After finishing the last case, Bai Xizhou was officially on leave. The firm’s holiday began earlier this year than usual, but Wen Ruqing’s work continued until just a few days before the New Year.
Bai Xizhou has always been devoted to fat‑tening Wen Ruqing. Now that he had free time, he started making meals for Wen Ruqing in ever more creative ways. The whole “delivery food” thing became a little secret between the two of them—nobody mentioned it—but eventually Chen Qi tasted something off and figured it out.
Every day at noon the delivered meals were huge. Often Wen Ruqing and Chen Qi shared them. Having eaten with Wen Ruqing so long, Chen Qi had gained weight too, and had grown familiar with the flavor of those “deliveries.”
He always assumed they were private‑chef meals ordered by Bai Xizhou—until one day he saw Bai Xizhou personally handing delivery to Wen Ruqing at the door. Then it hit him: all along, Wen Ruqing’s boyfriend was cooking the food himself. Yet…and yet…the taste hadn’t changed much from the beginning.
“Ruqing, be honest with me.” Chen Qi, curious, seized the moment while eating to clarify: “The delivery you’ve been eating has always been made by Bai Xizhou, right?”
“Yep.” Wen Ruqing answered quite calmly, opening the meal box today, which was steamed rice‑flour pork ribs: “Actually, I only found out not long ago—not much earlier than you did.”
The ribs were soft and tender; coating them in flour neutralized the greasiness. Wen Ruqing thought Bai Xizhou’s cooking was getting better and better.
“He was eyeing you that early?”
Hadn’t they said they only got together after Wen Ruqing returned from his exchange program?
“At first, it really was just friendly concern. I have a bad stomach and often don’t eat on time. That’s why he brought me food.”
As for when Bai Xizhou’s feelings changed from simple friendship—Wen Ruqing no longer cared. Sometimes, it’s not necessary to explain every detail. No matter how close you are, a touch of mystery between you is good.
Chen Qi clicked his tongue, wearing an expression overwhelmed by sweetness.
“If you keep it up, don’t ever eat again.” Wen Ruqing said as he took the ribs from between them to his side. “So many words while eating.”
Chen Qi obediently shut up—after all, when someone cooks, you can’t complain.
—
In the following days, the institute wrapped up year‑end work and finally finished three days before New Year. Wen Ruqing was officially on holiday too.
On the first day off, Bai Xizhou came to pick him up. They had dinner out—at the restaurant Bai Xizhou had mentioned many times—and then watched a movie before returning home.
As the New Year approached, streets filled with festive decorations. Wen Ruqing stood under a streetlight, rubbing his hands; his breath formed mist in the air. His gaze landed on a bubble‑tea shop not far away.
He was waiting for Bai Xizhou to buy milk tea.
Neither of them actually loved these drinks, but Bai Xizhou, perhaps inspired by a couple who walked by, insisted they be the same: Wen Ruqing must have a cup of hot milk tea to warm his hands.
Sometimes Bai Xizhou’s behavior is childish—but Wen Ruqing thinks his occasional childishness is cute.
Bai Xizhou only bought one cup. He shoved the milk tea into Wen Ruqing’s hands. Wen Ruqing held the cup; Bai Xizhou held Wen Ruqing’s hands. The warmth of the tea and Bai Xizhou’s hands quickly thawed what had been chilly fingers.
Wen Ruqing sipped. It was a bit sweet; he didn’t really like it.
“You try a sip.” Wen Ruqing offered the straw to Bai Xizhou. “I think it’s maybe too sweet.”
Bai Xizhou took a sip. He thought it was okay, not overly sweet. But since Wen Ruqing didn’t like it, most of it went into Bai Xizhou’s stomach before it cooled. By the time the milk tea was gone, they were home.
During this time Wen Ruqing was always tired, collapsing the moment his pillow touched his head. Finally on holiday, Bai Xizhou no longer held back.
As soon as they entered, Bai Xizhou kissed him—still tasting of milk tea.
He untied Wen Ruqing’s scarf and tossed it onto the entryway cabinet. He lifted Wen Ruqing into his arms—he’d restrained himself too long and couldn’t wait for the bedroom.
Wen Ruqing fell backward onto the sofa, his head dizzy. Before catching his breath, Bai Xizhou kissed him again.
His clothes were removed; he lay bare‑chested on the sofa, cheeks flushed with desire. Bai Xizhou’s clothes, in contrast, were still tidy—creating a strong visual contrast.
Bai Xizhou kissed from lips down along Wen Ruqing’s collarbone to abdomen. Wen Ruqing, stirred by it, let out low groans. Bai Xizhou reached to undo his pants—
Then, a harsh ringtone interrupted them. Bai Xizhou froze mid‑action. Wen Ruqing snapped back, reaching for his phone to check the caller.
“Do you have to answer it?” Bai Xizhou’s hand still hooked at Wen Ruqing’s waistband. His eyes flickered with desire—he was disgruntled by the sudden interruption.
“It’s my aunt calling.” Wen Ruqing sighed, sat up, and wrapped himself in a blanket. “I can’t not answer this.”
Bai Xizhou, frustrated with nowhere to vent, pulled Wen Ruqing into his arms, wrapped him tighter in the blanket, nuzzling into his neck and inhaling his scent.
Wen Ruqing stroked his head gently as reassurance—and answered the call.
“Ruqing, you should be on holiday now, right?” Wen Qing’s voice came from the phone. “You’ll be coming back this year, right?”
“Yes, I’m off. I’ll come back in a few days.”
As soon as he said that, he felt Bai Xizhou hold him even tighter—he wasn’t sure what Bai Xizhou was thinking now.
“Good, I’ll prepare your room so you can move right in when you return. I won’t disturb your rest.” After she spoke, she hung up.
What had started earlier was gone. Bai Xizhou lay holding Wen Ruqing quietly, saying nothing more.
“You’re going home for New Year?” Bai Xizhou still couldn’t hold back the question, breaking their silence.
Wen Ruqing nodded.
“Mm, got it. Come home early. I’ll wait for you.”
“What are you saying?” Wen Ruqing remembered what his aunt had asked him but had forgotten to clarify. Now, it seemed Bai Xizhou had misunderstood. “Of course you are coming home with me.”
“I… I should go too?”
“You won’t go to your parents’ this New Year, will you? If you don’t come with me, are you spending it alone again?” Before Bai Xizhou could answer, Wen Ruqing spoke: “My aunt already told them. They’re eager to meet you. Besides, New Year is for family. Now that we’re together—my family is your family too.”
Bai Xizhou couldn’t find a rebuttal. He’d assumed after Wen Ruqing left he’d stay alone. He’d never considered going to someone else’s family home. That wasn’t part of his habits or experience.
“It’s okay—you don’t need pressure. If you really don’t want to go with me, I’ll stay here to spend New Year with you. Whenever you’re ready, we can go together.” Wen Ruqing gently squeezed the hand with his ring. “Think about it, Mr. Bai.”
He left the decision to Bai Xizhou, waiting for his response.
A long while passed—so long Wen Ruqing almost fell asleep in his embrace—before Bai Xizhou slowly spoke.
“I’ll go with you.” He kissed Wen Ruqing’s nape, repeating, as though affirming for himself: “We’ll go together.”
—
They arrived in Cloud‑Top Town the day before New Year’s Eve. They handed the rabbit to Teng Yuan and explained where they were spending the holiday—under Qu Qingchen’s slightly resentful gaze.
Last time Bai Xizhou came to Cloud‑Top Town he was alone. Now, he wasn’t—and he would never be alone again.
Fresh snow had just fallen in Cloud‑Top Town, reaching above their ankles. Stepping down made a soft crunch. Bai Xizhou led, and Wen Ruqing followed in his footprints step by step. Suddenly Bai Xizhou stopped. Not paying attention, Wen Ruqing bumped into his back.
“Do you think I should bring a greeting gift?” Bai Xizhou’s gaze fell on a roadside stall, thoughtful.
On a raised platform of stools and boards lay stacked cartons of packaged milk, large bottles of soft drinks, and exquisitely wrapped New Year gift boxes—all perfect for visiting during the holiday season.
He had no experience visiting a lover’s family. The day before departure he asked Teng Yuan, but Teng’s advice was limited—he said gifts are usually expected. Now empty‑handed, Bai Xizhou wondered if he should quickly buy something—it wouldn’t be rude.
“Our family isn’t so formal. Gifts people brought before just sat until expired with no one touching them. You don’t need to worry. Just being there will make Auntie happy.” Wen Ruqing pulled Bai Xizhou away from the stall and they continued walking home.
Wen Qing knew they were arriving today and had prepared food early. Xie Yuzhu lingered in the kitchen, grabbing pieces of fried food occasionally. Wen Qing didn’t reproach her. When the door knocked, she finally urged her to open it.
Reluctantly, Xie Yuzhu left the kitchen to answer. She wondered why Wen Ruqing didn’t bring his keys.
“Ge…” she greeted him at the door, then looked at Bai Xizhou with uncertainty: “Should I still call you ‘uncle’ or ‘brother‑in‑law’?”
“Call me whatever you want.” Wen Ruqing brought Bai Xizhou inside and shut the door, blocking out the cold.
“That’s not okay—if you call casually, won’t the seniority rankings get confused?”
Bai Xizhou hadn’t expected her to care about that.
“So call me ‘ge’, then?” He tousled her hair the way Wen Ruqing had before: “If you don’t mind having an older‑brother like me, that is.”
Xie Yuzhu covered her head, looked at Wen Ruqing for affirmation, and after his nod called Bai Xizhou “ge.”
Wen Qing came out from the kitchen, lovely smile on her face. When she saw Wen Ruqing with Bai Xizhou, Bai Xizhou froze for a moment and politely said, “Auntie.”
“You still call me ‘auntie’?” Wen Qing feigned reproach. “We’re all family now—you should call me ‘gugu’, like Ruqing does.”
“Gu…gugu.” It still felt unfamiliar, but when she said “family,” it warmed something in Bai Xizhou’s heart.
No phrase moved him more than “family.”
He had no home before; after meeting Wen Ruqing, he had one. He had no real family before; after meeting Wen Ruqing, he did.
He tilted his head to look at Wen Ruqing playing with Xie Yuzhu. Warmth spread through his heart.
From now on, he would never be lonely again.
—
Author’s Note:
Frozen Starlight
I misestimated—there are still two more chapters to go until the end. According to my plan, the main CP may not get an epilogue (unless inspiration strikes), but Qu Qingchen’s pair will have a three‑chapter epilogue.
