As the due date approached, Ye Mingxuan went to the hospital for his final prenatal checkup.
Seated in a comfortable recliner monitoring the fetal heartbeat, he listened as Tan Sizhe and Dr. Cai discussed scheduling the cesarean.
Dr. Cai reviewed the reports and confirmed everything was normal: “The baby is fully developed. You can come in for the surgery next week. Just pack your essentials and come stay. Our staff will brief you on any precautions.”
Tan Sizhe nodded. “Thank you, Dr. Cai.”
Hearing the cesarean was scheduled for next week, Ye Mingxuan immediately grew anxious. “So soon?!”
Tan Sizhe saw Dr. Cai off, then sat beside him, clasping his hand. “Don’t worry. Dr. Cai is experienced.”
Though he offered reassurance to Ye Mingxuan, the sweat on the man’s palm revealed he was even more anxious than Ye Mingxuan himself.
Because his surgery wasn’t just a C-section—it also involved removing his uterus and ovaries.
“Sir, you don’t need to worry. Dr. Cai is experienced. She’ll definitely cure me.” ” Ye Mingxuan turned to reassure him, patting Tan Sizhe’s hand with feigned maturity.
The room fell silent, quiet enough to hear only their breathing.
Tan Sizhe lowered his head and tugged at the corner of his mouth. Since birth, few people or events had ever made him nervous. Ye Mingxuan was the first.
“I’m completely at your mercy this lifetime,” Tan Sizhe murmured resignedly, kissing Ye Mingxuan’s hand.
Ye Mingxuan chuckled, grabbing Tan Sizhe’s hand and shaking it playfully. “Once I’m fully recovered, I can finally learn to paint!”
Seeing his friend still thinking about painting, Tan Sizhe smiled and gently pinched his nose. “Of course.”
“Then you can paint without restraint.”
Ye Mingxuan said, “When that time comes, you’ll be my model.”
“Fine. Clothed or unclothed—whatever you desire.”
“Sir!!”…
The day before surgery, Ye Mingxuan was admitted for preoperative tests.
He had to fast for eight hours before surgery, not even allowed water. Lying in bed, his lips parched, he could only lick them or rely on Tan Sizhe to moisten them with a cotton swab.
His stomach growled loudly. Seeing Tan Sizhe’s teasing smile, Ye Mingxuan flushed. “Can I eat after the surgery tomorrow?” “
“No,” Tan Sizhe shook his head. “The doctor said you must fast for another six hours after surgery.”
“Another fast?” Ye Mingxuan felt like he was about to collapse. “I’m so hungry.”
“Sweetie, I can’t help you this time,” Tan Sizhe pinched his cheek. “You absolutely must fast.”
“In three days, you can eat normally again. I’ll call Aunt Fu back then and have her cook for you.”
“Really? I get to eat Aunt Fu’s cooking?”
Ye Mingxuan felt like sunshine had lit up his heart, pure happiness flooding him. “Then I’ll endure it for now.”
His adorable expression made Tan Sizhe want to kiss him. Before he could think it through, his hands acted faster than his brain—he turned Ye Mingxuan’s round face and planted two firm kisses on his cheeks.
Ye Mingxuan whimpered softly. Tan Sizhe pulled back, afraid he might go too far if he continued.
“Sir, I want to sleep.”
“Sleep. I’ll be next door. Call me if you need anything.”
“Okay.”
Tan Sizhe arranged the best hospital room for Ye Mingxuan. This room connected to a small adjoining room where Tan Sizhe slept.
Knowing his master was next door calmed Ye Mingxuan considerably. After turning off the lights, he nestled into the comfortable blankets and soon drifted off.
The next morning, after everything was prepared, Ye Mingxuan changed into surgical attire and lay on the gurney heading toward the operating room.
Tan Sizhe followed beside him. As they approached the operating room entrance, fear crept into Ye Mingxuan’s voice: “Master…”
His palm sweaty, he gripped Tan Sizhe’s hand tightly.
Tan Sizhe squeezed back. “Don’t be afraid. I’ll wait for you outside.”
Ye Mingxuan’s chest rose and fell nervously. He nodded and released his grip.
Tan Sizhe’s eyes flickered as he watched Ye Mingxuan being wheeled inside.
Liu Yan, Tan Yinghui, Liu Junxin, and Bai Yu had all arrived.
Bai Yu walked over to Tan Sizhe and patted his shoulder. “Your hands are shaking. Sit down for a moment.”
Tan Sizhe shook his head, remaining rooted at the operating room door. “I’ll wait for him.”
A cesarean section wouldn’t take long, but Ye Mingxuan also needed a hysterectomy—no one knew how long that would take.
Bai Yu knew persuasion was futile. Tan Sizhe would sit down when he grew tired. She didn’t disturb him, instead returning to comfort Liu Yan.
Liu Yan was extremely nervous. “I know roughly what a C-section involves, but Mingxuan is a man. I’ve never seen a man undergo one before. Could something go wrong?”
“No, no,” Liu Junxin reassured her. “Xiao Ze hired the best doctor. He’s experienced. Our Mingxuan will definitely come through safely.”
Liu Yan nodded, her face pale. “Okay.”
Half an hour later, a nurse wheeled the infant out. “The baby’s here! Parents, come take a look.”
“He’s out?!” Tan Yinghui grabbed Liu Junxin’s hand, his voice trembling with excitement. “So fast!”
Tan Sizhe’s heart skipped a beat as he walked over. In the stroller lay a rosy-cheeked infant whose eyes and brows resembled Mingxuan’s, sleeping soundly with eyes closed.
“This child is truly beautiful!” exclaimed Liu Yan.
“Yes, the eyes are Mingxuan’s, while the nose and mouth resemble Sizhe’s. Such a lovely baby!” thought Liu Junxin.
This was his child with Mingxuan.
Tan Sizhe gazed at the swaddled infant, his heart melting into a pool of water.
The nurse said, “The family is taking him to the neonatal ward. Who will go with him?”
They looked at Tan Size, who stared fixedly at the operating room door. “You go. I’ll wait here for Mingxuan. I’m afraid he won’t see me when he comes out.”
Liu Junxin said, “Alright, then Yinghui will go. Only one person is needed. We’ll all stay here.”
Tan Yinghui nodded and followed the nurse away.
Time ticked by, from morning into afternoon. The setting sun peeked over the horizon. Tan Sizhe stood motionless at the doorway, like a statue, having eaten or drunk nothing.
Liu Junxin paced anxiously behind him. “What’s going on? It’s been five hours already. Why hasn’t he come out?”
Tan Sizhe felt panic rising inside him. His lips were parched, and his body trembled slightly beyond his control.
Bai Yu noticed and hurriedly said, “Sit down for a moment. You haven’t eaten lunch and have been standing for five hours. How can you endure this?”
“Mingxuan hasn’t eaten since yesterday,” Tan Sizhe replied. “This little wait is nothing to me.”
“Why are you so stubborn?” Bai Yu pressed him. “You absolutely must rest now.”
“No.”
“Go!”
Just as they were pushing each other, the operating room door suddenly opened.
Tan Sizhe froze, turning to see Ye Mingxuan being wheeled out.
He stumbled violently. Having stood for so long, his legs had gone numb, and he nearly fell as he rushed forward. He reached Ye Mingxuan’s side.
His little wife had been lively and energetic when he went in, but now he lay still on the gurney, an oxygen mask covering his face, exhaling puffs of white mist.
Dr. Cai emerged in scrubs: “The surgery was successful. The uterus and both adnexa were completely removed. He should wake up once the anesthesia wears off.”
Tan Sizhe clasped Ye Mingxuan’s hand. The latter’s skin felt slightly cool, so he tightened his grip, warming him with the heat from his own palm.
“As long as he’s safe.” Tan Sizhe kissed Ye Mingxuan’s hand. “As long as he’s safe.”
…
Ye Mingxuan had a very, very long dream. He dreamed of himself and his father in the construction site dormitory, the fan creaking as it turned. They sat on a straw mat eating watermelon. The scene shifted—he was holding his mother’s hand, standing before the gate of the Ye family home.
Through the seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, in the season when the saplings curled their leaves and the foliage gradually turned yellow, he met someone.
He had a pair of beautiful phoenix-like eyes, their depths as dark as a deep pool. When he didn’t smile, they held a cold mist; when he did, it was like spring winds melting ice and snow.
This person stood beneath the lush saplings, sunlight filtering through the leaves in dappled patterns, scattering like stars upon his form.
“Mingxuan—”
Ye Mingxuan opened his eyes wearily. A beige hospital room came into focus, the bright fluorescent lights shifting from blur to clarity.
“Mingxuan?!” Tan Sizhe leaned over him, those beautiful phoenix-like eyes from his dream fixed intently on him.
Ye Mingxuan blinked, his voice hoarse. “Sir.”
Tan Sizhe took his hand and pressed it against his cheek.
Ye Mingxuan’s face was pale, his body still weak. “I had a dream. In it, I walked for a very, very long time. I was so tired.”
“Then I dreamed of the end of the road.”
Tan Sizhe smiled and asked, “What was at the end of the road?”
Ye Mingxuan raised his hand, brushing against Tan Sizhe’s flushed brow: “I dreamed the end of the road was you.”
Sir, thank you for waiting there for me.
–
One September morning, the bright sun gradually rose, its gentle rays streaming into the dressing room in slender beams.
Ye Mingxuan stood before the full-length mirror, adjusting his white collar, tugging at his denim overalls, and pulling on a gray beret.
The ring on his finger caught the sunlight, its dancing sparkle dazzling.
Once dressed, he faced the mirror and straightened his back.
Knock knock. The doorframe of the dressing room was tapped.
Ye Mingxuan turned to see Tan Sizhe leaning lazily against the doorframe, his long legs casually propped on the floor.
The man’s thin lips curved upward. “Ready?”
“Ready!” Ye Mingxuan jogged over and descended the stairs with Tan Sizhe.
Aunt Fu brought a lavish breakfast to the table and saw them coming down. “Gentlemen, breakfast is served.”
Ye Mingxuan walked past the living room, stopping before the stroller. He bent down.
Tan Sizhe joined him, exchanging a glance before looking at the stroller.
The pink-cheeked infant slept soundly, tiny hands and feet tucked beneath the blanket, a glistening droplet of saliva still clinging to the corner of its mouth. All was quiet.
Ye Mingxuan smiled, looked at Tan Sizhe, and nudged him gently with his fluffy head. Tan Sizhe lowered his own head, their foreheads meeting in a soft bump.
After breakfast, Tan Sizhe took Ye Mingxuan’s hand as they stepped outside. Bai Yu stood beside the Maybach: “Good morning, Mr. Tan, Mingxuan.”
“Good morning, Mr. Bai,” Ye Mingxuan replied with a smile.
Bai Yu opened the car door: “Hop in. I’ll be your driver today.”
Ye Mingxuan settled in, while Tan Sizhe walked around to the other side.
The car started moving slowly. It was autumn, and the Chinese tallow trees on the A University campus were a mix of yellowing leaves, red hues, and patches still holding onto summer’s vibrant green.
The view stretched out like beautiful, colorful clouds.
Lin Jiale squeezed out of the long queue in front of Uncle Baozi’s shop, took a big bite of her savory egg yolk meat-stuffed rice dumpling, and looked up to see a conspicuous Maybach slowly driving past on the road.
The rear window of the Maybach rolled down, and Ye Mingxuan poked his head out: “Jiale!”
“Mmm!” Lin Jiale swallowed his bite, waving back. “Mingxuan! See you at lunch!”
“See you at lunch!” Ye Mingxuan waved back, resting his hands on the window sill. He closed his eyes, letting the cool autumn breeze blow through.
The art academy bustled with people, the air thick with the scent of paint. The classroom for Oil Painting Class 2 was especially lively.
“Li Ran, did you hear? Ye Yufan dropped out.”
Li Ran gasped, “Really?”
“Absolutely true. My senior told me—she’s in the same class as Ye Yufan.”
“Rumor has it his family’s practically bankrupt.”
“Huh? Bankrupt? Well, obviously he can’t afford oil painting anymore. It costs a fortune to study art. No wonder he dropped out.”
“Couldn’t it be because he offended the Tan family?”
As everyone gathered around, chattering away about the gossip, their homeroom teacher, Zhao Qinqin, walked in: “Quiet, everyone. “
“We have a new transfer student joining our class this semester. Everyone, be friendly.”
The mention of a transfer student instantly sparked excitement.
“A transfer student? Who’d be crazy enough to switch to oil painting?”
“Who is it? A hottie or a beauty?”
“Great, scholarship competition just got tougher.”
Li Ran sensed something off: “This transfer student isn’t—”
A bright figure entered the classroom—snow-white skin, dressed in a white shirt and denim overalls, with a plush kitten pinned to the pocket.
The newcomer removed his hat, his jet-black hair swaying in the breeze, eyes sparkling.
Zhao Qinqin said gently, “New student, please introduce yourself.”
Ye Mingxuan surveyed the unfamiliar faces in the classroom. His dark, shining eyes remained composed as he curved his rosy lips into a smile. “Hello, everyone. My name is Ye Mingxuan.”…
“Sir!” After class, Ye Mingxuan dashed out the gate of the Academy of Fine Arts and spotted Tan Sizhe waiting at the entrance.
The man stood tall and graceful, towering camphor trees behind him.
Many students turned to look, their gazes filled with curiosity and envy.
Ye Mingxuan approached Tan Sizhe, peering around. “Huh?” he murmured. “Where’s the car?”
“It’s at the school gate. I waited for you to walk over. Let’s take a stroll.” Tan Sizhe held out his hand.
A stroll? In front of all these people?
The surrounding gazes grew more numerous and intense, as if they were watching them date in miniature.
Ye Mingxuan’s cheeks flushed slightly as he took the man’s hand.
Tan Sizhe curved his lips, pulling him closer as the bracelet on his wrist sparkled. They walked beneath the evening-glow-like camphor trees, step by step, leaves swirling in the wind and landing on them.
“How were your classes today?”
“Great! I didn’t zone out or fall asleep!”
“Oh, so you used to space out and sleep in class?”
“……”
“Why aren’t you talking?”
“Sir…”
“Alright, alright, I won’t tease you anymore.” Tan Sizhe smiled, wrapping his arm around Ye Mingxuan’s waist.
After over two months of recuperation and exercise, Ye Mingxuan’s waist had grown so slender it could be encircled with one hand.
“Let’s go on our honeymoon during winter break,” Tan Sizhe murmured in his ear.
Ye Mingxuan looked up. “Honeymoon? Where to?”
Tan Sizhe: “Anywhere. As long as I’m with you.”
Ye Mingxuan’s cheeks flushed slightly as he murmured, “Mm.”
As long as he was with his husband, anywhere would be joyful.
