Chapter 653: Lightspeed
Chapter 653: Lightspeed
Having settled all matters pertaining to the company, Nie Zan flew to Russia. Lu Jiaxin, on the other hand, maintained her routine of going to work, now as the boss, enjoying the standard nine-to-five work hours.
"Ring, ring, ring..."
The phone call was from Yu Meiton, who wanted to invite her out for dinner. "I talked to Shimen, and she said she's available."
Hu Zhifeng now entertained fewer social obligations than before, choosing to spend his free time with his children. The same was true for Zong Shimen, who felt much more relaxed these days. Whenever invited, she would usually accept.
"Sure," Lu Jiaxin replied.
This time, they met at an Italian restaurant, and Lu Jiaxin was the last to arrive. As soon as she sat down, she heard Yu Meiton announce some important news: "Shimen, Jiaxin, I've decided to start dating Tao Yong."
After a week of careful consideration, Yu Meiton was satisfied and ready to take this step.
Lu Jiaxin was not surprised. The last time they met, she had sensed that Yu Meiton's words and feelings were not aligned. Tao Yong's sincerity had won her over, and all that was needed was for her to set aside her worries for their relationship to flourish.
Zong Shimen laughed and said, "You felt awkward about it before. So, what changed? Now that you're together, does it not feel awkward anymore?"
Yu Meiton smiled and replied, "Shixin and Fu Ye also got married and started their own families. Thinking about it this way made me feel less awkward. Moreover, Tao Yong promised me that if we have children, he'll help take care of them and won't leave all the responsibility to me."
Lu Jiaxin and Zong Shimen exchanged a glance, confusion evident in their eyes.
"If you truly marry him," Zong Shimen said, "then as a father, it's his responsibility and duty to raise and care for your children. The way you're talking, it's as if this is some kind of huge favor he's doing for you."
Lu Jiaxin, who had been thinking along similar lines, added, "Meiton, in your family, were your siblings taken care of by your mother growing up, with your father never getting involved?"
Yu Meiton nodded. "Yes, he never took care of us. Tao Yong's words mean that even if we have children, it won't interfere with my work. He's addressed my biggest concern."
Zong Shimen teased, "So, you've fallen for him that quickly?"
Yu Meiton shook her head. "No, it's not like that. I just believe that he won't lie to me."
Upon hearing this, Lu Jiaxin suddenly understood. It wasn't so much that she had fallen for him, but that she trusted Tao Yong implicitly and therefore believed every word he said. If it had been any other man, she would have dismissed it as nonsense.
Lu Jiaxin raised her glass of red wine and smiled. "Well then, let's toast to celebrate Meiton's new relationship!"
Given Yu Meiton's level of trust in Tao Yong, as long as nothing unexpected happened, the two of them would undoubtedly end up together. Yes, probably before she and Nie Zan got married.
After dinner, they went shopping. While browsing in a bag store, Yu Meiton had initially planned to just look around. However, when she heard that a particular bag was on sale for only 6.5% off, and it just so happened to be a style and color she loved, she immediately made the purchase.
Lu Jiaxin watched as Yu Meiton unblinkingly paid 18,000 yuan. A smile appeared on her face. In the past, Yu Meiton would have deliberated before buying a bag at this price, but now she had bought it without hesitation. It seemed that a person's consumption habits could indeed change with their environment and circumstances.
After they finished shopping, Lu Jiaxin returned home and saw Nie Zan sitting on the sofa. She rushed over and hugged him. "When did you get back? Why didn't you call me?"
Nie Zan kissed her and laughed. "Oh? Did you miss me?"
"Yes, I missed you a lot, especially today."
The way she phrased it sounded strange, and Nie Zan asked, "Why did you miss me especially today?"
The reason was simple—she had inadvertently received several doses of relationship goals throughout the day. Lu Jiaxin explained, "Meiton agreed to be with Tao Yong, and she said she believes in him. I think they'll get engaged after the Chinese New Year."
Lu Jiaxin never expected the relationship between Yu Meiton and Tao Yong to progress so quickly. A week later, Yu Meiton visited Lu Jiaxin to share the news that they had set a date for their engagement on the 27th of the twelfth lunar month.
"We'll get engaged this year and marry next spring," Yu Meiton said.
Lu Jiaxin's immediate reaction was to glance at her stomach and ask, "Are you expecting?"
Yu Meiton was perplexed by the question. "What do you mean by 'expecting'?"
Lu Jiaxin didn't respond; she just smiled at her.
It was then that Yu Meiton realized what she meant and quickly denied it. "No, that's not it. Even though we've only been dating for a week, we've known each other for eight years, so we know each other inside out. His family is pushing hard for the wedding, and since we're going to get married anyway, we might as well do it sooner rather than later!"
Lu Jiaxin couldn't help but wonder if such a rushed engagement might lead to regrets. "This is quite a whirlwind romance. Are you sure you won't regret it?"
She didn't agree with the idea of getting engaged immediately after falling in love at first sight. It was unwise to propose marriage without even knowing the other person's name or address.
But Yu Meiton was surprisingly decisive this time. "What's there to regret? If we find out we're incompatible after getting married, we can always break up then."
Satisfied that Yu Meiton wasn't acting on impulse, Lu Jiaxin smiled and said, "Looks like Sister Shimen and I will need to prepare an engagement gift for you."
Without a moment's hesitation, Yu Meiton said, "Jiaxin, I want the latest handbag model."
Lu Jiaxin found this both funny and exasperating. "Alright, I'll get you the newest Hermes bag. But won't you ask Sister Shimen for a bag too?"
"Whatever gift Sister Shimen gives, I'll like it."
Noticing that Nie Zan had returned, Yu Meiton quickly made an excuse and left. Nie Zan sensed something odd about her behavior and asked Lu Jiaxin about it after she left.
Lu Jiaxin smiled and said, "She came to tell me that she and Tao Yong are getting engaged on the 27th of the twelfth lunar month and will marry next spring."
They hadn't set a specific date for the wedding yet, so she didn't mention the exact time.
Nie Zan was stunned. "Are you serious? You're not joking?"
"Of course, I'm not joking. If you don't believe me, go ahead and ask Tao Yong."
To Lu Jiaxin's surprise, Nie Zan actually called Tao Yong to confirm the news. After getting an affirmative response, he added, "Jiaxin and I will only give one gift."
Lu Jiaxin couldn't help but laugh out loud at his comment. Instead of reassuring Nie Zan, she went to the kitchen, washed a plate of fruit, and placed it beside him. "What's the matter? Are you feeling anxious because Tao Yong is getting married before you?"
"I wouldn't force you if you're not willing, so there's no point in rushing. I just don't understand how those two suddenly hit it off," Nie Zan said.
Lu Jiaxin laughed so hard she felt a stitch in her side. Then she teased, "If Tao Yong finds out, he might break off his friendship with you!"
"He's still counting on me to be his groomsman. Why would he break off our friendship?" Nie Zan asked.
Lu Jiaxin was taken aback. "Tao Yong asked you to be his groomsman? With his looks, he must be out of his mind to ask someone as handsome as you to be his groomsman."
"What do you mean by that? Am I supposed to feel honored to be his groomsman?"
Lu Jiaxin struggled to contain her laughter. "Tao Yong isn't particularly good-looking. If you, a very handsome man, stand next to him as his groomsman, you'll steal all the attention. On his wedding day, which is supposed to be the happiest day of his life, you'll end up being the center of attention at his engagement banquet."
Nie Zan hadn't considered this. "In that case, I'll call him tomorrow and back out. Then he can find someone else who will make him look more handsome by comparison."
Lu Jiaxin was delighted by the idea.
To be continued...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
