At Cloud Recesses, the prestigious and disciplined law firm, Lan Zhan is known for his brilliance—and his icy demeanor. No one could have guessed that beneath the surface lies a man deeply in love. This Christmas, a surprise guest at the firm’s holiday party will shatter every assumption, revealing a side of Lan Zhan that leaves everyone speechless. A heartwarming tale of love, laughter, and the magic of Christmas surprises.
The holiday season at Cloud Recesses Legal Firm was a time of whispers and muted laughter, as even Christmas couldn’t completely thaw the rigid professionalism that hung over the office like a frosty cloud. This year, however, an unexpected announcement sent ripples of excitement through the firm’s marble-floored halls.
“We’re hosting a Christmas dinner,” Lan Qiren had declared in a tone that brooked no nonsense, despite the festive nature of the announcement. “It will be an opportunity for everyone to relax and reflect on the year’s success.”
The associates exchanged glances as they processed this rare concession to merriment from their stern CEO. Almost immediately, conversations turned to who might attend, what to wear, and—most importantly—whether or not Lan Zhan would deign to show up.
In the bustling Cloud Recesses offices, Lan Zhan was a man of both awe and dread. As the firm’s top attorney, his record was impeccable. He had argued cases so decisively that his opponents often left the courtroom too stunned to protest.
“He’s a machine,” a junior associate, Mei Lin, whispered one day over coffee. “Do you think he even likes people?”
“Doubt it,” her colleague replied. “Remember when Liu Cheng tried to ask him to dinner? I’ve never seen someone get rejected so fast.”
“‘I don’t fraternize,’” Mei Lin mimicked Lan Zhan’s clipped tone, giggling. “Classic. If anyone dares to flirt with him, they’re either brave or suicidal.”
Despite his aloofness, Lan Zhan’s good looks and enigmatic presence kept rumors alive. Some speculated he must have a secret lover, though no evidence supported the theory. Others believed he was simply married to his work.
“I mean, come on,” another associate chimed in. “Lan Zhichen is so warm and approachable—how are they even brothers? Lan Zhan must have missed the empathy gene.”
Lan Zhichen, overhearing this, merely smiled to himself and said, “Lan Zhan has his own way of showing care. You’ll see someday.”
But no one took his words seriously.
Far from the stark office environment, Lan Zhan’s home was a warm, quiet sanctuary—a stark contrast to his professional demeanor. The moment he stepped inside, the tension from the day melted away, and the man known for his icy stares transformed into someone far gentler.
“Lan Zhan!” Wei Ying’s bright voice called from the kitchen. “You’re late! Did you get stuck frowning at another associate until they turned into a puddle of regret?”
Wei Ying peeked around the corner, a playful grin on his face. Dressed in an oversized sweater and clutching a spatula, he looked every bit the picture of domestic chaos. Lan Zhan let out a soft sigh and set down his briefcase.
“You’re exaggerating,” he replied, though his lips quirked in the faintest of smiles.
“I call it like I see it.” Wei Ying approached, standing on tiptoe to kiss Lan Zhan’s cheek. “Now, sit down. Dinner’s almost ready, and you’re not allowed to argue.”
Lan Zhan obeyed without protest, his eyes following Wei Ying as he darted back to the kitchen, humming Christmas carols off-key.
The next evening, Wei Ying sat cross-legged on the couch, scrolling through his phone. “Did you hear? Cloud Recesses is having a Christmas dinner this year. A first, huh?”
Lan Zhan, seated beside him with a law journal in hand, merely nodded.
“And,” Wei Ying continued, scooting closer, “you’re going to go. With me.”
Lan Zhan glanced at him, eyebrows raised. “Do I have a choice?”
“Not really.” Wei Ying grinned. “Come on, think about it. We show up together, shock all your coworkers, and then sneak off early to drink hot chocolate at home. It’ll be fun.”
Lan Zhan’s expression softened. He reached out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Wei Ying’s ear. “If it makes you happy, I’ll go.”
Wei Ying’s eyes lit up, and he leaned in to kiss Lan Zhan. “It’s settled then. Let’s give them something to talk about.”
Meanwhile, at Lan Zhan’s apartment, a very different version of him existed.
Lan Zhan unlocked the door to their apartment, the quiet click echoing in the cozy space. The faint smell of spices and simmering broth greeted him as he stepped inside, the tension of the day already starting to melt away. He removed his shoes and set his briefcase down with practiced precision, listening to the familiar hum of life inside these walls.
Wei Ying’s voice rang out from the kitchen. “Hanguang-Jun! You’re late!” His tone was teasing, but Lan Zhan could hear the affection laced in every syllable. A moment later, Wei Ying’s head popped out from behind the doorway, his cheeks dusted with flour, and a smear of something suspiciously green across his nose.
“You’re making a mess again,” Lan Zhan said, his lips quirking into the faintest hint of a smile.
“It’s called festive cooking,” Wei Ying shot back, disappearing into the kitchen. “You wouldn’t understand. Rules don’t apply in the kitchen, my dear attorney.”
Lan Zhan followed the sound of clattering pots, pausing at the threshold to observe the scene. Wei Ying was wearing one of his ridiculous aprons—bright red with Santa’s Favorite written in bold white letters—and had clearly gone all out. The countertops were covered in bowls of half-prepared ingredients, and an assortment of colorful cookies cooled on racks by the window.
“Wei Ying,” Lan Zhan said slowly, “why is there a sprig of holly taped to the fridge?”
Wei Ying grinned over his shoulder. “Because it’s Christmas, silly! You can’t have a boring kitchen during the holidays.”
Lan Zhan stepped closer, brushing a stray strand of hair from Wei Ying’s forehead. “You’ll need to clean this before you’re finished.”
“Yes, yes, master of organization. Now, come taste this!” Wei Ying held up a spoonful of soup, and without waiting for permission, leaned in and fed it to Lan Zhan. “Well? Be honest.”
Lan Zhan swallowed, his expression neutral. “It’s good.”
“Just good?” Wei Ying pouted, leaning back against the counter dramatically. “I’ve been slaving away for hours, and all I get is ‘good’? You wound me, Lan Zhan.”
“It’s very good,” Lan Zhan corrected, his tone softening. “You’ve done well.”
Wei Ying brightened instantly, his grin lighting up the room. “That’s more like it.” He set the spoon down and stepped closer, wrapping his arms around Lan Zhan’s neck. “You know, you’re lucky I love you. Otherwise, I’d make you eat burnt cookies for that lukewarm response.”
Lan Zhan’s arms instinctively settled around Wei Ying’s waist, pulling him close. “I am lucky,” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to Wei Ying’s temple.
Wei Ying stilled for a moment, his teasing demeanor giving way to something quieter, more tender. “So,” he said after a pause, “have you decided if you’re coming to the Christmas party?”
Lan Zhan frowned slightly. “I don’t see the need—”
“Oh, no, you’re not getting out of this one,” Wei Ying interrupted, poking him in the chest. “Lan Qiren himself decreed that this party is mandatory, and even you can’t defy the almighty CEO.”
“I don’t think my presence will—”
“—be absolutely required? Yes, it will!” Wei Ying finished for him, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Think of it as an early Christmas gift to me. I’ll even wear my nicest tie.”
Lan Zhan sighed, defeated but not unhappily. “I’ll go.”
Wei Ying’s grin widened. “Good. Now, come help me decorate the cookies.”
Cloud Recesses looked almost unrecognizable. The normally stark, pristine office had been transformed into a festive wonderland. Twinkling lights adorned the walls, garlands hung from the ceiling, and a massive Christmas tree stood proudly in the center of the room, its branches glittering with ornaments. Tables were laden with food and drinks, and a cheerful hum of conversation filled the air as employees mingled.
“Wow,” Rachel whispered, nudging Emily. “They really went all out. Do you think Lan Zhan will actually show?”
Emily snorted. “Please. If he does, I’ll eat one of those garlands.”
As the party continued, the atmosphere grew livelier. Employees chatted over glasses of wine, exchanged jokes, and speculated endlessly about who might bring a date. All eyes turned toward the door every time someone new arrived, but Lan Zhan remained notably absent.
“I told you,” Mark said, sipping his drink. “He’s probably sitting at home reading case files.”
“Or brooding in his cave,” Rachel added with a laugh.
But just as they were about to turn back to their conversation, the doors opened—and the room fell silent.
Lan Zhan stepped inside, dressed impeccably as always in a tailored black suit.
But it wasn’t his attire that drew everyone’s attention—it was the man beside him.
Wei Ying was radiant, wearing a sleek red sweater under a stylish coat that accentuated his lean frame. His dark hair fell in soft waves, and his eyes sparkled with an easy charm. He smiled warmly as he stepped forward, seemingly unfazed by the dozens of eyes glued to him.
“Holy—” Rachel began, but Mark quickly shushed her.
Wei Ying leaned close to Lan Zhan and murmured something, earning a faint nod in response. Then, to everyone’s astonishment, Lan Zhan placed a hand on the small of Wei Ying’s back—a casual, protective gesture that seemed completely out of character for the stoic attorney.
“Who is that?” Emily whispered urgently.
“No idea,” Rachel muttered. “But I need to know now.”
As Lan Zhan and Wei Ying made their way through the room, Wei Ying took the lead, greeting people with a bright, “Merry Christmas!” and striking up conversations with ease. Lan Zhan stayed close, his expression neutral but his presence unmistakably protective.
“He’s… friendly,” Mark observed, his tone incredulous. “How did someone like that end up with Lan Zhan?”
Rachel shrugged, still staring. “Maybe he lost a bet.”
Meanwhile, Wei Ying was busy charming the crowd. He laughed at jokes, complimented outfits, and even managed to get a reserved senior associate to crack a smile. “You work with Lan Zhan?” he asked at one point, his tone playful. “Poor you. He’s so strict, isn’t he?”
The associate blinked, unsure how to respond, but Wei Ying’s laugh was warm and disarming. “I’m kidding,” he added, patting the man on the shoulder. “He’s actually very sweet once you get to know him. You just have to survive the initial glare.”
From across the room, Lan Zhan’s gaze followed Wei Ying like a shadow, his normally impassive expression softening whenever their eyes met. It was a side of him no one at Cloud Recesses had ever seen before, and it left them thoroughly baffled.
“Who is that guy?” Emily whispered again.
Lan Zhichen, overhearing the question, smirked but said nothing, clearly enjoying the mystery.
Wei Ying had the crowd in the palm of his hand. With his easy laugh and quick wit, he moved effortlessly from one group to the next, leaving a trail of amused and slightly bewildered coworkers in his wake. His energy was infectious, and even the more reserved associates found themselves smiling under his charm.
At one point, Wei Ying approached a cluster of paralegals near the buffet table, where Rachel was holding court with her usual sarcastic commentary.
“So,” Rachel began, unable to contain her curiosity, “what’s your connection to Cloud Recesses? Are you, like, a… client?”
Wei Ying’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Oh no, nothing like that. I’m here as someone’s date.”
Rachel’s eyebrows shot up, and Emily practically choked on her drink. “Whose date?” she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and disbelief.
Wei Ying leaned in conspiratorially, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” He winked, straightening up with a laugh.
Rachel exchanged a look with Emily. “Bold of you not to name-drop,” she teased.
“Do you even know where you are? This place is full of lawyers. We’ll get the truth out of you eventually.”
“I look forward to it,” Wei Ying replied smoothly before moving on, leaving the group buzzing with speculation.
While Wei Ying mingled, Lan Zhan stayed on the sidelines, his gaze following his husband’s every move. He sipped his wine slowly, maintaining his usual stoic demeanor, but anyone who paid close attention would have noticed the way his eyes softened whenever they landed on Wei Ying.
Mark and another senior associate, David, decided to seize the opportunity. They sidled up to Lan Zhan, pretending to study the room.
“So,” Mark began casually, “your date seems… popular.”
Lan Zhan glanced at him, his expression unreadable. “He’s sociable.”
David chuckled awkwardly, trying to bridge the gap. “You’ve got to admit, he’s a bit of a surprise. We didn’t know you were bringing anyone.”
“I don’t announce my personal life,” Lan Zhan replied evenly, his tone leaving no room for further questions.
Mark opened his mouth to push further, but the arrival of Wei Ying derailed the conversation. He appeared at Lan Zhan’s side with a fresh drink, looking utterly unbothered by the attention.
“There you are!” Wei Ying said brightly. “I was starting to think you’d blended into the wallpaper.”
Lan Zhan’s lips quirked in the faintest hint of a smile. “You were busy.”
Wei Ying handed him the drink, ignoring the gawking stares from Mark and David. “And you were hiding. Honestly, how do you survive in such a social environment? I’m going to start charging you for lessons.”
Lan Zhan took the glass without comment, but the way his hand lingered against Wei Ying’s was unmistakable.
Mark cleared his throat, trying to regain some semblance of control. “So… how do you two know each other?”
Wei Ying’s grin widened. “Oh, we’re very close. Right, Lan Zhan?”
Lan Zhan gave him a look that could have been exasperation—or fondness. “Wei Ying,” he said quietly, as though that explained everything.
“It’s fine, it’s fine,” Wei Ying said breezily, waving off the unspoken warning. “I’m sure they’re dying to know all about us.”
Lan Zhan sighed but didn’t protest, leaving Mark and David flabbergasted. They excused themselves a moment later, retreating to the safety of the buffet table.
The evening was nearing its peak, and most of the office was clustered around the Christmas tree, laughing and exchanging stories. Wei Ying had drifted back to Lan Zhan’s side, where he stood like a silent guardian, his presence grounding in contrast to the party’s energy.
Rachel and Emily, emboldened by wine and curiosity, decided to approach.
“Okay, I have to ask,” Rachel said, her tone playful but insistent. “Who are you? And how did you manage to bring him to a party?”
Wei Ying tilted his head, pretending to think. “Should I tell them?” he asked, turning to Lan Zhan.
Lan Zhan’s gaze flicked to the two women, his expression impassive. “If you wish.”
That response only made them more curious. Rachel leaned closer. “Seriously. You have to give us something.”
Wei Ying grinned, clearly relishing the attention. “Fine, fine. I’ll give you a hint. He’s my husband.”
The words hung in the air for a moment before Rachel and Emily’s jaws dropped simultaneously.
“Husband?!” Emily blurted out. “You’re married to Lan Zhan?”
Wei Ying nodded cheerfully. “Surprising, isn’t it? I mean, look at him. He’s so serious all the time. But he’s actually quite sweet once you get to know him.”
Lan Zhan shifted slightly, his gaze softening as he looked at Wei Ying. Without a word, he reached out, cupped Wei Ying’s cheek, and kissed him.
The room fell silent. Even the background music seemed to fade as dozens of eyes widened in shock.
All eyes were fixed on Lan Zhan and Wei Ying, still locked in their tender, unexpected kiss. It wasn’t rushed or awkward—it was deliberate, natural, and spoke volumes about the relationship between the two men.
When Lan Zhan finally pulled back, his hand lingered on Wei Ying’s cheek for a moment before dropping to his side. Wei Ying, as always, seemed completely unfazed by the attention, but the corners of his mouth twitched in amusement as he glanced around the room at the stunned faces.
The silence was broken by an audible gasp from Emily, followed by Rachel whispering, “Did he just—?”
“Holy crap,” Mark muttered, wide-eyed. “Lan Zhan just kissed someone. In public.”
From across the room, Lan Zhichen decided it was time to step in. He clapped his hands lightly, drawing the crowd’s attention. “Well,” he said with an easy smile, “since everyone seems too shocked to ask, allow me to introduce you all. This is Wei Ying, my delightful brother-in-law, and yes, before you ask—he’s been married to Lan Zhan for three years.”
If the kiss had been a bombshell, this revelation was a full-blown explosion. The room erupted in a chorus of shocked murmurs.
“Married?!” someone exclaimed from the back.
“Three years?!”
“Wait—Lan Zhan’s been married this whole time, and we never knew?”
“How is this even possible?”
Lan Zhan, for his part, remained impassive, standing tall and unbothered by the chaos unfolding around him. Wei Ying, however, grinned like the cat that had caught the canary, clearly enjoying the dramatic reveal.
“Well, technically, it’s three and a half years,” Wei Ying said cheerfully, stepping closer to Lan Zhan. “But who’s counting?”
Rachel finally found her voice and blurted out, “How—how did you two end up together? I mean, no offense, but…” She trailed off, gesturing vaguely between them.
Wei Ying raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. “What, you can’t imagine him falling for my charming personality and devilish good looks?”
Emily let out a disbelieving laugh. “It’s not that—it’s just… it’s Lan Zhan. He’s—”
“A terrifying, emotionless robot?” Wei Ying finished for her, his tone light. “Don’t worry, I get it. That’s what I thought when I first met him too.”
Several people stifled nervous laughs, unsure if they were allowed to laugh at Lan Zhan in his presence. Wei Ying, however, pressed on.
“But here’s the thing,” he continued, his gaze flicking fondly to Lan Zhan. “Once you get past the icy exterior—and trust me, it takes work—he’s actually the kindest, most loyal person you’ll ever meet. He just doesn’t waste time on things that don’t matter.”
Lan Zhan’s gaze softened as he looked at Wei Ying, his silence speaking volumes.
The room grew quieter, the initial shock giving way to curiosity and a growing warmth as people began to see a side of Lan Zhan they’d never imagined.
As the murmurs subsided, Rachel turned to Lan Zhichen with wide eyes. “Wait—so all this time, when people were saying Lan Zhan was married to his work…”
Lan Zhichen smirked. “They weren’t entirely wrong. He just happens to have a husband who’s patient enough to share him with his job.”
Wei Ying laughed. “Patient is a strong word, but I’ll take it.”
Another coworker piped up. “So, wait—what about all those times people tried to ask him out? Did you know about that?”
“Oh, I heard about some of them,” Wei Ying said, his tone breezy. “And honestly, it was hilarious. You all thought he was rejecting you because he was cold, but really he was just coming home to me.” He leaned closer to Lan Zhan and whispered loudly, “You could’ve been a little nicer about it, though.”
Lan Zhan sighed softly. “I was honest.”
“That’s one way to put it,” Wei Ying teased. “But don’t worry, I made sure to balance it out. He might be all rules and discipline at work, but at home, he’s a total softie.”
The group stared at Lan Zhan, trying and failing to reconcile this description with the man they knew. Lan Zhan, unbothered, took another sip of his wine.
As the initial shock wore off, people began to approach Wei Ying with genuine curiosity. Emily was the first to gather her courage. “So, uh, Wei Ying… what’s it like being married to him?”
Wei Ying pretended to think, tapping his chin dramatically. “Hmm, let’s see. He’s great at doing laundry, terrible at remembering to eat when he’s working, and surprisingly good at karaoke. Oh, and he spoils me way too much.”
Several coworkers laughed, the tension in the room easing. Rachel crossed her arms, smirking. “Lan Zhan does karaoke?”
Wei Ying grinned. “Only after a few drinks. And only for me.”
The laughter grew louder, and even Lan Zhichen chuckled, clearly enjoying the unfolding scene.
Mark, who had been hovering awkwardly near the buffet, finally worked up the nerve to approach. “So, uh, Wei Ying… what’s your secret? How do you get him to smile?”
Wei Ying leaned in conspiratorially. “Easy. I just make terrible puns until he can’t take it anymore.”
Lan Zhan’s lips twitched in what might have been a suppressed smile, further astonishing the crowd. “You don’t need to share everything,” he said quietly.
“Oh, come on,” Wei Ying said, poking his arm. “Let them have this. It’s Christmas!”
As the evening drew on, Lan Qiren finally stepped up to address the room. His presence commanded attention, and the room fell silent as he began to speak.
“I want to thank you all for your hard work this year,” he said, his voice steady and measured. “Cloud Recesses thrives because of your dedication and excellence. Tonight is about celebrating that.”
He paused, his sharp gaze sweeping over the room before landing briefly on Lan Zhan and Wei Ying. “It’s also a reminder that no matter how busy or demanding our work may be, it’s important to have people in our lives who ground us and bring us joy.”
Wei Ying beamed at the subtle acknowledgment, while Lan Zhan gave a small nod, his respect for his uncle evident.
“Now,” Lan Qiren continued, a rare twinkle in his eye, “please return to enjoying yourselves. This is a celebration, after all.”
After Lan Qiren’s speech concluded, the party regained its festive energy, but the focus remained firmly on Lan Zhan and Wei Ying. Groups of employees huddled together, whispering and occasionally stealing glances at the couple.
“I still can’t believe it,” Emily murmured, clutching her wine glass like a lifeline. “Lan Zhan. Married. And not just married—to that guy.”
“I know,” Rachel said, still reeling. “I mean, did you see the way he looked at him? Like he’d murder anyone who even breathed wrong in his direction.”
“I know, right? It’s kind of… romantic,” Emily admitted with a small, dreamy smile.
Lan Zhichen wandered over to the group, holding a plate of desserts. “Are you still processing?” he teased, popping a chocolate truffle into his mouth.
“Zhichen,” Rachel hissed, “how long have you known?”
“About Wei Ying? Since the beginning, obviously. I introduced them.”
The group gaped at him. “You introduced them?” Emily asked. “How?”
Lan Zhichen shrugged casually. “Oh, it was at one of my uncle’s stiff dinner parties. Wei Ying was there for some reason—something about freeloading off a friend. He said something completely inappropriate about Lan Zhan’s tie, and the rest is history.”
Rachel stared at him. “That’s it? That’s the story?”
“Pretty much,” Zhichen said with a smirk. “The real magic happened afterward. But you’ll have to ask them for the details.”
Meanwhile, Wei Ying was fielding questions from the braver employees who couldn’t resist his infectious charm. One of the paralegals approached timidly, clearly trying to gather her courage.
“Excuse me,” she said, addressing Wei Ying directly. “I just… I wanted to say you’re really… nice.”
Wei Ying smiled warmly. “Thank you! You’re not bad yourself.”
The paralegal blushed furiously and stammered, “And… uh… I think it’s cool how you bring out a different side of Lan Zhan.”
Wei Ying tilted his head, glancing at Lan Zhan, who stood quietly nearby. “Oh, trust me, there’s a lot more to him than you think. He just doesn’t like wasting his energy on things that don’t matter.”
“Like us,” Mark muttered under his breath, earning a laugh from Rachel.
Lan Zhan’s sharp gaze flicked to him. “That is not what I meant.”
Mark stiffened but quickly relaxed when Wei Ying laughed, patting Lan Zhan on the arm. “See? He’s trying to be nice. It’s a Christmas miracle!”
As the party wound down, the crowd began to thin, with most of the employees trickling out to continue their celebrations elsewhere. Wei Ying wandered over to the massive Christmas tree, admiring the lights that twinkled softly in the dim room. Lan Zhan followed, standing beside him.
“They really went all out,” Wei Ying mused, his voice quieter now that the room was less crowded. “It’s beautiful.”
“You are beautiful,” Lan Zhan said softly, his words so quiet they were almost drowned out by the faint background music.
Wei Ying’s breath caught, and he turned to face Lan Zhan fully. “You can’t just say things like that,” he murmured, his voice teasing but his expression full of warmth.
Lan Zhan reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Wei Ying’s face. “Why not? It’s the truth.”
Wei Ying leaned into the touch, his smile softening. “You know, I think you shocked a few people into early retirement tonight.”
“They will recover,” Lan Zhan replied, his tone matter-of-fact. “You are worth it.”
Wei Ying’s heart swelled, and he closed the distance between them, pressing a gentle kiss to Lan Zhan’s lips. “Merry Christmas, Hanguang-Jun.”
“Merry Christmas,” Lan Zhan replied, his voice filled with quiet affection.
As they made their way toward the exit, a few lingering employees stopped to bid them farewell. Rachel, emboldened by wine and curiosity, blurted out, “You know, Wei Ying, you’re kind of a legend now.”
Wei Ying grinned. “A legend? Me? Do tell.”
“You managed to tame the untamable. That makes you, like, the office hero,” Rachel said with a laugh. “If I ever need advice on handling Lan Zhan, I’m coming to you.”
Wei Ying winked. “My advice? Bring snacks. He loves anything lotus-flavored.”
Lan Zhan’s brow furrowed faintly. “Do not encourage them.”
“Oh, relax,” Wei Ying teased, linking his arm through Lan Zhan’s. “They’re harmless. Besides, I like watching them try to figure you out.”
Rachel waved as they left, her laughter trailing behind them. “Merry Christmas, you two!”
The city streets were quiet as Lan Zhan and Wei Ying walked home, their breath forming faint puffs in the chilly night air. Christmas lights twinkled from storefronts and streetlamps, casting a warm glow over the snow-dusted sidewalks.
Wei Ying tucked his arm through Lan Zhan’s, leaning into him as they strolled. “You know,” he began, his tone light, “this might be the best Christmas party I’ve ever been to.”
“You enjoyed yourself,” Lan Zhan observed.
Wei Ying laughed. “Of course I did! I love watching you surprise people. You’re like a human plot twist.”
Lan Zhan raised an eyebrow. “That is an unusual description.”
“But accurate,” Wei Ying insisted, looking up at him with a grin. “I mean, think about it. They all thought you were this emotionless workaholic, and then bam! You show up with me, kiss me in front of everyone, and reveal you’ve been secretly married for years. It’s perfect.”
Lan Zhan’s lips quirked in a rare smile. “If you are satisfied, then it was worth it.”
Wei Ying stopped walking, pulling Lan Zhan to a halt under a streetlamp. “You know what would make it even better?” he asked, his voice soft.
Lan Zhan tilted his head. “What?”
Wei Ying leaned up and kissed him, slow and tender, the kind of kiss that made the rest of the world fade away. When he pulled back, his eyes sparkled with mischief. “There. Now it’s perfect.”
Lan Zhan cupped Wei Ying’s cheek, his thumb brushing against his skin. “You are perfect.”
Wei Ying’s laughter rang out, warm and bright against the cold night air. “You really are full of surprises tonight, Hanguang-Jun.”
Lan Zhan didn’t reply, but the quiet contentment in his expression said everything.
They reached their apartment building, the warmth of the lobby enveloping them as they stepped inside. Wei Ying sighed happily, shrugging off his coat and tossing it onto a chair. “Well, that was fun. Let’s do it again next year.”
Lan Zhan arched an eyebrow. “Next year?”
“Of course,” Wei Ying said, his tone playful. “You can’t just drop a bombshell like that and then disappear. You’ve got a reputation to maintain now.”
Lan Zhan shook his head slightly, but the small smile on his lips betrayed his amusement. “As you wish.”
Wei Ying beamed, pulling him into another hug. “Merry Christmas, Lan Zhan.”
“Merry Christmas,” Lan Zhan replied, holding him close.
As snow began to fall outside, the warmth of their home—and their love—kept the chill at bay, a perfect end to a night full of surprises and joy.
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