Today is the day Li Xi and Duan Zhen planned to visit Duan Zhen’s parents together for the first time.
Initially, Duan Zhen wanted to introduce Li Xi to his parents right away, but Li Xi declined. He didn’t feel ready to meet Duan Zhen’s parents then. Besides, he had promised the government to help capture criminals, which kept him busy for a while.
Duan Zhen was also busy, so the meeting was postponed and never brought up again until a few months later when Li Xi finally felt prepared.
“My parents have asked about you several times. They really want to meet you,” Duan Zhen said, hugging Li Xi and gently kissing his forehead. “Don’t be nervous.”
“I’m not nervous,” Li Xi replied, leaning against Duan Zhen’s chest with his eyes half-closed. “Just tired from being so busy lately.”
“Then let’s rest today and go tomorrow if you prefer,” Duan Zhen suggested, wrapping his arms around Li Xi. “Where are you sore? I’ll massage it for you.”
Li Xi paused before shamelessly stretching out his leg and placing it on Duan Zhen’s. “My leg hurts.”
In truth, he wasn’t tired at all. He was a bit nervous. After all, it had been centuries since he had met anyone’s parents, let alone the parents of his partner.
Li Xi had been torn about it for some time, even considering not going at all. But seeing how much Duan Zhen wanted to introduce him to his parents, he decided to go through with it.
Moreover, meeting the parents signified a stable relationship, something Li Xi appreciated.
Duan Zhen drove them to his parents’ home, located in a highly secure neighborhood inhabited by the wealthy and influential. They passed through several security checks without issue, given their identities.
“Let’s go,” Duan Zhen said, holding Li Xi’s hand. “Don’t worry, I’m here.”
Li Xi lifted his chin. “I’m not worried.”
Duan Zhen’s parents had prepared a table full of food, waiting for them.
The moment Li Xi entered, Duan Zhen’s mother warmly invited him to sit and handed him a large apple.
“Make yourself at home,” she said with a smile. Despite being in her fifties, she looked like she was in her thirties. “We were so excited when Ah Zhen told us he had a boyfriend. But he kept you hidden for so long!”
Li Xi was a bit taken aback by the enthusiastic welcome and instinctively looked at Duan Zhen for help.
“Mom, you’re scaring him,” Duan Zhen said, his lips curling into a slight smile. “We’ve both been really busy lately. It’s not like I was intentionally hiding him.”
Duan Zhen’s father, who resembled a stern version of Duan Zhen, sat silently, observing them.
Li Xi felt slightly more at ease with Duan Zhen’s father being less talkative. He took out the gifts he had prepared. “These are small energy-gathering charms, meant to enhance physical health through spiritual energy. I made them myself, so the quality is guaranteed.”
The charms were beautifully carved gemstones.
Duan Zhen’s mother, delighted, examined one of the charms. “These are gorgeous! Even master craftsmen can’t match this quality.”
“I often made little trinkets like this when I was bored,” Li Xi said with a smile.
“Where’s Zi Zhuo?” Duan Zhen suddenly asked.
“He was called away for some research but should be back soon. I told him you two were coming,” Duan Zhen’s mother replied.
“Research?” Duan Zhen frowned. “Computer-related?”
He knew that Duan Zi Zhuo had a talent for computer science, which was even recognized by Dan Zuo, but he wasn’t sure of his current progress due to his own busy schedule.
“Artificial intelligence,” Duan Zhen’s father said concisely. “It’s a project under your subordinate, Dan Zuo.”
“Related to the main system?” Li Xi asked, intrigued.
But Duan Zhen’s father, being a man of few words, only nodded.
The conversation stalled, and Duan Zhen’s mother smoothly changed the subject, pulling out a photo album. “If you’re bored, would you like to see some of Ah Zhen’s childhood photos?”
Li Xi’s interest was piqued immediately. “Sure!”
He added mischievously, “Are there any pictures of him in a dress?”
“Hmm?” Duan Zhen, who was sitting nearby, raised an eyebrow.
“There actually are!” Duan Zhen’s mother laughed, opening the album. “When Ah Zhen first learned to walk, he refused to get off a frilly skirt, so I put it on him.”
Of course, the family knew why they had such a skirt in the first place.
Duan Zhen looked slightly exasperated.
“Duan Zhen was adorable as a child,” Li Xi said after flipping through the album, satisfied.
Despite Duan Zhen’s stern expression in most of the photos, his chubby cheeks made him irresistibly cute.
“He was the cutest baby in our area,” Duan Zhen’s mother reminisced. “But now he’s not cute at all.”
Li Xi glanced at Duan Zhen and playfully squeezed his hand. “I still think you’re cute.”
Duan Zhen’s mother watched the couple with a warm smile.
“I’ll call Zi Zhuo,” she said, getting up. “You two can chat for a bit.”
She pulled Duan Zhen’s father away with her, leaving Li Xi and Duan Zhen alone in the living room.
Li Xi relaxed a bit more and leaned against Duan Zhen. “How do you think it went?”
“They really like you,” Duan Zhen assured him.
“Your dad seems like he doesn’t want to talk to me,” Li Xi said, frowning slightly. “Is it because of who I am?”
Li Xi was aware that some government officials viewed him with suspicion, seeing him as a potential threat needing surveillance and control. They hadn’t acted on it due to his formidable power and firm stance, fearing retaliation.
“Not at all,” Duan Zhen reassured him, nuzzling his cheek affectionately. “He’s just nervous. He gets tongue-tied when he’s anxious and is bad at expressing emotions, which can be easily misunderstood.”
“That sounds just like you,” Li Xi chuckled. “You two are very alike.”
“I think I’m a bit better,” Duan Zhen smiled, lightly kissing Li Xi’s soft lips. “I can tell you ‘I love you’ many times.”
Li Xi blushed. “Not here. They might see us.”
Duan Zhen, aware of their surroundings, reluctantly pulled back after a brief kiss.
He held Li Xi close, enjoying the rare moment of calm amidst their busy schedules. However, just as he was savoring this tranquility, a loud explosion shook the ground outside.
There is only one chapter left of these cuties :’)
Thank you for reading