After Amnesia, I Learn I'm a Scumbag Top?! - Chapter 77

Chapter 77

“You want to do what at school?!” Lü Yi’s shocked voice boomed through the video call.

Pei Ji had hastily created a small group chat with just Lü Yi and Kong Chuan to coordinate the proposal.

Seeing Lü Yi’s eyes widen like brass bells, Pei Ji suddenly regretted involving this unreliable blabbermouth in his proposal team.

He lived in constant fear that Lü Yi would slip up and spoil the surprise he had prepared for Chu Tinghan.

Pei Ji hissed, “Keep it down! I’m just proposing, not committing a crime. Why are you so shocked?”

“Aren’t you already married? Why are you proposing again?” Lü Yi’s head swam with question marks.

After Pei Ji briefly explained his intentions, Lü Yi’s gossipy grin resurfaced. “Oh~ I never knew you had such a romantic streak! No problem, I’ll definitely help you. I guarantee we’ll create the most romantic proposal ceremony ever.”

For the past half-month, Pei Ji had been working tirelessly on the proposal arrangements, finally completing the venue setup on the very last day of the month.

He chose the university auditorium as the proposal venue. The two-tiered hall could accommodate nearly a thousand people and was typically used for faculty lectures and award ceremonies for large-scale events. This marked its first-ever use for a marriage proposal.

The junior tasked with operating the central control console felt an immediate sense of mission. He threw himself into rehearsals with unwavering focus, never once slacking off.

Pei Ji even tracked down his former university bandmates. They immediately agreed to help with the proposal and rushed to the scene from across the country.

Reuniting with his bandmates on stage after so many years gave Pei Ji an almost otherworldly feeling, as if he had returned to his college days. He was once again the charismatic lead singer, a campus legend, while his Senior sat in the audience, watching him perform with a radiant smile.

With all preparations complete, they awaited the arrival of the proposal’s main protagonist.

On the day of the proposal, Pei Ji had to trick the busy Director Chu into coming. He lied, claiming he was planning a new song premiere but lacked experience and wanted the Big Song God Chu, a veteran of decades, to offer his expert advice.

Chu Tinghan still hesitated. Though he’d always managed his own performances, big and small, advising Pei Ji felt different. He worried about accidentally sabotaging Pei Ji’s first concert after his explosive rise to fame.

“Are you sure you want me to come?” Chu Tinghan’s face was etched with concern, as if he cared more about Pei Ji’s career than Pei Ji himself. “I don’t think I’m professional enough. How about I find you some famous directors or a top-tier stage design team instead?”

He immediately began scrolling through his contacts, looking for relevant numbers. “I even have the contact information for the world’s most renowned dance troupes. We could invite them as backup dancers! Oh, and we should definitely upgrade the sound equipment to the best available…”

Pei Ji quickly cut him off, chuckling. “Director Chu, you don’t need to worry about any of that. My new song premiere has everything it needs—except for you. I just need you to be there.”

Chu Tinghan looked at him. “Really?”

Pei Ji nodded firmly.

Hearing this unequivocal assurance, Chu Tinghan finally agreed.

Inside the auditorium, Chu Tinghan stood on the second floor of the audience section, with a clear view of the stage below.

The house lights dimmed, leaving only a single spotlight focused on Pei Ji in the center of the stage.

Pei Ji was dressed with unusual formality today, his suit a custom-tailored piece borrowed from a stylist. The stiff fabric and crisp lines perfectly complemented his tall, upright figure, making him resemble a meticulously sculpted statue under the spotlight.

Not only was his attire formal, but his demeanor had also become exceptionally solemn. He was even taking deep, deliberate breaths, his serious demeanor a stark contrast to his usual casualness during rehearsals.

Chu Tinghan couldn’t shake the feeling that Pei Ji was hiding something from him—something good, perhaps a surprise. Otherwise, he couldn’t explain Pei Ji’s palpable nervousness.

Moments later, the stage screen gradually lit up, displaying a vista of swirling stars in the deep cosmos.

Crimson starlight converged and intertwined like cosmic mist, as if the very breath of the universe had condensed into form, its layers upon layers outlining the classic silhouette of romance itself.

Hidden within the darkness, an immense and ever-burning, pulsating heart of the cosmos.

Though the memory was distant, Chu Tinghan still clearly recalled that this was the Heart Nebula imprinted on the microphone he had given Pei Ji years ago.

At the time, he had simply found the nebula’s design beautiful and mysterious, and the pulsing cosmic heart seemed to subtly represent his feelings for Pei Ji.

He never imagined that the gift he had given back then would receive a response after so many years.

The feeling was surreal, like stumbling upon a message in a bottle he had sent out long ago while strolling along the beach.

Before Chu Tinghan could dwell further on it, a melodious tune filled his ears.

The melody was also familiar. If he remembered correctly, it was a song Pei Ji had performed at a commercial gig during his university days.

Back then, Pei Ji had even sent him the video of the performance, seeking his opinion.

What was the name of that song again…?

Flutter, yes, he remembered.

Flutter, representing the trembling wings of a butterfly.

Chu Tinghan felt his heartbeat gradually synchronize with the flowing notes, resonating in perfect harmony.

Midway through the song, Pei Ji set down the microphone and suddenly picked up a prop that had been placed on the side of the stage earlier—an exquisitely crafted curved bow adorned with pale pink feathers.

Following the lyrics, Pei Ji aimed the bow in Chu Tinghan’s direction. As he sang the line “Your love has struck my heart,” he raised his arm in a bow-drawing motion, and a Cupid’s Arrow materialized from thin air, soaring toward Chu Tinghan.

Boom!

In the next instant, a heart-shaped balloon hovering diagonally above Chu Tinghan exploded, sending petals and ribbons raining down. The entire auditorium was bathed in pink, and the rain of blossoms seemed to carry an overwhelming sense of affection, as if even the air had turned sweet.

Startled by the sudden burst, Chu Tinghan stared in dazed wonder at the swirling pink confetti, instinctively reaching out to catch some.

Is this part of the rehearsal? he wondered.

In this surreal moment, he couldn’t tell if this was just a rehearsal for the new song’s premiere, or a surprise Pei Ji had specially prepared for him.

Time flowed with the notes as the Flutter’s accompaniment continued steadily, but the singing paused, replaced by a newfound firmness. The melodious grace was gone, replaced by unwavering resolve.

“This song means the world to me. Your presence taught me how to sing love songs, and Flutter was the first true love song I ever learned—a song I wanted to sing just for you.”

“Your presence made me truly feel my heartbeat. I was looking back through your social media posts a few days ago, and I realized you seemed to feel the same way… but there was a difference.”

Pei Ji paused, as if carefully considering what that difference might be.

He’d actually drafted his proposal speech many days ago, but kept revising it until today, still unsatisfied. He finally abandoned the memorized script, choosing instead to speak from the heart with raw sincerity.

After a moment, Pei Ji spoke again, his words slow and deliberate, like he was telling a love story.

“A year ago, when I was in that car accident, you said I’d stolen your heartbeat,” Pei Ji said, lowering his gaze as he picked up the microphone again. He steadied himself, waiting for his heart rate to gradually slow before finally meeting Chu Tinghan’s eyes, who was standing on the second floor. “But I want to tell you: your heartbeat belongs to you, and you alone.”

“Instead of giving me your heart, come and be the one in my heart,” Pei Ji couldn’t help but smile, his grin radiant. “Will you marry me? Or… will you marry me?”

“I’m not picky. Whatever makes you happy is fine with me. So… will you spend the rest of your life with me?”

One second, two seconds, three seconds passed. From afar, Pei Ji could only see Chu Tinghan’s lips move, but he couldn’t hear any sound.

Pei Ji’s heart sank. Could he have suddenly changed his mind? he wondered anxiously. Regaining his composure, he asked again, “Will you? Hmm?”

The next moment, he suddenly saw Chu Tinghan smile—a helpless yet genuinely happy smile.

Standing on the second floor, Chu Tinghan searched frantically for a microphone. With nearly a hundred meters separating them, his normal voice wouldn’t carry.

The first “I will” he uttered vanished into the wind before reaching Pei Ji’s ears.

Not only can he not hear me, but he’s also asking again like he’s afraid I’ll change my mind.

Just as Pei Ji was about to ask for the third time, Chu Tinghan’s voice finally rang out.

“I—will—!”

The words carried a laugh and echoed clearly across the entire venue: I will!

The moment the words left his lips, a massive white fluffball with tiny wings and a wagging tail darted from the side of the stage to Chu Tinghan’s side.

Lucky’s eyes sparkled, a velvet ring box strapped between his wings.

Moments later, Pei Ji strode toward Chu Tinghan with deliberate steps. He’d planned to project an image of mature composure, but his pace quickened until he was practically sprinting the last few meters, his facade crumbling.

He stopped before Chu Tinghan, catching his breath. “Sorry,” he coughed, “it’s my first time proposing. I’m a little nervous… and a little too eager.”

He avoided Chu Tinghan’s gaze, knowing their eyes meeting would send his carefully calmed heart racing again.

Bending down, he retrieved the ring box from Lucky, opened it carefully, and gently placed the amethyst-studded diamond ring in his left palm. Pinching the band between his right fingers, he took Chu Tinghan’s hand, and reverently slid the ring onto his ring finger. Overwhelmed with nervousness, Pei Ji’s hands trembled uncontrollably, requiring two attempts to get the ring on.

Once the ring was on, he pressed a soft kiss to the back of Chu Tinghan’s hand before finally lifting his gaze to meet those amber eyes, brimming with affection. “Chu Tinghan,” he said earnestly, “thank you for always accepting me, supporting me, and staying by my side—never letting go, no matter what.”

“From this day forward, let me be your family. I will never leave you again. I will hold your hand until the end of my days… my dearest love.”

Whether it was the radiant light illuminating his eyes or the natural outpouring of his deep emotions, tears glistened in Pei Ji’s eyes.

These weren’t tears of sadness, but tears of happiness and joy.

Just as Pei Ji feared his carefully crafted mature persona would crumble due to the tears, a series of celebratory cannon bursts suddenly echoed through the hall.

Lü Yi and Kong Chuan, accompanied by the musicians from earlier, surrounded them, firing confetti cannons that showered them with colorful streamers.

Startled by the sudden noise, Pei Ji’s emotions froze, and the tears retreated.

Lü Yi noticed the dampness in the corner of Pei Ji’s eyes and froze in astonishment. “Wait, what’s going on here? You weren’t like this during rehearsals! Hey, didn’t you tell us to fire the confetti cannons the moment you put the ring on Director Chu’s finger? You even specifically instructed us to create a joyful atmosphere and absolutely no tears, saying you couldn’t bear to see him cry. You said it would break your heart! So why are you the one crying first?”

“Did I… did I?” Pei Ji feigned ignorance, rubbing his eyes dramatically. “Must be the wind—sand in my eyes.”

Lü Yi looked around, up and down, seeing only the air conditioner vent. Is this thing really that strong? he wondered.

Kong Chuan saw through the act but said nothing, discreetly leading away all the “proposal assistants” who had turned into human light bulbs.

A moment later, Kong Chuan returned and bribed Lucky away with a sausage.

The world fell silent again, leaving only the two of them.

Pei Ji took Chu Tinghan’s hand and they strolled through the campus once more. Halfway through, he suddenly said, “If only I were your age, or even just a few years younger—three, two, one—it would be perfect.”

Chu Tinghan stopped walking. “What’s this? Suddenly regretting our age gap and wanting to back out now?”

As he finished speaking, Pei Ji felt his hand being gripped even tighter.

Pei Ji chuckled. “No, I just meant… if I’d been born a few years earlier, we might have had a proper campus romance.”

Chu Tinghan glanced around to make sure they were alone. With a thoughtful expression, he beckoned Pei Ji closer and gestured for him to lean down.

Though Pei Ji didn’t understand, he lowered his head. “What’s wrong… mmph.”

Chu Tinghan wrapped his arms around Pei Ji’s neck, tilted his head back, and kissed him.

A gentle breeze brushed past, stirring the strands of hair framing Chu Tinghan’s face and tickling Pei Ji’s cheek. Love bloomed in Pei Ji’s heart like bamboo shoots after a spring rain.

Before Pei Ji could fully register what had happened, the soft touch on his lips was gone.

Chu Tinghan raised an eyebrow, a glint of spring in his eyes, and waved their interlocked hands in front of him. “We can talk now.”

Pei Ji paused, understanding dawning. He smoothly drew Chu Tinghan into his arms. “Alright, Senior. Does this mean we have to start dating properly now, you know, with walks in the park and all that…”

As the sun set and the moon rose, Pei Ji reluctantly drove Chu Tinghan home, their private world transforming back into a trio: two men and a dog.

Except sometimes Lucky noticed that around a certain time, its two owners would revert to their private world. After bathing, they would retreat to the same room and lock the door tightly.

Inside the bedroom, a steamy, ambiguous haze blurred the moonlight streaming through the window.

Chu Tinghan stared at the two silver rings that kept jangling against each other, struggling to control his ragged breathing. With great effort, he managed to choke out a coherent question: “What… what exactly is… that thing… around your neck?”

Pei Ji seemed surprised that he was still hung up on this. His movements gradually slowed.

The crisp clinking of the rings faded to a gentle whisper. Chu Tinghan’s scattered consciousness finally coalesced, and he reached out to grasp Pei Ji’s necklace. “I remember Lü Yi saying it was a ring. Who did you make it for?”

Pei Ji stilled, his smile widening as he confessed, “You.”

“…Me?”

“Of course. Who else would it be? You’re the only one who’s ever stirred my heart,” Pei Ji insisted, putting aside his swirling emotions in the steamy haze and forcing himself to explain rationally. “I was going to make it for you when you were overseas, but some complications prevented me from finishing it. Honestly, it’s a good thing I didn’t—it was turning out quite ugly.”

In the next instant, Chu Tinghan’s eyes cleared momentarily. He suddenly flipped their positions, taking the upper hand. After a brief, passionate kiss, his gaze grew hazy again. Seizing a breath between kisses, he abruptly asked, “Do you like children?”

Pei Ji steadied Chu Tinghan by the waist, his rationality scattered. After a long moment, he finally replied, “Up to you.”

Hearing this, Chu Tinghan was about to stoke the flames in their increasingly heated bedroom when a serious question suddenly occurred to him.

What name would Pei Ji give their child?

If he named the child using the same logic as Lucky, wouldn’t their child’s name sound a little too… down-to-earth?

Chu Tinghan earnestly fretted over his future child’s name, adopting a coquettish tone as he said, “Then you can’t name our child Lai Fu.”

At that moment, Pei Ji was nuzzling into the crook of Chu Tinghan’s neck, kissing his nape with lingering affection. Hearing Chu Tinghan’s words, he buried his face in the crook of Chu Tinghan’s neck and chuckled softly.

When his laughter subsided, Pei Ji looked up at Chu Tinghan and, emboldened, playfully pinched his cheek. “How could I? What are you even thinking?”

Chu Tinghan tolerated his insolence and pressed further, “Then what would you name her?”

Pei Ji had actually given this question serious thought before.

He smiled gently and said, enunciating each syllable, “I would name her Xin Nian.”

Xin Nian—the Xin meaning “heart,” and Nian meaning “yearning”—the heart’s deepest longing.

She would be the child born of his heart’s yearning, the beloved person he had yearned for, a precious gem, a priceless treasure.

She would also be the most precious crystallization of their love.