1024 JI YUN''S BIRTHDAY (IX)


    UNDER the moonlit sky, the surface of the sereneke sparkled like a sheet of liquid silver. Shen Ji Yun sat at the stern, gently maneuvering the wooden oars through theke water.


    The rhythmic sound of waterpping against the sides of the boat was the only melody that apanied them. Luo Yan actually wanted to row the both, saying that it''s his birthday, so he should do all the work. But how could he let the other row the boat for him?


    Opposite him, Luo Yan leaned back, his hand trailing in the cool water, his fingers creating ripples that mirrored the stars above. The night air carried a hint of theke''s freshness, and the scent of blooming water lilies filled their senses.


    The two of them hadn''t said anything since the boat ride started. And yet, this silence feltforting. It''s like they were in their own little world. Just enjoying thepany of each other, not worrying about anything.


    Shen Ji Yun felt like he suddenly had a glimpse of what their future could be. And what a wonderful future it was. As long as they''re together, everything seemed to be filled with happiness.


    Just like now.


    "Brother Ji Yun, look up."


    Luo Yan''s voice woke Shen Ji Yun up from his reverie. He instinctively followed what the other said and raised his head.


    As soon as he did, the starry night sky was suddenly filled with beautiful and colorful light. Brilliant explosions of red, gold, and green burst forth, painting the sky with a mesmerizing disy of fireworks. Each burst was like a miniature gxy, with sparks and trails of light dancing and twirling in the air, creating a breathtaking spectacle.


    The fireworks looked like blooming flowers, with its petals scattering in the sky at every turn. Of course, they were beautiful and wonderful, but. Shen Ji Yun nced at Luo Yan. His rabbit was still the most beautiful.


    As if sensing his gaze, Luo Yan turned his head towards him and then smiled helplessly. "Brother Ji Yun, I know I''m prettier than the fireworks, but do watch what I prepared, please."


    Shen Ji Yun cleared his throat, feeling his whole face heating up. He raised his head again. Not watching what Luo Yan had prepared for him was disrespectful.


    The sky, filled with the majestic fireworks, looked magical. Despite that, he still would have preferred to stare at Luo Yan. Until thest firework burst in the sky. That one made him stare at the sky.


    It was a firework with a heart pattern. Another firework followed it that burst inside the heart. The characters of ''Yan'' and ''Yun'' were tied together with some kind of infinity sign.


    After the lights from scattered, he turned to Luo Yan and was surprised to see the other moved closer to him. He was holding a rectangr box in his outstretched hand.


    "Once again, happy birthday, Brother Ji Yun."


    Shen Ji Yun looked at the box and blinked. Looking at the box, it''s probably some kind of essory. Maybe a ne?


    "Brother Ji Yun, don''t just stare at it. Go and open it," Luo Yan said. "It''s myst gift for you today."


    Shen Ji Yun finally return to his senses and pulled the ribbon around the box. Then he slowly opened it. He was slightly surprised when what he saw inside was not what he expected. It was not a ne, but a watch instead.


    The watch, when unveiled from its box, struck a bnce between simplicity and sophistication. Its dial, a clean and unembellished white, exuded an aura of pure elegance. The slender silver hands and markers subtly marked the hours against this pristine canvas. The watch''s genuine leather strap, smooth and refined, added an extra touch offort and ss.


    It was obviously a customized piece. And definitely very expensive.


    "I asked for a design that you can wear, whether it''s a formal asion or just a casual outing. I also asked that it highlights your beautiful blue eyes," Luo Yan exined. "Oh, it also has a personalized engraving on the back."


    At the mention of that, Shen Ji Yun carefully picked up the watch and looked at the back. Just like the fireworks earlier, the characters of ''Yun'' and ''Yan'' were there, joined by the infinity symbol at the center.


    "Do you like it?"


    Hearing Luo Yan''s question, Shen Ji Yun couldn''t immediately answer. He felt like there''s a lump in his throat. Breathing became even hard. The fast beating of his heart was also not helping.


    "I know gifting a watch to your lover is sometimes frowned upon because of its negative conotation," Luo Yan added, starting to feel worried that Shen Ji Yun might not like his gift.


    It''s because the character for ''watch'' sounded like a farewell. So, gifting a watch was like a parting gift. But that was not the meaning of his gift at all.


    "This watch symbolizes the time I want to spend together with you in the future. And also the idea of us being together through the passage of time. Does... Brother Ji Yun not like it?"


    "No, of course not! I like it, no, I love it!" Shen Ji Yun quickly said. "Sorry for not saying it immediately. I''m just too overwhelmed with too many emotions. I''m so happy, I felt like I could cry at any second." A small smiled crossed his lips before raising his head and looking at Luo Yan, his gaze soft and shining. "Thank you, Yan Yan. This is probably the happiest birthday I had since I came to this country. Thank you for giving me this precious memory."


    Luo Yan leaned over and gave Shen Ji Yun a quick peck on the lips. "And this will not be thest. We will make more and more precious memories of days, months, years toe."


    "Yes," Shen Ji Yun said, feeling very full and happy. "Can you help me put it on?" he asked, referring to the watch.


    Luo Yan didn''t say anything more and just help the other fasten the watch. "It kind of feels like I''m marking you as mine."


    "But I''ve always been yours, though."


    Luo Yan stopped, and then justughed.


    End of Ji Yun''s birthday arc! ^_^


    Tyramisu