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

After much deliberation, the two mothers finally reached a historic consensus on a new Chinese-style red cheongsam.

The fabric, made of vermilion, features only a minimalist gilded lotus pattern adorning the waistline.

The robe outlines distinct lines, and a small slit at the calf level only allows glimpses of the fair skin hidden beneath when walking.

A red plum blossom glass hairpin adorns the Chinese-style side bun, and the hanging gold pendant makes a pleasant tinkling sound with every step.

She perfectly captured the liveliness of Shi Qiao at that age, while also adding a touch of gentleness.

Her makeup was clean and elegant, just like the cheongsam she wore, drawing attention to one spot.

After spraying the setting spray, Shi Qiao slowly raised her eyes and saw that Pei Jingnian was already standing at the door waiting for her.

His clothing was entirely chosen according to the occasion.

Whether it suits him or not is not important; what matters most is that he and his wife are wearing matching outfits.

He stepped forward and took her hand almost the instant Shi Qiao finished her makeup and hair, gently encircling her in his arms, his fingertips playing with the pendant on her earlobe.

My wife looks so beautiful in a cheongsam...

My wife is mine, and everything here, here, and there is mine.

[I love my wife, I'm going to lick her.]

The opening of this cheongsam was made for me.

Shi Qiao playfully punched Pei Jingnian and warned in a low voice, "Tone it down, Pei Jingnian!"

Pei Jingnian lowered his head, gently bit her ear, and murmured, "No one else can hear us."

He held her waist, which was made even thinner by the cheongsam, and with just a slight tightening of his fingertips, he could feel the coolness of her skin directly through the fabric.

Shi Qiao was furious, a strange blush rising on her cheeks. "In broad daylight, you're saying all this nonsense to only me, harassing only me. Don't you think I'm ashamed?"

Pei Jingnian was stunned. "But what I said in bed was even more..."

Shi Qiao stomped hard on Pei Jingnian with her heel, causing him so much pain that he had to shut up completely.

"Say one more word and I'll ignore you for ten minutes."

Upon hearing the words "ignore," Pei Jingnian immediately wilted like a daylily, rubbing his nose against Shi Qiao's ear with a pitiful expression.

"understood."

*

At the engagement banquet, Shi Qiao realized that the real swindler was someone else entirely.

It was clear that Ms. Bai and Ms. Lin only said they wanted to have a small celebration, but when they arrived at the venue, the entire restaurant was packed with guests.

Pei Jingnian hadn't spent much time with Shi Qiao before Lin Ya Hui pushed him out to social events.

Shi Qiao and Pei Jingnian were surrounded by a group of uncles and aunts, listening to one uncle say "Congratulations, congratulations" and another aunt say "Not bad, not bad".

Some people have even mentioned that they shouldn't forget to invite them to the full moon celebration.

This whole setup makes it seem like she and Pei Jingnian are getting married right here today.

Even if Shi Qiao is a social butterfly, he can't always deal with the uncles and aunts.

With great difficulty, Shi Qiao managed to escape from the crowd, leaving Pei Jingnian alone to face the storm.

She keenly spotted two dark lenses pointed at her from the corner, snapping away.

She rushed forward, blocking the two elderly mothers' camera from a distance, and said through gritted teeth, "Mommy, what's going on here?"

Bai Shuwen held her wine glass guiltily, "Oh dear, Xiao Qiao, let me explain, oh no, let me explain."

"At first, I only invited Uncle Ma, Aunt Zhang, Uncle Liu and the like."

"But!" she said, looking heartbroken. "They have such big mouths! They've spread the word and everyone knows about you and Jingnian."

Lin Ya-hui chimed in, "Yes, this industry is all interconnected. Once there's news, they're like they have legs; they run incredibly fast!"

"Then everyone kept sending gifts to our family and doing all sorts of things."

"Although they didn't say they were coming to the banquet, we've already accepted their gifts, so it would be impolite not to invite them."

"You agree, right, Wen?"

Bai Shuwen silently gave Lin Ya Hui a thumbs up under the table, "See, it's still you, Lin... Your new mom understands human relationships much better than your old mom."

Shi Qiao's lips twitched, but she was too lazy to argue with her two elderly mothers.

Just as she was about to say something, another group of aunties arrived at the scene. Bai Shuwen covered her mouth and said, "Oh ho ho ho, then we'll go catch up with our old friends first."

After all, your mother is still your mother, and her excuses are more numerous than the stars in the sky.

The two quickly left and sat at another table, laughing so loudly that she could hear their conversation clearly.

For example, phrases like "the two children are in love" or "your family will definitely be getting pregnant soon, don't worry."

"Qiao!! You look so beautiful today!!!"

Jiang Youran's voice came from behind her. She rushed over and grabbed Shi Qiao's arm, "How come you're already a wife after only a few days?"

Shi Qiao rolled her eyes at Jiang Youran, "You're exaggerating. I'm not even married yet and you've already categorized me as a married woman."

Jiang Youran chuckled, "I didn't say anything wrong. Anyway, it's the same whether it's two years earlier or later. You're not expecting to back out, are you?"

"Then Pei Jingnian would be heartbroken and turn to the dark, and then lock you in a dark room."

Shi Qiao leaned on Jiang Youran's shoulder, "Do you really have such a vivid imagination?"

Jiang Youran sighed, "Well, I guess I've finally experienced what it's like to live a different life."

"I'm the same age as you and I get scolded by my parents for coming home late, while we, the older generation, wish you and Pei Jingnian wouldn't come home at all."

"Qiao, I'm really looking forward to your wedding."

"You look so beautiful today, I wonder how beautiful you'll be on your wedding day."

Jiang Youran's eyes inexplicably reddened. "I think I might have cried at that moment."

Shi Qiao put her arm around her, "Oh dear, why are you being so sentimental?"

"Because if you get married, we might become people from two different worlds. Pei Jingnian is already always clinging to you, and if you get married, we'll have to talk even more." Jiang Youran sniffed.

"What do you mean by 'people from two different worlds'? You're just overthinking things."

"We're best friends who've both weathered the seven-year itch, okay?"

Shi Qiao looked around to make sure Pei Jingnian wasn't there before whispering, "You and I are the best of friends. No one can separate us."

"Who does Pei Jingnian think he is?"

She pounded her chest, making a gesture that seemed completely out of place with her cheongsam, and said, "If you ever need me, I'll always be there for you!"

Jiang Youran was amused by Shi Qiao, and the two stayed in the corner, chatting away for a long time.

*

Meanwhile, Pei Jingnian, having finished dealing with his elders, was just about to run off to find his wife when Lu Zhou clung to him like an unshakeable lapdog.

She hugged Pei Jingnian and started crying loudly.

"Old Pei...why are you so lucky...?"

"She also wants to get engaged."

Pei Jingnian glanced at Lu's father not far away and patted Lu Zhou on the shoulder.

"Then go tell your father."

Lu Zhou: ?