When the two ladies arrived at the Zhong family home, Chu Ling led them to the conservatory. She had a smile that seemed to rival the brightness of the flowers. She talked to Hu Lei in a gentle voice while asking about her health and work.

"Where is Hu Fai?" Hu Lei asked as the three of them sat at the fancy table set up under the domed building.

"Your father took him to meet some of his friends who are coming for the banquet from outside the city. Today, it is just us girls." Chu Ling smiled. "I have planned for an early lunch, spa treatments in the comfort of our home and the best in clothes and accessories."

"Thank you for doing this, Mom." Zhong Mian smiled happily.

Chu Ling and Zhong Mian had discussed at length how they could make Hu Lei feel more like a part of the family. Luckily, they had the anniversary party as their excuse for spending more time with her. Maybe, they could find out more about what she liked.

"Thank you." Hu Lei smiled.

"It is my pleasure." Chu Ling reached out and held her hand as the food was served.

At that moment, Hu Lei decided that she would attempt to form a better relationship with her in-laws. Even though they had not been welcoming at the beginning, they were trying. It was important not to slap a smiling person.

The three women relaxed and began chatting casually about their lives.

"Mian'er, when will you bring your boyfriend over officially? Your father is very worried." Chu Ling asked Zhong Mian with a knowing smile.

Zhong Mian blushed a little.

"There are still some issues to sort out between us before you can start planning a grand wedding, Mom." She turned to Hu Lei. "Speaking of weddings, when do you and Feng'er plan on having yours?"

Chu Ling chuckled at the smooth change of topic. However, she was also interested in the answer.

"Ah-Feng and I talked about it. It should be in a couple of months. We haven't settled on a date." She responded.

"A couple of months? We have not even begun planning! This will be impossible." Chu Ling became flustered.

Hu Lei's lips twitched. She had told Zhong Feng that she only wanted a wedding after the issue with the assassinations and the people hunting her was sorted. Now that he had found the culprits, it would not take long to get justice.

She had only been estimating when she said a couple of months.

"There is no rush. My grandfather and my aunt said that they want to meet before the wedding." She said.

Her grandfather had said that he wanted to show Elder Zhong that his granddaughter could not be taken away easily. In simple terms, he wanted to make things difficult for the Zhong family, and especially for his old rival.

However, she also understood that he wanted to protect her. It was difficult to lead a peaceful life in a rich family without having some kind of backup. If one depended on their husband too much, the in-law family might look down on them.

At least, that was what Aunt Huo Mei had said as they planned their mode of attack.

Honestly, Hu Lei had never been worried about lacking support. Even if she had not met with the Huo family, she could live her life. She had money and fighting strength. What else did she need to show she was capable of standing on her own?

"I look forward to meeting with the Huo family. I can get in contact with your aunt, and we can begin making plans." Chu Ling put her hands together with excitement.

Hu Lei thought of Huo Mei and how she could be a typical nosy aunt when she put down her Dr Huo mantle, and she felt a headache coming on. It would be difficult to have a small peaceful wedding if the two women were in cahoots.

Then, she thought of the rivalry between Elder Zhong and her grandfather. Those two were always insulting each other and looked for opportunities to one-up each other.

Then, she remembered that Kaito had said that their teacher wanted to come to visit her before he had disappeared. If that old man heard about her wedding, he might leave the mountains.

Suddenly, Hu Lei wondered if she and Zhong Feng could elope for a second time.

"I will give you a big present on that day." Zhong Mian smiled.

Hu Lei nodded at the two excited faces hollowly and tried to smile.

After lunch, the ladies went through a series of spa treatments. Hu Lei had been a little sceptic about the experience, but she had to admit that it was quite relaxing. She even managed to put aside the unpleasant thoughts she had in the morning.

When she finally wore the gown, she felt like a new woman.

She stood in front of the mirror and a hint of vanity swelled through her. She was like a fairy tale princess. No, she was better than a fairy tale princess. If all princesses were as cute as her, there would be no evil witches.

"You look pleased with yourself." A deep voice interrupted the internal narcissism of the little woman.

Hu Lei turned and saw Zhong Feng standing at the door of the walk-in closet in a black suit, his hands behind his back.

"I am just feeling envious of you." She responded while preening again in front of the mirror.

Zhong Feng was used to the weird thoughts that his wife often had. However, he still indulged her.

"Why?" He stepped closer.

"You have such a beautiful and adorable wife. And you haven't even fulfilled all the conditions of me becoming your girlfriend. I'm still waiting for more treasures and a cultivation manual." She pouted at her image in the mirror.

Zhong Feng laughed and presented a box he was concealing behind his back. Hu Lei took the box with pretentious reluctance and opened it. Inside was a necklace and earrings made of canary diamonds. The stones matched her eyes and complimented her gown.

Hu Lei felt touched and emotional, and a choked feeling caught in her throat. However, she did not want to cry because the makeup had taken forever. She lifted her chin with a pout and looked at the expectant Zhong Feng.

"They will barely match my natural charm, but they will do." She indicated for him to help her put them on.

Zhong Feng smiled at the antics of his adorable wife as he helped her put on the necklace and earrings. Then, he grabbed her by the waist and lowered his head. He held her tightly and kissed her soundly.

He could still not believe that she was his.

Hu Lei was dazed for a long time after being kissed thoroughly. Then, she thought of something.

"My perfect makeup!" She shouted and quickly looked at herself in the mirror. Luckily, everything was still perfect.

Zhong Feng laughed again.

"Don't think that you are off the hook." She pointed at him.

Since she was not wearing her heeled shoes yet, she was like a small animal threatening a dangerous predator. Once again, Zhong Feng could not help but love her even more.

He lifted his hand to touch and pat her head as he always did.

"Don't even think about it." She ducked quickly and started running out of the walk-in closet door.

Unfortunately, with the long dress, she did not get far before she was caught and kissed again.