Chapter 113

The moment they kissed, Ye Zhi’s whole body stiffened.

It was a solid kiss, not just a light peck, something that could be dismissed with imagination to convince oneself otherwise. Huo Youqiao kissed him, his lips pressing against Ye Zhi’s, exploring and teasing, then slipping his tongue inside after parting Ye Zhi’s lips.

As Ye Zhi realized who he was kissing, a surge of electricity shot through his body, leaving him tingling all over, almost unable to stand.

His waist was firmly held, no space between them, pressed tightly against the other’s chest. Despite the noise outside, Ye Zhi could hear Huo Youqiao’s heartbeat, echoing his own.

Thump thump thump thump…

Then he snapped out of it, closing his eyes, and actively wrapping his arms around the other’s neck, responding passionately.

His kiss was inexperienced, not at all like that of a man married for five years, yet filled with enough vigor and courage, unlike his usual demeanor.

The courtyard was bustling, Huo Youcheng excelled in socializing, and it was his beloved niece’s birthday party, so he was playing joyfully with the children, far from his usual imposing image.

But in the small room, there was quietness, only the heated breaths and the sound of their lips and tongues intertwining.

It felt like an eternity before the suppressed kiss finally ended.

Their lips were slightly numb, knowing they had to part, yet clinging together for a while longer, until they had no choice but to separate.

Ye Zhi’s body still trembled slightly, his mind a whirlwind, unable to discern whether his current feelings were more of pleasure or panic.

“Your abyss is mine,” Huo Youqiao’s voice broke the silence, giving Ye Zhi the courage to open his eyes. “Isn’t it?”

“Yeah,” Ye Zhi admitted softly, his hands sliding down to grip Huo’s clothes, his eyes meeting the other’s, revealing his hand entirely, “I like you.”

And then he heard Huo Youqiao’s response: “I like you too.”

Apart from the cake Ye Zhi made for Huo Ran’s wish, another three-tiered cake was ordered from a famous bakery, along with various other desserts made by pastry chefs. The children indulged in sugar, their laughter extra sweet.

The birthday party ended around three in the afternoon, with the Huo family arranging vehicles to send each child home, followed by their own family dinner in the evening.

“I’m so happy today,” Huo Ran exclaimed, her smile sweet. She had changed out of her daytime dress, which had become sweaty from playing games, into a beautiful evening gown.

Representing her age, six candles were lit, and as the room’s lights were turned off, leaving only the candlelight to illuminate each face, Huo Ran made her wish. She opened her eyes, looking at Ye Zhi, her smile even sweeter. “I want a mommy! Like Zhi Zhi.”

Ye Zhi’s heart skipped a beat, a sudden wave of guilt rushing over him, keeping his expression nothing but a smile.

Huo Youcheng beside him remained oblivious, pinching his niece’s cheek with a smile. “Finally realized that Zhi Zhi can’t become your mommy, congratulations.”

Others joined in the joyful banter, Grandma Huo seizing the opportunity to bring up her eldest son’s marriage matters again. Huo Youqiao smiled and assured, “It will be arranged.”

They kissed in private, confessed their feelings, but due to the occasion, they couldn’t linger in the room for long. So, they restrained themselves and returned to their original places. As for the future, they hadn’t reached a consensus yet.

Love simmered beneath the surface, a rushing undercurrent beneath calm waters, drawing them together like magnets, their gazes unintentionally meeting. Those meaningful exchanges happened amidst the crowd, then quickly retreated, leaving nothing but the pounding of hearts, without any other traces.

They had probed cautiously too many times, missed too many opportune moments, so this time, with emotions bursting forth, neither of them backed away.

Only time would tell for their re-adjusted plans.