Page 103 of He Is My Bride

“I thought about that, but as I said, it’s all in the early stages, barely more than a dream. Also, Huang Xiang asked to get pictures of you in this, so we’re having a photo shoot for him once it’s done.”

Anne was not going to join Li Ying this time, trusting that he had now earned his wings and would manage on his own. Still, she told him he could call her anytime, and she gave him a huge spreadsheet complete with photos and sketches, illustrating each look he should wear for specific types of events, not only what to wear but how to accessorize, what kind of makeup and hair to do.

There were several options for casual luncheons and daily wear, fancy dinners, cocktail parties, and, of course, this look for the very important Wu reunion dinner. Anne insisted she would still pack for Li Ying, not trusting him enough to let him handle it, and she sent with him some new items she had procured. Although he was still in good hands even with Anne remaining in New York, Li Ying would miss her company.

—

Li Ying had had to work long shifts at the hospital to get his hours while taking a whole week free on the excuse of ‘visiting family for Chinese New Year.’ As such, he wasn’t keen on the idea of spending up to twenty-four hours in transit there and back when he knew a jet could do it in fifteen, so he didn’t turn down Hanjun’s offer to send a jet to pick him up.

I’ve just personally killed off the planet,he thought during takeoff.But this is just so much more convenient, I’m sorry!

He had dressed for comfort for the flight this time, sporting an oversized college shirt, joggers, and his black bunny-eared flats. From this morning on, he was once more to become a full-time woman, so he had light makeup on and his hair up in a messy bun with a black velvet ribbon. He had also happily put his engagement ring back on his finger.

Li Ying thought himself cute, having made his taxi driver wait while making flirty and silly faces in the mirror. He took selfies for Hanjun and Anne too, and Hanjun responded to the pictures with a whole of two hearts; that man was totally out of control! Clearly Li Ying hadn’t fallen out of practice. He’d gone out with Anne and Amy a few times in full getup, so he still knew how to girl.

He would shower and do a full glow-up before landing, because if Anne caught his picture in a newspaper in anything less than a celebrity look, she would surely fly in just to smack him and then take over.

Li Ying followed the in-flight routine set up by him and Anne: a three-course meal, followed by a movie, hot cocoa, and sleep. He missed the crazy airplane sex, but he would see Hanjun very soon, and then he would not let him out of bed for the rest of the day. Li Ying was so happy their reunion was now but hours away, after having counted weeks, then days, and finally hours. He was so excited he almost couldn’t fall asleep, but eventually he managed.

He woke up groggy, drool stains on the pillow, and his silken eye-mask askew. The stewardess brewed him a strong coffee, and by its power, Li Ying made himself presentable.

After landing, Li Ying was taken to the terminal in a black car, joined by a familiar bodyguard. The moment the doors to the arrivals hall slid open, Li Ying saw him:

“Hanjun!”

The man stood there waiting, dressed in a black turtleneck and a gray blazer. Li Ying ran into his open arms and threw himself at him carelessly. Hanjun caught him, closing him in his tight embrace.

“Hi…”

Li Ying seized his face and kissed him haphazardly, and Hanjun answered. They were distantly aware of the snap of a camera, and their bodyguards moved in to ask the reporter to please step back. The lovers didn’t care. Hanjun parted their lips first, speaking against Li Ying’s:

“Let’s go home.”

“Mm!” Li Ying nodded, batting away tears simply because he was so happy. He wiped the corner of his eye carefully and replaced his wide sunglasses, not wanting the press to prey on his tears.

Li Ying glued himself to Hanjun while he held his arm around him and led him out to the parking lot.

“How was your flight?” Hanjun asked.

“Not bumpy enough. How are you? Were you at work today?”

“Mm. Off tomorrow.”

“I wish I could have you all to myself, but I’m excited for the dinner, of course.”

There was Hanjun’s white Bentley. Out of the passenger’s seat jumped Wang Xinyu.

“Hello, Big Sister Li!”

“A-Yu! Hi!”

Xinyu hurried to open the back door for Li Ying, but he was so happy to see the boy that instead of getting straight in the car, he caught him in a hug.

Xinyu awkwardly hugged him back, still not knowing how he should have responded to the gesture, but he was very happy that Li Ying was back.

Li Ying noted Xinyu was wearing the watch Hanjun had given him.

“Me too, I want a hug from big sister too!” Wu Yiyi shot out of the driver’s seat and ran around the car. Laughing, Li Ying took him into a hug in turn, and Yiyi was bold enough to hug him back tightly.