IOLYF Chapter 67

Mo Ming pushed Han Shao Zhou out the door, making it clear through his actions that he was rejecting him. Just as he was about to close the door, Han Shao Zhou grabbed the doorframe and smiled at Mo Ming. “Xiao Han is really cute. If you’re too busy with work to take care of him, you can bring him to Champagne Mountain and let the staff look after him.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

Mo Ming forcefully shut the door, leaning against it as he exhaled deeply.

“I meant every word I said today.” Han Shao Zhou’s voice came through the door. “I know I didn’t pay enough attention to you before, but from now on, I’m going to take you seriously… I’ll reschedule the meeting with Grandpa. You don’t want me to lie to him, right? I’ll listen to you and make sure to bring a real boyfriend when I introduce him. No more pretending.”

Mo Ming stared at the floor, his brows furrowing even more.

“Xiao Gui, I’m leaving now.” Han Shao Zhou said softly. “It’s getting colder. Make sure to stay warm.”

There was no sound from outside for a long time. When Mo Ming finally opened the door, he found that Han Shao Zhou had already left.

The midday sun was now softer, filtered through the clouds.

Han Shao Zhou finally convinced his grandfather to delay the introduction of his boyfriend, giving him time to properly pursue Mo Ming. He carefully reviewed everything that had happened between him and Mo Ming before their “breakup”… How Mo Ming had traveled a long distance to surprise him, hiding in a cardboard box; how he had held him close in the snow, kissing his face; and how he had cautiously begged to stay by his side a little longer.

He knew exactly when things had started to go wrong—right after he asked Mo Ming to apologize to Wen Ci. The root of the problem was clear to him.

Han Shao Zhou shared everything that had happened with Zhao Cheng because he was determined to make things right with Mo Ming and now considered him his true love. He didn’t even feel embarrassed about it.

Zhao Cheng didn’t mock Han Shao Zhou for chasing after Mo Ming. First, because he knew Han Shao Zhou had been in the wrong, and second, because he believed Mo Ming was worth it. To Zhao Cheng, it wasn’t a big deal; it was normal for couples to have misunderstandings and occasional conflicts, no matter how strong their feelings were.

Besides, they had all seen how much Mo Ming liked Han Shao Zhou. As long as Han Shao Zhou was sincere, getting Mo Ming back wouldn’t be difficult.

“Mo Ming should be easy to win over, but what about Wen Ci?” Zhao Cheng asked. “We can only guess that he lied about some things, but we can’t be sure if he did it on purpose. Has he explained anything to you?”

Han Shao Zhou took a drag on his cigarette. “I believe Mo Ming. We’ve been together for three years, and I know him well. But I’ve overlooked the possibility that Wen Ci might have changed…”

Zhao Cheng was silent for a few seconds. “But what if Wen Ci really did undo the safety harness himself?”

Han Shao Zhou didn’t hesitate. “Then we can’t be friends.”

Zhao Cheng didn’t comment on that, but he seemed thoughtful. “Han, do you really know Mo Ming?”

Han Shao Zhou put out his cigarette and looked up. “Of course I do. Why do you ask?”

“I told you earlier, that photo of Wen Ci swimming was something I posted in my Moments years ago, and now it’s all over the internet… Who do you think leaked it?”

“You have so many friends. Isn’t it normal for a photo to get out?”

“Han, you’re missing my point. Think about it—who would bother digging through my Moments from five or six years ago? Never mind, I won’t keep you guessing. I think it was Mo Ming. You didn’t follow that online battle closely, so you wouldn’t know the details. At first, I thought Wen Ci’s competitors were targeting him, but now I’m starting to think that Mo Ming himself orchestrated this whole PR battle to clear his name and deal a heavy blow to Wen Ci.”

Han Shao Zhou chuckled. “You really don’t know Mo Ming… But I kind of wish he were that sharp. Then I wouldn’t have to worry about him getting hurt in the industry.”

Zhao Cheng rubbed his chin. “True. Even if Mo Ming had the cunning, going head-to-head with Xing Ci and making such a big fuss would have cost a fortune. At least a million, if not more. That’s not really Mo Ming’s style.”

Zhao Cheng offered plenty of advice on how Han Shao Zhou could win back Mo Ming, but Han Shao Zhou thought it was all too flashy.

He knew that his pursuit of Mo Ming had to be driven by genuine feelings, not just gifts or favors. He knew exactly what Mo Ming liked.

The rain hadn’t started yet, but the weather was getting colder.

Mo Ming expected Han Shao Zhou to pester him, but two days passed quietly.

Just as Mo Ming began to relax, Han Shao Zhou reappeared.

It was past 7 PM, and Mo Ming had just left the theater. He was surprised to see Han Shao Zhou waiting for him at the entrance.

Han Shao Zhou was dressed in the outfit Mo Ming had bought for him—a light gray turtleneck sweater under a black, tailored overcoat. The coat’s hem reached his knees, accentuating his tall, handsome figure, making him look both gentle and steady.

Mo Ming’s expression grew even more complicated.

Han Shao Zhou had his hands casually tucked into his coat pockets, looking at Mo Ming with a small, warm smile… He had worn this outfit on purpose, knowing that Mo Ming liked seeing him in it.

As more of Mo Ming’s colleagues came out and noticed Han Shao Zhou, they started whispering among themselves. To avoid unnecessary trouble, Mo Ming quickly led Han Shao Zhou away.

“Xiao Gui, I want to take you somewhere…” Han Shao Zhou said softly. “It won’t take long…”

“People are watching. Don’t call me that.” Mo Ming said, his face darkening as he walked briskly ahead. “I’ve made my stance very clear. Please stop bothering me.”

“Just this once.” Han Shao Zhou held up one finger. “If I still can’t make you believe in my sincerity after this, I’ll leave your life for good.”

Mo Ming stopped in his tracks, frowning, doubting the truth of Han Shao Zhou’s words.

“Please, for the sake of the three years we’ve been together, just a little more patience… Just a little…”

Mo Ming almost laughed at Han Shao Zhou’s pleading yet confident expression. Where did this man get his confidence?

He needed to quickly put an end to this man’s delusions. If this turned into a daily tug-of-war, it would only get worse.

The night was cold, but the car was warm.

Mo Ming leaned against the passenger seat, watching the city lights pass by through the window, never once turning to look at Han Shao Zhou as he drove.

“What play are you rehearsing lately?” Han Shao Zhou tried to start a conversation. “When’s the performance? I’ll come to support you.”

Mo Ming didn’t respond.

“If you don’t want to stay in the entertainment industry, that’s okay too…” Han Shao Zhou said softly after a pause. “I just don’t want you to feel like you have to avoid me by joining a theater troupe. I want you to be free to choose what you love.”

Han Shao Zhou glanced at Mo Ming’s serene profile. His delicate face was cool, his lips closed, and his eyes under long lashes were distant… devoid of any warmth.

Han Shao Zhou finally got the hint and fell silent.

They drove up a small mountain on the outskirts of the city. During the day, it was a popular spot for sightseeing, and at night, couples would come to stargaze or wait for the sunrise. But now, as winter set in, the mountain was deserted after dark.

The car came to a stop at the top of the mountain, and they both got out.

The night wind ruffled Mo Ming’s hair. He looked out at the dazzling neon lights of Chuanhai and then turned to Han Shao Zhou. “What is it that you need to say here?”

Han Shao Zhou smiled, walking around the car to stand beside Mo Ming. He took Mo Ming’s hand and led him to the edge of the cliff, glancing at his phone to check the time.

“Perfect timing.”

Mo Ming pulled his hand back, his voice cold. “What exactly are you…”

Whoosh!

Before Mo Ming could finish, a sharp, clear sound pierced the air.

He turned his head, and with a loud bang, a burst of light shot up into the sky and exploded into a shower of brilliant fireworks.

Mo Ming looked up, incredulous.

In the next moment, countless bright lights surged into the night sky, signaling the start of a grand fireworks display.

This mountaintop was undoubtedly the best viewing spot, with the fireworks painting the sky like a magnificent, immersive display.

The fireworks had been set off from a park in the distance, where a simple fireworks show was already planned for the night. But Han Shao Zhou had arranged for an upgrade, turning it into a spectacle that rivaled Chuanhai’s annual riverfront fireworks festival.

Han Shao Zhou knew that Mo Ming loved fireworks…

In fact, he regretted not making more of an effort in the past. Every year, the fireworks festival coincided with Mo Ming’s birthday, and each time, Mo Ming had carefully asked if they could watch the fireworks together, as if it were his only birthday wish.

But for the past two years, Han Shao Zhou had been too busy to make it back in time, and this year, an unexpected event kept Mo Ming in the hospital with him, missing the festival again…

And yet, Mo Ming had always longed to watch the fireworks with him.

As the dazzling explosions filled the sky, Han Shao Zhou gently reached out and held Mo Ming’s hand again.

He turned to watch Mo Ming as Mo Ming gazed at the fireworks.

Mo Ming was lost in the moment, his heart and mind immersed in joy, his dark eyes sparkling with starlight. The night wind didn’t make him blink even once…

Han Shao Zhou’s heart raced as Mo Ming excitedly pointed to a particularly bright display and shouted, “Shao Zhou, look at that!”

Han Shao Zhou’s chest swelled with warmth as he tightened his grip on Mo Ming’s hand.

But his eyes remained fixed on Mo Ming’s face…

“It’s beautiful.” Mo Ming said, his face glowing with excitement as he turned to Han Shao Zhou. “Shao Zhou, why don’t we…”

His voice abruptly trailed off, and the joy on his face seemed to freeze in place. It was as if he had just woken up from a dream, staring at Han Shao Zhou in front of him. His gaze slowly dropped, only to land on the familiar outfit, jolting him back into a daze…

Han Shao Zhou gently cupped Mo Ming’s cheeks, lifting his face. The sky full of fireworks seemed to reflect in his deep eyes as he said, “Mo Ming, look at me, look into my eyes. I love you…”

“I…”

Mo Ming’s lips parted slightly, his eyes swirling with confusion. Thinking suddenly became extraordinarily difficult.

A soft kiss landed on his lips. Mo Ming’s eyes widened as he stared at the close-up of Han Shao Zhou’s face, his arms frozen against Han Shao Zhou’s chest.

“It’s me, Shao Zhou…” Han Shao Zhou whispered, his eyes closed as he trailed kisses down. “Xiao Gui, it’s your Shao Zhou…”

“Shao… Zhou…”

Slowly, Mo Ming’s hands moved up to wrap around Han Shao Zhou’s neck as he closed his eyes.