Loving with My Mind

In a famous traditional restaurant in City B, a room was specially booked to accommodate two families, who are seated in a large round table filled with seafood dishes.

Everyone's bowl had at least been eaten to a third and the older group of people are happily conversing regarding the agreement, at times dragging the younger ones into the talk.

"I really cannot believe my luck! I thought that becoming in-laws with Mufeng here would be impossible when my son started having girlfriends!" A middle-aged man guffawed as he gestured a toast with a man who was wearing full-rimmed glasses.

The man in glasses chuckled. "Minrui, so you mean Young Zhao has had his fill with women already. Is that why he decided to settle down?" He turned his glance to the young man who was obliged to sit beside a young woman.

The young man was wearing a neatly pressed black suit with a gray shirt underneath and a slim black tie. He nodded and gently smiled. It was as if he acknowledged everything they said but was a bit apologetic about it.

Then he saw his father tilt his head to gesture to the young woman next to him.

The older woman next to his old man forced a laugh. "Our Mingzhe was just too popular...even back in high school. How can we keep girls away from him all the time?" She made it sound like it was a chore.

There was a glint in the young woman's eyes as she listened in and sipped her tea. It does not really matter to her.

The woman beside the man in glasses was not looking her age at all. She softly laughed accordingly. "Then it is a total contrast to our Yixin. She never had a boyfried...or at least not that we know of..." she nudged the man beside her.

The man in glasses cleared his throat. "She just opted to focus in her studies. Now she can try out a lot with her husband." he laughed it out.

"So, do we have a coordinator for the Ting hun yet?" the young man's mother asked.

"We will be contacting ATC Events for both the engagement and wedding details. We will only give the best to our Yixin." the young-looking madam eyed her daughter gently. It will not be exaggerating to say that she looked more like an older sister than a mother.

"Ah, ATC! They are good...good choice!" Madam Zhao turned to the young woman, "Xiao Xin, feel free to customize the color scheme and even the minor details. Even though I know the owner of ATC, we don't need a discount. A woman's wedding should be the most beautiful day of her life." She turned back to the future in-laws. "Qiaolian, I envy you for having not only a daughter but two."

"And I envy you for having a son." Li Qiaolian, or Madam Han, modestly said. This was actually true. She had two daughters because after having one, they tried for a son, but was given another daughter. However, they loved the girls very much.

Han Minrui wrapped an arm around his wife. "You will have a son-in-law soon."

Han Yixin looked at her parents. Well, she will not be as cheesy as them. She does not even expect a drop of romance from this arranged marriage. After all, the man beside her looked like he even care less than she does.

She subtly sighed. If her sister is not only five years old and was playing at home with her nanny right now, she would push this marriage to her.

They continued the awkward discussions for another 15 minutes before the older couples finally ended the small get together.

"Mingzhe, why don't you take your fiancée with you to tour your future home?" Zhao Minrui suggested as they were about to ride back home.

Just as this was said, the valet came with a silver Porsche 911.

Han Mufeng agreed. "That's a good idea. Xiao Xin, go with your fiancé for a visit to the house."

"But..." Han Yixin tried to protest.

"Don't worry about coming home late. You can even come back tomorrow. After all, that's where you will be living in soon." Madam Han remarked.

Han Yixin eyed her mother, then she sighed.

Zhao Mingzhe nodded and gestured towards the silver car as the valet went out.

The couples went on separate ways.

The manor was situated about two kilometers from the city limits. It was built in a residential area adorned with natural trees. It was a gated residential area but the guards recognized the car immediately and opened the gates.

Zhao Mingzhe opened his side window nonetheless.

"Good evening, Master Zhao."

He smiled as he nodded, then drove into the area. His parents gifted them the farthest house with a good view of the mountain range.

It was a victorian house with teal outer walls and dark gray rooftiles. The white railing of the verandas and white windows highlighted the cozy looking home.

Han Yixin stared from her side window as the car pulled up.

Zhao Mingzhe is a relatively tall young man of about 180cm. His mesomorph physique was draped elegantly by the dark ensemble he was wearing.

As she was in a daze, Han Yixin was startled when he opened the door for her. Her body actually jerked and this caused a subtle laugh from the young man.

"Oh, sorry." She quickly alighted from the car.

He was not intentionally trying to act like a gentleman. It was just that he had walked up to the veranda but she still remained inside the car.

The Han estate is a big modern house. To Han Yixin, this house before her had all the character that she was dreaming of, so she was awestruck by the façade.

As she caught up with him, she remarked, "Your parents have good taste."

He glanced back at her, then he opened the door.

They changed into the couple slippers provided in a cabinet at the foyer.

They came into a spacious living area with one area of the wall being a rounded low cabinet supporting a cushion. The sofas in the living room were made of redwood with beige leather cushions.

There was a curved staircase carpeted with green velvet, beyond which is a dining area with cushioned oakwood.

Adjacent to the dining area and which forms the one wall of the living room is a fully furnished spacious kitchen.

"Can you cook?"

The first casual conversation between the two of them started like this.