Chapter 37: Tingting 35

Just as she stepped out of the school gates, Han Tingting's small handbag was taken from her. Yang Kun held up a sun umbrella: "Are you tired? Is it too hot?"

"Neither tired nor hot. Why are you here? Parking isn't allowed at the school gate." Han Tingting took the water Yang Kun handed her and took a sip. "Weren't you on a business trip?"

"I just got back last night. It's a pity I missed your graduation photo shoot." Yang Kun carried her small bag. "Dad, Mom, and Grandpa are already waiting in the private dining room. Knowing you were receiving your diploma today, everyone wanted to celebrate with you."

Tan You had tactfully gone to find the professor she had picked out. What was she doing in a situation like this? Come to think of it, Han Tingting had once stubbornly insisted she didn't want a boyfriend, but couldn't she eventually be worn down by Yang Kun's persistence?

Of course, Yang Kun was indeed devoted. He had been very attentive when he was pursuing her, and after winning her heart, he practically wanted to proclaim it to the whole world. Han Cunming was satisfied with Yang Kun, and as for Factory Director Yang and his wife, it went without saying—Han Tingting was a girl they particularly liked, alright?

When Han Tingting and Yang Kun first started dating, Factory Director Yang had been so excited and gratified. He walked around with such pride, constantly mentioning Han Tingting whenever he opened his mouth.

Almost as soon as Han Tingting and Yang Kun were together, everyone knew.

Han Tingting's eyes curved into a smile. "Really? Grandpa is older now; isn't the journey tiring for him?"

"He was a bit tired when I arrived last night, but he seemed to be in high spirits when I saw him this morning." Yang Kun led Han Tingting toward the parking lot. "Don't you know Grandpa's health? He's very robust; he gets a physical exam every year on schedule."

Han Tingting felt a surge of emotion. "I've been busy with my studies, so I've relied on you to help look after Grandpa. It hasn't been easy for you these past few years."

"You're my girlfriend. It's only right that I take care of you and Grandpa, especially since he's your only relative." Yang Kun couldn't bear to hear her say that and quickly interrupted, "Besides, Mom and Dad live in the town. I stop by to see them whenever I go to the factory. I really haven't put in that much effort."

Han Tingting took a deep breath to suppress the bitterness in her nose. "Regardless, I have to thank you, Uncle Yang, and Auntie Cui."

Yang Kun's footsteps faltered, and he suddenly felt a chill down his spine. "Wait, babe, saying that gives me a really bad feeling. We've been together for years; you can't just abandon me after leading me on."

"You..." Han Tingting's momentary emotion was instantly deflated by Yang Kun's antics. She gave him a light punch. "That's not how you use 'abandoning someone.' Am I that kind of irresponsible person?"

"Of course not, my wife is extremely responsible." Yang Kun relaxed and then said with a grin, "Every time I'm with my wife, I feel a bit inferior and restless."

"Look at you—you were the provincial top scorer in the Gaokao, a student at a prestigious university, and a celebrity on campus. And me? My grades in middle and high school weren't good, and I barely scraped into university. Compared to your school, I'm far behind."

"It's only because my family has a bit of money that I can afford to mess around. You have looks, talent, and you're great at making money. If we swapped places, I could never achieve what you have."

"So I'm terrified that one day you'll meet someone even more outstanding, and then what will I do?"

Han Tingting smiled. "You only see those things, but you don't know how much I envy you. Uncle Yang and Auntie Cui are wonderful people, and they are very responsible parents."

"They are kind and caring toward their children and filial toward their elders. You have no idea how much I envy your family atmosphere."

"These are things I don't have. There are indeed many excellent people in this world, but I already have you. If neither of us ever makes a mistake, then none of the things you worry about will ever happen."

Yang Kun wasn't stupid; his grin was practically stretching from ear to ear. "So... Tingting, are you proposing to me?"

Han Tingting acted coy. "Just tell me if you accept or not. Or do you think being a bachelor is better?"

"Of course I accept!" By now, they had already gotten into the car. Yang Kun opened the center console and pulled out a small box. "It's just a pity. I originally planned to propose to you today at lunch in front of our parents, but I didn't expect you to beat me to it."

Han Tingting was delighted. "Is that so? We're family; it doesn't matter who goes first."

"That's right, we're family," Yang Kun said, letting Han Tingting examine the ring closely. "Give it back to me when we get out of the car. Even though I'm happy my wife proposed to me, we still need to have the proper sense of ritual."

"Proposing is a man's job!"

Han Tingting didn't argue with him. "Fine, I'll wait."

Although she was a fashion designer, to be honest, she wasn't very romantic at her core, nor did she place much importance on rituals. Perhaps because her inseparable friend Tan You was a "romance insulator," Han Tingting indeed wasn't very interested in such things.

In contrast, Yang Kun was much more romantic than her. He would occasionally provide various small surprises and gifts, and he remembered every anniversary and holiday perfectly.

In the private dining room, Factory Director Yang, Cui He, and Han Cunming were all dressed very elegantly. Factory Director Yang was fully decked out in a suit, tie, and hair wax. He paced back and forth in the room with excitement. "Why aren't they here yet? Did they get delayed on the road?"

Cui He poured tea for Han Cunming and shot a glance at her husband. "Tingting's professors are probably holding her back for a chat. Speaking of which, Tingting really is a favorite among teachers; I don't think I've ever seen a teacher who doesn't like her."

Han Cunming smiled. "She's a diligent student. Listen, is that them arriving?"

Factory Director Yang went over to open the door. "Uncle Han, your hearing is quite good; I didn't even hear them. Tingting, Yang Kun, come in and sit down."

Han Tingting wasn't embarrassed. "Uncle Yang, Auntie Cui, long time no see. Yang Kun didn't tell me you were coming; I only found out after I left the school."

Cui He pulled Han Tingting close affectionately. "We knew you were receiving your diploma. This is a great occasion, and we felt we should celebrate."

Yang Kun had mentioned his intention to propose to them, and Han Cunming knew as well, so Cui He found herself liking Han Tingting more and more. They had been dating for nearly three years; if it weren't for the fact that Han Tingting hadn't graduated yet, Cui He would have wanted them to marry immediately.

Now that graduation was finally here, marriage should be put on the agenda. In this day and age, a good girl is never short of suitors, so it was better to secure her into the family as soon as possible.

Han Cunming patted Han Tingting on the shoulder. "Hurry and sit down, it's a hot day."

The food hadn't started being served yet. Yang Kun cleared his throat, and everyone's gaze fell upon him.

Yang Kun stood up from his chair and knelt on one knee before Han Tingting. He wanted to speak, but his eyes turned red first. Han Tingting wanted to smile, but for some reason, her tears fell as well.