Lucien, still playing the role of the disgraced "Doctor Lamb," announced through tears that the hospital was officially closed for business.

Leon let out a low, dark chuckle. He brushed the damp hair away from Lucien's forehead, his gray-blue eyes tracking every flush on the boy's skin. "Don't worry, Doc. I'll let myself in."

Lucien didn't have the strength left to argue. He buried his face in Leon's chest and used the last of his energy to sink his teeth into the man's pectoral muscle.

Leon just hummed, looking entirely too pleased with the "malpractice" session. The lessons finally ended as the sky outside began to turn a bruised, pre-dawn gray.

Leon carried a clean, sleeping Lucien back to the master suite. Lucien had spent his final conscious moments swearing he was done with Leon, but his body betrayed him.

He rolled over in his sleep, and tucked himself firmly into Leon's side. Leon wrapped an arm around him, pinning his prize close.

Leon wasn't tired. He pulled out his phone with one hand to scroll through boxing tapes, watching the heavy hits while Lucien's steady breathing hit his neck.

Lucien stirred once, eyes unfocused and hazy. "Leon... what time is it?" Leon didn't answer. He just peppered Lucien's face with tiny, lingering kisses.

Lucien puckered his lips out of habit—returning the affection in a daze—before his head lolled back onto Leon's shoulder. He was out cold before Leon could kiss him again.

The upcoming Spring Festival had become Lucien's new obsession. He spent his days counting down, a complete shift from his years of being alone.

Back then, the holiday just meant expensive delivery fees and a quiet apartment. But this year was different. Lucien had a home.

He dragged Leon to a massive supermarket for a "goods run." Leon pushed the heavy cart while Lucien loaded it with everything that looked remotely festive.

Halfway through the aisles, Leon stopped. He looked at the mountain of chocolate and chips. "Is your definition of 'New Year goods' just snacks, baby?"

Lucien gave him a mischievous, bright-eyed grin. "Same thing, Leon."

Leon's gaze dropped to Lucien's waist. "You're getting healthy. I like it. You were too thin when I found you."

Lucien huffed—realizing Leon was probably thinking about how much easier it was to leave marks on him now. He shoved the cart forward to escape the man's predatory stare.

The manor ended up looking like an East-meets-West disaster. Red lanterns hung from the high ceilings. "Double Happiness" stickers—technically for weddings—were plastered on the Roman columns.

Lucien walked through the halls—muttering to himself about the perfect placement of the couplets. Leon caught him by the waist and hoisted him up.

"It looks good, baby," Leon whispered, kissing his temple. "It's your home. Do whatever you want to it."

On New Year's morning, Lucien woke up before the sun. Leon was still out cold—an arm draped over Lucien like a heavy, possessive anchor.

Lucien remembered the "educational" videos Jamie had sent him. He bit his lip—deciding to be the brave one for once—and disappeared under the duvet.

Lucien had zero skill but a lot of heart. Leon woke with a start—his eyes snapping wide as he realized what his "lamb" was doing.

Leon yanked the covers back—revealing Lucien looking up at him with a flushed, proud face. "Wake-up service. Happy New Year, Leon."

Leon almost choked on a laugh. He looked at the mess Lucien had made. "You're so clumsy, baby. Didn't I teach you better than that?"

Lucien pouted. "You're a bad teacher." Leon didn't argue. He pulled Lucien onto his lap—guiding his hands to show him the "professional" way to handle the task.

By the time they were done, Lucien was sniffling—his eyes red and watery from the effort. Leon tucked him into his chest. "Stop crying. It's bad luck on New Year's."

Lucien rubbed his nose against Leon's skin. "I'm never giving you a surprise again."

Leon reached into the nightstand and pulled out a massive red envelope. It was the size of an A4 folder. "Hongbao, baby."

Lucien stared. "How do you even know about this?" "I did my research," Leon grunted.

Lucien hesitated. "I'm not your kid, Leon. You don't have to give me money."

"It's for protection. I want my baby to be safe." Leon shoved the envelope into Lucien's hands.

Lucien opened it. It wasn't cash. It was a stack of legal documents—share transfers for several of Leon's private companies.

"Leon... this is too much," Lucien whispered. He tried to push the papers back.

Leon leaned in—his steel-gray eyes unyielding. "My money is your money. I don't want you feeling like a guest here. I'm locking you in."

Lucien blinked back tears. He leaned into Leon's heat—feeling the weight of the man's obsession and protection. "So... I'm the boss now?"

"Exactly."

"Then return those bell clips you ordered online," Lucien commanded—his voice gaining a bit of its usual cheek. "I saw them. I'm not wearing them."

Leon went still. He rubbed the back of his neck—looking caught. "You're too smart for your own good, baby."

Lucien smiled, pressing a kiss to Leon's jaw. "Happy New Year, Leon. I'm going to make you go broke."