IOLYF Extra

“The Best Actor for the 19th Fei Niao Awards is—”

“Mo Ming!”

As the host announced the winner, the auditorium erupted into applause. The camera quickly zoomed in on Mo Ming, seated among the other guests. On the large screen behind the stage, Mo Ming was shown standing up from his seat, looking elegant in a tailored black suit. After hugging Liu Hekun, he walked towards the stage, all eyes on him.

Han Shao Zhou watched that tall, graceful figure, his gaze warm and unwavering. He had finished his work early and rushed back just to witness this glorious moment in his beloved’s life.

And he was also able to fulfill his wish of presenting the award to his little darling.

Amidst the thunderous applause, Han Shao Zhou handed the trophy to Mo Ming, smiling as he softly said, “Congratulations, Mo Ming.”

Mo Ming looked at the man in front of him, impeccably dressed in a suit, his beautiful eyes curving into a smile. “Thank you.”

The stage lights seemed to turn into countless tiny stars, reflecting in the depths of Mo Ming’s pupils, making the face before him look extraordinarily handsome. Han Shao Zhou stared in a daze, his gaze nearly entranced.

The love in his heart felt endless, growing stronger with every moment, making him even more cautious and tender.

This award ceremony turned out to be a massive victory for Temperature. Afterward, Liu Hekun invited everyone to celebrate by going out for karaoke.

The celebration lasted until midnight. As soon as they stepped outside, the cold winter wind hit them, dispelling the warmth from the alcohol on their faces, and Mo Ming began to feel more awake.

A friend quietly approached Mo Ming and asked, “Mo Ming, is that guy over there a friend of yours?”

Mo Ming followed his friend’s gaze and saw a tall, familiar figure leaning against a black Aston Martin not far away. The man was dressed in a fitted black coat, with a scarf and mask covering most of his face, leaving only a pair of sharp eyes exposed. But those eyes looked over at Mo Ming with a gentle gaze.

“Yeah, he’s here to pick me up.”

Mo Ming waved goodbye to his friends and walked toward that figure. The cold winter night wind was like a knife, and even though the distance wasn’t far, Mo Ming’s nose turned red from the cold again.

Han Shao Zhou unwrapped his scarf and wrapped it around Mo Ming’s neck, his gaze complex as he asked, “How much did you drink?”

Mo Ming blinked, his eyes beneath his long lashes slightly unfocused. “Not enough to get drunk.”

Han Shao Zhou chuckled, adjusting the scarf around Mo Ming’s neck. “If you were drunk, I’d take advantage of you.”

Mo Ming’s mouth curled up slightly. “You’ve done that even when I wasn’t drunk.”

“…”

On the way back to the apartment, Mo Ming fell asleep in the passenger seat. His mind completely relaxed, his consciousness becoming a blurry mess. By the time Han Shao Zhou parked the car in the underground garage, Mo Ming was slumped over in the seat like a limp noodle—now he was definitely a bit drunk.

Han Shao Zhou carried Mo Ming on his back, nudging the head resting on his shoulder with his own. “Next time, don’t drink so much…”

Mo Ming tightened his arms around Han Shao Zhou’s neck, mumbling, “So sleepy…”

“Alright, I’ll take you to bed now.”

This was Mo Ming’s apartment. After Temperature was released and his popularity skyrocketed, he moved to a new place to avoid being photographed by paparazzi.

Since returning to Chuanhai, Han Shao Zhou had visited many times over the past year. Whenever he had a bit of free time, he would rush to this apartment to bring Mo Ming his favorite nourishing soups or to cook for him while Mo Ming lazily lounged on the sofa. The groceries were always fresh, bought directly from the market.

After consistent diligence, he finally reaped a great reward… earning a spare key to Mo Ming’s apartment!

Once they were back at the apartment, Han Shao Zhou gently laid Mo Ming on the bed.

Mo Ming’s hands slid from Han Shao Zhou’s neck as he half-opened his eyes, groggily staring up at the face above him.

Han Shao Zhou pinched Mo Ming’s flushed cheeks. “Don’t worry, I won’t take advantage of you. I’ll go make you some honey water.”

As Han Shao Zhou left the room, his phone rang. It was Zhao Cheng calling.

Han Shao Zhou put the phone on speaker and placed it on the kitchen counter while he went to the fridge for the honey.

“Old Han, I saw the photos of you presenting the award to Mo Ming online,” Zhao Cheng teased. “The way you looked at him was so full of affection, it was almost nauseating.”

Han Shao Zhou opened the jar of honey and scooped some out nonchalantly. “You’ll be sick of it for a long time.”

“So things are going well between you two?”

“…It’s alright.”

“What do you mean by ‘alright’?”

Han Shao Zhou paused mid-scoop, hesitating for a few seconds before replying, “We’re more than friends, but not quite lovers.”

“Are you serious, Old Han? You’re still not officially dating Mo Ming? I thought you two had already confirmed your relationship.”

“…I’m still working on it.”

“To be honest, I was already thinking about when you two would get married. Turns out you haven’t even secured him yet. I’m starting to doubt if you really like Mo Ming.”

Han Shao Zhou set down the jar of honey, took a deep breath, and said, “Of course I like him, to the point where I can’t help myself. But I have to consider his feelings… I can’t afford to make another mistake. Once I’m sure he’s completely accepted me, I’ll confess and ask him to be my boyfriend.”

Their relationship had already progressed to a point where, except for the most intimate step, they were practically like a couple. But they had never explicitly clarified their relationship.

Despite his deep desire to enter a real relationship with Mo Ming, there was still a tiny seed of self-doubt lurking in Han Shao Zhou’s heart.

He couldn’t be sure, and he didn’t dare to be sure if Mo Ming truly liked him. He feared that Mo Ming’s affection for him was merely a compromise after losing Zhou Xu. But at the same time, he was afraid that without this compromise, he would lose any advantage he had in Mo Ming’s heart.

There was silence on the other end of the line for a while before Zhao Cheng sighed. “Old Han, you’ve changed a lot.”

Han Shao Zhou smiled. “People have to grow up.”

“No, I mean, you’ve lost all your confidence around Mo Ming.”

“…”

“Old Han, I suggest you confess sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the more likely something will go wrong,” Zhao Cheng said seriously. “With Mo Ming’s looks and his current status in the entertainment industry, do you know how many people must be after him? Aren’t you worried that someone might come along and steal him from you? The entertainment industry is full of handsome guys, right? If I were Mo Ming, I wouldn’t be able to resist.”

“…”

“I’m just telling it like it is. How about this, Old Han? I’ll help you plan a romantic proposal. I’m experienced in setting up venues and organizing events. I guarantee that with the right setup, you’ll have Mo Ming moved to tears.”

“That’s not necessary. Mo Ming wouldn’t appreciate a gesture like that; it would feel like emotional blackmail. I like him, but ultimately, that’s my own business.”

“How can you call it emotional blackmail? If you’re just one step away from making things official, a proposal is nothing but romantic and surprising,” Zhao Cheng said, exasperated. “In the end, it’s just that you’re not confident.”

“I guess that’s true.”

“Alright, Old Han, I get it,” Zhao Cheng said. “I bet you won’t be able to marry Mo Ming within the next five years.”

After hanging up, Han Shao Zhou closed his eyes, feeling a bit frustrated. He turned around, ready to leave the kitchen with the honey water, only to look up and see Mo Ming leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, calmly watching him.

Han Shao Zhou was startled. He had no idea how long Mo Ming had been standing there or how much of the conversation he had overheard.

“Mo Ming…”

Han Shao Zhou forced a smile, his mind racing to recall if he had said anything that might have upset Mo Ming.

Mo Ming’s eyes still held a faint trace of intoxication, his gaze soft and lingering. He stepped forward, took the honey water from Han Shao Zhou’s hands without a word, and walked out of the kitchen, sipping on it.

After drinking the honey water, Mo Ming went to take a shower.

Meanwhile, Han Shao Zhou was in the living room playing with Xiao Han.

Xiao Han had grown into a big dog, wagging his tail and sticking out his tongue, looking sillier than ever.

Scratching Xiao Han’s chin, Han Shao Zhou sighed, “Do you think if I confess to your dad now, he’ll agree to be my boyfriend?”

“Woof woof!”

“Right? I think so too. Maybe I should go ahead and ask him to be my boyfriend while he’s still a bit tipsy and not fully aware.”

“Woof woof woof!”

“You want me to stay the night? I can’t. Your dad’s only just started getting close to me; I can’t push my luck right now.”

“Woof!”

“You think I’m spineless? Do you think I want to be? I want to storm into the bathroom right now and help your dad with his bath, but patience is a virtue,” Han Shao Zhou said, tapping the dog’s nose. “Besides, things are already much better than last year. I just have to keep my distance, or I might not even get through the door next time.”

“Woof woof!”

“Yes, you understand me, Xiao Han. When I finally make it official with your dad, I won’t forget to reward you.”

Mo Ming: “…”

After being steamed in the shower, Mo Ming had sobered up considerably. But as he came out, he saw Han Shao Zhou having a strange conversation with the dog in the living room.

He suddenly wondered if he was still a little tipsy…

Silently, Mo Ming squatted down beside Han Shao Zhou and poked Xiao Han’s nose, making Han Shao Zhou jump.

Han Shao Zhou quickly put Xiao Han down, his eyes darting nervously. “I was just joking around with Xiao Han.”

Mo Ming leaned in close, the faint scent of his body wash surrounding Han Shao Zhou. When Han Shao Zhou lowered his eyes slightly, he could see the pale, warm skin peeking out from Mo Ming’s slightly open bathrobe, as delicate as fine porcelain.

Han Shao Zhou’s throat tightened as he desperately urged himself… Just reach out and pull him into your arms, you coward!

But it was as if he were under a spell, held back by an inexplicable hesitation. Han Shao Zhou could only stare at Mo Ming, his hand finally coming up to cup Mo Ming’s cheek.

Mo Ming looked like a little kitten being scratched under the chin, his eyes half-closed in a daze as he softly said, “I want you to come with me somewhere tomorrow morning.”

“Okay.” Han Shao Zhou immediately nodded. “Where to?”

“You’ll find out tomorrow.”

Looking at the face so close to his, Han Shao Zhou swallowed hard. “Mo Ming, can I kiss you?”

Mo Ming pinched Han Shao Zhou’s lips, smiling as he said, “It’s getting late. You should go home and rest.”

Han Shao Zhou felt a pang of disappointment, but there was no resentment in his heart. He kissed Mo Ming’s fingertips, smiling as he said, “Alright, you get some rest too.”

As Han Shao Zhou was about to leave, Mo Ming reminded him, “Don’t forget to bring your ID documents tomorrow.”

Han Shao Zhou was puzzled. “ID documents? Why?”

“You’ll find out tomorrow.”

Han Shao Zhou didn’t ask further. “I’ll come early tomorrow then.”

And he did come early…

Before 7 a.m. the next morning, Han Shao Zhou had unlocked Mo Ming’s apartment with the spare key, bringing along a packed breakfast prepared by the chef at Xiangbin Mountain. The two of them shared a quiet breakfast together.

The shrimp dumplings were excellent, prompting Mo Ming to compliment them. Han Shao Zhou jokingly replied, “Once you move in, you can have them whenever you want.”

To Han Shao Zhou’s surprise, Mo Ming actually smiled and nodded at him.

Feeling encouraged, Han Shao Zhou got up to serve Mo Ming some soup. “Here, little one, try this soup too. The chef at home is really skilled.”

Only after speaking did Han Shao Zhou realize he had called Mo Ming “little one.” He had been careful to avoid such intimate terms before, afraid of pushing Mo Ming away before their relationship was fully established. But seeing Mo Ming’s lack of reaction, Han Shao Zhou felt his chances of a successful confession rise just a little bit more.

After breakfast, around 9 a.m., Mo Ming got into Han Shao Zhou’s car and told him the name of a mall.

Without asking why they were going there, Han Shao Zhou obediently drove them to the mall.

After parking near the mall, Han Shao Zhou assumed Mo Ming wanted to do some shopping. But instead, Mo Ming asked him to bring his documents, and the two of them crossed the street to the Civil Affairs Bureau.

“I’m… not very good at saying sweet things,” Mo Ming said softly, scratching his nose as he looked at the man in front of him. “Han Shao Zhou, let’s get married.”

Han Shao Zhou was stunned. “Get married?”

“Yes, right now.”

“…”

His heart pounded uncontrollably, his breathing growing more erratic.

Han Shao Zhou stood frozen, staring in disbelief at the entrance to the Civil Affairs Bureau before turning back to Mo Ming.

Mo Ming’s eyes sparkled like starlight as he took Han Shao Zhou’s hand and led him toward the entrance.

Han Shao Zhou watched the figure walking ahead of him, unsure if this was reality or a dream.

Even if it was a dream, it was too extravagant.

As the midday sun shone down, Han Shao Zhou felt like he was floating, his feet sinking into soft sand.

When they emerged from the Civil Affairs Bureau, Mo Ming pulled on his mask, handed the two small red booklets to Han Shao Zhou, and said, “I have to fly to Zhong’an City this afternoon. There’s a public service short film I need to shoot. I should be back by tomorrow evening. Can you pick me up at the airport then?”

Han Shao Zhou kept his head down, staring at the red booklets in his hand, the gold-embossed words “Marriage Certificate” glinting in the sunlight. He was so lost in thought that he didn’t respond until Mo Ming called his name several times.

“Huh? Pick you up?” Han Shao Zhou finally snapped out of it, nodding absentmindedly. “Sure, no problem. I can do that.”

Watching Han Shao Zhou’s dazed expression, Mo Ming couldn’t help but laugh. He took off his mask, stood on tiptoe, and gently kissed him.

When he opened his eyes again, he saw that Han Shao Zhou’s eyes were misty, his cheeks tinged with red.

Mo Ming chuckled, stroking Han Shao Zhou’s cheek as he softly said, “From now on, Han Ge is a married man.”

Han Shao Zhou was speechless, tears welling up in his eyes as he nodded vigorously.

He couldn’t believe how much the heavens favored him…

He had actually gotten married, to the person he loved most.

In the end, Mo Ming refused to let Han Shao Zhou accompany him to Zhong’an City, worried that his excitement would interfere with the shoot.

Han Shao Zhou, being obedient, stayed behind in Chuanhai.

After Mo Ming left, Han Shao Zhou headed straight to Zhao Cheng’s shop, walking with a confident stride.

“Old Han, are you sure you don’t want me to plan that proposal? If you don’t act soon, you might end up single forever,” Zhao Cheng teased.

Han Shao Zhou sat down on the sofa, poured himself a drink, downed it in one gulp, and then pulled out the two small red booklets from his pocket, slapping them on the table with satisfaction. “So, how does it feel to be proven wrong?”

Zhao Cheng was stunned as he picked up the booklets. After reading them, he gasped, eyes wide. “Damn, Old Han, how did you trick Mo Ming into the Civil Affairs Bureau?”

“Watch your mouth.” Han Shao Zhou snatched the booklets back and tucked them safely into his pocket, unable to hide the grin on his face. “Hate to disappoint you, but getting married was Mo Ming’s idea.”

Zhao Cheng exclaimed, “Then Mo Ming really loves you.”

Han Shao Zhou finally felt completely at ease, his heart soaring as he pulled out the marriage certificates again to admire them.

His eyes couldn’t stop watering.

Yes, Mo Ming truly loved him…

He was finally sure that he wasn’t just Mo Ming’s second choice. He was the husband Mo Ming had chosen, the person he would spend the rest of his life with.

The next evening, Han Shao Zhou picked Mo Ming up at the airport.

The cold wind outside was swirling with light snow, and inside the arrival hall, Han Shao Zhou scooped up his little darling into a tight embrace.

Without caring about the curious stares from the crowd, Han Shao Zhou hoisted Mo Ming up in his arms and carried him out of the hall.

“Put me down,” Mo Ming whispered.

“No way. You started it.”

Mo Ming pulled the wide hood of his down jacket over his head, burying his face in Han Shao Zhou’s shoulder, avoiding the attention.

“Feeling shy?” Han Shao Zhou teased. “Where was this shyness when you ran into my arms earlier?”

Mo Ming bit his shoulder lightly. “You were always so well-behaved before.”

“How can the past compare to now? You’re my wife now.” Han Shao Zhou nuzzled his nose against Mo Ming’s warm neck. “A husband and wife shouldn’t be reserved with each other. That’s more like sworn brothers. Besides, do you know how hard it was for me to hold back before?”

Mo Ming couldn’t help but laugh. “So now you’re showing your true colors?”

“This is just the beginning.” Han Shao Zhou nuzzled Mo Ming’s cheek affectionately, playfully adding, “There’s a lot more where that came from. Are you ready to see how tough it can get?”

Mo Ming lifted the edge of his hood slightly, blinking up at Han Shao Zhou. “I’m ready.”

“…”

Han Shao Zhou inhaled sharply, suddenly picking up the pace. He quickly got Mo Ming into the car, then took out his phone to call his grandfather, firmly stating that they’d be coming home later than expected, despite his grandfather’s eagerness to meet his new grandson-in-law.

After hanging up, Han Shao Zhou turned to the driver and said, “Take us to the hotel.”

Seeing how impatient Han Shao Zhou was, Mo Ming laughed quietly, reaching out to touch his lips. “It seems like it’ll be very intense. A bit scary, actually.”

Han Shao Zhou caught Mo Ming’s playful hand, gently kissing his long fingers.

Without continuing the playful banter, he looked deeply into Mo Ming’s eyes, softly saying, “Thank you, Mo Ming. You’ve given my life so much meaning.”

Mo Ming smiled and leaned in for a kiss.

This winter was destined to be breathtakingly beautiful…