TAO | Chapter 63

To attract newlyweds and couples, the resort used cutting-edge technology to create a 4D effect of a starry night at the seaside.

When they arrived at the beach, the driver handed Wei Xiaochi and Jiang Zhan a pair of black glasses each. Once they put them on, it felt like they were standing amidst a brilliant galaxy.

The soft, fine sand beneath their feet, the cool sea breeze brushing past, and the magnificent “vast starry sky” overhead created a dreamlike scene, as though they had stepped into a fantasy world.

Couples were sitting close together on the beach, and not far away, a proposal was taking place. Silver fireworks burst in the background as the couple embraced and kissed, surrounded by their family and friends. Many onlookers smiled warmly and applauded.

Love was beautiful, but also fleeting.

Wei Xiaochi stared blankly at the sweet couple, his thoughts drifting unknowingly to his parents.

Suddenly, a gentle tug on his fingers pulled him back, as if a string had reeled in a kite lost in the storm.

The momentary sadness vanished without a trace. Wei Xiaochi looked up at Jiang Zhan.

Jiang Zhan suddenly asked, “Do you like it?”

Wei Xiaochi looked confused.

“Why are you staring at them so intently?” Jiang Zhan’s gaze darted around, avoiding Wei Xiaochi. “If you like it so much, I can do it for you too.”

Realizing what Jiang Zhan was implying, Wei Xiaochi nearly bit his tongue.

They were proposing! What’s he going to do for me?!

Wei Xiaochi quickly waved his hands. “No need, I don’t like it.”

Jiang Zhan raised his head, looking at Wei Xiaochi with a wounded expression.

The look made Wei Xiaochi’s heart race, and he stammered, “L-let’s go back. It’s Han Ziyang’s birthday, and the cake will be cut soon.”

Jiang Zhan didn’t budge, his face full of displeasure.

Wei Xiaochi stood with him for a while, and then the alpha said gruffly, “They’re all kissing.”

The intention was so obvious that Wei Xiaochi couldn’t pretend not to understand.

The problem was, Jiang Zhan usually kissed him directly without a word. Why was he suddenly being polite and asking for permission? How was he supposed to respond?

Wei Xiaochi lowered his head, his face heating up. “…Uh.”

Jiang Zhan repeated, “They’re all kissing.”

Wei Xiaochi lowered his head even further.

By the third time, Wei Xiaochi mumbled, stumbling over his words, “Th-then…should we kiss too?”

The moment the words left his mouth, Jiang Zhan leaned in and kissed him.

Han Ziyang had pre-ordered a roasted lamb, along with a large assortment of dishes.

While they were playing games inside, the staff set up a long table in the courtyard and arranged the food, desserts, and fruit.

When Wei Xiaochi and Jiang Zhan returned, Han Ziyang rubbed his empty stomach and cheered, “Everyone’s here! Let’s eat!”

The staff brought out a three-tiered cake with eighteen candles lit on top.

Han Ziyang, having started school a year early, was younger than Jiang Zhan and the others—just turning eighteen this year.

Everyone gathered around and sang “Happy Birthday” to him. Han Ziyang closed his eyes, made a wish, and blew out the candles in one breath.

Jiang Rui suddenly called out, “Han Ziyang.”

Han Ziyang looked up. “What’s up?”

Jiang Rui smeared a handful of cream on his face. “Happy adulthood.”

Caught off guard, Han Ziyang was covered in cream and immediately exploded. “What the f—!”

Before he could finish, Zhao Zifeng, known for being the honest one, also smeared cream on him. “Happy adulthood.”

A full-blown cake fight broke out, with frosting flying everywhere.

Only Wei Xiaochi pitied the wasted food. Such good cake, all gone to waste.

Noticing Wei Xiaochi eyeing the cake, Jiang Zhan shouted for them to stop. “Enough!”

His commanding voice silenced the chaos.

Everyone stopped and stared as the temperamental alpha cut a clean piece of cake and handed it to the omega. Their expressions were a mix of confusion and disbelief.

Why was there a couple among their group? And not just a couple—a fully-fledged one!

All eyes turned to Han Ziyang.

Everyone knew Han Ziyang idolized Jiang Zhan. While others fawned over love, he fawned over brotherhood.

With his face covered in cream, Han Ziyang helplessly spread his hands, his expression saying, “Yeah, they’re disgustingly lovey-dovey, but my brother Zhan is still my brother Zhan. That doesn’t change, even if he’s in a relationship.”

Completely unfazed, Han Ziyang was content to bask in his devotion.

The group collectively shot him disdainful looks before grabbing plates to find something to eat.

Jiang Zhan cut a large piece of cake with a cherry on top for Wei Xiaochi.

Not wanting to waste food, Wei Xiaochi finished the entire cake, though it was so rich that he had to drink some soda to wash it down.

After eating, the party turned out to be far less exciting than Han Ziyang had promised. Most people just gathered in groups to play video games.

Jiang Zhan let Wei Xiaochi rest for an hour before dragging him to the pool to swim a lap, calling it a review of what he had taught him the night before.

In the water, Wei Xiaochi struggled to paddle forward, his movements clumsy and slow.

Meanwhile, Jiang Zhan effortlessly swam past him using butterfly strokes, waiting leisurely for him to catch up before switching to another stroke and pulling ahead again.

Wei Xiaochi, swallowing a mouthful of water, had to stop.

Floating nearby, Jiang Zhan’s toned body was on full display, the water streaming down his defined abs and tapering into his sharp v-line. Watching him, Wei Xiaochi unconsciously swallowed hard.

Because his technique wasn’t great, whenever Wei Xiaochi stopped, he risked sinking. He had no choice but to keep moving.

Jiang Zhan maintained a consistent distance, constantly changing his swimming style. It almost felt like he was showing off.

Though Jiang Zhan could be proud and stubborn, he wasn’t the type to flaunt or tease, unlike Li Suilin.

Soon, Wei Xiaochi dismissed the thought. Jiang Zhan wasn’t that kind of person.

After barely completing one lap, Wei Xiaochi’s arms felt useless, and his legs ached with exhaustion.

Not one to stay up late, Wei Xiaochi started feeling drowsy, especially after his poor sleep the night before. Still, with everyone hanging out downstairs, he felt too awkward to head to bed early.

Jiang Zhan, unconcerned with appearances, noticed Wei Xiaochi yawning and immediately pulled him upstairs to sleep.

Finding a guest room, Jiang Zhan closed the door and locked it.

Wei Xiaochi’s eyelids twitched as he stared at him, puzzled.

“What are you looking at?” Jiang Zhan snapped, his tone defensive, but his ears were red. “What are you thinking? I locked the door so they wouldn’t disturb us. You sleep on the bed, I’ll take the sofa.”

Wei Xiaochi blinked. “Oh.”

Hearing his nonchalant response, Jiang Zhan glared. “What do you mean, ‘oh’?”

Wei Xiaochi shook his head and whispered, “Nothing.”

Annoyed, Jiang Zhan turned his back and kicked the wall lightly.

Wei Xiaochi glanced at the sofa. It seemed too small for someone of Jiang Zhan’s height, so he suggested, “You can take the bed, I’ll—”

Jiang Zhan spun around instantly. “If you want to share the bed with me, then let’s just sleep together.”

Wei Xiaochi: … Fine.

Jiang Zhan finished washing up first and wrapped himself in the blanket, leaving only his dark eyes visible.

The moment Wei Xiaochi walked out, Jiang Zhan’s eyes followed him.

When Wei Xiaochi glanced over, Jiang Zhan quickly looked away, pretending nothing had happened, making Wei Xiaochi feel uneasy.

It wasn’t their first time sharing a bed, but before, they hadn’t been in a relationship. This was their first time sharing a bed as a couple, and it felt…different.

Wei Xiaochi climbed into bed quietly, slipping under the light blanket.

The moment he lay down, Jiang Zhan shifted, startling Wei Xiaochi.

When nothing happened, Wei Xiaochi relaxed. Then he heard Jiang Zhan say, “I don’t feel like sleeping.”

After a pause, Jiang Zhan added, “I’m not even tired.”

Wei Xiaochi had mixed feelings. Just last night, four-year-old Wei Zimo had said the exact same thing.

Wei Zimo didn’t want to sleep because he wanted to play. Jiang Zhan not wanting to sleep…

Wei Xiaochi wasn’t sure what he wanted.

Author’s Note:

There’s a big event tomorrow if nothing unexpected happens.