Qin Yuheng gently took Shen Ning's hands in his, his voice soft yet firm. "Come, let's cut the cake."
Shen Ning followed him to the table, her gaze fixed on the elegantly decorated cake. Qin Yuheng placed the knife in her hand
She made the first cut, the knife gliding effortlessly through the delicate layers. The rich aroma of cream and fruit filled the air. Shen Ning picked up a small piece, turned around, and held it up to Qin Yuheng. Her eyes sparkled with quiet joy as she waited.
Qin Yuheng bent slightly, his dark eyes steady on hers as he took a bite. Then, without a word, he picked up another piece and held it to her.
Shen Ning leaned forward, her lips brushing against the cake as she took a bite. She licked her lips, a satisfied smile blooming on her face, her eyes bright with happiness.
Qin Yuheng took a napkin and leaned closer, gently wiping the corner of her lips. Her cheeks flushed, but she didn't look away.
The waiter, having received a signal from Grandpa Qin, stepped in and began distributing the cake to the other guests.
Leng Jing broke the silence, his tone faintly exasperated. "It's like I'm eating dessert while watching a romance movie."
Linna, folding her arms, added dryly, "I came here for cake, not to choke on dog food."
Huo Siang smirked, leaning back in his chair. "This isn't just dog food. It's gourmet-level PDA."
Fu Sinan, who had been watching silently, let out a faint, "Heh."
Huo Siang turned to him immediately, raising an eyebrow. "Sinan, What's wrong with you?"
Leng Jing quietly said, "Lack of affection in life. Poor guy's triggered."
Fu Sinan glanced at him after a long pause, his lips twitching slightly into a faint, reluctant smile. "..."
-----
Meanwhile, on the other side of the hall, the Qin family and the Shen family were seated together, engaged in pleasant conversation.
Mother Qin, feeling a little embarrassed at the lack of formalities, spoke up, her voice polite yet apologetic. "In-laws, it's our first time meeting. We didn't make any special arrangements..."
Mother Shen smiled warmly, her tone calm and reassuring. "It's nothing. There's no need to be so formal."
"I hope our Xiao Ning hasn't been too much trouble for your family."
Mother Qin chuckled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Trouble? Not at all! If anything, she's been keeping my son in check. Yuheng finally learned how to smile properly after marrying her. Before that, we were worried he might freeze over entirely!"
Grandpa Qin snorted. "I was convinced he'd end up taking financial reports to bed like bedtime stories."
The teasing caused everyone to laugh, and even Shen Ning couldn't help but smile. Qin Yuheng, ever composed, glanced at his mother, his expression calm but his ears faintly red.
At that moment, Shen Ning approached Qin Yuheng by her side. "Mom," she called softly.
Both Mother Shen and Mother Qin turned to look at her.
"En?" Mother Qin smiled knowingly. "Which mom are you calling, Xiao Ning?"
Shen Ning glanced between Mother Shen and Mother Qin, her face growing slightly pink with embarrassment.
Mother Qin laughed gently, breaking the awkwardness. "All right, you can call me Mama Qin."
Shen Ning hesitated for a moment before saying shyly, "Mama Qin."
"Haha, good, good," Mother Qin beamed, clearly delighted.
Shen Ning then turned to her parents. "Mom, when did you and Dad arrive?"
"We came around noon," Mother Shen replied.
"Oh… Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
Father Shen waved his hand dismissively, smiling. "It was nothing. Yuheng asked us to keep it a surprise for you."
Father Shen waved his hand dismissively, smiling. "It was nothing. Yuheng asked us to keep it a surprise for you."
Grandpa Qin suddenly interjected, his voice booming with amusement. "Hey! This brat finally got enlightened after getting married."
Mother Qin laughed along, adding teasingly, "Who would have thought my poker-faced son could turn into such a romantic?"
Qin Yuheng greeted them with a slight nod, his tone steady yet warm. "Thank you for coming. I'll take Shen Ning with me for a while to introduce her to a few of my business partners."
Mother Qin waved them off with a chuckle. "Go, go. Young people shouldn't be stuck here with us."
Mother Qin waved them off with a chuckle. "Go on, go on. Let the young people mingle. We're fine here."
(≧▽≦)