Chapter 98 —The Proposal (1)

Li Yuchen too thought he was overdoing it, so he tried to smooth things over, "I mean, you look gorgeous in all of them, but I want you to get something really really amazing, something special. Don't worry about me, I have a lot of pocket money!"

Pei Yueran smiled and rubbed his head. "Alright. Let's go and check something else then."

So they went to the shoe section next. When Pei Yueran selected heels, Li Yuchen said it was too high, it would injure her. When she chose flats, he said there was nothing unique about the design. When she chose sandals, he was temporarily out of adjectives to describe his dislike for the footwear.

Han Yichen was just staring at the two of them. He had hoped they would finish quickly and do something else, but it seemed they were going to spend all day here.

Fine, at least his mother was still enjoying herself, despite having been going around for more than an hour.

He really could not understand the "joy" of shopping.

Finally, they went to a section labeled "the watch gallery". There, they finally saw something that they were all satisfied with. It was a delicate silver wristwatch with thin straps. It looked simple and elegant. Best of all, it wasn't expensive.

After Pei Yueran picked it out, Han Yichen agreed, not only because he was so tired that he was ready to agree with anything at this point, but because it truly suited his Mom's style.

Li Yuchen was especially excited, because that was the original gift he had in mind for her—taking her around was just to make sure there wasn't something better. He had already decided on it from a catalog he saw online. That meant they had the same taste!

While paying for it, he told the shop attendant to carve "HBD my Goddess" on it. She informed him that it would take some time. While he was still thinking about how to stall, Pei Yueran announced that it was time for another round of shopping, this time for the boys. She wanted to get them something as well.

Han Yichen balked. Shopping again? Could he say "no, thank you"?

To his relief, it didn't take that much time. He and Li Yuchen chose for a bit, and finally settled on matching outfits. It was a grey sweats set with white trimmings and a picture of different animals emblazoned on the front.

Han Yichen chose one with a panda, while Li Yuchen decided on the one with a bear. They both looked so adorable that Pei Yueran had an idea. She bought one for Li Chuanmo as well. His had the picture of a big wolf.

The boys decided that she couldn't be the only one without, so they chose one for her as well. Coincidentally, the only piece that was in her size had the picture of a cute, fluffy rabbit.

Shopping complete, Pei Yueran paid at the counter. On their way out, Li Yuchen collected the birthday gift and gave it to her.

While he was still thinking of where they could go next, he received his father's message.

"Ready."

Li Yuchen smiled and nudged Han Yichen so that he could read the message as well. They looked at each other and nodded.

It was showtime.

Pei Yueran couldn't help feeling disgruntled. She was gone for more than three hours, yet Li Chuanmo didn't send even one text? Didn't he miss her at all?

On their way back, she call him, but it rang out. What was he so busy with? Or did something happen at the company?

Worried, she wished the taxi would fly and directly arrive at the house so she could check on him and assuage her anxious heart.

When the taxi finally parked in front of the gate, Pei Yueran felt keenly that something was different.

The first thing was that all the house workers were outside. They lined up in two rows, with a space in-between that was wide enough to accommodate a person. They all bowed as Pei Yueran alighted, and the butler, who was standing at the head of the line gestured to her.

Puzzled, Pei Yueran looked at the boys, who put up "puzzled" looks as well, as if they weren't sure what was going on.

She then walked up towards the house, while the boys stalled, waiting at the door.

Opening the door, Pei Yueran paused. Now she was sure something was really up.

The house, which had two storeys was cleverly designed to include an open roof, which had been recently renovated. A glass dome was put in place to provide safety and a bit of style.

The reason Pei Yueran paused was because right from the door and up the stairs, red rose petals were spread all the way, hints of red still peeking out from the second floor.

Still confused, she stepped on them, calling for Li Chuanmo.

"Chuan."

There was no response.

"Chuan, we're home."

Still nothing.

She turned back, but she was all alone. Everyone was still waiting outside. 'What was this surprise for? Was this still part of her birthday gift? Was it a surprise party?' She wondered.

It was all so mysterious.

Getting to the second floor, rose petals still adorned the stairs, leading up to the roof. As she started on the next set of stairs, she heard something.

Someone was on the piano, and the rich, mellow sounds rang clear and deep in the otherwise quiet space.

As if in a trance, Pei Yueran walked forward, drawn in by the melody. When she finally got to the roof, it had been totally transformed.

It was set up like a stage, with a grand piano set to the side. Li Chuanmo sat behind it, making melody as his fingers caressed the keys. The music tugged at Pei Yueran's heartstrings and set a sentimental ambience.

The rooftop had been entirely decorated to mimic a ballroom scene. A projector had been set up, and picture after picture moved majestically across the screen.

A few were of both of them, but most of the pictures were of Pei Yueran— smiling at the cinema, eating at a restaurant, the sun shining through her hair at the park, one of her sleeping on her side, a video of her running on the beach, amongst others.

It was like a kaleidoscope of moments in her life, through the lenses of a man whose heart she now occupied.