Chapter 1323: YAN YAN'S 19TH BIRTHDAY (V)

AFTER the romantic boat ride, Luo Yan assumed Shen Ji Yun would drive him back to the Bai family mansion. But based on the direction the car was heading, it seemed Shen Ji Yun had another place in mind.

"Where are we going next?" Luo Yan asked, both in confusion and amusement. "Don't tell me it's another surprise?"

A small smile spread across Shen Ji Yun's face. "Yes. Another surprise."

Luo Yan chuckled. "Where are all these surprises coming from today?"

"Well, we're not just celebrating your birthday today," Shen Ji Yun said. "So I have to make an effort with the surprises."

Luo Yan tilted his head. Was there something else going on today besides his birthday? He tried to remember, but nothing came to mind. Still, a nagging feeling tugged at the back of his head, like he had forgotten something very important. Before he could figure out what it was, the car came to a stop.

Shen Ji Yun got out of the car and walked around to open the passenger door. Luo Yan stepped out and looked around. They were in a forest park, the trees dark around them. Small lamps lined the path, casting a soft glow on the ground. Shen Ji Yun held out his hand.

"Ready?" he asked.

Luo Yan gladly took Shen Ji Yun's hand. They started walking, with Shen Ji Yun leading the way along the path.

The path wound through the trees, the soft glow from the small lamps lighting their way. Luo Yan looked around as they walked. The park was quiet at this hour, no other people in sight. The trees stood tall on both sides, their branches dark against the night sky. After a few minutes of walking, they came to a stop in front of a large, flat rock that sat off to the side of the trail.

Shen Ji Yun jumped up onto the rock and turned back, holding out his hand. Luo Yan took it and climbed up beside him. From the top of the rock, the entire city spread out before them. Lights stretched in every direction, buildings and streets and bridges all glowing against the dark. The view went from one side to the other, a wide arc of brightness that filled his sight. Luo Yan stood there, taking it in, the cool night air on his face and Shen Ji Yun's hand still holding his.

"It's beautiful," Luo Yan said, his voice full of wonder.

Shen Ji Yun leaned down and spoke close to his ear. "You're much more beautiful."

Luo Yan laughed and looked up at him with his usual confident smile. "Of course I am. How else would you have fallen for me if I weren't this pretty?" He flicked imaginary hair off his shoulder as he said it.

Shen Ji Yun chuckled and pulled Luo Yan closer, wrapping his arms around him. "No. I fell for your personality, your kindness, the way you look after the people you care about. You being pretty is just an added bonus."

Luo Yan buried his face against Shen Ji Yun's chest. "Now you're making me blush."

Shen Ji Yun pulled back just enough to hold Luo Yan's chin, tilting his face up so their eyes met. The blush on Luo Yan's cheeks caught the faint light, soft and pink. Really damn pretty. Shen Ji Yun leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

Luo Yan wanted more, but Shen Ji Yun stepped back and pulled a small box from his pocket. Luo Yan's eyes went straight to it. Shen Ji Yun opened the lid. Inside lay two rings, side by side. They were made of white gold, with thin bands and a subtle wave pattern carved along the surface. Luo Yan leaned closer.

On the inside of one ring, he could see a single character carved into the metal. Yan. On the inside of the other ring was the character Yun. The design was simple, nothing flashy, but the metal had a deep shine that spoke of good quality. The swirls caught the light from the lamps along the path, sending out small flashes of soft white. Simple, but clearly expensive.

Luo Yan's head snapped up almost immediately. "Brother Ji Yun, these are..."

"I'm not proposing," Shen Ji Yun said quickly, seeing where Luo Yan's thoughts were headed. "Not yet. When I do, it'll be more romantic, and the rings will be more beautiful. These are just couple rings. Promise rings, if you want to call them that." He paused, his thumb brushing over the ring with Luo Yan's name inside. "I want you to wear this and know that no matter what happens, no matter how much time passes or how far apart we are, my heart belongs to you. I will love you for the rest of my life. Every day. Every moment. I will never stop choosing you, never stop wanting to be by your side. This ring is a reminder of that promise."

Luo Yan stood there, unable to speak for a moment. His chest felt full, like something warm had spread through him and filled all the empty spaces. Shen Ji Yun's words lodged deep into him, making his eyes sting and his throat tighten. He blinked hard, trying to keep his composure, but the tears came anyway, slipping down his cheeks before he could stop them. He wasn't sad. He was just full. So full of love for this man standing in front of him.

Shen Ji Yun reached up and gently wiped the tears from Luo Yan's cheek. Then he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to the corner of his eye. "Don't cry, Yan Yan."

Luo Yan let out a soft, watery laugh. "Can you put it on me?"

Shen Ji Yun took the ring with the character Yan from the box. He lifted Luo Yan's left hand and slid the ring onto his ring finger. The white gold caught the light, the small wave pattern shining against his skin. He held Luo Yan's hand for a moment longer, then lifted it to his lips and pressed a soft kiss to the ring.

He looked up and met Luo Yan's eyes. "Happy first anniversary, my love."

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