My Beloved

"Big brother Yuan, what is happening?" Han Luo asked as she stood at the back stage.

Mo Yuan noticed her restlessness and tried to ease her worry by saying, "It looks like Elder Tang and uncle Han have arranged Xiao Ming's wedding."

Han Luo impatiently stated, "I can see that. That's not what I'm asking. Why are they doing this? Big brother Ming already has Mian. They agreed to get married when both of them reached their goals. This is not fair. I can't believe uncle would do something like this to big brother Ming without his permission. It reminds me of the situation when he wanted me to marry big brother Yujin."

"…" Mo Yuan could no longer enjoy the situation. It reminded him of how he almost lost Han Luo to his best friend. It was a bitter feeling. He wanted to leave it in the dark past and never think about it again.action

On the stage, poor Han Sheng Ming was forced to stand beside a girl. His head wasn't working and his ears were buzzing. He looked like a fool in the middle of the crowd.

Han Changhong opened the velvet box and handed the ring to his son. Then, he nudged Han Sheng Ming's hand forward.

The girl next to Elder Tang didn't look up. Her head was still lowered. She shyly raised her hand and waited for Han Sheng Ming.

As though he was hypnotized, Han Sheng Ming slid the ring onto the girl's finger and dumbly stood beside his fiancée.

Tang Yujin and Ling Brown didn't seem to be comfortable as well, since they knew Han Sheng Ming had a girlfriend who was also their friend. 

There was another round of applause. The newly engaged couple was warmly congratulated.

Elder Tang gave one more speech and after that Tang Yujin's father delivered another. Meanwhile, Han Changhong, Han Sheng Ming and Tang Mei left the stage along with Tang Yujin and Ling Brown.

The moment they did, Han Luo grabbed her uncle's hand. "Uncle, what are you doing? Why didn't you tell us about big brother Ming's engagement?" Her voice sounded desperate.

Han Changhong was in a good mood as though he just signed a good deal. He affectionately stroked Han Luo's head and said, "I'm truly proud of you and my son, Luo'er. I knew I could count on you two."

It wasn't time to feel proud. Han Luo probed, "But the engagement…"

Han Changhong's eyes glittered with laughter. "Are you surprised? Haha! It was meant to surprise you all. It makes me happy seeing your surprised expressions."

It had been a while since he looked so lively. Other times, he would always worry about the company's future. Han Luo opened her mouth but was unable to say anything in the end.

"Sheng Ming," he called his son and suggested, "why don't you chat with Xiao Mei for a while? You two need to talk a lot about your future."

"Eh?" Han Sheng Ming woke up from his daze and blankly stared at his father, not understanding a word.

"Yes, we will," Tang Mei politely replied and bowed. Her voice was so sweet that it felt like she was singing. Her voice kept ringing in their ears.

"Xiao Mei, you are a good girl. Please assist my clueless son all the way," Han Changhong happily talked to his future daughter-in-law. "I wish my other family members were here, but they are busy with other work. Let's have dinner together with our families, okay?"

Tang Mei politely bowed. "Yes, uncle Han."

"Haha, look at this girl. So agreeable!" Han Changhong praised Xiao Mei's character. Then, he introduced others to her, "Xiao Mei, this is Luo'er, my niece. Your future cousin-in-law. She is the same age as you. That's Xiao Yuan, her fiancé. He is also your cousin's friend."

Tang Mei elegantly bowed and greeted them. "I've heard so much about you from my cousin. It's an honor to meet you."

Han Luo hesitantly replied, "The pleasure is all mine."

"Likewise," Mo Yuan's response was curt.

If Tang Mei was eighteen just like Han Luo, she looked way more mature than her age. Moreover, she looked like a historical authentic Chinese lady, ready to be married off. She was like a historical picture that came alive. Nowadays, it wasn't easy to find a girl like her in a western country, not even in China.

Except for Tang Yujin who was long used to his cousin's charms, everyone was amazed by her appearance and behavior.

"Go, go, you two. Catch up with each other." Han Changhong pushed his son toward Tang Mei.

"…" Han Sheng Ming cluelessly looked at his newly betrothed. He still couldn't believe that he just got engaged to someone he didn't know. The feeling in his heart was foreign.

"Please come with me, Xiao Ming," Tang Mei gently held his hand and led him somewhere else.

"I'm going to meet the guests." Han Changhong gleefully left backstage.

"What on earth is happening?" Ling Brown asked Tang Yujin.

"Sigh!" Tang Yujin let out a sigh. He seemed to be exhausted.

"Big brother Yujin, did you know something about this engagement?" Han Luo questioned him.

Tang Yujin answered, "My uncle and his family would come to our house from time to time and chat with grandfather. Uncle Han came to our house four times too. Since there was a project both of our companies were working on together, I didn't think too much into it. I should have paid more attention."

Han Luo inquired, "Are you saying she lives here, and not in China?"

Tang Yujin told her, "She was born in London."

"And, she still wears traditional clothes… so admirable…" Han Luo mumbled. She was truly amazed. "To be honest, she is the polar opposite of Mian and her love for tradition is commendable despite being born here. She is a beautiful girl and her love for culture is praiseworthy. What if my brother falls for her? What will happen to Mian?"

"Is that what you are worried about? Your faith in your brother is so low. Ming will be hurt if he finds out," Beth commented.

"Beth, Mian…"