The day after Jiang Ning’s birthday, she and Qi Xingzhou bought plane tickets back to the Capital City.
Qi Xingzhou immediately sent a message to his big brother.
Over the past three years, Jiang Ning has had close interactions with the Huo Family.
In the beginning, Ji Shuang frequently contacted Qi Xingzhou, but gradually, she started calling Jiang Ning instead.
During these three years, Jiang Ning and Qi Xingzhou traveled all over the country, capturing criminals while also taking time to enjoy local scenery or taste local specialties.
Sometimes when they came across something particularly delicious or novel, Jiang Ning would often buy extra to send back to the Capital City.
She felt somewhat guilty for whisking away their well-behaved son.
Initially, the Qi family members were flattered to receive gifts from Jiang Ning and didn’t know how to reciprocate. They tried to buy gifts for her, but since the couple was traveling, it wasn’t convenient. Hence, they ended up sending Jiang Ning money each time, leaving her at a loss whether to laugh or cry.
Eventually, as they got used to it, the Qi family members were less restrained and occasionally sent messages or made phone calls to check on the two of them.
The interactions between the Qi family and Jiang Ning became increasingly natural and harmonious.
Actually, Jiang Ning and Qi Xingzhou did return occasionally, especially during New Year or other holidays when she would bring Qi Xingzhou back.
Although she never used to celebrate these occasions, she understood the importance of certain holidays to the people.
Every time they returned, it was Qi Chen who drove to pick them up, and this time was no different.
Upon receiving Qi Xingzhou’s message, Qi Chen waited outside the airport at the appropriate time.
When Jiang Ning and Qi Xingzhou appeared, Qi Chen’s usually stern expression softened, and he walked toward them with a smile in his eyes.
Jiang Ning and Qi Xingzhou saw Qi Chen and greeted him in succession.
"I’m here to take you home." Qi Chen said, reaching out to help with their large suitcases, "So much luggage? You brought everything back?"
"Yes, the trip is over, and we probably won’t be going anywhere again soon," Jiang Ning said with a smile.
Qi Chen, hearing this, also smiled, "That’s great. The Capital City has changed a lot in the past couple of years. You can explore more after you return."
Clearly, he was very pleased with Jiang Ning and Qi Xingzhou’s return to the Capital City.
The apartment Jiang Ning rented in the Capital City had long been vacated.
Last year, Jiang Ning bought a small apartment in a newly developed building. It was already renovated by the first half of the year, and when she decided to return to the Capital City yesterday, she arranged for a cleaner to tidy up, so it was ready for her to move in.
The brothers first dropped off Jiang Ning before heading home themselves.
Qi Chen parked the car, and the brothers got out with the luggage.
As Qi Xingzhou stepped through the door with his left foot, he immediately saw Ji Shuang and Qi Jingshan looking their way.
Ji Shuang and Qi Jingshan stretched their necks, looking past their own silly son.
As Qi Xingzhou’s right foot followed, he kindly reminded, "Dad, Mom, my girlfriend has already gone back, she didn’t come."
Hearing Qi Xingzhou’s reference to Jiang Ning, Ji Shuang couldn’t help but feel an ache in her teeth.
No one knew where Qi Xingzhou got this annoying habit. Ever since Jiang Ning agreed to his pursuit, he began referring to her externally as "my girlfriend" or "my girlfriend," as if he were afraid everyone didn’t know she was his girlfriend.
The Qi family’s ears had grown calluses from hearing it.
Knowing Jiang Ning wasn’t there, Ji Shuang’s initial anticipation was dashed, and she sat back on the sofa but quickly remembered something, reigniting her expectation.
Ji Shuang said to Qi Xingzhou, "Ask Jiang Ning if she’s free for a meal with everyone tomorrow?"
"Okay." Qi Xingzhou responded, and upon returning to his room, the first thing he did was call Jiang Ning.
Jiang Ning had just finished tidying up when she received Qi Xingzhou’s call.
Hearing Ji Shuang’s invitation, Jiang Ning felt a mix of nervousness and anticipation.
She had a faint feeling that Ji Shuang’s intention might not be as simple as just wanting to have a meal with her.
It’s not like Ji Shuang hadn’t invited her before. Each time she and Qi Xingzhou returned to the Capital City, they were inevitably called to the Qi family for a banquet.
If it were just a simple gathering, Ji Shuang would have messaged Jiang Ning directly; there was no need to ask Qi Xingzhou to relay the message specifically.
On the phone, Jiang Ning said, "I’m free all day tomorrow, just let me know in advance once you’ve settled on a time."
Qi Xingzhou’s eyes lit up, "Great!"
The next day, Jiang Ning made an official visit and even brought the gifts she had prepared long ago. ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by novelFirｅ.net
Ji Shuang’s eyes immediately crinkled with a smile when she saw Jiang Ning.
Qi Jingshan and Qi Chen, rare for them, didn’t go to the office today, so the whole family was at home.
The lunch spread by the Qi family was exceptionally lavish.
Jiang Ning noticed this, which further confirmed her suspicions.
Sure enough, after the meal, as everyone sat on the sofa, sipping tea and eating fruit, Ji Shuang suddenly grabbed Jiang Ning’s hand and said, "Ning Ning, Xingzhou has already told us about your proposal. Normally, the parents from both sides should meet and discuss, then we go to your family with a betrothal gift. But..."
Ji Shuang thought about Jiang Ning’s estrangement from the Huo Family and hesitated in her expression.
Jiang Ning smiled slightly, "Auntie Ji, I understand, you’re doing this for my sake."
"You really are a clever child," Ji Shuang said, immediately at ease upon hearing Jiang Ning’s understanding. "Your biological parents aren’t reliable, negotiating with them would be less effective than discussing directly with you."
Saying this, Ji Shuang took out a prepared gift list and handed it to Jiang Ning, "This is the betrothal gift we’ve prepared. Take a look."
On the paper, the Qi family had clearly itemized the details of the betrothal gift.
Despite having some expectations, Jiang Ning didn’t anticipate the Qi family would be so generous and substantial with their offer.
She hadn’t even finished reading it when she returned the list, "Auntie Ji, this is too much..."
The cash alone was one hundred million, not to mention other assets like properties, company shares, gold, and various invaluable jewelry.
The value was far beyond Jiang Ning’s expectations.
"It’s not too much," Auntie Ji said, pushing the list back to Jiang Ning, "This is our heartfelt gesture from the Qi family."
Jiang Ning had no elders to support her nor a family to rely on.
Ji Shuang understood well that the most crucial assurance for a woman was having money and assets, as these would be her future backbone.
Ji Shuang held Jiang Ning’s hand tightly.
Though she said nothing, Jiang Ning understood something from her expression.
Seeing Jiang Ning’s refusal, Qi Jingshan, who had remained mostly silent, became anxious, and couldn’t help but speak up, "Please just take it. Once you’re married, you two should lead a good life together without any financial worries. That would be the greatest honor for us as parents."
Saying this, Qi Jingshan cast a disdainful glance at his eldest son, who had yet to bring a girlfriend home, "And when you bring home a girlfriend in the future, the betrothal gift will be just as grand."
Qi Chen, hearing this, wore a smile of helplessness.
Fate and romance are not things one can force.
Not having encountered someone who moves his heart wasn’t entirely his fault.
Qi Chen turned to Jiang Ning and said, "Before you even returned to the Capital City, my parents were brainstorming over this list until their heads were bald, staying up in the living room as late as two or three in the morning, worried they might miss something. Your wedding is such a joyful occasion; these worldly possessions aren’t as significant. Take them with peace of mind, so they can sleep well tonight."
Hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude.
Thus, the details of the betrothal gift were formally decided.
Jiang Ning and Qi Xingzhou’s proposal had taken the Qi family by surprise, leaving them unprepared.
After discussing, they decided to get engaged first, and then marry later.
The engagement process wasn’t as elaborate as a wedding.
Ji Shuang brought out several options for engagement dates for Jiang Ning to choose from.
Without anyone noticing, Qi Xingzhou moved closer and immediately picked the nearest date.
He leaned against Jiang Ning, acting spoiled.
Jiang Ning nudged him, signaling him to behave, then chose the nearest date.
The nearest date was only half a month away.
When Jiang Ning was leaving, Ji Shuang gave her a thick envelope and a delicate handcrafted brocade box.
On her way home, when Jiang Ning opened the brocade box, she discovered it contained an entire set of expensive jade jewelry.
Driving, Qi Xingzhou beamed with pride, "From now on, you’ve gained the approval of the ancestors and are officially my most favorite person! My love!"