MTL - 84

Tang Yu being jealous is so amusing, though my situation ended up a bit miserable.

But it’s okay—I won’t hold it against you since you love me!

—Little Tangxin’s Diary

On the afternoon of New Year’s Eve, Tang Xin returned to Suzhou. Every year, their family’s New Year’s Eve dinner was held at her eldest uncle’s house, where he lived in a villa with their grandparents.

Tang Dawei picked her up and drove straight to the eldest uncle’s house without even stopping by home.

On the way, she sent two cold words to Tang Yu: “I’m here.”

Last night had been a whirlwind of bondage and suit play. She loved Tang Yu, and she wasn’t a shy or conservative girl—she was willing to try many things with him. But they had gone overboard. After finally pleading with him to let her go, it was already 3 AM. Later, who knows what got into him—he woke her up in the middle of her sleep for another round. Tang Xin cried and said every sweet word she could think of. Eventually, Tang Yu carried her to the bathroom to clean up and then coaxed her back to sleep.

Before drifting off, she vaguely remembered him asking her something, but she was too tired to make out his words. This morning, she barely managed to get out of bed and rushed to the airport. If not for the VIP lane, she would have been stuck in Beijing for the holiday.

Perhaps because she had grown up, she didn’t feel much excitement about the New Year anymore. Every year, it was just a formality—visiting relatives, enduring gossip from aunts and uncles, comparing children, and nagging single twenty-somethings to find partners.

This year, Tang Xin was the center of attention. As soon as she entered her eldest uncle’s house, everyone swarmed around her, asking questions.

“Tang Xin, are you and Tang Yu still doing well? He didn’t break up with you over Zhong Yan’s incident, did he?”

“No, we’re fine.”

“Have you met his parents?”

“Yes.”

“My mom said he visited your house—isn’t that a sign that you’re preparing to get married?”

“…”

Tang Dawei, visibly displeased, interrupted them: “It’s still early! My daughter is only 25—why rush marriage?”

The eldest uncle’s wife shook her head disapprovingly: “She’ll be 26 after the New Year. If there’s a good man, it’s better to marry early. Otherwise, dragging it out might lead to a breakup…”

Zhong Lijun, who had been upset by all the gossip about her family causing trouble due to Zhong Yan’s scandal, couldn’t help but interject with a sarcastic smile: “Break up? They’re getting married next year.”

Tang Xin: “….”

Tang Dawei: “….”

The atmosphere grew awkward for a moment. Tang Xin quickly defused the tension with a laugh: “Why rush? I want to enjoy dating for another year or two. Stop pressuring me about marriage.”

She reached for half a pomelo on the table, intending to share it with everyone. Before she could pull her hand back, Zhong Lijun suddenly grabbed her wrist. On her fair, delicate skin were several faint red marks—not very noticeable, but her pale complexion made them stand out.

“What happened to your hand?”

Tang Xin froze, blushing as she glanced at her wrist. The tie material had been exquisite, but Tang Yu had been exceptionally skilled at restraining her. Amidst the intense sensory stimulation, her hands hadn’t been able to move, leaving her to struggle helplessly.

At the time, she hadn’t felt any pain. It was only when Tang Yu untied the tie afterward that they realized her wrists were red.

He had applied ointment last night, but some traces remained today, serving as a reminder of how wild the night had been. Rubbing her wrist, she feigned calmness: “It’s nothing—I accidentally scraped it while carrying something.”

Zhong Lijun frowned: “What did you carry using your wrist?”

Tang Xin replied nonchalantly: “When my fingers got tired, I used my wrist.”

“…”

With a few casual remarks, Tang Xin brushed it off. No one thought twice about it. After the New Year’s Eve feast began, the large family gathered around a round table, eating and chatting. Her cousin asked her: “When are you going back to Beijing?”

“The seventh day.”

“Any plans during these days?”

“No, just a class reunion on the sixth.”

High school reunions happened annually, varying in scale. This year’s gathering was particularly grand because it was organized together with the neighboring class. There were always a few influential figures in school who could rally everyone, and as long as they participated, others happily joined in.

The neighboring class’s heartthrob, Han Yang, had returned from abroad and confirmed his attendance, prompting everyone to enthusiastically organize the event.

At 5 PM on the sixth day of the lunar new year, Tang Xin left for the reunion, driving her mother’s car. Just as she fastened her seatbelt, the group chat lit up with notifications. Everyone was reminding each other: “We’re heading out now—don’t be late.”

Tang Xin replied briefly in the group chat, glancing at the pinned conversation. In the past few days, Tang Yu had sent her red packets whenever he had free time. Today, however, he hadn’t sent anything—likely busy.

She tossed her phone aside and drove off.

This year’s reunion was lively. They booked a banquet hall at a hotel, with nearly seventy attendees filling six tables. Back in school, the two classes had been close, and after three years, most people were familiar with one another.

Years had passed, yet the trio who once shone brightest during their school days—Tang Xin, Mingzhu, and You Huan—remained the center of attention. Beautiful and inseparable, their bond had only grown stronger over time, inspiring envy in others.

Now, Tang Xin was the hottest topic.

After all, she had boldly announced her relationship back then, and recently, she had been embroiled in the drug scandal. Naturally, she became the focus of gossip and curiosity. The class monitor teased: “Tang Xin, you’ve really hit the jackpot—your boyfriend is quite the figure.”

She smiled brightly: “Thank you, but I’m not bad either.”

Everyone laughed. Someone asked: “Is your boyfriend not coming to celebrate the New Year with you?”

“He’s busy.”

“Oh…”

Of course, one or two people couldn’t resist throwing shade, bringing up Zhong Yan’s incident. Tang Xin calmly responded: “It’s all explained online—the house was rented out.”

Seeing her cornered, You Huan redirected the conversation toward the vice-class monitor of the neighboring class: “Where’s Han Yang?”

The vice-class monitor chuckled: “He couldn’t make it for dinner but said he’d join us for the second half.”

After dinner, the group moved en masse to a nearby KTV. Upon arriving, they spotted Han Yang waiting downstairs. The boy had grown into a tall, handsome man, exuding confidence. He greeted them warmly: “I’ve been waiting for half an hour.”

His gaze lingered on Tang Xin amidst the crowd, carrying a hint of deeper meaning. Over the past two to three months, she had been the most talked-about alum among old classmates. He had seen the news online. After two years apart, she appeared even more radiant and captivating than before.

Some informed friends asked him if he regretted anything.

Her boyfriend, the CEO of Time Light Entertainment, was undoubtedly more accomplished than him. Everything seemed to confirm that her choice back then hadn’t been wrong.

Han Yang didn’t regret it exactly—it was more a sense of nostalgia. Their connection? Tang Xin had once liked him. At seventeen or eighteen, her feelings had been bold and unrestrained, fearless in her youth. During her senior year, she confessed to him, saying, “We can go to university in Beijing together!”

Everyone had been saying that Han Yang was guaranteed admission to Tsinghua University and wouldn’t take the college entrance exam.

On the day she confessed, he hesitated before finally telling her: “I’m not going to Beijing—my family has arranged for me to study abroad.”

Tang Xin was stunned, feeling both sad and understanding. Many classmates with means chose to study overseas. Even Tang Dawei had asked her if she wanted to go abroad, but Tang Xin declined. She had never been particularly interested in foreign universities, believing domestic ones were just as good.

However, after a brief pause, Han Yang suddenly turned to her: “Would you like to study abroad with me?”

He knew her family had the means.

Once again, Tang Xin was taken aback, realizing his implication—that he liked her too.

The outcome was—

The two of them didn’t end up together. Han Yang went abroad, and she went to Beijing. They barely kept in touch.

During the first two years of college, You Huan had already been in two relationships, but Tang Xin hadn’t met anyone who caught her eye. You Huan once asked if she was still thinking about Han Yang. Tang Xin lay back on the couch, gazing at the incandescent light above, and casually replied: “Of course I think about him—he was the ‘white moonlight’ of my teenage years.”

Meeting his gaze now, Tang Xin smiled: “Long time no see.”

Han Yang nodded with a faint smile: “Yes, it’s been two years.”

Her current situation needed no explanation—just one look made it clear she was happy.

Someone asked Han Yang: “Are you leaving again this time?”

Han Yang replied: “No, I’m staying. I’ll either go to Shanghai or Beijing—I’m still deciding between two companies.”

Everyone glanced at him, agreeing that no matter where Han Yang went, he would excel. The group continued chatting as they headed upstairs. Suddenly, a message popped up on Tang Xin’s WeChat.

Tang Yu: “Send me your location.”

Tang Xin’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly replied: “You’re coming to Suzhou?”

Tang Yu: “Mm.”

An hour later, Tang Xin stood where Han Yang had been moments ago. She saw a black Range Rover parked by the roadside. A man in a black overcoat stepped out of the car. His hair was shorter, accentuating his striking features. His deep gaze lingered on her for three seconds before a faint smile curved his lips: “Come here.”

In that instant, Tang Xin recalled the last time he came to Suzhou. Her heart raced uncontrollably as she ran to him, crashing into his sturdy chest and broad embrace. Looking up at him, her eyes sparkling like stars, she said joyfully: “Why are you here?”

Standing beside the Range Rover, the man wrapped his arms around her and chuckled softly: “Guess.”

That was her catchphrase.

Tang Xin hummed smugly, a hint of pride in her tone: “It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow—you came to celebrate with me, right?”

She had booked a flight for the next morning.

She never expected him to show up.

Tang Yu gave a low hum and glanced at the KTV entrance, tilting his chin toward it: “Having a party inside?”

When Tang Xin had come downstairs earlier, everyone knew about it—she hadn’t hidden the fact that her boyfriend was coming. At this point, the entire group was waiting—almost two classes’ worth of people. Being surrounded and questioned would be awkward, so she blinked mischievously: “Or… shall we leave? I can just send a text.”

But Tang Yu pulled her toward the entrance, his demeanor casual yet cold: “What’s worrying you? Let’s go see what your ‘white moonlight’ looks like.”

Tang Xin: “!!!”

She looked up at him in astonishment.

Tang Yu pressed the elevator button, leading her inside. He glanced down at her: “While putting on your screen protector that night, I accidentally saw You Huan’s message.”

“…”

They arrived on the sixth floor.

Stepping out of the elevator, Tang Xin finally processed his words and angrily pinched his waist: “So… you didn’t come to celebrate Valentine’s Day with me—you came to catch me cheating?”

Tang Yu frowned. Catch her cheating? What nonsense?

He pinched her cheek lightly, just as Han Yang emerged from the room to make a phone call. Spotting them, Han Yang paused for a moment.

One second.

That was all it took for Tang Yu to confirm that this man must be the so-called “white moonlight.” To be fair, there was a slight resemblance in their demeanor, and Han Yang was indeed handsome. In a suit, he’d likely captivate Tang Xin even more, given her love for suits.

So, she was the one with discerning, unwavering taste.

He clicked his tongue, feeling an intense surge of displeasure, and pinched her round cheek again. Irritated, she glared up at him. To outsiders, their interaction seemed excessively intimate.

Tang Xin met Han Yang’s gaze and greeted him with a smile: “Han Yang, why are you out here?”

Han Yang snapped out of his thoughts, glanced at Tang Yu, and chuckled: “Just making a phone call.”

“This is my boyfriend, Tang Yu,” Tang Xin introduced casually. She felt no awkwardness—after all, years had passed, and Han Yang wasn’t even her ex.

Han Yang smiled and extended his hand: “Nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Tang Yu shook his hand, his lips curving slightly: “Likewise.”

Another person emerged from the room, spotted them, and exclaimed in surprise: “Wow, Tang Xin’s boyfriend is here!”

Tang Yu finally saw the large private room packed with people. Tang Xin grinned mischievously and whispered softly, looking up at him: “Shall we go in and face the crowd and questioning? You insisted on coming.”

Tang Yu, unfazed by any grand scene, chuckled and walked in with her in his arms.

Throughout, Han Yang sat in the corner, watching Tang Yu and Tang Xin surrounded by the crowd. He listened to their conversations and occasionally met Tang Yu’s icy gaze. Han Yang was taken aback, feeling as though those eyes saw through everything. Hastily lowering his head, he took a sip of alcohol.

“Mr. Tang—is it alright if I address you that way? Or should I call you by your name?”

“Either is fine,” the man replied with a faint smile. “We’re not in a work setting—it’s casual.”

“Did you come specifically to celebrate Valentine’s Day with Tang Xin?”

“Yes.”

“Wow, how romantic.”

Tang Xin: “….”

Bullshit. This big jerk came to catch her cheating and to see her “white moonlight.”

…

Late into the night, the moment they entered the hotel room, Tang Xin was pinned against the door and kissed. The lights were off, and the two clung to each other desperately, tugging at each other’s clothes. Their breathing grew erratic as jackets and sweaters fell away. All Tang Xin had left was a beige long dress, which eventually slipped off with a few soft whimpers.

From the doorway, they tumbled onto the bed, their longing, love, and jealousy dissolving into sweat.

After a long while, Tang Yu rose from the bed and walked to the door. Bending down, he rummaged through the pile of scattered clothes, retrieved his pants, and pulled out the room key to turn on the lights.

The warm, soft glow illuminated the flushed face of the little woman on the bed, her sultry eyes half-closed. She hid beneath the covers, her long, dark hair cascading over the pillow. Tang Yu felt a surge of desire within him, realizing one round clearly wasn’t enough.

He draped on a bathrobe, loosely tying it, leaving his chest partially exposed. His abdominal muscles were sharply defined, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead and chin. The lingering lust in his eyes made him irresistibly attractive. Tang Xin pulled the blanket over her face.

A while later, she was “dug out.”

Tang Yu held her close, burying his face in her shoulder, planting kisses and leaving marks. Tang Xin trembled sensitively, gasping as she hugged him tightly and whispered softly: “Tang Yu, happy Valentine’s Day.”

It was already past 1 AM.

He ruffled her hair and chuckled softly: “Mm, very happy.”

Tang Xin’s ears turned red, feeling that his words carried a deeper meaning. She looked up at him coyly: “Tang Yu, you’re becoming more and more of a beast.”

He smirked indifferently: “Isn’t that what you love about me? The more beastly I am in bed, the more you feel loved.”

Tang Xin: “….”

What exactly gave you that illusion?

Tang Yu turned around to pour a glass of water. After drinking it himself, he poured another and brought it back to feed her.

She leaned against him as she finished the water, her lips rosy and glistening. Looking up at him, she softly asked: “Are you angry and jealous? If you hadn’t known about the ‘white moonlight,’ would you still have come?”

They had already planned her return date and even mapped out their itinerary. Tang Yu’s only task was to pick her up from the airport and take her home. He set the glass down, lazily nodded, and lowered his gaze to her, chuckling self-deprecatingly: “Tang Xin, I realized something today.”

She closed her eyes and hugged him, nuzzling her head against his chest. Her voice was drowsy and muffled: “What?”

“You’re the one who has consistent taste, only liking men who look good in suits.”

And he wasn’t that kind of man.

The Tang Xin he loved now was completely different from the type of person he used to think he liked—whether it was appearance, demeanor, or personality.

But none of that mattered anymore.

Now, he was madly in love with her. His decision to come to Suzhou was made the moment he saw her phone that night. Now, like a lovesick teenager, he couldn’t stop once he touched her.

The one who had lost control was him.