Chapter 99 First Kiss

Chapter 99: The First Kiss

Hearing this, Jiang Ruotang found it fascinating. He widened his eyes and leaned in, asking, "Who is it? Tell me, let’s see if it matches who I’m thinking of!"

At the mention of this, Jian Sha actually got shy. She began, "In the main team, that lively, cheerful little prince who seems like a spoiled rich kid but is actually kind-hearted—every time I write, I think of you."

"Who?" Jiang Ruotang didn’t get it at first.

"You! It’s always been you—Jiang Ruotang. Doesn’t this character resemble you? Clearly born with a silver spoon in his mouth, yet so caring toward those around you."

Jian Sha spoke earnestly, and Jiang Ruotang’s face turned redder by the second.

He was too embarrassed to admit that when he read the story, his favorite character was the little prince.

Now, it seemed liking the little prince was equivalent to liking himself. Jiang Ruotang wondered, was this narcissism?

Meanwhile, Lu Guifan lightly tapped the table with his fingertips and said quietly, "Drink your tea."

"Later," Jiang Ruotang replied, still grinning, deep in conversation with Jian Sha.

"Oh, and the one by the protagonist’s side—the super smart, observant scholar who seems bookish but has astonishing combat skills—that’s you, Class President!"

Suddenly dragged into this, Lu Guifan just sat there stunned, wondering how he’d ended up role-playing in Jian Sha’s novel. The next second, Jiang Ruotang’s arm looped around him, shaking him playfully.

"Yes, yes, yes!" Jiang Ruotang was all up in Lu Guifan’s face. "Every time I imagine Lu Guifan’s face, that scholar becomes so, so, so hot!"

"Right?! Especially when the protagonist thinks the scholar is poor and takes him around the capital, buying him clothes, books, and meals—that’s when the scholar starts falling for them. And every time the protagonist is in danger, the scholar secretly has their back."

"Yeah, that’s so Lu Guifan!"

If Jian Sha hadn’t been sitting across from them, Jiang Ruotang would’ve rubbed shamelessly against Lu Guifan’s cheek. This subconscious intimacy made Lu Guifan’s leg shift slightly, his body getting all hot for no reason.

"Too bad… the Class President’s vibe is totally unique. I don’t think any actor could capture it." Jian Sha put a hand to her chest, sighing regretfully.

Jiang Ruotang grinned, showing his little fangs, his smile bright. He pulled out his phone and held it up to Jian Sha. "What about this actor?"

Jian Sha leaned in, paused for three seconds, then started nodding like crazy. "Yes! Yes! I watched his dramas back in middle school and thought he was so handsome, with amazing acting skills—his delivery instantly outshone all the other young idols. I thought he’d get famous fast, but by the time I graduated high school, I hardly saw him in anything anymore. I figured he was just acting for fun and would go inherit his family’s business if he didn’t make it big."

"He’s the male lead in *Drunken Immortal Terrace* now."

That’s right—they were talking about Ling Song.

Just as Jiang Ruotang was about to take his phone back, a pale, slender finger held it in place. Jiang Ruotang glanced sideways and met Lu Guifan’s icy look behind his glasses.

On the screen was a young man in his early twenties, hands in his pockets under a streetlamp. His features were sharp yet refined, his expression distant, as if his emotions existed beyond the mortal world.

Lu Guifan knew exactly who it was—the model who’d fallen asleep in Jiang Ruotang’s studio.

Out of the corner of his eye, Lu Guifan caught Jiang Ruotang’s expression—looking way too pleased with himself, like a little fox waiting to play with its prey.

Knowing full well Jiang Ruotang was trying to make him jealous, Lu Guifan quickly shook it off and gave the phone back.

"I’m nothing like him."

"Of course not! No two leaves in this world are exactly alike—"

Before Jiang Ruotang could finish, he felt Lu Guifan’s meaningful gaze on him.

Lu Guifan lifted the purple clay teacup to his lips, so Jian Sha couldn't see, while ensuring Jiang Ruotang could see his mouth move.

—*He doesn’t love you the way I do.*

Jiang Ruotang’s heart skipped a beat uncontrollably.

His throat bobbed as he thought: *The guy who only dares to kiss my cheek—where does he get this confidence?*

They discussed some contract details and future creative plans. Jian Sha was so excited, her mind buzzing with new ideas, that she insisted on rushing home to write.

Jiang Ruotang flagged her a taxi, and the two of them watched her leave.

In the rearview, Jian Sha sighed, "After graduation, will I still get to ship this couple?"

In contrast to her sadness, Jiang Ruotang stretched lazily, then turned and lifted a finger under Lu Guifan’s chin, flashing a playboy smile. "Now, my beauty, it’s just you and me. This young master is about to do whatever I want with you—even if you scream, no one will—"

Before he could finish, Lu Guifan’s lips curved slightly. Hands in his pockets, he stepped closer with an air of nonchalance.

He tilted his head, his perfect nose and sharp jawline so perfect it hurt.

This was a busy downtown street, surrounded by all kinds of passersby. Lu Guifan’s tall frame and striking profile—which his black-framed glasses couldn't hide—drew plenty of attention. Jiang Ruotang suddenly got nervous and shy.

Lu Guifan merely nuzzled his nose lightly against Jiang Ruotang’s forehead and murmured with a smile, "Silly."

As if mocking him for acting all tough earlier, only to falter now.

"What next? A movie?" Lu Guifan asked, lacing their fingers together.

Enveloped by the other’s hand, feeling its warmth, Jiang Ruotang mischievously tickled Lu Guifan’s palm—prompting Lu Guifan to tighten his grip.

Jiang Ruotang tilted his head and asked something that had puzzled him for a while: "That day when we watched *The Mathematician*, you were so focused. I had no idea you loved movies that much."

To his surprise, Lu Guifan shook his head slightly and leaned in to whisper by Jiang Ruotang’s ear, "Actually, I only paid attention during the kissing scenes."

"Huh? Why…? I thought they were so intense, I couldn’t even look—"

Jiang Ruotang remembered how awkward he’d felt, toes curling, thinking they were watching a biopic—only for it to turn into a steamy romance.

Lu Guifan drew close again, his lips barely grazing Jiang Ruotang’s ear. "Because I didn’t know how, so I had to learn from the movie."

Jiang Ruotang’s body tensed, shivered at the touch, a tingling rush flooding his brain as wild imaginings spiraled out.

So when Lu Guifan had rested his chin on his hand, watching the film so seriously—had he been imagining… kissing Jiang Ruotang just as fiercely and recklessly as the mathematician did?

"You really never stop studying, huh…" Jiang Ruotang grumbled.

"If I don’t know, I have to learn." Lu Guifan turned his head slightly, his gaze slipping past the black frames of his glasses. His expression was blank, yet Jiang Ruotang felt he was being totally messing with him.

*Even if you love learning, some things can’t be self-taught.*

*You’ll have to learn from me.*

Jiang Ruotang pondered—he needed to properly "educate" Lu Guifan.

"We’re about to start university. You can’t keep dressing like a high school kid. I claim the right to style you—let’s go buy some clothes."

"Huh?" Lu Guifan paused, then adjusted his slipping glasses with a finger.

Clearly, this guy hated shopping.

"Do you even know why men like dressing up the person they love?" Jiang Ruotang teased. "Because they’ve got nothing better to do—killing time."

The short answer is: boredom.

Jiang Ruotang sighed, "Styling you is like wrapping my favorite gift in packaging that makes my heart flutter. And at night..."

Lu Guifan watched Jiang Ruotang's gesture and leaned in to listen.

"At night, I can unwrap the packaging myself."

One of the perks of dating a straight-A student who pays no attention to the outside world is that no matter how corny the line is, it's always fresh to him.

Sure enough, Lu Guifan’s neck and ears turned red.

Lu Guifan turned his face away, and it took a while before the faint blush on his ears faded.

Jiang Ruotang leaned in and deliberately provoked him, "So, are we going or not? If we go, you can try on lots of outfits for me. If you choose not to... then come back to the studio with me, and I’ll unwrap all the extra packaging—I want to draw the original version."

Lu Guifan huffed and pushed Jiang Ruotang’s head into his chest. He never knew Jiang Ruotang could be this mischievous, going all out to tease him.

"Fine, let’s go. See how you want to ‘package’ me."

Jiang Ruotang was overjoyed. "I finally get to play the overbearing CEO! Just like in *Meteor Garden*!"

"Huh?"

Jiang Ruotang bared his little fangs and put on a *tsundere* expression. "Hey, top of the class, you’ve caught my attention."

"Huh?" Once again, Lu Guifan couldn’t follow Jiang Ruotang’s weird logic.

"It’s Domyouji and Makino!"

Lu Guifan just kept staring at him.

"Domyouji is a spoiled, arrogant rich kid who doesn’t study. Beneath his bullying exterior, he still hides a kind heart—after all, someone with warped values can’t be the protagonist."

"Oh, and what’s-her-face?"

"Makino? She's tough, principled, and always standing up for justice, fighting to the end against Domyouji’s gang of spoiled brats! So principled, just like you."

Lu Guifan gave him a sidelong glance and walked ahead.

"And the ending?"

"After a series of over-the-top drama—like Domyouji’s mom interfering, Domyouji losing his memory, and so on—they ended up together."

Lu Guifan replied coolly, "And then spent the rest of their loud, messy lives together?"

"Hahaha! You’re hilarious!" Jiang Ruotang couldn’t resist and jumped onto Lu Guifan’s back. He had originally just wanted to mess with him a little for looking so composed, but unexpectedly, Lu Guifan simply carried him.

Jiang Ruotang froze for a moment, then relaxed and settled onto his back until they passed a branded clothing store.

"This one! This one! Let’s go in!"

Lu Guifan carried Jiang Ruotang inside before setting him down.

The store wasn’t high-end, mainly catering to trendy college students.

The first floor was women’s clothing, with quite a few female shoppers browsing.

Jiang Ruotang dragged Lu Guifan straight to the second floor.

Though the second floor was spacious, it was much quieter, with only a few male college students browsing halfheartedly before leaving.

Lu Guifan had no fashion sense, but he trusted Jiang Ruotang’s taste—he wouldn’t pick anything unsuitable—so he silently followed behind.

What he liked was watching Jiang Ruotang’s focused expression as he picked out clothes.

Jiang Ruotang pulled out a dark red plaid shirt, held it up against Lu Guifan, and smirked. "Classic programmer uniform."

"Then are you going to give it to Cai Ji?"

"Oh, right, he’ll probably become a programmer in the future... What I should get him isn’t a plaid shirt but hair loss prevention shampoo."

Jiang Ruotang tilted his head back slightly, his thoughts drifting who-knows-where.

Maybe in ten years, Cai Cai’s soft little curls would turn into male pattern baldness. Oh no, what a tragedy.

Lu Guifan glanced at him sideways and coughed.

Jiang Ruotang snapped out of it and handed Lu Guifan a dark gray jacket and jeans, pushing him toward the fitting room. "Go try these on."

Lu Guifan smiled helplessly. To him, the clothes didn’t seem particularly special.

A while later, Lu Guifan emerged wearing the new clothes. Jiang Ruotang, sitting on the couch, grinned up at him and even took photos with his phone.

"Lu Guifan, if you ever lose your brains, you could still be a male model. Wherever you walk the runway, I’ll follow you to hell and back."

Lu Guifan laughed at Jiang Ruotang’s flattery. "Liar."

"Where am I lying? That you could be a model, or that I’d follow you everywhere?" Jiang Ruotang stood up, gripped Lu Guifan’s shoulders, and turned him toward the mirror. "Look how handsome you are."

In the mirror, the guy wore a well-tailored dark gray jacket—a color that usually felt like something an uncle would wear—yet on Lu Guifan, it had this cool mix of sophistication and ease.

The stretch denim jeans didn’t feel restrictive; instead, they boosted his casual look and made his long legs look even longer.

Even his thick black-framed glasses actually looked cool.

Though the colors and styles were all things Lu Guifan found comfortable, and nothing seemed drastically different, Jiang Ruotang had somehow, as if by magic, toned down his usual aloofness.

"It seems texture and tailoring really can upgrade someone’s look," Lu Guifan remarked.

Jiang Ruotang grinned. "Wrong. You elevate the clothes. If I wore them, I’d look like a kid playing grown-up—couldn’t pull it off."

Another couple shopping nearby saw Lu Guifan’s outfit, and the girl immediately picked the same set for her boyfriend. Unfortunately, all he needed was a thermos to complete the "middle-aged bureaucrat on a trip" look. The same outfit, but the effect was night and day compared to Lu Guifan’s.

Jiang Ruotang selected a hoodie and a jacket with a geometric diamond-and-square print. "I want to see this one!"

Lu Guifan obligingly took the outfit into the fitting room. When he stepped out and faced the mirror again, even he had to admit the outfit screamed college kid—casual yet stylish.

The jacket’s design was clever, too. If it had only diamonds or squares, it would’ve looked dated. But the beige, gray, and black gradient made the muted colors look high-end together.

The couple nearby were eyeing it too. The guy tried on the jacket, and while it looked decent, there was still a clear difference between "real life" and "catalog."

Jiang Ruotang quietly concluded that, aside from looks, the guy’s broad shoulders and long legs just couldn’t compare to Lu Guifan’s.

So unfair—to have a boyfriend with such a great figure but never having seen the "original version"!

He almost suspected Lu Guifan was running some scarcity game on purpose.

"Try this one."

Jiang Ruotang found another casual shirt for Lu Guifan—a mock two-piece design with beige collar and sleeves, and a black middle section with light gray dandelion prints. It looked stylish yet in colors Lu Guifan could accept.

He walked into the fitting room and was about to close the door when Jiang Ruotang squeezed in right behind him.

“Why are you coming in?” Lu Guifan asked.

“Afraid the tag might scratch the back of your neck. I’ll help adjust the collar for you,” Jiang Ruotang replied like it was the most natural thing.

Lu Guifan said quietly, “Then don’t regret it later.”

Jiang Ruotang smirked. “What’s there to regret? Are you going to strangle me with the clothes?”

Lu Guifan first took off his jacket and hung it on the hook, then turned around and lifted the hem of his hoodie.

As his shoulders and back tensed, the lines of his muscles became defined.

Lu Guifan wasn’t the overly muscular type, but the contours of his shoulders and back were perfect. The sudden display of tension made Jiang Ruotang swallow hard.

*So gorgeous.*

This was his—only he could lean against Lu Guifan’s back like this. Yet Lu Guifan always kept himself covered up. Why so reserved?

After smoothing out the hoodie and hanging it aside, Lu Guifan reached for the mock two-piece shirt, only to find it wasn’t on the small stool.

He sighed and stretched his hand back. “Give it to me.”

Jiang Ruotang smirked. “Turn around, and I will.”

Taking a deep breath, Lu Guifan gave him a resigned look and turned around—only to leave Jiang Ruotang stunned.

The well-defined muscle lines, the lean yet sculpted physique, the deep and firm ridges of his abdomen—as an art student, Jiang Ruotang could only drink in the sight. If only he could touch them…

“Give it to me,” Lu Guifan extended his hand again.

Jiang Ruotang, knowing full well Lu Guifan hadn’t been exposed to certain books or videos, played dumb. “Give you what?”

“The shirt. What else?” Lu Guifan shot back.

Jiang Ruotang looked up at him. “Can’t I look a little longer?”

“What’s so special? You have the same things I do,” Lu Guifan replied.

Jiang Ruotang shook his head. “I don’t have abs or obliques as nice as yours… Consider it artistic research. Let me admire them a bit more!”

Lu Guifan stepped closer, lowering his head until their eyes met. He gave a soft hum. “Is it really *art* you’re thinking about?”

Just as Jiang Ruotang thought he might kiss him at this distance, Lu Guifan’s arm reached behind him—only to take the shirt before turning away again.

*Ahhh!* Jiang Ruotang wanted to scream in frustration.

*Lu Guifan, are you that dense or just playing hard to get?! I went out of my way to create this private space, and all you did was put on a fashion show for me?!*

*I refuse to accept this! Am I really that unappealing?!*

Meanwhile, Lu Guifan, now facing away again, pulled the shirt over his shoulders and adjusted the collar with effortless grace. He buttoned it up unhurriedly before turning back to see Jiang Ruotang pouting.

“Don’t you remember why you insisted on squeezing in here?” Lu Guifan teased, an amused glint in his eyes behind his glasses.

“I do.” Jiang Ruotang shot a disdainful glance at the top button, now fastened all the way up, as if Lu Guifan was on high alert against him.

*Fine. The man I’ve loved for two lifetimes—no matter how traditional, reserved, or oblivious he is, I’ll take him as he is.*

Lu Guifan ducked his head slightly. With the expression of someone who’d just been rejected from college, Jiang Ruotang reached out, pinched the collar, and carefully tugged out the pesky tag at the back of his neck. He even kept his other hand pressed against Lu Guifan’s skin to prevent scratches.

Little did he know, Lu Guifan had been watching the whole time.

Watching his adorable, slightly sulky expression. Watching his meticulous care. Feeling his breath so close—just like every time he curled up asleep in Lu Guifan’s arms, sending tremors straight to his core.

Lu Guifan had never desired much in life, adopting a detached, “whatever happens, happens” attitude toward everything.

Except Jiang Ruotang.

He was the one thing Lu Guifan could never get enough of.

Suddenly, something pressed lightly against Jiang Ruotang’s lips.

Light, fleeting—like a dragonfly skimming water, sending ripples that lingered long after.

When Jiang Ruotang looked up, Lu Guifan was so close that his nose lightly grazed Jiang Ruotang’s, as if to say, *I just kissed you. Don’t be mad.*

Jiang Ruotang’s mind was still replaying that brief kiss—the feel of Lu Guifan’s lips, his warmth, his intensity…

Perhaps because he took too long to react, Lu Guifan moved closer, wrapping his arms around him. One hand settled firmly at his waist, the other clasping his shoulder as Lu Guifan buried his face against Jiang Ruotang’s neck and whispered, “Ruo Tang, I really do like you. So stop teasing me—I won’t be able to hold back.”

Jiang Ruotang trembled. Cradling Lu Guifan’s face, he removed his glasses and kissed his eyelids.

“Why hold back when it comes to liking me? The more, the better.”

Lu Guifan froze. Jiang Ruotang’s lips were so near he hardly dared to breathe.

“Let’s… practice kissing, okay?”

The words had barely left Jiang Ruotang’s lips before he leaned in.

Soft, warm, gently pressing—Jiang Ruotang tried different angles, feeling the tension in Lu Guifan’s shoulders, sensing how completely he had him wrapped around his finger. Lu Guifan liked him far more than he’d imagined, so no matter what he did, no matter how bold, Lu Guifan’s breath and heartbeat would always respond to his.

After several kisses, Lu Guifan gradually retreated until his back met the wall. Then Jiang Ruotang’s tongue darted lightly against his upper lip.

That tiny gesture not only made Lu Guifan pull him closer but also left Jiang Ruotang astonished.

Despite being the more impatient and proactive one, he was just as inexperienced. No amount of movies or novels could substitute for real practice. Bursting with affection, he wanted nothing more than to eat Lu Guifan up.

At first, Lu Guifan just went along with it passively. But when Jiang Ruotang pulled away, flushed and breathless, a far more urgent kiss crashed into him—one brimming with barely restrained need, something Jiang Ruotang had never felt from Lu Guifan before. It electrified him, and he opened his eyes, eager to see Lu Guifan’s unguarded expression.

Yet to Lu Guifan, Jiang Ruotang’s delayed response only made him more impatient.

He returned every move Jiang Ruotang had made—only turned up. Jiang Ruotang was overwhelmed.

First, Lu Guifan teased his lips open with slow, sucking kisses. Jiang Ruotang obliged, but when his response wasn’t enthusiastic enough, Lu Guifan’s tongue pushed more firmly past his upper lip. The lingering tea from earlier still flavored his mouth, and Jiang Ruotang went weak against him, relying entirely on Lu Guifan’s arms to stay upright.

Finally managing to turn his face away, Jiang Ruotang gasped, “Gently… slower…”

Only then did Lu Guifan pause, pressing an apologetic kiss to the tear-dampened corner of Jiang Ruotang’s eye.

As Jiang Ruotang caught his breath, his collar messed up and his neck turned pink, the color spreading to his cheeks and ears, Lu Guifan wasn't about to let go—if anything, his hold tightened.

A few seconds later, the sound of someone entering the fitting area reached them, followed by the sound of clothes being moved.

“Attention customers, please remember to return any unwanted items. Thank you for your cooperation!” The staff’s voice through the door made Jiang Ruotang freeze. He gave Lu Guifan’s shoulder a tap, about to say they should go—but before he could get a word out, Lu Guifan’s lips captured his again.

More intense and unrestrained than before, Jiang Ruotang's scalp prickled, yet this addictive rush made him disregard everything. He grabbed Lu Guifan by the collar, and perhaps sensing Jiang Ruotang's legs giving way, Lu Guifan suddenly scooped him up.

The guy's arm strength was ridiculously strong—Jiang Ruotang's weight felt no different to him than holding a feather pillow.

Lu Guifan took two steps back, reaching the corner. Jiang Ruotang was kissed until his blood burned, never expecting Lu Guifan to turn around and place him on a leather stool in the corner.

The firm ground underfoot made Jiang Ruotang even bolder. He gave Lu Guifan a sharp tug, causing him to stumble and nearly crash into Jiang Ruotang's nose. Luckily, Lu Guifan reacted quickly, going down on one knee and bracing his hands against the wall, effectively pinning Jiang Ruotang in place.

Jiang Ruotang planted three quick kisses on his lips—the first just a brush, the second pressing his tongue insistently against the corner of Lu Guifan's mouth, a clear invitation that only fanned the flames of Lu Guifan's unsteady breath. The third was downright bold—he bit down hard on Lu Guifan's lower lip.

So soft, like gummy candy.

Lu Guifan's kiss in return was like a crashing wave. Jiang Ruotang's head nearly hit the corner of the wall, but Lu Guifan's hand was faster, instantly cupping the back of his beloved's head.

Their kisses grew increasingly wild, and Jiang Ruotang discovered another side of Lu Guifan—one that was wild and uninhibited.

Until Jiang Ruotang felt something pressing against him, a sudden realization flashing through his mind as his shoulders tensed.

Simultaneously, Lu Guifan paused the kiss, burying his face in Jiang Ruotang's neck. His exhales were searing hot. Just as Jiang Ruotang was about to pat him, Lu Guifan's slightly hoarse voice murmured, "Wait for me outside."

Jiang Ruotang swallowed, mischief in his tone. "What's the problem? You've already shown me your abs. Why not let me see what's below them too?"

"Ruo Tang..." Lu Guifan's voice carried a hint of helplessness. "Do you think you're stronger than me?"

"N-no... I think your arm strength is insane," Jiang Ruotang replied without batting an eye, laying on the flattery.

"Then if I really wanted to do something, you wouldn't be able to run."

Jiang Ruotang's heart lurched—a mix of fear and anticipation.

He hadn't planned on running anyway.

But... this really wasn't the right place.

Jiang Ruotang turned his head and kissed Lu Guifan's cheek, then carefully fixed the glasses that had been pushed up on his head, sliding them back onto his nose.

"Then... I'll go out now."

"Mm." Lu Guifan nodded.

Jiang Ruotang fumbled in his pocket for a while before leaving a small pack of tissues on the stool.

Lu Guifan lifted an arm and waved the back of his hand, as if granting him a "go ahead." Jiang Ruotang ducked out and immediately closed the door behind him.

Standing outside, he took a deep breath and glanced at the staff member sitting at the changing room entrance, glued to their phone, not sparing him a second glance.

Jiang Ruotang hurried down the hallway, his head still spinning. Lu Guifan's kisses were really... He couldn't help but marvel—talented people excelled at everything.

Only after Jiang Ruotang had walked away did Lu Guifan lock the door. Leaning against the wall, he tilted his head back and inhaled sharply, barely holding himself together.

Jiang Ruotang's face was burning. He sent Lu Guifan a message, figuring he wouldn't be out anytime soon, then went downstairs, stepped outside, bought two bottles of ice-cold cola, and returned to the second floor, holding the bottles to his flaming cheeks to cool down.

By the time the cola had warmed to room temperature, Lu Guifan finally emerged, discreetly tossing the tissues into the trash before standing in front of Jiang Ruotang and tilting his head. "Want to try anything else on?"

Despite Lu Guifan's calm expression, Jiang Ruotang could see the hunger barely contained beneath. He really wanted to book a presidential suite right then, push Lu Guifan onto a king-sized bed, and watch him come undone.

But that was just a fantasy—who'd be topping whom was far from certain.

"No, just these for now." He flashed a satisfied smile, purposely flicking Lu Guifan's earlobe as he passed him to check out.

The clerk snipped off the tag of the outfit Lu Guifan was wearing, and he followed behind Jiang Ruotang, carrying two bags of clothes.

Truthfully, Jiang Ruotang felt like he hadn't kissed enough and wanted to talk Lu Guifan into coming back to his place for more practice. But Lu Guifan regretfully said, "My parents are both home today—a rare occasion. My mom cooked some good dishes, so I should head back."

Jiang Ruotang understood. In just over half a month, Lu Guifan would leave for university in the capital, and chances to see his parents would grow scarce. Spending time with them now was important.

"Want to come with me for dinner?" Lu Guifan lowered his eyes. Every thought showed on Jiang Ruotang's face. As much as he also wanted to be intimate with Jiang Ruotang in his new room, he had to add, "My parents brought Xiao Wei home."

"Wow, visiting your new place and meeting my little sister-in-law on day one?"

"If you need to mentally prepare, you can come later." Lu Guifan shoved his hands into his pockets, looking completely unfazed. "Otherwise, if she sees you kissing me, it might scare her."

"I'm not a monster—how would I scare her?" Jiang Ruotang immediately glanced around. "I should get her a gift."

Lu Guifan had assumed Jiang Ruotang would pick a soft plush toy, but instead, he earnestly selected a pair of candy-shaped hair ties at a boutique, even holding them up to his own head to demonstrate.

"These are adorable! Wouldn't Xiao Wei look cute with them in her hair at kindergarten?" Jiang Ruotang grinned, eyes sparkling.

Lu Guifan's gaze softened as he imagined Jiang Ruotang as a kindergartener.

After buying the gift, Jiang Ruotang followed Lu Guifan to his new home.

The neighborhood was lush with greenery, and Lu Guifan had even bought a garage and a car to make it easier to drive Xiao Wei around.

No more climbing the stairs of the old apartment building. Stepping into the elevator with Lu Guifan, Jiang Ruotang felt strangely nostalgic.

"What's on your mind?" Lu Guifan asked with a smile.

"I kind of miss huffing my way up the stairs while you waited for me ahead."

The moment the words left his mouth, Lu Guifan's lips were briefly captured again.

"I can kiss you in the elevator too."

That smirk of Lu Guifan's set Jiang Ruotang's blood on fire.

Jiang Ruotang turned his face away. Are you kidding me? Even usually reserved Lu Guifan had learned ambush kisses—he felt his own game was weakening!