C126 —- Return to Reality

Damn, I can’t see anything anymore]

[It really just went black, sob sob sob]

[Ahhhhhhhh]

[At least let me hear something!!]

[Suspected private content detected — stream will automatically end in 3 seconds]

[Damn]

[3s]

[2s]

[1s]

[Beep]

[Stream ended automatically]

Chu Chen’an sat in the bathtub, steam wrapping around him. He had just gotten used to the water temperature when an overwhelming wave of kisses followed — as passionate and lingering as the mist surrounding them.

The sound of rushing water echoed through the bathroom, mixed with soft, trembling whimpers. Even after one or two hours, it still hadn’t stopped.

…

They had barely stepped outside for the past two weeks.

Qin Jue, using “prepping for pregnancy” as an excuse, had been wrapped around him day and night with wild indulgence.

Chu Chen’an stood in the kitchen washing strawberries, his legs still slightly trembling.

Qin Jue came home from work, wrapped his arms around Chu Chen’an’s waist from behind, and rested his chin on his shoulder. “Baby, what are you doing?”

“Washing fruit,” Chu Chen’an said, turning his head slightly.

He wore a light blue apron with a cute cartoon print. The apron outlined his slender waist, making him look like a wife preparing dinner for her husband — it gave off a uniquely charming vibe.

Chu Chen’an placed the clean strawberries into a fruit bowl, picked one up, and took a bite. The strawberries were fresh today — sweet, but not overwhelming.

“I want a bite,” Qin Jue said, kissing his cheek, his hand resting on his belly.

Warm breath tickled his ear. Chu Chen’an blushed, chewing the strawberry, and handed the rest to him.

“I don’t want that one.” Qin Jue smiled, leaned down, and kissed him on the lips. His tongue invaded his mouth, greedily savoring the lingering sweetness, kissing him deeply and possessively.

“Mm…” Chu Chen’an was kissed for a long time, breathless as he tried to push him away.

Qin Jue lifted him onto the counter by the sink. “Did you miss me today?”

Chu Chen’an wiped his lips, eyes lowered shyly, then he gave a tiny nod and changed the subject. “I want to start academic training soon.”

He also wanted to go out and work like Qin Jue.

Qin Jue kissed his neck, his natural possessiveness making him reluctant to let Chu Chen’an be away from him for too long. He said, “Baby, you don’t need training. Just come to the company and stay with me, okay?”

“But, mm…” Chu Chen’an pouted, trying to speak through Qin Jue’s kisses, “Everyone else is doing the training. I want to go too…”

What he really longed for was the normal student life — something ordinary people had.

“Alright, whatever my baby wants.” Qin Jue gently coaxed him. “I’ll pick out some good training programs tonight. We’ll visit a few over the next few days. Let’s choose one close to the office so I can drop you off every day.”

Only then did Chu Chen’an brighten up. He no longer blocked Qin Jue’s kisses and softly replied, “Okay.”

Qin Jue gazed at him obsessively, his hand resting on his belly. “An’an, how about I take you for a check-up tomorrow?”

Chu Chen’an tensed up at the mention of a hospital. “Why a check-up?”

The exam would provide precise data on his body, including changes in special hormone levels. Based on the data, doctors could adjust the dosage of male fertility hormones to increase the chances of conception.

Qin Jue didn’t use technical terms to explain. He simply said, “A check-up will help us have a baby sooner.”

Chu Chen’an clutched the edge of his apron. At the mention of “baby,” his emotions were a mix of nervousness, unfamiliarity, and urgent anticipation. Blushing, he asked softly, “Can we go today instead?”

“It’s too late today…” Qin Jue said as he unbuttoned Chu Chen’an’s shirt, his eyes burning with desire.

“It’s not late.” Chu Chen’an pouted, glancing at the clock on the wall. It wasn’t even six yet. He tugged at Qin Jue’s tie. “It’s still early… mm.”

The clothes he had worn underneath were now strewn on the floor, only the apron was left.

Chu Chen’an braced himself against the marble counter, letting out soft whimpers as the intensity built.

Now he finally understood why they couldn’t go today.

…

Qin Jue had brought Chu Chen’an to his private hospital. They went to the top floor, and Qin Jue accompanied him through a full series of tests.

The results came back.

His body was in excellent health, with a high probability of pregnancy — 96%.

Thanks to the medication adjustments over the past few days — medications approved by the national medical authority and widely used due to their strong safety profile — his body was in optimal condition.

Chu Chen’an held the report in hand, finally feeling at ease.

Qin Jue wrapped an arm around him as they left. On their way down in the elevator, they ran into Jiang Lin.

Jiang Lin was in a wheelchair, with a catheter bag attached. He looked pale and unwell.

Chu Chen’an froze for a moment. Jiang Lin hadn’t been lying — his paralysis really was permanent.

Qin Jue glanced at him coldly, standing on the other side with his arm around Chu Chen’an’s shoulder.

Jiang Lin met Chu Chen’an’s eyes, his expression filled with sorrow and regret. His hands tightened on the wheelchair handles.

But Chu Chen’an didn’t really pity him. Perhaps this was simply karma for all the wrongs Jiang Lin had committed over the years.

After all, Chu Chen’an had suffered so many injuries at Jiang Lin’s hands. Now, everything was settled.

When the elevator doors opened, Qin Jue walked out with his arm still around him.

From behind, Jiang Lin called out hoarsely, “Chen’an! I… I just want to say a few words, can I?”

Chu Chen’an paused, hesitating, and looked toward Qin Jue.

Qin Jue pulled him closer, eyes dark and voice cold. “There’s nothing to say. Let’s go.”

“Just a few words,” Jiang Lin insisted, his voice trembling. “Just let me say something to him and I’ll leave.”

Chu Chen’an looked at his pleading, broken expression, then turned to Qin Jue. “Wait for me a second.”

He followed Jiang Lin to the end of the hallway, near the window.

Qin Jue waited at the corridor entrance, watching them.

“Chen’an, I wronged you before. I’m sorry,” Jiang Lin said, eyes red. “I was a real bastard… I always made you suffer for me, and even helped others isolate you. I’m so sorry. I guess this is my punishment now…”

Chu Chen’an cut him off. “There’s no point in saying any of this. And I don’t need your apology.”

“You’re right. I don’t deserve your forgiveness,” Jiang Lin said with a broken smile, uglier than crying. “But I really did love you. Whether you believe it or not, I truly did. You were kind, and brave… but my pride got in the way. I didn’t know how to cherish you. Since coming back to reality, I’ve regretted it every single day…”

 

Qin Jue’s cold gaze swept over them, a shadow flickering in his eyes. He walked toward them, took Chu Chen’an’s hand, and said with a chilling voice, “Do you want to die again?”

Chu Chen’an quickly grabbed his arm and whispered, “It’s… it’s fine, let’s just go.”

Jiang Lin glanced at Qin Jue in fear, his face stiffening.

He tightened his grip on the wheelchair handles, looked once more at Chu Chen’an, and finally let out a deep sigh, offering him a sincere yet desolate blessing.

“Chen’an, I hope your future is smooth and peaceful, free from pain or illness.”

Qin Jue held Chu Chen’an close as they walked away. Chu Chen’an turned back briefly, gave Jiang Lin a small nod, then turned again and left with Qin Jue.

His past, filled with fear and blood, had finally come to an end.

And his future — it would surely be filled with hope.

That was what Chu Chen’an believed.

After leaving the hospital, Chu Chen’an and Qin Jue got into the car. Qin Jue fastened his seatbelt for him.

Chu Chen’an buckled the strap with one hand and asked, “Where are we going next?”

“Didn’t you say last night you wanted to go to the amusement park? We’re going now,” Qin Jue said, ruffling his hair.

Chu Chen’an nodded eagerly like a little chick pecking rice. “Mm!”

The car drove through the bustling city streets, towering skyscrapers flashing past the window. Chu Chen’an was dazzled by everything, his eyes full of curiosity.

He leaned against the window, watching intently, then he suddenly remembered something important and turned to Qin Jue. “I want something to eat.”

“Alright.”

“And I want a chocolate sundae — with strawberry flavor.”

“Okay, baby.”

…

The weather changed fast — less than a month later, snow had already begun to fall in City A.

Only after Qin Jue bundled him into a thick padded coat was Chu Chen’an allowed to go down to the garden to play in the snow.

He was ecstatic.

Even though he looked like a little round dumpling, it didn’t stop him from having fun. He stepped carefully through the snow, watching the footprints he left behind, finding them amusing.

Qin Jue followed behind, carrying Chu Chen’an’s beloved snow-play bucket.

Chu Chen’an walked ahead, confidently declaring, “Let’s have a snowball fight.”

One of his gloves had slipped from his pocket, but he didn’t notice — too busy strategizing for the coming snow battle.

Even though he never won against Qin Jue, he never gave up.

“Okay,” Qin Jue said with a smile, picking up the dropped glove. “Baby, come here and put your glove back on, or your hands will get cold again.”

“Oh,” Chu Chen’an responded, turning back and slowly walking to Qin Jue, stretching out his hand, expecting him to help.

But Qin Jue didn’t put the glove on right away.

Instead, he suddenly dropped to one knee.

Chu Chen’an froze, watching as Qin Jue took his outstretched hand in one of his own, while the other held out a small, elegant black box.

Inside the opened box was a ring.

It was a ring he had worn before — the unique one from the first game scenario. He had loved it.

But unfortunately, when they returned to the real world, the ring had been left behind in the game.

He never expected…

That Qin Jue would recreate it, exactly the same.

“I’ve been looking for it since we got back,” Qin Jue said. “It took more than two months, but I finally had it custom-made.”

Snowflakes landed softly on Chu Chen’an’s lashes. He stared blankly, momentarily forgetting even the cold.

Qin Jue’s eyes were filled with love as he said,

“An’an, let’s get married. Will you?”

His voice was slow, devout, and tender.

To get married.

This time — for a lifetime.

Qin Jue said, “Let’s be together forever.”

Maybe the snowflakes on his lashes tickled, or maybe it was the overwhelming emotion, but Chu Chen’an rubbed at his eyes, his eyelids slightly red.

His fingers gently curled around Qin Jue’s hand, and with a quivering nose and a soft voice, he nodded.

“Okay.”

Qin Jue slid the ring onto his finger — the fourth finger of his left hand — and then stood up to kiss him.

White snow covered the ground.

In the middle of the garden, they embraced and kissed.

The wind passed through the bare trees, and snowflakes gently settled into their hair — making it look, for a moment, as though they had grown old together already.

…

They were married in a chapel abroad.

There was no audience — only the two of them, hand in hand, walking step by step into the sacred church.

Soft, holy piano music echoed within the halls.

The priest let them recite their vows and offered them a heartfelt blessing.

Chu Chen’an loved the wedding.

It was the most unforgettable day of his life.

They went to a seaside hotel for their honeymoon.

And just half a month after the wedding, Qin Jue discovered — Chu Chen’an was pregnant.

He smiled in delight, carefully wrapping his arms around Chu Chen’an’s waist, one hand resting gently on his belly.

Chu Chen’an, however, was overwhelmed and flustered. He asked nervously in a soft voice, “Could it be… a mistake?”

“No way,” Qin Jue said, crouching down, his cheek pressed to Chu Chen’an’s stomach. “There were two lines on the test.”

Blushing, Chu Chen’an was both excited and anxious. He clutched the hem of his clothes tightly and said, “Let’s go to the hospital to check, okay?”

Qin Jue nodded.

He brought Chu Chen’an to his private hospital. In the exam room, Chu Chen’an lay on the bed in front of the machine while Qin Jue personally operated the equipment. He applied a layer of cold, clear gel to Chu Chen’an’s abdomen.

“See it, baby?”

Chu Chen’an turned his head — and sure enough, there it was on the screen.

A faint, blurry outline.

That was their baby.

Chu Chen’an stared in awe, stunned and overwhelmed by joy and nervousness. His gaze trembled with emotion.

Qin Jue gently wiped the gel from his belly and adjusted his clothes. Then he scooped Chu Chen’an into his lap, eyes deep with love and elation.

He was ecstatic, holding him tightly and murmuring,

“An’an, we’re having a baby.”

Eyes slightly red, Chu Chen’an leaned against his shoulder and softly responded, “Mm.”

They had a complete family now.

A home Qin Jue had always longed for.

Qin Jue locked fingers with him and kissed him deeply, passionately, embracing him as if he could never get enough.

—

Morning.

Chu Chen’an woke up. After washing up, he made his way slowly to the dining table.

He was over five months pregnant now. When he sat down, his belly was noticeably round. The baby bump was very obvious — something Qin Jue adored. It symbolized, in his eyes, that Chu Chen’an now fully belonged to him.

Qin Jue brought him a bowl of hot porridge, gently touched his belly, and bent down to kiss his lips.

“Careful, it’s hot, baby.”

“I have a meeting today,” he added, “but I’ll be back in an hour and a half to keep you and the baby company, okay?”

“Got it,” Chu Chen’an nodded, sipping his porridge obediently. Since he got pregnant, Qin Jue had become even more clingy — if he could, he’d move his office into their home.

“We’ll be here all day, the baby and me. You should just focus on work.”

“No way,” Qin Jue said as he wiped his mouth after he finished eating. “I don’t feel safe leaving you and the baby at home alone.”

They slowly walked together to the front door. Chu Chen’an’s beautiful face had grown slightly rounder under Qin Jue’s care. He fixed Qin Jue’s collar with a soft gesture.

Qin Jue gave him a goodbye kiss on the lips. “Baby, I’m heading out.”

Chu Chen’an, cradling his baby bump, looked up with wide, round eyes and said seriously, “Don’t forget the baby.”

Qin Jue smiled gently, bent down, and kissed his belly too, his hand resting at Chu Chen’an’s waist.

“See you soon, baby.”

Chu Chen’an smiled back and stood at the door, supporting his belly as he watched Qin Jue leave.

But just before the door fully closed, Qin Jue pulled him back in and held him again, lingering a little longer — gently biting his lips, as if he couldn’t bear to let go.

“Mmm, okay, that’s enough,” Chu Chen’an said, pushing him lightly. “The baby and I are going to watch cartoons.”

Only then did Qin Jue finally let him go. “What do you want for lunch, baby?”

Chu Chen’an thought seriously, then said softly, “I want your chrysanthemum crown daisy noodles.”

“Okay.”

“With lots and lots of crown daisy.”

“Alright. I’ll make it for you when I get back.”

……

---

TN:

They’re so cuteeeee