Chapter 59: Beautiful

“Haha, my friends are all here today. Whether there’s a match or not depends on you guys,” Bi Qiao’an said, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she glanced between Song Wennuan and Jiang Shanshan, raising her eyebrows as if to say “Go for it.”

A rosy blush crept up Song Wennuan’s cheeks. “Qiao’an, you little brat! When did you get so bold, teasing your Sis like this?”

“That’s what happens when you have a doting boyfriend,” Jiang Shanshan chuckled, shaking her head. “It goes straight to your head!”

Bi Qiao’an arched an eyebrow, an impish grin playing at her lips. “Of course, if the sky falls, my Yanming will hold it up. But seriously, you two should get a move on. I’ll let you in on a little secret— Shen Yanming’s classmates are all top-tier bachelors. If you want to snag one, better act fast.”

Song Wennuan’s face flushed an even deeper crimson as she noticed the men at the table attempting to stifle their snickers behind their hands. “You… when whispering, you’re supposed to actually lower your voice. They heard every word!”

Never one to let an opportunity slip by, Zhang Heping chimed in, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Qiao’an’s right, you know. Every man here is a real catch. If anyone strikes your fancy, don’t be shy. I’d be more than happy to play matchmaker.”

Shen Yanming shook his head, an indulgent smile on his face. “Okay, okay, enough with the teasing. Let’s just focus on enjoying the meal for now. Girls, if you want the inside scoop later, feel free to chat with Qiao’an.” He smiled reassuringly at Song Wennuan and Jiang Shanshan, whose faces now matched the hue of the cooked shrimp on their plates.

Sensing the need to defuse the tension, Jiang Shanshan quickly interjected, “Qiao’an, you have no idea how much I’ve missed you.”

Bi Qiao’an quirked an eyebrow, her tone light but laced with a tinge of genuine hurt. “Missed me? Could’ve fooled me. Every time I tried to reach out this past year, you brushed me off, saying you were too busy. If not for my wedding, were you planning to avoid me forever?”

Jiang Shanshan’s face fell, her shoulders slumping. “No, no, it’s not like that at all! Work has just been insane, especially when I first started. I was constantly burning the midnight oil. And on the rare occasions I did have a day off, I had to visit my parents. Then the rainy season hit, making it nearly impossible to go out shopping or catch a movie with you. As if that wasn’t bad enough, our company started downsizing. As a newbie, I didn’t have a choice. I had to put in even longer hours just to keep my job.”

Song Wennuan nodded sympathetically. “I’ve had it a bit easier than her since we graduated and became roommates. My job at least allows for rotating shifts. But Shanshan? I swear, her workload never lets up. Come rain or shine, she’s toiling away at all hours. I kept urging her to quit, but she wouldn’t hear of it. The least I could do was make sure she had some decent, homemade meals to keep her going.”

Bi Qiao’an’s brow furrowed with concern. “Shanshan, have you thought about moving back home?”

Jiang Shanshan shook her head, her shoulders slumping. “I can’t. Both my parents are out of work right now. My income is the only thing keeping us afloat. Even if I wanted to quit, I’m not sure I could find another job in this climate.”

Setting his drink down, Ji Kangyong interjected, “If it were me, I’d go home, no question. Everything’s so unpredictable these days. At least being close to family might provide a bit of stability and peace of mind.”

Jiang Shanshan pursed her lips, mulling it over. “Maybe… but I think I’ll tough it out a bit longer. At least until the rainy season passes.”

Sensing the mood starting to dip, Li Zhaozhao raised his glass in a toast. “Alright, enough of this gloomy talk! We’re here to celebrate Yanming and Qiao’an and their future together. Here’s to growing old and starting a family!”

“Hear, hear!” Zhang Heping and Ji Kangyong chorused, lifting their glasses as well. “Worry about tomorrow’s worries tomorrow. Tonight, we drink!”

Shen Yanming clinked glasses with the group, a smile on his face, but he couldn’t help noticing Lin Yongke’s pensive expression. ‘Sharp as ever,’ he mused inwardly with a sigh. ‘Trust him to read between the lines.’

Chen Shunwei and Wang Lai exchanged a puzzled glance, feeling distinctly out of the loop, as if some inside joke or code was going over their heads. Opting to stay out of it, they quietly turned their attention back to their plates.

As the banquet wound down, Bi Qiao’an, ever the responsible designated driver, ushered a tipsy Shen Yanming and Zhang Heping to her car. After dropping Chen Shunwei and Wang Lai at the entrance of Qingyu Community, the remaining trio headed back to their own Building No. 6 in District B.

Once they were alone in the elevator, Shen Yanming turned to Zhang Heping, his face serious. “Have you been back recently?”

Zhang Heping shook his head wearily, the shadows under his eyes telling a story all their own. “No, the hospital’s been swamped. All these patients flooding in with fevers and stomach issues… Nothing life-threatening on its own, but the sheer volume is staggering. I had to practically beg for this one day off.”

Shen Yanming nodded grimly. “Sounds like it’s time for a visit. Sooner rather than later.”

“Understood,” Zhang Heping replied, a sense of unease settling like a lead weight in his gut.

Reaching their floor, Shen Yanming and Bi Qiao’an bid Zhang Heping goodnight before disappearing into their apartment.

As they stepped inside, Shen Yanming gently pulled Bi Qiao’an into his embrace, his voice a soft, intimate whisper. “My dear wife, I have a special surprise just for you.”

“Oh?” She gazed up at him, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

With a wave of his hand, a gift box materialized on the coffee table. “Go ahead, open it.”

Her lips quirked. “Clothes, I’m guessing?” Crossing to the table, she carefully lifted the box, raising an eyebrow at Shen Yanming. But he simply smiled, giving nothing away.

Intrigued, Bi Qiao’an carried the box into the bedroom and settled on the edge of the bed. With bated breath, she tugged the ribbon loose and lifted the lid to reveal a breathtaking white wedding gown.

Tears pricked her eyes. A surprise, indeed. Reverently, she lifted the dress from its bed of delicate tissue paper, marveling at the intricate lace, the tiny seed pearls, the elegant lines. She had to try it on. Immediately.

Minutes later, Bi Qiao’an stepped out of the bedroom, a vision in white from head to toe. The strapless bodice hugged her slender torso, the flowing skirt swishing gently as she walked. With her hair cascading down her back and silver heels peeking out from beneath the hem, she was the picture of a radiant bride.

Shen Yanming’s heart skipped a beat as he drank in the sight of her. “Qiao’an,” he breathed, “you are… I don’t even have words.”

Bi Qiao’an’s cheeks flushed as she met Shen Yanming’s gaze, her voice soft and tentative. “Do I look good?”

“‘Good’ is an understatement. You’ve left me utterly speechless. ‘Beautiful’ doesn’t begin to do you justice. I…I almost feel unworthy to touch you, you’re so perfect.”

“Well, it’s a good thing you’re allowed, as my husband,” she teased, her voice warm and inviting. A playful smile danced on her lips as she closed the distance between them, draping her arms around his neck. “Now, are you going to tell me how you got my measurements so perfectly right?”

Shen Yanming chuckled softly, his hands finding their way to her waist as he pulled her closer. 

“Ah, my love, a magician never reveals his secrets,” he murmured, before capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss.

As they melted into each other’s embrace, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them, lost in a moment of pure love and desire.

Meanwhile, Zhang Heping watched Shen Yanming and Bi Qiao’an disappear into their apartment before steeling himself and approaching his own door. He knocked, waiting with bated breath.

After what felt like an eternity, the door swung open to reveal a middle-aged woman he didn’t recognize. “Can I help you?” she asked, her brow creased in confusion.

Zhang Heping frowned. “I believe there’s been some misunderstanding. I’m the owner of this apartment. And you are…?”

The woman’s eyes flashed with anger. “Owner? Impossible! This is my niece’s home. I don’t know who you think you are, but you need to leave. Now. Before I call the police!” She placed a hand on Zhang Heping’s chest and shoved him backward, her voice rising with each word.