Chapter 99

Chapter 99

After sending the message, Song Nian covered his mouth and snickered. Without waiting for a reply, he put away his phone and changed direction and headed to the restaurant.

Originally, after landing, he had planned to go straight home, but he got a last-minute invite to a private dinner.

Though it was called a dinner, it was more like a networking dinner, with some senior figures in the industry and a well-known director in attendance.

In fact, given Song Nian's current resources and background, he didn’t need to go to these gatherings for connections; he could decide however he wanted.

Just as he was about to refuse, he suddenly thought of something, a mischievous idea popped into his head, and he swallowed his refusal and agreed instead.

He had said he wanted to get one over on Li Yanchuan for once!

The previous dinner’s deliberate cold shoulder hadn’t gone well, and he had been messed with over the phone while on set. Song Nian decided to take this opportunity to mess with him and get his revenge.

What a troublemaker. Time to be even worse.

Let’s see if you still act tough now!

At the table, after plenty of food and drinks, he had no idea that Li Yanchuan nearly crushed his phone when he saw that message.

During a lull in the dinner, Song Nian took out his phone and saw two messages from Li Yanchuan:

"Li Yanchuan: Mhm, have fun."

"Li Yanchuan: You're your own person. Go wherever you want, see whoever you want. I'm not gonna stop you."

He had expected him to be unhappy or jealous, but instead, he was still pretending to be magnanimous.

He had said it long ago—he liked it when Li Yanchuan showed his possessive side; there was no need to hide it.

Not getting what he expected, Song Nian angrily shut off his phone and decided to ignore it.

Today, he was determined to make Li Yanchuan break that habit too.

So, although he could have made an excuse to leave early, he stubbornly stayed until the party ended and never looked at his phone again.

After thanking someone for offering to take him home and saying goodbye to everyone, only then did he remember Li Yanchuan.

He casually strolled out of the restaurant, took out his phone, and saw two messages sent twenty minutes ago, both from the same person:

"Li Yanchuan: I'm jealous."

"Li Yanchuan: …If I don't see you soon, I'll die right in front of you."

Seeing this, Song Nian immediately burst out laughing.

How is he this cute even when he's jealous!

Finally, he admitted he was jealous.

He grinned to himself, and instead of leaving in a hurry, he stopped by the restroom first.

"Little Song, what are you laughing at so happily? Is it cold? Why are you wearing a scarf?"

When he came out, he ran into an acquaintance, who saw him beaming and asked curiously.

Song Nian quickly wiped the smile off his face, waved his hand to say it was nothing, and ran off.

Knowing when to stop and never overdo it, as he happily left the restaurant and tried to hail a taxi, he caught sight of a familiar car out of the corner of his eye.

Along with a familiar figure.

Across the street, a Rolls-Royce Cullinan was parked, its black body hidden in the night, moonlight flowing over it like a sleek beast lying in wait, waiting for someone.

And leaning against the driver's side door, a tall, long-legged man, was none other than Li Yanchuan.

He stood there with his eyes lowered, the cold moonlight falling on him, making him appear isolated and aloof, giving off a 'keep your distance' vibe.

But incongruously, he cradled a bouquet of red roses gently and preciously.

Then, as if sensing something, the man suddenly looked up.

Their eyes met across the distance, and Song Nian was stunned.

Why is Li Yanchuan here?

Just as he was wondering, Li Yanchuan strode straight toward him.

The hem of his coat billowed in the night wind, and his gaze followed intently, unwavering, making it seem as if he was coming only for him.

No, perhaps it wasn't an illusion.

Because his steady and determined steps finally stopped in front of him.

There were steps at the entrance of the restaurant. He stood at the top of the steps, Li Yanchuan below, gazing at each other.

"You... what are you doing here?"

Song Nian asked, dazed.

Warm yellow light fell on them, making one silhouette softer and the other's features deeper.

"To come get you."

Li Yanchuan looked up and said with a slight smile.

"Since you won't come back, I had to come find you."

"Because I miss you so much."

During those few hours alone at home, Li Yanchuan did a lot of thinking.

He didn't want Song Nian to be out there socializing with others, but he was afraid his reluctance would become a restraint, limiting Song Nian's freedom.

He was extremely jealous but didn't dare show it.

He paced back and forth anxiously, biting his lip so hard it nearly bled.

Suddenly, he remembered the promise they had made—to no longer hide and to be completely open about what he wanted.

Even Song Nian was learning to share both the highs and lows. He... should change too.

After a moment of hesitation, he stopped straightening the already perfectly arranged books, got the address of Song Nian's dinner, grabbed his car keys, and rushed out the door.

He would no longer try to trap Song Nian in his own world like before; instead, he would learn to step into and become part of Song Nian's life.

"I want everyone around you to know you're with me."

Li Yanchuan looked up and offered the rose.

The gaze cast upon him was hot and intense, like a stream dropping its gentle act, suddenly unleashing a mountain torrent to drown his beloved.

The desire to possess had not vanished, but had simply found another way to envelop him.

Demanding that your eyes look only at me, that only I stand by your side, and that your heart loves only me.

Li Yanchuan knew that he was insatiable.

But this suffocating, all-encompassing embrace would bring a sense of security to some.

Song Nian did not rush to take the flower; instead, he clasped his hands behind his back and smiled:

"Then I have a small request."

"Every time you come to pick me up from now on, you must bring a bouquet of roses."

Demanding your surging love, your undivided gaze, and the unfailing priority you keep for me in your heart.

Song Nian knew that he was pushing his luck.

When Li Yanchuan saw that gentle smile, it dimmed the moonlight between heaven and earth.

He would agree to anything Song Nian wanted.

Upon receiving the affirmative answer, Song Nian's smile deepened. Without a word, he acted instead.

He rushed down the stairs in long strides, then leaped forward and was caught in steady arms, spun around once, and was pulled into an embrace.

Beneath the moonlight, their shadows intersected, overlapped, and ultimately merged into one.

————

By the car, Li Yanchuan politely opened the door for him, but Song Nian was in no hurry to get in.

Instead, he secretively pulled the man to the other side of the vehicle.

On the shadowed side, devoid of any light, Song Nian's eyes still sparkled as if holding stars, clearly containing a secret.

"Since you're jealous, here's a reward for you."

He stuck out his tongue while untying his scarf, like a sneaky little dog stealing a piece of jerky.

Bewildered, Li Yanchuan was about to speak, but his voice caught in his throat, unable to form any syllable when he saw what lay beneath the scarf.

As his fingers slowly pulled down the scarf around his neck, it revealed not only a fair neck but also a collar encircling it.

On closer inspection, it was the very one he had specially crafted.

"You—"

Li Yanchuan's eyes widened, his breath hitched, and his breath grew heavy and feverish.

The thought that Song Nian had willingly worn the collar and composed himself while socializing and saying goodbye to others sent a shiver of excitement through him, and a surge of heat shot through him from his stomach.

"Do you like this reward?"

Song Nian licked his lips, leaving them glistening, as if to urge him on or show off.

"I do."

Li Yanchuan clenched his fists, muscles bulging with restrained strength, veins faintly visible beneath the skin.

Seeing this, Song Nian gave a sly smile, like a mischievous brat who got his way. Instead of taking the passenger seat, he opened the rear door and pushed him inside.

Then he slipped into the back seat himself.

"Don't forget what I said on set."

Straddling him, he raised an eyebrow, one hand bracing on the seat, the other already boldly pressing against his solid chest.

"Of course, you can collect a little more interest."

Li Yanchuan chuckled softly, taking the initiative to grasp that wrist and guide it downward.

"Then I'm not holding back—"

As he said that, Song Nian's hand moved, inadvertently knocking over the bouquet beside the seat.

The bouquet wrap was loose and simpler than usual. It fell to the ground, scattering petals on the floor of the car.

"Sorry, I left in a hurry and didn't have time to prepare a bigger bouquet."

Li Yanchuan followed his gaze and coughed awkwardly, explaining.

This bouquet was picked hastily from the garden when he remembered he couldn't show up empty-handed.

Next time he came to pick up Song Nian, he would dress to the nines, from head to toe, holding the brightest, most brilliant red roses.

Announcing to everyone that Song Nian was taken—no one should dare covet him, and no one stands a chance.

"As long as it's from you, I love it."

Song Nian smiled gently, his fingertip tracing the man's Adam's apple.

The hint was unmistakable, and the kiss that followed was like a match strike, instantly igniting an explosion. The charged atmosphere inside the car was about to explode.

Fortunately, it was late at night; the restaurant was closed, and few pedestrians passed by. Otherwise, they might have noticed the Cullinan rocking.

Anyone close enough could feel the car rocking.

Anyone peering through the window would be burned by the wave of passion rippling through the spring night.

Li Yanchuan leaned back against the seat, a few damp strands of hair falling over his smooth forehead. His tight lips and muffled groans gave away his restraint.

His clothes were still intact, though disheveled—his suit tie was missing, and his shirt was wrinkled from the pressure of someone's knee.

In contrast, the person straddling him looked far more disheveled.

A large expanse of pale skin was so conspicuous in the dim night that no one could ignore it.

Even though he was straddling him, his wrists were tied to the car's grab handle with the tie, leaving him unable to escape, confined to this small space.

He looked like he'd just been pulled out of water, drenched all over.

Probably exhausted, Song Nian didn't even have the strength to lift his eyelids and glare; when he did look up, his eyes held a hint of playful reproach.

"Tired?"

Li Yanchuan smiled, wiping the sweat from Song Nian's cheek with the back of his hand.

Song Nian nodded eagerly. He was the one doing all the work just now—yeah, he'd asked for it, but it was seriously exhausting.

He was lifted up a bit by his armpits, about to catch his breath when, the next second, he was dropped back down hard, making tears spring to his eyes.

"Now, let me do the work."

Li Yanchuan's amused and dangerous smile came into view, like a stage curtain being pulled open, signaling the start of the next act.