CHAPTER 24

A few days ago, Wenlang had hired a nanny. At first, Gaotu wasn't very fond of the idea. He was used to doing things on his own and the thought of having someone else around felt a little strange. But when he thought about how he wouldn't always be home and that Momo would need someone to look after him while they were away, he realized it made sense.

The woman's name was Auntie Liu. She wasn't a stranger to Wenlang. Years ago, when he still lived under his father's roof, she had worked for their family. She had been close to Wenlang's omega father, always by his side, taking care of things. But after his father's sudden passing, she disappeared and Wenlang never saw her again.

So when they met again, it took Wenlang a moment to recognize her. She had called out his name first and when he looked confused, she smiled and began recalling moments from his childhood. Small stories and memories that slowly brought it all back to him. That's when he finally remembered and said her name.

They talked for a long time that day, catching up on everything. When the topic of Ying Yi came up, Auntie Liu grew quiet. She sighed softly, clearly not wanting to talk about it too much, as if the memories still hurt.

Wenlang told her about Gaotu and how they were soon getting married. Auntie Liu looked proud and happy for him, saying how much he had grown. One thing led to another and Wenlang asked if she would be willing to help him again. She agreed without hesitation, happy to work for him once more. She said she couldn't wait to meet Gaotu, the person who had managed to make Wenlang so happy, with that same bright smile she remembered from his childhood.

Now, for Gaotu, the house didn't feel as big or as quiet anymore. Auntie Liu was warm and cheerful, always chatting or sharing little stories about Wenlang growing up. Sometimes she would ask curious questions. Her presence filled the house with life and warmth, making it feel more like a home, something Gaotu has never experienced.

After the wedding, Wenlang has two weeks before he has to drown himself in company work. It was just two weeks but to him, that's more than enough time and he's determined to make every second count.

He's waited for this, planned for it for a long time, even before Gaotu agreed to marry him. The destination, the reservations, the details, all of it has been ready for weeks.

This morning, the sunlight spills gently across their bedroom. Gaotu is still half asleep, hair a little messy, while Wenlang is already dressed, leaning against the window with his phone in hand, finalizing last minute arrangements. He glances over at the bed and smiles softly.

"Are you awake?" he asks.

Gaotu lets out a quiet hum, his voice thick with sleep. "mmh."

"Good," Wenlang says, walking over and sitting on the edge of the bed. "Because you need to start packing."

That gets Gaotu's attention. His eyes open slowly, confused. "Packing? For what?"

"Our honeymoon," Wenlang replies simply, his tone calm but his eyes shining with amusement.

Gaotu sits up, blinking. "Honeymoon...?"

"Yes," Wenlang says. "Everything's ready."

Gaotu stares at him for a moment, then smiles faintly. "You're serious."

"Very," Wenlang says, leaning closer to place a soft kiss on his forehead. "The flight is in a few hours."

Gaotu sighs, "You didn't even ask where I wanted to go."

"I didn't have to," Wenlang says softly. "I know you'll love it."

Gaotu studies him, trying to read the answer in his face, but Wenlang gives nothing away, only that confident smile.

"Can't you at least tell me where?"

"No," Wenlang says, standing up again. "It's a surprise. Just pack light clothes."

Gaotu groans. "Really, you won't tell me?."

"It's a surprise," Wenlang says, grinning.

As Wenlang walks out to take a call, Gaotu sits back against the pillows, staring after him. There's a flutter of excitement in his chest now, mixing with curiosity.

He doesn't know where they're going, but the way Wenlang's eyes looked, he knows one thing for certain: wherever it is, it'll be somewhere fun.

He dragged himself to the bathroom already dreading the part where he has to pack.

By the time he finishes packing, which takes him longer than he'd like to admit, Wenlang is back in the room, looking effortlessly composed. He leans on the doorframe, watching Gaotu wrestle with the zipper of his bag.

"Need help?" Wenlang teases.

"No," Gaotu says, tugging once more. "Okay, maybe yes."

Wenlang walks over and zips it closed with one smooth motion. "You overpacked."

"I don't even know where we're going!"

"That's what makes it fun," Wenlang replies, a small grin tugging at his lips.

Gaotu narrows his eyes. "Give me a hint..."

"No."

They head downstairs where Auntie Liu is already tidying up and setting the breakfast table. When she sees them, she straightens with a warm smile.

"You two are leaving already?" she asks.

"Yes," Wenlang replies, setting the bags by the door.

Gaotu's eyes glint with curiosity as he walks closer to her. He leans in slightly and whispers, "He refuses to tell me where he's taking me. Do you know?"

Before Auntie Liu can respond, Wenlang cuts in, "Don't bother asking, she doesn't know either."

Auntie Liu chuckles, shaking her head. "Isn't it better that way? A surprise."

Gaotu sighs dramatically, taking his seat at the table. " But the curiosity is killing me."

Wenlang sets a plate in front of him and leans down with a small smile. "You'll find out soon, at the airport."

Gaotu sighs in defeat, deciding there's no point in pressing further. He picks up his chopsticks and focuses on his breakfast instead.

Once they finish eating, Gaotu kneels beside Momo to say his goodbyes. The puppy barely glances up, too busy devouring his own food. "Guess someone's not going to miss me," Gaotu mutters with a small laugh.

Wenlang chuckles as he picks up their luggage. "He'll notice you're gone once it's quiet."

After a few last words with Auntie Liu, they finally head out. Wenlang loads the bags into the car while Gaotu waves one last time at Auntie Liu. Then, with the morning sun rising behind them, they drive off together.

When they finally reach the airport, Wenlang parks and comes around to open Gaotu's door for him.

Gaotu steps out, scanning the area. "So, are you finally going to tell me now?"

Wenlang only grins, taking his hand. "Not yet. You'll see once we check in."

Gaotu groans but follows him anyway, suitcase rolling behind him. As they walk through the sliding doors of the terminal, the sound of announcements and chatter fills the air. Gaotu's curiosity grows with each step.

As they reach the check in counter, Wenlang finally decides it's time to stop teasing. He pulls out both their passports and tickets, handing one to Gaotu with a small, knowing smile.

"Here," he says. "You can find out for yourself now."

Gaotu takes the ticket and glances down. His eyes widen the moment he reads the destination. "Phuket?" he says in disbelief. "You're taking me to Thailand?"

Wenlang nods, clearly pleased with himself. "You like it?."

Gaotu looks up at him, still stunned. "Of course I can go anywhere as long as I'm going with you."

Wenlang's lips curve into a smile, softer this time. "Careful," he says quietly, "you keep saying things like that and I might fail to control myself."

Gaotu laughs, shaking his head. "You already don't."

"Fair point," Wenlang says, amused. He reaches out, brushing a stray bit of hair from Gaotu's face before slipping the ticket back from his hand. "Come on, let's go before they decide to close the gate on us."

As they head toward security, Gaotu steals one last glance at him, his chest strangely warm. "Thailand, huh? What made you choose that?" Wenlang looks back over his shoulder with his usual confident smile. "Did a bit of research. It had great reviews, figured it'd be the perfect place to experience with you."

Gaotu smiles, a faint warmth coloring his cheeks

"Still," Gaotu says after a pause, "you really didn't have to go all out like this."

"I wanted to," Wenlang replies simply. "You deserve something special."

Gaotu falls quiet for a moment, watching him with a small, almost shy smile. He's left speechless so he just nods and continues walking beside him.

And with that, they step forward together, ready to board, the hum of the airport fading behind them as excitement quietly builds between them.