The Proposal Blueprint

Lingling's home office was uncharacteristically lively as Becky and Freen sprawled across her pristine leather chairs. The trio had gathered for an important brainstorming session: planning Lingling's proposal to Orm.

Lingling sat stiffly behind her desk, her notepad in front of her, pen poised. "This proposal has to be perfect," she began, her tone as serious as if she were addressing her board of directors.

Freen smirked, leaning back casually. "So the Ice Queen needs help planning a warm, fuzzy proposal? This is rich."

"Should we make a PowerPoint for this too?" Becky added, grinning mischievously. "Oh wait, you probably already made one."

Lingling shot them both a glare. "This is supposed to be meaningful and personal. No corporate flair this time." She tapped her notepad. "Let's keep it focused."

"Focused?" Freen snorted. "You're asking us to be serious about romance? Good luck."

The first ten minutes of brainstorming were nothing short of chaotic.

"You should propose in the café," Becky said confidently. "Orm loves it there. It'll be cinematic. Confetti, applause, the works."

Lingling raised an eyebrow. "I'm not turning this into a public spectacle."

"Fine," Freen interjected. "How about a flash mob in the park? Orm loves surprises."

"No. Absolutely not," Lingling replied flatly.

Becky leaned forward, her hands gesturing wildly. "What about fireworks? Nothing says 'I love you' like a little pyrotechnic danger."

"Or a hot air balloon!" Freen added enthusiastically. "You'll literally be on cloud nine."

Lingling pinched the bridge of her nose. "You two are officially banned from contributing actual ideas."

After enduring their antics, Lingling finally revealed her true idea. "I want to propose at the penthouse. Just the two of us. It'll be a quiet, intimate evening."

Becky looked appalled. "That's it? That's your big plan? Ling, this is a proposal, not a nap."

"It's perfect," Freen said, surprising both Becky and Lingling. "Simple and personal. It fits your vibe."

Lingling nodded. "Orm has brought peace and warmth into my life. The proposal should reflect that."

Becky crossed her arms dramatically. "Fine. But if you don't add some romantic flourishes, I'll die of boredom."

Meanwhile, Orm was starting to notice that something was off with her girlfriend and their friends.

Becky, usually chatty and sassy, had been oddly quiet around Orm lately, often smirking as if she knew a secret. Freen had been texting Lingling constantly, which wasn't unusual, but now they seemed to be having secret meetings.

And Lingling... Lingling was acting even more meticulous than usual, disappearing into her office for hours and brushing off Orm's questions with vague answers about "work."

"What are they up to?" Orm muttered to herself, watching Becky and Freen exchange knowing looks across the room. She was starting to feel left out—or paranoid.

Back in Lingling's office, the final stages of planning were underway.

"Fine, keep it at the penthouse," Becky said grudgingly, "but at least add some flowers or fairy lights. Give it some drama."

"If you don't add something dramatic, people might think you're losing your edge," Freen added, grinning. "And maybe don't include a graph this time."

Lingling's glare could have frozen lava. "I'll consider it."

By the end of the session, Lingling had jotted down the final details of her plan. She leaned back in her chair, feeling a rare sense of satisfaction.

"Thank you," she said grudgingly. "Your ideas were... mildly helpful."

"Mildly?" Becky scoffed. "Ling, we just saved your proposal from being as dull as a budget meeting."

Freen smirked. "You're lucky we love you. This is the only reason I'm keeping my mouth shut."

Becky added with a wink, "Don't worry. I'm locking this in the vault. But if you need someone to hold the ring dramatically during the proposal, I'm your girl."

Lingling rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. With everything falling into place, she felt more confident than ever about taking this next step with Orm.