Yingqu Liuzi was pampered by her wealthy daddy.

In mid-December, Xize said he would be going back to Scotland for Christmas this year. Shen Yu'an was lying on the sofa looking at her phone when she heard this and looked up.

Scotland? Back to your hometown?

"Yes. My grandmother went back too, along with some other family members. They spent Christmas there."

Shen Yu'an put down her phone and sat up straight.

He's been in the UK for two years and doesn't really understand Christmas. He didn't celebrate it back in China, and he's not religious.

Since coming to London, I've seen lanterns hanging everywhere in the streets every December, and gingerbread men and little wooden houses displayed in shop windows. Plus, there's a very long holiday.

I know this is a pretty important holiday for foreigners.

"I don't celebrate Christmas," Shen Yu'an said.

"I know," Caesar said, looking at him. "Your country is nothing special."

Shen Yu'an thought about it and agreed.

After all, he lives in the UK and respects the local culture. Besides, this is spending it with Caesar and his family, which is somewhat similar to celebrating Chinese New Year in China.

Are there many people in your area?

Xize thought for a moment: "About ten or twenty direct relatives. There might be more from more distant relatives."

After hearing this, Shen Yu'an felt his palms starting to sweat.

He had met his grandmother once before, but that was just a meal in London. This time, he was going back to the ancestral home to meet the entire family, which was a completely different matter.

Moreover, he doesn't quite understand the rules and is afraid of doing something wrong.

"I'm afraid I won't perform well."

"You don't need to do anything, just follow me."

"Don't relax yet. This isn't just seeing Grandma alone; it's a group of people."

Caesar walked over and sat down beside him, putting his arm around him: "If you don't want to go, we can stay in London, it's fine for just the two of us."

Shen Yu'an leaned on his shoulder and thought for a while, then shook her head: "Go. Those who need to be seen should be seen eventually. Besides, Grandmother said she'd bring her a painting when I visit the ancestral home next time, and I promised."

Xize lowered his head and kissed his hair: "When we get there, don't worry about anything, just follow me. Answer whatever they ask you, and if you don't want to answer, just look at me."

Shen Yu'an got up very early on the morning of the day he set off.

He had packed his luggage the night before and checked it twice to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything.

Seeing his nervousness, Xize didn't say anything, but held his hand when getting into the car.

It takes several hours to drive from London to Scotland.

Shen Yu'an sat in the passenger seat, watching the scenery outside the window slowly change from the city to the fields.

He recalled how he celebrated the Chinese New Year back home, with his whole family sitting together for a lively New Year's Eve dinner.

He was homesick.

Although the people around us are different and the things are different, the feeling of a family gathering together should be the same.

"Are you nervous?" Caesar asked.

"A little." Shen Yu'an reached out and placed his hand on Xize's thigh, his fingers squeezing the fabric of his pants.

Xize freed one hand and grasped his fingers: "It's alright, I'm here. Rest for the night; the formal banquet is tomorrow."

The car drove through a large gate. The iron gate was wide, with stone pillars on both sides and coats of arms carved on top.

After driving in, there was a long road leading to a large gray stone house at the end of the road. It was older than the house in London and had many windows.

Shen Yu'an looked at the old house and felt his palms sweating again.

After parking the car, Xize walked around to his side and opened the door for him.

When Shen Yu'an came down, his feet touched the gravel ground, and he looked up at the house.

Xize walked to his side, reached out and took his hand, not letting go.

Are you cold?

"It's not cold," Shen Yu'an said, her voice a little strained.

Xize squeezed his fingers: "Let's go inside. Grandma's waiting."

The foyer was much warmer than outside. A fire was burning in the fireplace, and someone took their coats from them; someone came to greet them.

Shen Yu'an saw a large Christmas tree next to the entrance hall, covered with golden balls and stars.

He glanced at it a couple more times and thought it was quite beautiful.

Xize walked beside him the whole time, never letting go of his hand.

When someone looks over, Xize will use his eyes to signal the other person to keep their distance and answer their questions for them.

Grandmother came over from the living room, smiled as soon as she saw Shen Yu'an, and patted his arm.

"It's good to see you. Are you cold? Come in and have something hot."

Shen Yu'an followed her into the living room.

The fireplace in the living room was also larger than the one in London. A wreath of holly leaves, red and green, hung on the mantel.

Shen Yu'an glanced at it and then looked away.

"Are you tired from the journey?" Grandma asked.

"Not tired."

Are you hungry?

"fine."

His grandmother glanced at his face and smiled, saying, "Don't be nervous. You're just staying here for now. The real banquet is tomorrow night. There will be more people then, so be prepared and don't be nervous."

Shen Yu'an nodded and said okay.

A middle-aged woman brought over tea—hot black tea with cinnamon sticks steeping in the cup. Shen Yu'an held the cup with both hands and took a sip, feeling the warmth seep into his palms.

Xize asked him softly from beside him, "Would you like to go to your room and rest first?"

Shen Yu'an shook his head: "No need, let's just sit here for a while."

He sat on the sofa in the living room, listening to the voices around him and the crackling of the fireplace.

He sat next to Caesar, his hand being held, the fireplace warm and cozy.

The dinner was on the second night.

Shen Yu'an started to feel nervous in the afternoon.

He changed his clothes twice in the room. The first time he wore a light blue jacket, but after looking in the mirror, he felt it was too bright, so he changed back to a darker one.

Xize watched him change without saying a word. After he finished changing, he came over and hugged him from behind, resting his chin on his shoulder and saying, "I don't need to change anymore, this one is fine."

Shen Yu'an looked at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a dark coat and a white shirt, looking clean and tidy, but her hands were trembling.

"What if they don't explain it well?"

Caesar tightened his grip slightly, his lips brushing against his ear as he said, "No. They wouldn't dare."

Shen Yu'an chuckled at the "I dare not" remark, but remained nervous.

"It's alright if your grandmother is here; I don't know the others."

"You don't need to know them. It's enough that they know you."

Shen Yu'an took a deep breath and said, "Let's go."

The dinner was held in the main dining room of the ancestral home.

When Shen Yu'an walked through the double doors, he saw a long table covered with a dark red tablecloth, and set with silver candlesticks and tableware.

About twenty people sat on either side of the table; the men were in dark suits and the women in evening gowns, all talking in hushed tones. There were also a few children present.

Shen Yu'an stood at the door, feeling all those gazes falling on him.

It wasn't malicious, but the feeling of being scrutinized by a dozen pairs of eyes made his neck stiff.

Xize took his hand and took a step forward.

He did not lead Shen Yu'an to her seat.

He stood at one end of the long table, facing everyone, his gray-blue eyes scanning the room before he spoke.

"Everyone."

His voice wasn't loud, but it was enough to silence the entire restaurant. Everyone looked at him.

Shen Yu'an stood beside him, being led by his hand. He felt all eyes on him and his heart was pounding. But Xize's fingers remained firmly clasped around his.

Xize turned to the side, his gaze falling on Shen Yu'an's face, then turned to the family members present, his voice steady and clear.

"This is my lover, Shen Yu'an. The future master of the house."

The restaurant was silent for a few seconds.

Shen Yu'an's mind went blank for a moment. When he heard those words come out of Xize's mouth, he felt his eardrums vibrating.

Then Grandma's applause rang out.

She sat at the head of the long table, was the first to clap her hands, and looked at Shen Yu'an with a smile.

As soon as she took the lead, the others followed suit, some nodding and smiling, others raising their glasses in greeting.

Shen Yu'an stood there, surrounded by applause and gazes, his palms sweaty.

But he didn't try to escape. Because Xize's hand was still holding his, and every word he had just said carried weight and resonated deeply.

Xize led him to the seat opposite his grandmother.

When Shen Yu'an sat down, her legs felt a little weak. Only after she loosened her grip on Xize's hand did she realize that her palms were soaked with sweat.

Grandmother turned to the side and said in a low voice, "He's right."

Shen Yu'an looked at his grandmother, his eyes welled up with tears, and he nodded.

The banquet officially began.

The servants brought the dishes up, the knives and forks lightly clinking on the porcelain plates, and the people around the table began to talk in hushed tones.

Shen Yu'an sat very upright, and at first he was a little afraid to move. Xize helped him cut the food on the plate, gently pushed the plate in front of him, and said, "Eat."

Shen Yu'an lowered his head and ate.

The atmosphere at the table was more relaxed than Shen Yu'an had imagined.

When people asked him questions, Shen Yu'an answered them one by one, his voice gradually becoming steady and no longer as tense as it had been at the beginning.

Xize sat next to him, occasionally pinching his fingers under the tablecloth. Shen Yu'an felt the touch, and each time he would relax a little.

During the meal, a middle-aged man stood up to offer a toast, speaking in English, which Shen Yu'an understood roughly.

He welcomed Mr. Shen to the family and wished him and Mr. Xize happiness.

Everyone raised their glasses, and Shen Yu'an followed suit. His glass contained juice, and he took a sip and smiled.

By the time they started eating dessert, Shen Yu'an was no longer as nervous as before.

He even struck up a conversation with a young woman next to him, who was Caesar's cousin, asking if he was getting used to living in London. He said he was because someone was taking care of him.

My cousin laughed and said she could tell.

Shen Yu'an glanced at Xize, who was talking to an elder, but seemed to sense his gaze and turned to look at him.

He glanced at her, his lips twitched slightly, and then he turned back to continue speaking.

Shen Yu'an withdrew his gaze and took a sip of mulled wine.

It tasted strange, but after taking a couple of sips, he felt a little warmer.

After the dinner, everyone drank and chatted in the living room.

The fireplace was burning brightly. Shen Yu'an sat on the sofa in the corner, her feet tucked into the armrest.

Xize was called away for a few words. Before leaving, he kissed him on the forehead and said he would be right back.

Shen Yu'an nodded and sat there alone, holding a cup.

He felt as if he had accomplished something significant tonight. When he walked through this door, he was an outsider; when he walked out of this door, he had gained an identity.

The identity that Xize mentioned.

Shen Yu'an lowered his head and smiled, his fingers touching the chain on his collarbone. The metal plate was pressed against his skin and carried his body heat.

The future master of the house. He said it so naturally, as if he had thought of these words long ago and was just waiting to say them tonight.

Xize returned, sat down next to him, and pulled him closer to himself.

Are you tired?

"fine."

Did they give you any trouble?

"No." Shen Yu'an leaned on his shoulder. "They're all fine."

Xize's arms were around his waist, and his chin rested on the top of his head.

The firelight from the fireplace danced before them, and the people in the living room were still chatting, their laughter and the clinking of glasses mingling together.