Chapter 229
Qing Mengzhu followed Ming Chunxi rose and fell, completely entrusting the rhythm to Ming Chunxi and immersing herself in the magnificent underwater scenery.
While they were diving, someone came over to take pictures of them. Qing Mengzhu assumed it was an extra activity included with the diving program and didn't pay any attention.
Ming Lexin also came over, but she didn't greet them. She just watched from afar with a gentle gaze.
Qing Mengzhu also saw staff members playing with the Guard and Dharma Protector.
The two dogs truly lived up to their reputation as the local bullies of Pingkou Village. Even when they went into the sea, they weren't afraid at all. Wearing life jackets, they used the classic dog paddling motion in the water, paddling very happily.
Qing Mengzhu and Ming Chunxi played in the sea for more than two hours. He was a little tired, so he surfaced and swam to the shallow water, intending to pull Ming Chunxi to the shore to rest and soak up some sun.
Just then, the Guard and Dharma Protector swam towards them.
Qing Mengzhu simply assumed the two dogs were habitually looking for their owner and didn't think much of it. She just stood in the shallow sea with Ming Chunxi, waiting for the two dogs to come over.
When the two dogs got closer, Qing Mengzhu noticed that both dogs had something in their mouths.
Up until this point, Qing Mengzhu didn't think anything was special. He assumed the two dogs had found something on the seabed and were bringing their spoils over.
He was trying to teach his two dogs not to pick up things randomly, because some sea creatures are poisonous and picking them up could easily cause injury.
The Dharma Protector and the Guard quickly swam up to them. The Dharma Protector first nudged Ming Chunxi's arm with its big head, and then spat the contents of its mouth onto Ming Chunxi's hand.
It was only then that Qing Mengzhu realized that what the Dharma Protector had spat out was actually a ring box, and his eyes widened in surprise.
Ming Chunxi gently opened the ring box, showing the ring to Qing Mengzhu, her beautiful eyes filled with a hint of nervousness. "I've been wanting to propose to you for a long time, and I thought of many plans but gave up on them. After thinking about it for a long time, I finally settled on this one."
Qing Mengzhu looked at Ming Chunxi and felt her eyes well up with tears.
Ming Chunxi looked at him gently. "After more than a year of getting to know each other, I feel that our relationship is very stable, and I want to be your life partner. Mengzhu, will you marry me?"
Qing Mengzhu looked up at the blue sky, white clouds, sea, coral, and gentle sea breeze. He never expected Ming Chunxi to propose, and he never expected it to be in such a romantic place.
Ming Chunxi's gaze was tense yet expectant, carrying a silent urging.
Qing Mengzhu sniffed and held out her hand. "I do."
Ming Chunxi solemnly placed the ring on the ring finger of his left hand.
Once the ring was on, the Guard nimbly swam over and nudged Qing Mengzhu's arm with his head.
Qing Mengzhu smiled and extended his hand, and the Guard gently placed the ring box in his palm.
Qing Mengzhu opened the ring box, took out the ring inside, and gently put it on Ming Chunxi's ring finger.
The two locked eyes, their gazes flickering.
Qing Mengzhu could no longer hold back and pulled Ming Chunxi down, kissing her forcefully.
While they were kissing, Qing Mengzhu noticed out of the corner of her eye that Ming Lexin and the surrounding staff were taking pictures, all with smiles on their faces.
The two dogs, also grinning, were doggy paddling on the sea, keeping them company.
Ming Chunxi noticed Qing Mengzhu's distraction, hugged him tightly, and kissed him earnestly.
Qing Mengzhu tightened her arms, deepening the kiss.
Chapter 229
Qing Mengzhu was completely unprepared for Ming Chunxi's proposal at this juncture, and even as she reflected on it that evening, she still felt like she was in a dream.
He looked at Ming Chunxi beside him, rested his forehead on Ming Chunxi's shoulder, and was still panting.
Ming Chunxi turned her head and kissed him, and then the two kissed again.
Ming Chunxi successfully proposed, and the couple both posted photos on their WeChat Moments, both showing them wearing rings.
Those who know them well are aware of their relationship status and are not surprised; they simply like their posts and leave congratulatory messages.
Zhao Hexi couldn't help but send a private message to Qing Mengzhu: [Chunxi is really quick on his feet. I thought he would propose later, or maybe you would propose?]
Qing Mengzhu was playing on her phone next to Ming Chunxi, not bothering to hide it from him: [I thought so too, but I didn't expect him to give me such a big surprise.]
Ming Chunxi saw the contents of his phone and kissed him again. "Surprised?"
Qing Mengzhu's eyes lit up. She kissed him before saying, "What a wonderful surprise! It feels both surprising and romantic. I'll create a surprise for our first wedding anniversary too, and you can't take it from me then."
Ming Chunxi smiled and said, "Okay."
After Qing Mengzhu finished talking with Ming Chunxi, she turned to talk to Zhao Hexi.
Zhao Hexi complained that he suddenly went offline while they were chatting, implying he must have been doing something bad. Qing Mengzhu, her ears slightly red, denied it, saying that the filthy see only the filth.
After exchanging a few playful complaints, Zhao Hexi said, "[I thought Chunxi would propose in front of our friends?]"
Qing Mengzhu: [Posting on WeChat Moments is already the limit for him.]
Zhao Hexi: [So, it's especially exciting for him to propose, right?]
Qing Mengzhu blinked: [Pretty much.]
Zhao Hexi: [Then let me interview you. How does it feel to have your wish fulfilled and win the heart of your beloved?]
Qing Mengzhu recalled the days when he had a crush on Ming Chunxi, and turned slightly to the side: [This is private, I can't share it with you, but I feel so happy now.]
Zhao Hexi: [I can tell, congratulations.]
Qing Mengzhu sincerely said, "[Thank you, brother. Once we've decided on the wedding date, you can be my best man.]"
Zhao Hexi: [No problem, I'll start working out after the New Year and try to get six-pack abs.]
Qing Mengzhu: [That's what I think too! I'll start working out after the New Year to make my abs more defined.]
Even the most important things can wait until after the New Year; right now, their main priority is to enjoy the holiday.
Qing Mengzhu felt like he was surrounded by pink bubbles throughout the entire Chinese New Year period. When he and Ming Chunxi looked at each other, their eyes were especially tender.
There was an unusual atmosphere between them, and no one else could get in.
Qing Mengzhu initially thought it was her imagination, but unexpectedly, it didn't last two days.
Ming Lexin said she couldn't stand the atmosphere between them and ran away with the two dogs.
She just broke up with her boyfriend and can't stand seeing couples being affectionate.
Qing Mengzhu muttered to Ming Chunxi, "What's with the atmosphere? The atmosphere between us isn't that strange, is it?"
Ming Chunxi: "Honeymoon atmosphere? Forget about it, let's go get water chestnut cake for lunch?"
Qing Mengzhu: "Eat! I want to eat their coconut chicken hot pot too. Shall we find a restaurant to eat at for lunch?"
Ming Chunxi extended her hand. "Let's browse the mall while we're at it."
Although Qiongwei City isn't a first-tier city, it's home to many big brands, and there's plenty to see and do. Besides shopping, you can also attend concerts, see exhibitions, and participate in various events.
Ming Chunxi has recently become keen on buying all sorts of things for Qing Mengzhu, and especially enjoys helping him put together outfits.
Qing Mengzhu now has many more styles of clothes, and they look quite good on him. He likes them a lot.
After the tenth day of the Lunar New Year, Qing Mengzhu finally remembered her work while having fun and realized she couldn't play any longer, so she dragged Ming Chunxi to the orchard.
Since they're already here, they need to finish tending to the orchard before heading back to Vine City.
Most of the staff in the orchard have returned to work, and the orchard is quite lively now.
When Qing Mengzhu and Ming Chunxi arrived, they could feel that the entire orchard was different.
The atmosphere in the orchard is different, and the condition of the fruit trees is also different.
The durian and mangosteen trees have sprouted many new leaves. Perhaps because it is springtime, these leaves are a tender green, creating a striking contrast with the older leaves.
Qing Mengzhu could estimate how many leaves these trees had grown just by looking up, and then deduce their growth status.