Chapter 56: Beg Me, for the 101st Time

Ever since that day when Guocheng Wang won the approval of Fan Xiaoyao’s eldest aunt, Huang Yun, with his “Ten Ways to Cook a Chicken,” his reputation had quickly spread throughout the Rong family.

The very next day, Fan Xiaoyao’s phone was nearly overwhelmed by calls from her elders.

“Xiaoyao, your aunt told me that Guocheng Wang can cook and keep the house tidy. A good young man like that—don’t let him slip away…” (That was a reassuring call from her third aunt.)

“Xiaoyao, these days, it’s rare for a man to willingly cook for a woman. If you feel a spark between you, why not start planning for a happy event together?” (Even her grandfather had called.)

Just as Fan Xiaoyao was starting to think her elders’ expectations were coming too soon, Rong Jinfeng called. “Xiaoyao, bring Guocheng home for dinner this weekend!”

Nervously, Fan Xiaoyao asked, “Mom, you don’t mind—about Guocheng?”

With a helpless sigh, Rong Jinfeng replied, “Dear, could I really mind? He’s traveled all the way from the borderlands to Kang City. As your mother, I have to meet him at least once, don’t I?”

Fan Xiaoyao was surprised. “Mom, you accept my online relationship now?”

Rong Jinfeng sounded utterly resigned. “You’ve even had a long-distance international romance—what’s an online relationship to me now?”

Realizing she had touched on her daughter’s pain, Rong Jinfeng regretted her words. When there was only the sound of muffled crying on the line, she grew concerned. “Xiaoyao, why are you crying? Don’t tell me you still have feelings for Tim?”

Wiping her tears with a tissue, Fan Xiaoyao took a deep breath and reassured her mother. “Mom, don’t worry. I know there’s no future for Tim and me. I won’t long for anything more. Just give me some time to mend those painful memories…”

Rong Jinfeng sighed gently. “Xiaoyao, if you’re sure about Guocheng Wang, try to let go of Tim. Make room in your heart for Guocheng.

One cannot serve two masters, especially when it comes to love. The more sincere you are, the more the other person will feel it.”

Fan Xiaoyao paused for a long while. “Mom, I understand. I will sever all ties with Tim.”

On the other end of the line, Rong Jinfeng worried in silence, but as a mother, she knew there was little she could do about her daughter’s love life. She could help with anything else, but emotions were something one had to work through alone. “Xiaoyao, take care of yourself. Come home this weekend—Mom will cook something delicious for you both.” With that, she hung up.

Ever since her mother’s call and Tim being mentioned, Fan Xiaoyao had sat alone in her office, lost in thought. The scene replayed in her mind—the recent image of Tim returning to China with his fiancée by his side.

It wasn’t until her phone rang, jolting her from her reverie, that she realized her face was already streaked with tears.

On the other end, Guocheng Wang was brimming with excitement. “Xiaoyao, are you busy? After work, I’ll pick you up—let’s have a date at Aegean Sea Restaurant!”

Guocheng Wang’s excitement stemmed from hearing that the Aegean Sea Restaurant was a must-visit for couples in Kang City, a place where many had found lasting love.

As soon as he learned this, he had eagerly called Fan Xiaoyao. But his sharp ear picked up the heaviness in her voice. “Xiaoyao, what’s wrong? Have you been crying? Why?”

Fan Xiaoyao forced a smile, tugging at the corner of her mouth as she tried to soothe him. “No… I haven’t been crying. Maybe I’ve just been too busy and haven’t drunk enough water, so my throat’s a bit off. It’s nothing, don’t worry about me. What did you do today?”

Hearing she was truly fine, Guocheng Wang relaxed. “What else could I do? Just spent the day reading at the bookstore.”

Sometimes, Fan Xiaoyao felt Guocheng Wang lived like a hermit—he didn’t smoke, drink, or gamble, unlike most men.

She replied, “Go ahead and make the reservation at Aegean Sea. I like the seats by the window.”

Guocheng Wang smiled over the phone. “Alright, I’ve booked a window seat. I’ll pick you up after work!”

By the end of the workday, all the employees at HK Company were captivated by the man in a sharp black suit standing tall downstairs. They whispered among themselves, speculating about his identity.

But when they saw Fan Xiaoyao approach him, they quickly realized—this was the legendary boyfriend from the borderlands they’d heard so much about.

Seeing Guocheng Wang so formally dressed in his suit, Fan Xiaoyao glanced down at her own more casual attire.

“You—” She had just started to speak when Guocheng Wang led her straight to a car.

“Come with me,” he said.

Facing the brand-new car, Fan Xiaoyao didn’t recognize the make, but the sleek lines and eye-catching emblem, along with the HK Company crowd watching, told her this was no ordinary vehicle.

“This car?” she asked uneasily.

Guocheng Wang settled her into the passenger seat, then walked around and got in the driver’s side. He raised his brows and replied lightly, “I rented it.”

Fan Xiaoyao thought about it—Guocheng Wang was just a university teacher in the borderlands, not a wealthy man. He wouldn’t buy such an expensive car. She let the matter drop.

Ignoring the surprise in her eyes, Guocheng Wang handed her a bag. “When I called earlier and heard your throat sounded off, I wasn’t sure what you usually take for it, so I bought one of everything that might help…”

Looking at the bag filled with various throat lozenges, Fan Xiaoyao’s eyes grew moist. “You really are the perfect gentleman!”

Guocheng Wang gazed at her with utmost sincerity and once more spoke his heart. “Xiaoyao, will you marry me?”

Her ears turned red, and she answered nervously, “Guocheng, we haven’t known each other very long. Isn’t it a bit soon to talk about marriage?”

Guocheng Wang gently touched her blushing cheek, his voice deep and earnest. “Xiaoyao, the length of time we’ve known each other isn’t proof of love.

Some people never feel a spark, even after a lifetime. Sometimes, love happens in a single moment. Xiaoyao, you are the one I fell deeply for the instant I met you.

When you meet the right person at the right time, shouldn’t you seize it?”

Her face flushed, and the thought of marriage made her heart race like a startled deer. “Guocheng, I think we should date a while longer. Or maybe—when you’ve proposed to me 101 times, I’ll agree to marry you!”