Ye Cang hadn't expected that Shen Huai, who seemed aloof and ascetic like a flower on a high mountain, had just as much of a chuunibyou (delusional) past as himself.
However, the more Ye Cang saw of Shen Huai's true self, the more he liked him.
If the initial attraction between the two stemmed from instinct, their current spiritual connection makes it impossible for them to ignore their relationship.
The two entered the restaurant. Shen Huai had booked a table in advance on the terrace, surrounded by greenery, with a direct view of the sea at sunset, which was very romantic.
This is also a specialty of this restaurant, but because it's so popular, it's very difficult to make a reservation.
When the two arrived, the setting sun was just falling on the sea. Seagulls skimmed across the orange water, and a slightly salty sea breeze seemed to slow down their heartbeats.
Neither of them spoke; they simply admired the beautiful scenery before them.
Ye Cang sighed softly, "I once thought that after I turned forty, I would terminate my contract with the company and stop performing on stage. I would find a small seaside town to live alone, feed pigeons during the day, go to bars for drinks at night, and if I wanted to sing, I would just go on stage and belt out a few songs."
"Unfortunately, I didn't live to be forty. Now that I have a new life, I have no intention of retiring. I feel like I still have a lot of songs to write, and... I also have the idea of wanting to fall in love with someone."
Shen Huai clenched his fist where Ye Cang couldn't see.
Ye Cang turned his head and looked at Shen Huai's profile. The orange light fell on Shen Huai, as if melting away his coldness and revealing the warmth beneath.
Ye Cang's heart stirred slightly, and he whispered, "Ah Huai..."
Shen Huai stopped avoiding the question and turned his face away: "I..."
However, before the two could finish speaking, a waiter pushed a food cart over and interrupted them.
The two had to separate and return to their seats to listen to the waiter describe the dishes in heavily accented English.
Once the waiter finally left, the atmosphere was gone.
Ye Cang said indignantly, "When I get back, I'm going to give this restaurant feedback. These clueless waiters are really ruining the dining experience for the customers."
Shen Huai couldn't help but laugh, and nodded under Ye Cang's surprised gaze: "I agree."
Ye Cang suddenly realized something: "Ah Huai..."
However, Shen Huai coldly interrupted him the next second: "Eat something first."
Ye Cang: "..."
His mind was completely focused on Shen Huai's performance, and he didn't appreciate the taste of the dishes at all.
Seeing this, Shen Huai felt somewhat helpless; all his efforts had been in vain.
Taking advantage of Ye Cang's inattention, he gestured to the waiter.
Ye Cang was still thinking about how to continue the previous topic when he suddenly heard a violin playing the Happy Birthday song.
He was taken aback, turned around, and saw a waiter pushing a cake over.
It was still English with a very heavy accent.
Happy birthday!
Ye Cang was stunned, staring at Shen Huai speechlessly: "This...this is..."
Shen Huai had already stood up and asked the waiter to leave before saying, "Have you forgotten? Today is your birthday."
Ye Cang sat in the chair, wanting to say that Ye Cang's birthday was in March, but it was December now. However, he knew that Shen Huai wasn't celebrating "Ye Cang's" birthday, but Lu Yang's.
Shen Huai lit a candle and placed it on the cake, saying softly, "Consider it a celebration of your new life."
Ye Cang stared blankly at the cake. In the thirty years since his death, every year on his birthday, fans would come to his former residence to celebrate with him, but never before had he been so moved.
Ye Cang raised his head.
The sun had completely set, but the smile on Shen Huai's face was even warmer than the sunset.
"However, from now on, I'm afraid only I will be able to celebrate your birthday with you."
Ye Cang stood up, bypassed the cake, cupped Shen Huai's face, and kissed him deeply.
Chapter 75
Shen Huai suddenly felt the heat on his lips and froze. He reflexively raised his hand to push Ye Cang away, but Ye Cang grabbed his hand.
Their breaths mingled, and it took Ye Cang a long time before he reluctantly pulled away.
Shen Huai pushed him away: "Blow out the candles first..."
Ye Cang turned around and saw that the candle had burned out completely.
Shen Huai: "..."
Ye Cang suppressed a laugh and leaned in to peck his lips again: "Let's eat cake."
Shen Huai adjusted his glasses with some annoyance.
Ye Cang happily cut the cake and handed a piece to Shen Huai. Shen Huai didn't usually like sweets, but he didn't refuse and silently ate the cake.
Ye Cang pursed his lips, recalling the feeling just now, and felt that even cream couldn't compare to the sweetness of Shen Huai's lips.
Shen Huai felt the intense gaze from across the room, and his heartbeat, which had calmed down, became irregular again. He usually thought he hated physical contact with people, but surprisingly, after kissing Ye Cang just now... he didn't feel any aversion.
After dinner, the two returned to the hotel.
Shen Huai was about to give Ye Cang some instructions when he turned around and was pinned against the door. Then Ye Cang's lips came close to his, and Shen Huai's waist was held by Ye Cang. He was a little uncomfortable and let out a low moan.