Chapter 127: The Proposal

Coming back to her senses, Mengxia Shen steered the conversation back to Jiu Wen, smiling as she said, “Jiu Jiu, if you wear this dress on your birthday date with Zehuai Gu, you’ll definitely sweep him off his feet.”

Jiu Wen immediately fell in love with the pale pink dress in Mengxia Shen’s hands. On a whim, she took it straight to the fitting room.

When she came out, Mengxia Shen’s eyes were filled with admiration, and she showered Jiu Wen with a long string of compliments.

Listening to her was amusing to Jiu Wen.

After browsing around the store, Jiu Wen picked out several dresses for Mengxia Shen as well. “Xia Xia, try these on. I’m sure they’ll look great on you too. You can’t be the only one buying dresses—get a few for yourself.”

Mengxia Shen agreed verbally but inwardly was thrilled. “Jiu Jiu, you’re the star of the day; of course, you have to look stunning.”

——

Before long, May 20th arrived—Jiu Wen’s birthday.

That afternoon, she took time off work to go home, put on makeup, and change into her dress.

She called her parents. “Mom, I won’t be coming home for dinner tonight. You and Dad don’t need to wait for me.”

Her mother laughed warmly, “Alright, alright. Mom knows you young people have a date tonight. Happy birthday, my Jiu Jiu.”

Jiu Wen wasn’t surprised her mother immediately guessed they were going on a date. Her mother was simply too perceptive.

“Thank you, Mom, for all the hard work bringing me into this world and raising me. I’m grateful to you.”

Speaking solemnly, these words once felt cheesy to Jiu Wen and were never spoken aloud, but now she believed love should be expressed openly.

On the other end of the line, her mother was moved almost to tears, chatting a little more before urging her to enjoy the date.

After tidying up, Jiu Wen sent a message to Zehuai Gu to say she was on her way.

Since Zehuai had said he wanted to come directly from the office, he sent Chen Yi to pick her up.

Zehuai had chosen a garden hotel and told Jiu Wen about it earlier, so she was naturally aware.

But seeing the hotel entrance adorned with all kinds of flowers, Jiu Wen found it curious. Was the hotel this serious about May 20th too?

The deeper she went inside, the more she felt something was amiss. Chen Yi had somehow slipped away from behind her, and as she followed the signs into the hotel, attendants handed her single flowers at every turn.

A premonition stirred in her heart.

The further she walked, the more her suspicion was confirmed.

Finally, she was guided into the back garden, where Zehuai Gu stood at the center of a stage, extending his hand to her.

Jiu Wen stepped forward slowly, and one by one, people began to emerge around the stage.

First came her father and mother, followed by Madam Gu and Mr. and Mrs. Gu. Then Pei Yi and Lin Youqi, accompanied by Yulin Gu, appeared. Lastly, Mengxia Shen and Lohan Lin came out holding a veil, ready to place it on Jiu Wen.

As Jiu Wen looked at each person, then back at Zehuai Gu still waiting on stage, tears welled up uncontrollably.

It was strange—she never considered herself sentimental, but in that moment, she admitted she was deeply moved.

Everyone was smiling, watching the two of them.

Jiu Wen approached Zehuai Gu. He opened his other clenched hand, dropped to one knee, and asked expectantly, “Jiu Jiu, will you marry me?”

A sudden chorus erupted from the crowd: “Marry him! Marry him!”

Among them, little Yulin Gu’s innocent voice stood out: “Auntie, marry my uncle!”

Everyone was charmed and burst into laughter, Jiu Wen included.

Under the gazes of everyone and Zehuai Gu, Jiu Wen slowly nodded, smiling as she answered loudly, “I do!”

Cheers followed once more.

Zehuai slipped the ring onto the middle finger of Jiu Wen’s left hand. Rising, he gently wiped away the remaining tears from her face.

“Give us a kiss! A kiss!”