Chapter 63: The End

In the somewhat condensed scene, Jian Mingzhou called out, “Dad,” to that side.

Lin Jinshi hesitated upon hearing it, as if he held his breath. Before he could react, Jian Chaoxing walked out from the side, wearing a flashy Hawaiian shirt.

“I told you to call me handsome.”

Lin Jinshi, “Huh?”

Xie Xiyun and Qiao Shu exchanged glances. “…Huh?”

The sea breeze was disordered, and Xie Jing remained silent.

Jian Mingzhou was trying to come up with a proper way to introduce them when suddenly, a voice from afar rang out. Xie Chi, dragging his luggage, roared as he approached.

“Ah, ah, ah—you guys are too much!”

After a few steps, he rushed up, still caught off guard. He turned naturally and said, “Huh? Uncle Jian, Aunt Qiao, have you already gathered?”

Several people said, “…”

Jian Mingzhou choked on his breath. The introductions were clear, but the relationships got more complicated!

A few minutes later, the waves crashed again on the shore.

Both sides had finally finished reintroducing themselves.

Qiao Shu smiled and said, “So it turns out to be Xiaojing’s parents. No wonder both of you are so outstanding.”

Xie Xiyun added, “I didn’t expect you two to look so young.”

Qiao Shu, holding her face with one hand, said happily, “Well, in that case, aren’t we getting even closer?”

The phrase “getting even closer” was said quite naturally.

Jian Mingzhou, listening on the side, was secretly shocked. He glanced at Xie Xiyun but saw that she seemed unperturbed, as if she didn’t think much of it. She just nodded and said, “It is indeed quite fateful.”

Jian Chaoxing adjusted his sunglasses and began the cue process again, “Alright, alright, let’s go put away the luggage first.”

The group walked in the direction of the hotel.

The parents walked in front.

Jian Mingzhou and Xie Jing walked behind, and Jian Mingzhou looked at Xie Chi. “Why are you here?”

“Are you still asking with a straight face?”

Xie Jing, pocketing his hands, laughed.

Xie Chi looked at him and asked, “What are you laughing at?”

“Well, nothing.” Xie Jing smiled lazily. “Uncle, Mingzhou and I are going to be affectionate. So, I’ll leave the protection to you.”

Jian Mingzhou’s face burned. What is Xie Jing saying?

Xie Chi stared for a moment, then suddenly covered his ears and shouted, “Ah!? Ah ah ah ah——!!!”

Up front, Xie Xiyun turned sharply and said, “Xie Chi, you’re too loud!”

…

They finished putting away their luggage, and it was time for lunch.

They chose a seafood restaurant for lunch.

The restaurant had a spacious view, with transparent walls all around. Sunlight poured in brightly, and looking around, there was an endless sea.

The tables were square.

The parents sat on one side, and Jian Mingzhou and Xiejing sat on the other. Xie Chi was left alone, nervously sitting on the side!

The ordered dishes were quickly served.

Qiao Shu and Xie Xiyun were chatting animatedly.

Jian Mingzhou remembered the exhibition and raised his glass to Lin Jinshi, saying, “President Lin, thank you for the exhibition.”

“It’s nothing.”

Lin Jinshi raised his glass and clinked it. “Brother…”

His words paused, as if he finally felt something was off, and then he gritted his teeth and said, “No need to be polite, brothers.”

Jian Mingzhou, seeing Xie Jing’s concern, afraid that he might turn around and kiss him on the spot, quickly said, “Let’s just call each other what we’re comfortable with.”

Lin Jinshi thought for a moment and nodded, “Sure.”

As the conversation ended, a figure beside them moved.

Xie Jing raised his hand, touched the wine glass with Lin Jinshi’s, and said, “Okay, Brother Lin.”

Lin Jinshi, “?”
  
Jian Mingzhou, “…”
  
Xie Chi, on the side, was nervously stomping his little feet.
  
–

In the bright afternoon sunlight by the sea.

After lunch, they each went back to their rooms to rest.

Ding! The room door swished open.

Jian Mingzhou walked in, turning to Xiejing behind him. “Xiaojing, do you want to take a short nap after lunch?”

With a slight lift in his tone, Xie Jing replied, “Hmm.”

As the door clicked shut, they were back in the privacy of their own space.

Jian Mingzhou walked to the window and pulled the curtain.

Their room faced the sea, offering a view of shimmering waves and a gentle sea breeze.

With a swish, Jian Mingzhou pulled the curtain, turning around. “So, we…”

His words suddenly came to a halt.

The white curtain beside them fluttered in the wind, allowing sunlight to filter through, casting a suggestive ambiance.

Xie Jing was standing by the bed, changing clothes.

With a swift motion of his hand, his shoulder blades moved, and the fluctuating light played on his slender waist through the pure white sheets.

Jian Mingzhou’s face suddenly reddened, and he quickly averted his gaze.

His heartbeat was somewhat erratic, and he realized that he had oversimplified things.

They were used to sharing a bed at home, thinking it would be the same outside. However, in this serene environment, there was a hint of an enticing atmosphere.

As if something might happen…

“Uncle?” Xie Jing had changed clothes and looked at him. “Why are you not coming to sleep?”

Jian Mingzhou, still flustered, said, “You sleep; I’ll sit here for a while.”

“…Okay.”

The room fell silent.

Jian Mingzhou leaned against the window, lowering his eyelashes. The sunlight through the thin curtain bathed him, and a hint of burning red tinged his earlobes.

He was leaning there when a figure moved in front of him.

Xie Jing walked towards him.

Before Jian Mingzhou could react, a pair of hands suddenly lifted him. Xie Jing effortlessly placed him on the bed, bending down for a kiss.

Jian Mingzhou was taken aback, turning his head. “Wait, Xiaojing…”

The scorching kiss landed on his ear.

Xie Jing’s breath was disordered, his voice carrying a hint of laughter. “Can’t resist, Uncle…”

“I originally just wanted to take a nap with you, but suddenly your face turned so red…”

The earlobe kissed, felt tingly, and was hot.

Jian Mingzhou, against the person’s shoulder, felt the heat all over his body. “That’s because—”

His voice was quickly muffled by a kiss.

Xie Jing, with a gentle suck on his lip, lightly grinding his teeth, said, “Because of what? Isn’t it because of me?”

If not for him, what else could it be?

Jian Mingzhou was kissed into silence.

He was pressed onto the soft bed, the pure white sheets wrinkling beneath him.

“Um…” Breathing became more intense as they entangled.

Suddenly, the sea breeze intensified, and the curtain fluttered.

Bright sunlight swiftly pierced into the room, making the details crystal clear.

Jian Mingzhou’s rationality suddenly returned. He asked Xie Jing, “No, it’s daytime.”

A low laugh came from his neck. “What about at night?”

…At night, what?

At this moment, his body and mind were heated, and he replied, “Parents are here, and we have to get up tomorrow. Plus, we’re by the seaside and not dressed much…”

The movement in front paused.

Xie Jing’s Adam’s apple moved, suppressing his laughter and burying his head with a smile. “I know, we won’t go that far.”

“Okay.” Jian Mingzhou had just breathed a sigh of relief when the body in front of him suddenly slid down. “—!”

The wrinkles on the bedsheet were pulled abruptly.

He shivered, breathlessly turning his head.

–

They rested until four in the afternoon, and the sun’s intensity waned.

Jian Mingzhou received a message from Qiao Shu.

【Descending Fairy】: Gathering by the seaside, we’re already here~^▽^

He replied with a “good” and called Xie Jing.

After changing clothes, the two of them left the room and walked towards the beach.

By the beach, Qiao Shu and the others stood under the umbrella.

Not knowing what they were talking about, they seemed quite harmonious.

Xie Chi, standing by the side, looked at them, and as they approached, he enthusiastically waved, “Ming…”

His gaze suddenly fell on the neck of Jian Mingzhou.

The neckline was wide, revealing a faint blush.

Jian Mingzhou had actually checked before leaving.

The hickey wasn’t very noticeable, and when he saw Xie Chi’s gaze, he was about to say not to mind it.

Then he saw Xie Chi’s hand, which, in mid-air, made an abrupt turn. Snap! A crisp sound. Xie Chi was clapping at a mosquito. “Ah, how can there be mosquitoes by the seaside?”

The conversation of everyone stopped, all looking in unison.

After Xie Chi finished speaking, he playfully scratched his neck, revealing a red mark. “Ah, oh…”

Jian Mingzhou took a deep breath. “…”

What an overly dramatic performance! Please stop!

The suffocating performance ended with Jian Chaoxing.

He miraculously found a beach ball from somewhere, tossed it up, and said, “Let’s play water polo.”

Xie Xiyun and Qiao Shu didn’t join, preferring to stay under the umbrella for shade.

Jian Mingzhou and the others went into the shallow sea.

The sun was glaring down, and the sea surface shimmered.

Looking at the scene in front of him, Jian Mingzhou still felt somewhat surreal. In his daze, Lin Jinshi had already opened his arms with an expression of not holding back at all.

“Brother, come on!”

Jian Chaoxing reminded him kindly, “I usually carry a camera, so my strength might be a bit much.”

Lin Jinshi was serious: “It doesn’t matter, as long as you’re my brother.”

Bang! A ball directly hit him on the head.

Jian Mingzhou turned his head in shock, looking at the enthusiastically playing Jian Chaoxing. His dad was really not holding back!

The ball was sent flying and landed in Xie Jing’s hands.

Jian Mingzhou was about to say something when he saw Xiejing lightly pat it twice in his hands and, with a curved smile, “Brother Lin.”

Lin Jinshi subconsciously looked over and said, “Hmm?”

Bang! Another ball hit his forehead.

“… ” Jian Mingzhou was shocked, and Xie Jing was not polite either!

He really couldn’t bear it and slowly stepped back.

…

A lively and intense battle unfolded.

Jian Mingzhou watched for a while. Suddenly, Lin Jinshi retreated to his side with the waves.

Turning around, Lin Jinshi’s plump forehead had a red mark on it. He looked ahead with calm, flickering eyes.

“Zhou younger brother, among this group of brothers, you treat me the best.”

… What group of brothers?

Jian Mingzhou looked at him in astonishment. There’s also your son among them; wake up a little, bro!

Not far away on the beach, a parasol provided shade.

Qiao Shu held the camera and took a few shots of the men by the sea. Turning to Xie Chi, she said,

“Sorry, Chaoxing plays without holding back.”

Xie Chi calmly took a sip of her drink. “It’s okay; my family is quite sturdy.” She paused and looked towards them. “And besides, father and son haven’t been this close in many years.”

A gust of sea breeze swept by, and Xie Chi’s lips, with a subtle curve, were barely noticeable.

Qiao Shu looked over and then raised the camera, saying lightly,

“How about taking a family photo later?”

“A family photo?”

She smiled and turned around. “Yes, our two families.”

…

When Jian Mingzhou came out of the water, he saw that his mother had already set up the camera on the beach.

“Qiao, beautiful lady, what are you doing?”

“Taking a family photo”

The two beautiful women were radiant.

And they, a group of people, looked as if they had just been fished out of the water, standing on the beach all wet.

Without resistance, they were coerced to stand together.

Jian Mingzhou could only helplessly smile, standing in the middle with Xie Jing.

Their warm arms were gently leaning against each other.

The people beside them didn’t speak. Jian Mingzhou’s heart warmed as he listened to Qiao Shu’s countdown, trying to show a normal smile to the camera.

“3—2—1—”

Suddenly, his shoulder felt warm.

In the moment the shutter flashed, Xie Jing embraced him.

–

As the sun set, the sky was filled with hues of red and gold.

Heading towards the restaurant, Jian Mingzhou followed behind, feeling the warmth still lingering on his shoulder.

After a short distance, something turned from his side.

Xie Jing looked at him, his eyes reflecting the bright sunset, and asked in a low voice, “Uncle, didn’t you like it when I suddenly hugged you?”

His heart skipped a beat. “I didn’t dislike it.”

He was once again teased.

Jian Mingzhou slowed down, looking at the figure in front of him. “Aren’t you afraid of upsetting me, bro?”

Xie Jing smiled, “No.”

Jian Mingzhou was taken aback, looking at him with a slightly accelerated heartbeat. Could it be that Bro has already…

Xie Jing gently said, “He was hit so many times this afternoon, there’s nothing left to upset him.”

“…” Jian Mingzhou suddenly froze.

Was this also part of your plan?

He temporarily didn’t bother with Bro’s psychological state.

After dinner, the sky had completely darkened.

Exiting the restaurant, the beach, which was quiet during the day, suddenly became lively.

In the dim light, the crowd gathered by the seaside, as if heralding the prelude to a climax.

Jian Mingzhou’s heart surged, becoming excited. A slightly puzzled voice came from behind him, with Xie Chi asking,

“What’s going on?”

“It’s a fireworks show.” He turned to explain to Xie Chi, “a local event organized by the people.”

Jian Mingzhou’s joy, which couldn’t be suppressed, was clearly expressed, though he was speaking to Xie Chi. Yet, subconsciously, he looked at Xie Jing again. Seeing the slightly curved corner of his lips and the brightness in his eyes, he brightened a bit.

“It’s the last fireworks of this summer.”

…

The crowd around them grew.

In the dimming sky, people gathered towards the beach, and Jian Mingzhou’s group followed suit.

Moving closer together.

Jian Mingzhou’s finger was suddenly lightly hooked, and he turned to see Xie Jing lowering his head slightly. “Let’s stand together later.”

The place where he was hooked felt ticklish and exciting.

Even though their parents and family members were right beside them, Jian Mingzhou couldn’t resist, daringly and discreetly hooking back, “Sure.”

They found a spacious spot by the beach.

As soon as they settled, someone in the noisy crowd shouted, “It’s starting.”

The next second, a whoosh sounded as the first firework soared into the sky.

Jian Mingzhou’s heart jumped! He looked up.

Bang! A brilliant firework burst directly above him, illuminating his view as if it were daytime.

… So beautiful.

Vivid fireworks continued to blossom in the silent night sky.

Looking up, it felt as if they were immersed in a stream of light.

The sea also seemed to be filled with fragments of gold.

Jian Mingzhou’s breath was held, and unable to resist, he took a few steps forward.

Xie Jing’s gaze flickered and was about to follow.

Suddenly, Xie Chi’s gentle voice came from beside him, “Xiaojing, have you found your target?”

Xie Jing paused, looking ahead. “Yes, she’s here.”

Xie Chi’s gaze was soft, not saying anything more.

Next to them, Lin Ba, with his hands in his pockets, seemed to casually look towards the distance of the fireworks, sniffing lightly in the night breeze.

On the screen of his phone, several articles were lit up: [A storm in the love paradise! A shattered relationship that can’t be salvaged…][Family? Marriage? The culprit of the relationship breakdown is unexpectedly—]

Xie Jing, “…”

He silently glanced at the people, then turned and walked forward.

…

In the front, Jian Mingzhou looked up at the fireworks.

Another cluster of golden and red brilliant fireworks burst above him. He couldn’t help but stretch out his hand, spreading his fingers.

His fingers were symmetrical and slender, as if catching countless threads of gold.

As Jian Mingzhou was extending his fingers, a large palm suddenly inserted from behind, gently enclosing his fingers. Slightly pulling, their ten fingers intertwined.

His heart skipped a beat, and he turned around.

Meeting Xie Jing’s smiling eyes.

Jian Mingzhou was stunned for a moment, then quickly remembered, “Your parents are still here…”

“It’s okay.” Xie Jing shook his hand down. In the dim light, his tall figure stood behind Jian Mingzhou, and he lowered his head to place a kiss on Jian Mingzhou’s forehead.

“They already know,” he said, amidst the sounds of the fireworks, as if exploding in Jian Mingzhou’s heart.

Just as he was about to ask something, looking at Xie Jing’s expression, his thoughts slowly loosened. The interlocked fingers tightened a bit, and he asked, “Did you tell them?”

“No,” Xie Jing chuckled. “After all, I looked at you too, obviously.”

Jian Mingzhou’s eyes widened slightly.

The splendid fireworks suddenly seemed to cast a rosy hue on his face.

His breath became uneven, and he leaned his head against Xie Jing’s chest. His voice came through clearly amid the noisy crowd.

“Maybe there’s me too.”

His heart beat quickened as he was suddenly embraced from behind.

…

The fireworks illuminated the figures on the beach.

Behind them, Xie Chi leaned gently on Lin Jinshi. Jian Chaoxing was casually sticking his hands in his pockets, and with one arm, he embraced Qiao Shu’s shoulder.

Pairs of people on the splendid beach.

Xie Chi maintained a smile, tears in his eyes, looking at the fireworks above.

Swoosh—Bang!

The last set of fireworks finally soared into the sky.

In the dim night, Jian Mingzhou’s eyes suddenly brightened, and by his ear came a voice.

“It’s indeed beautiful, uncle.”

He turned and met Xie Jing’s focused gaze.

His heart throbbed, and he chuckled. “What is it?” After speaking, he bit his lip and looked ahead.

“Summer really should end with fireworks.”

Xie Jing also laughed. “Indeed, you’re a true editor of BL manga, uncle.”

While they were talking, a silver light suddenly appeared before them.

Jian Mingzhou turned to see silver fireworks falling from the sky like a meteor shower. He instinctively pulled Xie Jing’s hand and said, “Make a wish!”

A slight movement of their fingers, and the fireworks flew away in an instant.

As the light dimmed, Jian Mingzhou asked, “What did you wish for?”

Jian Mingzhou hesitated for a moment, then smiled. “I seem to have made a wish that doesn’t need to be made.”

Xie Jing fell silent for two seconds, then smiled and said, “I seem to have done the same.”

Jian Mingzhou suddenly raised his eyes.

In that gaze, the images of each other were reflected, as if there was something unspoken, a silent understanding.

He blinked, feeling his face heat up, and turned his head away.

…Could it be?

Another round of fireworks blossomed.

Golden threads and silver lines intertwined between the night sky and the sea, bidding farewell to the summer they met.

In the fleeting light, carrying their wishes, they raced towards the boundless horizon.

In that moment of excitement, he thought.

I will continue to love you in the long years to come.