AN: I am so sorry for my absense. I needed a mental reset. The journey is almost over and I am really not ready. I hope you like it.

Yu Xi sat by the chaise overlooking the estate, finally taking in the full tour Jian Ci had given him after their afternoon shenanigans. The property was a hidden jewel, nestled deep within a rainforest oasis, a private mansion owned by Jian Ci’s family, untouched by the outside world.

The estate itself was a masterclass in luxurious restraint. Smooth sandstone walls and dark wood beams framed wide open terraces that overlooked a crystalline waterfall cascading into a natural pool.

Exotic flowers bloomed along the edges of the grounds, their fragrance drifting lazily through the air, soothing the minds of Espers and Guides alike. Birds sang melodic tunes overhead, their voices weaving into the tranquil hum of the rainforest. Inside, the mansion was warm and inviting.

High ceilings and soft lighting created a sense of openness, while plush furniture blended elegance with comfort. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the lush greenery outside, and the interior echoed faintly with the gentle songs of native birds. Every detail, from the hand-carved banisters to the silk throws draped over couches, spoke of wealth, but never ostentation. It was a sanctuary, designed not to impress, but to heal. Far from prying eyes, it was the perfect retreat.

Now, Yu Xi lay half reclined on the chaise, gazing at the stars through the window. He had showered and changed into something Jian Ci had picked for him, semi-formal attire that felt deliberate. When Yu Xi asked why, Jian Ci had only smiled and said they were going to have dinner together on the terrace.

Just then, Yu Xi’s communicator chimed. He glanced at the notification and saw it was his grandfather. Where did you go?

Yu Xi replied calmly: Don’t worry. I am safe. He sent a live location.

Eros responded almost immediately: You could have told me when you were leaving. I would have arranged security.

Yu Xi replied to his grandfather’s message with a sigh: You worry too much. I am fine.

He sent it off, hoping Eros would let the matter go. Just as the message left his communicator, Jian Ci suddenly grabbed his ankle. Yu Xi blinked, startled, as Jian Ci began massaging it gently. He was kneeling with one knee on the ground, looking up at Yu Xi with a reverent expression that made Yu Xi’s chest tighten.

"What are you doing?" Yu Xi asked, meeting his gaze.

Jian Ci bit his lip, his voice soft. "Helping you put on your shoes."

Yu Xi narrowed his eyes. "You know you have been acting weird lately. What are really you up to?"

Jian Ci’s fingers stiffened for a moment before he forced a smile. "I was acting weird because I was planning this trip."

"Really?" Yu Xi pressed.

"Yes, really. You think I can hide anything from you?" Jian Ci chuckled, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of unease.

Yu Xi studied him carefully. He knew Jian Ci well enough to sense when something was amiss. And Jian Ci was hiding something. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Days ago, Jian Ci had gone to see Eros. Not for casual conversation, but to ask for his blessing to marry Yu Xi. Eros hadn’t made it easy on him. Calling it bullying was an understatement. Jian Ci had been thrown into intense physical training, forced to compete against Roan and other high-ranking Espers under Eros’ command.

Jian Ci had trained all his life, but this kind of intense training without using his psychic powers was incredibly difficult and he struggled. He couldn’t keep up for a second, and Eros had thoroughly enjoyed watching him suffer. "You think you are worthy of my grandson? You have to work for it," Eros had barked, berating him at every turn.

But Jian Ci wasn’t the type to give up. He persisted, enduring every grueling exercise, every humiliating stumble. By the time he was done, Eros had actually praised him and even treated him to a meal.

He finally gave his blessing that is under one condition: Jian Ci had to promise to protect Yu Xi with his life. Jian Ci had made that promise without hesitation, his voice steady, his resolve unshakable. Only then did Eros let him go, his stern expression softening into something almost paternal.

Jian Ci carried more than just Eros’s blessing when he left. He carried a ring, tucked safely away, and a plan that had consumed him for weeks. This vacation wasn’t simply a retreat. It was the stage he had chosen to ask the love of his life to marry him. The mansion, the oasis, the waterfall, all of it had been deliberately selected. It was romantic, secluded and breathtaking, a place where he could spend the week convincing Yu Xi that he would be the right choice for a husband.

He had even prepared a speech, rehearsed in his mind countless times. He would promise Yu Xi that he would never let him raise a finger, that whatever Yu Xi wanted, he would give willingly. Jian Ci loved him so deeply that he would give him the world if Yu Xi asked for it.

Finishing with his shoes, Jian Ci stood and stretched out his hand. "Let’s go. You must be hungry."

"I am starving," Yu Xi admitted, taking his hand.

Jian Ci pulled him up, and Yu Xi bumped into his chest. Jian Ci’s arms wrapped around his waist, his smile sly. "Look who is being impatient."

Yu Xi scoffed. "You pulled me up with so much strength on purpose."

Jian Ci slid his hands lower along Yu Xi’s back, only for Yu Xi to grab his wrist, stopping him.

Jian Ci’s smirk deepened as Yu Xi held his wrist, stopping his wandering hand. "How can you blame me, babe, when you look so good?" His voice was low, teasing, but laced with sincerity.

Yu Xi leaned closer, the tip of his nose brushing against Jian Ci’s. "Feed me first, and I might consider it."

Jian Ci leaned in even closer, his breath warm against Yu Xi’s lips. "Really?"

Yu Xi smiled, leaning back just enough to keep him wanting. "Really."

"Promise?" Jian Ci pressed, eyes gleaming.

Yu Xi kissed him lightly, a fleeting touch that carried more weight than words. "Promise."

"Okay," Jian Ci said, his smile bright and charming, the kind that made Yu Xi’s heart skip.

He took Yu Xi’s hand and led him toward the terrace overlooking the front of the estate. The space had been transformed into a romantic haven beneath the night sky.