Ch77 - (II). Husband

The food suited their tastes perfectly, by the end of the meal, only faint traces of sauce remained on their plates.

Rong Jun lifted his wine glass, swirling the liquid absentmindedly. This was already his third.

Across from him, Yan Chen’s glass remained untouched. Only the water beside it had been half-drunk.

Rong Jun took another sip. His gaze softened, a faint haze settling in his eyes.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you drink before.”

Yan Chen glanced at him, a faint smile forming. “I don’t like alcohol.”

“Why?”

“…I just don’t.”

Rong Jun didn’t press. His thoughts were elsewhere, fixed entirely on the ring in his pocket.

He had decided half a month ago. He had even rehearsed what he would say.

And yet now, at the crucial moment, not a single word would come out.

Even with alcohol dulling his hesitation, he just didn’t know how he would say it, it felt nearly impossible.

The meal ended soon as their night deepened.

Rong Jun licked his lips unconsciously, then set his glass down. Without warning, he stood and walked toward the French windows, pushing open the door beside them.

A small balcony lay outside, no more than a few square meters. Though only on the second floor, the distant river and the high-rises along its banks stretched clearly into view.

Stepping out, Rong Jun leaned against the railing with his arms crossed.

The city at night, the voices, the passing cars, the distant horns all filled the air, gradually quieting the restless buzz in his mind.

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“Take your time,” Yan Chen murmured, pulling him into his arms. “I’ll wait.”

That patience only made Rong Jun feel worse.

Abruptly, he wrapped his arms tightly around Yan Chen’s neck, burying his face against him as if he could hide there.

Yan Chen chuckled softly, his fingers stroking through his hair.

After a moment, he glanced at the night air brushing against them. “It’s getting colder. Let’s go inside, we can talk at home.”

Rong Jun hesitated, then nodded.

Maybe… It was the atmosphere here. Maybe that was why he couldn’t say it.

“Okay.”

Back inside, Rong Jun picked up his coat, but instead of putting it on, he draped it over his arm.

Yan Chen frowned. “Wear it. It’s cold outside.”

“It’s heavy. Not comfortable.”

In truth, the ring box in his pocket felt far too conspicuous. If Yan Chen asked, everything would be exposed immediately.

Yan Chen noticed the inconsistency in his words but didn’t push it. Instead, he slipped an arm around Rong Jun’s shoulders as they stepped out.

“Then we’ll buy you something lighter tomorrow.”

“Okay.” Rong Jun muttered, nibbling with his lips.

…

The underfloor heating had been running all day. The moment they stepped inside, warmth wrapped around them.

Rong Jun’s already flushed face deepened in color.

Yan Chen reached out, brushing his fingers lightly against his cheek. “I’ll run a bath for you.”

“I’ll warm up soon. You go first.”

Yan Chen paused. “If you’re not in a hurry, why not tell me what’s on your mind first?”

Rong Jun tightened his grip on his coat. “Wait. I’ll tell you after you’re done.”

“…Alright.”

Yan Chen leaned down, pressing a light kiss to his forehead. The lingering chill made him frown slightly.

He pulled Rong Jun into his arms again. “You’re still cold.”

Rong Jun shook his head and nudged him toward the bathroom. “Go shower.”

Yan Chen smirked faintly. “Why the rush? Are you that eager?”

Rong Jun shot him a look, pushed him inside, and shut the door firmly.

His already flushed face burned hotter. He staggered back to the bed and dropped onto it, completely overwhelmed.

After a long moment, he reached into his coat and took out the ring box.

He stared at it in silence. Then slowly sat up and opened it.

Under the bright light, the two rings gleamed quietly.

His gaze drifted toward the bathroom door. The sound of running water echoed faintly from inside.

Yan Chen wouldn’t take long. And yet… Rong Jun still wasn’t sure he could say the words when the moment Yan Chen came out.

Two weeks of preparation and he still faltered at the final step.

But he couldn’t keep avoiding it.

“…Damn it.” Rong Jun clenched his jaw.

“Even if everything goes wrong… what’s there to be afraid of?”

He braced himself, doing pep talk to ease his nerves.

He grabbed the larger ring from the box. And without a second thought, still dressed in his work clothes, strode straight toward the bathroom to propose.