After spending a day at the Mei residence, Mei Laotai’s classmates set off for another city. Mu Wan finished her filming early and headed to the hospital to find Liu Qianxiu. Once he was off work, the two drove together to the Mei residence.
The Mei household was as warm and lively as ever. As soon as Mu Wan stepped inside, Mei Laotai called her over, and Mu Wan happily sat beside the elder. When everyone had arrived, the butler announced that dinner was ready, and the family moved to the dining table.
The dishes on the table were plentiful and light, with Mu Wan’s favourites placed in front of her. Mei Laotai’s mother smiled as she sat down and said to Mu Wan, “Your grandmother specifically instructed the kitchen to prepare nutritious and delicious food for you.”
Mu Wan was touched by the genuine care and smiled at Mei Laotai, saying, “Thank you, Grandma.”
“What’s there to thank me for?” Mei Laotai responded with a cheerful smile, her face full of kindness. “You’re pregnant now, so of course, your well-being comes first. Do you hear that, Qianxiu?”
Liu Qianxiu, who was sitting beside Mu Wan and carefully removing fish bones for her, looked up and smiled faintly. “Yes, I hear you.”
The table erupted in laughter again.
The atmosphere in the Mei family was always so harmonious, with no strict rules to follow. Mu Wan loved being around the Mei family and cherished the feeling of being at their home.
Dinner was a joyful affair, and after the meal, the family, as usual, went to the game room. Mei Yaozhi brought out some red wine, which everyone enjoyed, while Mu Wan sipped on grape juice. She wasn’t much of a wine lover, but she found the sweet and tangy grape juice delicious.
As they played mahjong, they also discussed the engagement party.
“Is the engagement banquet going to be held at the Liu residence?” Mei Laotai asked as she played her tiles.
Liu Qianxiu, who was sitting behind Mu Wan and helping her organise her tiles, looked up and replied, “Yes, the butler is already preparing.”
Mei Yaozhi, seated next to Mei Laotai, glanced at the tiles on the table and added, “It’s going to be a small event, just friends and relatives. You know Qianxiu—he wouldn’t want anything too grand.”
As soon as he said this, Mu Wan couldn’t help but chuckle softly. Her smile was small, her lips curved up, and her eyes crinkled at the corners. Only Liu Qianxiu, who was closest to her, noticed.
He gently pinched her ear, signalling for her to explain her laughter. Mu Wan looked up at him, her eyes twinkling with mischief, but she said nothing, simply turning back to her tiles.
She had been thinking about the engagement party scene she’d seen in a movie, where the couple had to give speeches and drink in front of everyone. She couldn’t imagine Liu Qianxiu doing such things, which seemed completely out of character for him.
In Mu Wan’s mind, Liu Qianxiu was the kind of person who remained hidden, working behind the scenes, orchestrating everything with quiet confidence.
To others, their small gestures might seem like displays of affection, but to Mei Laotai, they were sweet proof of the couple’s love. She was overjoyed that Liu Qianxiu had found his soulmate, especially since she had worried that his parents’ fractured relationship would have affected him.
In reality, it hadn’t. His temperament and character were unmatched, not even by his father, Liu Fengmian. And Mu Wan was indeed lovable, making them a perfect match.
The rest of the evening passed pleasantly, playing mahjong and finalising the guest list and decorations for the engagement banquet. The two hours flew by in a relaxed and enjoyable manner.
After the mahjong game, Mu Wan and Liu Qianxiu decided to stay at the Mei residence for the night. When they returned to their room after taking a bath, Mu Wan automatically snuggled into Liu Qianxiu’s arms.
“I’ll inform my friends about the engagement tomorrow, right? It’s next week, isn’t it?” Mu Wan mumbled sleepily as she hugged Liu Qianxiu.
She hadn’t napped at noon and had been filming all afternoon, so she was quite tired. Liu Qianxiu gently stroked her, kissed the corner of her lips, and responded with a soft hum.
Mu Wan rubbed against him like a little puppy, and soon she was fast asleep.
The next morning, Liu Qianxiu had already left for work by the time Mu Wan woke up. After getting up, she first went to greet Mei Laotai and the others.
The Mei family had two breakfast shifts: one for those who had to go to work and another for those who didn’t. Mu Wan joined the latter group for breakfast and chatted with them for a while before Uncle Li drove her to the South District.
It was only ten in the morning, and with October approaching, the seaside air was becoming cooler and clearer. The sea breeze was particularly refreshing. Mu Wan rang the doorbell at the entrance, and Lin Wei hurried over to open the door when she saw her.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” Lin Wei asked as she led Mu Wan inside.
“You’re always home.” Mu Wan replied with a smile.
It was true. Lin Wei used to run around to construction markets and inspect new renovation projects, but she had stopped doing that. Such environments were considered hazardous for her pregnancy, so she had delegated those tasks to her subordinates and focused solely on design in her studio.
After greeting the studio staff on the first floor, Mu Wan and Lin Wei headed upstairs.
Before Mu Wan arrived, Lin Wei had been having breakfast upstairs. The table was set with small wontons, steamed buns, millet porridge, and a few homemade side dishes.
As they sat down at the table, Lin Wei asked, “Do you want to eat something? Lu Feng made this.”
Mu Wan was surprised to learn that Lu Feng could cook and that his cooking was quite good. She shook her head. “I already ate before coming over.”
Her gaze lingered on the table, and she remarked, “Your taste has become milder too.”
“It had to.” Lin Wei replied, a bit exasperated. “He nags like a monk, and it gives me a headache. To keep him quiet, I have no choice but to listen.”
Though Lin Wei’s words were grumbling, her eyes were full of love and affection.
Mu Wan couldn’t help but smile at this. “You’re taking it all in stride. Imagine what your mom would think—after all those years of trying to change your eating habits, it only took a fiancé you’ve known for less than a month to succeed.”
Lin Wei chuckled. “She’ll probably get over the shock of me getting pregnant out of wedlock first.”
“Were your parents upset?” Mu Wan asked seriously.
“Of course, they were. They said I was acting recklessly.” Lin Wei said, mimicking her mother’s scolding tone. Afterward, she laughed at herself, then continued eating happily, “But my parents are coming over in a few days to meet Lu Feng, and his parents are coming too.”
Lin Wei had certainly walked a tightrope this time, but things had turned out well. Lu Feng was an actor with a decent income. His family was also in business, and their backgrounds were well-matched. Although he had been raised as a rich second-generation kid, he wasn’t spoiled; he had a gentle temperament and, at times, a cute, straightforward charm. He could cook, give massages, and the only downside was his occasionally stereotypical taste. But Lin Wei liked him a lot.
Initially, her parents were angry, but after meeting Lu Feng over video chat and learning about his family, they were quite satisfied with their future son-in-law. After all, Lin Wei had been wild for many years, and now that she was finally ready to settle down, they saw it as a blessing.
Thinking of this, Lin Wei looked at Mu Wan and asked, “What about you? How far have you two gotten?”
Mu Wan didn’t have any close family members, just Aunt Wu, so she didn’t need to go through the formalities of meeting the parents. She had only recently been proposed to, so she was likely starting to prepare for the engagement and wedding.
“We’re getting engaged next week.” Mu Wan said. “I came to tell you that. You should bring Lu Feng along.”
Lin Wei nearly choked on a wonton, spitting it out in surprise as she stared at Mu Wan in disbelief. “Next week? That’s so fast!”
“We’ve already got our marriage certificate.” Mu Wan added with a smile. “We did it yesterday.”
Lin Wei was speechless.
Seeing Lin Wei’s expression, Mu Wan laughed even more. “You were faster than me.”
“We were fast because of an accident.” Lin Wei explained. “But you two—you’ve gone through all the steps, getting to know each other, falling in love, getting engaged, and all that, and you’re still getting everything done in under three months.”
Mu Wan hadn’t really thought about it that way. Her relationship with Liu Qianxiu had always been steady and natural, and even now, she felt like she had been living with him for a long, long time. It was as if they had never been apart, their bodies and souls perfectly in sync. Except for that one incident with Liu Qianxiu’s fake death, nothing had ever come between them, and their life had been nothing but sweet and harmonious.
After reflecting on it, Lin Wei sighed, “You two must have found the right person. Many couples need time to get to know each other and adjust, but the more time you spend together, the more you seem to fit.”
“Not entirely.” Mu Wan said, “Most of the time, we’re a good match, but in the areas where we’re not, he’s the one who adjusts to me.”
Liu Qianxiu was usually quiet, but when it came to accommodating her, he was incredibly considerate. Lin Wei still remembered how Mu Wan had once shared some of the things Liu Qianxiu had said to her.
In the end, as long as they were happy, that was all that mattered. Whether it was Lin Wei or herself, Mu Wan felt that they were both leading very fulfilling lives.
After Lin Wei finished eating, Mu Wan joined her on the couch. The laptop on the table was still open, and they both sat down on the carpet, leaning against the couch. Mu Wan noticed the design drawings on the screen.
“A baby room?” Mu Wan asked with a smile. The design sketches were for a nursery that Lin Wei had created.
“Yeah.” Lin Wei nodded. “I’m designing it now so that it’ll be ready by the time the baby is born.”
She laughed and added, “We don’t know the gender yet, so I’m preparing one for a boy and one for a girl. Lu Feng wants a daughter, and I want a son, so I want to have both.”
Talking about this, she turned to Mu Wan and asked, “What about you? Do you and Liu Daozhang want a boy or a girl?”
The topic of the baby’s gender had never really come up between them. Mu Wan liked both boys and girls equally, so she was fine with either.
“I’m okay with either.” Mu Wan replied. “I don’t know whether Liu Qianxiu has a preference.”
It started raining in the afternoon, a light autumn drizzle that continued into the evening. After dinner, Mu Wan opened all the windows in the house and sat on the carpet by the low table. The autumn breeze drifted in, bringing with it a slight chill and the scent of rain.
Liu Qianxiu sat beside the low table, dressed in a linen shirt, his figure upright and composed. Under the soft lamplight, he looked like a hermit meditating on a mountaintop, shrouded in mist, exuding a serene, otherworldly aura.
Mu Wan was always captivated by his demeanour and looks, and she found herself staring at him again, lost in thought. When Liu Qianxiu noticed her gaze, her eyes were bright, and her lips curled up in a small, satisfied smile.
He put down his book, looked at her, and asked, “What is it?”
Mu Wan smiled, straightened up, and rested her chin in her hands. “I think whether I have a boy or a girl, as long as they look like you, they’ll be beautiful.”
His lips curved slightly, his gaze drifting over her features. “They’ll look beautiful if they look like you too.”
“That’s true.” Mu Wan giggled, agreeing.
The cool night air mixed with the lingering scent of rain, fresh and sweet. Liu Qianxiu reached out to touch her hair, then lowered his gaze back to his book. Mu Wan grabbed his hand and pressed her cheek against his palm.
“Liu Qianxiu.” she murmured, her face nestled in his cool, dry hand.
“Yes?” Liu Qianxiu responded softly.
“Do you want a boy or a girl?” Mu Wan asked.
Even though both boys and girls would be their children, parents often had a preference—some liked the idea of a sweet, well-behaved daughter, while others preferred a mischievous, energetic son. When Lin Wei had asked her earlier, she realised she hadn’t yet discussed it with Liu Qianxiu.
His fingers gently moved, lightly pinching her cheek. “Either is fine. Whether it’s a boy or a girl, I’ll protect them and ensure they grow up safe and healthy.”
Safety and health—these were the ultimate hopes of any parent for their child, and Liu Qianxiu certainly had the capability to ensure that.
Mu Wan rubbed her cheek against his palm and smiled. “And what about me?”
Liu Qianxiu looked up, his dark eyes warm as they met hers.
“You’re mine alone.” he said softly. “I’ll protect you and make sure your life is always happy and secure.”
The engagement banquet was set to take place at the Liu residence, a garden-style estate as large as a small park. Though the architecture was primarily traditional Chinese, the engagement party would follow a Western style. The event was to be held in the rear garden, with tables and a champagne tower set up. The night air was cool, the dark sky sprinkled with stars, and the lawn lit with soft, warm lights.
The guest list was small, with only close friends and relatives attending, so Mu Wan and Liu Qianxiu didn’t have to greet everyone individually. The atmosphere was lively and comfortable, just the way Mu Wan liked it. As people offered their congratulations and well wishes, she basked in the warmth of it all, graciously accepting each one.
The rear garden was connected to a pavilion, and after making her rounds, Mu Wan went upstairs. The second floor wasn’t empty; Xu Xingkong was there, along with another tall, slender woman. The two seemed to know each other and were chatting.
“Mu Wan.” Xu Xingkong called out with a smile when she saw her.
“Xingkong.” Mu Wan responded, smiling as she also nodded politely to the woman beside her.
Mu Wan could guess that the woman with Xu Xingkong was likely Su Qiuzi, the wife of He Yu, one of the Four Young Masters. Liu Qianxiu was familiar with He Yu, but this was Mu Wan’s first time meeting Su Qiuzi. It seemed that Su Qiuzi rarely accompanied He Yu to such events.
Xu Xingkong was elegant and gentle, while Su Qiuzi had a delicate and ethereal beauty. Her aura wasn’t cold but rather gave off a light, detached feeling.
“Hello, I’m Su Qiuzi.” she introduced herself with a smile, her voice as clear and pleasant as her appearance.
“I’m Mu Wan.” Mu Wan replied with a smile. “You have such a lovely voice.”
“Qiuzi is a broadcaster.” Xu Xingkong explained, making a brief introduction. “Wanwan is an actress.”
The two women exchanged nods and soon began chatting.
The three of them engaged in light conversation, mostly discussing their work and daily lives, rather than focusing on their husbands. All three had their own careers, making their conversation independent and thoughtful.
Eventually, the topic turned to pregnancy. Xu Xingkong shared her experiences, and Mu Wan listened attentively. Su Qiuzi wasn’t left out; she occasionally asked a few questions.
Among the three of them, Su Qiuzi had been married to He Yu the longest, yet it seemed they had no plans for children. The questions she asked were somewhat unusual, giving the impression that she might not intend to have children with He Yu.
However, the decision to have children or not was a personal one and not something to be criticised.
As they were talking, footsteps sounded on the stairs. Liu Qianxiu came up first, followed by Huai Jing and He Yu.
“Is it over?” Mu Wan asked.
The night was getting cooler, and Liu Qianxiu draped a shawl over her shoulders, nodding. “Yes, Yaozhi is seeing the guests out.”
“Then I should go down.” Mu Wan said.
“No need.” Liu Qianxiu replied, holding her shoulders and looking down at her. “Yaozhi can handle it. I’ll take you to rest.”
Since she wasn’t needed, Mu Wan didn’t insist. She said goodbye to Xu Xingkong and the others. Xu Xingkong, being heavily pregnant, was finding it difficult to move around, so Huai Jing helped her down the stairs first.
Behind them, He Yu and Su Qiuzi also made their way downstairs.
The Four Young Masters of Xiacheng had much in common: they were all from noble families, were heirs to their respective family fortunes, and were strikingly handsome and well-built.
However, their temperaments were different. Liu Qianxiu was cool and otherworldly, detached and serene. Huai Jing was refined and aloof, with a strong sense of elite professionalism, while He Yu was gentle and elegant, like a piece of polished jade—smooth and warm.
As he walked ahead, He Yu reminded Su Qiuzi, “Be careful.”
Despite his reminder, Su Qiuzi still missed a step and stumbled forward, only to be caught by He Yu.
The brief contact made Su Qiuzi blush as she quickly stood up, murmuring a small, “Sorry.”
As they continued down the stairs, Su Qiuzi kept her head down, focusing on her steps. Yu watched her, a layer of helplessness in his gentle gaze. He was tall, with long legs, and he easily caught up to her, taking her hand in his. Su Qiuzi instinctively tried to pull away, but He Yu’s grip was firm yet gentle. “Hold on to me,” he said.
She paused briefly before nodding softly. “Okay.”
The two continued down the stairs, and Mu Wan, observing from behind, noticed something but quickly looked away. She had a vague feeling that He Yu and Su Qiuzi didn’t seem like a typical married couple.
He Yu was clearly the more proactive one, while Su Qiuzi seemed somewhat withdrawn. Yet He Yu was gentle but firm, and Su Qiuzi quietly complied.
Mu Wan didn’t dwell on it. The dynamics of other couples were their own to navigate, and it wasn’t for outsiders to interfere or judge.
Mu Wan and Liu Qianxiu stayed the night at the Liu residence. The house’s interior was also decorated in a traditional style, much like Liu Qianxiu’s home, with antique furnishings and artifacts.
After taking a bath, Mu Wan climbed into bed. With the engagement banquet over, she finally felt a sense of relief. As she drifted off to sleep, Liu Qianxiu joined her in bed after his shower.
As soon as he got into bed, he naturally pulled her into his arms.
Even in a new environment, as long as Liu Qianxiu was there, Mu Wan felt a sense of comfort. She turned over, snuggling closer to him, and mumbled, “It’s finally over.”
She wasn’t really tired, just felt a need to complete things before she could fully relax.
Liu Qianxiu held her, gently brushing her hair back to reveal a small, delicate ear. Her ear was pale, and when he lightly pinched it, it turned a soft pink.
“Not yet.” Liu Qianxiu said.
“Hmm?” Mu Wan’s ear tingled from his touch, and she swatted his hand away, asking, “What’s left?”
He leaned down and kissed the corner of her lips. “Tomorrow, I’m taking you to look at wedding dresses.”
With the engagement done, it was time to start preparing for the wedding.
The wedding dress had been designed the previous week based on Mu Wan’s preferences. Wedding dresses were intricate and time-consuming to make by hand, but the Liu family had arranged for it to be expedited. Liu Qianxiu would take her to see it tomorrow, and if she didn’t like it, they could make changes.
Mu Wan responded to his kiss with a smile, asking, “Is the dress beautiful?”
“Yes.” Liu Qianxiu replied. “You’ll look beautiful in it.”
Mu Wan laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck and looking up at him with dark, gleaming eyes. Her voice was sweet and husky.
“I’ll look even more beautiful without it.”
The lights were still on in the room, and every movement she made was reflected in his eyes. After she spoke, her tongue instinctively darted out to lick her lips, her eyes narrowing like a playful kitten.
Liu Qianxiu kissed her, but it wasn’t a gentle kiss. There was nothing detached or restrained about it. Mu Wan laughed into the kiss, her breathing gradually becoming more erratic.
As he kissed her, he began to undress her, his dark eyes filled with desire.
“Let’s see how beautiful you are without it.”
“Every inch of you, I won’t miss a single part.”
Mu Wan took a deep breath and clung to his back.
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