LUO YAN went through his morning skincare routine in a light mood. He took his ti styling his hair, then walked out of the bathroom and headed to his small walk-in closet to pick out an outfit for the day. He wanted to put a little extra effort into how he looked today. After all, it was his birthday. And later, he and Shen Ji Yun would go out on a date.
He studied his reflection in the full-length mirror. A cream-colored, high-collared cable-knit sweater peeked out from under a tailored charcoal gray wool coat. Dark jeans, perfectly fitted to his slim legs, t polished black leather boots. His hair, styled with a gentle wave, was swept back to reveal his face.
"How can you look so pretty?" he asked his reflection, turning side to side to check himself from every angle.
Satisfied with how he looked, he grabbed his bag and headed out of his room. He made his way straight to the dining room, where the rest of the Bai family was already seated at the long table.
"Good morning!" Luo Yan called out as he took his usual seat at the table.
Everyone turned to him with warm smiles, greeting him back before wishing him a happy birthday. Luo Yan thanked them, and they all started eating breakfast.
"By the way, Xiao Yan, is there really no way you can co ho early tonight?" Aunt Xiulan asked. "I was thinking of making a special dinner for your birthday."
Luo Yan gave his aunt an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Aunt Xiulan. My group mates and I really need to finish this project by tonight."
Although he did have a group project, its deadline wasn't until two weeks from now. He'd only told his aunt it was due by Monday, so he'd have an excuse to spend the evening with Shen Ji Yun. He hated lying to them, but he couldn't think of any other believable reason.
He sighed inwardly. He couldn't wait until he and Shen Ji Yun could finally be open about their relationship with the rest of their family. At least, the family that actually mattered.
"Mom, just let Xiao Yan do his thing. You know how busy students at T University get around this ti. I won't be able to co ho early either," Bai Ze said, throwing Luo Yan a knowing look.
His cousin probably had a feeling he and Shen Ji Yun had sothing planned for later. Luo Yan gave Bai Ze a small, grateful nod when no one was looking.
"Ah Ze has a point," Uncle Chen said.
"Mom, you can still make a special dinner even if Brother Yan Yan isn't here," Bai Ye piped up. "I'll eat all of it."
Everyone laughed at that. Aunt Xiulan looked at her youngest with warm affection. "Then I'll make sothing special tonight."
Breakfast was lively. Most of the conversation revolved around the party happening tomorrow. Aunt Xiulan talked about the preparations, Uncle Chen asked a few questions about the arrangents, and Bai Ze chid in here and there. Even Bai Ye got excited about the food.
Luo Yan listened and nodded along, acting excited about tomorrow. He didn't really care for a big party, but he appreciated that his aunt had put so much effort into arranging it for him and Luo Jin. So even if he wasn't excited, he still made sure to show he was grateful.
***
Luo Yan's last class finally ended. He was packing up his bag when two female classmates ca up to him. They wished him a happy birthday, and he thanked them before heading out.
Throughout the day, several students wished him a happy birthday. The first ti it happened, he was caught off guard. Because it's not like he hadn't announced his birthday to anyone. Then he rembered what happened on Luo Jin's birthday. Arcadia's official account had posted a greeting for AmazingYoungMasterJin, and his brother had been less than pleased about it.
So Luo Yan quickly pulled out his phone then and checked Weibo. Sure enough, Arcadia's official account had posted a birthday greeting for him too. He figured it was because they were all part of the current champion team. That was probably why the ga's social dia made a point of acknowledging their birthdays.
And anyone who had watched the Arcadia Cup finals knew he was Noctis. Several students had recognized him since the sester started, so it wasn't strange that so of them would wish him a happy birthday after seeing the post.
Luo Yan headed straight out of the building and toward the nearest parking lot. He had ssaged Shen Ji Yun earlier to et him there so they could leave right away. If he didn't do that, he was sure that the other would just wait for him outside the building.
Arriving at the parking lot, he spotted Shen Ji Yun right away. He was leaning against his car, but lifted his head as if he could feel Luo Yan approaching. A smile spread across his face when their eyes t. Luo Yan smiled back and quickened his pace.
"Have you been waiting long, Brother Ji Yun?" Luo Yan asked as he approached.
Shen Ji Yun shook his head and opened the passenger door for Luo Yan. "No, I just got here a few minutes ago."
He walked around to the driver's side and got in. As soon as he sat down, he turned to Luo Yan and leaned over to press a quick kiss to his lips. "Happy birthday, Yan Yan."
A smile spread across Luo Yan's face. "Thank you."
Of course, Shen Ji Yun had already sent him a birthday ssage at midnight. Luo Yan hadn't seen it because he went to bed early. But the fact that Shen Ji Yun had sent it exactly at midnight ant he was the first one to greet him.
"So where are we going for our date?" Luo Yan asked. "Or is it a surprise?"
Shen Ji Yun gave a rare, wide grin. "Definitely a surprise."
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