Chapter 105 Extra: The Night Xu Junheng Proposed to Wen Haijing

Wen Haijing nodded, and then Xu Junheng kissed her lips again.

He sensed that Wen Haijing's lips had a clean, delicate feel, slightly cool, with a hint of warmth from the sun, mixed with a unique sense of tranquility from long hours of reading.

This is the taste of Wen Haijing.

It is neither ostentatious nor overpowering, yet it is like the first breath of air that rushes in when you open the window on a clear summer morning, dispelling the turbidity and superficiality of the world.

Wen Haijing nestled in Xu Junheng's arms.

Her nose twitched slightly, as if she had discovered something. She raised her head, her clear eyes filled with curiosity, and looked at his jawline, which was so close to hers.

She spoke softly, "You don't seem to smell of smoke at all anymore. It's just a refreshing aftershave scent."

He lowered his gaze and gently stroked her brow with his fingertips: "I quit smoking. It's been years."

Wen Haijing's eyelashes trembled slightly, as if she had anticipated something but wasn't sure, so she simply asked, "When did it start?"

Xu Junheng's gaze calmly fell on her face, as if traversing time: "The year you had lung surgery."

He seemed to be recalling: "At that time, I thought, if one day in the future I can come back to you, I can't let you smell even the slightest bit of a scent that might make you uncomfortable."

Wen Haijing recalled the white irises blooming silently on the windowsill of the ward, the huge medical bill that allowed her to receive the best treatment without any worries and eventually recover, and all the guesses that had been deeply buried and connected by intuition suddenly became clear at this moment because of his plain but extremely affectionate explanation.

"So, those white irises, and all the surgery costs, really were you? You were worried I'd find out, so you had my cousin say it was her and President Cheng who paid for them?"

Xu Junheng nodded firmly.

She suddenly buried her face deep into his firm, warm chest, her arms tightly wrapped around his waist, as if to confirm his presence and to release the emotions that were almost overflowing in her heart.

Wen Haijing clearly remembers that back then, it was Chen Ran who was pursuing her, and Xu Junheng knew about it all but never interfered.

A mix of emotions filled her heart: relief, gratitude, heartache, and an indescribable love.

Once she calmed down a bit, he slowly asked, "Jingjing, stay at the hotel tonight and keep me company. Don't leave, okay?"

Upon hearing those words, Wen Haijing, sitting so close to him, could almost feel his physical reaction—it was burning hot. If he stayed tonight, something was bound to happen.

At the same time, Xu Junheng felt the soft body in his arms flinch slightly. He lifted her face and saw a hint of unease flash in her eyes.

"What? Is there still someone you can't let go of?" He thought of Chen Ran, paused, and said with a hint of frankness, "Was I too impatient? Or are you still unwilling to truly accept me? Just tell me directly, and I promise I won't pester you. Just now... I was presumptuous and misunderstood you." After he finished speaking, he immediately let go of her hand.

He came prepared to be accepted, but also prepared to be rejected.

Wen Haijing was completely flustered by his reaction. Seeing him instantly lose his enthusiasm and become cold and distant, and hearing the clear pain in his words, she felt both heartache and anxiety. She wasn't rejecting him at all!

"I feel not only gratitude towards you, but also affection. It's the kind of affection that makes my heart ache and I feel sad when I think of you occasionally during these thousand-plus days apart; it's the kind of affection that makes my heart race when I see you. But..." Wen Haijing confessed to him for the first time.

Upon hearing the word "like," before Wen Haijing could even finish speaking, Xu Junheng seemed to have made up his mind, no longer giving her any room to waver. He turned and walked towards his suitcase.

He took out the ring box and returned to her in a few steps.

Under Wen Haijing's gaze, he knelt on one knee.

He paused, then spoke each word clearly and distinctly:

"Wen Haijing, are you willing to not only be my wife, but also the person who will stay by my side for the rest of our lives?"

"Yes. I'm willing." Wen Haijing nodded.

Then Xu Junheng put a diamond ring on her finger.

Then, he led her to the sofa, and with his calloused fingertips, he slowly caressed her through her blue knee-length skirt, feeling the coolness and smoothness of her skin beneath the fabric.

That touch ignited a deeper desire in his blood, and his long-dormant male instincts quietly awakened with undeniable force.

His hand, burning hot and with an irresistible intent, quietly slipped beneath her skirt.

His fingertips touched her smooth, slightly cool calf skin, sending a slight shiver through her.

Without pausing, his long, slender fingers continued to explore upwards, following the beautiful lines of her legs, clearly intending to move closer to the more hidden, warmer areas.

At the same time, he parted his lips slightly and whispered clearly and reassuringly in her ear, "Don't be afraid, I brought a condom. I will definitely take precautions this time. I know you still have to pursue your master's degree, and I won't let marriage affect your studies."

However, just as he finished speaking and his fingertips were about to reach their destination, Wen Haijing's cool and soft hand firmly pressed down on his wrist, preventing him from making any further moves.

All of Xu Junheng's movements, along with the surging tide of emotion, came to an abrupt halt at this moment.

"We can't do it," he heard Wen Haijing say.

He was already feeling a bit sore and uncomfortable. At this moment, he raised his head, and the fog of desire in his deep eyes quickly faded, replaced by a sudden and unexpected look of astonishment.

Wen Haijing gently tugged at his sleeve, her cheeks flushing red as she spoke, her voice barely audible, "It's because my aunt came."

Xu Junheng pulled her into his arms again. "So it was because of your aunt. It's okay, be bold! Don't be afraid, our relationship shouldn't be affected by your aunt."

Wen Haijing was shocked and quickly shook her head, "This is not good, it might even be dangerous!"

He tried to get closer again, but saw that her brows were tightly furrowed, and her face showed genuine distress and a hint of...fear? This finally made him stop completely.

Xu Junheng looked at her, puzzled. "What danger? I know your aunt is here. We're both adults, why is she being so nosy? She has indeed been in Vancouver for many years."

He clearly misunderstood it as a matter of interpersonal relationships. "But according to my investigation, your aunt Wang Suping is currently unemployed, and her husband, your uncle, retired a long time ago and is now an old man in his eighties. Regarding our relationship, I don't think your aunt and uncle pose a significant threat to you..."

Wen Haijing was both amused and exasperated by his completely off-topic understanding. She quickly shrank back, her cheeks turning even redder: "It's not that auntie! It's... oh dear, it's my period!"

Xu Junheng suddenly realized, a hint of embarrassment flashing across his handsome face, which was then replaced by a soft smile.

"My goodness, Jingjing..." He shook his head with a smile, his eyes full of helplessness and doting. "You should have said so earlier! Of course I knew I couldn't do it during my period, otherwise what kind of person would I be? A beast?"

Wen Haijing's face turned even redder, and she muttered softly, "I...I thought you might not care about this. You even said to be bolder. I'm shocked..."

He looked at her again, his gaze regaining its previous warmth, even with a touch of doting affection. "However, why did I immediately think of Wang Suping when you mentioned your aunt? That's because I was worried that bringing your parents over would affect your studies, so I arranged for someone to investigate her."

The atmosphere instantly eased, the awkwardness dissipated, and it was replaced by a more intimate sense of helplessness and warmth.

Xu Junheng's explanation regarding the investigation of Wang Suping was like a gentle breeze, dispelling the slight embarrassment caused by the misunderstanding about her menstrual period.

"How much did you secretly do for me so that I could focus on my studies?" she wondered to herself.

The answer to this question is actually self-evident in countless details. However, what troubles her even more is that this man has a much clearer and more vigilant understanding of her terrible family background than she does herself.

He had even considered the possibility that her parents might be instigated by Wang Suping to come to Vancouver and disrupt her studies, and he took precautions in advance.

She couldn't help but wonder, what if it wasn't Xu Junheng, but any other well-off man from a normal family, like Chen Ran? Chen Ran's parents, a respectable intellectual family, would have had to draw a clear line as quickly as possible.

And what about her? She will forever bear the original sin of this family, and before each possible relationship begins, she will have to be honest and explain, and endure the contempt, retreat or pity that the other family may show.

What if she married a poor man? She even recalled that four years ago, her parents had arranged for her to meet an old man from the same village because they wanted a dowry.

A shadow from the distant past, carrying the chill of reality, silently rose into her mind: her former classmate, Su Su.

They used to work part-time at a bar together. Su Su and she had similar family backgrounds: poor family circumstances, parents who favored sons over daughters, and the burden of making a living that weighed on their shoulders from an early age.

Later, Wen Haijing traveled across the ocean and saw a wider world. But Su Su stayed where she was.

In my conversation with Susu a few days ago, her voice was filled with weariness from the repeated blows of life. The halo of a bachelor's degree has quickly faded in the fierce job market, becoming just a grain of sand in the wave of academic devaluation.

Su Su went to various job fairs and recruitment apps, but most of her resumes disappeared without a trace. Occasionally she would get a response, but it was usually for sales representatives.

Finally, to survive, she had no choice but to bite the bullet and temporarily work as an insurance salesperson. On the phone, Su Su said with a bitter smile, "My parents think I'm a disgrace. I went to university and now I'm selling insurance. I should have just gone to work earlier." The self-deprecation and bitterness in her tone were enough to pierce your eardrums even across the Pacific Ocean.

As Wen Jingjing quietly pondered Su Su's situation, a deep, chilling fear slowly crept into her heart.

Without Xu Junheng's support, her situation would have been even worse than Su Su's due to her lung disease.

Wen Haijing works very hard and never slacks off, which is the foundation for her success in overcoming adversity. But she knows better than anyone how futile hard work can sometimes be in the face of the enormous economic limitations of her family of origin and the realities of society.

"What are you thinking about?" Xu Junheng tightened his arms around Wen Haijing as she stepped out of her reverie.

At this moment, when Wen Haijing was pulled back into his arms, she could clearly feel the still tense and burning physical reaction in a certain part of his body, a heat that could not be ignored, even through the fabric.

Her cheeks burned even hotter, a mix of emotions welling up inside her—a mixture of shyness and a touch of reluctance. She hesitated for a moment, then looked up at his sharply defined jawline and slightly flushed ears: "Are you feeling unwell? Should I help you in another way? My period is expected to end in about two more days."

Xu Junheng's body visibly stiffened, and he looked down at her. Her eyes were clear as water, reflecting his image, filled with complete trust and a touch of awkward concern. This invitation, innocent yet bold, almost instantly reignited the desire he had barely managed to calm.

His eyes suddenly darkened, like a dark, deep sea, churning with dangerous whirlpools.

He stared at her for a few seconds, his Adam's apple bobbing, his voice even hoarser and deeper than before: "Help me?" He drawled, gently lifting her chin with his fingertips. "How do you plan to help?"

The aggression in his eyes and the undisguised desire of a mature man made Wen Haijing's heart pound.

"This..." She opened her mouth, but couldn't utter a complete sentence. She could only lower her eyes in a panic.

He didn't ask any more questions, but simply reached out his hand, his large palm carrying a soothing warmth, and gently stroked the top of her soft hair, the gesture intimate and natural.

"Never mind, my newly engaged fiancée needs to rest well these few days and shouldn't overwork herself." He said, as if explaining, or perhaps convincing himself, "I can handle it myself."

He released her and took a small step back.

"I'm going to take a cold shower, it'll be quick. Then I'll take you out to eat and go shopping." He pointed towards the bathroom, his tone losing its usual composure, though a lingering desire remained in his eyes. "Will you be able to walk later? Did your stomach hurt today?"

"No, I was in some pain the day before yesterday, but I don't feel anything today," Wen Haijing replied.

"Okay, wait for me for five minutes, okay?" Xu Junheng said, and went into the bathroom.

Five minutes later, the sound of water in the bathroom stopped. A moment later, the door was opened, and a refreshing, damp scent wafted out.

Xu Junheng came out. His tanned skin still had water droplets clinging to it, reflecting a healthy glow under the soft lighting of the suite.

He has maintained a fitness routine over the past few years, and now exudes a mature and aggressive handsomeness.

He planted a gentle kiss on Wen Haijing's forehead. "Let's keep a record for now. Once my fiancée is feeling better, we'll pay her back with interest."

Dinner was at a seaside restaurant with a fantastic view. The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the sea a golden-red, then slowly faded to a gentle purple-blue. Xu Junheng ordered very light dishes, deliberately avoiding raw, cold, or spicy foods.

After dinner, he took her to a shopping mall in the city center.

He had her try on several classic trench coats, high-quality shirts, well-tailored trousers, and a simple knee-length skirt.

Without stopping, he took her hand and led her straight to a softly lit boutique deep inside the mall. Wen Haijing looked up and saw the sign and the exquisite mannequins in the window; her cheeks instantly flushed again. It was a bra shop.

Xu Junheng led her inside with a gentle yet firm touch. There weren't many customers in the shop.

He released her hand, walked to a row of shelves, then turned his head and asked in a voice only the two of them could hear, "What size?"

Wen Haijing replied in a low voice, "I'm wearing a B."

He nodded, his gaze sweeping across the shelves, his fingertips tracing the different styles and colors of lace and satin. Quickly, he deftly picked up five pieces and turned to hand them to her. Three were a very pale cherry blossom pink, soft in texture, with delicate yet understated lace; two were pure black, with flowing lines, each exuding a restrained elegance and comfort.

“Go try it on. I want to see you in these two colors.” He handed the clothes to her.

Wen Haijing took the stack of clothes, and just as she turned to walk towards the fitting room, he suddenly leaned in slightly, his warm breath brushing against her ear: "Can I come in with you? I can help you decide."

Wen Haijing raised her hand and gently punched his shoulder: "No! You wait outside!"

Xu Junheng chuckled softly and pointed to the sofa outside the fitting room: "Okay, I'll wait for you. Take your time trying them on."

He walked to the sofa and sat down, his long legs casually crossed, his posture relaxed, and he waited patiently.

Inside the fitting room, the lighting was soft. Wen Haijing changed into the clothes he had chosen. The pale pink made her skin appear even whiter and more delicate, while the black outlined a unique, cool silhouette. The fabric was soft against her skin, and the cut was perfect, providing a comfort and fit she had never experienced before.

Looking at her refreshed self in the mirror, a complex warmth welled up in her heart. He meticulously noticed even the most hidden hardships and compromises, and tried to use this method to gradually smooth out the subtle wrinkles of lack and unworthiness etched by her past life.

In the end, I bought all five items.

Back in the hotel suite, night had fallen. Outside the window, the lights of Vancouver transformed into a tranquil sea of ​​light. Xu Junheng took the pale pink bra from his shopping bag and handed it to her, his gaze gentle: "Would you like to try it on?"

His request was direct, yet his eyes were clear and open, filled with appreciation and expectation. Wen Haijing's cheeks flushed slightly. After hesitating for a moment, she accepted it and turned to go into the bathroom.

After a while, the bathroom door opened gently. Wen Haijing came out.

Soft light flowed across her fair cheeks. The delicate lace edges outlined her undulating curves, and the pale pink hue, like newly blooming cherry blossoms, made her appear pure and alluring, possessing a breathtaking beauty that lay between girlhood and womanhood.

Xu Junheng leaned against the table, his gaze fixed on her, and his breath seemed to truly stop for a moment.

“…It’s so beautiful.” After a long while, he finally found his voice, which was filled with undisguised admiration.

He approached her, reached out his hand, and with his fingertips filled with endless affection, gently brushed against the thin lace-trimmed shoulder strap.

Then, his palm slowly moved down, its heat radiating as it stroked her back, feeling the coolness of her skin beneath the fabric and the delicateness of her bones.

He lowered his head and kissed her delicate collarbone, his warm breath washing over her. He closed his eyes, and an image uncontrollably surfaced in his mind, imagining that soft curve, being tenderly held between his lips and teeth—what would that feel like… His Adam's apple bobbed violently.

He really wanted to unfasten the clasp on Wen Haijing's back.

But the next second, he suddenly opened his eyes, slowly straightened up, and lingered on her shoulder strap one last time with his fingers before picking up a robe from the side and draping it over her shoulders, carefully tucking it in.

“Tonight,” he said, his voice restrained, “you will sleep in the bedroom of this apartment by yourself. I will sleep on the sofa in the living room.”

Wen Haijing raised her eyes.

Xu Junheng explained, "You're so beautiful, Jingjing. So beautiful that it makes me... lose my composure. Besides, I've been single for the past few years. If I were in the same room as you, I'd probably toss and turn all night and have to take several cold showers."

Welcome all readers and fans to leave comments and vote! Thank you for your support.

I'm really going to miss it! You've really put in a lot of effort, over 5000 words in one update, that's rare! Hehe.

Thank you for your message and the flowers, they're so heartwarming. Thank you for accompanying me throughout the serialization.

I really hate to see him go! Let's steam some buns before we finish, Mr. Xu, you have a child to take care of, right?

Thank you for your comment, it's very motivating! I now know what steaming buns means!

Although it's hard to say goodbye, an ending is just the beginning of a new chapter. Looking forward to it.

Okay, thank you for reading, voting, and sending flowers. It's so heartwarming.

Thank you to readers Gossipmonger, A Haha Yo, Wendy, and Delightful Flower for their contributions to this chapter. Thank you also to every reader who read, voted, sent flowers, and left comments in previous chapters. Wishing you all a pleasant reading experience and a happy life!