The CEO's Beloved Wife

Chapter 6: Deciding to Marry

Liu Zhenwei was exceptionally skilled at creating romantic moments. Ever since his relationship with Mu Zihan was established, he would drive to her company every day to pick her up from work, always bringing a fresh bouquet of red roses before the previous one had wilted. Someone once said that even the hardest heart could be won over by thorny red roses. Under Liu Zhenwei’s constant affection, their relationship progressed rapidly. One day, Liu Zhenwei asked, "Do you have time this weekend? My mother wants to meet you." Zihan was surprised. Although Liu Zhenwei treated her very well and showered her with affection, she always felt a sense of insecurity about his love. Even though she had gradually accepted him in her heart, she wasn't ready for the prelude to marriage that meeting his parents implied. Using the most common excuse of having to work overtime, she refused Liu Zhenwei. He was understanding and said, "I'll wait until you have time, then I'll let my mother know. Okay?" Seeing Liu Zhenwei being so considerate, Zihan nodded, feeling a bit guilty.

After a tiring week of work, Zihan only wanted to sleep. But early in the morning, her father woke her up. Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she asked, "What's the matter? Can't I even sleep in on weekends?" Sitting by her bed, Song Shun, her father, began to persuade her earnestly, "I think you and Liu Zhenwei have been dating for quite a while now. Isn't it time to visit his parents?" Waking up to this made Zihan even more annoyed. The thought of visiting Liu Zhenwei’s parents irritated her more, and she asked, "Did Liu Zhenwei ask you to talk to me again?" Song Shun smiled and said, "Zhenwei is really nice. Putting aside everything else, he treats you exceptionally well!" Feeling a bit helpless, Zihan replied, "Let him meet Grandpa and Grandma first. If they have no objections, we can talk further."

Zihan’s grandmother had been battling lung cancer for over a year, and her aunt had been living at home to care for her. Since it was the weekend, her other aunt and uncle were also at home. With so many people around, Liu Zhenwei sat nervously on the sofa. Grandpa scrutinized him silently, while Grandma asked, "I heard your father is the secretary of the city government?"

"Yes! He’s about to get promoted soon!" Liu Zhenwei answered confidently, feeling proud. Grandma frowned slightly but maintained her calm, saying, "Zihan has been spoiled growing up with us. You and your parents will need to be patient with her." Hearing this, Liu Zhenwei was delighted, sensing that he had passed this critical test. Grandma, noticing his joy, said, "I’m tired and need to lie down for a while. Please excuse me." Zihan and her aunt quickly helped her to her room. Lying in bed, Grandma asked Zihan, "How long have you two known each other?"

"Not even six months."

Grandma sighed, "I think Liu Zhenwei has a bit of a spoiled personality. You might suffer if you marry him..."

Aunt interrupted with a laugh, "Mom, don’t worry about that. Liu Zhenwei's family is well-off. Just having a house means they won't have to struggle for years!"

"Zihan grew up with me. I know her temperament well—she’s too gentle. From what I see, if Liu Zhenwei's mother is demanding, Zihan will have a hard time." Zihan listened quietly, taking in her grandmother’s concerns. Aunt continued to persuade, "Mom, their family has money and influence. Zhenwei works in the court and has a bright future. Where else can she find someone so suitable?" Grandma shook her head, saying nothing more. Zihan, however, felt increasingly uneasy.

After Liu Zhenwei left, Zihan called her best friend Zhao Dongqing. "Do you have time tonight?" On the other end, Dongqing laughed, "If the great beauty Zihan wants to see me, even if I have a date, I’d cancel it!" Zihan teased, "You probably don’t have a date, do you?" Dongqing laughed heartily, "Who said no one wants to date me? Aren’t you inviting me out?" They arranged to meet, and upon seeing Zihan's gloomy demeanor, Dongqing asked, "Why do you look so down? What happened?" Zihan replied with a bitter smile, "I decided to meet Liu Zhenwei’s parents."

Dongqing stared at her in shock, "Are you planning to marry him?" Zihan's silence was an affirmation. "Mu Zihan, there are so many better guys after you. Why rush into marriage with him?"

"Isn't dating supposed to lead to marriage?"

"I think you're deciding too soon! You’re only twenty-three. What’s the rush? Why trap yourself in marriage so early?"

"I’ve thought about it. Liu Zhenwei is indeed a good choice. He’s handsome, has a good family background, and as my aunt said, we won’t have to struggle to buy a house after marriage." Dongqing looked at her as if she were a stranger. "I remember you once said you wanted to be with someone you love. Now, you’re being so practical? If you were like this in college, why didn’t you date Jiang Ke? His family is even better off, and he was devoted to you!"

"It’s not about family background. It’s just that Liu Zhenwei is considerate and attentive, a reliable partner. Besides, Grandma’s cancer has been prolonged. I want to get married while she’s still alive." Tears welled up in Zihan's eyes as she spoke of her grandmother’s illness. "I want to get married while Grandma is still here." Dongqing felt saddened too but still said, "I think marrying Liu Zhenwei is not worth it! There are so many better choices..."

"Forget it. The more we talk, the more irritated I get!" Zihan interrupted.

On Sunday afternoon, Liu Zhenwei arrived early to pick up Zihan. Although she smiled, her eyes revealed a hint of nervousness. As soon as they arrived, Zhenwei's mother greeted them warmly, "Zhenwei has mentioned you many times. We’ve been looking forward to meeting you!" Despite her mental preparation, Zihan couldn’t hide her shyness and unease. Zhenwei's mother held her hand, leading her to sit beside her, and remarked, "Zhenwei said he met a girl who’s not only beautiful but also has a great figure. I didn’t believe him at first, but seeing you now, you’re even more wonderful than he described!" Embarrassed by the praise, Zihan could only smile politely. Zhenwei’s mother then asked, "I heard your father is a director of some bureau..."

Seeing his mother prattling on, Zhenwei interrupted, "Where’s Dad?" "He'll be here soon!" his mother replied, going into another room and returning with a beautifully wrapped gift box. She handed it to Zihan, "This is a gift for you. Open it and see if you like it." Zihan opened it to find an expensive set of couple's watches and a red envelope. She quickly declined, "Auntie, this is too much! I can’t accept this..."

With a proud smile, Zhenwei's mother said, "It's nothing! As long as you like it." "But..." Zihan was about to say more when the door opened and Liu Xin Nan, Zhenwei’s father, walked in. "Is the guest here?" Zihan stood up immediately. Liu Xin Nan glanced at her and smiled, "Zhenwei has good taste. Zihan is indeed beautiful!" With her husband home, Zhenwei’s mother said, "It’s getting late. Let’s go out for dinner!"

Zihan quickly declined, "No need to trouble yourself, Auntie. My father is alone at home. I should go back." Zhenwei's mother waved her hand dismissively, "That’s easy. Just invite your father to join us! We can discuss your engagement over dinner. Xin Nan, call Zihan’s father and have the driver pick him up!" Zihan wanted to protest, but Liu Xin Nan was quicker. Song Shun was eager to become in-laws with Liu Xin Nan and immediately agreed. Zihan felt things were moving too fast, faster than she could keep up with.