That evening, I visited Xiang's rented apartment. While we were traveling in his car, I kept glancing at the street he used to walk down after getting off the bus. Xiang noticed and asked, "Ye, what are you looking at?" while grabbing my hand. I replied, "Usually, when you get off the bus, you'd run like a horse across the road and turn left. But now, you're taking a new route."
His expression turned from a sad puppy to a grinning golden retriever. "So you were stalking me back then, huh?" he teased.
"Who stalked you?! Even if I wanted to, I couldn't catch up—you'd already be halfway down the road by the time I turned my head!"
He chuckled. "Back then, I was working at my mother's company. She'd give me huge files to read and expected me to take over. But I didn't like it, so I always dragged myself home. Every time, she'd scold me: 'Why aren't you in the office? You're always glued to your phone. Use it again, and I'll throw it out!'"
I laughed. "Your mom was right. If I'd been in her place, I would've smashed it myself."
He turned to me. "Why are you on her side?"
"Because whenever I saw you, your phone was in your hand and your Bluetooth was always on. One day, I peeked and saw you were scrolling through Instagram."
He stopped the car, turned to me with a soft expression, and gently held both my hands. "Ye, did you really like me that much back then?"
His eyes shimmered, full of emotion. "Ye, I'll take care of you like my child. I'll make it up to you. I'll make you happy."
I smiled at him. "You don't need to sacrifice anything for me. Just be yourself. That's who I fell for—not your money or your face. Let's enjoy life and support each other, okay?" I patted his head gently.
Just then, his phone rang. It was his mom.
He picked up and said, "Moooom~"
I could hear her yelling even without the speaker on. "Xiang! When are you coming home? We're waiting! You're almost thirty—when do you plan to marry?!"
Xiang gave me an awkward smile. "Mom, I'm coming home right now—and I've got a surprise! Please don't yell anymore. I'll be there in ten minutes, okay? Bye!"
He quickly hung up before she could continue. Turning to me, he said, "Ye, we're going to my parents' house now."
"What?!" I panicked. "It's not appropriate! You didn't even tell them I'm coming!"
"If you don't come, my mom will set me up with someone else!" he begged.
Ten minutes later, we reached his house. He rang the bell, and I stood behind him nervously. His dad opened the door just as his mom was yelling from the hall. When his dad saw him, he whispered, "She's mad. She wants to marry you off—go calm her down. I can't handle her."
Xiang chuckled, grabbed my hand, and pulled me forward. "Dad, this is Zhou Ye—my girlfriend."
His father saw us holding hands and instantly understood. He gave Xiang a thumbs-up and welcomed us in.
From inside, his mother called out, "Did Xiang come or not?"
Her husband replied, "Honey, come see what Xiang has done."
She walked out with a towel in hand, ready to scold—but when she saw Xiang holding my hand, she dropped the towel and covered her mouth in surprise. Then she turned to her husband, eyes shining with joy.
She pointed at Xiang. "Is she your… girlfriend?"
Xiang nodded with a proud smile.
She rushed over, held my hands warmly, and looked at me as if seeing her long-lost daughter. I placed my hand over hers and said, "Mother, I'm fine."
She smiled and patted my head, then led me to the dining table. I sat across from Xiang, who smiled at me fondly.
"Don't look at him," his mother said. "I want to talk to you. What's your name?"
"Zhou Ye, mother," I replied.
She repeated my name sweetly. "Zhou Ye…" Then, with a sly grin, she asked, "How on earth did he manage to win your heart?"
I laughed. "Actually, I was the one who had a crush on him. Three years ago, he never noticed me. And every time I saw him on his phone, I wanted to throw it out the window!"
She burst into laughter and gave me a high-five. "We have the same brain cells, Zhou Ye!"
Xiang called from the kitchen, "Mom, can you make dinner now?"
She waved him off. "Husband, go prepare the dishes. Xiang, go buy her favorite food and snacks. I need to talk to her alone!"
Xiang and his dad exchanged sighs and obeyed.
While walking to the store, his dad said, "When I proposed to your mother, she was sweet like Zhou Ye. After marriage, everything flipped."
Xiang laughed. "No, Father—you failed to manage her properly, that's why she's always angry."
His dad stopped and pointed at him. "You'll understand one day."
Xiang smiled and said, "No, I'll treat her well. She sacrificed so much for me. Now it's my turn."
His father patted his shoulder. "You've finally matured. I'm proud of you."
Later, while Xiang and his dad cooked, I stayed with his mother. During dinner, she suddenly asked, "Ye, when are you going to marry him?"
His father nodded in agreement, while Xiang turned into a flustered puppy. "Mom, we just got together. It'll take some time."
I nearly choked. "Mother, Xiang's right. When the time is right, we'll let you know."
Xiang lit up with relief.
The next day, we arrived at the office together. I shyly held his hand as we walked in. One of my coworkers stood up in panic. "Mr. Xiang! Please don't fire her! She's new, but she brings pride to our department!"
Xiang looked at him like a confused puppy, while I burst out laughing. "It's not what you think." I raised our joined hands for everyone to see.
Assistant Gu walked in. "Seriously? Can't you all tell they're dating?"
Everyone stared at Xiang. He nodded proudly, like he'd just won an award.
In the office, Gu faced the wall while Xiang beamed like the morning sun.
"Why are you facing the wall?" Xiang teased. "Are you flirting with it now? You really need a girlfriend."
Gu gave him a dramatic glare. "Whoever said lovers are losers definitely got dumped—and honestly, I get it."
"You're just a single guy," Xiang teased.
Gu switched into his girly voice. "Even if I don't have a boyfriend to watch all my silly antics… I have you, right? Lucky you~!"
Xiang bent down to remove his shoe. By the time he looked up, Gu was already at the door. He blew a dramatic flying kiss and shut it behind him.
Xiang laughed, shaking his head. He secretly loved it whenever Gu did that.
I was working when a notification popped up on my screen. At first, I ignored it, but when it popped up again, I glanced at it—and it was from Xiang. I looked over at his cabin and saw him peeking through the window, signaling me to check the message.
I opened it.
Xiang: Hi baby~
I looked at him, raised an eyebrow, and typed back, What's with the message, cheesy man? You're crazy.
He responded with a smiley and a heart emoji.
I laughed quietly and sent him a flying kiss emoji, then asked, Are you free this Saturday?
Xiang: Yes~~~
Can we go on a date? I asked.
The moment he read that, he looked overwhelmed with happiness. He suddenly opened the door, walked straight to my table, and said aloud, "Yes!"
Everyone in the office looked up, confused.
One of my coworkers asked, "Yes what, sir? Did we do something wrong?"
Xiang immediately switched to "professional mode" like a guilty puppy.
"N-No... nothing like that. I said yes because Ye completed her work perfectly today... She asked for a day off, so I approved it."
Everyone nodded and went back to work.
I stifled a laugh as he flashed me a goofy smile and walked back to his cabin, pretending like nothing happened.
When Xiang returned to his cabin, he was smiling at his phone like a teenager in love. Just then, Assistant Gu walked in carrying a stack of files. He dropped them onto the desk with a thud, and somehow the breeze that followed felt like a fresh gust of reality hitting Xiang's face. Still grinning, Xiang leaned back in his chair, hugging his phone like it was a precious secret.
Gu cleared his throat and called out, "Mr. Xiang."
No response.
He tried again, "Xiang."
Still nothing.
Finally, with an exasperated sigh, he said loudly, "Hey, old man!"
That did the trick. Xiang blinked and looked up. "Did you call me, Assistant Gu?"
Gu mumbled under his breath, "See? When I called him by name, he didn't hear. But the moment I said 'old man'—boom, alert and ready. That confirms it. He really is an old man."
Then louder, he added, "Here, sir. These are the documents that need your signature."
Xiang smiled, embarrassed but still glowing from whatever message he had just read, and nodded.
Gu let out a dramatic sigh and turned to leave, muttering something about "lovesick CEOs" and "romantic epidemics in the workplace."
It was Saturday—our first official date. I couldn't stop smiling. We had overcome so many twists and turns, and now we were finally living the happiness I once only dreamed of.
If only I could go back and talk to my old self.
I'd say:
"Zhou Ye, don't be heartbroken. Fate had other plans for you. Just enjoy the moment. Admire him if you want to—don't stop. Because one day, he's going to be your future husband."
A message from Xiang popped up on my phone:
> "I'm coming to pick you up."
I jumped out of bed, ate my breakfast, and wore my favorite pink cotton dress, leaving my hair loose. I was almost ready when I heard a knock at the door.
Xiang stood outside, thinking it was me who would answer. Without looking up, he grinned and said in a singsong voice,
> "My baby, are you ready~?"
But silence answered him. When he finally looked up, his smile froze.
It was Xin.
Xiang immediately covered his face with his hand in embarrassment and said awkwardly,
> "Oh... it's you, Xin."
She raised an eyebrow.
> "Who else were you expecting? Zhou Ye?"
He chuckled sheepishly.
> "Well... yeah."
She crossed her arms.
> "She's still getting ready. You can either come in or wait outside. What'll it be?"
He panicked.
> "I'll wait outside!"
Just as he said that, I stepped out. Seeing him, I walked up and hugged him.
> "Did you wait for me?"
He beamed.
> "You look so beautiful today... like a baby doll."
Behind us, Xin cleared her throat loudly. We turned to see her watching us with mock judgment.
> "Ye, I'm off to watch my drama. You two can continue your drama."
I laughed and waved goodbye. She rolled her eyes and mumbled,
> "I'm so done with you both."
Xiang opened the car door for me, and we started driving. A few minutes into the ride, he asked,
> "So, where are we going?"
I looked at him and said with a smirk,
> "Actually... can we leave the car at your house?"
> "Huh? Then how are we going to travel?"
> "Just trust me."
Once we dropped off the car at his place, we walked to the nearby bus stop.
Xiang blinked in surprise.
> "You... brought me on a date via bus?"
I laughed.
> "This is where I fell for you, remember? It'll be special if we ride it together."
He held my hand and smiled softly.
When we got on, the bus was crowded, so we had to stand. He held the overhead handle, and I stood nestled in the space inside his arm. I looked up at his face and smiled.
"What?" he asked.
"Back then, when I had a crush on you... I'd stand just like this . You were always on your phone, and your arm would bump into my head."
His eyes widened, and his cheeks flushed.
> "Wait—I did that?!"
"Yep," I laughed. "I used to think if I ever got the chance, I'd snatch that phone and throw it out the window."
Xiang laughed, red-faced.
"I was such an idiot."
"You still are," I teased, and leaned my head gently on his shoulder.
We reached the movie theatre, booked our tickets, grabbed a tub of popcorn, and went in. As the lights dimmed and the movie began, I couldn't help but glance at Xiang now and then—his focused expression, the way he laughed at the funny scenes—it all felt like a dream I never wanted to wake up from.
After the movie, we headed to a nearby restaurant for dinner. The moment I stepped inside, a strange familiarity washed over me. I looked around, and then it hit me—this was the same restaurant where I first saw him during our graduation party. I chuckled to myself. Fate really does have a habit of bringing things full circle, I thought.
While we were eating, I looked at him and asked, "Xiang, would you like to come to my parents' house on New Year's Eve?"
He immediately said, "Yes!"
I laughed. "Are you that excited to meet them?"
Xiang nodded earnestly. "Yeah, of course. It'll be my first time seeing them. I've only met your brother so far. I'll buy them some gifts too—we can meet at the station."
"Alright," I smiled, touched by his sincerity.
After dinner, we took a stroll, hand in hand, enjoying the cool night breeze. Eventually, we caught a bus home. Luckily, there were two empty seats side by side, and we sat down.
As I leaned against him, I remembered something—his arm, broad and warm, brushing against my shoulder. Back then, I used to feel shy and nervous. Now, it just made me happy. I hugged his arm and smiled.
I pulled out my phone and opened the gallery to a photo I'd secretly taken of him during our college tour. Seeing that picture brought back so many memories… and I didn't even realize when I fell asleep.
Xiang looked down at me, gently adjusted my head onto his shoulder, and softly patted my hair. Then he noticed the photo on my phone—the one I'd taken off him. He smiled at it warmly, as if seeing himself through my eyes for the first time.
Then, pulling out his own phone, he quietly captured the moment—me sleeping on his shoulder—just as I had once captured his.
The next day, Xiang informed his mother that he was going to visit my parents for New Year's Eve.
She responded warmly, "Xiang, buy them gifts and serve them well. Most importantly, be a good son-in-law. Don't make us worry. When you return, you should return with glory."
Xiang laughed and replied, "Don't worry, Mom. I've planned everything. And if anything goes wrong, Zhou Ye will take care of it. You just enjoy the New Year. I will return with glory. Advance Happy New Year!"
His mother chuckled, nodded, and ended the call.
That evening, we packed our things and headed to the station. As we boarded the train and found our seats, I noticed Xiang carrying a bunch of carefully wrapped gifts for my parents. His hands were slightly trembling.
I leaned closer and asked, "Xiang, are you nervous?"
He laughed awkwardly. "No… It's just my first time meeting them, that's all."
I gently patted his arm and smiled. "My parents are just like me—warm, a little dramatic, but not strict. You'll get along with them easily. Don't stress."
He nodded, then suddenly leaned his head on my shoulder like a clingy puppy. I smiled and let him rest.
—
The next morning, it was finally New Year's Day. We reached my home, and as soon as my mother opened the door, she greeted me with pure excitement and hugged me tight. Meanwhile, Xiang stood beside me awkwardly, looking like a forgotten side character.
Pulling back, my mom looked at me with concern. "Ye, you've lost weight. Are you eating properly? I should've told your friends to keep a close eye on you!"
I laughed and reassured her, "I'm fine, Mom. My friends are taking good care of me."
Then she noticed Xiang. Her eyes narrowed slightly. "And who is he?"
Xiang, as if on cue, popped up like a jack-in-the-box and gave a polite little wave. "Hello, Auntie!"
But instead of assuming anything romantic, she simply tilted her head. "Ye… isn't he your boss? Why'd you bring your boss home?"
She stepped aside and invited us in. Right then, my brother walked in, raised an eyebrow at me, and I quickly signaled him with my eyes. He smirked.
"Brother-in-law," he said loudly, turning toward Xiang.
My mom paused mid-step, and my dad practically sprinted in from the kitchen, like he'd seen a snake.
"Yiren, don't joke like that!" my mom scolded. "He's her boss, not—"
"Maaa~~," I said, dragging the word in embarrassment.
But before I could explain, Xiang reached for my hand and said confidently, "Auntie, Uncle—we're in a relationship."
For a second, the entire room froze. My parents stood like snow statues. My brother leaned in and tapped their shoulders dramatically.
"Don't be so shocked," he said. "When I visited her last time, this 'boss' had already fallen for her. But she told me to keep my mouth shut."
My father immediately grabbed Xiang's hand like he was welcoming a VIP guest and led him into the living room. My mother followed, still stunned.
She turned to me and asked, "When… when did you… fall in love with your boss?"
I rubbed my head sheepishly.
She looked at me in disbelief and muttered, "Zhou Ye… I seriously underestimated you. You're a brave girl, huh?"
We sat at the dining table and began eating. Just as Xiang was about to take his first bite, my father asked, "When did you meet her?"
Xiang smiled politely. "I met her when she joined the company, Uncle. But… she actually knew me three years ago."
I shot Xiang a murderous look. My parents turned to me as if I had committed a serious crime. My brother raised an eyebrow and gave me a bombastic side-eye. "I thought he fell for you, but it turns out you fell for him three years ago? How did you even manage to hide that? You're not smart enough to pull that off."
I slapped him on the back. "Shut up."
My mother intervened, "Quiet, both of you." Then she turned to Xiang. "Do your parents know about this relationship?"
Xiang nodded. "Yes, Auntie. They know and they've accepted it."
My father chuckled, clearly impressed. "Boy, you came prepared, huh?"
Xiang smiled sheepishly and nodded.
After dinner, my father invited Xiang to play a game with him. Normally, my dad was unbeatable, but this time, he regretted the challenge—Xiang won all ten rounds. I laughed, watching my father grow flustered.
My mother leaned in and whispered, "Your boss seems kind-hearted. He really takes care of you. He's a good son-in-law."
I stared at her in shock. "So... you and Dad accept our relationship?"
She nodded proudly. "Yes."
I jumped up and hugged her. "Thank you, Mom."
That night, while I went to bed, Xiang stayed up talking with my brother.
Yiren asked, "How did you fall for her? As her brother, even I can't handle her. How do you do it so easily?"
Xiang chuckled. "She's not as naughty as you think. Compared to me, I'm the mischievous one. She puts up with me—she's patient, and she's my baby."
Yiren made a face. "Ugh, cringey. But seriously, I do care about her. If she ever cries, I won't be as calm as she is. Take care of her, okay?"
Xiang smiled warmly. "I will, with all my heart."
The next day, Xiang called his mom and asked his parents to come to my house.
"Did you mess something up already?" she asked suspiciously.
"No, Mom," Xiang laughed. "I'm planning to propose to Ye."
There was a pause before she shrieked, "HONEY! Our son is proposing to Ye! Pack up—get a train, no—a FLIGHT immediately!"
His father, confused but flustered, tried to keep up as Xiang's mom asked for Ye's address and hung up.
Later, Xiang asked me to run a few errands. While I was gone, he called a meeting—just like he does in the office—and shared his proposal plan with my family. Everyone agreed excitedly.
Then Xiang called Gu. "Invite Ye's friends."
Gu laughed, "I'll do it, old man. But what about me?"
"Even if I don't invite you, you'll show up anyway," Xiang replied.
Gu smirked. "Geezer." Then he hung up.
The next morning, I woke up to an empty house. On the dining table was a note:
> "Zhou Ye, we're going shopping with Xiang. Come to this restaurant at 6 p.m. for dinner. Don't cook."
I was confused but got ready. Time dragged on, so I cleaned, watched TV, and even dozed off. When I woke up, it was 5:40 p.m.—I was late!
I quickly got dressed and reached the restaurant. But it was too fancy. Inside, I found my parents seated with Xiang's parents. I was stunned.
I signaled to my mom: What's going on?
She told me to sit. Xiang's mother smiled sweetly. "He wanted us to meet your parents to show his sincerity."
"Okay, Mother," I said politely. "But where's Xiang?"
"He'll come. For now, eat," she said.
I was totally lost.
Meanwhile, in a decorated party hall, my friends, my brother, and Gu were busy with preparations. Xiang was pacing nervously.
Gu teased, "What are you stressing about now, old geezer?"
"I don't know how to impress her," Xiang muttered.
Gu knocked on his head. "Looking for your brain."
Xiang rolled his eyes and playfully kicked him. "Just go decorate."
Suddenly, Xiang got an idea.
Back at the restaurant, the manager approached. "There's a special program hosted by the hotel tonight. Would you like to attend?"
We all agreed. But as we entered the hall, the lights went out. The door closed behind me. I was alone.
"Mom?" I called. No answer.
A spotlight guided me to the center of the room. Suddenly, a video started playing.
It was Xiang.
"Zhou Ye, I'm lucky to have you. At first, I thought I fell for you… but when I learned you fell for me first, my heart ached. I wondered if I deserved it—if you could ever forgive me for not noticing sooner."
Tears welled up in my eyes. The screen went dark.
Then, a second spotlight revealed Xiang, wearing the same outfit from three years ago when I first saw him. My heart skipped a beat. My cheeks turned red.
He smiled and said, "Even though you fell for me first, I fell harder for you. I'll give you everything that makes you happy."
A cloud of mist swirled around him as he walked toward me.
"Ye," he said, "I'll be your crazy man and your one and only golden retriever."
The lights came on. My friends, my family, my brother, even Gu—all were standing behind us.
Xiang knelt and held out a diamond ring. "Baby, will you marry me?"
Tears spilled down my cheeks. "Yes!"
He slipped the ring onto my finger. Rose petals rained from above.
Everyone shouted, "Kiss! Kiss!"
I blushed and hesitated.
But Xiang, now confident and radiant, pulled me close and kissed me.
And all I could think in that magical moment was:
Once, I feared I'd never see my man again. But heaven helped me—and gave him back as my husband.
💖💖 THE END 💖 💖