The Return of the God Level Assassin Chapter 1324: EXPOSE

LUO YAN was stunned, Shen Ji Yun's words striking him like a physical blow. Their first anniversary. That was the crucial detail he’d felt was missing, the important thing he’d forgotten about. A wave of guilt washed over him; he had utterly neglected their anniversary. Although the actual date was tomorrow, it didn't negate the fact that it had completely slipped his mind.

"I'm sorry, Brother Ji Yun, I forgot," he blurted out. "I did get a gift, I purchased it last week, I just didn't think—the actual date is tomorrow, so in my mind, I categorized it for tomorrow, you understand? I didn't assume you'd wish to celebrate today, so I left it at home, but I guarantee I will present it to you tomorrow, I solemnly swear—" He halted his rapid speech, took a deep breath, and made an effort to calm himself. "I am truly sorry."

Luo Yan's words spilled out in a hurried jumble, nearly tripping over themselves. He almost bit his tongue twice in his haste to explain, fearing Shen Ji Yun might perceive his forgetfulness as a lack of care or a deliberate oversight. However, the more he spoke, the more his explanation sounded like a series of weak excuses. He stopped abruptly, feeling utterly mortified, and lowered his gaze, his face flushing hotly.

Shen Ji Yun observed Luo Yan's flustered explanation, a gentle warmth blossoming in his chest. His boyfriend was undeniably endearing when he panicked like this. "It's alright, Yan Yan. I bear no anger. Whether you forgot or didn't have a gift is inconsequential. The paramount aspect is that we are sharing this moment together. And you are correct; tomorrow hasn't even arrived yet, so technically, you haven't truly forgotten. I was the one who got overly eager."

"Brother Ji Yun, you can't be this lenient with me," Luo Yan protested with a pout. "It was wrong of me to forget. You must hold me accountable when I err like this. What if I become accustomed to your constant forgiveness and begin to take you for granted? That is an outcome we must avoid. In this relationship, parity is essential. You cannot always be the giver. Both of us must contribute equal effort."

Shen Ji Yun offered a smile. "The mere fact that you vocalize this concern is proof positive that you won't allow such a situation to arise. You would self-correct long before it ever reached that stage."

He was certain of it. His understanding of Luo Yan was absolute. He knew his boyfriend would never exploit his indulgence. That was simply the nature of Luo Yan.

Luo Yan, still pouting, reached for the other ring, the one bearing Shen Ji Yun's name inscribed within. He gently took Shen Ji Yun's left hand and slipped the ring onto his ring finger. "I will give you my gift tomorrow, before the celebration."

Shen Ji Yun let out a soft chuckle. "I shall anticipate it."

Luo Yan cast him an exasperated glance, then leaned forward and pressed his lips to his. "I truly adore the ring. It is exquisite," he murmured against Shen Ji Yun's mouth.

Shen Ji Yun drew him into an embrace, a serene contentment settling over him. Hearing Luo Yan's appreciation for the ring was, in truth, all that truly mattered.

***

Luo Wei Tian glanced at his wristwatch. The time had passed ten in the evening, and Luo Yan had yet to return to the estate. Luo Wei Tian had arrived shortly after six, intending to surprise his son and convey his birthday wishes in person. Initially, he, Luo Ren, and Luo Jin were slated to travel to B City the following day, but he had elected to arrive a day early to be present for Luo Yan's actual birthday. He hadn't anticipated his son being out so late.

Sun Xiulan had mentioned that Luo Yan was occupied with a project, but Luo Wei Tian had presumed he would be back by seven or eight at the latest. He had not foreseen his son remaining out until this late hour.

He considered sending Luo Yan a message to inquire about his return time, but doing so would betray his presence and spoil the surprise. If Bai Ze were available, he could have enlisted his nephew to message Luo Yan instead. However, Bai Ze had not yet returned either.

Could university students genuinely be this occupied?

Unable to remain indoors while his son was still absent, he opted to wait outside instead. He had been pacing the garden path near the main gate. This vantage point would allow him to personally open the gate when Luo Yan finally arrived.

Just as the clock approached eleven, Luo Wei Tian was contemplating abandoning his post and messaging Luo Yan. Then, the distinct sound of a car engine pulling to a stop outside the gate reached his ears. He knew his son hadn't arranged for the driver to pick him up, meaning the vehicle likely belonged to Bai Ze or was a taxi Luo Yan had hailed. If it were neither of these, the car would have presumably continued past the entrance rather than stopping.

Normally, Bai Ze would have already signaled the house upon arriving at the gate. However, several moments elapsed without any signal. Luo Wei Tian also hadn't detected the car departing. The engine's cessation indicated the driver had switched it off, implying they weren't merely dropping someone off. But if Luo Yan had indeed taken a taxi, why hadn't he exited and rung the doorbell by now?

Luo Wei Tian's patience wore thin. He proceeded to the small gate, swinging it open with the resolve to investigate the situation personally. Yet, the instant he stepped outside, he became motionless.

His son was visible, held within another man's embrace. The dim illumination obscured the man's features, but the intent was unmistakable. He was lowering his head to kiss Luo Yan.

Directly on the lips!

Without a second thought, Luo Wei Tian seized the man's arm, wrenching him away from his son. "What exactly do you believe you are doing?" he demanded.