Chapter 38
The moment the words left his mouth, Yanyan immediately felt a bit of regret.
He remembered what Si Jingce had said—humans were reserved. What he just said might have scared him.
Just as he was thinking about how to phrase it better, Si Jingce had already walked over from the doorway and stood in front of him, looking down.
“I know how to say it now!” Yanyan said seriously. “I don’t know if humans accept confessions like this, but from the bottom of my heart—I want to be your boyfriend, brother. I want to be with you for the rest of my life.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the man’s presence closed in.
Si Jingce cupped his face, bent down, and quietly kissed his cheek.
Yanyan froze.
It was only a brief kiss. Si Jingce smiled and let go. “Me too.”
He also wanted to be Yanyan’s boyfriend. He also wanted to spend his whole life with him.
Then he pulled him into a tight embrace.
Yanyan’s head was spinning.
He couldn’t quite remember what had happened—only that Si Jingce held him for a long time.
Nestled in his arms, he listened to the man’s steady heartbeat and watched as the color slowly crept up his neck.
It wasn’t until he lay in bed that Yanyan slowly processed it—
They were together now?
He felt like he should fulfill some boyfriend duties.
Kissing… they already did that today.
Sleeping while hugging… they were already doing that.
The boy frowned slightly.
Why did it feel… no different from before?
Just as that thought formed, the phone beside Si Jingce rang.
Si Jingce held him tightly and didn’t even look at it.
“Brother…” Yanyan blinked. “Someone messaged you.”
Still holding him, Si Jingce picked up the phone.
From this angle, Yanyan could clearly see the screen.
Yunduan had sent 99+ messages, even sending a red packet while apologizing.
Si Jingce accepted it.
[Make the wedding gift envelope thicker.]
Even Si De and Gui Yaying had sent messages—both of them, in perfect sync, sent long strings of question marks.
Si Jingce felt like he was about to get scolded.
Shamelessly, he mimicked Yanyan’s tone.
[Si Jingce]: Mom, is something wrong? Little brother is already asleep, OVO.
[Si Jingce]: Dad, why are you looking for little brother so late? OVO?
Yanyan was shocked. “Brother… if you do that, won’t Dad and Mom scold me?”
“They won’t scold you.” Si Jingce kissed his cheek. “They’ll scold me.”
They had already guessed anyway. Si Jingce might as well confirm it today.
Sure enough, replies came quickly.
[Gui Yaying]: Nothing at all, Yanyan. When will you come home for a meal again?
[Si De]: Heh, nothing. You and your brother go to sleep early. Dad should sleep too.
They really didn’t get scolded.
Yanyan was still dazed when Si Jingce pulled him back to reality.
Pressed beneath him, Yanyan met his gaze.
The man’s eyes traced over him—from his brows to his nose, and finally down to his lips.
Yanyan swallowed unconsciously.
Si Jingce leaned down and, with restraint, kissed the corner of his lips.
“Yanyan.”
Yanyan’s fingertips trembled. “Mm.”
Si Jingce smiled. “My boyfriend.”
Yanyan: “…Mm.”
He was brother’s boyfriend!
…
Over the next few days, they got along just like before.
Yanyan didn’t really understand what humans did differently in relationships. Just as he thought about looking it up online, Si Jingce stood in front of him and gently wrapped a scarf around his neck.
“Switch your phone to airplane mode on the plane,” Si Jingce reminded. “I’ve already downloaded some shows onto your tablet. You can use your phone after landing.”
Yanyan nodded and handed over his phone.
They set off two days early to attend Gemstone TV’s annual streamer event.
Along the way, they ran into quite a few smaller streamers. Many of them secretly glanced at Si Jingce but didn’t dare approach.
Luohuoxi had been banned for a month and lost popularity. Other big streamers had slow growth. Only Si Jingce’s momentum kept rising, constantly breaking into wider circles.
Many people believed this year’s “Annual Star” award would go to him.
But that recent “coming out” livestream left some uncertainty.
Meanwhile, the man himself seemed completely unaffected—still attentively taking care of his newly confirmed boyfriend.
Covering him with a blanket, feeding him while he watched shows, bustling around him—it left onlookers stunned.
At three in the afternoon, Si Jingce and Yanyan finally arrived at the hotel arranged by Gemstone TV.
Yunduan and Bobomei were already waiting in the lobby. Seeing them arrive, they walked over with smiles.
“Bobomei jie-jie!” Yanyan greeted happily. “Congratulations! Your ring is so beautiful!”
The diamond on her finger was dazzling. Hearing his congratulations, Bobomei smiled shyly. “Thank you, Yanyan.”
Beside her, Yunduan looked miserable, his voice trembling. “Ge… I’m really sorry.”
He had been reflecting for days.
Si Jingce: “It’s fine.”
If anything, it pushed him to confess sooner.
To show his sincerity, Yunduan immediately took over all of Si Jingce’s luggage, running around for him.
As they entered the elevator, he couldn’t help but sigh, “Gemstone TV really went all out this time—you have no idea how luxurious my room is…”
He was about to press the elevator button when he turned and asked, “By the way, Ge, which floor are you staying on?”
“Twenty-eight,” Si Jingce replied.
Yunduan: ?
He was speechless for a moment. “You’re on the 28th floor? Aren’t all of us streamers staying between the 17th and 20th floors?”
Only after entering Si Jingce and Yanyan’s room did Yunduan completely lose his words.
“I’m reporting this—Gemstone TV is discriminating based on popularity!” Yunduan wailed while hugging Bobomei. “Why! Why do you have two rooms and a living room! And a balcony! And desserts on the table!”
“Why! I want desserts too! I want a big living room! I want a big balcony!”
Si Jingce: “…Because I didn’t stay in the room arranged by the company. I booked this myself. I plan to stay here a few extra days with Yanyan and go out to have fun.”
Yanyan had already picked up a small cake from the table. Looking at them, he nodded seriously. “Mm-hmm.”
Yunduan stopped wailing and silently searched up the price of the room.
Oh. Never mind. His brother was spending big for a date.
After helping put away the luggage, Yunduan noticed Bobomei playing with Yanyan on the side. Seeing Si Jingce standing alone, he nudged him with a grin. “So, how does it feel to be in love?”
Even if Si Jingce didn’t show much, Yunduan could tell.
When happiness comes, the spirit shines—he was practically glowing with romance.
Si Jingce: “Very happy.”
“When Bobomei and I first got together, I was super happy too,” Yunduan said proudly. “Just holding hands could make me happy for ages—I couldn’t even sleep at night.”
His gaze shifted to Si Jingce’s face, and he suddenly realized something. “Oh, sorry. People like you, who already kiss and sleep hugging before even getting together, probably can’t understand how sweet my pure kind of love is.”
Si Jingce: …
Yunduan clicked his tongue. “Am I going to attend your wedding first?”
“Definitely,” Si Jingce replied.
He lightly rubbed the railing, lost in thought.
Even though these past few days had been sweet, he felt like something was missing.
Maybe… they needed to take a step further.
After a long silence, he asked again, “What did you do on your first date with Bobomei?”
Yunduan thought for a moment, recalling the details. “When we first got together, things were pretty calm. We watched a movie, then took a walk by the river… hehe, I secretly held her hand.”
“Soft and fragrant.”
Holding hands really did help deepen feelings.
“And then?” Si Jingce asked.
Yunduan blinked. “Then I walked her home?”
They looked at each other, and Yunduan quickly caught on. “Oh—you mean anything more intimate?”
“On a first date? Just holding hands already made me happy. How could I dare go further?” Yunduan said. “I was afraid of scaring her off.”
He paused. “You and Yanyan haven’t kissed yet?”
Si Jingce answered with silence.
Yunduan: ?
That didn’t make sense. With how those two interacted, shouldn’t they have kissed the moment things were clear?
“I’m also afraid of scaring him,” Si Jingce said slowly.
“You’re such a coward,” Yunduan laughed.
Si Jingce shot back, “Then how long did it take before you kissed Bobomei?”
Yunduan grinned. “Seven months.”
Si Jingce: …
Every couple was different. Yunduan’s approach clearly didn’t apply to him and Yanyan.
Si Jingce looked at his own hand.
Maybe… take it step by step.
Start with holding hands today?
After chatting on the balcony, Yanyan had eaten several pieces of cake and was already full.
Before leaving, Yunduan reminded him, “Don’t forget tonight’s gathering.”
Since everyone rarely met, Yunduan, the social butterfly of Gemstone TV, naturally organized a get-together.
After they left, Yanyan held the remaining half of a cake and looked at Si Jingce.
The man took a bite, then leaned in slightly and sniffed near Yanyan’s lips.
“Cake-flavored Yanyan.”
Yanyan pressed his cheek against him and rubbed lightly, trying to transfer the scent.
“Now brother smells like cake too!”
His soft cheek pressed tightly against him, and Si Jingce’s breathing faltered. He instinctively grabbed Yanyan’s hand.
The boy took the initiative instead, sliding his fingers into the gaps between his, slowly interlocking them.
He pulled Si Jingce closer, naturally climbing onto his lap, sitting between his legs, and affectionately kissing his boyfriend’s cheek.
Then he buried his face into Si Jingce’s neck, smiling foolishly. “I like brother.”
Instead of teasing his boyfriend, Si Jingce ended up with reddened ears.
He knew it—Yunduan’s gradual approach didn’t suit them.
?Kiss me!?
Yanyan’s voice rang in his mind. Si Jingce paused, looked at the boy in his arms, and kissed his left cheek.
?More!?
He kissed his right cheek.
?Not enough not enough not enough not enough not enough!?
So Si Jingce kissed his cheeks, his forehead, even his eyelashes.
Yanyan widened his eyes. “Brother, my face is going to hurt from all your kisses.”
The words reached Si Jingce’s lips, then he swallowed them back.
That dream from before had come true—his lips really would end up numb from kissing.
The boy still wasn’t satisfied. He didn’t say anything out loud, but his thoughts fired off like a stream of bullet comments.
?Can’t you kiss a little more!?
?Don’t you know where you haven’t kissed yet!?
?Do I have to remind you!?
Si Jingce: ?
What was he missing?
Yanyan probably didn’t realize his thoughts had given everything away. Another image forced its way into Si Jingce’s mind—
He wrapped an arm around Yanyan’s waist, lowered his head, and kissed his lips.
At the same time, Yanyan spoke, “Brother… I’ve seen other humans date—they kiss.”
“But we’ve been together for days, and you still haven’t kissed me.”
“You…” Si Jingce’s mind stalled for a moment. “Do you want me to kiss you?”
“Of course,” Yanyan said as if it were obvious. “If we kiss today, then the day after tomorrow we can mate! And then lay eggs… oh, we can’t lay eggs, but it’s okay, I don’t mind…”
“Once we finish all these steps, we’ll be a real couple!”
Si Jingce: …
Xiao Li had always told him to keep the mutation-phase matter hidden.
Animals weren’t like humans—their thoughts were simple, without so many twists and turns.
But this… was way too straightforward!
Si Jingce choked for a moment. “Don’t you think this is a bit too fast?”
“But I’m in a mating period. It’s normal to have these urges,” Yanyan said. “Don’t you want to mate with me?”
A fatal question. Saying “yes” wouldn’t work, and saying “no” wouldn’t work either.
“Anyway, talking is useless.” Yanyan shut his eyes and leaned his face closer. “Right now—kiss me!”
The invitation was far too obvious. If Si Jingce refused, it would just mean he couldn’t handle it.
He cupped Yanyan’s face, his fingertips brushing lightly, bringing a faint ticklish sensation that sent a shiver through him.
With his eyes closed, Yanyan’s other senses sharpened.
He could feel the other’s gentle breath against his face. Si Jingce tilted his head slightly—only a hair’s breadth away.
At the most critical moment, Yanyan shamefully chickened out.
He pulled back just a little, turning his gaze away in a panic, his heart pounding as if it would burst out of his chest.
“I—I—I…” Yanyan stammered. “Brother, you should wait until I’m mentally prepared.”
Their first attempt at a kiss failed, leaving Yanyan with an unprecedented sense of defeat.
Si Jingce also turned his head slightly, his throat bobbing.
“It’s fine.”
If they continued, the one losing composure would be him.
Seeing that it was about time for the gathering, the two of them put on their coats and went out together, neither mentioning what had just happened.
When they reached the hotel lobby, a pile of luggage blocked their way.
From afar, Si Jingce spotted Luohuoxi, directing others to move his things.
In real life, his outfit was even more flamboyant. The thick gold chain around his neck nearly blinded Yanyan.
“Wow,” Yanyan remarked. “That must be really expensive, right?”
Standing beside him, Si Jingce glanced once and looked away. “If you like it, I can buy you something nicer.”
Yanyan didn’t respond. He stared at Luohuoxi thoughtfully.
Outside, snow was falling. The branches and ground were covered in white, and someone had built a cute snowman by the hotel entrance.
Si Jingce estimated…
With this weather, the ice sculpture he had ordered should be fine.
The confession had been too rushed. Thinking about it over the past few days, he couldn’t sleep well—he felt he needed to make up for it with a more formal confession.
He opened his mouth and turned to Yanyan. “In a few days, we—”
Yanyan didn’t hear him. He turned and walked toward Luohuoxi.
Si Jingce: ?
He quickly followed.
Luohuoxi noticed them and grinned at Yanyan. “Oh, what a coincidence.”
Yanyan walked over and went straight to the point. “How’s your crow doing? Did you go to the specialist we recommended?”
After sending Xiao Li’s contact, Si Jingce had also informed Xiao Li to take the crow to the Waterbird World as soon as possible. Once he got a reply, he didn’t follow up further.
He hadn’t expected Yanyan to bring it up.
Luohuoxi pulled out his phone. “It’s doing great. Ate a bit, now it’s lively again.”
He showed them a video. The crow looked much more energetic, locked in a cage, cawing at a cat outside.
Yanyan frowned.
“But thanks to you two, I didn’t go to that Specialist Li,” Luohuoxi said, putting his phone away. “Another expert contacted me first.”
Yanyan and Si Jingce exchanged a glance, both suddenly having a bad feeling.
“Who?” Si Jingce asked.
“Some expert surnamed Chen. After letting him treat my crow, it’s improved a lot. But in a few days, I’ll have to send it over for one or two months for observation.”
It was Doctor Chen.
After their fallout last time, Si Jingce hadn’t even shared the method for helping animals through the mutation phase, and Doctor Chen hadn’t contacted them again.
He must have found an opportunity—noticed the crow’s mutation phase—and immediately approached Luohuoxi.
“You shouldn’t give it to him—” Yanyan blurted out.
Luohuoxi looked at him in confusion.
Si Jingce held Yanyan back and spoke calmly, “Before handing your crow over, did you verify his credentials? Check whether his studio is legitimate? Whether his lab is safe?”
Luohuoxi: “Huh?”
Si Jingce said directly, “I know this Doctor Chen. He intends to use your crow for experiments—things that would harm it.”
“Oh, that?” Luohuoxi laughed. “He told me. I agreed. It’s contributing to other pets—sounds like a good thing.”
“But you’re helping him do wrong,” Yanyan said, even using an idiom. “What if whatever he researches harms other animals?”
Luohuoxi waved his hands dismissively. “What does that have to do with me?”
Seeing his attitude, Yanyan’s fists clenched in anger.
He shouldn’t have expected someone who keeps cats and birds together to empathize with other small animals.
“How about this,” Si Jingce immediately came up with a solution. “Name your price. I’ll buy your crow—any amount is fine.”
They couldn’t let the crow fall into Doctor Chen’s hands. The consequences would be unimaginable.
“Too late.” Luohuoxi scratched his head. “Before coming to B City, I already sent the crow over. And the expert paid me quite a lot…”
One step too late!
Animals in the mutation phase were rare. Now that Doctor Chen had finally found one, there was no way he would give it up easily.
Yanyan, who had been a calm little pearl bird, instantly turned into an enraged one—
“You just sent the crow away like that?! Did you ever think about how it feels? Do you even truly care about the pet you raised, just handing it over to a bad person like that?!”
The boy’s face flushed red as he glared at Luohuoxi. “What if something happens to the crow?!”
Though small, he carried the momentum of an entire army.
Luohuoxi took a step back, awkwardly saying, “Is it really that serious?”
Yanyan: “Then get the crow back. However much he paid you, we’ll give you double.”
“It’s not about money.” Luohuoxi looked troubled. “It’s just a bird—there’s no need to go that far.”
He turned to the relatively calmer Si Jingce. “How about… you take your little brother away first and let him calm down.”
No matter what, Luohuoxi wouldn’t retrieve the crow today.
Si Jingce didn’t want to waste more words on him. Half-hugging and half-pulling, he led Yanyan away.
At the door, Yanyan was so anxious he was on the verge of tears. “How could he just give his pet away like that…”
“Not everyone treats their pets seriously,” Si Jingce said.
“We can’t get the bird through Luohuoxi anymore. Now we need to think of a way to make them turn against each other so we can benefit from the conflict.”
But…
Yanyan looked at him, eyes full of grievance. “But what about the crow?”
It was so pitiful—forced to fight a cat every day after being taken home, and now sent to Doctor Chen.
Si Jingce said calmly, “Don’t worry. We’ll take the bird back.”
