In general, expectant mothers will start showing at around 13 weeks of pregnancy, which is approximately three months into the pregnancy.

In order to avoid affecting the healthy development of their little treasure, their wedding was arranged for mid-October, when Xia Yuan was two months pregnant.

Since it was a wedding that went against the general norms of public society, the scale of the wedding was not large. Only their closest family and friends could attend.

Apart from the three sets of parents, Xiao Ya, and Yueyue Jie, Mei Fang’s grandparents were too old and frail to attend, and they likely wouldn’t be able to accept a wedding like this, so they weren’t on the guest list.

As for Xia Yuan’s grandmother, she had been busy traveling the world with her old friends recently. Teacher Yu and Xia Xun hadn’t yet decided whether to call her back. Teacher Yu had previously probed her opinion, and like her daughter, she was fine with whatever Xia Yuan wanted. However, it was still too early to decide.

As for the other friends, the three of them invited the core group Mei Fang had built from middle school, including Zhang Ming, Yue Xinyi, Guo Yun, Peng Xue, Liu Xiaoyu, and Xiang Bingbing.

They all worked at Yuanxi Entertainment Group now or had contracts with the company. Since they had known each other since middle and high school, they had always kept the secret of the three of them getting together. Moreover, there was a mutual interest, so they were trustworthy.

Since the guest list was already very small, they still hoped to receive as many blessings as possible…

The wedding venue was booked at the private beach of the most luxurious holiday hotel in Bali, and Mei Fang had already completed all the preparations and planning six months ago.

Although it was a small wedding with only a few dozen people attending, the entire wedding team had as many as 200 people, and the preparation was extremely thorough and complete. This thoroughly showcased Mei Fang’s strong financial capabilities.

The wedding photography for Xia Yuan, Lin Youxi, and Mei Fang had already been done before their pregnancy, and the wedding dresses had long been chosen, so now they were just counting the days until the wedding.

Of course, inviting friends was also a necessary prelude. Xia Yuan had many friends, but when she started chatting with Peng Xue, they could talk endlessly. She had spent the whole day in bed, chatting with Peng Xue on the phone.

“Mm… Okay, what are you wearing? You can wear whatever you want… Trying to steal my limelight? Nah, I’m confident about myself… You mean not to compare with you guys? But to compare with Youxi… Youxi’s dress is also beautiful, but I shouldn’t be mistaken for a bridesmaid, right… Ah, you’re so annoying…”

Xia Yuan rolled around on the bed, and hearing a knock on the door, she tilted her head and saw Mei Fang standing at the door, so she ended the conversation with Peng Xue.

“Okay, okay, I’ll talk to you later, I’m about to eat, bye!”

Xia Yuan jumped out of bed, happily leaping into Mei Fang’s arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and immediately jumping up to hug him. Mei Fang quickly supported her to prevent her from moving too violently.

“I say, you… you’re going to be a mom soon, aren’t you worried about hurting little treasure with all this jumping around?”

“It’s fine, it’s fine!”

Xia Yuan leaned in towards Mei Fang’s lips, asking for a kiss, “Our little treasure is not that fragile… And it’s better for the baby to be lively and cute, right? —mua—”

“No, what I meant is—”

“Mm-mm-mm—”

Xia Yuan hugged Mei Fang and kissed him madly, then saw Mei Fang’s mother, Xiang Xiaoxia, trying to hold back her laughter as she walked past them. Xia Yuan immediately turned bright red, standing up straight and standing next to Mei Fang, while also discreetly smacking his butt.

“Mom… Mom, why did you suddenly come? You didn’t even give us a heads up… Ah Fang, you too, hey, hehe…”

“Ah, don’t mind me, you two just enjoy yourselves.”

Since they were planning to go directly to Bali for the wedding, the three sets of parents didn’t rush to leave. Instead, they chose to stay in a hotel suite not far from their neighborhood to prepare for the wedding. They would occasionally visit Mei Fang’s house to help with some housework.

Xiang Xiaoxia also started helping them organize the bedding, “You’re still fragile, so these blankets and sheets need to be washed and aired more frequently, changing them often will help prevent illness…”

“We change them every three days, it’s fine, Mom… Don’t bother.”

“Alright, alright, you guys don’t want your parents to take care of you, let me do something for you.”

“But—”

Mei Fang gently hooked his arm around Xia Yuan’s, speaking softly, “Let’s not bother about my mom today, let’s go out and have some fun.”

“We’re going out today?” Xia Yuan tilted her head.

“Aren’t we flying to Bali in a couple of days? Just wanted to check if there’s anything else we need to buy…”

As Mei Fang was speaking, Lin Youxi appeared in front of Xia Yuan and Mei Fang, dressed in a gorgeous strapless evening dress, with makeup that was alluring and mature, exuding a noble and elegant aura.

“Mm… Is YuanYuan still lying in bed?”

Lin Youxi smiled and said, “How about… YuanYuan, you stay home and rest?”

“I’m up, I’m up, I’m going out! I haven’t been out for ages… Anyway, I’ll go do my makeup first.”

As Xia Yuan said this, she was about to rush to the bedroom, but then remembered her mom was inside tidying the bed, so she didn’t know where to go. Mei Fang, seeing this, kindly entered to call his mom out so Xia Yuan had time to get ready.

Mei Fang pushed Xia Yuan’s shoulder, sending her back to her room, then whispered to her:

“Today, you can dress a little more dazzling…”

“Today… more dazzling?”

Xia Yuan was immediately curious after hearing this, “Are you preparing a surprise or something?”

“I won’t spoil it, just get ready first.”

Mei Fang patted Xia Yuan on the shoulder, “Today is a rare three-person date!”

When Xia Yuan was doing her makeup, she couldn’t help but dream of the fantasy wedding in Bali.

Although she already knew the entire wedding process, she still had a strong sense of anticipation for the actual wedding ceremony.

While Xia Yuan was applying foundation, Lin Youxi knocked and entered.

“Can I come in and chat with you?”

“Of course, of course! Why are you being so polite? Youxi, you’re so strange.”

Lin Youxi smiled at Xia Yuan, then picked up some makeup tools, “Let me help you.”

“Okay.”

So, Lin Youxi sat next to Xia Yuan, doing her makeup while reminiscing.

“Speaking of it, the first time we ever did makeup, YuanYuan, it was you who introduced me to it.”

“Are you talking about the time we secretly used my mom’s lipstick? I remember that was in fourth grade…”

“That time doesn’t count! We were just playing with the lipstick… I remember I accidentally broke the lipstick, and I cried. You told me it was fine. Did your mom scold me afterward?”

“That time… It was so long ago, I don’t even remember.”

Xia Yuan smiled and shook her head, “But my mom is easygoing, she probably didn’t scold me much back then.”

“I think you must have told Teacher Yu that it was you who did it.”

“Why do you think that?”

Lin Youxi was brushing Xia Yuan’s hair, “Because that’s just the kind of person you are, always willing to sacrifice yourself to protect others. You’ve always been like that, since we were young.”

“But when it comes to liking Ah Fang, I definitely didn’t sacrifice myself, haha…”

Xia Yuan held Lin Youxi’s hand and turned back to ask, “Then, when was the first time you did makeup?”

“It was during the summer of sixth grade, do you remember? We said we’d go to Ah Fang’s house for a sleepover, and I came to find you, and saw you applying foundation in your room.”

“Ah… that night, was that when we watched horror movies?”

Xia Yuan suddenly remembered, her cheeks turning a bit red, “Because it was my first sleepover at Ah Fang’s house, I was really excited.”

“Your way of getting excited was to do makeup, huh?”

“That wasn’t it… I also did your makeup.”

Xia Yuan shook Lin Youxi’s hand, swaying it slowly, “I honestly don’t remember when I started liking Ah Fang. But every time I see him, I’m just happy, and even happier when I see him every day. Then… I loved it when he complimented me, telling me I’m beautiful, giving me energy and encouragement… Especially during the summer of sixth grade.”

“The first action of that energy… was probably like this, right?”

Lin Youxi and Xia Yuan leaned their foreheads together, their noses lightly touching as they gazed into each other’s eyes.

“Wow! How did you know!”

“I saw it, but I never told you.”

Lin Youxi softly said, “But at that time, I still thought Ah Fang was just your friend. I wanted to get closer to him, but I didn’t dare.”

“Youxi has really changed a lot… It’s hard to imagine that she’s the same person from back then.”

“YuanYuan hasn’t changed much.”

Lin Youxi smiled and said, “But I like you like this. It’s very reassuring.”

“Hehe, I think I’m very reassuring too.”

Xia Yuan gently asked Lin Youxi, “By the way, do you think Ah Fang has prepared something special today? Why did he suddenly suggest a date?”

“Shouldn’t be anything, really… it’s just that it’s been a long time since the three of us went out together.”

“Is that so—”

“You seem to be expecting something?”

“Mm…” Xia Yuan murmured, smiling slightly. “How can I say there’s nothing?”

“Let me guess—”

Lin Youxi leaned toward Xia Yuan’s ear and whispered something, and the two couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

“Do you think Ah Fang would?”

“He’s already gone this far with the sense of ceremony, he should remember there’s still something left undone.”

“Mm… if he forgets, that’d be a waste of all the anticipation!”

“If he forgets, I’ll remind him during the evening date,” Lin Youxi said softly. “We’ve always been straightforward with each other, holding grudges isn’t good for health.”

“That’s true… Haha—let’s just eat, drink, and have fun, we’ll talk about the rest later!”

After Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi finished getting ready, they met Mei Fang, who had styled his hair neatly like an adult and was dressed in a sharp suit, clearly preparing for something.

Lin Youxi and Xia Yuan exchanged a smile, and Lin Youxi casually asked Mei Fang, “Ah Fang… why are you so formal today?”

“Date, you know? We’re not just casually going out, it needs to be a bit more formal,” Mei Fang laughed, then extended his hands in a welcoming gesture as he took the hands Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi offered, and the three of them linked arms and headed out for a drive.

As the city lights began to shine, the bustling metropolis of Pengcheng quickly filled with vibrant neon lights, and the interplay of light and shadow told the unique charm of the big city.

“Ah Fang, where are we having dinner tonight?”

“Near Ao Hai Road, there’s a Black Diamond restaurant there that’s pretty good, it just opened in Pengcheng recently.”

“Oh, that one! I know, I know, I heard the restaurant’s waiting list is already booked until next year.”

Lin Youxi continued with Xia Yuan’s words, “But these things don’t affect Ah Fang’s plans, he must have arranged everything long ago.”

“Money is so nice, it really saves lives…”

Mei Fang drove Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi to the Sky-Top restaurant, built atop a skyscraper. The great view allowed them to look out over the night scenery of the whole city. Coincidentally, the building across the way was the Yuanxi Twin Towers. The waiters served dish after dish, setting up a lavish candlelit dinner.

While enjoying the brilliant cityscape, Mei Fang, Lin Youxi, and Xia Yuan chatted happily.

Today’s topics mostly revolved around amusing childhood memories, such as Yuan Yuan growing hair, Ah Fang being chased by a frog, Lin Youxi skating, and so on. As they chatted, the three couldn’t help but feel a bit nostalgic.

Xia Yuan raised her head and gently massaged her neck. “Time flies by, and without realizing it, so many years have passed.”

Lin Youxi gently added, “Yeah… time really does pass too quickly.”

After a brief fake moment of nostalgia, both of them turned to look at Mei Fang.

“…”

“What’s wrong?” Mei Fang tilted his head, confused.

Xia Yuan rested her chin on her hand, smiling. “Ah Fang, don’t pretend. You’ve prepared such a ceremonious dinner, there must be something more ceremonious that hasn’t been done yet, right?”

“Something more ceremonious…”

Mei Fang frowned, thought for a moment, and then shook his head. “You think… a proposal?”

“Otherwise? With such a beautiful view and such a romantic scene, doesn’t it look like you’re preparing for a proposal?”

“Ah.”

Mei Fang showed a slightly surprised expression and awkwardly touched his pocket, which shocked Xia Yuan.

“Wait… wasn’t today about making up for a proposal ceremony?”

“You… you really want a proposal ceremony!” Mei Fang’s expression showed guilt. “Sorry, sorry! I’ve been so busy preparing for the wedding that I honestly didn’t think of this…”

Lin Youxi didn’t react as strongly as Xia Yuan, but it was clear she cared as well. “So, you didn’t prepare anything today? If not, I’ll give you 24 hours to make up for it. Tomorrow, you must make it up…”

Xia Yuan also tried to persuade Lin Youxi not to be so insistent. “24 hours? That’s too rushed… We’re about to go to Bali anyway, can’t we just let it go?”

Mei Fang shook his head. “No, that won’t do! Waiting until tomorrow would disappoint you both. Just wait a moment… I’ll make up for the proposal ceremony now…”

“Fine, we won’t make it hard for you, if you didn’t prepare, you didn’t prepare… I really wasn’t expecting it, truly, it’s just a formality after all…”

“Okay, look over there.”

Following Mei Fang’s gesture, across from them was the towering Yuanxi Twin Towers.

…

…

…

With a snap of Mei Fang’s fingers, two dazzling fireworks shot up into the sky with a piercing whistle, bursting into radiant light. The two giant words “Yuan” and “Xi” hung in the night sky for a long time, as if lighting up the entire Pengcheng.

At that moment, all eyes were focused on the sky above the Yuanxi Twin Towers, admiring what might have been the most brilliant and grand fireworks display in the Pengcheng urban area in over a decade.

Countless fireworks continued to burst and spread, creating a brilliant and continuous display. Meanwhile, the giant LED screen on the Yuanxi Twin Towers also displayed a large, beating heart. The lights of the entire building began to move in sync with the rhythm of the fireworks, forming a beautiful picture.

Lin Youxi and Xia Yuan’s eyes were filled with the colors of the dreamlike, colorful display, and both of them instinctively covered their mouths to stop themselves from shouting out loud.

At this moment, Mei Fang, standing between Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi with his arm around their shoulders, stayed with them until the fireworks faded.

“Well… did you like the fireworks?”

“Ah Fang, you really… almost fooled me.”

“The purpose of coming to this restaurant was already pretty clear,” Mei Fang smiled.

Lin Youxi wiped her mouth, then softly said, “But I really didn’t expect it to be this extravagant… I think drones would have been better than fireworks. What do you think about fireworks in the city, Ah Fang?”

“No matter what… we’ve got the permits, and the fireworks do look better, so I think it’s more ceremonial.”

Mei Fang said quietly, “It makes me nostalgic for the days we used to watch fireworks by the river at Cultural Square.”

“Now that you mention it… that’s true—every year for the New Year, we’d go watch the fireworks.”

As Mei Fang spoke, he had Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi turn toward him. He then knelt down on one knee, presenting the proposal gift he had carefully prepared—a jewelry box containing two diamond rings.

Lin Youxi and Xia Yuan exchanged smiles before looking down at the kneeling Mei Fang and asking:

“Don’t you want to say something, Ah Fang?”

“Don’t say anything, and we won’t accept this gift.”

“Mm… then—”

Normally thick-skinned, Mei Fang now showed some shyness, “Yuan Yuan, Youxi… will you marry me? Just like this.”

Lin Youxi immediately frowned, “Why is Yuan Yuan first?”

“Yeah, why’s Youxi last?” Xia Yuan waved her fist in protest. “I should be last!”

“Ah, you two really—don’t ruin the mood!”

Mei Fang cleared his throat and said again:

“Will you marry me? I’ll treat you both well for the rest of my life, and you’ll always be happy and blessed.”

Slowly, Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi reached forward, and Mei Fang, holding the rings, carefully placed them on their fingers at the same time.

“Okay, that was a nice ring delivery,” Lin Youxi nodded. “Just the proposal speech, though… wasn’t very special.”

“See? With our relationship, a lifetime isn’t enough, is it? Watch this.”

After putting on the rings, Xia Yuan hooked Mei Fang’s pinky and then had both Mei Fang and Lin Youxi stretch out their fingers to hook them together, forming a triangle.

“Ah Fang, Youxi, the three of us, forever and always, together forever.”

Xia Yuan swayed Mei Fang and Lin Youxi’s hands, eyes closed, softly making her innocent wish.

“Promise, pinky swear, a hundred years… no, several lifetimes, never change.”

Okay, done! Tomorrow will definitely not repeat this!