The night unfurled before Ping'an, a canvas of profound beauty she had never truly witnessed until now. Since childhood, this was the first time she truly had the chance to behold Peace Town bathed in darkness. Hundreds of lanterns, like enormous, luminous fireflies, seemed to float and drift across the inky expanse of the sky, each one a tiny star in their own constellation. The sight stole her breath, transforming the familiar town into a magical, ethereal realm.
"Good thing, this rooftop is wide and flat here," Zhao Renshu said, settling onto Ping'an's left side.
"The scenery is beautiful," Ping'an murmured, taking it all in.
"I would rather have you rest," Guo Baiyu said, ever concerned about her recovery.
"I didn't climb the ladder as you requested," Ping'an teased, a faint smile on her lips.
A comforting warmth settled over the rooftop as the friends gathered, their gazes sweeping over Peace Town as it settled into the evening. Across the worn tiles, Guo Baiyu sat beside Ping'an, with Zhao Renshu nestled close by.
Guo Longtong sat nearest Zhao Renshu, their easy camaraderie palpable, a silent understanding passing between them. Beside him, Huang Hongse's presence was bright and animated, while Huang Yueliang radiated a gentle, serene energy. Further down the line, Lim Peizhi's quiet strength offered a calming anchor to the group, followed by Fang Yaoting, whose infectious laughter soon filled the cool night air. Finally, Lee Dachin's comfortable silence spoke volumes of his belonging, a testament to the deep trust he held for his companions. Food and drinks flowed freely between them, passed with easy smiles and knowing glances that required no words. The night air buzzed not just with their lively conversation, but with the shared joy of their company, each clink of a wine jar and burst of laughter weaving into the night's perfectly festive harmony.
When Guo Longtong looked to his left, he saw Huang Hongse staring motionlessly at the people on the street below, drinking from her small jar of wine. He arched back and saw Huang Yueliang's arms wrapped around Lim Peizhi's right arm, her head resting on his right shoulder. He looked past Lim Peizhi and Huang Yueliang and saw Fang Yaoting offering food to Lee Dachin, a tender gesture. Then, he looked to his right and saw Zhao Renshu, Guo Baiyu, and Ping'an chatting and eating, immersed in their own world. He then turned inwards to ask himself why the only two people who seemed to have no romantic feelings for each other were Huang Hongse and himself. It would be great if Lee Dachin was next to him, but Lee Dachin was too far away. He had no choice but to ask for advice from Zhao Renshu. He patted Zhao Renshu on the back.
"Renshu, how can I get Miss Huang's attention?" Guo Longtong whispered.
"It depends," Zhao Renshu replied with a smirk.
"On what?" Guo Longtong pressed, eager for wisdom.
Zhao Renshu smiled and said, "Miss Huang is a strong woman. She is more like a man than a woman. Take the first step. Be brave, be the big baby, be clinging to her." He winked at Guo Longtong. "You can do it. Keep it up." Zhao Renshu then turned back to enjoying himself with Ping'an and Guo Baiyu.
"Be brave," Guo Longtong murmured to himself, trying to steel his resolve. "Yes, I am brave."
"What are you doing?" Huang Hongse asked, turning to him coldly, her eyes narrowed.
Guo Longtong was startled, but his inner voice repeatedly told him "be brave." After he calmed himself down, his inner voice declared, "Either I was kicked out of the roof and fell to death, or I found love."
Guo Longtong widened his eyes like a puppy and feigned innocence. "Hongse," he said, and then, emboldened, wrapped his arms around her right arm. "I know I am not a powerful hunter like Renshu. I am not as handsome and smart as Baiyu. I am not a great general of a city like Peizhi. I am not the best swordsman of Capital City like Yaoting, but I like you more than all of their strengths and titles combined together. I am willing to be second to you and let you be the head of the household." He waited for a few minutes, but Huang Hongse didn't respond. He wanted to know if his confession was good or bad. Since she didn't hit him or pull him away, he continued to hold her arm, a hopeful light in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Fang Yaoting peeled an apple and offered a piece to Lee Dachin.
"Cut it in half," Lee Dachin requested politely.
"My mother said it's a bad sign if you cut fruit in half," Fang Yaoting replied, a playful glint in his eye.
Lee Dachin took a bite of the apple, and Fang Yaoting gently grabbed Lee Dachin's hand that was holding the apple. He turned the apple to the place where Lee Dachin had bitten and then took a bite at the exact same spot. Lee Dachin's face reddened, completely flustered.
"Childe Fang, what does this mean?" Lee Dachin asked shyly, his voice barely a whisper.
"I am confessing my feelings to you," Fang Yaoting said, his gaze unwavering. Fang Yaoting pulled Lee Dachin closer to him. When the fireworks began to spread beautifully in the dark sky, his lips touched Lee Dachin's soft lips.
Lee Dachin quickly retreated, his face scarlet. "Childe Fang!"
"Yes?" Fang Yaoting moved closer to Lee Dachin, a soft smile on his face.
Lee Dachin lowered his head, his voice strained. "I don't want anyone's sympathy. Moreover, I don't want to be anyone's substitute."
"You think too low of yourself," Fang Yaoting said, gently lifting Lee Dachin's face with his right hand. "I would rather pour my heart out to you than waste it away. I don't want to be anyone's substitute either." He looked deep into Lee Dachin's eyes and whispered softly, "I am in love with you." He kissed him again, a tender, affirming kiss.
Lee Dachin was speechless, simply looking at Fang Yaoting, his mind reeling.
Fang Yaoting stood up and he said out loud, his voice ringing across the rooftop, "Everyone, I have an announcement to make!"
All the friends looked at him, curious.
Fang Yaoting took a deep breath, and then slowly exhaled. He said, "I am announcing from today onward… I will make this person," he pointed to Lee Dachin, his gaze full of adoration, "my life partner. I will not let other man or woman go after him."
Everyone cheered and clapped, rooting enthusiastically for Fang Yaoting.
Fang Yaoting reached inside his robe and took out the small gift box he had received earlier.
"Baiyu, catch!" Fang Yaoting shouted, throwing the gift box directly to Guo Baiyu. Guo Baiyu reached out and easily grabbed the gift box with his left hand.
"Congratulations, Ping'an!" Fang Yaoting shouted. "This gift comes from Dachin and me!"
Guo Longtong stood up excitedly and applauded, overjoyed by the unfolding events. Suddenly, he lost his balance and almost fell off the roof, but Huang Hongse, with surprising speed, grabbed his belt to prevent him from falling.
Fang Yaoting raised his wine jar. "I, Fang Yaoting, am very happy to have everyone here as my friends. If you venture to Capital City, as long as you are at the Fang's doorstep, you will never be turned away." He looked at Lee Dachin, who was still shy, his cheeks very red. He shook his head, smiled, and said, "Baiyu, chasing you all these years was very fun, but from now on, I have someone else to chase after. I am very happy to stand by your side as a friend." He looked down at Lee Dachin, and Lee Dachin's face became even redder than before.
Guo Baiyu stood on the other end of the rooftop. "That's what I always wanted to hear from you," he said, raising his wine jar at Fang Yaoting. "Congratulations to you too."
The two men drank the wine, a toast of mutual respect.
Guo Baiyu looked out at the sky. "I can't stop the clouds from forming rain, but I will always be willing to hold the umbrella for you when it rains."
Lim Peizhi stood up and shouted, "Well said! A toast to our friendships!"
As more and more fireworks spread in dazzling bursts across the night sky, everyone raised their jars and drank, celebrating their bonds.
Fang Yaoting sat down next to Lee Dachin. "Don't be so shocked. You should be very happy to get my first kiss."
"You also got my first kiss," Lee Dachin murmured shyly, looking away.
Fang Yaoting was very happy, but he pretended that he didn't hear Lee Dachin. "What did you say?" he teased, leaning closer.
"You also got my first kiss," Lee Dachin repeated, slightly louder.
Fang Yaoting smiled, a look of pure joy on his face as he gazed at Lee Dachin.
On the other end, Zhao Renshu filled his mouth with food and turned to Ping'an. Guo Baiyu handed Ping'an a handkerchief. Ping'an used Guo Baiyu's handkerchief to wipe off the grease from the corners of Zhao Renshu's mouth, a familiar gesture of care.
Ping'an sighed, then smiled, her eyes filled with a mixture of nostalgia and gratitude. "I'm thinking how much I hated this small town. The memories of this small town are unpleasant. I have told myself many times that I will never set foot in this small town again. This small town gave me a lot of hopeless hopes, but at the same time, it brought me the two of you and them." She looked at her friends, a warm glow in her eyes. "Thank you for being by my side." She squeezed her lovers' hands, one in each of hers. "The two of you bring me so much love, hopes, dreams, happiness, and friends."
"Yueliang, play us a romantic song!" Zhao Renshu shouted, his voice filled with happiness.
The group of friends toasted to each other, listening to the soft and romantic Guzheng melody played by Huang Yueliang while enjoying the beautiful scenery from the rooftop, a shared moment of peace and joy.