---
Guiying practically floated across the driveway, the gold bar cradled carefully against his chest, a grin he couldn't quite suppress tugging at his mouth.
"You're happy." Liuxian's voice carried unmistakable warmth, watching him with the kind of open fondness he rarely let show so plainly.
"I actually impressed her," Guiying's eyes shone under the porch light. "Your mother, of all people. I wasn't sure what to expect walking in tonight, and she gave me a gift."
"My love," Liuxian reached for his free hand, lacing their fingers together as they walked. "You're so happy right now, I never want to stop seeing you smile like this."
Overhead, the sky stretched wide and clear, stars scattered thick enough to rival the city lights they'd left behind on the drive over. Guiying tilted his head back briefly, breathing in the cool night air, letting the last of tonight's nerves finally drain out of his shoulders.
