Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Mrs. Heâs birthday banquet was scheduled for Sunday. Ye Xiaomeng woke up very early that morning and put on light makeup. This kind of occasion called for a lady-like outfit, so she chose a light-colored striped dress in a prim and proper style.
Ye Xiaomeng checked herself out in the mirror repeatedly, feeling very satisfied. As many of He Mingâs relatives and friends would be at the banquet, she didnât want to leave them with a bad impression of her.
He Ming didnât sleep at Xiaomengâs last night because he had to put up party decorations at home.
But he would be there to pick Xiaomeng up later. Therefore, Xiaomeng wanted to get ready first, change into the dress, and check herself out in the mirror.
The person in the mirror looked delicate, pretty and domesticated. Ye Xiaomeng was all set and just waiting for He Ming to arrive.
But she was feeling a little nervous. After all, she and He Ming had never faced so many people together since they started dating.
She felt like the proverbial ugly daughter-in-law who must eventually face her parents-in-law.
When He Ming arrived and saw Xiaomengâs outfit, emotions surged in the depths of his gaze.
âYou look so beautiful today.â He Mingâs voice sounded a little hoarse.
âJust today?â Ye Xiaomeng challenged him.
âAlways, but you are especially beautiful today.â He Ming couldnât help but hug Xiaomeng, trying to steal a kiss.
âSo, you like me dressed like this?â Xiaomeng felt a flock of cartoon crows cawing as they flew over her head.
âYou have the Mrs. He look today.â She looked virtuous and very different from her usual self.
âYouâre so glib. Letâs go now. Auntie is probably waiting for us.â Ye Xiaomeng dragged him to go, afraid that he would have other ideas.
This person did not care when and where theyâd have sex. Ye Xiaomeng didnât want him to smudge her makeup.
âActually, we have time. Thereâs no hurry.â He Ming teased.
Ye Xiaomeng pushed him out the door.
In the car, Ye Xiaomeng couldnât help but ask, âWho have you invited?â
âJust our relatives and a few of my motherâs friends.â Gu Shaoting answered while driving.
âAre you feeling nervous? Like the proverbial ugly daughter-in-law who must meet her parents-in-law?â He Ming joked when he saw her restless look.
âYouâre ugly. Your whole family is ugly.â Xiaomeng felt that this man asked for a scolding sometimes. He knew that she was nervous, yet he still teased her.
âItâs just a matter of time. Donât be nervous. Iâm here.â He Ming squeezed Xiaomengâs hand as they waited for a traffic light to turn green.
When they arrived at the He residence, there were already many people there. Mrs. He was busy entertaining the guests, afraid that she would neglect any one of them.
Xiaomeng carried her gift for Mrs. He and followed He Ming in. Everyone looked at her curiously.
Suddenly, He Ming turned his head, reached out to hold her hand and walked forward.
âHe Ming, let go.â Ye Xiaomeng was shocked by his sudden action. She was not used to holding hands in public.
She felt like a circus animal being watched.
âCome, let me introduce you to my relatives.â He Ming didnât care about Xiaomengâs complaint and continued to hold her hand.
After Mrs. He spoke to one of the guests, she saw Xiaomeng. âXiaomeng, youâre here.â
She was smiling so brightly that she was all teeth and no eyes.
âHappy birthday, Auntie.â Ye Xiaomeng handed Mrs. He her birthday present.
âSilly child, you shouldnât have.â Mrs. He liked Ye Xiaomeng even more after seeing how sensible she was.
Although He Mingâs hand was wrapped around Xiaomengâs, she felt a stare from the crowd shooting at her like an arrow.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
That gaze followed her the entire time. Xiaomeng wanted to see who it was, but she never got the chance.
He Ming dragged her around the party venue, and she felt her face numb from smiling.
He Ming also noticed Xiaomengâs odd behavior, so he stopped and found a place for her to sit down..