Chapter 411 Yang Mei's Request

Standing outside the door were Yang Mei and Zhou Chen, carrying several gift boxes wrapped in red paper. As soon as the door opened, their faces immediately lit up with joy, and they wished Cen Yan a Happy New Year in advance.

"Yanyan, I'm wishing you a Happy New Year in advance! May the New Year bring you a fresh start and lots of good fortune, hehehe..."

"You're visiting a bit early this year. Come in, it's quite cold outside." Knowing they were there to return the greetings, Cen Yan quickly stepped aside and welcomed the two into the house.

Qi Jingchuan placed two bowls of steaming ginger soup in front of them, then pushed his bicycle out the door without saying anything.

Zhou Chen looked embarrassed. Yang Mei explained in a low voice that Qi Jingchuan was naturally cold-faced and wasn't trying to give them a hard time. Only then did Zhou Chen's expression improve.

Cen Yan put away the New Year's gifts the two had brought, and cut some fruit for them. She saw the two whispering to each other. As soon as she came out, they immediately sat up straight like children who had done something wrong.

She chuckled and said, "I've never seen you all so flustered back at work, Yang Mei. This isn't like you. Could it be... that you want to ask me for a favor?"

"You!" Yang Mei was both amused and exasperated, and pinched Zhou Chen's arm. "I told you that our little schemes couldn't be hidden from Yan Yan, but you didn't believe me. Now you're embarrassed! You're the one who should talk about your own affairs."

Zhou Chen cleared his throat and said in a simple and honest voice, "Dr. Cen, Xiao Mei and I came here today, firstly to wish you a Happy New Year in advance and give you a New Year's gift, and secondly, we really have something we want to ask you for help with."

"That's quite a serious statement, even using the word 'begging'. What's wrong? Just say it. We're not the type to beat around the bush, so I'll definitely help if I can."

Zhou Chen pursed his lips, hesitant to speak. Yang Mei, exasperated, couldn't help but laugh. "If you won't say it, I will. Yan Yan, Zhou Chen and I are planning to get married. It's not right to keep it a secret from our workplace and sneak around in the office. Besides, we've already done everything we should..."

Seeing her touching her stomach, Cen Yan exclaimed in shock, "You're pregnant? Getting married because of the pregnancy?"

“Yes! You’re from a big city, so you’re knowledgeable, which is why I dare to tell you this. But if my parents find out about this, they’ll definitely be prejudiced against Zhou Chen. They’ll think he couldn’t resist having sex with me before we were even married. Even if they agree to the marriage later, they’ll never give Zhou Chen a good look.”

"We plan to keep it a secret for now, get married naturally afterward, and then tell everyone about the pregnancy in a month or two. We'll then tell the public that the baby was born about two weeks early, around a month later..."

"So, how can I help you?" Cen Yan thought Yang Mei only dared to kiss Zhou Chen in the box, but she didn't expect her to be so bold!

Yang Mei said, "When a new son-in-law goes to his mother-in-law's house, the first impression is very important. Although my parents are not materialistic, if Zhou Chen brings a presentable gift, they will respect him more."

“Zhou Chen and I are just average people. We’re too ordinary for cigarettes, alcohol, and tea. A few days ago you gave me two cans of luncheon meat, and I immediately had an idea… Canned luncheon meat is rare. Only leaders can afford it. Supply and marketing cooperatives and department stores have it but it’s always sold out. So we thought we’d come and ask if you have any left.”

Zhou Chen quickly chimed in, suddenly becoming glib and witty.

"Dr. Cen, Sister Yan, please help us! We'll bring this when we propose to Yang Mei's family during the New Year. It'll make me look good, and it'll make her family look good too. Plus, it's practical. I'm thinking of buying a few and bringing them along with cigarettes and alcohol. I'm sure Yang Mei's parents will agree to our marriage..."