The store manager explained, “Miss Qiu, these were custom-ordered by Second Young Master months ago, after discussions with designers. The diamonds were personally selected by him, polished to perfection. The rings have different settings: the first is simple and elegant; the second is fluid and charming; the third features scattered sparkles; the fourth resembles a full moon but has a subtle crescent shape on the side. Which one do you prefer? We can make modifications immediately.”
Ru Feng turned to Qi Feng, wanting to speak but struggling with her words.
Qi Feng comforted her, “It’s okay, take your time.”
“Second Brother, Second Brother!” Feeling helpless, she grasped his hand and whispered.
Qi Feng reassured her, “You can go about your business.” Once the store staff left, he kissed her forehead, “We have plenty of time, choose slowly.”
Ru Feng sniffled, biting her lip, troubled. “What should I do? I like them all!”
Qi Feng shook his head. “No, you can only choose one.”
“Why? Second Brother, you’re so stingy.”
He glared at her. “Wedding rings can only be one.”
Ru Feng questioned, “Then why did you make so many?”
“Isn’t it for you to choose?”
“After I choose, you won’t sell the rest, will you?” Her voice grew louder.
“How could I!” The thought of his ring being worn by another woman made him want to cut off that hand. “I’ll keep them at home.”
Ru Feng stared at him, “Second Brother, you’re such a spendthrift!”
Qi Feng hugged her, looking nonchalant. “It’s fine, I can afford to be.”
Ru Feng bit her lip. “What will we eat if you spend all our family’s money?”
Qi Feng tapped her head. “I promise, even if I spend everything, I can still support you for several lifetimes! Now, choose quickly.”
Taking advantage of this relaxed atmosphere, Ru Feng suppressed her emotions. She knew how good Second Brother was to her, but she couldn’t have imagined he could be so thoughtful.
She looked again at the four boxes. Second Brother’s taste was excellent, and all the styles were ones she liked, making it difficult to choose.
Qi Feng watched her pick up and put down the rings, shaking his head and sighing. He had already said he would keep them at home, just for her to play with, and he loved her frowning and pouting right now.
Finally, after much difficulty, she picked up the moon-like diamond ring. “I want this one.”
Qi Feng held out a ring, saying, “This style is called Eternity, symbolizing unchanging love.” He slipped the ring onto her finger and kissed her gently, declaring, “It is also my promise.”
His handsome face with bright, pitch-black eyes tilted slightly, radiating elegance in the light and shadow. Ru Feng stared blankly, processing what had just happened.
Later, lying in bed, Ru Feng finally realized, “Second Brother, was that a proposal?” A light laugh echoed in the darkness, “Yes, and it was successful!”
Furious, Ru Feng exclaimed, “You used a beauty trap!” Qi Feng acknowledged, “Well, that worked too.”
The next day, Qi Feng brought bags to find Qiu’s mother. Situ Jin followed behind, feeling powerless. He realized he had to give away the pearl he had cherished, heartbroken over the thought of a betrothal gift.
“Dad, Feng’er is now Qiu Ru Feng!” Qi Feng warned before exiting the car. Situ Jin remained still, saying, “One month.”
Qi Feng froze, turning back, his voice strained, “Dad.” Situ Jin simply smiled and reiterated, “One month.”
“
Ru Feng giggled, while Qi Feng’s expression changed several times, “One week.”
Situ Jin, calm and composed, waved his fingers, “One month, no discount.”
Qi Feng, preparing to go out, lowered his voice, “Deal!”
Situ Jin got out of the car, shaking his suit.
Carrying Ru Feng out, she expressed sympathy, “Poor Second Brother, he’ll be working to death as a proxy CEO for dad for a month.”
Qi Feng glared at her, “Are you gloating?”
“Who says so?” she retorted, unable to admit it.
“Hmph! Don’t cry to me later if no one keeps you company.”
Ru Feng smiled sweetly at Qiu’s mother approaching, “Mom!”
Qiu’s mother rubbed her hair and looked suspiciously at Situ Jin and the gifts beside him, “What’s this…?”
Qi Feng placed Ru Feng in the wheelchair and said, “Aunt Qiu, this is my father, Situ Jin. Dad, this is Qiu’s mother.”
Situ Jin nodded, “Hello!”
Qiu’s mother rubbed her hands, “Hello! Oh, come in and sit down first.”
In the second-floor living room, she invited everyone to sit, “You brought so many things, what for!”
Qi Feng ran around moving everything, while Situ Jin stated his purpose.
Qiu’s mother remained silent for a long time.
After a while, Situ Jin asked, “Do you not agree to this marriage, or do you have any concerns or requirements?”
Ru Feng was curious. She knew Qiu’s mother had a good impression of her second brother and had always encouraged her before, so why was she acting this way now?
After a moment of silence, Qiu’s mother looked at Situ Jin, “Can you really accept Xiao Feng’s background?”
Situ Jin momentarily confused, maintained his composure, “I’m very satisfied with Feng’er and want her to become part of my family. If you have any questions, please speak directly, and we can discuss them.”
Qiu’s mother held Ru Feng’s hand, seeking courage, “I know the Situ Group and the Situ family have been established for generations, accumulating wealth and reputation. Naturally, the requirements for children are more stringent. Few Situ men have scandalous rumors. Xiao Feng is a good child, but… when I was young, I did many wild things. Xiao Feng has also grown up in a single-parent family. Many things written in the newspapers recently are true. To be honest, we are indeed not a match. If you mind, this marriage can be called off, or Xiao Feng will suffer more in the future.”
“If you don’t bring it up today, you can’t use this as an excuse to hurt her later.”
Situ Jin looked at her deeply. He knew her reputation in high society and had always been dismissive of her. However, he realized that while she might not be a good woman, she was definitely a good mother. If she were merely an ordinary social climber, she wouldn’t have pushed away this diamond son-in-law.
With these thoughts, his smile became genuine and apologetic, “Rest assured, the foundation of my family is integrity. Now that we’re standing here, it means Feng’er will be part of the Situ family.”
Qiu’s mother’s eyes moistened as she sniffled and wiped her tears.
Ru Feng held her hand, comforting her.
Qi Feng stood up, “Aunt Qiu, please entrust Feng’er to me. I will love and protect her and will never let her suffer.”
Qiu’s mother nodded repeatedly, choking up and solemnly handing Ru Feng’s hand to Qi Feng, then holding them tightly. “You must be good to each other!”
Qi Feng laughed, “Yes, we will.”
With the matter settled, Qiu’s mother went inside to fetch an almanac, and she and Situ Jin began discussing the wedding date enthusiastically.
“Let’s meet on the 10th next month—it’s a good day.”
“No, the 22nd is better, a perfect pair!”
“How about the 1st instead, forever and always?”
“That day won’t work, they say it’s not auspicious for marriage…”
Ru Feng blinked, confused by the sudden topic shift.
Tugging at Qi Feng’s lapel, he bent down, saying, “Second Brother, those gifts you bought were useless. Mom Qiu didn’t even look at them. You might as well have given her money to buy what she wants.”
Qi Feng grinned, “You don’t understand. Women might not say it, but they’re always happy to receive gifts.”
Ru Feng glanced at him, “You understand women so well?”
“Of course,” Qi Feng replied.
Ru Feng pressed, “So, who taught you about women?” His tone was ominous.
Qi Feng’s eyes lit up, “Feng’er, you like receiving gifts too, right?”
Ru Feng snorted, shouting to the two elders nearby, “I object!”
Six eyes turned toward him immediately.