo replied calmly.

"Really?"

"Would I lie to you?" Yu Jingmo chuckled. "As heaven sends rain, so daughters must marry—what father would stand in his son’s way?"

Tian Ruan nodded. "But right now, they won’t get married."

"Let nature take its course."

"No way, then I'll have to wait two or three years to eat their wedding treats. I want to eat it now."

Yu Jingmo's large hand caressed the young man's smooth, rounded shoulder. He particularly loved touching Tian Ruan's body like this after sex, caressing it as if fondling a warm, translucent piece of jade. "You want to see them get married right now?"

"Exactly." Tian Ruan nodded earnestly. "The readers and I are too impatient to wait."

Yu Jingmo pondered. "There are three ways."

"What three?"

"Comparison, feigning illness, stirring up emotions."

Tian Ruan immediately began implementing Plan #1: The Comparison Method.

As the name suggested, "comparison" meant using positive examples of marriage to dispel Lu Qiuyan's doubts about negative marital experiences. In the original book, he had rejected Yu Shang's proposals five or six times precisely because his own parents' marriage had been unhappy. To him, marriage was all harm and no benefit.

Dating without marriage—that’s the new mindset for young people these days.

Indeed, there were too few real-life examples of happy marriages, so it was no wonder Lu Qiuyan hesitated.

Tian Ruan decided to lead by example and show off his relationship in front of Lu Qiuyan.

That weekend, Tian Ruan had another day off. He invited Lu Qiuyan to dine on a cruise ship restaurant and take in the river views. Of course, they went by bike.

For Lu Qiuyan’s sake, Tian Ruan decided that all future "dates" would involve cycling.

After parking their bikes at the dock, they hurried onto the cruise ship. Tian Ruan directly pulled out the black card Yu Jingmo had given him, enjoying VIP treatment. Staff led them through private access and elevators to the open-air restaurant.

"The pool, entertainment areas, and spa here are all complimentary," Tian Ruan said.

Lu Qiuyan: "Oh."

Suddenly, Tian Ruan felt his words were off—Lu Qiuyan used to be rich. What hadn’t he experienced?

Yet Lu Qiuyan remained expressionless, as if it were his first time on a cruise, politely playing along. When he came back to himself, the young man beside him was looking at him with a teary-eyed, pouting look. "...What’s your problem?"

Tian Ruan said, "I invited Mr. Yu to come. He’ll be here any minute. Let’s go have some fun first."

Lu Qiuyan stopped in his tracks, staring at him incredulously. "You’re on a date with your husband, and you brought me along?"

Tian Ruan: "I haven’t seen you in days. I missed you."

"Buzz off." Lu Qiuyan turned to leave.

Tian Ruan grabbed him. "Lu Qiuyan, don’t go!"

"Let go."

"No."

The two got into a tug-of-war, attracting stares from onlookers. After listening for a while, someone remarked, "These two are having an affair. The main partner invited the side piece to dinner, but the spouse’s husband is also coming. The spouse won’t let the lover leave, and the lover is pissed and wants to bail."

Tian Ruan: "..."

Lu Qiuyan: "..."

Suddenly, a low, icy voice said, "So you two really are cheating."

A voice that was cheerful but pissed chimed in, "I freaking knew it! They’ve been shady since high school!"

Tian Ruan turned his head and saw: "Hai Chao?? Nan Huaiju???"

Nan Huaiju: "I don't know either of you, how embarrassing!"

Lu Qiuyan: "..."

The four of them sat down at the open-air restaurant. Tian Ruan received a phone call, and Yu Jingmo apologized on the other end: "I'm really too busy today to play along with you. Maybe next weekend."

Tian Ruan: "...No need, we have perfect substitutes right here." He raised his hand. "Waiter, we're ready to order."

Four steaks were brought to the table, along with red wine and flowers. If it weren't daytime, candles would've been lit to create a romantic atmosphere.

Meeting again after so many years in such a situation was something Tian Ruan hadn't expected. He gave a quick explanation before Hai Chao and Nan Huaiju acknowledged knowing them...

"Your husband isn't coming?" Nan Huaiju said bluntly. "Perfect, now you can have your affair."

Tian Ruan: "Cut it out, this is my son-in-law."

"???"

A vein popped on Lu Qiuyan's forehead. "Don’t say things like that in public."

Hai Chao remained as aloof as always. Over the years, his changes were quite noticeable. In the past, he dressed simply and casually, often working part-time jobs at restaurants, bars, and golf courses. Now, he was dressed in a sharp suit, with neatly groomed hair and nails—clearly a high-powered executive.

Nan Huaiju, on the other hand, hadn’t changed much—still bubbly and energetic, with a youthful, baby-faced appearance, every movement full of energy like a little firecracker.

After exchanging a few words, Hai Chao said, "Returning to the country for a visit, and also taking care of immigration."

Tian Ruan wasn’t surprised. In the original story, Hai Chao had immigrated and settled abroad.

Now that the Nan family’s businesses had also been transferred overseas, Hai Chao’s marriage to Nan Huaiju must've gotten help from that, and he needed to show he deserved it.

"Congratulations on your marriage," Tian Ruan said with a smile. "I missed out on the wedding treats back then, so you’ll have to hook me up these next few days."

Nan Huaiju’s face turned slightly red. "Fine, I knew Uncle was a snack fiend."

"..."

After cutting a plate of steak, Hai Chao swapped it with Nan Huaiju’s. Nan Huaiju ate the pre-cut steak without a second thought, stars in his eyes when he looked at Hai Chao.

Tian Ruan said to Lu Qiuyan, "Look how happy they are."

Lu Qiuyan: "Oh."

Tian Ruan: "Nan Huaiju, are you happy in your marriage?"

Nan Huaiju sighed happily, "So happy~"

Tian Ruan: "Ah, how sweet! Lu Qiuyan, don’t you feel envious?"

Lu Qiuyan: "No."

Tian Ruan: "..."

Though Hai Chao was a little puzzled, he didn’t ask further—maybe Tian Ruan was just being weird again, not the first time. He warned Nan Huaiju, "Don’t pick up his bad habits."

Nan Huaiju nodded obediently. "Got it."

Tian Ruan: "............"

Operation NO2 is a go!

After bidding farewell to Hai Chao and Nan Huaiju, Tian Ruan and Lu Qiuyan headed back to the manor together. As soon as they reached the manor gates, Tian Ruan clutched his chest with a soft whimper and collapsed.

"Tian Ruan?!" Lu Qiuyan dropped the bike and carried Tian Ruan back to the main house. "How do you get heatstroke in this freezing weather?"

Tian Ruan lay on the sofa, the family doctor at his side. He asked, "Doctor, what's wrong with me?"

The doctor, having been briefed in advance, immediately dropped to his knees, bursting into theatrical tears. "Sir, I'm sorry, I can't save you! I can't save you!"

The butler also fell to his knees. "Madam!"

Liu Ma and Auntie Zhang clung to each other, sobbing uncontrollably. "Waaah... Poor young master, so young, yet heading to heaven... How unjust fate is!"

In an instant, the entire manor erupted into a chorus of wails, as if mourning a death.

Tian Ruan: "..." You’re all being ridiculous!

Lu Qiuyan: "??"

Lu Qiuyan's expression turned grave as he snatched the doctor by the collar. "What exactly is wrong with him?"

The doctor: "Sir has an incurable disease, I can't save him... Waaah..."

"What disease?"

"Kidney failure! He and the master have been... too active, so his kidneys gave out!"

Lu Qiuyan went rigid.

Tian Ruan: "..."

Lu Qiuyan hauled Tian Ruan up. "To the hospital. This fraud’s fired."

Tian Ruan weakly clung to Lu Qiuyan's hand. "Lu Qiuyan, listen to me. I accept my fate. Though my time is short, if you grant me one small wish, I can die happy."

"You can die in eighteen hells for all I care after we go to the hospital." Lu Qiuyan's strength was terrifying.

But Tian Ruan wasn't to be underestimated either. Pretending to be weak, he clung to Lu Qiuyan like a vise. "Just hear me out! I want you to marry Yu Shang!"

Lu Qiuyan dropped him like a hot potato.

Tian Ruan tumbled back onto the sofa, bounced twice, his pretty face quivering, eyes glistening. "Lu Qiuyan, marry Yu Shang. Then I can rest in peace. You wouldn’t want me haunting you from under the bed, would you?"

"..."

"This is my final wish." Tian Ruan coughed weakly, like a dying Victorian heroine.

Lu Qiuyan turned and walked away.

"Lu Qiuyan?!"

Lu Qiuyan stopped, his voice like ice. "If you pull this act again, we’re through."

"..."

Beneath that icy tone, there seemed to be a slight crack.

For a few seconds, Tian Ruan realized with a start, Lu Qiuyan had truly believed he was dying. That was why he reacted so harshly. He scrambled up and bolted after him. "Lu Qiuyan! I’m fine, I swear! Sorry!"

Lu Qiuyan swung his long leg over the bicycle, glanced back at him without a word, and rode away.

Tian Ruan stood there, at a loss. When Yu Jingmo returned in the evening, Tian Ruan lowered his head and leaned against Yu Jingmo’s broad shoulder, his forehead pressing against the soft yet crisp fabric of the cashmere coat. "I messed up."

Yu Jingmo had already heard from the housekeeper. He grasped the young man’s shoulders and straightened him up. "I didn’t think it through. I’ve invited Lu Qiuyan over for dinner. You two can hash it out then."

Tian Ruan: "Yeah."

Yu Jingmo reached out and ruffled the young man’s neat hair. "Sincerity is the secret weapon. Maybe you should just be honest with him."

Tian Ruan looked momentarily lost, then suddenly enlightened—his relationship with Lu Qiuyan didn’t need any beating around the bush. He could just say it outright.

He was afraid of rejection, but everyone had the right to refuse anything.

He shouldn’t manipulate Lu Qiuyan’s thoughts with other means. He should respect him.

Tian Ruan decided to apologize properly. There was still time, so he baked a small cake himself, whipped the cream, decorated it with strawberries, and lined up a row of wonky little duck toppers.

The courtyard lights were blazing as the bicycle and the Bentley entered the gate at the same time.

Tian Ruan hurried out, still wearing his pink frilly apron, making him look like a quirky little pink blossom.

Lu Qiuyan couldn’t help but glance at him a few extra times before walking over as usual. "What’s with the getup?"

Tian Ruan looked down, his eyes sparkling. "I made you a cake. Come see."

Lu Qiuyan inspected it. "These ducks aren’t lined up straight."

Tian Ruan: "If they don’t align, it means I’m saying sorry."

Lu Qiuyan laughed. "I forgive you. Just don’t let it happen again."

Tian Ruan nodded, holding up three fingers in promise. "I’ll never lie to you again. We’re best friends. Otherwise, let lightning strike me—"

"Stop." Lu Qiuyan cut him off. "If lightning strikes you, it’ll kill me too."

The two exchanged a smile; they had made up.

Lu Qiuyan hogged the cake Tian Ruan had made, eating every last bite. By dinnertime, he was already stuffed. Tian Ruan quickly told Liu Ma to bring two bowls of sour plum drink to aid digestion.

After drinking the drink, Tian Ruan steered Lu Qiuyan outside using the excuse of taking a walk to walk it off.

Yu Shang was about to follow when Yu Jingmo called out, "Come to the study with me."

"Yes, Dad." Yu Shang asked no questions and followed his father to the study, where they talked shop.

Under the night sky, the manor was brightly lit, even the pathways illuminated—even if it wasted power, the vast estate’s plants and trees were valuable, and the lights kept thieves away.

Tian Ruan first brought up a few stories about past thefts on the property to lighten the mood.

Lu Qiuyan chuckled. "Good thing they were recovered, or the loss would’ve been huge."

"Right." Tian Ruan said, "When you’re away, my life is still lively. But every time I want to share it with you, writing it all down turns into a novel. I was afraid you’d find it tedious, so I never sent them."

"I wouldn’t find it tedious. I love reading about your little adventures."

"I also want to save some stories for when you return." Tian Ruan grinned. "Otherwise, I’d run dry."

Lu Qiuyan thought for a moment, then returned the favor by sharing a few amusing anecdotes from his time in the military.

Tian Ruan laughed loudly under the starry night sky, his eyes brighter than the countless stars above. "I knew it—you could live a full and vibrant life even without me."

"It's different. I still wish you were there," Lu Qiuyan said, pausing before adding, "And Yu Shang too."

"Yu Shang is the most special one, isn't he?"

Lu Qiuyan didn’t elaborate. "You both mean a lot to me."

Tian Ruan strolled leisurely, his gaze fixed on Lu Qiuyan as the cool night breeze brushed past, clearing his mind. "Lu Qiuyan, can you look into the future? See if you and Yu Shang will get married."

Lu Qiuyan halted mid-step, staring intently at Tian Ruan. "You already know, don’t you?"

Tian Ruan grinned. "But it’s better if you see it for yourself."

So Lu Qiuyan closed his eyes and looked ahead to the future—

If he had the power to turn back time, would there be a moment in the future when he’d look back at this very instant?

This moment—filled with joy, worry, confusion, and resolve—would it matter later on? If possible, he wanted to see his future with Yu Shang.

This love, hidden away for five years, no longer needed the caution of youth or the restraint of secrecy. Just like that night when Yu Shang stepped forward, ignoring all perfect timing, and kissed him again at the least expected moment.

Only then did Lu Qiuyan realize he’d lost his heartbeat on the Ferris wheel—it was Yu Shang who retrieved it for him, making his heart beat again.

No perfect moment was necessary—just listening to his own heartbeat.

Those heartbeats would keep going into the future, and his heart would still race for Yu Shang.

One day, he and Yu Shang would have a wedding.

Amidst snow-white and butter-yellow flowers, under the glittering light of crystal chandeliers, they would exchange rings.

Yes, no perfect moment was necessary. Every moment with you is the right moment.

He asked his future self: Will I be happy?

His future self replied: Happiness is what you make it, not something entrusted to others.

And Tian Ruan in the future said: Love yourself before loving others.

And so, everything fell into place.

If marriage was a cage, he would break free himself. If marriage could bring him closer to happiness, then seizing it was no problem at all. Everything depended on him.

At that moment, the wind cleared, and the moon shone bright.

Lu Qiuyan opened his eyes, gazing at the moon hanging high. "I’ve claimed my own moon. I always wondered if it truly belonged to me. Now, I know it’s mine."

Tian Ruan also looked at the moon and said, "He is like the moon, high above, while we are the sun. We exist to light their way."

And in their hearts, it must have been the same.

That’s how love works, right?

Lu Qiuyan smiled, looking at Tian Ruan’s porcelain, lotus-pale face. "I will marry Yu Shang."

Tian Ruan laughed. "The story’s set path can’t change your heart. You’re the protagonist of this world—you’re in charge!"

So they headed back, and Lu Qiuyan found Yu Shang. "Yu Shang, I’d like to marry you."

Yu Shang: "?"

Lu Qiuyan: "Just say yes or no."

Yu Shang: "I will."

After saying it, he felt something was a bit off, but it didn’t matter anymore.

They were getting married—that was what truly mattered.

Tian Ruan clapped so hard his hands stung, then grabbed Yu Jingmo’s hands to keep clapping, eyes brimming with tears: "Finally, the princes get their happily ever after—a true HE!"

Yu Jingmo chuckled softly: "Congratulations."

Beneath the bright moon, in the glow of human warmth, Tian Ruan bounced around the main couple, giddy with excitement: "That’s a wrap—woohoo!"

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