Chapter 436: Chapter 436
He said this quite naturally.
But his eyes betrayed deep emotions.
Qiao Xi hadn’t expected Shen Dang to react this way. It wasn’t appropriate to discuss this matter now, so she actively changed the subject, "Who was that person just now?"
Shen Dang’s gaze slightly cooled, "He is the person in charge sent from Country H."
"Oh, but he seemed unaware that Tan Garden is yours."
Shen Dang amiably accepted the comment, "I prefer to keep a low profile."
Qiao Xi neither agreed nor disagreed.
She smiled slightly, "I’m hungry; let’s have the meal served."
Neither of them was in a hurry, eating leisurely, and Shen Dang even had a bottle of red wine brought to the table.
During the meal, he probed, "Xixi, if I suddenly proposed to you, would you accept?"
Qiao Xi hadn’t expected him to bring this up.
Her eyes widened slightly, and under the intense gaze of Shen Dang, she said in a soft and gentle voice, "Then let’s wait until you propose."
Shen Dang suddenly grasped her hand, "I hope you can truly accept the changes in our relationship, and not feel rushed into this by me. That’s why I won’t give you such a sudden surprise; I’m afraid it would frighten you. So, before I propose, I’ll ask for your opinion first. I’ve said before, what others have, Qiao Xi, you should have as well."
His words were steeped in deep affection, yet tinged with a hint of caution.
A sudden discomfort constricted Qiao Xi’s chest.
The high and mighty Shen Dang should be full of vigor and strategy, not this careful.
What was Shen Dang like before?
Noble, elegant, always with a touch of indifference and a unique, confident presence.
It was as if everything was under his control.
Yet, when it came to her affairs, he displayed an anxiousness to not lose what he had.
The sense of security Qiao Xi needed, he had given it all to her.
But it seemed he hadn’t felt complete security from her.
Therefore, he hesitated over this matter, considering her feelings.
He was afraid, so he didn’t dare to take the next step.
He just thought to wait, wait a bit more.
Until she was willing.
Even though he wanted to marry her so much, he couldn’t only think of himself.
Some things, so close within reach, seemed to shatter if touched.
Qiao Xi felt a heavy, bittersweet emotion in her heart.
Bitterness because he had changed so much for her.
Sweetness because he had truly considered all her concerns.
He had gone to such lengths; what else was there for her to hesitate about?
Qiao Xi stated calmly and with certainty, "If you proposed to me, I wouldn’t hesitate."
After speaking, Qiao Xi lowered her gaze.
Her intentions were clear; he’d understand, wouldn’t he?
How could Shen Dang not understand?
He didn’t know how long he had been waiting.
Now, his wait had finally borne fruit, and he had received her consent.
When your heart belongs to me and mine to you, that’s the best love.
A light flickered through Shen Dang’s deep, dark eyes.
Joy struck with such intensity.
Shen Dang pulled her hand, drawing her into his embrace, holding her tightly as if to etch her into his very marrow.
"Xixi, you have no idea; I’ve already been planning how to propose to you."
His voice was slightly hoarse.
A tumult of emotions surged through Qiao Xi.
That night was filled with passion and intense love.
Rarely taking the initiative in such matters, Qiao Xi seemed to pour all her passion and energy into giving herself to him.
It was undoubtedly fatal.
It stirred Shen Dang even more.
All night long, without pause, they both reached the pinnacle together.
Only as the sky began to brighten did Shen Dang, filled with satisfaction, fall asleep holding Qiao Xi.
When Qiao Xi woke up, Shen Dang was already gone, but knowing he was busy with work, she did not blame him.
After all, she wasn’t the clingy type.
Looking at the new marks on her body, she found she had no reason to call and scold Shen Dang.
After all, last night—
Qiao Xi shook her head, casting aside the emotions that shouldn’t occupy her thoughts.
Later that day, Qiao Xi received a call from Xie Baola.
Investigating who Qiao Nan had been in touch with wasn’t difficult.
Qiao Nan was just an ordinary person, with no attempt to hide her movements; Xie Baola found out that she had hooked up with the second-generation heir of a wealthy tycoon from Country H.
That playboy had a bad reputation in Country H.
He came to Hai City for a business collaboration, and Qiao Nan followed him back, probably thinking she had latched onto a powerful leg.
Unaware that she was just one among his many girlfriends.
To call her foolish was indeed an overestimation.
Xie Baola sneered, "What’s more interesting is that this playboy came to collaborate with GK Entertainment. Isn’t that coincidental?"
Qiao Xi thought of the man she saw at Tan Garden yesterday.
"Quite a coincidence indeed."
"Qiao Nan might not even know what her boyfriend is in Hai City for, otherwise, she wouldn’t have been so haughty yesterday," Xie Baola speculated.
It’s only impressive if a woman has her abilities; what’s relying on a man worth?
If you depend on a man, then be ready to be abandoned at any moment.
A woman’s own abilities are her greatest support.
After Xie Baola hung up with Qiao Xi, she pondered for a few seconds and then dialed Shen Dang’s number.
Shen Dang was still discussing work, and the phone suddenly rang.
He didn’t have much personal interaction with Xie Baola, and if any, it concerned Qiao Xi; Shen Dang paused for a moment before stepping aside to answer the call.
Xie Baola didn’t beat around the bush, "Qiao Nan is back, and she’s with your business partner Han Ze. You’re probably more aware than I am of what Qiao Nan did to Xixi in the past, right?"
Qiao Nan’s prior hook-up with Chu Xiuyun was disgusting enough, and now she resurfaced to be a nuisance.
Blinded by jealousy, she fled overseas back then and now returned to Hai City thinking she’s secured her future.
Her actions were unforgivable.
This trouble needed to be dealt with.
Shen Dang’s eyes darkened, "I understand, thank you for telling me."
"No problem, all for Xixi."
A mocking smile touched Shen Dang’s eyes, "President Han, perhaps I need to reconsider our cooperation."
No amount of time could erase what Qiao Nan had done to Qiao Xi in the past.
Since she chose to flee abroad, she’d better stay there.
Shen Dang wouldn’t leave such a timed bomb next to Qiao Xi.
His Xixi just needed to fulfill her dreams; he’d take care of everything else, keeping her safe.
Han Ze’s face subtly changed, "President Shen, I don’t understand what you mean. Weren’t we having a pleasant conversation?"
When Qiao Nan was mysteriously broken up with, she had no clue what she had done wrong. Follow current novels on NovᴇlFire(.)nᴇt
"Ah Ze, I don’t want to break up with you. You said you’d love me forever!"
Drowning in tears, she begged Han Ze not to break up. If Han Ze left her, what else would she have?
Would Hai City still have a place for her?
Han Ze pulled his hand away, flinging her to the ground, his voice merciless, "It was all just a game. Did you actually believe that?"