After I Died, My Childhood Friend Became Daddy - Chapter 19

Chapter 19: When Are You Getting Married?

The wardrobe full of formal wear finally had a use.

Fang Ran didn’t know how to dance, so Huo Yan taught him at home. Music played in the living room as Fang Ran, dressed in a small white suit, walked down from upstairs. He stopped at the corner and peeked around, wondering why Huo Yan wasn’t there, when suddenly the man’s deep voice rang out from behind him.

“Your waist is so thin.”

Huh?

Fang Ran was startled and turned around abruptly, only to find that Huo Yan had come down at some unknown time and was standing right behind him. The man had also changed clothes—a silver-gray suit with peak lapels. His eyelids were lowered, and his gaze was fixed deeply on Fang Ran.

His heart seemed to skip a beat. Fang Ran’s breathing became a bit hurried, and he instinctively took two steps back. Huo Yan grabbed his waist and pulled him back sharply.

This back-and-forth was like slow motion in a movie; Fang Ran plunged headfirst into Huo Yan’s chest. To make matters worse, the man kept his hand pressed against Fang Ran’s back, refusing to let him straighten up.

!!!

“What for?” the man’s deep voice vibrated near his ear. “Are you trying to jump off a building?”

Fang Ran’s voice was muffled. “Let go of me!”

Huo Yan paused, then let go with a hint of regret.

In an instant, Fang Ran was like a fish; he turned and bolted down the stairs.

Huo Yan raised an eyebrow and followed him down.

Today was Auntie Liu’s day off, so it was just the two of them at home. But Fang Ran still seemed a bit unable to let loose. Huo Yan held his waist and leaned in a bit close, and Fang Ran habitually tried to dodge.

Huo Yan’s tone was flat. “Why are you constantly avoiding me today?”

Fang Ran’s voice was a bit panicked. “I’m… I’m not.”

Huo Yan let out a hum of laughter from his nose.

“This is how dancing is. If you aren’t used to it now, what will you do at the ball?”

As the man spoke, he pressed on Fang Ran’s waist, unobtrusively pulling him closer to his side. “Don’t worry, you can step on my feet as much as you like.”

Fang Ran didn’t know what was wrong with him today; he felt as if his entire person was wrapped in Huo Yan’s scent. That subtle minty smell continuously stimulated Fang Ran’s brain.

Another beat missed, and Fang Ran stepped on Huo Yan’s foot. He tried to dodge in a panic, but ended up stepping even harder. He was practically walking on Huo Yan’s feet with every step.

Huo Yan wasn’t unhappy; instead, he laughed quite happily, appearing very willing to serve as a footpad for Fang Ran.

Finally, the song ended. Fang Ran felt more tired than if he had completed a whole set of math papers and collapsed onto the sofa, exhausted.

Huo Yan went over and ruffled his hair, then poured a glass of juice for him to drink.

Fang Ran was too lazy to move, letting Huo Yan hold the glass to his lips. Fang Ran just tilted his head back and drank.

The juice stained his lips, making them look bright and shiny. Huo Yan stared with lowered eyes, his Adam’s apple bobbing involuntarily.

Seductive baby.

Fang Ran pursed his lips. “So, who did you dance with when you first learned?”

He couldn’t help but depict that image in his mind: Huo Yan doing the same thing, holding that person’s waist, slowly dancing.

Strangely, as soon as this thought surfaced, Fang Ran suddenly felt his chest tighten, as if a stone were lodged there, making it hard to breathe.

“No one,” Huo Yan spoke quickly. “I don’t dance with other people.”

Fang Ran’s eyes widened slightly, and he couldn’t help but give a small smile. “Why? Only with me?”

Huo Yan smiled very tenderly. “Yes, only with you.”

The next song began to play, the music flowing slowly by their ears. Fang Ran tilted his head up slightly, meeting the man’s gaze. His cheeks felt inexplicably red. He looked away and spoke stutteringly, “Still… still dancing?”

Huo Yan reached out his hand to him.

…

After dancing all night, Fang Ran finally stopped stepping on feet every two steps; he could manage to dance a whole song with Huo Yan.

Huo Yan was fully satisfied.

Throughout the night, he had practically touched every part of Fang Ran’s waist.

This also resulted in Fang Ran feeling quite unnatural when they lay on the bed that night.

Yes, after returning to the villa, he was still sleeping with Huo Yan. He didn’t know if his “treatment method” was working; why hadn’t Huo Yan gotten better after all this time?

At night, when Huo Yan came out of the bathroom and walked to the bedside, Fang Ran was lying on his stomach playing on his phone. Huo Yan walked to his side and gently pinched the back of his neck, reminding him, “Posture.”

Fang Ran grumbled, “Nagging ghost.”

But his body was very honest; hearing Huo Yan’s words, he sat up slightly and looked up at him, asking curiously, “How have you been feeling lately? Has your sleep quality improved?”

Alarm bells rang in Huo Yan’s heart. He paused, his voice dropping slightly. “It’s much better. Aside from frequently being startled awake in the middle of the night, everything else is fine.”

He quickly continued, “But every time I wake up and see you lying next to me, I can fall back asleep very quickly.”

It seemed his role was very important!

In an instant, Fang Ran’s heart was filled with a sense of pride. He quickly patted the spot next to him. “A-Yan, hurry up and lie down to sleep.”

Huo Yan’s heart swelled. Hearing Fang Ran’s words, he lifted the covers and lay down by his side.

At this moment, he only regretted that the bedroom bed was a bit too large. If it were a single bed where he could press tightly against Ranran, it would be perfect beyond words.

He lowered his voice. “Ranran, come a bit closer to me.”

Fang Ran was already a bit dazed. He muttered a few things that were unintelligible but obediently scooted toward Huo Yan until he was pressed against his side.

Listening to the breathing of the person beside him grow heavy, Huo Yan curled his lips with satisfaction. He then put his arm around Fang Ran’s waist, pulling him entirely into his embrace and pressing him tightly against himself.

Only then did the man finally close his eyes and fall asleep contentedly.

…

However, Fang Ran did not sleep well at all that night.

It must have been the excessive dance practice earlier; it led to him dancing in his dreams as well. Only, this dance seemed different from what he had practiced. As Huo Yan danced, he suddenly put his hand on Fang Ran’s butt, and immediately after, Fang Ran took off his own jacket.

Whoa.

A striptease!

He took it off, and Huo Yan took his off too. Huo Yan was even faster than him, even taking off his shirt. The man’s abs and chest muscles were glaringly right in front of him.

The man whispered, “Take a bite.”

???

What???

But Fang Ran seemed to be seduced. Truly listening to Huo Yan’s words, he leaned in and buried his face in Huo Yan’s chest muscles. It was steaming hot. He swallowed lightly and actually leaned in to take a bite.

The lights around them suddenly went out. Fang Ran was startled. Immediately after, he was hugged tightly by Huo Yan, his whole face pressed against Huo Yan’s body—it was scalding hot.

How can it be like this?!

Fang Ran snapped his eyes open. The room was still pitch black. Huo Yan beside him should still be sleeping. Fang Ran didn’t dare move. How… how did he “stand up”!!

Thinking about the dream just now, Fang Ran wanted nothing more than to find a hole to crawl into.

What on earth was this!!

He was very afraid of being discovered by Huo Yan beside him. He got up stealthily, covering his lower half with one hand, and crept into the bathroom.

Dammit!!

How could he have a dream like that!!

Inside the bathroom, he closed the door behind him. Fang Ran lowered his head and slapped himself, frustrated at his own lack of self-control.

It hurt a bit.

Rubbing it again.

Fang Ran was truly going crazy. Is it normal to have this kind of dream about a good brother?

He let out a breath and turned on the shower, wanting to douse himself until he was clear-headed.

Unexpectedly, at this moment, the doorknob suddenly moved. The next second, Huo Yan suddenly pushed the door open and entered.

Fang Ran’s eyes went wide.

How did he get in!

Huo Yan’s expression was very calm; he even offered an explanation: “Sorry, I’m a light sleeper.”

Fang Ran’s face turned red from holding back. “You… why didn’t you knock before coming in?”

Huo Yan spoke very hypocritically, “Sorry, I was a bit anxious. I was afraid something happened to you here.”

Something was happening…

Fang Ran turned his body to hide and said stutteringly, “Then you… you go out now.”

Looking at half of his rounded butt, Huo Yan’s gaze darkened. He said in a low voice, “If I go back, I won’t be able to sleep. You know, if you aren’t by my side, I don’t sleep well.”

Big brother!

Now is the time to talk about this!

Can’t you see how desperate things are over here!

Fang Ran gritted his teeth. “You go back first, I’ll be quick!”

Huo Yan not only didn’t leave but walked toward Fang Ran step by step, his tone serious. “Being ‘quick’ won’t do. Being too fast is an illness. Ranran, if there’s an issue with your body, you must go to the hospital to get checked.”

For the first time, Fang Ran couldn’t help but want to curse.

You’re the one with an illness!!

He turned his back directly, his hair practically bristling. “Just get out!!”

Huo Yan looked contentedly at the round butt in front of him, reached out, and gave it a slap. The sound was crisp. “Be good. Turn around, let me check for you.”

As soon as that sound rang out, Fang Ran’s entire face flushed crimson.

“Aaaaaah!!!”

“Huo Yan!” He turned around in anger to glare at him. “Don’t go too far—”

Before he could finish, the man reached out directly and took hold.

It was too stimulating; Fang Ran’s eyes went wide.

As Huo Yan moved his hand, he spoke unhurriedly, “Compared to other things, Ranran, I want to know more about how you ended up like this in the middle of the night.”

His eyes were dark and deep, staring at Fang Ran, his tone carrying a coaxing quality. “Be good. Tell me, what did you dream about?”

Fang Ran spoke subconsciously, “I dreamed…”

He snapped back to his senses, gritted his teeth, and looked away. “None of your business! I dreamed about playing games with Zhao Yan and the others, so what?!”

Huo Yan’s expression instantly became terrifying.

Dreaming of someone else?

The baby is having a wet dream, but he dreamed of another man?

Dark emotions surged in his heart, his thoughts becoming increasingly malicious. He wanted nothing more than to pin Fang Ran against the wall right here and do whatever he pleased.

The more he thought this way, the more aggressive Huo Yan’s hand movements became.

Soon, Fang Ran’s body was shaking slightly. A layer of mist had covered his eyes, and the corners of his eyes were red very beautiful and pitiful, but it also triggered the destructive desire in Huo Yan’s heart.

He wanted to make him even more of a mess.

At the final moment, he reached out and blocked it.

Fang Ran’s eyes widened a bit, his voice carrying a sob. “A-Yan, let go of me.”

Huo Yan looked up, his dark eyes staring at him, his tone very flat. “Ranran, you’re still in high school. You can’t have a ‘puppy love,’ you know that, right?”

At this moment, Fang Ran’s head was filled only with that matter; he couldn’t take anything else in. Whatever Huo Yan said, he just nodded confusedly. “I know, I know.”

Huo Yan gave a chilly smile. “You have to distinguish clearly between what is a classmate, what is family, and what is… a lover.”

He gave a light threat. “If you can’t learn, I’ll have to teach you personally.”

Fang Ran only hoped Huo Yan would let go quickly. He said tearfully, “I will, I will.”

Huo Yan finally smiled and let go. “Good boy.”

He had been held back too long; in an instant, it was as if a white light flashed in Fang Ran’s head, and his legs shook uncontrollably.

It was too stimulating. Was he crazy?

He actually [did that] in Huo Yan’s hand.

Yet Huo Yan’s expression was very calm.

Thinking about it, it made sense. This wasn’t the first time he had done such a thing for Fang Ran.

Huo Yan even helped Fang Ran bathe, finally carrying him back to the bedroom.

Fang Ran truly had no face left to see anyone. He buried his head in the crook of Huo Yan’s neck, obediently acting like an ostrich.

Honestly. In the middle of the night.

Huo Yan seemed to be in a bad mood and didn’t say much. He tucked him back into the covers. The two of them looked at each other in silence until finally, Fang Ran buried his head to pretend to sleep. But because he was carefree by nature, he actually fell asleep shortly after.

Huo Yan, however, could not sleep, tossing and turning.

The good news: Fang Ran might like boys. The bad news: The one he liked was likely his classmate.

Jealousy, envy—countless emotions sprouted in his heart, gnawing at his heart like small insects, leaving it riddled with holes.

Fang Ran, on the other hand, was completely unaware. Once he was relaxed and comfortable, he slept straight through until dawn.

…

The graduation ball is a very important event for the international school.

Not only do the seniors participate, but the freshmen and sophomores can too, though only the seniors ultimately dance on the floor. Furthermore, the school isn’t restrictive; students can invite friends and family to attend.

Zhao Yan’s dad was currently on a business trip. Even if he weren’t, he likely wouldn’t be interested in this kind of school activity. Zhao Yan was a “lone commander” and came by himself.

Beside him, Fang Ran, who was also backstage getting makeup, kept checking his phone.

The school was very human-centric, providing students with dressing rooms and makeup rooms, and had even hired a whole team of makeup artists. However, when the makeup artist faced a face like Fang Ran’s, they felt like a “clever housewife unable to cook without rice.”

In the end, they could only simply apply some powder and draw eyeliner for him. After thinking about it, they opened a new lip glaze and applied it to him.

“It suits you well.” The makeup artist handed it to him. “It’s a gift for you.”

Fang Ran looked in the mirror. The color wasn’t heavy—pink, tender, and shiny. He liked it very much too, his eyes curving as he smiled. “Thank you.”

As he spoke, he rummaged through his bag for a bunch of snacks to give to the makeup artist.

Zhao Yan watched from the side and smiled. “Dressing up so handsomely and staring at your phone constantly… what? Is your… friend coming?”

Fang Ran blinked. “How did you know?”

Zhao Yan suddenly jumped off the table and sat upright. “Damn, why didn’t you say so sooner?”

He truly didn’t expect that President Huo would accompany Fang Ran to this kind of school ball.

Sigh, love is truly great.

He couldn’t help but complain, “Weren’t you two having a conflict a while back? You even wanted to move into the school dorms.”

Fang Ran didn’t really want to tell others about Huo Yan’s illness, so he said vaguely, “Mm, we’ve made up. I wouldn’t truly be angry with him.”

Zhao Yan smiled. “I get it. A quarrel at the head of the bed is settled at the foot of the bed.”

Fang Ran frowned.

Why did that phrase sound strange when applied to him and Huo Yan? But he had indeed been sleeping with Huo Yan recently. Thinking of this, Fang Ran felt at ease again.

Taking advantage of President Huo’s absence, Zhao Yan’s desire for gossip exploded. He leaned in toward Fang Ran and asked in a low, quiet voice:

“When did you two get together?”

?

That was a strange way to put it.

Fang Ran was ambiguous. “Many years ago.”

Holy crap! President Huo is so bold! Daring to [do that] with a minor…

Zhao Yan’s eyes were glowing. “Then do you plan to get married as soon as you graduate?”

“Graduate… married?!”

Fang Ran practically jumped out of his chair, staring at Zhao Yan with wide eyes. “What are you talking about!!”

“Huo Yan and I are good buddies!!”