Chapter 23: Exceeding Expectations**

Meng Yitong looked at his simple black trousers and white shirt, which highlighted his tall, slender figure. He looked noble and elegant—completely incomparable to the childish Meng Yuanliang.

In the quiet room, all she could hear was the sound of him walking past her, and for a moment, Meng Yitong felt her face heating up.

When Qin Zhuoran drew the curtains and opened the window, he turned around to see Meng Yitong with her flushed face, looking at him with her big, watery eyes.

Qin Zhuoran was momentarily embarrassed by her gaze.

Clearing his throat, Qin Zhuoran forced himself to stay calm and said, “You should go change.”

Only then did Meng Yitong realize she hadn’t changed her clothes. She quickly rushed to the dressing room and put on a pale pink dress.

Worried that Qin Zhuoran might leave without waiting for her, Meng Yitong hurried out without even combing her hair.

Qin Zhuoran, who had expected to wait a little longer, was just about to open his laptop when he saw that Meng Yitong had already gotten ready.

He glanced at the information he’d just started chatting about with someone and hesitated before saying, “Maybe you should tidy up a bit more?”

Meng Yitong looked at her outfit, confused. She went into the bathroom, thinking that though she hadn’t combed her hair, it was naturally smooth, and even uncombed, it looked fluffy and natural.

So picky! Meng Yitong muttered to herself as she combed her hair again before heading out.

After combing her hair and returning to the bedroom, she found that Qin Zhuoran was still sitting at his computer, not moving.

Thinking there might still be something wrong with her appearance, she stood up and twirled in front of him with her arms outstretched, asking, “Is there something wrong?”

Qin Zhuoran looked up to see the beautiful girl standing before him, asking for his opinion with a playful look. He couldn’t help but feel his ears heat up.

Quickly closing his laptop, he masked his embarrassment and said, “No, nothing’s wrong.”

After saying that, he walked downstairs first, and Meng Yitong quickly followed.

When they reached the stairs, they were both stunned by the sight before them.

In the living room, there were two large lights, a row of camera equipment, and about a dozen people moving around, looking for the right spots.

As soon as the people saw Qin Zhuoran and Meng Yitong appear, they quieted down.

Qin’s father, following their line of sight, looked toward the elevator exit and saw that Qin Zhuoran and Meng Yitong had indeed come downstairs.

Seeing the two walking together, Qin’s father felt that they were a perfect match, a couple made in heaven.

The more he looked, the more satisfied he became, and he smiled, saying, “Zhuoran, Yitong, go ahead and eat. Afterward, come take your wedding photos.”

Qin’s father spoke without noticing the cold glare Qin Zhuoran gave him.

With a stern face, Qin Zhuoran lowered his eyes and gave the curious girl by his side a sidelong glance, ultimately holding back the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

Sitting at the dining table, Meng Yitong stared at the lavish breakfast in front of her, and she felt even hungrier.

When Qin Zhuoran picked up his chopsticks, Meng Yitong didn’t hesitate to start eating.

Watching her devour the food, Qin Zhuoran couldn’t help but form a new impression of her. Besides being beautiful and quick, she could eat!

When Meng Yitong had eaten about 70-80% of her meal, she looked up at Qin Zhuoran, who was eating slowly and carefully. She couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. This must be what noble upbringing looks like—he even eats gracefully.

She thought of Meng Yuanliang and changed her mind. This must be something inherent, like Meng Yuanliang being raised in the Meng family. Even though he didn’t have a prominent status, he still took etiquette classes from a young age. But despite that, he lacked any grace or nobility.

Qin Zhuoran noticed the girl in front of him had been staring at him, so he lifted his gaze, puzzled. He was met with a radiant smile.

His heart and pupils seemed to tremble in response to her wide grin.

Qin Zhuoran lowered his head and casually continued eating.

Since she had eaten quickly earlier, Meng Yitong was now mostly full. Sitting aside, she was getting bored and wanted to make conversation.

At this point, in the entire Qin family, she was most familiar with, and had the best relationship with, Qin’s father and Qin Zhuoran.

Though she hadn’t spoken much with Qin Zhuoran, she had noticed that when they came together earlier, he had deliberately slowed his pace to match hers. She felt that Qin Zhuoran was a warm person at heart.

So even though Qin Zhuoran rarely spoke and often wore a cold expression, Meng Yitong wasn’t scared of him.

Looking at the people fiddling with the cameras, Meng Yitong leaned toward Qin Zhuoran and asked, “So these are the people who are here to take our wedding photos?”

Qin Zhuoran paused, glanced at the eager expression on the girl’s face, pursed his lips, and nodded in response.

Perhaps because she had mentally prepared for the worst, many things were far beyond her expectations.

Whether it was her future husband’s appearance, character, or how the Qin family treated her, everything was completely different from what Meng Yitong had initially imagined