Chapter 132: Privileges of a Fiancé
The first marriage counseling session is scheduled for Wednesday morning.
Pei Song and Shi Yanchen sat in a warm consultation room.
The counselor was a lady from Country D who was nearly 60 years old. She had slightly gray hair at the temples and wore a pair of silver-rimmed glasses. She had elegant manners and a gentle look in her eyes.
She introduced herself in German as Anna, and has been engaged in marriage counseling for more than 20 years.
"First of all, I want to know how you two met." Anna opened her notebook and asked in a friendly tone.
Shi Yanchen subconsciously held Pei Song's hand: "We met at M University. He came to look for a house and I happened to have a vacant room."
Anna looked at the two with interest: "So they are roommates who have developed into lovers? I have seen this happen quite a lot. Generally speaking, living together does help two people get to know each other faster."
"So when did you confirm your relationship?" Anna asked.
Pei Song looked down at their clasped hands and said, "We've gone through a lot of ups and downs. I'm not the type of person who's good at expressing my feelings, so it took us a long time to get together."
"That's normal," Anna nodded, "especially in same-sex relationships, which often require more courage and honesty. What are your considerations for deciding to get married now?"
"Because I'm sure he's the person I want to spend my life with," Shi Yanchen turned to look at Pei Song.
Anna was recording something, and then asked, "What plans and expectations do you have for your future life?"
"We already have a dog named MAX," Pei Song said. "He is very humane and like a family member. We also opened a Michelin restaurant in M City, which carries many good memories for us."
"It sounds like you have established a stable foundation for life," Anna said with a smile, "but marriage life is bound to encounter various challenges. For example, work-life balance, or differences in values, how do you deal with these issues?"
"We are both very busy," Shi Yanchen said, "but we have an agreement: no matter how busy we are, we will have at least one meal together every day. And we will support each other's careers, just like now, we work in the same company, we are both lovers and colleagues."
"It does require a good balance," Anna mused. "How do you manage the boundaries between work and personal relationships?"
Pei Song took over the topic: "We maintain absolute professionalism at work. He is my superior, and I have to prove myself with my own abilities. After get off work, we are each other's lovers."
"I'm glad to hear that you have a clear understanding of these issues," Anna closed her notebook, "but there are still some specific issues that we need to discuss in detail in the next few consultations. For example, property planning, the distribution of family responsibilities, and possible social pressures."
"We have signed the property agreement," Shi Yanchen said. "As for other issues, we will deal with them seriously."
Anna smiled with relief: "I can see that your relationship is very stable. As a counselor, my job is to help you better understand the responsibilities and challenges of marriage. In the next consultation, we will have a more in-depth communication."
Walking out of the consultation room, Pei Song looked up at the blue sky: "It feels like I'm taking an exam."
"So do you think you've passed?" Shi Yanchen asked with a smile.
"It should be fine," Pei Song said, "but I still have several consultations to attend. Fortunately, the subsequent consultations can be conducted online, which will have less impact on our work."
"Don't worry," Shi Yanchen held his hand tightly, "when we get the marriage certificate, all the waiting will be worth it."
After lunch, Pei Song remembered that he had not bought gifts for people in China.
"I want to go shopping," he said to Shi Yanchen, "I should bring back some souvenirs for everyone."
Shi Yanchen looked at him tenderly: "I'll go with you."
Pei Song first went to buy a few bottles of the most famous local red wine to give to his father.
Although my father has recently quit drinking, collecting these fine wines has always been his hobby.
Aunt Zhang has recently become obsessed with baking, and Pei Song selected a set of high-end baking tools for her.
"Su Mi has loved to show off since he was a child." Shi Yanchen couldn't help laughing when he saw Pei Song picking up a men's care set.
"Your cousin does love to dress up," Pei Song also said with a smile, "but he is really good to me, like a real brother. Every time I encounter difficulties, he is the first to stand up and help me."
Pei Song picked out another pen and prepared to give it to Jin Shuning.
As for other colleagues, Pei Song also prepared local snacks and handicrafts.
Shi Yanchen leaned close to his ear, with a hint of grievance in his voice: "What about me? Where is your fiancé's gift?"
Pei Song's ears turned red: "Are you so anxious to get a gift?"
"Of course I'm anxious," Shi Yanchen said deliberately, "Even Jin Shuning got a gift, but I, her fiancé, don't have one. I'm jealous."
Pei Song smiled mysteriously and took his hand: "Follow me."
He took Shi Yanchen through several ancient streets and came to Maximilianstrae.
The evening sun shines on the ancient buildings on both sides, giving the bronze door lintels a layer of gold.
Pei Song stopped in front of a century-old tailor shop.
On the heavy wooden door, the brass doorplate exudes the luster of time.
"Come in," he pushed open the door, and the doorbell rang crisply, "I want to make you a suit of clothes."
Shi Yanchen's eyes flashed with an ambiguous smile: "You like to see me wearing the clothes I wore on the annual party so much? How about going back and I'll wear them for you again? I don't have to make new ones this time."
Pei Song stood on tiptoe and whispered in his ear: "What I give you is different. I want to... take it off myself."
This sentence was like a cluster of flames, instantly igniting the fire in Shi Yanchen's eyes.
His Adam's apple rolled and his breathing became noticeably heavier.
The old store still retains the decoration of the last century, and there is a faint scent of fragrant wood in the air.
The oak floor has been polished by time to a smooth jade-like texture, and the walls are hung with tailoring patterns from different eras.
An antique chandelier hangs from the ceiling, casting soft light on the bronze mirror and sewing table.
"Mr.
Yes, long time no see. "The shop owner was a gray-haired old man who recognized Shi Yanchen at a glance," We have kept all your sizes intact. "
Shi Yanchen quickly selected a dark custom suit, but he did not rush to place an order. Instead, he pulled Pei Song over and said, "Make him one too."
"New customers need to have their size measured." The shop owner said, motioning Pei Song to stand in front of the bronze mirror.
Pei Song stood there somewhat awkwardly, allowing the clerk to measure his size.
Shi Yanchen stood aside, looking intently at the person in the mirror.
"Stand up straighter," he stepped forward and held Pei Song's waist, "Yes, that's it." His palms were warm, and the heart-pounding temperature came through the shirt.
After all the details were confirmed, Pei Song took out his card and prepared to pay.
"Use the secondary card I gave you." Shi Yanchen said.
Pei Song insisted on using his own card: "This is my gift, I must pay for it myself."
Shi Yanchen sighed softly: "You have never used this secondary card."
"There will be plenty of opportunities to use it in the future," Pei Song turned around and smiled at him, with a beautiful arc at the corner of his eyes, "but not this time, this is a gift I want to give you."
When they walked out of the store, the sun had already set, and the golden afterglow cast a shadow on the two of them.
The ancient streets are covered with mottled shadows of trees, and the melodious bells of the church can be heard in the distance.
"Are you satisfied now?" Pei Song asked.
Shi Yanchen hugged his waist: "Very satisfied. But..." He looked at Pei Song's profile, "I'm more looking forward to the moment when you help me change my clothes."
Pei Song blushed and pinched his waist: "You only know how to bully me."
"I really love seeing you being shy," Shi Yanchen lowered his head and kissed the tip of his ear, "and now you are my fiancé, I have this privilege."