The Return of the God Level Assassin Chapter 1318: OF COURSE WE SHOULD

TIME marched onward, as it always does. The days melted into weeks, and the weeks flowed into a month. For Luo Yan, the initial searing pain began to recede. While not entirely vanished, its intensity lessened, settling into a subdued ache within his heart that ebbed and flowed. On some days, its presence was barely perceptible; on others, it felt as though his chest was being constricted. Nevertheless, the burden of this feeling became more manageable, no longer stealing his breath as it had in the beginning.

During this period, Luo Jin's eighteenth birthday arrived and passed without grand fanfare. A large celebration would have felt inappropriate, given that the forty-nine days of mourning for their grandfather had not yet concluded. Consequently, Luo Jin observed his birthday with a quiet dinner at a restaurant, accompanied by his father and Luo Ren.

Luo Yan had intended to attend as well, but his class schedule prevented him from taking leave. Instead, he presented Luo Jin with a unique gift: he reserved the secluded pavilion nestled in the center of Yuexing Pavilion's lake for Luo Jin and Su Yuqi. A private dining experience was arranged there, exclusively for the two of them, featuring all of Luo Jin's favorite delicacies. Background melodies from NPCs playing the guqin would accompany their meal, and upon its conclusion, a spectacular fireworks display would illuminate the water's surface.

The entire evening was meticulously orchestrated for them to enjoy each other's company without interruption. Naturally, Luo Jin accepted this thoughtful gesture with gratitude.

Luo Yan, respecting their privacy, refrained from inquiring about the details of that evening, content with the hope that they had a pleasant time.

Another month elapsed, and it was now December.

Within the fourth-floor laboratory of the FIT Building, Luo Yan's gaze was fixed on the lines of code displayed on his monitor. The air was arid, carrying the faint aroma of stale coffee. Around him, fellow freshmen were engrossed in their own computers, their faces illuminated by the faint glow of their screens. Finals loomed, and the collective effort was directed towards completing their projects.

He was engaged in crafting a program for his programming course—a straightforward management system, nothing excessively complex. Having undertaken similar tasks in his previous existence, he harbored no significant concerns. His sole objective was to complete it efficiently to ensure a carefree winter break.

The academic year's winter break was slated to commence in mid-January, meaning he would still be in B City for his own birthday, which was merely four days away. His aunt had expressed a desire for a grand celebration, likely as a demonstration of the Bai family's resilience following his grandfather's passing. His uncle had concurred, and his father, while not strongly opinionated, had explicitly stated his willingness to cover all associated expenses.

As for Luo Yan, while he would have preferred a more intimate gathering, a party was acceptable. He allowed his aunt to orchestrate the arrangements, recognizing her need for such a distrac­tion. Furthermore, the event would also serve as a belated celebration for Luo Jin's birthday, thus consolidating it into a joint festivity scheduled for the upcoming Saturday at an upscale hotel. This likely contributed to his premonition that the scale of the event might exceed his expectations.

Having completed his tasks for the day, he saved his work. He then stood, stretching the stiffness from his shoulders, and engaged in brief pleasantries with his classmates as they egressed the laboratory in a steady stream. The corridor buzzed with students making their way into the crisp night air.

As he retrieved his phone to contact Shen Ji Yun, an arm encircled his shoulders from behind. He stiffened momentarily, but the familiar scent of Shen Ji Yun enveloped him, causing his body to instantly relax.

Luo Yan lightly tapped his chest. "You startled me, Brother Ji Yun."

"Apologies," Shen Ji Yun replied, his smile tinged with a touch of sheepishness.

"Have you been waiting long?" Luo Yan inquired.

Shen Ji Yun shook his head. "I just finished as well. I thought I'd come find you."

"How is your thesis preparation progressing?" Luo Yan asked, tilting his head upwards to look at Shen Ji Yun.

Luo Yan understood that as a graduating student, Shen Ji Yun's current semester was dedicated to thesis preparation. The majority of graduating students he observed on campus were engrossed in their studies, poring over books or glued to their laptops, refining drafts and conferring with their advisors. Shen Ji Yun was no different. Although his defense was scheduled for the subsequent semester, the workload remained substantial. He still needed to complete his research, meticulously document his findings, and ensure his advisor's satisfaction with the outcomes. It was a demanding undertaking, as Luo Yan knew from his own past experiences. Yet, Shen Ji Yun approached it with his characteristic quiet resolve.

"It's proceeding well," Shen Ji Yun responded.

"If you require any assistance, you know you can ask me, right?" Luo Yan said, meeting Shen Ji Yun's gaze with genuine sincerity.

Shen Ji Yun offered a smile at the proposition. He had no intention of seeking help from his first-year undergraduate boyfriend for his graduate thesis. However, he refrained from articulating this. He simply nodded, understanding that any argument would likely lead to Luo Yan's increased insistence.

"I will," he affirmed.

Staring at him for a spell, Luo Yan then let out a pout. "Hmph. You say that now, but I know deep down you won't."

Shen Ji Yun let out a soft chuckle. Luo Yan's pout was utterly charming, and he had to fight the urge to lower his head and press a kiss upon him right then and there.

"So, how is the party planning progressing?" Shen Ji Yun inquired, diverting the topic of conversation.

Luo Yan dropped the matter and responded. "To be perfectly honest? I haven't a clue. I've entrusted all the arrangements to Aunt Xiulan."

It was bound to be an extravagant affair, then. Given the Bai family's usual flair for hosting events, particularly the company gatherings they organized.

"Can we perhaps celebrate your birthday together, just the two of us, on Friday?" Shen Ji Yun inquired, his voice laced with a hopeful note.

A wide grin spread across Luo Yan's face as he looked up at him. "I was just waiting for you to ask. Naturally, we must."