Country X, City A, Éblouir Eatery, 14:00;

Xi Fang raised his head up as the restaurant's doors opened and Jiang Yue, along with her father, stepped inside, her expression anxious. The old man had requested to meet him in person before discussing their relationship with the Xis.

Naturally, he was nervous too. Jiang Qiyang's approval and blessings mattered to his woman, and hence, to him. If there was one thing he'd learned from his brother, it was to treat your partner's family as your own. Xi Yuan had put in a lot of effort in order to win over the Six tiger's hearts, even though Rong Xinghe had never asked him to do so. But he knew it was crucial. And so was convincing Jiang Yue's father of his sincerity for the girl.

Calmly, Xi Fang stood up and walked around the table, pulling a chair out for Jiang Yue, helping the girl sit down. Noticing the young man's etiquettes, Jiang Qiyang smiled to himself. No wonder Rong Xinghe spoke so highly of him the last time she'd visited the Jiangs' Mansion.

"What would you like to have, Sir?", a waiter showed up about two minutes after the three had settled in.

"A Boeuf Bourguignon, and a Quiche Lorraine for me.", Jiang Yue read from the menu, passing it to her father later. The two men ordered for themselves as well and only when the waiter had disappeared from their line of sight did Jiang Qiyang leaned back in his seat, his gaze fixed at Xi Fang.

"Your to be Sister-in-law came to me a few days back.", he said solemnly.

"I am aware.", the man nodded.

"Did your brother send her on your behalf?", the old man questioned then.

"No. He didn't.", Xi Fang shook his head twice, "He had no idea about it, actually. It's impossible to understand whatever goes on in her mind, anyway."

"I agree.", Jiang Qiyang smiled, "Xiao Xinghe has always been somewhat a mystery. Who would've thought that the 'Voice of the World' would grow up to become such a warrior?

"I hope the Xi family realizes just how lucky they are to have her as their daughter-in-law."

"We do, Sir.", Xi Fang answered, amazed by the impression and power Rong Xinghe had over someone as strict as Jiang Qiyang.

"Call me Dad.", the old man corrected him, hauling the man back to reality.

"Huh?", Xi Fang raised his brows, absent-minded.

"I said you could address me as Dad.", the elderly laughed, "And you don't need to impress me at all. The moment Xiao Xinghe showed up at our doorsteps, I was no more in doubt of your worth. You and Yue have all my consent. Next week, I shall meet your family elders in order to discuss the wedding."

Xi Fang stared at the man in front of him, stupefied. Just what had Rong Xinghe said to him, he thought. He had never known for Jiang Qiyang to be so carefree. Then how come…

"I think we should not rush, Dad.", Jiang Yue turned to speak to her father then, a bright smile across her lips, "The Xi family still has a wedding on hold, after all."

"You're absolutely right.", the man nodded after thinking over the girl's words, "What do you think, Fang?"

Xi Fang, a little relaxed now, shrugged, "I can wait.", he said with a smile, "Not to mention, Yue would have an elder sister too, if we get married that way. Xiao Xinghe adores her a lot, from what I've heard up till now."

"She does?", Jiang Qiyang raised his brows, turning to glance at his precious daughter, "That's great, then. Always stick by her side, Yue.", he advised happily, "You'll learn a lot from her."

"Yes, Dad.", Jiang Yue smiled, her tone filled with obedience.

_________________

Meanwhile, Earlston, Scotland, 08:00;

Xi Yuan opened the library's entrance carefully, a tray of coffee mugs and cookies in his other hand. It was not until he'd placed it upon the table beside her that he realized she wasn't reading. She was sobbing. Softly, and quietly. Her face buried in both her hands.

"Hey… hey.", he approached her worriedly, making her look at him, "What happened, Love?", he asked then, wiping away the tears from her cheeks, "What is it?"

"It is so not done.", she complained, crying even more now, "Why did Allie get Alzheimer's?! Noah was so alone by the end…"

So it was about the book. Of course, it was about the book. Suppressing his urge to smile, the man pulled her in for a warm hug, spoiling her with a lot of forehead kisses, "I know. I know.", he said, "It shouldn't have happened like that. I am sorry Nicholas Sparks broke your heart.

"I will write you a better book.", he promised then.

"I want a happy ending.", she mumbled, "Please?"

"You got it.", Xi Yuan laughed.

"And nothing sad.", she added, "I hate it."

"Sure."

"Also, a lot of make-out scenes."

"Steamiest of them."

It took Xi Yuan quite some time to cheer up the girl. But he didn't mind. It wasn't the first time she'd cried over a novel. He was used to comforting her in such situations by now. He was a professional at it, one could go on to say.

This time, though, she didn't talk to him for long, for all the crying had drained out a better part of the energy from her. Shortly after eating the cookies, she fell asleep in his arms, leaving the two cups of coffee to cool down on their own. The man, after a while, carried her to their bedroom. Pulling the blanket up to her shoulders, he then turned to leave.

But then, he turned back around and lied down beside her. What if she were to have a bad dream? Or worse, what if her migraine were to kick in due to so much exertion? It was smarter to be by her side until she woke up again. Not to mention, he would never get tired of holding her in his embrace, taking in the sight of all her facial features, as she slept soundly. It was, after all, his favorite pass time.