Born in the 1980s, she was remarried and became a stepmother; a cold, rough man doted on her, pinchi

Chapter 210 Will you marry me?

The two sat down on a park bench.

Chen Yu took out an exquisite little box from his pocket, and the box in his hand seemed to bear the weight of the entire world.

He handed it to Shi Ning: "This is something I prepared especially for you. Open it and take a look."

Shi Ning curiously opened the box, inside which was a sparkling ring.

The diamond on the ring is dazzling, surrounded by a ring of tiny diamonds that sparkle mesmerizingly in the sunlight.

Chen Yu knelt on one knee, his voice trembling slightly with nervousness and excitement: "Shi Ning, I love you. From the first moment I saw you, I knew you were the most important person in my life. Will you marry me and let me take care of you for the rest of my life?"

Shi Ning's eyes were filled with surprise and emotion, and tears welled up in her eyes again. She nodded vigorously and said, "I do!" Chen Yu gently put the ring on her finger.

Chen Yu hugged Shi Ning tightly and whispered in her ear, "Shi Ning, don't worry, I will definitely find a suitable opportunity to solemnly tell your parents about us. I will marry no one but you in this life."

Shi Ning's eyes reddened with emotion. She nodded vigorously and buried her head in Chen Yu's arms, feeling the burning and unwavering love.

It was summer vacation, and the sun was shining brightly. Shi Ning and Chen Yu returned to their hometown in Kyoto.

Throughout the journey, Shi Ning was filled with anticipation, and the smiling faces of her family kept appearing in her mind.

Although Chen Yu appeared calm, his slightly clenched hands betrayed his inner nervousness. After all, he was about to face Shi Ning's parents and formally discuss their marriage.

As soon as she got off the car, the familiar streets and the familiar atmosphere of her hometown made Shi Ning feel very warm and welcome.

The two walked hand in hand toward home.

As soon as I arrived at the door, I heard a clear, childlike laugh coming from inside the house; it was Xinyao's voice.

Shi Ning quickened her pace, pushed open the door, and saw Xin Yao sitting on the living room floor playing with building blocks. Her small body was wearing a cute floral dress and had two cute little braids.

When Xinyao looked up and saw Shi Ning and Chen Yu, her eyes lit up instantly, like two sparkling stars. She excitedly shouted, "Sister, Brother Chen Yu, you're back!"

As she spoke, she darted over like a joyful little deer.

Shi Ning squatted down and hugged Xin Yao tightly, affectionately rubbing her face against her cheek: "Xin Yao, you've grown so tall! You're in first grade now! Are you being good at school?"

Xinyao nodded vigorously, her little face full of pride: "I'm very well-behaved, and my teacher often praises me!"

At this moment, Jiang Man and Qin Yishen heard the noise and came out of the kitchen.

Upon seeing Shi Ning and Chen Yu, Jiang Man's face immediately lit up with a gentle smile, and she quickly stepped forward to greet them: "You're finally back! Were you tired from the journey?"

Qin Yishen smiled and nodded, his eyes full of concern.

Everyone sat around in the living room, drinking tea and sharing their recent news.

Shi Ning took a deep breath and mustered her courage to say, "Dad, Mom, I have something to tell you. I plan to pursue a doctorate, and I've already been accepted by a university abroad."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Man and Qin Yishen smiled with relief and joy.

Jiang Man excitedly grasped Shi Ning's hand: "Honey, that's wonderful! We're so proud of you that you can continue your studies!"

Qin Yishen also praised from the side, "Yes, this is a good thing, we fully support you."

Watching this heartwarming scene, Chen Yu felt a little less tense. He looked at Shi Ning, then at Jiang Man and Qin Yishen, and mustered his courage to say, "Uncle, Aunt, I also have something important to tell you. Shi Ning and I have been together for so long, and I have always been very serious and cherish her. I want to marry her and take care of her for the rest of my life. I hope to get your permission."

Jiang Man and Qin Yishen exchanged a glance, their faces breaking into loving smiles. Jiang Man said gently, "Chen Yu, we've watched you grow up; you've always been reliable and dependable. We've also witnessed your relationship with Shi Ning. As long as you truly love each other and support one another, of course we agree."

Qin Yishen nodded and said seriously, "From now on, if you dare to bully Shi Ning, I won't let you off the hook."

Chen Yu nodded quickly and said solemnly, "Uncle, Aunt, don't worry, I will definitely treat Shi Ning well and never let her suffer any grievances."

Shi Ning and Chen Yu were overjoyed to have gained their parents' approval.

In the days that followed, the family got along even better.

Shi Ning and Chen Yu accompanied Xin Yao as she did her homework and played with her, telling her about the outside world and interesting stories.

Xinyao always blinked her big eyes, listening intently, and occasionally asked some innocent and cute questions, making everyone laugh.

Shi Ning and Chen Yu would also help Jiang Man and Qin Yishen with housework. The family would sit around the dining table, eating hot meals and sharing the little things in their lives.

After dinner, everyone would sit together in the courtyard to cool off, listen to the cicadas chirping, and feel the summer night breeze.

Chen Yu would tell everyone some funny stories from his work, making everyone laugh continuously.

Shi Ning would share her experiences studying abroad to help her family understand different cultures and lifestyles.

During his time back in his hometown, Chen Yu also began preparing to propose to Shi Ning.

He secretly contacted Shi Ning's good friend and together they planned a romantic and unforgettable marriage proposal ceremony.

He carefully selected an engagement ring, a one-of-a-kind ring set with a dazzling diamond surrounded by a circle of tiny diamonds, symbolizing the brilliance and eternity of their love.

Finally, on a starry night, Chen Yu took Shi Ning to the park they used to frequent when they were children.

Everything in the park was still so familiar—the ancient tree, the soft grass—all carrying their childhood memories.

Chen Yu took Shi Ning's hand and walked to the center of the grass. Suddenly, he knelt down on one knee, took out a ring, and looked at Shi Ning with deep affection: "Shi Ning, from the moment we met, my life has been different because of you. Over the years, we have been through a lot together, with laughter and tears, but every moment is incredibly precious. Will you marry me and let me spend my whole life protecting you?"

Looking at the man who loved her so deeply, Shi Ning's eyes glistened with tears of emotion. She nodded vigorously and said, choking back sobs, "I do!"

A burst of enthusiastic applause and cheers erupted around them as Shi Ning's good friends emerged from the corners, holding flowers and balloons, to offer them their sincerest blessings.

Amidst the blessings of family and friends, Shi Ning and Chen Yu embraced tightly.

As Shi Ning's doctoral studies draw closer, Chen Yu is also working hard to prepare for their future.

He hoped to provide Shi Ning with the greatest support and encouragement during her studies.

The day before leaving their hometown, the family sat together again for a warm reunion dinner.

Jiang Man and Qin Yishen kept reminding Shi Ning to take good care of herself and be careful while abroad.

Chen Yu quietly packed her luggage and prepared everything she needed.

Xinyao held Shi Ning's hand tightly, her eyes filled with reluctance: "Sister, you have to come back soon, I'll miss you."

Shi Ning gently stroked Xin Yao's head and said tenderly, "Xin Yao, be good. Your sister will be back soon. You must study hard and listen to your parents."