Proposal

On October 3, amidst the hustle and bustle of the National Day holiday, there was a day of extraordinary significance for Qi Shuo—his 36th birthday.

This year's birthday is destined to be different. Home is no longer a cold concept, but a place filled with warm, lively people.

Tan Huaiyu started making secretive plans a few days in advance, and Qing Ran excitedly helped keep the secret. Although her way of keeping it a secret was to walk around in front of Qi Shuo, cover her mouth and giggle, her big eyes filled with "Brother, I have a secret but I can't tell."

On his birthday, Qi Shuo was kicked into the bedroom early in the morning by Tan Huaiyu on the grounds that he was "in the way" and was ordered to "rest well and not come out".

He obediently lay down, listening to the faint, deliberately suppressed laughter, footsteps, and sounds of things being moved coming from outside the door, along with the increasingly rich aroma of food wafting from the kitchen. He couldn't suppress the smile on his lips.

He knew that a grand surprise was being prepared for him outside.

In the living room, Qin Zhou and Song Yungui, this lively duo, were playfully bickering while deftly decorating the space. Ribbons, balloons, and "Happy Birthday" streamers gradually transformed the room into a festive and warm ambiance.

Jin Jie stood to the side with her arms crossed, sometimes instructing Qin Zhou that "the balloon is hanging crooked," sometimes reminding Song Yungui to "be careful not to step on the ribbons," and occasionally dealing with Qing Ran, who was running around excitedly like a little butterfly: "Mommy, Mommy! Do you think this balloon's color is pretty?" "Mommy! Brother Qin Zhou stole my sticker!"

The kitchen is another "battlefield," filled with an even more enticing aroma of cooking.

Xiao Jue, wearing a floral apron, was preparing prawns while constantly reciting the recipe.

Lin Ye, on the other hand, seemed exceptionally at ease at this moment. With the spatula flying, the braised pork looked tempting, the cola chicken wings smelled sweet and fragrant, the lamb chops sizzled, and the corn and pork rib soup bubbled happily in the casserole.

He glanced occasionally at the flustered Xiao Jue, a helpless yet indulgent smile on his lips, and took the not-so-perfectly prepared shrimp from his hand, deftly removing the shrimp vein.

"Idiot, watch closely, like this." The deep voice carried an almost imperceptible gentleness. Xiao Jue leaned closer to look, taking the opportunity to steal a kiss on Lin Ye's cheek, in return receiving a light elbow strike and a mocking "Idiot."

And one of today's main characters, Tan Huaiyu, is intently battling with a pile of flour, cream, and eggs at the kitchen counter.

He was focused, even serious, as if handling an extremely delicate work of art. He didn't even notice when a little flour accidentally got on his nose, as he carefully stirred the batter and adjusted the angle of the piping bag, trying to draw the perfect pattern on the cake.

Sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, casting a soft golden glow on his focused profile.

Qi Shuo would occasionally peek through the crack in the bedroom door and see this scene, which would melt his heart.

Qi Shuo, the birthday celebrant who was ordered to rest, lay in bed, unable to concentrate on reading a single word on his phone screen.

The sounds of laughter from the living room and cooking from the kitchen were quite loud, but this noise was the sound of home, the clamor of happiness.

He closed his eyes, savoring the warmth amidst the noise, feeling a deep, satisfying contentment filling his chest. It was a feeling he had never experienced before in his thirty-six years—a sense of solid, profound satisfaction.

By evening, everything was ready.

Amidst Qingran's cheers of "Happy birthday, brother!" and the cheers of others, Qi Shuo was ushered out of the bedroom.

The living room was decorated in a warm and lively style, and the dining table was filled with a dazzling array of delicious dishes: glistening and tempting braised pork, golden and tender cola chicken wings, fresh and bouncy boiled shrimp, tender and fall-off-the-bone corn and pork rib soup, fragrant roasted lamb chops, refreshing seasonal vegetables, and lung-nourishing white fungus and lotus seed soup... Lin Ye and Xiao Jue worked together to almost create the atmosphere of a Manchu Han Imperial Feast.

In the very center was a birthday cake made by Tan Huaiyu. It wasn't particularly exquisite; the cream was even a little unevenly spread, and the words "Happy Birthday Qi Shuo" on it were written crookedly. But Qi Shuo thought it was the most beautiful cake he had ever seen.

"Dinner's ready!" At Sister Jin's command, everyone cheered and took their seats.

There weren't many polite toasts, just constant feeding, clinking glasses, laughter, and blessings.

Qin Zhou and Song Yungui were fighting over food, Xiao Jue was praising Lin Ye's cooking skills, Sister Jin kept putting food on Qing Ran and Tan Huaiyu's plates, Qing Ran was chattering about interesting things at school, and although Tan Huaiyu didn't talk much, the smile on his lips never faded, and occasionally he would gently touch Qi Shuo's hand under the table.

Qi Shuo looked at everyone sitting around him—the lively Qing Ran, the bright Tan Huaiyu, the gentle Xiao Jue, the calm Lin Ye, the playful Qin Zhou and Song Yungui, and Sister Jin, who was as loving as a mother.

They bickered and teased each other, yet were inseparable. This was his family, the most precious gift fate had bestowed upon him after a life of wandering.

After dinner, it was time to blow out the candles, make a wish, and eat cake. As everyone sang "Happy Birthday," Qi Shuo looked into Tan Huaiyu's bright eyes behind the candlelight, closed his eyes, and made a wish for eternity.

I think they'll be there for me on every birthday from now on.

I want to spend my life with the person I love.

Then he blew out the candles in one breath, earning cheers from the room. When the cake was being shared, Tan Huaiyu's "ugly" piece received the most praise. He took a bite himself, then frowned and whispered to Qi Shuo, "It seems like there's too much sugar..."

Qi Shuo smiled and ruffled his hair: "No, it's just the right amount of sweetness."

Although Tan Huaiyu didn't believe it, he still hummed in satisfaction.

After a sumptuous and noisy dinner, everyone was so full that they leaned back on the sofa and didn't want to move.

Looking at the night view outside the window, Xiao Jue suddenly suggested, "Hey, let's go set off fireworks! I bought several boxes!"

The proposal was immediately approved unanimously.

The group of people instantly perked up again, hurriedly carrying several large boxes of fireworks they had prepared, and made their way to a nearby open space where fireworks were permitted.

The night was as dark as ink, dotted with countless stars, making it the perfect time to set off fireworks. Qingran eagerly grabbed a sparkler, and Sister Jin lit it for her. A tiny spark hissed out, illuminating her excited face.

Holding a sparkling fairy wand, she ran and twirled around in the open space like a happy little elf, her silvery laughter scattering across the ground.

Qin Zhou was the most mischievous, and he would often pretend to be a monster to scare Qing Ran, causing the little girl to scream and chase after him all over the place.

Song Yungui did not participate in the "war." He found an open space, lit a spinning top firework, and watched it spin around on the ground, spraying out brilliant sparks. He smiled gently.

Lin Ye and Xiao Jue teamed up to set off the "skyrocket." Xiao Jue, being the braver one, was in charge of lighting the fuse, while Lin Ye pulled him away quickly. The two watched side by side as the fireworks shot into the night sky with a sharp "whoosh," then exploded with a "bang" at their highest point, scattering into a dazzling flower of light.

Every time the fireworks went off, Xiao Jue would cheer like a child, while Lin Ye would turn his head to look at his excited eyes illuminated by the firelight, his gaze gentle.

Standing a little further away in a safe area, Sister Jin watched the group of children making a ruckus, a smile playing on her lips, while her mouth kept moving: "Xiao Zhou! Don't run so fast! Keep an eye on your little sister!"

"Ranran, be careful not to burn your clothes!"

"Xiao Jue! Get away from me! Be careful not to get hurt!"

Qingran was "bullied" by Qin Zhou, so she stomped her feet and ran back to Sister Jin to complain: "Mom! Brother Qin Zhou scared me again!"

Sister Jin then pulled her into her arms and patted her back with a smile: "Okay, okay, Mom said that."

On the other side, Qi Shuo and Tan Huaiyu also held sparklers. The slender metal rod ignited a warm, leaping flame in Tan Huaiyu's hand, illuminating his smiling eyes. His amber eyes, set against the backdrop of the fireworks, seemed to be filled with the gentleness of the entire galaxy.

Qi Shuo stood beside him, occasionally reaching out to block the reckless Qing Ran or avoid Qin Zhou's "unintentional" mischief, but his gaze always lingered on Tan Huaiyu.

Looking at his face illuminated by the fireworks, at his relaxed smile, and at the lively and vibrant scene before him, Qi Shuo felt an indescribable sense of peace and fulfillment.

This is the life he wants: simple, lively, full of love and everyday life.

A sparkler burned out, the flame went out, leaving only a wisp of smoke.

Tan Huaiyu, still wanting more, turned around to get a new one. Just then, Qi Shuo suddenly reached out his left hand and firmly hugged his waist from behind, pulling him into his arms.

Tan Huaiyu was slightly taken aback and subconsciously turned her head to ask "What's wrong?" Before she could speak, she felt her left hand being gently held by Qi Shuo's warm palm.

Immediately afterwards, something cold, hard, and metallic was slowly and firmly slipped onto the ring finger of his left hand.

The sensation from his fingertips made Tan Huaiyu's body stiffen abruptly.

He didn't even need to look down; the strange yet familiar shape, the icy coldness that instantly turned scalding hot, already revealed what it was.

My eyes welled up with tears without warning.

The warm liquid quickly gathered, almost overflowing.

All the surrounding noise—Qing Ran's laughter, Qin Zhou's strange cries, the whistling of fireworks, and Sister Jin's admonitions—faded away like a tide at this moment.

In his world, all that remained was the warm embrace of the person behind him and the heavy metal ring on his ring finger, a symbol of promise and eternity.

His voice was very soft, with a barely perceptible tremor, as he gently called out, "Brother Qi Shuo."

Then, Qi Shuo buried his face deeply into his neck from behind.

The warm breath sprayed onto my sensitive skin, sending a shiver down my spine.

He heard Qi Shuo's voice, deep and gentle, yet incredibly clear, piercing through all the background noise and reaching the depths of his heart:

"Tan Huaiyu".

Tan Huaiyu's tears finally fell, and he choked out, "I'm here."

Qi Shuo chuckled softly, nuzzling his cheek affectionately against his neck. Then, in a voice that was almost a whisper, yet solemn as if making a vow, he asked, word by word:

"Will you marry me?"

There were no flowery words, no kneeling ceremony, and not even any prior notice.

Amidst the deafening fireworks and the joyful laughter of family and friends, on the night of his 36th birthday, Qi Shuo asked Tan Huaiyu for a future in the most direct and simple way.

Tan Huaiyu's tears flowed like a burst dam. He bit his lower lip, trying not to cry out, but his trembling shoulders and the torrent of tears had already betrayed his emotions.

After what felt like an eternity, or perhaps only a few seconds, he heard his own answer, thick with a nasal tone yet unwaveringly firm:

"……good."

The moment he finished speaking, Qi Shuo tightened his arms and turned him around.

Brilliant fireworks burst forth behind them, illuminating the night sky as if it were daytime.

In the flickering light, Qi Shuo cupped his wet face and kissed him deeply and reverently. The kiss carried the faint scent of tobacco, and was filled with immense tenderness and the relief of finally being able to settle down.

After kissing him enough, he gently kissed away the tears that kept rolling down his cheeks, the salty taste turning into boundless sweetness at that moment.

Qi Shuo suddenly smiled, his eyes shining brightly, and called his name over and over again.

"Tan Huaiyu".

"exist."

"Tan Huaiyu".

"Um."

Are you happy?

"Hmm... happy."

"I'm happy too."

Just as the two were immersed in the atmosphere, a series of crackling sounds suddenly rang out from their feet.

Looking down, I saw that it was a triangular firecracker tube that had been mistaken for a decorative firework, and it was happily exploding with sparks.

Immediately following was Qin Zhou's incredulous scream: "Holy crap! Isn't this supposed to be a decorative firework? It's a firecracker!!"

The pleasant atmosphere was instantly shattered. Qi Shuo, both amused and exasperated, bent down to pick up a box of small firecrackers that made a "crackling" sound, and threw them at Qin Zhou's feet, shouting as he did so, "Song Yungui! Control your boyfriend!"

Song Yungui was laughing so hard he couldn't stand up straight. Qin Zhou let out a "whoosh" and hid behind him, peeking out and making a face.

Just then, "Whoosh—Bang!" "Whoosh—Bang!" Several louder sonic booms rang out in succession as Xiao Jue and Lin Ye jointly ignited the two largest boxes of fireworks. In an instant, countless dazzling beams of light shot into the deep night sky.

Flowers of all shapes and sizes bloomed in a dazzling array of colors—gold, silver, red, purple—illuminating the entire open space and the smiling faces of everyone present.

After Xiao Jue lit the fire, Lin Ye pulled him away. The two looked at the colorful sky, smiled at each other, and held each other's hands tightly.

Against this dazzling backdrop, the sharp-eyed Sister Jin was the first to notice the glittering little thing that Tan Huaiyu had in his hand, reflecting the light of fireworks.

She clicked her tongue twice, then deliberately raised her voice and laughed, "Oh, our birthday celebrant, proposing like this is all done secretly, behind the backs of us outsiders?"

Xiao Jue immediately understood and joined in the teasing: "That's right! Brother Qi, you're not being fair! You didn't even see the proposal, can't you at least give me a kiss? Make it up to me!"

Qin Zhou instantly perked up, jumping up and raising his hand: "Give me a kiss! Give me a kiss! A deep French kiss!"

Song Yungui and Lin Ye joined in the teasing with laughter. Even Qingran, whose eyes were being covered by Sister Jin, squirmed in her arms, asking curiously, "What? What? Ranran wants to see too! Mommy, let me see!"

Qi Shuo was a little embarrassed by their antics. He coughed twice, trying to maintain the last bit of dignity as an "elder": "Ranran is still here, don't corrupt the child."

Qingran immediately protested loudly, "Ranran is not a child anymore! Ranran wants to see Brother Huaiyu kissing his brother!"

The child's innocent remark drew a burst of laughter from everyone.

Helpless, Qi Shuo looked down at Tan Huaiyu, whose cheeks were flushed and who wished she could bury herself in the ground, and asked softly with gentle eyes, "Is it okay?"

Tan Huaiyu blushed so much that even the tips of his ears turned red, but under Qi Shuo's expectant gaze and the good-natured cheers of the crowd, he still nodded slightly, his long eyelashes still glistening with undried tears in the light of the fireworks.

Qi Shuo smiled, gently cupped his face again, and, witnessed by the dazzling lights and cheers of family and friends, tenderly and firmly kissed his lips.

The kiss was no longer as deep as before, but it was more lingering and filled with boundless anticipation for the future.

After the fleeting yet eternal kiss, Tan Huaiyu's face turned completely red. She shyly buried her face in Qi Shuo's broad and warm chest, refusing to lift it up again.

Qi Shuo hugged him tightly with satisfaction, his eyebrows curving into a happy arc, his arms wrapped around him tightly, as if embracing the whole world he had lost and regained, embracing all his happiness and future.

The others went wild, cheering, whistling, and offering blessings, almost drowning out the roar of the fireworks.

Qin Zhou and Xiao Jue put their arms around each other and made strange noises. Song Yungui and Lin Ye looked at each other and smiled. Sister Jin hugged Qing Ran, who was still shouting that she "didn't see clearly," and her eyes were also a little moist. They were tears of relief and blessing.

Fireworks continued to bloom in the night sky, dazzling, passionate, and fleeting, yet they left behind their most beautiful brilliance with all their might.

The smiling faces of loved ones and the warmth of loved ones are all around us, within easy reach.

Qi Shuo held Tan Huaiyu tightly, resting his chin gently on the top of his head, gazing at this incredibly beautiful scene.

His life was so rushed and full of hardships.

Before the age of 12, there was a brief period of happiness and fulfillment, but after the age of 12, one falls into a living hell.

At 18, she lost her mother and, in a fit of rage, ended her father's atrocities, but also ended her own freedom, ending up in prison for eight years.

At 26, he struggled to start over, but fate repeatedly plunged him into deeper abyss.

At 27, his younger sister Qingran reappeared like a miracle, becoming the first ray of light in his dark life and bringing him new hope.

At 28, he began to try to reconcile with his heavy past, began to clumsily plan for the future, and also began to get in touch with that boy, the boy he should have hated to the bone, Tan Huaiyu.

At 33, fate finally showed him mercy for the first time, allowing him to reunite with the boy and slowly but surely bring the two diverging paths back together.

At 34, he experienced love for the first time in his life, feeling both nervous and sweet, cherishing and treasuring this young man named Tan Huaiyu.

At 35, he had a home, a truly complete new home that belonged to him, Tan Huaiyu, and Qingran, a haven filled with warmth and laughter.

Now, at 36, he stands beneath the dazzling fireworks, embracing the most precious love of his life, exchanging eternal promises with his fingers, surrounded by family members offering their heartfelt blessings.

All the suffering, all the waiting, all the wandering, seemed to be paving the way for this perfect moment.

He suddenly remembered something Xiao Jue had once said to him.

"Qi Shuo, you should have been happy long ago."

Qi Shuo thought, yes, he should be happy.

No, perhaps all the hardships were meant to make him understand more deeply how precious and worth protecting for a lifetime the happiness he held in his arms at that moment truly was.

As the fireworks faded and the night sky returned to tranquility, the memories of each other, frame by frame, will never end.