The discussion went very smoothly.
The Shen family was extremely satisfied with Xie Yuli. There was truly nothing to criticize about him.
In the end, they simply said a few words:
“Seeing how outstanding Yuli is makes us very happy.”
“We’re grateful that our daughter has found such a fine husband.”
“Then the marriage between our two families is settled.”
“As for the preparations afterward, we’ll have to trouble Yuli and your family to take care of them.”
“The Shen family will provide ten marital homes. The properties your family prepares can be used as well. They’re just places to live, after all. It doesn’t matter if they alternate between them.”
“As for the wedding and honeymoon, you and Chaochao can decide those yourselves. We won’t interfere.”
They were completely handing things over.
To the greatest extent possible, they entrusted everything to Xie Yuli.
At the same time, they wanted to see how sincere he truly was.
A trace of confusion appeared on Xie Yuli’s face.
Lan Shixi smiled gently and explained,
“Chaochao is Bingci’s nickname.”
So that was it.
Something shifted in Xie Yuli’s eyes.
It suited her quite well.
He nodded slightly to show he understood.
Smiling faintly, the corners of his eyes lifting, he said,
“I’ll follow whatever Chaochao wants.”
Chaochao.
He had actually called her Chaochao.
Goodness.
How could he make it sound so pleasant?
His voice was already impossibly beautiful—elegant and pure, like snow lotuses atop a mountain or mist drifting through the wind.
It made her ears tingle.
No one had ever spoken her nickname so beautifully.
The engagement was officially confirmed.
The next day, the Xie and Shen families would formally announce their alliance to the public.
There were still many things to do after the engagement.
The Shen family’s attitude was simple: there was no rush.
Everything depended on Shen Bingci.
If she wanted to move quickly, they would move quickly.
If she wanted to take it slowly, they would take it slowly.
Her answer was naturally:
Slowly.
Everything had to be the best.
The grandest.
That was what she truly wanted.
Originally, the Xie family had hoped she would stay in Hong Kong a little longer.
But Shen Bingci firmly refused.
“I’ve already troubled your family for too long.”
“And I need to return to the ballet theater for work.”
Shen Jinbai couldn’t help laughing softly.
His little sister, who was usually anything but enthusiastic about work, was now using work as an excuse.
It was painfully obvious.
The Xie family did not insist.
They knew she probably wasn’t completely comfortable staying here.
Instead, they simply asked Xie Yuli to see her off.
Xie Yuli personally drove Shen Bingci to the private airfield.
Everyone else had already gone ahead.
Sitting in the passenger seat, Shen Bingci sat upright.
She wore a brown trench coat, with sunglasses hanging from the collar.
“Mr. Xie, may I open the window for some fresh air?”
Xie Yuli was driving himself today.
Uncle Chen had been allowed to rest.
He glanced sideways.
“Of course.”
“Please do as you like.”
Shen Bingci lowered the window.
Cool air rushed inside.
After taking several deep breaths, she felt relaxed and comfortable.
When she had first met Xie Yuli, she had always felt nervous around him.
But after only a few days, she had come to feel that he was an incredibly gentle person.
A kind of gentleness she had never encountered before.
Ever since meeting him, she often found herself wondering:
Could someone like this really exist?
Perfect.
Capable of anything.
Without flaws.
Living like a dream.
Turning her head, Shen Bingci quietly looked at his hands.
His fingers were elegant and distinct, like cold jade.
Xie Yuli steered with one hand.
The luxury watch at his wrist looked understated yet expensive.
Even while driving, he carried himself with the same seriousness he showed at work.
She could almost imagine what he looked like during business meetings.
Formal.
Composed.
Wearing a suit.
Cold and restrained.
Come to think of it, she had never actually seen him at work.
Nor had she ever visited his company.
“Miss Shen.”
“Now that we’re engaged, there are many matters for which I’ll need your opinion.”
Xie Yuli glanced at her.
Even his driving seemed elegant and unhurried.
Swallowing nervously, Shen Bingci was once again overwhelmed by his good looks.
“That’s fine.”
“But what sort of things?”
A faint smile appeared on Xie Yuli’s lips.
“Many things.”
“For example, when we should take engagement photos.”
“What we should wear.”
“Where we should take them.”
“What kind of marital home you prefer.”
“Which location you like best…”
“But please don’t worry, Miss Shen.”
“I’ll screen the options in advance according to your preferences and reduce the burden on you as much as possible.”
He was being so considerate.
Unable to stop herself, Shen Bingci asked,
“Mr. Xie, how did you know I dislike troublesome things?”
Or rather—
Those complicated but important matters were exactly the things she hated most.
She liked simple people.
Simple situations.
She liked making decisions.
She hated fussing over details.
It was exhausting.
And a waste of time.
The corners of Xie Yuli’s lips curved upward.
His expression remained calm as always.
“Miss Shen’s time shouldn’t be wasted on such things.”
“It’s what I should do.”
Her time shouldn’t be wasted?
Then was his time supposed to be?
His time was far more valuable than hers.
After all, he was a man whose achievements allowed him to stand as an equal to his own father.
“Mr. Xie…”
Her voice suddenly became very soft.
Her heart leaped.
“May I ask something?”
“Why did you choose me… to be your wife?”
The Rolls-Royce glided steadily down the road.
His pale fingers rested on the steering wheel as he rounded a curve.
They were nearly at their destination.
He glanced briefly at her dazzling face.
His cool presence seemed to envelop her.
“Because…”
“Miss Shen is my ideal wife.”
Shen Bingci felt as though her heart had floated into the sky.
It refused to come back down.
Inside her mind, a sparkling mushroom cloud exploded.
She couldn’t recover.
The car arrived at the Xie family’s private airfield.
Xie Yuli got out and personally opened her door.
Bending slightly, he said,
“Miss Shen, we’ve arrived.”
The Shen family was already waiting nearby.
When Lan Shixi saw her daughter and future son-in-law arrive, she waved happily.
Yet Shen Bingci didn’t move.
“Miss Shen?”
Xie Yuli called gently.
No response.
“Chaochao?”
Her heart trembled violently.
Looking at him shyly, Shen Bingci saw him standing against the light.
His sharp features were softened by the glow.
For some reason—
As if possessed—
She suddenly wrapped her arms around the back of his neck.
And hugged him tightly.
Her slender body pressed against his.
Soft, smooth skin brushed against his frame.
Warm breaths lingered between them.
Holding his neck, her face burning red, her lips occasionally brushing near his ear, Shen Bingci whispered softly:
“Xie Yuli…”
“Thank you for saying that.”
“You’re my ideal husband too.”
Xie Yuli’s entire body stiffened.
He froze on the spot.