Upon hearing the directors’ words, Jiang Cheng initially shook her head.

Shen Que couldn’t go.

Shen Que closely followed Jiang Cheng’s expressions. Seeing her shaking her head, he helplessly counted down the time he could stand.

"I can’t go, and none of the other directors can either."

Shen Que had long considered this issue; he wasn’t comfortable with Jiang Cheng going out alone.

No matter how powerful one is, handling multiple foes at once is difficult.

Shen Que looked at Jiang Cheng, inquiring, "Gao Zhonghua can accompany you as a bodyguard, but listen to me first."

Interrupting Jiang Cheng’s attempt to speak, Shen Que continued, "In just a month and a half, I’ll be able to stand. I can move freely now."

"Moreover, I have people around me who can assist."

"Gao Zhonghua is skilled; I trust him to protect you well."

"Additionally, I’m preparing to send Li Chunxiang to Yang City for training; she can accompany you."

"Having two trustworthy people with you makes things easier."

Jiang Cheng understood.

The excuse of training in Yang City was just a pretext; Shen Que deliberately sent Li Chunxiang on a trip for her sake.

Director Lu and Director Fang understood as well.

Director Lu quickly reacted, saying, "What a coincidence! Our factory’s Sun Aiguo is also going to Yang City for training; you should travel together!"

Jiang Cheng smiled wryly.

She hadn’t even agreed to Shen Que before Director Lu joined the fun.

Beside her, there was Director Fang eagerly waiting.

"Our factory’s Jian Yueer —"

"No!"

Jiang Cheng interrupted, meeting Director Fang’s resentful gaze.

"Director Lu, Director Fang, I appreciate your intentions, but Shen Que has already arranged for two people, which is enough."

"Though I’m an excellent interpreter, having too many people might make others jealous. Let’s be modest."

Director Lu suddenly frowned, saying, "If we’re capable, why be afraid?"

"Exactly! I’m sending people with you; let’s see who dares to be jealous!"

Director Fang supported Director Lu, the two showing a bit of brotherly unity.

Jiang Cheng helplessly looked at the directors, mysteriously saying:

"You don’t understand... many things are better done discreetly; success comes through secrecy, not flamboyance."

Director Lu and Director Fang thought this over; it made some sense.

Besides, the decision rested with Jiang Cheng.

Reluctantly, they agreed, but they still had concerns.

"Jiang Cheng, outside, don’t drink the water others give you."

"If you lose money, don’t chase after it; I’ll reimburse you.’

"Take good care of yourself!"

Jiang Cheng patiently listened to the directors, exchanging a glance with Shen Que before he went off to work.

Soon, Jiang Cheng redirected the directors’ attention to Gao Zhonghua and Li Chunxiang.

Gao Zhonghua and Li Chunxiang received booklets and were listening attentively, seriously taking notes.

Accompanying Jiang Cheng seemed like a sacred mission.

Jiang Cheng shook her head, helplessly saying, "Is it necessary?"

"Of course, it’s necessary!"

Principal Wang suddenly chimed in, "Ms. Jiang Cheng, being so unconfident is not like you."

Jiang Cheng turned back, feigning ignorance, asking, "Principal Wang, do you mean is it necessary to make such a fuss over me?"

"I can’t blame you; it’s my fault for being too excellent."

After boasting, Jiang Cheng walked away.

Principal Wang, holding a teacup, murmured with a wry smile: Never learns!

Just past eleven in the morning, Jiang Cheng entered her new home carrying firewood, symbolizing prosperity.

Behind her, others carried symbolic items of peace, full harvests, and abundance, like big carp representing luck.

Once the good omens ceremony concluded, it was time to officially start lunch.

Two large tables were set.

Each table had eight dishes: six meat dishes, two vegetarian, and two cold appetizers.

A splendid feast.

As the host, Jiang Cheng raised her glass in thanks.

With a few words, she invited everyone to eat while it’s hot.

Everyone was familiar, and nobody pushed drinks, eating casually.

Jiang Cheng had a few drinks with Old Master Ma and Principal Wang, while Shen Que couldn’t drink due to his condition.

The meal lasted more than an hour.

Afterward, as guests had tea they began leaving one by one.

Jiang Cheng saw each guest off, and upon returning, the tables were already cleared.

Grandma Shen didn’t let Jiang Cheng do any chores, gesturing to the room, saying: "Tidy up yourself; you’re going to head out."

"Alright, thank you, Grandma Shen."

Grandma Shen waved her hand, saying: "It’s fine; I’ll leave it for Shen Que to do."

Jiang Cheng laughed heartily, as Shen Que helplessly looked at the two, saying: "Alright, leave it for me."

Grandma Shen walked away carrying a basin.

Inside, only Jiang Cheng and Shen Que remained.

Jiang Cheng took a stool, sitting next to Shen Que, staring at him.

"What’s up?"

Shen Que felt a bit uneasy under her gaze.

Jiang Cheng remained silent, continuing to stare.

"Is there something on my face?"

Shen Que awkwardly wiped his face, when Jiang Cheng suddenly spoke: "I’ve realized you’re particularly handsome today."

"Is—

Before the word "is" came out, Jiang Cheng already stood, leaning down.

Her red lips precisely landed on Shen Que’s.

She had been wanting to do this for a while.

In the moment their breaths intertwined, Jiang Cheng sensed Shen Que’s breathing pause momentarily.

His long arms wrapped around her waist, increasing pressure on her lips.

Jiang Cheng’s arms hooked around Shen Que’s neck, leaning forward.

The dominant one in the kiss was Jiang Cheng, the gentle one was Shen Que.

The stove’s flames crackled, seemingly composing a melody for them.

Jiang Cheng gently leaned back, resting her forehead against Shen Que’s, meeting eyes softly and tenderly. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"Do you like it?"

The slightly raspy query stirred a bit of aggression in Shen Que’s gaze.

His raspy voice alluringly replied: "Like it... immensely!"

Saying that ’immensely,’ Shen Que suddenly lifted his head, throat moving.

This time, it was his turn.

Adding some aggression, adding some fervor, and a touch of urgency.

The indoor temperature seemed to rise, making the stove recess.

Once they calmed down, meeting eyes again, there was more between them.

Shen Que took a deep breath, working to calm down.

"Jiang Cheng, when I can stand, shall we get married?"

"Sure!"

Jiang Cheng readily agreed, momentarily leaving Shen Que too joyous to react.

Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow at him, saying: "Why so surprised?"

Shen Que shook his head.

"Not surprised, just very happy!"

"Hahaha! Really! I’m so happy!"

Lost in the moment, Shen Que laughed foolishly.

Jiang Cheng sat beside him, quietly watching him enjoy his happiness.

She liked seeing him happy.

After his joy, Shen Que began incoherently offering Jiang Cheng everything he owned.

"I didn’t bring my salary card... nor my passbook today."

"I’ll go get them!"

Jiang Cheng quickly stopped Shen Que.

"No rush; I won’t be going anywhere soon. Stay with me a bit; I’m leaving the day after tomorrow."

Thinking of this, Jiang Cheng asked a bit more: "Shen Que, after we marry, I’ll still go out often; can you accept that?"

"Also, what’s your opinion on children? Do you want them or not?"