Chapter 178: Chapter 164: Proposing to Her in Public

Qi Wenli and Linda’s matter had come to an end, but Fang Anning’s wedding plans still needed to continue.

Since Linda couldn’t be her gown designer, at first she thought, why not just buy a ready-made gown.

After all, she wasn’t too particular about it.

However, after she shared this idea with He Tingchen, He Tingchen disagreed.

"I’ll take you to France to find a designer for a custom-made dress," said He Tingchen.

"Ah, there’s no need to go that far just for a wedding gown!" Fang Anning exclaimed in surprise.

He Tingchen’s hand caressed her face, touching her earlobe and said, "Of course, there’s a need. You are going to be my wife, He Tingchen’s wife. It’s worth going any distance."

Fang Anning lowered her head with a smile and then didn’t continue to refuse.

If he was willing to go to all lengths for her, why should she refuse his kindness?

He Tingchen got his company affairs in order in the next couple of days and then immediately took Fang Anning abroad.

He found the best wedding gown designer in Paris for Fang Anning, and after taking her measurements, the designer promised to finish her gown according to her preferences within two months.

Fang Anning was beyond grateful.

After finalizing the gown details, He Tingchen then took her around Paris. They visited the famous Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and also saw a play at Notre-Dame de Paris.

They tasted Parisian steak and pan-seared foie gras, realizing there was a bit of a difference from the flavors back in mainland China.

Under the setting sun, He Tingchen walked with her through the corridors outside of the Louvre. The fading light cast upon him, bright then dim, adding a layer of hazy beauty to his handsome features.

Fang Anning lifted her head and saw his face, her heart involuntarily stirred with emotion.

Such a good man, so handsome and gentle—belonged to her.

The mere thought filled her with immense satisfaction and happiness.

"This restaurant looks quite nice."

He Tingchen brought Fang Anning into a restaurant, where upon entry she couldn’t help but remark.

He Tingchen said, "This restaurant is called Drouant. It’s one of the older restaurants in Paris, having been in business for over 120 years now. Initially, it was just a small tobacco bar, but when the Gongguer Academy made it their base, the place became popular. Many celebrities from the literary and arts festivals frequented here. I had Wen Yi book us a table a few days in advance, and even then we had to have someone give up their reservation for us."

"That explains why the patrons here look so unique," Fang Anning said.

After coming in, she noticed some guests who appeared elegant and beautiful, with many familiar faces that were undoubtedly celebrities.

He Tingchen led her to a seat by the window and presented her with a menu to order from.

Fang Anning’s English was not bad, but she knew nothing of French, so she quickly handed it back to He Tingchen, saying, "You order, I’m not picky."

He Tingchen smiled and slowly began to introduce, "This restaurant has a retro style, serving more traditional dishes. I think the meat pie, hot oysters, soft meringue pastry, and dark chocolate pastry are all quite good. Would you like to try them?"

"Sure, I’m fine with anything. I’m not picky," Fang Anning said with a laugh.

He Tingchen ordered these dishes, then softly shared the history of the restaurant with Fang Anning.

Soon, the dishes were served, and He Tingchen taught her how to eat them to fully appreciate their taste.

Fang Anning felt like a complete novice, clueless about everything, and could only follow He Tingchen’s instructions.

In her mind, she secretly thought Chinese food was better; there was no need for complicated etiquette. As long as she wanted to, she could eat however she liked—fry, grill, steam, or boil, just according to her own preference.

"Wait for me a moment."

After finishing the meal, He Tingchen put down his knife and fork, and suddenly said to Fang Anning.

Fang Anning nodded, not knowing what he was going to do.

He Tingchen went towards the front desk and spoke in French with someone there.

Soon after, the person handed him something. He quickly took it and concealed it in his hands, again preventing Fang Anning from seeing what it was.

When he returned, Fang Anning wanted to ask him what he had taken.

Suddenly, He Tingchen knelt down on one knee, opened a ring box, and with a deep voice while revealing a blindingly large diamond ring, he said, "Ningning, I have yet to propose to you. Today, I formally ask for your hand in marriage. Will you marry me?"

Fang Anning was initially stunned, then feeling moved, she bit her lip as her eyes instantly welled up with tears.

She had not expected that He Tingchen would propose to her.

Although they had already obtained their marriage certificate and had a child,

She thought that He Tingchen’s willingness to hold a wedding ceremony for her was already a big concession and compromise. She never imagined that he would propose to her in such a grand and earnest manner.

France was indeed a romantic country.

The guests around them, seeing that there was a proposal happening, although they did not know the couple, still burst into enthusiastic applause, offering congratulations in French.

Fang Anning felt both moved and shy, quickly extending her hand for He Tingchen to slip the ring onto, while saying, "I do."

He Tingchen smiled, placing the ring on her finger.

Fang Anning revealed a happy smile, hurriedly helping him up, and the two embraced tightly.

The applause around them grew even louder, and laughter filled the entire restaurant.

Fang Anning blushed as she said thank you, but she spoke in Chinese, unsure if others understood her.

He Tingchen, on the other hand, said thank you in French, and after that, Fang Anning quickly pulled him to leave the place.

Fortunately, the proposal came after the meal; otherwise, she would have felt too embarrassed to carry on eating.

"Why didn’t you... tell me earlier?" Once outside, Fang Anning chided him with a blushing face.

Holding her hand, He Tingchen intertwined their fingers and said, "If I had told you earlier, where would the surprise be?"

Truly a surprise!

Besides the surprise, there was also a little shock and fright.

But compared to the surprise, those were nothing.

Just as they were immersed in their happiness, ready to leave,

"Tingchen, is that you?"

Suddenly, a woman’s voice rang out.

He Tingchen and Fang Anning turned to look at the woman.

She was a very beautiful woman whose age was difficult to guess due to her beauty, but the faint crow’s feet at the corners of her eyes hinted at the life experiences she had weathered.

"Tingchen, who is she?" Fang Anning asked.

He Tingchen looked deeply at the woman without answering Fang Anning’s question.

However, from his expression, one could tell he seemed to harbor disgust for this woman.

Seeing the disgust in his eyes, the woman confirmed his identity and elegantly walked towards him saying, "I thought I was mistaken just now, but it seems it really is you. Tingchen, long time no see, my son."

Fang Anning was astonished; so she was the woman who had abandoned He Tingchen back then?

No wonder she found her to be so beautiful.

Indeed, He Tingchen and she looked somewhat alike. Now that her identity was revealed, Fang Anning noticed this resemblance.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read