Xie Jinghong stepped forward and took out a membership card: “A private room for two, please. I’ve already made a reservation.”
“Certainly, sir! Right this way!” After verifying Xie Jinghong’s reservation details, the server led him and Shen Mufan to the pre-booked room.
Upon seeing the reservation, the server was slightly surprised—this particular room was usually reserved by the owner and unavailable to the general public. Clearly, these two guests were no ordinary customers.
The room Xie Jinghong had booked was the same one where his friends had gathered before the restaurant’s grand opening—the very room where he had first caught a glimpse of Shen Mufan.
Once seated, the two perused the menu and placed their orders. After the server left, Xie Jinghong gently lifted the curtain and motioned for Shen Mufan to look outside. Shen Mufan leaned in, puzzled, as the view seemed unremarkable. He turned to Xie Jinghong with a questioning glance.
Xie Jinghong smiled, his eyes crinkling. “Before this place opened, the owner invited a few of us friends here for a small gathering to celebrate. Back then, I was sitting right here, looking out this window, when I spotted a little cutie outside.”
His deep, sincere gaze locked onto Shen Mufan. “That little cutie was dressed simply, wearing a baseball cap. I only saw his silhouette, but even so, I fell in love at first sight. I wanted to rush to him, confess my feelings, and spend the rest of my life with him.”
“Fanfan, do you think my little cutie would accept my confession?”
As Xie Jinghong spoke, Shen Mufan recalled his own visit to the restaurant that day. His face instantly flushed, and he fidgeted nervously. Yet, faced with Xie Jinghong’s intense emotions and heartfelt confession, he couldn’t bring himself to refuse.
Finally, Shen Mufan mumbled shyly, “You and your little cutie barely know each other. How can you expect him to agree to your confession without putting in the effort to properly pursue him? You’re really dreaming big!”
Xie Jinghong took Shen Mufan’s hands, brought them to his lips, and pressed a gentle kiss. “Then, starting now, I’ll properly pursue my little cutie. Do you think he’ll be moved by my sincerity?”
Shen Mufan’s cheeks burned, but a radiant smile bloomed on his face. “Who knows? If you work hard enough and stay sincere, maybe your little cutie really will be won over!”
“Really? That’s the best news I’ve ever heard!” Xie Jinghong pulled Shen Mufan’s hands to his chest, warming them as he leaned in slightly. “I’m not afraid of hard work, effort, or sacrifice. The only thing I fear is that no matter what I do, the little cutie I cherish won’t accept me and will shut me out.”
“Don’t worry, A-Jing.” Shen Mufan’s bright eyes sparkled like stars in the night sky, imprinting themselves onto Xie Jinghong’s heart. “Your little cutie’s heart already has a crack in the door. As long as you keep trying, he’ll definitely let you in!”
Until their food arrived, the two sat by the window, hands clasped, chatting sweetly about life, games, and everything in between—their bond deepening with every word. Only when the server knocked to serve their meal did they reluctantly part and return to the table.
Even then, their chairs remained close, their affection unbroken.
Dinner became a playful exchange of feeding each other. Thankfully, the private room shielded them from accusations of “animal cruelty” (toward single souls).
After the meal, Xie Jinghong drove Shen Mufan around for a leisurely date, then took him shopping for daily necessities and clothes. Though Shen Mufan lacked nothing, Xie Jinghong couldn’t resist spoiling his little cutie. Unable to dissuade him, Shen Mufan eventually gave in.
They spent the entire day out, even having dinner at a bustling street food market—where, as the saying goes, hidden culinary gems thrived.
By evening, they agreed to log into their game later. Xie Jinghong finally drove Shen Mufan home, where Shen Mufan discovered his new neighbor across the hall was none other than Xie Jinghong himself. The person he’d seen directing movers that morning? Just Xie’s assistant.
The realization that his in-game lover was now his real-life neighbor—someone he could see just by opening his door—left Shen Mufan giddy with excitement.
As for Xie Jinghong’s profession, Shen Mufan didn’t pry. With Xie’s wealth, supporting them both was no issue. Though unclear about Xie’s exact background, subtle clues hinted at his extraordinary status. Shen Mufan figured Xie would reveal everything in due time.
After bidding farewell at their doors, they logged into the game and resumed chatting via voice. However, Xie Jinghong still had work to tackle. Having squeezed out time for Shen Mufan today, delaying further would only pile up tasks for later.
Understanding, Shen Mufan didn’t cling. He set Xie’s character to “auto-follow,” handling quests and bosses solo while Xie focused on work.
Gaming was just a pastime for Xie Jinghong, and he trusted Shen Mufan’s skills completely. Handing over his “virtual life,” he dove into his tasks.
Yet, today seemed unfit for productivity. Midway through work and voice chat, Xie’s phone buzzed with a WeChat notification—a message in a group chat with close friends.
The sender? The owner of the private restaurant they’d visited earlier. Xie already guessed the topic.
[Private Restaurant Now Open]: @XieXieXieXie! Spill it! Who’s that little cutie with you today?! We’ve never seen him before!
[Let’s Go Racing]: What?! The eternal bachelor Xie might be off the market?! Is it raining blood or did the sun rise in the west?!
[This Fairy is Gorgeous]: Wow! If even Xie can find love, does that mean… this fairy’s dream of a dashing boyfriend is within reach?
[Bro Liu, You’re a Manly Man]: No no no no no! Bro Liu, you’re the manliest of men! Any “dashing” guy would only end up beneath you!
[Bro Liu, You’re a Manly Man]: So if you want love, maybe aim for a delicate beauty or a pretty boy instead.
[This Fairy is Gorgeous]: …
[This Fairy is Gorgeous]: Zhan, you little brat, asking for a beating?! Wanna spar?
[Bro Liu, You’re a Manly Man]: …
[Bro Liu, You’re a Manly Man]: Spare me, Bro Liu! Have mercy!
[My Baby is Still Adorable Today]: Uh, didn’t we start this to celebrate the news that our “wolf in scholar’s clothing” Xie finally got snatched up?
[My Wife is the Cutest, No Arguments]: …
[My Wife is the Cutest, No Arguments]: Meng Xiang, has it been too long since I disciplined you?
[My Baby is Still Adorable Today]: Wait, why does this new nickname feel unfamiliar, yet the avatar and tone seem eerily familiar…
[My Baby is Still Adorable Today]: Is… this an illusion?
[My Wife is the Cutest, No Arguments]: Nope, it’s me. Xie Jinghong.
[Private Restaurant Now Open]: …
[Let’s Go Racing]: ???
[Bro Liu, You’re a Manly Man]: !!!
[This Fairy is Gorgeous]: WTF?!?!
[My Baby is Still Adorable Today]: No way! Xie, you’re really taken?!
[Fan Qiru]: Congrats.
[My Wife is the Cutest, No Arguments]: Thanks, Lao Fan.
[My Wife is the Cutest, No Arguments]: Successfully confessed to my little cutie. We’re dating now. I’ll bring him to meet you all soon—behave, or else.
[Let’s Go Racing]: Unbelievable…
[Private Restaurant Now Open]: Truly shocking. The mighty Xie, after getting a partner, acts like his account got hacked.
[This Fairy is Gorgeous]: HAHAHAHAHA!!!
[This Fairy is Gorgeous]: Xie’s off the market! My turn must be coming soon!!
Chaos erupted in the chat, leaving Xie Jinghong deep in thought: Was his relationship status really that unbelievable?
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage