BPTCMW : Chapter 71

In the dim light, the crystal chandelier above them swayed gently. Droplets of sweat clung to the silver-gray silk pillow, while the blackout curtains muted the outside light. The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast shadows of two intertwined figures, and their discarded sleepwear lay in a suggestive heap on the floor.

Han Yi’s kisses fell one by one, moving from tender to urgent, landing on Xia Yang’s hair, forehead, and nose. The hot breath between their lips felt like a scorching Xia sun.

Xia Yang had never imagined that on his 24th birthday, he would fully possess the man who was his. Nor had he imagined spending this special day mostly in bed.

It was quite a memorable experience.

When he awoke, it was already afternoon. The first thing he saw upon opening his eyes was Han Yi’s dark, deep gaze.

“Awake? How do you feel?” Han Yi’s gentle voice whispered in his ear, punctuated by a light kiss on the tip of his nose.

“Mm…” Xia Yang blinked, his eyes still red around the edges. His lashes trembled slightly, and with a hint of shyness, he buried his face in the pillow.

The pleasure had been real, but so was the soreness afterward.

Unable to articulate his feelings, he burrowed into Han Yi’s embrace, then leaned over and playfully bit his collarbone—not too hard, just enough to leave a light pink mark, surrounded by a gleaming layer of moisture. He then lifted his head, voice raspy, “Next time, you should be the one underneath. You’ll gain a deeper understanding, I promise.”

Han Yi paused, a smile tugging at his lips as he gently caressed Xia Yang’s smooth back. “How about I take you somewhere?”

“Where?” Xia Yang asked.

“A therapeutic hot spring, to relax and rejuvenate,” Han Yi replied, softly lifting him from the bed. There’s a famous therapeutic hot spring outside City A, known as “Herbal Spring,” combining precious herbs with hot water for a soothing, healing experience.

Xia Yang got up and went to the dressing room to change. Just as he grabbed a set of casual clothes, Han Yi stopped him.

“Wear this.” He handed over a high-end suit still wrapped in a dust cover, a custom piece that had just arrived a few days ago.

“Uh, wearing something so expensive to a hot spring? Is there a fashion show?” Xia Yang asked, puzzled.

“No,” Han Yi’s tone was mysterious, not clarifying why the suit was necessary. He simply said, “It’s your birthday; you should dress formally. It’s all about the ceremony.”

Xia Yang: “…”

Finding no reason to argue, he obediently changed into the suit and headed downstairs. However, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Han Yi was planning something.

The weather was fine, with warm sunlight. They drove for over an hour to their destination, a hot spring resort.

After unbuckling his seatbelt, Han Yi turned to him. “If it’s difficult to walk, should I carry you?”

“Uh, better not,” Xia Yang imagined the posture required for being carried, which would require him to spread his legs. The thought made him wince, recalling the lingering soreness. Besides, the resort was busy, and they were already prone to drawing attention…

“I’ll walk on my own; it’s not like my legs are broken,” he muttered, looking away as he exited the car.

The two entered the resort through a wooden walkway that wound its way to a traditional courtyard.

“Right this way,” a service attendant led them.

“Are there many visitors today?” Xia Yang adjusted his sunglasses and asked.

“The hot springs area is pretty empty, but the front desk mentioned a group might come in the evening, though the time isn’t set.”

“Oh, good.” Xia Yang relaxed.

It was only 3:30 PM, and there was still plenty of time before evening. Their therapeutic session would likely remain undisturbed.

They walked past thirty or so pools of varying sizes and depths, heading towards the therapeutic herb pool at the back. After showering and donning bathrobes, they made their way to the pool area.

Xia Yang spotted a misty herbal pool and was about to step in when he noticed a smaller, more delicate pool nearby, marked by a small wooden sign.

The sign read: “Tightens skin, enhances elasticity.”

It sounded intriguing. Unsure if it was just a gimmick or truly effective, Xia Yang immediately changed direction and slipped into the water.

Han Yi followed, noticing the sign. After a brief pause, he removed his robe and joined the smaller pool.

“Of all the pools, why this one?” he asked in the steamy water.

Xia Yang, harboring his own thoughts, whispered, “Tightens… enhances…”

Understanding dawned on Han Yi, who pulled him into a tight embrace and kissed his lips.

“You don’t need it; you’re perfect just the way you are.”

Xia Yang blushed, his ears turning red, and tried to splash away from him. But Han Yi’s warm hands caught his wrist, and another deep kiss ensued, raising the heat between them.

After soaking for over half an hour, Xia Yang wanted to get out and have a snack. He nudged Han Yi’s shoulder and said, “Can you lift me out? I want to get something to eat.”

“Lift you out?” Han Yi raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure you want it that way?”

Xia Yang immediately understood. Given the earlier activities, certain areas were probably not in the best condition for a “lift.”

“…Got it,” he muttered, blushing as he coughed. He decided to take the stairs instead.

Just as he was about to step out, Han Yi suddenly scooped him up, carrying him in his arms.

“Hey!” Xia Yang gasped, unable to help but exclaim.

“I’ll carry you,” Han Yi said, walking up the stairs, water splashing around them.

At that moment, a group of tourists entered, about a dozen men and women.

It seemed to be a small tour group.

A young woman at the front of the group spotted them and let out a loud squeal.

“Oh my gosh! Isn’t that Xia Yang?!”

Xia Yang: “…”

Han Yi: “…”

The group turned to look, and dozens of eyes were glued to them, voices rising in excitement.

“It really is Xia Yang! Oh my gosh, is this what it’s like to run into a star?”

“Wow, Xia Yang looks so cute, being carried by that handsome guy!”

“That’s his husband; they just announced it on Weibo, didn’t you see?”

“Wow, they just announced it, and now we bump into them. What luck!”

“Xia Yang! Xia Yang!”

The group called out to them.

Xia Yang hadn’t expected to run into so many people at this hour. He quickly got down from Han Yi’s arms, wrapped his robe tightly, and greeted them.

“Hello, Happy New Year!”

“Happy New Year! Happy New Year!”

As the group started to gather around them, Xia Yang grabbed Han Yi’s hand and quickly walked towards the exit.

“Have fun, everyone. We have something to do, so we’re leaving.”

The others: “…”

They wanted to keep watching the famous couple but respected their space, waving goodbye as they left.

After a short soak, the discomfort in Xia Yang’s body was mostly gone, and the soreness in his waist was almost nonexistent. Feeling refreshed, he stretched his relaxed body, took a shower, and changed in the dressing room.

He peered out into the hallway and muttered to himself, “There shouldn’t be any more people coming now, right?”

Han Yi glanced at him, pressing his lips together. “There aren’t any more people, but since we’re public now, there’s no need to avoid crowds, right?”

“That’s true, but it depends on the situation,” Xia Yang said.

Han Yi: “?”

“For example, in a place like a hot spring, where we’re not fully clothed, it’s best to avoid crowds.”

“Why?”

“Because you have marks on your body, and so do I. If someone sees us, they might think we did something inappropriate in the pool.”

Han Yi: “………………….”

Han Yi: “Your concerns are quite unique!”

Xia Yang: “Absolutely.”

As they drove away from the hot spring resort, they turned right onto the highway. Xia Yang looked out the window, then turned back to Han Yi. “This isn’t the way home, is it?”

“No,” Han Yi said, holding the steering wheel. He glanced at Xia Yang and seemed to chuckle. “Why, are you afraid I’m going to sell you off?”

“…Would you?” Xia Yang rolled his eyes and scoffed, “If you did, you’d be a widower!”

“Don’t say such things,” Han Yi’s tone darkened, forbidding such unlucky words. After a pause, his voice softened, “I see you’re feeling better after the hot spring. We can continue with our original plan.”

“?” Xia Yang gave him a puzzled look.

Han Yi didn’t elaborate, focusing on driving. They continued for another half hour until they arrived at the gates of a place that resembled a private estate.

“We’re here.” Han Yi unbuckled his seatbelt. “A business friend is hosting an auction tonight. I saw the catalog beforehand and found something I thought you’d like.”

He had received the invitation a few days prior. Noticing the auction fell on Xia Yang’s birthday, he initially planned to decline but changed his mind after seeing the catalog.

He intended to surprise Xia Yang, so he hadn’t mentioned it.

“So that’s why you wanted me to wear a suit,” Xia Yang said, linking arms with Han Yi as they walked towards the brightly lit estate.

The event was attended by the elite, a gathering of the wealthy and powerful. The entire estate was vibrant, buzzing with luxury and sophistication.

As they walked through the venue, Han Yi held Xia Yang’s hand. People greeted them, and others whispered behind their backs with a hint of jealousy.

“Isn’t that the young star who married into wealth? They’ve been married for a year and haven’t even had a wedding. I bet they won’t last.”

“Who knows why Han Yi, with his vast wealth, would like a man? I don’t think they’ll last either.”

“Let’s wait and see.”

At six o’clock sharp, the auction dinner began.

Xia Yang and Han Yi sat in the VIP section at the front. As each item was auctioned off, Xia Yang watched with interest.

“Hey, Han Yi, what do you think of that limited edition Count’s robe?” he whispered to Han Yi.

It was his first time seeing such a luxurious men’s robe. The fabric shimmered with a pearly luster, adorned with classic and vintage floral patterns. The slightly feminine and beautiful ruffled design made him wonder what Han Yi would look like in such an aristocratic outfit.

…A sleeping beauty?

“Should we bid on it? Count?” He playfully poked Han Yi’s thigh, teasing, “Although it’s a men’s style, it’s got a rare backless design. Perfect for showing off your strong back muscles.”

Han Yi pulled back his leg slightly, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Would you wear it? If you do, I’ll bid.”

“It’s too big for me; you’d look great in it. Your strong body would carry it well,” Xia Yang giggled, pretending to wave the bidding paddle.

To his surprise, Han Yi raised the paddle and bid on the robe.

“Let’s congratulate Mr. Han Yi!” the auctioneer called out, the host clapping enthusiastically.

Xia Yang was stunned, kicking Han Yi’s shoe under the table. “I was kidding! You actually bid on it? Spending half a million on a robe… You better wear it! What a waste…”

Han Yi turned to him, his eyes gleaming. “I bought it for you, specially. Don’t you like backless?”

“I said it’s too big for me. Hey, no one likes backless!” Xia Yang’s ears turned red as he tried to argue.

Han Yi pressed his lips together, stifling a laugh. He gently patted Xia Yang’s wrist. “It’s fine. It’s just a robe, worn for yourself. The size doesn’t matter. Besides, at home, the buttons on your robe accidentally came off at noon. Consider this a replacement.”

Xia Yang: “……………”

Such a sneaky man!

The auction continued, with the final, most significant item yet to be unveiled.

The host clicked through the slides with a laser pointer, revealing a high-definition photo on the big screen. The audience gasped.

“Wow, that’s beautiful!”

“A private island! How much is it?”

“I’m out. I can’t play these rich people’s games.”

The host motioned for everyone to quiet down and introduced the last item with great ceremony.

It was a private island in the South Pacific, auctioned as property rather than a lease.

The island boasted a tropical climate year-round, offering romantic and picturesque scenery with advanced facilities.

It featured hotels, restaurants, a horse ranch, a golf course, and even a marina with a private dock, making it a highly convenient place to live and travel.

After the introduction, the auctioneer announced the starting bid: 87.63 million RMB.

It was a hefty sum, indeed a game for the wealthy.

The wealthy attendees began placing their bids.

Xia Yang was mesmerized by the photos on the screen.

It was breathtaking—a heart-shaped island, blue seas, blue skies, and seagulls flying. It looked like paradise on earth.

“Do you like it?” Han Yi’s voice reached his ears. Xia Yang nodded enthusiastically, swallowing hard. “I love it. It’s gorgeous, but it’s too expensive. I’m not worthy.”

“Who said that?” Han Yi’s voice deepened. Before Xia Yang could react, Han Yi raised his paddle, bidding at a new high, “150 million.”

“Wow!” The crowd buzzed with excitement.

Xia Yang was shocked by the bid, quickly grabbing Han Yi’s hand to prevent another impulsive purchase like the robe.

“I was just talking. Don’t bid! I don’t actually like it that much.”

“We’re bidding,” Han Yi said, his gaze firm and determined.

Xia Yang: “…”

Just then, a portly tycoon raised the bid to 170 million.

“Great, 170 million,” Xia Yang cheered, waving his hands in the air, about to steal the auctioneer’s line, “Congratulations to this wealthy gentleman…”

“200 million,” Han Yi interrupted, raising the paddle again.

Xia Yang: “…”

Xia Yang: “!!!”

What grudge, what feud? Why must he challenge 200 million RMB?

The host and auctioneer were ecstatic, their voices cracking with excitement.

“200 million once, 200 million twice, 200 million three times—sold!”

“Let’s congratulate Mr. Han Yi once again!”

Xia Yang took a deep breath, closing his eyes and massaging his temples. Spending over 200 million in one night, he felt his blood pressure rising.

At that moment, the portly tycoon who had bid 170 million stood up, somewhat irritated. He addressed Han Yi, “Mr. Han, are you planning to invest in island ventures? Spending 200 million on a small island, be careful not to lose money!”

“I’m not investing, and it’s not for business,” Han Yi began, his voice calm, “The island, also known as ‘Sun Island,’ enjoys sunshine all year round. It’s a birthday gift for my lover, who mentioned they liked the idea of a beach wedding.”

The quiet surroundings erupted with envious and jealous shouts. Xia Yang stared at Han Yi in disbelief, feeling a wave of warmth and excitement in his chest.

“Han Yi…” He whispered, barely managing to call out his name.

Han Yi gazed at him deeply, taking his hand and kissing the back of it. “This wedding is a bit late, but I’ll do my best to give you the perfect one.”

His voice was soft, but every word was clear, reaching the ears of those around them, who erupted into applause.

“Wow, this feels like a proposal!”

“That’s real wealth, spending 200 million to make the wife happy!”

The voices around them faded into the background for Xia Yang. In that moment, the world felt still, as if it were just him and Han Yi.

He wrapped his arms around Han Yi’s neck, suddenly standing on tiptoe to kiss him on the lips.

The crowd roared with excitement again, some even pulling out their phones to snap pictures. This would surely be all over the news by tomorrow.

But Xia Yang didn’t care. He wanted to share his love with his partner, just like the island Han Yi had gifted him—basking in sunshine year-round.

Leaving the estate, the sky was dark, and the stars were shining above them, twinkling as if winking at them.

Xia Yang noticed the moonlight casting their shadows on the road, side by side, sometimes short, sometimes long. He took out his phone, adjusted the lighting, and snapped a photo.

In the picture, his shadow leaned over to kiss Han Yi’s shadow.

“This turned out well. Send it to me,” Han Yi said, looking at the photo.

“What do you plan to do?” Xia Yang raised an eyebrow.

Han Yi: “Post it on social media, of course, to show off.”

Two minutes later, they both updated their social media with the same shadow photo.

Xia Yang: “Under the moonlight, there are two shadows—one is mine, and the other is also mine.”

Han Yi: “To be your only shadow, whether day or night, sunny or cloudy.”

—The End

R : That’s the eeeeeeeeeeeeeend !! Extra chapters soon !

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