My Possessive Boss Is Unexpectedly Needy - Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Shen Ziqi’s face turned bright red as she muttered something and bolted out of the kitchen.

“Hey! But my back really does hurt!” Ming Yunhong called out behind her, sounding genuinely aggrieved.

In the courtyard, Yu Zining and Lu Yeyan, who were busy hanging red lanterns, froze at the sight of her rushing past.

“What was that about?” Zining asked, pointing in confusion at the kitchen where Shen Ziqi had vanished.

Lu Yeyan, however, understood that look perfectly. He raised an eyebrow and looked down from his ladder at Zining. “Want me to show you what happened?”

“Huh?”

Before Zining could process the question, Lu Yeyan leaned down. His slender fingers hooked under Zining’s chin, tilting his head up as he pressed a deep, lingering kiss onto his lips. A cool breeze swayed the red lanterns around them, and in that moment, it felt as though the very air had shifted.

Zining’s face flushed crimson. “You…”

“Don’t let go of the ladder,” Lu Yeyan whispered against his lips, “or I’ll fall.”

Zining was annoyed, but he gripped the ladder tightly nonetheless. Satisfied, Lu Yeyan turned back to secure the last lantern. Once he climbed down, Zining huffed, “You could have just told me. Did you have to give a demonstration?”

“Research shows that practice leads to quicker understanding than listening. Why? Did you not like it?”

Zining turned and hurried into the house to hide his embarrassment. “I didn’t!”

Lu Yeyan’s lips curled into a triumphant smile.

…

Nightfall

The courtyard glowed with the warm light of the red lanterns. The four of them sat on the rooftop terrace, enjoying a lavish New Year’s Eve feast that brought a sense of home to those far away from theirs. Fireworks began to bloom across the dark sky like scattered jewels.

Lu Yeyan watched Zining as he looked up at the sky, a quiet wish forming in his heart: I hope every year is like this. Every year, with you.

After dinner, Ming Yunhong practically dragged Shen Ziqi away. Zining, feeling a bit lethargic, curled up on the sofa and turned on the TV.

“Should we go out for a stroll too?” Lu Yeyan asked, a rare suggestion from him.

Zining shook his head. “Li Yiyang’s gala performance is starting. I promised him I’d watch and support him.”

Lu Yeyan didn’t argue. He nodded and sat down obediently beside Zining, simply keeping him company. The atmosphere was peaceful—if time could stop, he would have let it freeze right there.

…

“Where are you taking me?” Shen Ziqi asked, looking at the unusually silent Ming Yunhong.

He turned back with a grin. “Almost there!”

They stopped at an old, historic street. Despite its age, it was bursting with life. Bright lights, the aroma of street food, and the sheer energy of the crowds created a vibrant, festive atmosphere.

“I know you miss home,” Ming Yunhong said softly. “Zining told me you grew up in a humble background too. I thought you might like the feeling of this place.”

Looking at the bustling stalls, Shen Ziqi’s eyes welled up with nostalgic tears. “Thank you,” she whispered.

“Whoa, hey, don’t cry! I don’t know what to do when people cry!” Ming Yunhong began frantically patting his pockets for a tissue.

Shen Ziqi let out a watery laugh. “I’m fine. Let’s explore together.”

They wandered through the crowd, momentarily forgetting their worries. Suddenly, a voice called out: “Oh my, I knew it was you!”

Alian sauntered over, swaying her hips, followed by a man.

“And who is this?” Shen Ziqi asked.

“I’m his neighbor, just call me Alian. And you must be his girlfriend!” Alian nudged Ming Yunhong’s arm and whispered, “You moved fast, didn’t you?”

“Alian!” the man behind her called out.

Alian looped her arm through his and introduced him proudly. “This is my boyfriend. After the New Year, he’s taking me home to meet his family. I won’t be living in the old building anymore.”

Ming Yunhong understood. Women like Alian often hoped for a man to take them away from that life, though few found one who looked past their profession. He glanced at the man—clean-cut and young. It seemed he truly cared for her.

After some small talk, the couple left. Shen Ziqi raised an eyebrow at Ming Yunhong. “So, you’ve been telling people I’m your girlfriend?”

Ming Yunhong looked down, then took a deep breath. “Qiqi, I really do like you. Please don’t push me away, okay?”

Shen Ziqi remained silent. She liked him, but she was terrified of trusting love again.

“I know what you’re worried about. I’m serious, this isn’t a whim!” Before she could respond, Ming Yunhong suddenly scrambled onto a nearby acrobatics stage. He shouted to the crowd below: “I, Ming Yunhong, want everyone to witness this! I truly love Shen Ziqi! If I fail to protect and cherish her, let a bolt of lightning strike me down!”

“Get down from there!” Shen Ziqi cried out, mortified as the crowd began to cheer and hoot.

“Only if you say yes!” Ming Yunhong shouted back, looking like a mix between a fool and a genius.

“Fine, fine! Yes! Just come down!”

Ming Yunhong let out a cry of joy and leapt off the stage, completely forgetting his injured foot. He caught Shen Ziqi in a massive hug. “You said yes! Hahaha!”

Shen Ziqi buried her face in his chest. “Let’s go, everyone is staring. This is so embarrassing.”

Amidst the applause, they hurried away. He took her to his small home—the one that served as his lab. “I want you to know everything about me. This is where I live, and this is what I do.”

He laid bare his life and struggles. Shen Ziqi felt a tremor in her heart; she wasn’t sure if this was right, or how much of her heart she could truly give. But as he hugged her again, promising to give her a better life, she decided to try. Maybe this time, she thought, it won’t end in disaster.

…

Back at the villa, Zining had fallen asleep while watching TV. Lu Yeyan watched the man leaning against his shoulder, his fingers gently tracing Zining’s cheek. Zining murmured in his sleep and snuggled deeper into Lu Yeyan’s embrace.

As Lu Yeyan shifted to hold him more comfortably, Zining woke up. He tried to sit up, but Lu Yeyan pulled him back into a firm hug.