Pei Chen’s proposal had been prearranged, and the staff had discreetly informed the guests and media present that there would be a special surprise during the product launch event. Everyone was supportive and eager to witness such a beautiful moment.
When the guests saw the pictures made from lines of code, along with the dazzling fireworks and balloons, they all marveled at how romantic it was. No one had expected the president of Chengzhi Tech to be so deeply in love with his girlfriend.
The proposal was broadcast live online, quickly gaining significant attention, but that’s a story for another time.
By a little after 9 p.m., the product launch had successfully concluded after two hours.
Liang Zhiyi and Pei Chen bid farewell to several important guests. After a while, they heard people cheering them on. When Liang Zhiyi turned around, she saw both their parents and many friends. Pei Chen, smiling, glanced at her and then led her over to them.
As they approached, Fan Gao joked with a smile, “Tonight, I was force-fed a huge dose of romance! Pei Shen, since when did a science and engineering guy like you become so romantic?!”
Xuan Xia laughed, “You have no idea! Pei Chen spent six months planning this proposal!”
Upon hearing this, the girl looked at Pei Chen in shock. “You started preparing that long ago?”
“Mhm.”
In fact, Pei Chen had the idea for the proposal six months earlier, but there was a lot to prepare, and he had to keep it all a secret from her to maintain the surprise.
Xuan Xia raised an eyebrow and said, “Zhiyi, all those pictures made of code were typed out by him personally. He wouldn’t let anyone help! Talk about dedication!”
Considering the scale of tonight’s proposal, it was clear how much time and money the man had invested in preparing it, not to mention his busy work schedule. He had always given her 100% of his heart, and that hadn’t changed over the years.
The girl looked up and met Pei Chen’s gaze, deeply moved.
After a bit more teasing, she turned to their parents with a sweet and shy smile. “Mom, Dad, Uncle, Auntie, how come you’re all here tonight? I didn’t even notice…”
Liang Tianming chuckled, “Pei Chen wanted to surprise you, so of course we couldn’t let you find out.”
Liang Zhiyi glanced at the staff nearby. “So, you all knew too?”
Everyone laughed, “Director Liang, we’ve all known about this for a while—except for you.”
“Director Liang, you were already in the loop when Pei Chen suggested holding this product launch. You just didn’t realize it, hahaha…”
No wonder she felt that everyone had been looking at her differently tonight. It turned out she was the only one who hadn’t been in on the secret.
Zhong Xinrou smiled warmly at the two of them, “Zhizhi, Pei Chen, watching you two come this far makes us so happy for you. Especially with the surprise Pei Chen prepared tonight, it’s truly heartfelt.”
Pei Yongxia, standing nearby, patted Pei Chen on the shoulder with a pleased smile. “Son, we were invited here tonight to witness your proposal. Now that we’ve all seen it, we’re witnesses, so if you ever treat Zhiyi poorly, we won’t let you off the hook.”
Liang Tongzhou added, “Yeah, Pei Chen, if you don’t treat my sister well, I’ll be the first to deal with you!”
Xuan Xia chimed in, “As a brother, I’ll be right behind him!”
Liang Zhiyi looked at Pei Chen with a proud expression and said, “Did you hear that? I’ve got people watching over me.”
Everyone laughed, and Pei Chen, with a smile tugging at the corner of his eyes, pulled her close and replied, “I wouldn’t dare do otherwise. I’ll definitely take good care of Zhiyi.”
As everyone continued to joke and banter, it was getting late, and Pei Chen arranged for cars to take everyone back to the city.
Since it was so late, both sets of parents decided to meet another day for a meal to discuss the wedding plans for their children.
Liang Zhiyi then walked over to Ji Fei’er and Zhi Mian. Ji Fei’er hugged her tightly, saying, “Zhizhi, when I saw Pei Chen propose to you on stage just now, I was so moved I almost cried. It hasn’t been easy watching the two of you come this far, and as your best friend, I’m so happy you’ve found a good partner.”
Touched, Liang Zhiyi smiled and patted her head. “Thank you, Fei’er.”
Zhi Mian, standing nearby, also hugged her with a warm smile. “Zhizhi, I wish you and Pei Chen a lifetime of happiness. I’ve been looking forward to attending your wedding for a long time.”
Liang Zhiyi playfully pinched her cheek, laughing. “No matter how soon I get married, I can’t beat someone who got married young and even has a baby now. Duan Zhuo really set the pace.”
Back in university, Zhi Mian and Duan Zhuo had broken up for a while, though they were still in love. Eventually, Duan Zhuo won her back, and not long after graduation, they married quickly. Now, they even had an adorable little baby.
Zhi Mian blushed and smiled. “So you and Pei Chen should make good use of your time.”
Ji Fei’er chimed in with a mischievous grin, “Hurry up and get your marriage certificate. Then you can have a baby soon.”
Liang Zhiyi playfully tapped her on the head. “Who said anything about having a baby so soon? I haven’t even thought that far ahead…”
“Oh, look who’s getting shy! It’s going to happen sooner or later.”
Ji Fei’er and Zhi Mian continued to tease her as Pei Chen walked over. Noticing Liang Zhiyi’s slightly flushed cheeks, he asked, “What are you all talking about?”
Ji Fei’er raised an eyebrow and said, “Pei Chen, we were talking about having kids. Look at Xiao Jiu, she already has a baby. You two should hurry up so Zhiyi doesn’t have to wait too long.”
Liang Zhiyi met Pei Chen’s meaningful gaze, her face growing even warmer. “Pei Chen, don’t listen to her nonsense…”
Pei Chen chuckled softly and looked at Liang Zhiyi. “Mhm, I got it.”
Liang Zhiyi: ??
What did he mean by that? Covering her face, she felt even more embarrassed.
—
After finishing up the remaining tasks from the product launch, Pei Chen took Liang Zhiyi back to their apartment.
That night, after showering, Pei Chen went to the study to handle some work, while Liang Zhiyi lay on the bed, watching a video that Ji Fei’er had sent her earlier of the proposal. Even after watching it again, Pei Chen’s sweet words still made her heart flutter.
Resting her chin in her hand, she gazed at the diamond ring on her left ring finger. Pei Chen, having finished his work, walked into the bedroom to find her looking sweet and content. He climbed into bed and pulled her into his arms. “Do you like the ring?”
Liang Zhiyi smiled and turned to him. “I love it, but why did you buy such a big diamond? It must have been really expensive…”
The inside of the diamond ring was engraved with the initials of both her and Pei Chen’s names. The craftsmanship was exquisite, with the diamond cut beautifully, and it felt heavy on her hand—a clear sign of its value.
“The ring was custom-made overseas earlier this year. The price doesn’t matter,” Pei Chen said in a low voice. “I just wanted to give you the best so that you wouldn’t have to envy anyone else.”
Liang Zhiyi smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder. “Pei Chen, ever since we’ve been together, I’ve never envied anyone else. And anything you give me is the best in my eyes.”
She was never one to care much about material things; his intentions were what mattered most to her.
He tightened his embrace, and she teased him, “You had the ring custom-made earlier this year, and you started planning the proposal six months ago. So, someone was already plotting this for a long time, huh?”
Pei Chen smiled, leaning closer to her ear. “Haven’t you known all along how much I’ve wanted to marry you?”
She chuckled, “Well, haven’t you done it now?”
He propped himself up slightly, looking down at her with deep affection. “Not quite yet—we still need to take one more step.”
“What step?”
“This relationship needs legal recognition.”
Her face flushed as he leaned in to kiss her lips briefly. “You’ve accepted my proposal, so when will you go with me to the Civil Affairs Bureau to register our marriage, hmm?”
“When do you want to go?”
“The sooner, the better. Tomorrow would be ideal.”
She playfully muttered, “The household registration book is still with my parents. Why are you in such a hurry?”
He gazed at her, his voice low. “Of course, I am.”
He couldn’t wait to make her officially part of his family.
After discussing it, they decided to arrange a dinner with their parents the following evening to finalize the wedding plans, after which they could proceed with the registration.
Pei Chen suddenly remembered something and smiled. “By the way, were you talking with them about having children today? Were you in a hurry, Zhizhi?”
She quickly and shyly denied it. “No, I wasn’t. Don’t listen to their nonsense…”
“But they’re not wrong. Even Zhi Mian already has a child. Shouldn’t we speed things up too?”
As he propped himself up above her, his hand gently resting on her waist, and his dark eyes fixed on her, her heart began to race. “Pei Chen, we need to plan this carefully. We can’t rush into it…”
He couldn’t help but laugh. “I was just teasing you.”
He wasn’t eager to have her rush into pregnancy right after their marriage.
“I respect your wishes on this. Whenever you want to have children, we will.”
Her heart warmed. “Yes, let’s wait until the company is a bit more stable.”
She was certainly willing to have a baby with him someday, but it still felt a bit too soon. She wasn’t quite ready to become a mother yet.
As they gazed into each other’s eyes, Pei Chen’s voice dropped to a low, suggestive tone. “But there’s something I want even more right now.”
“What is it?”
“What do you think?”
Having just succeeded in his proposal, the feelings between them were especially intense tonight.
How could she not catch the meaning behind his words? Her alluring eyes softened with desire as she wrapped her arms around his neck, curling herself around him like a snake and offering her lips willingly.
The man quickly took control, pinning her wrists above her head as his kiss became hot and commanding. His other hand slipped under her nightgown, sparking a fire that spread rapidly.
“Mm… Pei Chen…”
She bit her lip, her voice so sweet it practically dripped honey.
…
The moonlight gently spilled into the room.
Their passion intertwined, the night was destined to be filled with love.
—
The next day, as the sun rose, the aftermath of their wild night left Liang Zhiyi with aching legs and a sore back as she stood in front of the dressing mirror, wishing she could wrap her neck in layers of scarves.
Damn it, this shameless man! QAQ.
When Pei Chen walked up behind her, she turned and glared at him, both embarrassed and angry. “I told you not to kiss my neck! What if someone sees it…”
Pei Chen noticed the pink marks on her neck and recalled how he had lost control the night before. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, apologizing with a soft chuckle, “Sorry, Zhizhi. How about… you just say it was a mosquito bite?”
“…In the middle of winter? Where would a mosquito come from?”
He kissed her ear lightly, and she blushed as she looked at the man in the mirror, scolding him playfully, “And my body too, it’s all your fault…”
Pei Chen had been getting more creative lately, and last night had been particularly intense. The old marks hadn’t even faded before new ones appeared, in shades of pink and purple. Anyone who saw her body would know that she had been thoroughly and passionately loved.
Seeing those marks last night had only fueled the fire inside him, making him even more determined not to let her off easily. Later, he had made her obediently hug her knees and submit to him, tears in her eyes, as he played with her to his heart’s content.
Pei Chen smirked, his voice husky. “Zhizhi, I promise I’ll control myself from now on.”
“I don’t believe you.”
A man’s words are often deceptive, especially Pei Chen’s. In certain situations, he became a completely different person…
“Zhizhi is just too sweet,” Pei Chen remarked, his voice filled with a blend of admiration and affection.
She was both alluring and gentle, making her utterly irresistible.
After exchanging a few more sweet words, Liang Zhiyi lowered her head again to gaze at the diamond ring on her finger. The sweetness in her heart was overwhelming. Just then, Pei Chen lifted her up and said, “Come on, let’s go have breakfast.”
She smiled and replied, “Mhm.”
The two of them had slept in that morning, so they decided to go out for breakfast. When Liang Zhiyi mentioned she was craving pan-fried buns, Pei Chen offered to take her to a place he had been to before.
As they stepped outside, a cold wind greeted them. In December, the weather in Lincheng was bleak and overcast.
Pei Chen helped her put on her knitted hat, and with her arm linked through his, they walked forward warmly together.
On the way to the parking lot, a thought crossed Liang Zhiyi’s mind. She turned to him and said, “Pei Chen, after we get our marriage certificate, should we visit Uncle Lin and Auntie Lin at the noodle shop? We haven’t been there in half a year.”
Over the years, they had occasionally visited the old couple’s noodle shop, maintaining a close relationship with them.
Pei Chen smiled softly. “Sure, I bet they’ll be really happy to hear that we’re getting married.”
After all, the old couple had watched their relationship grow and had given them a lot of guidance along the way.
Liang Zhiyi giggled, “We should bring some wedding candies for them.”
“Mhm,” he agreed, affectionately patting her head.
When they arrived at the pan-fried bun shop, Pei Chen held her hand as they walked in. At the counter, the owner recognized Pei Chen and, seeing him with Liang Zhiyi, smiled and said, “Ah, today you’ve brought your girlfriend with you?”
Pei Chen glanced down at Liang Zhiyi with a tender look in his eyes and replied warmly, “Yes, she’s my wife.”
After placing their order, the two of them sat down. Liang Zhiyi’s mind lingered on his words, her heart fluttering with joy. “We haven’t even gotten the marriage certificate yet. I’m not your wife just yet…”
“Aren’t you?”
“Hmm…”
He turned to look at her, his dark eyes gazing at her intently, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “Don’t you want to be?”
“…”
Of course she wanted to be.
She rested her chin on her hand, half covering her flushed face, her lips curving into a soft smile.
Oh well, she thought. She was going to be his wife sooner or later, so there was nothing wrong with him introducing her that way a little early.
After breakfast, they headed to the company.
As they walked into the office, the employees greeted them with nods. They couldn’t help but notice that the usually composed and serious Pei Chen had a faint smile on his lips—clear evidence of just how good his mood was.
Everyone knew that Pei Chen had successfully proposed the night before, so they all gathered to offer their congratulations once again. Pei Chen looked around at everyone and announced, “This afternoon, tea is on me. Order whatever you like.”
“Wow, that’s awesome!”
“Pei Chen, we love you!”
“No, wait, it should be Liang Zhiyi we love!”
The crowd burst into laughter, and a sweet, bashful smile spread across Liang Zhiyi’s face. After a while, she returned to her office. Ji Fei’er walked in with a cup of hot milk tea, took one look at her, and raised an eyebrow with a teasing grin.
“Looks like last night’s proposal made you really happy.”
“Hm?”
“The battle was quite intense.”
Liang Zhiyi looked up to see Ji Fei’er eyeing her neck, and she quickly adjusted her scarf to cover it, laughing in exasperation. “Get lost, I’m not getting in your car.”
She then pulled out her cushion compact to cover the marks. Ji Fei’er, still smiling, asked, “So when are you two planning to have the wedding?”
“Tonight, Pei Chen and I are meeting with our parents for dinner. We need to get their input on the wedding. We haven’t really discussed it yet.”
“Well, it’s just a matter of time. Hurry up so I can be your bridesmaid.”
Liang Zhiyi laughed, “True. If Pei Chen and I take longer than you and my brother, I might not have a bridesmaid.”
Ji Fei’er chuckled, “Good that you know! By the way, have you checked our high school group chat? It’s blowing up.”
“I haven’t checked. What’s going on?”
“The video of your proposal last night got streamed online, and someone from our class posted it in the group. Now everyone knows about it.”
Liang Zhiyi rarely checked the group chat, but she pulled out her phone and saw that her high school classmates were indeed talking about the proposal:
[Class Rep’s proposal was so romantic!]
[Wow, 99,999 roses! I can’t believe our class rep and Zhiyi are getting married!]
[Looks like we’ll be drinking at their wedding soon, haha!]
[The class rep is really doing well for himself now…]
There were a few girls who had never liked Liang Zhiyi and were now making sarcastic comments, bitterly envious that she and Pei Chen had made it this far and that he still adored her. But the majority of the comments were filled with congratulations.
Liang Zhiyi thanked everyone in the group, promising to send out invitations once the wedding was planned.
“Don’t pay attention to those snide remarks,” Ji Fei’er advised.
The girl smiled, “I wouldn’t waste my time on them.”
After all, the love between her and Pei Chen was something others could envy but never truly have.
—
That evening, Pei Chen reserved a restaurant with an elegant ambiance and invited both sets of parents for dinner. This was their first official meeting as in-laws.
Liang Tianming and Zhong Xinrou were very pleased with Pei Chen, and Pei Yongxia and Gong Qinxin’s fondness for Liang Zhiyi went without saying. With both families being courteous and polite, the atmosphere was naturally warm and harmonious.
The parents agreed that there was no need to rush the wedding preparations. It could be planned slowly and carefully, considering the Liang family’s status and the complexities that would come with the wedding. Pei Chen assured them that he would handle the preparations meticulously, ensuring everything was in line with Liang Zhiyi’s preferences.
As the dinner was winding down, Zhong Xinrou asked, “Zhiyi, when are you planning to go get the marriage certificate with Xiao Pei?”
Liang Zhiyi grinned. “Anytime, there’s no rush.”
Upon hearing this, Zhong Xinrou playfully pulled out the household registration book from her bag and said with a smile, “Alright then, I guess I won’t give this to you just yet since you’re not in a hurry.”
Caught off guard, the girl panicked and blurted out, “No, I am in a hurry…”
All four parents burst into laughter. Liang Zhiyi glanced over at Pei Chen, noticing the amusement in his eyes, and realized she had been teased. Her face turned bright red.
“So, you do want to marry Xiao Pei soon, huh? Do you still want the household registration book?” Zhong Xinrou asked with a smile.
Embarrassed but determined, Liang Zhiyi reached out and took it. “Yes, I do…”
Pei Yongxia chuckled, “Pei Chen came to ask for it a while ago. Now it’s finally going to be put to good use.”
Holding the household registration book, Liang Zhiyi looked at Pei Chen with a sweet smile. He met her gaze and returned the smile warmly.
—
Once they had the household registration book, Pei Chen didn’t want to wait another moment. The very next day, he took Liang Zhiyi to the Civil Affairs Bureau.
The process went smoothly, and in the end, they stood before the national flag and emblem, solemnly reciting their wedding vows:
“We voluntarily unite as husband and wife. From this day forward, we will shoulder the responsibilities and duties that marriage bestows upon us. We will honor our parents, educate our children, respect and love each other, trust and support one another, show mutual understanding and accommodation, and cherish each other for life…”
After reciting her vows, Liang Zhiyi smiled at Pei Chen, tears welling up in her eyes.
Marriage is a serious commitment that affects a lifetime. She felt incredibly fortunate to have met the love of her life at seventeen and to have the chance to spend the rest of her life with him. It was her greatest happiness.
After they finished the vows, the officiant handed them the bright red marriage certificates.
Even though she had imagined this moment many times, actually holding the certificate felt surreal to Liang Zhiyi, as if meeting Pei Chen had only happened yesterday.
Finally, they walked out of the Civil Affairs Bureau and back to the car. With no one else around, Pei Chen pulled her into an embrace and asked with a smile:
“So, what should you call me now?”
Liang Zhiyi’s eyes curved into a smile, and in a soft, sweet voice, she replied, “Husband.”
Pei Chen smiled, gently lifted her chin, and kissed her.
By the roadside, a light breeze blew softly, and under the evergreen trees, sunlight dappled their bodies, creating a play of light and shadow.
When he finally pulled back, their foreheads resting against each other, he gazed at her with eyes full of love and said in a husky voice:
“Zhizhi, my dream has finally come true.”
The girl he had loved since his youth had, at last, become his Mrs. Pei.