“Wait a second,” Ao Qingqing called after him, taking off her sunglasses and looking him over. “Everyone else brought a girlfriend or boyfriend. Why didn’t you? If you don’t mind, I can reluctantly step in as your date—as interest on those checks.”
“I mind,” Kong Wenyu said, turning and walking away.
Ao Qingqing rolled her eyes, put her sunglasses back on, and waited in her heels as Nie Jun wrote the checks.
“Do the Kong family’s bodyguards always have this much authority?” she asked.
Nie Jun gave no clear response. He handed over the checks and clicked the pen.
“How much?” he asked.
Kong Wenyu had already walked a fair distance ahead.
Ao Qingqing held up five fingers. “Two checks, that amount.”
Nie Jun’s pen paused. “That’s not the same amount as last time.”
Ao Qingqing urged, “Why are you trying to save him money? Just write it.”
Nie Jun scribbled down the number, tore off the check, handed it to her, then packed up the pen and check stub, picked up the umbrella, and jogged after Kong Wenyu.
Ao Qingqing looked down and realized—it was half the amount.
She rolled her eyes again and passed the check to the assistant waiting nearby.
Because this trip was planned to last several days, they had stocked up generously on supplies. Entertainment was also well-prepared, even including two professional dealers for card games.
Kong Wenyu hadn’t slept well the night before and had gotten up early to prep for the day, so after staying out for a bit, he returned to his room for a nap.
Ao Qingqing had originally wanted to get him to sign off on another check. When she couldn’t find him, she started looking for Nie Jun—and couldn’t find him either.
It wasn’t until evening that the two of them finally reappeared.
Kong Wenyu was still yawning nonstop, clearly still tired.
Nie Jun had changed into a clean black T-shirt from a niche brand, without any logos—just visibly high-quality material.
That evening’s banquet was the most extravagant of the trip. Waiters brought out desserts as guests gradually took their seats, soft piano music playing in the background.
“Wow,” Fu Xi said, eyes sparkling as he sat next to Kong Wenyu. “No wonder you guys keep going on trips like this. You’re living in total decadence.”
Ao Qingqing, likely fresh from the pool, walked over with wet hair draped over her shoulders. Sparkling diamond earrings flashed faintly under the lights.
She headed toward the seat on the other side of Kong Wenyu.
“That one’s taken,” Kong Wenyu said. “Sit across.”
“No thanks.” Ao Qingqing veered off and plopped down next to Fu Xi, leaving one seat between her and Kong Wenyu. “I want to sit with you guys.”
Fu Xi clicked his tongue. “With this setup, the tabloids won’t even wait—you’ll have rumors about a rekindled romance before we dock.”
Ao Qingqing flipped her hair. “I’m not worried. Using the title of his ‘fiancée’ still makes things easier.”
“Don’t,” Kong Wenyu said flatly, pulling out his phone and sending a message to Nie Jun.
Nie Jun’s phone buzzed in his pocket nearby. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Kong Wenyu tilt his head and glance over at him.
He pulled out the phone and saw just two words: Come over.
Nie Jun hesitated, then walked in their direction.
Ao Qingqing kept rambling. “What, you think I’m not good enough? Just wait. Once I make it big, you’ll come begging.”
“Save that for when you become the richest woman alive,” Kong Wenyu said, watching Nie Jun approach. He patted the seat next to him.
Nie Jun stood still, not moving.
Fu Xi glanced over and did a double take. At first, he thought it was someone’s hired model, but then he realized—it was Nie Jun.
“A few days ago at Longzhu’s dessert gathering,” Ao Qingqing said, “someone asked what happened with you—why you ran out on your engagement party. I heard she even told people you had some serious illness, incurable and hereditary.”
“For real?” She sized Kong Wenyu up. “You look perfectly healthy to me. Sounds like a lame excuse to get out of marriage.”
Kong Wenyu didn’t respond. He was staring at Nie Jun, a faint frown forming.
Ao Qingqing scoffed. “Seriously? You build up that kind of image, who the hell would still want to marry or have kids with you?”
He still didn’t speak, so she leaned in to look—only to find that he was still just staring at Nie Jun.
Looking closer at Nie Jun—he was tall to begin with, and standing that close made him look even taller. Maybe he had just gotten a haircut, and damn, he looked sharp.
Fu Xi chuckled. “Qingqing-jie, you didn’t go to the gathering? Why are you repeating secondhand gossip?”
Ao Qingqing snapped out of it and turned to him, visibly annoyed but not weak or discouraged. “We’re not from the same circle. I’ve been spending time with Xiao Yu’s second aunt’s crowd lately—but I’m not one of them.”
Kong Wenyu leaned back in his chair and tapped the empty seat next to him again.
Nie Jun paused, then finally sat down.
Ao Qingqing continued her gossip: “Second aunt’s been resting at home, taking care of the pregnancy—hasn’t been out much. I caught a glimpse of her the other day… Jesus, the way she smiled—pure motherly radiance.”
As she spoke, she suddenly stopped, leaning forward past Fu Xi and Kong Wenyu to get a better look at Nie Jun two seats down.
Fu Xi also looked over. No one said anything for a moment.
Nie Jun hesitated slightly, but before he could move, Kong Wenyu placed a firm hand on his shoulder, holding him in place.
Fu Xi opened his mouth to speak. Ao Qingqing stabbed at her fruit with a fork and said, “Their bodyguards sure have status. Not just eating at the same table—they can even hand out checks on their own.”
Fu Xi went quiet, then started eating his fruit, too.
Kong Wenyu turned to Nie Jun and asked, “What do you want to eat?”
His hand was still on Nie Jun’s shoulder. Guests had started to notice—more than a few glanced over before quickly looking away.
Nie Jun didn’t reply, so Kong Wenyu picked up his chopsticks and started adding nearby dishes to his plate. He set two small dessert plates in front of him, then ladled out a bowl of soup and placed it at his side.
Fu Xi sucked in a breath and muttered, “He really is important. I’m calling him Brother Jun from now on.”
Yu Jiaduo had been trying to find a chance to chat with Kong Wenyu all evening—and had been holding back this whole time.
“Big spender,” he said, looking for a place to sit—only to realize no one at this table was getting up.
He glanced at Nie Jun, then quickly looked away, resting his hand on the back of Kong Wenyu’s chair. “There’s a mountain of stuff waiting at my office. If it weren’t for your call practically dragging me here, I wouldn’t have come.”
“Then leave,” Kong Wenyu replied with a smile. “Swim back on your own.”
“Screw you,” Yu Jiadao cursed with a laugh. “Ungrateful bastard. Just wait—when I get back, I’m totally ratting you out.”
“Sit down already,” Kong Wenyu said, urging him.
Yu Jiadao looked around—Fu Xi was eating fruit, Ao Qingqing was playing on her phone, and Nie Jun wasn’t doing anything, except for sitting there with Kong Wenyu’s arm casually draped over his shoulder, holding him in place.
No one made a move, so Yu Jiadao had no choice but to walk forward and take a seat a little apart from the others.
Once he was settled, Kong Wenyu cleared his throat. “Everyone.”
No one expected anything formal, so the heads around the table turned toward him in unison.
Kong Wenyu raised his glass. “Thank you all for taking the time to join us on this trip. Let’s leave the unpleasant things behind, start fresh, eat well, drink well, and have a damn good time. My treat.”
No one had expected to hear the word “thank you” come out of his mouth, and they all paused for a moment.
Fu Xi swallowed his bite of fruit, lifted his glass, and called out, “Cheers to that!”
The table erupted with laughter and clinking glasses. People toasted, joked around, and even the older folks—who were just here to relax—poured themselves some wine and raised their glasses toward Kong Wenyu from afar.
Nie Jun’s fingers curled slightly, and Kong Wenyu glanced at him. Under that unwavering gaze, Nie Jun silently lifted his wine glass.
—Even without saying a word, just sitting beside Kong Wenyu was enough to draw attention.
Kong Wenyu tapped his glass against Nie Jun’s, a crisp clink ringing out before he took the lead and finished his drink.
Though Nie Jun had hesitated before sitting down, once seated, he carried himself with calm confidence—reserved, steady, and not at all out of place beside Kong Wenyu.
“Not so bad, right?” Kong Wenyu set his glass down and leaned in, turning almost fully to face him. “After tonight, everyone who sees you will know you’re mine.”
Nie Jun paused, then downed his wine and set the empty glass aside. “It’s fine.”
Kong Wenyu stared at him for a few seconds before finally looking away. “Good. Now eat up—after that, we’ll have some fun.”
The nighttime breeze was stronger than during the day, but the weather had stayed steady for days now. Even the wind seemed to be playing along with their trip—it only brushed gently across their faces after dark.
Kong Wenyu, wearing a jacket draped over his shoulders to walk off the alcohol, came up to the deck. Nie Jun, who was already there taking in the ocean view, reached out to steady him but was brushed aside.
“Don’t get too close to the edge,” Nie Jun warned.
Kong Wenyu had clearly had a bit too much, but he was still lucid—just a little unsteady on his feet.
“If I fell overboard, would you be able to save me?” He leaned one arm against the yacht’s railing and turned to Nie Jun.
Nie Jun thought about it, then answered without hesitation, “Yes.”
“Then what’s there to be afraid of?” Kong Wenyu looked back out toward the dark sea. “Come here.”
Nie Jun moved in closer, almost shoulder to shoulder.
Endless night, gently rippling water.
There were others on the deck too—some eating dessert, others taking photos or chatting nearby.
The sea breeze played with Kong Wenyu’s hair. His features, under the soft light, looked like ink—bold and dark.
“How long did you spend looking for me?” he asked suddenly. “How did you even manage to find me?”
Nie Jun kept his gaze on the ocean, but in his peripheral vision, he was watching Kong Wenyu.
“A long time,” he finally said, letting out a slow breath. He didn’t explain the hardships or the process—just that simple phrase: “A long time.”
The cruise ship rocked gently in the heart of the sea, and light shimmered through Kong Wenyu’s eyes. “And?”
Nie Jun looked at him. “What?”
“This result—how does it feel?” Kong Wenyu asked, holding his gaze.
Nie Jun’s lips moved slightly, but he didn’t answer.
The hum of the engine and the rhythmic crashing of the waves below filled the space between them. Laughter echoed from the deck like the prelude to a performance.
A few people passed by, waving at Kong Wenyu in greeting.
He smiled and waved back. After a slight pause, they greeted Nie Jun as well, clearly familiar.
Nie Jun gave a small nod in return.
When the group had moved on, Kong Wenyu turned back toward the sea.
Nie Jun watched him for a moment, then reached into his pocket and pulled out a small square box.
Kong Wenyu glanced at it. “A ring?”
Nie Jun opened the box—sure enough, it was a ring. Under the soft lights and the gentle sway of the yacht, its surface shimmered with shifting reflections.
The corners of the box were visibly worn. Kong Wenyu glanced at it, then looked away. “When did you buy it?”
“After we got back from the island.”
Kong Wenyu raised an eyebrow, his expression layered with meaning.
Nie Jun’s fingers tightened around the edges of the box. “…It’s not— I just—”
“No need to explain,” Kong Wenyu cut him off, reaching out and taking the ring. He turned it over and over in his hand, studying it.
“Oops,” he said suddenly, letting the ring slip from his fingers. He immediately leaned over the railing to look down at the water. “Dropped it.”
Nie Jun didn’t hesitate for even a second. He grabbed the railing, ready to jump after it. “Wait here!”
Kong Wenyu caught him by the arm. When Nie Jun looked back at him, he smiled and opened his palm—the ring sat perfectly on his ring finger.
“Thank you,” Kong Wenyu said. “I like it.”
Then he looked at Nie Jun, sea breeze in his eyes. “What about you?”
Nie Jun froze.
Kong Wenyu pulled another ring from his pocket. “Want it?”
Nie Jun’s fingers twitched around the railing, suddenly gripping it tighter.
“No answer?” Kong Wenyu teased, twirling the ring at his fingertip and stretching his hand out past the railing. “If you don’t want it, I’m really tossing it.”
“Don’t,” Nie Jun let go of the railing and held out his hand. His voice was low and steady. “I want it.”
Kong Wenyu looked down at his hand and curved his lips into a smile. “You still haven’t answered me.”
Nie Jun held his gaze, deep and unwavering.
As Kong Wenyu slipped the ring onto his finger, he asked softly, “This result—are you satisfied with it?”
The sea breeze drifted gently by, dreamlike and warm, stopping and starting in waves, as if cradling them.
Nie Jun caught Kong Wenyu’s hand before he could pull away, holding it between both of his. The two rings touched, letting out a soft, nearly inaudible metallic whisper.
His eyes lowered, staring at their hands, and after a moment, his lips moved faintly: “When can we register?”
Kong Wenyu stood with the wind tousling his hair, a look of indulgence and affection in his eyes. “Anytime.”
Nie Jun smiled faintly, then looked at him. “Then yeah—I’m satisfied now.”
(The End)
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