The day Jian Ci and Yu Xi returned, they expected to find everyone at home, at least that’s what Jian Rui had promised. But when they stepped inside, the house was silent, empty.

Yu Xi frowned, reaching for his communicator. "I will call and ask."

Before he could, Jian Ci slipped behind him, wrapping his arms around Yu Xi’s waist. "No, don’t," he murmured, pulling him close. "We can spend even more time together, just you and me."

He nuzzled against Yu Xi’s neck, his lips brushing the skin before biting lightly at his ear. Yu Xi flinched, trying to move away. "You... haven’t you had enough?"

Jian Ci leaned closer, swaying them both gently. "You know I can’t get enough of you, my love." His arms tightened around Yu Xi’s waist, his voice low and intoxicating.

Just then, the glass doors leading to the patio slid open. A chorus of voices shouted, "Surprise!"

Yu Xi and Jian Ci both startled, turning toward the sound. Everyone was there even Eros and Stannis. They hadn’t been gone at all. They had simply been waiting to surprise them with an engagement party.

Jian Ci laughed, shaking his head. "You guys really know how to be sneaky."

Jian Rui smirked. "Not as sneaky as you, running off with Yu Xi without saying anything."

"I needed a break from you all," Jian Ci replied with a smile.

Jian Rui pulled him into a hug. "Congratulations, Ah-Ci." He patted the back of Jian Ci’s head, pride shining in his eyes. He had never thought his sickly little brother would one day recover, find love, and be truly happy.

Jian Ci patted his brother’s back feeling bubbly. "Thank you, dage."

Jian Rui’s gaze shifted to Yu Xi, who was speaking with Eros and Xiaobao, his smile bright and genuine. "Congratulations, Ah-Xi."

Yu Xi nodded, his eyes glowing with joy.

Jian Wei couldn’t help himself. He threw his arms around Jian Ci, squeezing him tightly. "You brat! You could have told me your plans in advance so I could have given you some pointers!"

Before Jian Ci could reply, Xiaobao piped up with a mischievous grin. "Why would he look for you for pointers when you have never even had a partner?"

Jian Wei: "..."

He stammered, his face flushing. "That that was unnecessary."

It was indeed an unnecessary attack, but everyone burst into laughter at his expense. The sound filled the room, warm and teasing.

Jian Rui raised a hand, his voice calm but amused. "Don’t make fun of him. Brother isn’t skilled when it comes to matters of the heart."

Jian Wei turned to him, sulking. "Why make fun of me, brother?"

Though he pouted, his sulk didn’t last long. Xiaobao hooked her arm through his and said sweetly, "Our Wei-ge is exceptionally smart. Why does it matter if he isn’t good at dating?"

Jian Ci’s eyes widened, incredulous. Wasn’t she the one who brought this up in the first place?

Yu Xi stepped in, smiling. "Alright alright, stop teasing him already."

Across the room, Eros was watching the interlocked arms between Jian Wei and Xiaobao. A thought struck him sharply. He had to guard against Jian Ci, and now he realized he might have to guard against Jian Wei too. What was it with these Jian brothers being drawn to his grandkids? Stannis cleared his throat and said, "Let’s go outside before the food gets cold."

That night, the blended family celebrated the engagement until they all passed out from laughter, wine, and joy.

Yet, not everyone was present. Seraphyne was noticeably absent, her mind consumed by vengeance. She had a score to settle with her ex-husband, and at that very moment, she was at the prison actively supervising his torture.

***

Yu Xi had thought they would remain engaged for at least half a year, but when Jian Ci asked if they could marry in a month, he didn’t refuse. Of course, he teased him mercilessly. "If it weren’t for the fact that you are wealthy, I would think you are in a hurry to marry me for my assets."

Jian Ci laughed, leaning closer. "Not your assets. In fact, you can have everything I own right now." His hand rose, pointing at Yu Xi’s chest. "What I want is that, your heart, and the title."

Yu Xi rolled his eyes, exasperated, but his lips curved into a smile. He was eager too, so he agreed.

When Jian Rui heard the news, he spared no expense. He wanted all of Virelia to witness his brother’s marriage to the love of his life.

On the day itself, the sky was bright, the weather perfect. The imperial capital carried an intense floral scent, as though spring itself had descended upon the city. Blossoms lined the streets, their fragrance drifting through the air, mingling with the hum of anticipation.

Inside the imperial palace, Jian Ci paced back and forth, his ceremonial regalia rustling with each step. His impatience was palpable.

Jian Rui sat nearby, relaxed in his imperial regalia, watching with amusement. "Stop pacing up and down. You are making me dizzy."

"I am so nervous," Jian Ci admitted, his voice tight. "Where is Little Xi now?"

"Pacing won’t make him arrive faster," Jian Rui replied calmly.

Just then, Jian Wei entered, carrying a box. He opened it to reveal the family crest and rings belonging to their mother’s lineage. Carefully, he pinned the crest onto Jian Ci’s chest. "They are almost here," he said with a reassuring smile.

Jian Ci took a steady breath, his palms still clammy, and turned to Jian Wei. "Thank you, Wei-ge, for always taking care of me. I have been a lot of trouble in the past, and you tolerated me."

Jian Rui, seated nearby, arched his brow at the sentiment. Jian Wei slapped Jian Ci’s arm lightly, his voice sharp but affectionate. "Stop being so mushy. There is no need for thanks between us brothers."

Jian Ci’s gaze shifted to Jian Rui, his lips curving into a smile. "Thank you, Rui-ge, I—"

But his voice cut off as Jian Rui raised his hand, silencing him. Rising from his seat, Jian Rui walked toward him with quiet authority. Jian Wei stepped aside, watching as Jian Rui reached up to fix Jian Ci’s hair, smoothing it into place.

"We are brothers," Jian Rui said firmly. "We have each other’s backs. There is no need for thanks between us."

Jian Ci nodded, his voice soft. "Okay."

Jian Rui patted his arm, his expression easing. "Go get our in-law."