Chapter 133 – Let’s Get Married

When Jian Mei woke up in his bed at home, daylight had already filled the room.

As he went downstairs, Shen Meina grumbled at him, “Your dad knocked on your door to wake you up this morning, but you were sleeping like a log.”

Jian Mei chuckled, “I’ve been a bit lazy lately.”

Shen Meina sighed, “You, go wash your hands and get ready for breakfast.”

Jian Mei nodded in agreement.

He sat down at the table, listening to his parents discuss preparing for his third year of high school. Just like two years ago, he was sitting in this very chair, hearing them talk about the same thing. It felt almost as if no time had passed.

Shen Meina looked at Jian Mei and said, “Mei Mei, when you get back to school, make sure you get along well with your classmates.”

Jian Mei laughed, “I will.”

To prepare for the upcoming exams, he needed to review his third-year high school lessons and brush up on all the key points. Shen Meina wanted to hire a tutor for him, but Jian Mei declined. Xiao Pang and Cheng Yu often came to visit him, and as their visits became more frequent, Jian Mei also started going out to meet them and hang out.

Today, they met up at an entertainment venue.

When Jian Mei arrived, he found that Xiao Pang’s other friends were there too. Fortunately, his experience on Stan Star had made him comfortable dealing with many people, so he didn’t feel awkward at all. He mingled easily and soon became a part of the group.

Xiao Pang was surprised, “Mei Mei, you’re amazing. You’ve maxed out your social skills!”

Jian Mei smiled, “Not really, just saying hello to everyone.”

Even Cheng Yu had come this time. While some friends were in the arcade nearby, Jian Mei and Xiao Pang were in the back in the lounge area, enjoying some snacks.

Xiao Pang’s girlfriend approached them, a bit shy, and said, “Mei Mei, I’ve heard about you before, but now that I’ve seen you in person, you’re even better looking than Xiao Pang described.”

Jian Mei replied, “You’re too kind.”

Xiao Pang interjected, “What, don’t you think your boyfriend is good-looking?”

The girl rolled her eyes, “You’re old enough to look in the mirror yourself.”

Xiao Pang playfully hugged her waist, teasing, “Even if I look in the mirror, I’m still handsome. What can I say? You’re the one who fell for me.”

The girl scoffed lightly at him, “Narcissist.”

The two of them kept teasing and laughing with each other. Although their interactions weren’t overly sweet, it was clear that their relationship was indeed very good. Jian Mei watched them, getting a bit lost in his thoughts.

Cheng Yu, who was sitting nearby, asked, “Envious?”

Jian Mei snapped back to reality and replied, “Yeah, a little.”

“Jealous that others can pair up?”

“No,” Jian Mei smiled softly, “I’m envious that they can be together openly”

He envied that they could be together openly, that they had a future to look forward to. He envied that while they might jokingly complain about each other, deep down they were filled with love. Unlike him, who said he loved someone deeply but was quietly planning his departure.

Cheng Yu asked, “Is there really any difference?”

Jian Mei thought for a moment and then answered, “It seems there isn’t.”

Cheng Yu observed Jian Mei closely.

These past two years had flown by, and Jian Mei’s appearance seemed unchanged, but he still felt like something was different. He seemed to have matured a lot.

It was strange; he had matured so much that there was an indescribable change in him. Even though Cheng Yu was physically close to Jian Mei, there was this inexplicable feeling that the distance between them had grown, as if their relationship had become distant despite only being apart for a little over a year.

But…

Fortunately, Jian Mei had woken up and was right in front of him. So, no matter what, Cheng Yu felt that he still had a chance, didn’t he?

…

The next day

Jian Mei was in the palace on Stan Star, waiting for Lu Xingwang to finish court. He was busy learning how to make sugar-coated pastries with A Ruo.

When Lu Xingwang returned, he saw Jian Mei holding a bowl of half-eaten pastries, fast asleep. As Lu Xingwang approached, his footsteps made a small noise, waking Jian Mei, who turned to look at him.

Lu Xingwang spoke softly, “Why did you fall asleep here?”

Jian Mei rubbed his eyes and mumbled, “Because I wanted to wait for you to come back.”

Lu Xingwang helped him sit up and settled next to him, speaking in a low voice, “Today, I handled some matters at court. Most of the cities outside are slowly returning to normal, and the ministers believe that our country could use some joyous events to lift the spirits.”

Jian Mei was confused, but still asked, “What kind of joyous events?”

Lu Xingwang turned to look at him. The man’s deep, dark eyes seemed to draw Jian Mei in as he softly said, “Let’s get married.”

Jian Mei was stunned.