Chapter 294: Chapter 294

The short trip was over, and Shi Yang took Zhao Meimei on a flight back home. Before boarding, he called both sets of parents to inform them of the exact arrival time. Finally, Shi Yang avoided Zhao Meimei and spoke to his father alone.

On the phone, Shi Yang came straight to the point, asking, "Dad, my thing with Meimei, Mom knows, right? What did she say?"

Shi Yang’s father scolded him on the phone, "Do you even have the nerve! Ever since seeing the photos you sent, your mom has been losing sleep. Is this how things are done?"

Shi Yang awkwardly explained, "I just wanted to give Mom a heads-up."

Shi Yang’s father was exasperated, "Meimei is still so young! You... you little brat, you... you’re driving me crazy!"

Shi Yang’s face turned slightly red. Some things are still a bit embarrassing to discuss with elders.

Shi Yang asked, "What did Mom say?"

Shi Yang’s father held his breath and gave Shi Yang a hint, "Your mom is worried sick, doesn’t know how to explain it to Meimei’s parents."

Shi Yang quickly said, "Explain what? I’m going to marry her!"

Shi Yang’s father cursed, "You wish! Meimei is just about to start college; how can you marry?"

Shi Yang’s plan was elaborate, "This time, I’ll get engaged to Meimei, have both families gather for a meal as a witness. Once Meimei reaches legal age, we’ll get married."

Shi Yang’s father actually knew that his son had always been determined since childhood, always planning ahead with everything figured out. Since he wanted to be with Zhao Meimei, he’d surely made up his mind and thought of a strategy.

Shi Yang’s father said helplessly, "I’ll talk to your mom about it, but you’ll have to explain to Meimei’s parents yourself."

For the first time, Shi Yang thanked his father, "Dad, thank you."

Shi Yang’s father joked, "Ha! Only thinking of your dad’s advantages when getting a wife!"

Shi Yang also laughed, looking at Zhao Meimei, who was obediently sitting in the waiting area. Their eyes met, and they couldn’t help but smile. At that moment, he felt incredibly lucky.

After leaving the airport, Shi Yang pulled a suitcase and held Zhao Meimei’s hand. Instead of heading home, they went directly to the mall.

Zhao Meimei found it strange and asked, "Bro, are you going to find my mom?"

Shi Yang smiled mysteriously, "No, I’m taking you somewhere." ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ NovelHub(.)net

Zhao Meimei was curious. Once they arrived at the mall, Shi Yang took her straight to the first-floor brand jewelry store, stood in front of the platinum counter, and asked, "Meimei, let’s get engaged. We’ll buy an engagement ring for now, and when we truly get married in a couple of years, I’ll replace it with a wedding diamond ring. Is that okay?"

Zhao Meimei raised her chin and looked at him, murmuring, "Bro, do you really want to get engaged with me?"

Shi Yang held her head and kissed her forehead, "Yes, we’re getting engaged."

After purchasing the ring, Shi Yang held Zhao Meimei’s hand and didn’t go to the Naughty Castle on the mall’s upper floor to visit Liu Xiue but took a taxi directly to their school district home.

Sitting in the taxi, they held hands the entire time, both wearing brand new engagement rings on their fingers, happiness showing on their faces, filled with the sweetness unique to those in love.

Zhao Meimei kept staring at the ring on her hand, and a sense of indescribable fulfillment flooded her heart. As if once the ring was put on, it truly tied the two together, creating an inseparable intimate relationship.

Shi Yang and Zhao Meimei entered the house. Zhao Meimei went to take a shower while Shi Yang packed luggage and cleaned the room.

Zhao Meimei came out after showering, her hair still wet, with water dropping down her strands.

Shi Yang exclaimed softly and quickly went to the bathroom to grab a towel, chasing to dry her hair. After a few wipes, he couldn’t help but kiss her neck.

Zhao Meimei tilted her head, smiling and asked, "Does it smell good? I used the bath salts from Tianjin, rose-scented. Makes you feel clean and leaves the skin very smooth."

Shi Yang wiped the water off his hands with the towel, reached inside Zhao Meimei’s clothes, and said, "Let me see how smooth."

Shi Yang just undressed Zhao Meimei and leaned down to kiss her when the doorbell rang at home.

Shi Yang gently bit Zhao Meimei’s chest before lifting his head, hoarsely shouting, "Wait a minute!"

Zhao Meimei asked, "Bro, who is it?"

Shi Yang gave her a light slap on the butt, "Go, get dressed in the room, I’ll answer the door."

Zhao Meimei went to the bedroom and closed the door, while Shi Yang cleared his throat and went to open the door.

Shi Yang went to the door, instinctively lowered his head and looked through the peephole, to see his mom standing outside.

Shi Yang quickly opened the door and greeted, "Mom! Why are you here?"

Shi Yang’s mom carried two large bags filled with fresh vegetables and fruits. She was worried the two kids just returned from the trip and the house would lack food and drinks, and also wanted to chat with Shi Yang.

Over the years, Shi Yang’s mom had been devoted to skincare, looking over ten years younger than her peers. She had meticulously applied makeup and wore well-fitting clothes from major brands. Despite her glamorous look, she couldn’t hide a slightly haggard expression.

Since receiving the photos Shi Yang sent, Shi Yang’s mom had been worried day and night, losing sleep and appetite, nearly stressed to death.

Shi Yang hastily took the bags from his mom, opened them and was amused, "Why bring so many things?"

Shi Yang’s mom peered at the closed bedroom door and asked, "Where’s Meimei?"

Shi Yang replied, "Just finished showering and went to get dressed."

Shi Yang’s mom’s expression froze for about two seconds before frowning. As she was about to speak, she noticed the glittering ring on Shi Yang’s finger holding the bag.

Shi Yang, following his mom’s gaze, glanced at his hand but didn’t intentionally hide it. He looked up at his mom.

Shi Yang’s mom suddenly lifted her head, her eyes showing a hint of chaos.

For a moment, Shi Yang’s mom didn’t speak. Her gaze moved from Shi Yang’s face to around the room. Previously, when she visited, both families were gathered, making it hard to notice anything. Now, looking closely, traces of their shared life were everywhere.

Zhao Meimei finished changing and came out, Shi Yang handed her his wallet, instructing her to order dishes from the downstairs restaurant for dinner at home.

Zhao Meimei glanced at Shi Yang’s mom and understood Shi Yang intended to have a frank conversation with her. She was slightly uneasy wanting to stay and listen, but Shi Yang persuaded her to leave.

Shi Yang felt this matter should be faced and resolved by himself, not wanting Zhao Meimei involved.

Zhao Meimei pursed her lips and asked with her eyes: Will it be okay?

Shi Yang reached out and gently rubbed her head, nodded: Don’t worry.

Only then did Zhao Meimei obediently leave home, giving space for the mother and son to communicate.