No? Can I read the mind of my mortal enemy?

Shi Qiao was extremely busy in the following days.

The day before the engagement banquet arrived quickly.

Lin Ya-hui and Bai Shu-wen took her shopping everywhere, and they also picked out eight outfits for her engagement party.

When Shi Qiao was trying on the 9th set, she was too exhausted to continue and collapsed onto the sofa in the lounge.

"Mommies, I need to rest."

She took a bite of the fruit.

This is just an engagement party; she doesn't even want to imagine how extravagant it would be if they were to actually get married.

My phone buzzed twice. I looked closely and saw it was a message from Pei Jingnian.

[Pei Jingnian: ᗜ ^ ᗜWife, are you done shopping? How much longer until we get home?]

correct.

Pei Jingnian has been "exiled" for the past few days.

Only his elderly mother could control him. In order to prevent him from crying, making a scene, or threatening suicide, Lin Ya Hui arranged a series of confirmations for Pei Jing Nian, including the engagement banquet setup and meals.

Although we can meet when we go back at night, and theoretically we could sleep together.

But Shi Qiao still couldn't get over her mental hurdle.

I always feel it's weird to sleep in the same bed with my boyfriend when my parents are both around.

Not to mention things like moaning and groaning.

So every night, Pei Jingnian would only stay in her room for a short while, and the two of them would only go as far as kissing before she would urgently stop them.

Pei Jingnian's resentment grew stronger.

[Shi Qiao: Almost there. Once we've bought the clothes, there shouldn't be anything else to do.]

[Pei Jingnian: I've finished mine too.]

[Pei Jingnian: Can we have dinner together tonight?]

[Shi Qiao: What you're saying... We've been eating together these past few days.]

[Pei Jingnian: =•֊ •= I mean, just my wife and I.]

[Pei Jingnian: The kind without the annoying third wheel.]

[Shi Qiao: Pei Jingnian, you should know that those "annoying third wheels" you mentioned are our mom, right...?]

[Pei Jingnian: I don't care.]

[Pei Jingnian: Tomorrow's engagement party isn't private; you'll definitely get snatched away again then.]

[Pei Jingnian: I can't lose my temper yet...]

Shi Qiao could imagine Pei Jingnian's pitiful little eyes even without seeing him in person.

[Shi Qiao: I understand. Shall we just go out for dinner together tonight?]

[Pei Jingnian: My wife is so good.]

[Pei Jingnian: Then I'll come right out after I try on the clothes~]

[Shi Qiao: ?]

[Pei Jingnian: But if my wife is willing to come out earlier, that would be best.]

[Pei Jingnian: After all, donuts taste best when they're freshly fried, right, honey?]

He attached a picture of four plump donuts, with the chocolate sauce on top still not solidified.

Shi Qiao suddenly stood up.

While Bai Shuwen and Lin Yahui were arguing about whose clothes looked better, Shi Qiao suddenly grabbed her bag.

"Mommies, I...I think all those outfits are pretty."

"That's really, really, really enough!"

"Well then! I'll be going now! Goodbye!"

Shi Qiao left those words behind and ran off, saying as she ran:

"Oh right, I'm eating out tonight, so don't wait for me."

Bai Shuwen and Lin Yahui exchanged a glance, then looked at the saleswoman:

"Then wrap them all up."

*

"So delicious!" Shi Qiao smiled happily. "Who invented donuts? I want to marry one..."

Pei Jingnian glanced sideways, the curve of his lips slightly enigmatic. "Hmm?"

Shi Qiao almost choked, and reached out to touch Pei Jingnian's hand to comfort him.

"I... I mean, I'd be happier marrying a man who's willing to bring me donuts."

Pei Jingnian's expression softened slightly.

He picked up the black gift box from the back seat of the car. "The restaurant we booked for tonight has a dress code. Shall we go change first?"

Shi Qiao glanced at the box, which clearly contained a haute couture gown, and asked, "Hmm... Shall we change in the trunk?"

"These kinds of clothes are quite difficult to wear."

Pei Jingnian stopped the car, saying, "No, I'll find you a place to change later."

Shi Qiao didn't think much of it, and hurriedly picked up the next donut and stuffed it into her mouth, nodding directly.

When Pei Jingnian's car came to a stop again, it was in a minimalist-style restaurant, the purpose of which was not very clear.

"I'll be waiting for you outside, my wife."

Shi Qiao was pushed by Pei Jingnian, and then an employee rushed out.

"Everything is arranged for you, Ms. Shi. This way, please."

A series of fancy operations took almost two hours.

She stared at herself in the mirror.

The night-blue strapless haute couture gown had a skirt that just reached the floor, flaring out like a fishtail. The fabric was adorned with fine shimmer, which, when viewed up close, resembled cat's eyes, reflecting light from different angles.

A sapphire necklace filled the empty space around her neck, making her skin appear even whiter and more delicate.

Her hair was all styled into a high bun, with a few slightly curled short hairs left out to frame her face.

The makeup was exquisite but not overly bright, perfectly preserving the natural beauty of her facial features.

stunned.

Although Shi Qiao knew that some long-established Michelin-starred restaurants had relatively strict requirements on customers' attire.

But dressing up like this... isn't it a bit too exaggerated?

"Miss Shi, everything is ready."

She slowly moved to the lounge outside, wearing unfamiliar 8cm high heels.

She looked up and met Pei Jingnian's gaze.

She was startled first.

Pei Jingnian also changed his outfit.

He wore a dark blue suit, slightly darker than her own color, which was only slightly visible under cold light.

His hair was neatly parted in a 3/7 ratio, revealing his deep eyebrows and dark eyes that stared at her without blinking.

He stared at her, somewhat lost in thought.

Gradually, her ears turned red.

He stepped forward, gently hooked his fingers around hers, and pulled her into his arms.

"So beautiful, honey."

"Let's go eat."