23: Starry Sky

The person on the other end of the phone was Yan Ru.

"I've looked through them. Based on the analysis of those materials, there are definitely shadows of other families from City A behind this matter. However, given the strength of the Yan Family at that time, for something so significant to be accomplished right under their noses and for the tracks to be wiped so clean, it doesn't seem like something those families are capable of," Yan Zhuohua analyzed calmly.

"You're right. None of them have that kind of strength on their own."

"What do you mean?"

"I've recently obtained some information and discovered that another power from outside City A was also involved. There were two parties: one responsible for providing information and cleaning up, and the other for taking action. Moreover, that external force used entirely outside personnel, which is why the party cleaning up could erase the traces so thoroughly—after all, they weren't people from City A to begin with."

Yan Zhuohua fell silent for a moment. "Brother Ru, don't you think this method is very similar to the kidnapping method used when I was ten?"

"Are you suggesting that both incidents were carried out by the same group?"

"I was only guessing at first because the targets of both incidents were the heirs of the Yan Family, and similarly, the backgrounds of those involved couldn't be traced," Yan Zhuohua's fingers unconsciously rubbed the sofa beneath him. "It's just that the information you gave me today has made me even more suspicious."

Yan Ru was quiet for a while before his voice came through again: "In that case, why not just talk to—"

"No, this method is too dangerous. I don't want anyone else involved. Brother Ru, stop your investigation as well and clean up your tracks. I know what to do about the rest," Yan Zhuohua's firm voice interrupted Yan Ru, before softening again. "Brother Ru, I don't want to drag you into this. Promise me."

Yan Ru remained silent for a long time before replying, "Alright, I'll pause what I'm doing, but you must also ensure your own safety. Don't rush. If you need anything, make sure to contact me."

Hearing Yan Ru's compromise, Yan Zhuohua finally relaxed completely. He said softly, "I will, Brother Ru."

Yan Qinghe had already finished washing the dishes and was coming over, so Yan Zhuohua hurriedly said a few more words and hung up the phone.

"Who was that? Don't they know we're on our honeymoon? What if they called while we were..."

"Just shut up!"

Time always flies when it's just the two of them.

For several days, they engaged in various activities by the seaside. They went surfing and diving together during the day. In the beautiful and deep world beneath the sea, they even found many pretty stones, planning to string them together as gifts when they returned. At night, it was often a different kind of game for two, occasionally involving some small toys. In short, Yan Qinghe was happy, while Yan Zhuohua was only half-happy—after all, he spent many of his days lying down.

As a result, Yan Zhuoyan had been sneezing from time to time lately, making him suspect for a while that he was getting sick.

When they only had two days left on the island, Yan Qinghe finally pulled him up to the top of a small hill on the northern side of the island after dinner.

The air on the hilltop was not only filled with the salty scent of the ocean but also mixed with the moisture from the surrounding dense forest. Without even looking up, the sky was full of stars. This blend of scents and the familiar scene reminded Yan Zhuohua of his survival training on a certain island when he was thirteen, except that now, unlike then, there was someone by his side.

Yan Zhuohua suddenly felt a strong desire to share his feelings with Yan Qinghe.

He sat up straight from Yan Qinghe's embrace and, under Yan Qinghe's puzzled gaze, asked, "After you returned home, did you ever undergo training?"

Yan Qinghe was stunned for a moment, then understood Yan Zhuohua's question. He replied, "Yes, about half a year after I returned, I was sent to the Military Camp by Uncle. Aunt and Eldest Brother trained me personally for about three or four months."

Yan Zhuohua's expression was one of surprise, which then turned into anger. "You only trained for three or four months?"

Yan Qinghe was a bit bewildered but still answered seriously, "Yes, I stayed in the Military Camp for three or four months, and then I'd go back for a month every summer vacation, and occasionally for over half a month during winter vacation. Isn't this the same tradition our big families share?"

"Well then, so I was being lied to," Yan Zhuohua said through gritted teeth. "When I went for training, Uncle told me the Yan Family's tradition was different from other families. The first training session was to last a whole year, and after that, I'd go for two months every summer and two months every winter. The locations kept changing too—snowy mountains, rainforests, islands, deserts... where haven't I been!"

Yan Qinghe sensed Yan Zhuohua's deep anger, but he didn't know how to speak to calm him down. He certainly couldn't mention his own training again. After thinking for a long time, he finally managed to ask, "Winter vacation... usually isn't even two months long, right?"

Yan Zhuohua was shocked by Yan Qinghe's focus, but his anger flared even more. "Exactly, it's less than two months! So do you know I had to take over half a month's leave every time the spring semester started? Do you know how long it took me to make up for that half-month of homework!"

Yan Qinghe was a bit panicked; he hadn't expected that the topic he'd racked his brains to shift to would only add fuel to the fire instead of soothing the other man.

Fortunately, Yan Zhuohua knew Yan Qinghe was innocent. He calmed down, composed his emotions, and said awkwardly, "I meant to say that this place feels a lot like how it was during my training, so I wanted to ask if you felt the same way."

Yan Qinghe was pleasantly surprised. He's actively sharing his past and feelings with me; he's opening his heart to me. This honeymoon really isn't for nothing; it's so refreshing for both body and soul!

After waiting a long while without a word from Yan Qinghe, Yan Zhuohua looked back and found him looking happy for some unknown reason. Was there something wrong with what I just said, or did something suddenly go wrong with his brain? Yan Zhuohua's gaze went from blank to puzzled to suspicious. Just as he was about to give Yan Qinghe a simple IQ test, Yan Qinghe finally snapped out of his joy over the "significant progress in their relationship."

"I only feel it a little bit. Back then, I was alone, and my mind was entirely occupied with how to safely get through the night. I had no thought of appreciating the scenery. No matter how beautiful the environment was then, to me, it was just a backdrop for survival. But now it's different. I have you by my side, so every tree, every blade of grass, and the starry sky become scenery that calms my mind and lifts my spirits. Only now can I truly appreciate the view here."

It was not the wind moving; it was the heart stirring.

Yan Qinghe's expression was extremely serious, and his eyes were filled with deep tenderness.

This speech from Yan Qinghe was completely beyond Yan Zhuohua's expectations—not just the answer itself, but the fact that every word of it was filled with affection for him. This was as good as a clear confession.

Yan Zhuohua had always thought their marriage was due to some interest on Yan Qinghe's part, or perhaps revenge, a desire for conquest, or to satisfy their family's wish for them to coexist harmoniously. The only thing he hadn't considered was that it might be because of love. Even though Yan Qinghe had consistently shown familiarity, care, and desire toward him since his return to City A, he had always assumed these feelings were meant for whoever happened to be in the position of Yan Qinghe's partner.

Only now did Yan Zhuohua realize that this affection was exclusively his. Not because he was Yan Qinghe's partner, but because he was Yan Zhuohua.

It actually wasn't Yan Zhuohua's fault for being so oblivious. In his impression, Yan Qinghe was supposed to be rather withdrawn and aloof. Even if his personality had gradually brightened after returning to the Yan Family, he didn't seem like someone who would experience love. But it turned out he had misjudged.

The situation was now very clear. All the previous guesses were false; this marriage really was just because of love. Yan Zhuohua suddenly felt a strange sensation—a bit of panic, but also a bit of secret joy. Someone loved him deeply. This love had nothing to do with blood ties or interests.

Although he understood the reason why Yan Qinghe married him, Yan Zhuohua still couldn't figure out why Yan Qinghe would like him. He had originally intended to ask directly, but he had reservations. Once this topic was broached, it would inevitably lead to the question of what Yan Zhuohua's feelings for Yan Qinghe were. And right now, Yan Zhuohua knew very well that he wasn't at the stage of love yet, not to mention the fifteen years and a life that stood between them. All he had now was the conduct expected of a partner.

Given the current situation, perhaps he really would fall for Yan Qinghe soon. But whether he loved him or not, Yan Zhuohua would not give a direct response until those two matters were brought to light.

Therefore, the question of why Yan Qinghe liked him could not be asked yet.

Yan Zhuohua's silence seemed to express an attitude, and Yan Qinghe knew he wouldn't be getting a response for the time being. Although a bit disappointed, he quickly cheered up. It had been less than two months and there was already such progress; victory would eventually be his.

Yan Qinghe took the initiative to break the silence. "It's already late, and we have to get up early tomorrow to watch the sunrise. Shall we go back and sleep?"

Yan Zhuohua agreed readily.

On the way back, Yan Zhuohua's little head was still spinning at high speed.

When a person learns that someone else likes them, they often get an inexplicable feeling of owing that person. That was exactly how Yan Zhuohua felt now. He felt very guilty.

This guilt made him eager to do something for Yan Qinghe. After much internal conflict, he made up his mind.

Upon returning to the villa, Yan Zhuohua immediately went into the bathroom to wash up. As soon as he came out, he urged Yan Qinghe to hurry in. Yan Qinghe thought he wanted to wash up quickly and get some rest so they could wake up on time for the sunrise, but he didn't expect Yan Zhuohua to give him a huge surprise.

By the time Yan Qinghe came out of the bathroom, Yan Zhuohua was already lying under the covers.

As usual, he got into bed and prepared to pull the other man into his arms to sleep, but he suddenly felt that something was not quite right to the touch.

Feeling again, Yan Qinghe confirmed it: Yan Zhuohua wasn't wearing any clothes. Looking up, he saw Yan Zhuohua's bright eyes staring intently at him.

"!" Yan Qinghe was completely stunned by the massive surprise.

Seeing Yan Qinghe standing there dazed for so long without a reaction, Yan Zhuohua felt a bit aggrieved. I've given you such an obvious hint and you still haven't reacted? Inside Yan Zhuohua's heart, pride and guilt wrestled for a long time, but guilt eventually won out.

He handed a toy he had always refused to use to Yan Qinghe under the covers. "I'm afraid if we wake up late, we'll miss the sunrise. Why don't we just not sleep at all?"

! Who could refuse this? Certainly not Yan Qinghe. He lunged forward immediately. If he had known that expressing his feelings could have such benefits, he probably would have rushed to confess the very first day Yan Zhuohua returned.

...

The remaining half of the unused toys that Yan Zhuoyan had given them were all cleared out tonight.