Fangting Road is located on the outskirts of Huai City, near a small film production base. Influenced by the studio, the surrounding shops have adopted a somewhat traditional architectural style, ensuring that even in long shots during filming, the ambiance remains authentic.

From a distance, “Four Seasons Spring” doesn’t look like a restaurant—it resembles a flower shop instead. Lush greenery covers the walls, with vibrant leaves draping over red bricks and gray mortar, adding a touch of picturesque romance to the otherwise quiet city street.

Chu Tao pushed open the fragrant door, stepping into a narrow corridor where forty or fifty people turned their heads to look at him. Startled, he paused briefly before regaining composure, walking forward a few steps to find an empty stool to sit on.

Jiang She grabbed his arm. “What are you doing?”

Unable to sit, Chu Tao steadied himself with Jiang She’s hand and leaned in to whisper, “You didn’t tell me this place was so popular. It’s a Friday, of course it’s crowded.”

Jiang She looked at him and laughed incredulously. “And how does that concern us?”

“What do you mean it doesn’t…” Chu Tao started confidently, but his voice faltered halfway through when he noticed a server approaching.

“Hello, the current wait time is about two hours. Would you like to take a number?” The server, experienced and professional, held a pager and smiled at Jiang She, as if instinctively knowing he was the one in charge.

Jiang She replied calmly, “I called ahead.”

The server apologized, “I’m sorry, reservations aren’t available between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. You can only book before 6 or after 10.”

Jiang She responded, “My last name is Jiang.”

The server paused for a moment. “One moment, please. Could you provide your phone number?”

After Jiang She gave his number, the server’s demeanor instantly changed. Tucking the pager under his arm, he gestured for Jiang She to follow him inside.

“We’ve reserved a room for you. Please, come in.”

Chu Tao glanced again at the crowded corridor, where people were snacking on sunflower seeds as they waited. Feeling a bit guilty, he quickly followed Jiang She.

“I thought you said reservations weren’t allowed?” he muttered.

Jiang She reached out and pulled Chu Tao into his arms, leaning close to his ear as he whispered, “You still don’t fully understand the influence of the Jiang family in Huai City.”

Chu Tao raised his eyes and held Jiang She’s gaze for a moment.

Jiang She continued, “Last time we ate here, I thought it was good, so my dad invested some money.” He didn’t specify how much, but it was enough to be treated like a shareholder.

Chu Tao nodded silently. The world of the wealthy was truly beyond his comprehension.

The server led them into a tatami-style private room. Once the door closed, the noise outside seemed to be sealed away, leaving the room quiet and comfortable.

Jiang She, familiar with the process, picked up the ordering tablet and sat close to Chu Tao. “This page has all their specialty dishes. They’re all good. Order whatever you want. If we can’t finish, we can pack it up for your parents to try.”

Jiang She had a small ulterior motive—if Chu Tao’s parents liked the food and asked where it came from, they might think better of him. He knew his reputation wasn’t great. Families with traditional values usually kept their distance from him. But Jiang She never cared before; he never felt the need to please anyone. Others always tried to please him, but he often found them lacking.

That was, until he met Chu Tao—a good student who ended up in Class 3 because his family refused to make a fuss in the principal’s office about changing classes.

Chu Tao glanced at the prices and then said, “It’s your birthday today, so I’m treating. Order whatever you want.” He shoved the ordering tablet back into Jiang She’s hands.

This popular restaurant was, of course, expensive. Chu Tao did some quick math and figured he could cover it with his credit limit and deal with paying it off next month.

Jiang She wrapped an arm around Chu Tao’s shoulders and planted a light kiss on his lips.

Chu Tao looked at him with soft, almond-shaped eyes, the corners slightly drooping, with a delicate crease at the outer edge. He looked obedient, like a curious kitten.

Normally, Chu Tao was more assertive and aloof, rarely showing such compliance. Jiang She knew this was part of his birthday perks. In private, Chu Tao had already adopted a posture of allowing himself to be pampered, even parting his lips slightly when Jiang She leaned in for a kiss, letting all his defenses down.

“I’m sure my baby will make tons of money in the future and take good care of me. For now, let me treat you,” Jiang She teased, his hand mischievously kneading the soft skin at the nape of Chu Tao’s neck.

“Jiang She…”

“Hurry up and order. It’s so crowded today, and the food takes forever. Don’t let my wife starve.”

Chu Tao, not one to argue over trivial matters, lowered his gaze to the ordering tablet and carefully selected a few dishes: clam rice soup, steamed lamb, wine-braised Huai whitefish, and, at Jiang She’s suggestion, honey-glazed cherries and bamboo shoots with steamed goose.

Five dishes were plenty for the two of them, especially with a pre-ordered cake waiting.

While the food was being prepared, the cake arrived. When they opened the box, the sweet aroma of cream filled the air.

Chu Tao had ordered a mango cream cake. Bright orange mango slices were arranged in a heart shape on top, with red syrup spelling out, *Happy Birthday, Jiang She.*

The cake came with two small number candles. Chu Tao carefully took them out of the bag and inserted them into the cake.

“Jiang She, you’re 18 now. Happy birthday. I hope all your wishes come true.”

When Jiang She used to celebrate birthdays with Fang Sheng and the others, they never bothered with cakes, candles, or wishes. They were all too pragmatic to believe in the power of wishes, knowing that what they wanted could be achieved without them. It had been years since he’d experienced such a ritual.

Jiang She tilted his head and looked at Chu Tao. “What if my wish is for you to be my wife?”

Chu Tao pressed his lips together, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “If that’s what you wish for…”

Jiang She’s gaze shifted to the two candles—one green, one red—small and adorable, standing on the cake like two lollipops.

“Then my wish is…”

Chu Tao interrupted him, “You haven’t lit the candles yet.”

He quickly struck a match, carefully lighting the two candles before crawling to the door to turn off the lights.

The room was left illuminated only by the small, flickering flames of the candles. The orange-yellow light danced gently, casting a warm, intimate glow over the confined space.

Jiang She waited for Chu Tao to return, then wrapped an arm around his waist and said, “I wish…”

Chu Tao immediately covered his mouth, scolding softly, “Don’t say it out loud, or it won’t come true.”

Jiang She obediently closed his mouth and his eyes. Chu Tao let go of his hand only after confirming he’d stopped talking.

Jiang She held onto Chu Tao’s hand, gripping it slightly tighter as he silently made his wish: *I hope Chu Tao will always have a better life than mine.*

After a few seconds, Chu Tao whispered, “Are you done?” He was worried the candle wax might drip onto the cake.

Jiang She opened his eyes. “Yeah.”

“It’s not something like wishing I’d be your wife or… wanting to rush into physical stuff, right?” Chu Tao asked cautiously, knowing Jiang She’s unpredictable nature.

Jiang She chuckled quietly. “You know me too well.”

Chu Tao shook his head helplessly, already expecting Jiang She wouldn’t make a serious wish. “Blow out the candles so I can turn the lights back on.”

With a strong puff, Jiang She extinguished the flames, the flicker of fire instantly replaced by two thin wisps of smoke.

Chu Tao, relying on memory, found the light switch and turned it on. The sudden brightness filled the room, momentarily dazzling him. Blue and green spots appeared in his vision, but they quickly faded.

Just then, a server entered with a plate of glistening cherries. “Here’s your honey-glazed cherries. The other dishes will take a bit longer.”

The dessert arrived first, a slight deviation in serving order. But since Jiang She was a VIP, the restaurant hurried to serve something to avoid a long wait.

Jiang She didn’t mind. He picked up a small fork, speared a cherry coated in osmanthus honey, and offered it to Chu Tao. “Try it.”

Chu Tao leaned forward and took a bite.

He expected the cherry to have softened from the marinating process, but it remained firm, bursting with juice as though freshly picked. The rich aroma of osmanthus mingled with the sweetness of the cherry juice, creating a symphony of flavors that filled his mouth with joy.

Chu Tao couldn’t quite find the words to describe it but silently praised the chef’s genius.

“While we wait for the dishes, why don’t we eat the cake?” Chu Tao suggested, reaching for the plastic knife to cut it.

Jiang She grabbed his wrist, his voice hoarse. “We’ll eat it, but not like that.”

Chu Tao blinked in confusion. “How else do you eat cake if you don’t cut it?”

Jiang She smirked, scooping a bit of cream with his finger and smearing it on Chu Tao’s lips. His intentions were clear. “By licking it.”

Before Chu Tao could react, Jiang She cupped the back of his neck, leaving him no room to escape, and pressed his lips against Chu Tao’s.

Chu Tao instinctively resisted but soon relaxed as Jiang She’s tongue brushed over the corner of his lips, lingering sensually. The taste of the cream—soft and sweet—mingled with the warmth of the kiss.

Gradually, Chu Tao responded, his fingers gripping Jiang She’s school uniform as their kiss deepened. Only when the last trace of cream was gone did Jiang She release him.

Breathing unevenly, Chu Tao let go of Jiang She’s collar and asked, “Are you done eating now?”

Jiang She was silent for a few seconds before reaching for Chu Tao’s zipper, pulling it down just below his chest.

The loose collar of his uniform revealed the thin summer fabric underneath. The material, designed for breathability, was so light that the outline of his skin was faintly visible.

Jiang She murmured, “Nowhere near enough.”

He turned and locked the door behind him.

Chu Tao’s heart raced, and he whispered, “Jiang She, we’re in public.”

Jiang She smiled innocently. “I’m just eating cake.”

He scooped another bit of cream, this time spreading it on Chu Tao’s throat and collarbone. The cool cream quickly warmed against his skin, threatening to drip.

Leaning in, Jiang She pressed his lips to Chu Tao’s throat—

Meanwhile, outside the restaurant, the sky had darkened.

Chu Jiangmin had spent a long time finding a parking spot. After finally parking in a more distant area, he walked 500 meters to the restaurant entrance.

Lifting the curtain, he was startled by the crowded hallway full of people waiting.

A server approached. “Hello, how many in your party?”

Chu Jiangmin replied, “Five. How long is the wait?”

The server glanced at the pager in her hand and smiled awkwardly. “There are twenty parties ahead of you. Larger groups tend to take longer, so it’ll be about two hours.”

Chu Jiangmin hesitated and turned to the others. “Two hours… Should we find another place?”

“Well…” Song Mian had anticipated waiting but was taken aback by the number of people. The restaurant was in a remote area, and she’d heard it was spacious. Still, part of her felt relieved—it was an expensive place, and she’d only come because Chu Jiangmin insisted on showing off.

Before Yu Xinrong could reply, Yu Wei said, “This place is pretty high-end. A two-hour wait isn’t bad. Back in the UK, even a casual Sichuan restaurant has wait times like this. I’m used to it.”

Song Mian smiled. “British people like Sichuan cuisine that much?”

Yu Wei shrugged. “Mainly because there are so many Chinese people there.”

Chu Xingning didn’t like waiting in line. To him, it was a waste of time—he’d rather spend two hours studying in a classroom.

“Too long,” he said flatly.

Yu Wei observed Chu Xingning’s expression and noticed his impatience. Even his normally rosy lips were pressed into a tight line.

With a smile, Yu Wei leaned closer to him. “No rush. I’ll play some games with you while we wait. What do you play? *King of Glory* or *PUBG*? I’m pretty high-ranked.”

Chu Xingning stepped aside and walked a few steps farther away. “I don’t play games. I don’t have time.”

Yu Xinrong glanced at his son and then spoke to Chu Jiangmin. “Let’s wait. As long as the kids are happy, I don’t mind.”

By “kids,” it was clear he meant Yu Wei, as Chu Xingning’s reluctance to eat there was obvious.

Reluctantly, Song Mian and Chu Jiangmin took a number. Since there weren’t enough seats in the corridor, they had to stand for now.

Yu Wei couldn’t resist and sidled up to Chu Xingning again. “I can teach you how to play games. It’ll kill time anyway.”

There was a distinctive, alluring scent emanating from Chu Xingning—it wasn’t clear if it was his pheromones or the inhibitor he used.

Yu Wei’s gaze drifted involuntarily to Chu Xingning’s pale neck. The Omega’s skin was delicate, his veins faintly visible. His petite collarbone rose and fell gently with his breathing, making him seem even more enticing.

Just as Chu Xingning was about to respond, his phone suddenly received a video call. Startled, his fingers trembled as he grabbed the phone and turned toward the door to answer it.

“Hey…” Yu Wei was displeased by being ignored but also began to suspect that Chu Xingning might already have someone in his life.

Someone this attractive was bound to have admirers among the Alphas at his school.

Chu Xingning turned to Song Mian and said, “I’m stepping out for some air. You all talk.”

With that, he lifted the curtain and went outside.

The sky was a deep shade of blue, and faint starlight shimmered behind the clouds. He answered the video call, speaking in a low voice. “My parents are here.”

“I was worried about you, so I called. Did I bother you?” Pei Jiang blinked innocently, though his shiny black eyes betrayed no hint of actual remorse.

Chu Xingning softened and replied in a quiet tone, “No, you didn’t. Are you done with school?”

“I’m at home, of course.” Pei Jiang’s video background revealed a corner of his house. On the left wall was a delicate yellow petal-shaped lamp with intricate carvings on the base. The warm light glowed softly, giving a luxurious feel.

On the right, part of a picture frame was visible—a bronze-colored border containing vibrant oil paint strokes. The painter’s technique was refined, the colors layered and blended seamlessly.

Even though Pei Jiang had chosen a low-key corner and curled up in it, the decor and frame size hinted at the grandeur and wealth of his home.

“Have you eaten yet, brother? Why are you outside?”

Chu Xingning shook his head, holding the phone up as he moved aside. “I’m waiting for a table. This place is too popular—it’ll be about two hours.”

Pei Jiang immediately frowned, pursing his lips in dissatisfaction. “That long? You must be starving. My heart aches for you.”

Chu Xingning smiled, his eyes curving into crescents. “I’m not as delicate as you.”

“Turn the camera around. Let me see which restaurant is making you wait so long,” Pei Jiang said, snapping a screenshot of Chu Xingning’s smiling face as he spoke.

With such a stunning face, even random screenshots looked like professionally edited photos. Pei Jiang’s phone gallery was nearly full of them.

Oblivious to this, Chu Xingning obediently turned the camera to show the sign for *Four Seasons Spring*. “This one. It’s my first time here. I heard it’s really good.”

Pei Jiang raised an eyebrow. “Oh, that place is indeed popular. How about I help you skip the line so you can eat sooner?”

Chu Xingning blinked, confused. “Skip the line?”

Pei Jiang smiled mischievously, a hint of childlike defiance in his expression, as if he didn’t see anything wrong with bending the rules.

“I can help you, brother. Won’t you praise me for it?”

Chu Xingning still didn’t know what Pei Jiang’s family did for a living, but judging by his confident tone, they probably had some kind of membership with the restaurant.

Shaking his head, Chu Xingning replied earnestly, “No, everyone’s waiting in line. We shouldn’t break the rules.”

Pei Jiang didn’t press the matter and instead smiled warmly. “I love listening to you reason, brother. As long as you say it, I’ll listen.”

Chu Xingning often felt that while Pei Jiang appeared obedient, innocent, and romantic, some of his casual remarks revealed a streak that was slightly… sinister.

Maybe sinister wasn’t the right word—just a sharp contrast to his outward demeanor.

Before Chu Xingning could think more about it, Yu Wei called out from the doorway. “Chu Xingning, it’s getting cold out here. Your mom wants you to come in.”

He waved at Chu Xingning, but the phone’s camera was still facing outward, and Pei Jiang saw everything clearly.

Yu Wei’s gaze, actions, and transparent intentions were laid bare before Pei Jiang.

Noticing Pei Jiang’s sudden silence, Chu Xingning quickly turned the camera back to himself and said softly, “My mom’s calling me in. I’ll talk to you later.”

Pei Jiang lowered his gaze slightly, his tone aggrieved yet deliberate. “That guy likes you, brother. But you should keep your distance. If he ever holds your hand, I… might not be able to…”

His sentence trailed off at the word *able*, leaving Chu Xingning unclear about what exactly Pei Jiang wouldn’t be able to do.

Throw a tantrum? Ignore him? Cry secretly under the covers?

Meanwhile, Yu Wei approached casually, glanced at Chu Xingning, and reached out to take his hand. “Your mom’s waiting. Come on.”

Chu Xingning reacted quickly, jerking his hand back abruptly. His tone turned cold. “I know. You go back in first.”

Yu Wei paused, momentarily stunned and visibly awkward.

He was used to being proud—his high education and wealthy background made him feel superior. Being rejected so bluntly by Chu Xingning bruised his ego.

“Fine, but hurry up,” Yu Wei said with a sullen face as he turned and walked back into the restaurant.

Chu Xingning exhaled deeply and whispered affectionately into the phone, “I didn’t let him hold my hand.”

—

**Author’s Notes:**
I thought I’d get to it, but I haven’t yet!

The love triangle setup is in progress…

Thanks to the lovely angels who sent grenades or nutrient solutions from **2020-05-22 23:48:41** to **2020-05-24 03:23:24**!