Soft fairy lights draped overhead, twinkling like stars as they framed the intimate setting. At the center stood a table set for two, adorned with a bouquet of exotic night-blooming flowers whose fragrance soothed the senses. A pair of candles flickered between crystal glasses, their warm glow dancing across polished silverware and casting golden reflections on the tablecloth.

Beyond the terrace, the mansion’s grounds stretched into a dimly lit flower garden, petals shimmering faintly under the moonlight. The scene was private, serene, and utterly enchanting.

Yu Xi paused, surprised by the effort Jian Ci had put into this. He let himself be guided to the table. Jian Ci pulled out a chair, gesturing for him to sit.

Yu Xi smiled softly. "You spoil me too much."

"I love spoiling you," Jian Ci replied, his voice tender. "It’s natural to me."

He truly meant it when he said he would spoil Yu Xi. Every dish that was served was impeccable, delicate flavors balanced with artistry, each plate a masterpiece. The atmosphere was so romantic it could leave anyone envious. The terrace glowed under the fairy lights, the candles flickering between them, and the night-blooming flowers perfumed the air with a soothing fragrance.

The entire time, Jian Ci’s gaze never wavered. He stared at Yu Xi as though he were the most important treasure in the world, his eyes soft yet burning with intensity. Yu Xi, who had endured that gaze for far too long, finally picked up his wine glass and teased, "The way you are looking at me, it’s as though you want to eat me."

Jian Ci curled his fingers, beckoning. "Give me the glass."

Yu Xi took a sip, then handed it over. Underneath the table, Jian Ci’s thigh brushed against his, deliberate and warm. Jian Ci raised the glass, drinking from the same spot Yu Xi’s lips had touched. Their gazes locked, unbroken. Yu Xi bit his lower lip, cheeks flushed. "You are despicable. Always trying to seduce me."

"I know you like it," Jian Ci replied smoothly, his grin foolish yet charming.

Yu Xi’s ears burned red, his heart racing. He took a bite of his dessert, watching Jian Ci grin at him like a man utterly smitten. Someone is really going to get eaten tonight, Yu Xi thought, half amused, half flustered.

When the meal was finished, Jian Ci leaned closer. "Are you full?"

"I am full. The food was really delicious," Yu Xi admitted.

Jian Ci placed his hand gently on Yu Xi’s waist. "I am glad you liked it."

He kept staring at Yu Xi’s handsome face, as though words hovered on his lips but refused to come out.

Yu Xi arched a brow. "If you keep staring at me like that, your eyes are going to fall out."

Jian Ci chuckled, rising to his feet. "Take a walk with me."

Yu Xi smirked, his voice light. "How could I refuse?"

Jian Ci’s hand immediately found his, their fingers entwining with ease. He led Yu Xi out into the garden, the night air cool and fragrant with blossoms. The pair walked hand in hand through the hedge maze, the soft glow of lanterns guiding their path.

"Race to the center," Jian Ci suddenly said, his tone playful.

Yu Xi arched a brow. "Why do you always have to compete with me? It’s supposed to be a romantic date."

"Oh, but—" Jian Ci began, only to be cut off as Yu Xi darted forward, laughing. "Sucker!" Yu Xi shouted over his shoulder.

Jian Ci, "..."

He laughed, shaking his head, and sprinted after him. "You cheated!"

Yu Xi’s laughter rang through the maze, bright and unrestrained. Jian Ci spotted him veer right, his lips curling into a grin as he took another turn, aiming to intercept. The two of them ran in different directions, both aiming for the center but their goals were not the same. For Yu Xi, it was victory. For Jian Ci, it was capture.

Yu Xi finally reached the center, triumphant. Just as he thought he had won, strong arms wrapped around him from behind, arresting his movements. Jian Ci’s voice was warm against his ear. "Gotcha."

Yu Xi laughed breathlessly. "This was a competition."

"To you," Jian Ci murmured, tightening his embrace. "But to me, it was about capturing you."

He swayed them gently left and right, his nose brushing the back of Yu Xi’s neck. "You smell so good," he whispered.

Yu Xi scoffed, cheeks hot. "Gege, are you a dog?"

Jian Ci chuckled, the vibrations of his chest transferring through Yu Xi’s back, making Yu Xi’s heart tremble despite himself. His breath was warm against Yu Xi’s ear.

"Maybe I am," he whispered, tightening his embrace, "but I am your dog."

Before Yu Xi could retort, the sky suddenly lit up. The center of the maze glowed with anticipation as the night deepened. Then, the first firework tore into the heavens, a comet of silver that burst into a thousand shimmering fragments.

Yu Xi’s eyes widened. One after another followed, crimson blossoms, golden wheels, sapphire fountains, each explosion painting the heavens with dazzling brilliance. The maze itself seemed to pulse with light, its pathways illuminated in fleeting, magical patterns.

Yu Xi was stunned. He hadn’t anticipated this.

Jian Ci loosened his hold, turning Yu Xi gently to face the spectacle. "Do you like it?" he asked, his voice tender.

Yu Xi’s lips parted, his eyes reflecting the kaleidoscope of colors above. "I love it."

As the crescendo reached its peak, the sky bloomed with a colossal burst of emerald and violet. Within the shimmering haze, letters began to form, glowing as though written by the hand of a god.

The words unfurled slowly, each stroke blazing across the night:

Yu Xi, will you marry me?

Yu Xi froze, entranced by the beauty yet overwhelmed by the meaning. The words lingered, radiant and immense, suspended above the maze like a celestial vow.

The spectacle was breathtaking, an entire sky transformed into a canvas of love. Fireworks cascaded around the glowing message, framing it with showers of light, until the maze’s heart was drenched in brilliance.