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Standing with a composed smile among distinguished guests, Shaoyou found himself wishing he were elsewhere perhaps at home, finishing the books he had long left unread.
He longed to remove the mask he had worn all day, the carefully practiced smile meant to secure alliances and benefits for his family.
A noble life, he often reflected, could be burdensome. It was not that he was ungrateful for being born into privilege. He understood the fortune of entering the world with silver at his fingertips. Yet such birthright carried obligations he could not escape.
Though he had no desire to immerse himself in the family's affairs so soon, he was the eldest son. That alone sealed his fate.
He released a quiet sigh before arranging his expression once more as his father introduced him to yet another circle of prominent guests.
The gathering was held within the grand garden estate of the Hua family. They had been invited in honor of the forthcoming engagement ceremony of their younger son—whom society fondly referred to as the Prince.
Shaoyou was well aware of the Hua family's standing. Their wealth far surpassed that of most noble houses. It was no surprise that many regarded them as royalty in all but name. Their prestige was undeniable, their influence unmistakable.
The estate itself resembled a palace more than a residence. Vast. Imposing. Regal.
Though Shaoyou had grown accustomed to affluence, even he could not help but feel a quiet awe at the scale of the Hua family's holdings.
As the reception progressed, boredom gradually settled within him. He had no inclination to socialize further, yet his mother stern and unyielding as ever had insisted he remain seated among the guests since their arrival.
"Mother," he addressed softly.
Mrs. Sheng turned toward him after excusing herself from a lively exchange of gossip.
"Yes, my son?"
"May I take a brief walk?" he asked with measured politeness.
She was prepared to refuse when another voice intervened.
"Is that Shaoyou, your eldest?" came the bright voice of Mrs. Hua.
Both mother and son turned toward her. She smiled radiantly, her porcelain complexion luminous beneath the evening light.
"Yes," Mrs. Sheng replied. "Shaoyou, offer your respects to Mrs. Hua."
He rose immediately and bowed with proper decorum. A gentle laugh escaped the lady.
"How well-mannered. It is a pleasure to meet you, Shaoyou. The festivities will begin shortly, but you are welcome to stroll about the grounds in the meantime."
Receiving permission from the lady of the estate, Shaoyou glanced toward his mother and received a small nod in return. He offered courteous farewells before withdrawing from the circle.
He moved swiftly across the garden, avoiding groups of nobles already engrossed in discussions of trade and influence. All he desired was a quiet corner—some place untouched by expectations, where he might breathe freely, if only for a moment.
He eventually discovered a secluded balcony overlooking the rear gardens. It was empty.
The space seemed ideal, quiet, removed from the noise of society. He descended to the grassy area beneath it, seated himself beneath a tree, and allowed the gentle warmth of the spring breeze to calm him.
At last, he felt at ease.
But tranquility seldom lingered.
Voices emerged from the balcony above, interrupting his solitude. He remained where he was, unseen beneath the branches, listening despite himself.
"How could they decide this without informing me?" a young man demanded, frustration evident in his tone.
"Hua Yong, you know how our family operates," another voice replied.
At the name, Shaoyou's interest sharpened.
"This is a family obligation, Wenlang. And you know how I feel about it. I refuse to marry simply because it pleases my parents."
"Please, Hua Yong. The guests are already gathering. Families of high standing. You must compose yourself."
"I do not care!"
Silence followed.
From below, Shaoyou's curiosity deepened.
Was this truly the so called Prince? And if so, why did he sound so unwilling?
"Leave me, Wenlang. I require a moment alone."
Footsteps retreated. Moments later, the Prince exhaled heavily, leaning against the balcony railing.
Beneath him, Shaoyou found himself uncertain. Should he depart quietly? Or reveal his presence?
Before he could decide, a voice spoke.
"You may step out now."
Shaoyou stiffened, glancing behind him. No one stood there.
"Up here," the voice clarified.
He lifted his gaze.
Their eyes met.
The man above leaned casually against the railing, regarding him with a raised brow. Shaoyou rose immediately from beneath the tree.
When he finally saw the Prince clearly, his breath faltered.
Beautiful.
The thought came unbidden.
There was no mistaking it, the Prince was undeniably a man. Yet his features possessed an elegance so refined it bordered on ethereal.
"Were you not taught proper etiquette?" Hua Yong asked calmly. "Eavesdropping is considered discourteous."
"I had no intention of doing so," Shaoyou replied, steadying himself. "I was here first. It was not my wish to intrude upon your conversation."
A pause lingered between them. Shaoyou prepared himself for reprimand. But instead, a soft laugh descended from above.
The sound startled him.
It was light, melodious... like the chime of a distant bell.
"What is your name?" the Prince asked.
"Sheng Shaoyou."
Hua Yong smiled again, this time more thoughtfully. Then a maid's voice echoed faintly from inside, calling for the Prince. Hua Yong glanced toward the sound, then back to Shaoyou.
A spark of mischief flickered in his eyes.
"Shaoyou," he said evenly. "I require your assistance."
—
Had Shaoyou known that he would one day become a reckless son, he might have reconsidered accepting that request.
Yet life seldom grants warning before altering one's course. He could not quite recall how he had allowed Hua Yong to persuade him into this.
They were escaping.
Quietly. Without notice.
He had initially refused. The Prince, however, was remarkably insistent.
Shaoyou had assumed Hua Yong would slip through the corridors discreetly. He had not anticipated that the Prince would leap from the balcony.
The sight alone had nearly stopped his heart.
What rational man would entrust his safety to someone standing below?
Fortunately, Shaoyou caught him.
"Wait, Hua Yong," he urged. The Prince paused, glancing back.
"Is this not improper? Your parents will be searching for you."
They had already navigated a concealed passage unknown to the guards and now stood beyond the estate grounds, moving toward an unknown destination.
"Do not concern yourself," Hua Yong replied dismissively. "They are accustomed to my absence. And I have no intention of honoring an engagement I never agreed to."
He continued walking.
"Nevertheless..."
Before Shaoyou could continue, Hua Yong placed a hand lightly over his mouth.
"You speak far too much. For now, forget my parents." He pulled him forward.
And despite himself, Shaoyou followed. Somewhere deep within, he trusted Hua Yong's decision.
They came to a halt by the pond, far removed from the Hua estate. Shaoyou stood beside Hua Yong, one hand resting upon the bicycle, while the other man lingered in the moment—eyes closed, face lifted to the cool wind, as though it were the first time he had ever breathed such untainted air.
Shaoyou did not disturb him. He allowed Hua Yong to bask in his solitude. While waiting, his gaze wandered toward the pond, his thoughts drifting elsewhere.
The earlier escapade had set his heart racing, yet now, an unfamiliar peace settled within him.
There were no murmurs of strangers, no expectations weighing upon him—no parents urging him toward alliances and introductions.
Only a quiet stillness between them.
When Shaoyou turned his gaze back to Hua Yong, he found the other already watching him. Moments before, Hua Yong's face had been set with fierce determination—to flee the house, to escape an unwanted fate. But now, there was relief.
A small smile graced his lips, and in that moment, Shaoyou truly saw him.
Hua Yong wore a silky ivory blouse, loose and flowing, with a tie at the neck. It was paired with high-waisted, blush-pink trousers, tailored yet soft in form. Around his neck rested a delicate choker adorned with a small rose. Bathed in the fading light, he seemed to glow.
Shaoyou found himself utterly mesmerized.
As though an angel had descended, if only to grace him with a fleeting glimpse of beauty.
"Shaoyou?"
Perhaps he truly was an angel—arriving unannounced, radiant enough that Shaoyou thought he would not mind losing his sight, so long as he could behold him.
"I know I am handsome," Hua Yong said lightly, snapping his fingers before Shaoyou's eyes, "but such an intense stare... is a little too much."
Shaoyou was pulled abruptly back to reality. A blush bloomed across his cheeks as embarrassment settled in, he had been caught staring.
"I—I apologize. I did not mean to," he stammered, quickly averting his gaze. Hua Yong's soft laughter followed.
"It is quite all right. Though you do resemble a tomato now, do stop blushing."
That only made it worse.
"Hua Yong, please stop teasing me," Shaoyou said helplessly, his heart once more racing but for an entirely different reason.
Though it was their first meeting, there was a peculiar ease between them. In each other's presence, they felt lighter, as though they had known one another far longer than they truly had.
When Hua Yong moved to sit upon the ground, Shaoyou was quick to stop him. He removed the light pink sweater draped over his shoulders and spread it carefully across the grass.
"You will soil your trousers," he murmured, gently guiding him to sit.
They shared the sweater between them, their shoulders nearly brushing. For a time, they simply watched the water, wrapped in a silence that felt complete.
"Are you certain your parents will not be... displeased?" Shaoyou asked at last.
"They will not. Do not trouble yourself over it." Still, Shaoyou remained unconvinced. "May I ask why you do not wish to marry? I have heard your intended bride is... quite distinguished."
Hua Yong tilted his head slightly, studying him as though reading his thoughts.
"I do not wish to marry anyone," he replied calmly.
"Especially not a woman."
Shaoyou frowned. "What do you mean?"
A faint smile touched Hua Yong's lips.
"It is not that I do not wish for a spouse. I simply desire a husband... not a wife."
He spoke as though it were the most natural thing in the world.
Shaoyou's mouth fell open, and at the sight of his expression, Hua Yong could not help but laugh.
"Good heavens. Do not look at me as though I have committed some great sin. There are many who wed the same gender and my parents are not opposed to it."
Shaoyou cleared his throat, attempting to compose himself. "I was merely... surprised."
Hua Yong shook his head, though amusement lingered in his smile.
They spoke then of their lives—of obligations and expectations. Hua Yong inquired why Shaoyou had attended the festivities, and Shaoyou admitted it had been at his parents’ insistence, for the sake of connections.
Both understood the burdens placed upon them. Yet Shaoyou felt a quiet admiration when Hua Yong spoke of resisting such control.
Even those born into wealth and prominence deserved freedom.
"So what will you do now?" Shaoyou asked. "Your parents will still urge you to marry—for the sake of lineage."
Hua Yong sighed softly. "Why concern yourself with my troubles, Mr. Sheng? Do not worry, I can manage."
Before the sun fully set, they resolved to return to the Hua estate. Shaoyou felt a slight unease at having left without permission, while Hua Yong walked beside him with composed ease.
Even before reaching the grand gates, they heard the commotion within—guards speaking urgently into their earpieces, voices overlapping in concern.
As they stepped inside, chaos greeted them.
The first person Shaoyou saw was his mother, pacing anxiously as his father attempted to soothe her. Nearby stood Hua Yong's parents, equally distressed.
"They are here!" Wenlang, Hua Yong's cousin, called out.
At once, all eyes turned toward them.
Hua Yong's parents hurried forward. His mother grasped him at once, scolding and questioning him in the same breath, while his father inspected him for injuries.
Shaoyou rolled his eyes inwardly. As though he would have allowed the man to come to harm.
"Shaoyou, where have you been?" his mother demanded. She seemed ready to scold him, but Hua Yong stepped forward.
"I was the one who took him away, Mrs. Sheng," he said.
"I apologize for causing you distress. Your son is quite safe. I did not allow any harm to come to him."
The parents exchanged puzzled looks.
Shaoyou, for his part, longed only to return home—to rest his aching arms from catching Hua Yong at the balcony, and to sleep endlessly.
"If that is so," Hua Yong's father spoke, "Why did you both disappear without a word? And what of your engagement?"
Hua Yong turned to face him, his expression resolute.
"Father, I do not wish to marry a woman I do not know," he said quietly. "I am sorry to disappoint you but may I not choose whom I shall marry?"
Shaoyou noticed then the sheen of unshed tears in his eyes and something within him stirred. He did not wish to see Hua Yong in such distress.
Driven by sudden resolve, Shaoyou stepped forward.
"Sir, please do not force your son into such a union," he said. "He may act recklessly if you do and today stands as proof."
The older man regarded him for a long moment before sighing.
"A'Yong... it seems you have grown close to him, even without knowing who he truly is."
Shaoyou frowned, confusion knitting his brows.
"Son," Mr. Hua continued, "I am aware of your preferences. Why would I ever compel you to marry a woman?"
"But still, Father—"
"Mr. Sheng Shaoyou is your intended fiancé," he said at last. "And yet the two of you fled together, unaware of the very bond arranged between you."
Silence fell.
Both young men stiffened, shock plain upon their faces. When their eyes met, they mirrored each other's astonishment.
Shaoyou was the first to look away, turning to his parents in search of answers.
"Ah... yes," his father admitted. "We intended to tell you before the announcement—but you had already gone." Neither of them moved, too stunned to react.
With flushed cheeks, Hua Yong gave a small nod to his mother, agreeing to settle the matter within the house. He avoided Shaoyou's gaze entirely.
The earlier confidence he bore had vanished, replaced by shy uncertainty.
As for Shaoyou—he felt as though he must grasp something, anything, to steady himself... something that tethered him to Hua Yong.
And so, he agreed.
A quiet flutter stirred within his chest—his heart beating just a little faster.
—
Shaoyou cast a glance toward Hua Yong. The prince appeared lost.
He could not blame him. He himself was equally shaken by the revelation.
All this time, without his knowledge, he had been meant to marry him.
He was the fiancé.
And yet his parents had not told him anything before they arrived here. Now both families were gathered in the vast living room, none speaking, as though each were silently weighing the consequences of their actions.
"I believe we should settle this matter. I am deeply sorry for what my son has done," Mrs. Sheng addressed the Hua family.
Shaoyou turned his gaze toward his mother. Why did it sound as though it were his fault?
"No, Mrs. Sheng. Shaoyou is not at fault here. I am," Hua Yong interjected.
All eyes shifted toward him.
"Even so, he was the one who aided your escape, resulting in these... circumstances. The guests are expecting the two of you—and now what? What is to happen?" The concern in the lady's voice was unmistakable.
Yet Shaoyou found himself unable to focus on it, his gaze drawn instead to Hua Yong.
The man looked back at him.
They held each other's gaze.
No words were needed.
"To settle this matter, we must first address the embarrassment before the guests," Mr. Hua spoke at last.
"And you A'Yong you are suspended for one week until we have resolved what must be resolved because of what you have done."
Shaoyou felt the weight of the punishment.
And in his eyes, it was undeserved.
Their son had not wished to marry someone he did not know why, then, should he be punished for it?
"And to you, Mr. and Mrs. Sheng, I offer my apologies for what has transpired. I will ensure that everything is properly settled and that you will encounter no difficulties," Mr. Hua continued.
Shaoyou turned his gaze once more to Hua Yong, who showed no intention of defying his father's command.
He understood that what they had done had caused trouble. In the eyes of others, that engagement had been nothing more than a union for the benefit of their families.
But still... was it truly necessary to punish Hua Yong for it?
Several days passed.
Shaoyou was not permitted to leave the house. He remained within his room while his family worked to resolve the situation.
It was a small matter—yet they were making it far greater than it was.
Days went by with nothing for him to do. Though he wished to visit Hua Yong's residence, to ask after him, he could not.
It was not that he opposed the marriage.
In truth, he did not.
When he learned that he was the one Hua Yong had been meant to marry—the one to be introduced as his fiancé—something within him had stirred.
Whether he admitted it or not…
He had fallen from the very first moment they met. And yet, because of what had happened, the marriage now seemed unlikely to come to pass.
Shaoyou lay upon his bed, regret settling heavily within him.
If only he had known sooner.
If only he had known that he was meant to be Hua Yong's fiancé—then perhaps they would not be in such a situation now. He might have persuaded the man to accept the marriage.
What was he to do now?
His thoughts were broken when a sound struck against the balcony window.
Shaoyou sat upright, his gaze turning toward it. Someone was throwing something.
A frown crossed his face as he rose from the bed. If it were his cousins again disturbing him, he would make certain they faced the consequences.
He opened the window, ready to scold—
Then he stilled.
His eyes widened.
Below stood Hua Yong.
Looking up at him.
At once, Shaoyou pushed open the balcony doors and stepped outside.
"What are you doing here?" he asked without delay.
"Is that truly the first thing you would say to me?" Hua Yong returned.
Shaoyou frowned slightly. Was he not suspended? Was he not forbidden from leaving his home?
"Hua Yong... what are you doing here? You are not allowed to leave, are you?" he pressed.
A faint smile touched Hua Yong's lips.
"Yes. But I wished to speak with you alone. May I?"
Shaoyou remained where he stood, looking down at him. He did not know how Hua Yong had managed to leave—but perhaps he had escaped.
And yet...
He found himself glad to see him again.
"But....how are we to speak? I am not allowed to go out," Shaoyou said, troubled.
Hua Yong regarded him as though he were stating the obvious.
"Jump."
Shaoyou's eyes widened.
"What?"
"I said, jump. I will catch you."
Was he out of his mind?
The memory of Hua Yong leaping from their balcony surfaced in Shaoyou's thoughts—and now he expected him to do the same?
"Have you gone mad? I am not jumping down there!" Shaoyou protested.
"Then we will not be able to speak. I will have escaped for nothing—only to see you," Hua Yong replied, his tone almost pleading.
Shaoyou hesitated.
He did not know whether to obey or refuse.
"Do not worry," Hua Yong said softly. "Trust me. I will catch you, Shaoyou."
There was sincerity in his voice.
And somehow, Shaoyou believed him.
If not now... when would there be another chance?
Despite his fear, he stepped onto the railing, silently praying he would not break any bones for such madness.
Then—
He jumped.
And Hua Yong caught him.
Shaoyou's eyes were shut tight.
He had braced himself for the impact of the ground—but instead, strong arms caught him.
When he opened his eyes, Hua Yong was there, looking at him.
And just as it had been the first time they met.
He fell once more.
"I told you I would catch you."
And indeed, he was in love with him.
God.
He had loved him at first sight—and now, he had fallen for him all over again.
Hua Yong gently set Shaoyou down, yet his hands lingered upon him.
"Are you alright?" Hua Yong asked.
Shaoyou nodded.
"Alright. Let us go."
Shaoyou said nothing more and simply inclined his head.
Their hands found each other once again—fingers intertwining—as the two of them slipped away from the Sheng residence.
And for the second time, Shaoyou followed wherever Hua Yong led.
Shaoyou had no notion of where Hua Yong intended to take him.
He simply followed, step after step, until they arrived at a place that stirred familiarity.
It was the very place they had once gone to—when they had first escaped from Hua Yong's residence.
Still breathless from their run, Shaoyou lifted his gaze—and found Hua Yong already looking at him.
The man did not appear tired in the slightest.
He merely stood there, watching him.
"Ah... what... what are we to do here?" Shaoyou asked, his breath uneven.
Only then did he realize. They had been holding hands all this time. Hua Yong had never let go.
Slowly, Shaoyou withdrew his hand and turned his gaze aside.
Now that they stood face to face, his courage seemed to falter. Before, he had been able to admit his feelings, even if only to himself.
Now. He found himself shy.
He had not expected any of this.
"This is the place I brought you to before, is it not?" Hua Yong said after a moment, his gaze drifting across their surroundings.
Just as it had been then, the place was quiet.
Empty.
They were alone.
Free to speak without disturbance.
Shaoyou hummed softly in acknowledgment. His gaze lingered upon Hua Yong. He was still the same. The same Hua Yong.
The first man upon whom his eyes had ever fallen. And there he stood—Hua Yong, beautiful and composed—before him.
Shaoyou felt his heart begin to race.
"Shaoyou..." Hua Yong's voice was low, yet it carried clearly through the stillness. "Do you think we can fulfill our parents' wishes?"
At first, Shaoyou did not understand.
But when realization dawned, his eyes widened.
The engagement. Was he speaking of the engagement? If so...
Then Hua Yong—
"I know you barely know me," Hua Yong continued. "And I know I fled from the engagement banquet... from our engagement. But when I learned that you were the one meant to be my fiancé..." He paused, his gaze drifting toward the pond before returning to Shaoyou.
"I felt as though I had lost something."
Shaoyou's breath caught. It was as though, they were feeling the same thing.
"I am truly sorry for calling off the engagement," Hua Yong said. "Shaoyou, I have come to ask... if we might still continue?" There was uncertainty in his expression. Yet Shaoyou could hear nothing but the pounding of his own heart.
Each beat louder than the last. Until all that remained before him was Hua Yong.
Only Hua Yong.
Standing there.
Waiting.
As though he, too, felt it—That pull. That connection between them.
It was real.
"Hua Yong..." Shaoyou spoke softly, swallowing his hesitation.
"Are you certain? I mean, our parents—" he began, but Hua Yong interrupted him, grasping his hand once more—firmly, almost desperately.
"I have already spoken with them," Hua Yong said. "I explained everything." He paused. Then, quietly— "The first time I saw you I fell in love with you."
Shaoyou felt breathless.
God—He could scarcely endure it.
If Hua Yong said even one more word...
"I—if you do not wish for it, that is alright," Hua Yong added, his grip tightening slightly. "I only wanted you to know."
"I want to!"
The words left Shaoyou at once.
Without hesitation.
He even pulled Hua Yong closer, causing the man to stumble slightly in surprise.
"W-what?"
"I want it, Hua Yong," Shaoyou said, his voice unsteady yet resolute. "The engagement—I mean... I fell in love with you at first sight as well."
His eyes widened, his grip tightening.
"Perhaps I fell even harder, when I caught you after you jumped from that balcony. Damn it—you frightened me that day."
A laugh escaped them both.
The memory lingered—Hua Yong, doing something so reckless before the very man he had only just met.
Not knowing that it would be that same man who would come to hold his heart.
They found themselves smiling.
Ridiculously so.
Hua Yong exhaled softly, a gentle smile gracing his lips.
"Then...does that mean you accept my proposal, Mr. Sheng?" he asked, his tone turning solemn—though warmth remained within it.
Shaoyou met his gaze.
And nodded.
"Yes... I do."
Perhaps it was that leap from the balcony.
Or the way they had run together—two strangers in the midst of an engagement banquet that had been meant for them both.
Somewhere within that chaos... Something more had taken root.