The next day, Qi Sheng surprisingly did not wake up with his biological clock; he had poor stamina, and after walking ten kilometers yesterday, it was understandable that he struggled to wake up in the morning.
Shuai Chang had made significant progress with Qi Sheng the day before and felt very pleased. He woke up early and went out for a jog around the villa, completing five laps before returning to find an unread call on his phone from Wang Zhen.
Wang Zhen only called his boss, Lu Mingshen, if there was something particularly important to discuss. Shuai Chang returned the call, and after two rings, it connected.
“Hello, Mr. Lu, this is Wang Zhen.”
“Hmm, is there something urgent this early?” Shuai Chang asked.
“Actually, Mr. Lu, a while ago, you mentioned wanting to buy a performance-level piano along with some painting supplies. The painting supplies are ready and will be delivered along with the piano to the villa. The piano was specially shipped from overseas, so it took some time; it should arrive this morning. I wanted to inform you in advance.”
“Good job.” A smile crept into Shuai Chang’s voice.
Just when he was worried about how to further gain Qi Sheng’s affection, this news lifted that worry.
“Mr. Lu, this is what I should do,” Wang Zhen’s voice was suppressing his excitement.
“By the way,” Shuai Chang suddenly remembered and told Wang Zhen, “I’m off work today and tomorrow. If there’s anything, send it to my email, and I’ll check it tonight. If it’s urgent, call me.”
“Understood, Mr. Lu.”
After hanging up, Shuai Chang quickly took a shower in the bathroom. He planned to make breakfast before Qi Sheng woke up to surprise him.
Qi Sheng was probably too tired; by the time Shuai Chang finished breakfast, he was still asleep. Shuai Chang couldn’t bear to wake him, so he ate Qi Sheng’s portion and decided to prepare something new once he woke up.
The piano and painting supplies arrived at the villa at nine o’clock. Shuai Chang directed the movers to place the piano in front of the floor-to-ceiling window and personally set up the painting studio. Qi Sheng, who was finally awake, arrived slowly, his cold eyes still sleepy. “Lu Mingshen, what are you doing? It’s so noisy.”
Shuai Chang sent the workers away and returned to the living room, casually wrapping his arms around Qi Sheng’s waist while sitting on the sofa. “I have two options for you: do you want to eat first or see the surprise I prepared?”
“What is it?” Qi Sheng replied, his brain still half-sleeping as he leaned softly against Shuai Chang’s shoulder. He rubbed his stomach and said, “I’m hungry, so let’s eat.”
“Wait here, I’ll make it for you.”
Five minutes later, Shuai Chang brought out fried eggs and bacon, the delicious aroma filling the air, and the colors tempting. Although Qi Sheng was very hungry, he was not in a hurry to eat, displaying a grace that seemed etched in his bones.
He exercised restraint and stopped when he was about seventy percent full.
His muddled brain started to clear, recalling Shuai Chang’s words, he asked, “You mentioned a surprise, what is it?”
Shuai Chang took his hand and stood behind Qi Sheng, gently covering his eyes with one hand. Qi Sheng blinked in surprise, his thick eyelashes brushing against Shuai Chang’s palm, causing a ticklish sensation.
Shuai Chang’s other hand rested on Qi Sheng’s lower back. “Follow me.”
Qi Sheng should have scoffed at such a boring trick, but now, he walked slowly forward, following Shuai Chang’s gentle voice.
If Qi’s family hadn’t gone bankrupt, Lu Mingshen would never even have had the chance to touch him. Qi Sheng felt the warm presence at his waist, bit his lip, and his ears turned slightly red.
“Turn left. Alright, I’m about to let go.” Shuai Chang slowly released his grip, and Qi Sheng’s eyes quickly blinked a few times to adapt to the brightness. A nearly three-meter-long grand piano appeared before him.
Sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows and shone on the piano. Unable to resist, Qi Sheng walked over and sat down, his fingers dancing over the keys, producing a few melodious yet chaotic notes.
“Did you buy this?” Qi Sheng turned back with excitement, the coldness in his eyes replaced by warmth, his cheeks flushed like March peach blossoms.
Shuai Chang walked over with a smile and stood behind Qi Sheng. “Do you like it? This room was specially prepared for you.”
Qi Sheng bit his lip, his eyes shining. “I… really like it, thank you, Lu Mingshen.”
Shuai Chang lowered his head and planted a kiss on Qi Sheng’s lips. “There’s no need for thanks between us. I’m very glad you like it. Would you mind playing a piece for me?”
“Sure.” Qi Sheng nodded, “What do you want to hear?”
“Liszt’s ‘Liebestraum’.”
Qi Sheng’s ears suddenly turned crimson. He straightened his back, saying, “Okay.”
The melodious and beautiful piano music flowed from his nimble fingers. The soft and lingering melody filled the air with love, longing, and memories, transporting listeners to a dreamlike world.
Qi Sheng was absorbed, a sweet smile lingering on his lips. By the end of the piece, he was lightly sweating, and his slightly rapid breathing replaced the melody of ‘Liebestraum’ echoing in Shuai Chang’s ears in the quiet studio.
“Xiao Sheng,” Shuai Chang knelt on one knee, gazing intently at Qi Sheng. “Kiss me,” he said in a low, husky voice.
Qi Sheng seemed spellbound, tilting his body and lowering his head, pressing his lips against Shuai Chang almost like a sacrifice. Shuai Chang’s warm breath brushed against his face, and he let out a satisfied sigh, their lips and tongues indulging in a tender caress, savoring Qi Sheng’s sensitive tongue and palate.
System Notification: “Ding! Qi Sheng’s heart-throb index has reached six stars!”
When they parted, Qi Sheng’s lips were as red as blood, and a thin mist rose in his eyes.
Shuai Chang lightly pecked him again and smiled, “Are you starting to love me more?”
Qi Sheng felt shy and diverted the topic, “Get up quickly, kneeling like this looks silly.” It wasn’t even a marriage proposal; what was it supposed to mean to kneel down?
After saying that, he noticed that Shuai Chang was still kneeling and hadn’t moved. “Lu Mingshen?”
Shuai Chang’s face contorted in pain as he stretched out his hand to him. “Help me up quick, my leg is numb from kneeling.”
Qi Sheng realized for the first time that Lu Mingshen could also be clumsy, holding back his laughter as he helped him up.
Shuai Chang said, “Xiao Sheng, the piano room is just one of the surprises. Come with me.”
With one leg losing sensation, Shuai Chang hopped on one leg. Qi Sheng couldn’t bear it anymore and supported him, saying, “This piano is already a great surprise; what else is there?”
Shuai Chang led him out of the piano room, pushed open the solid wooden door opposite, and turned back with a smile. “There’s also the painting studio.”
Inside the painting studio were professional easels that could be easily moved and adjusted in height. The tables were stocked with brushes, knives, palettes, oil containers, and cleaning containers. Beside the table was a trapezoidal stool, and in the corner stood a collapsible painting umbrella for outdoor sketching.