You Must Marry Me! - Chapter 41
Chapter 41
Part 1: Dinner Invitation and Getting Ready
Yan Yiyun stared at her phone in a daze. What kind of wind was blowing today that Qi Zhen would actually invite her to dinner?
She quickly typed a reply:
“Sure! Come find me after work.”
After sending the message, Yan Yiyun spun happily in her chair, her excitement barely contained.
Qi Zhen must have realized that calling her a crybaby earlier was too much and made her mad—so now she was making it up to her by inviting her to dinner!
Yan Yiyun’s heart softened. Qi Zhen might not say much out loud, but she was really considerate. And that old-fashioned ^_^ emoticon she sent… it was strangely cute.
She glanced at the clock—already past five. Almost time to get off work. Her mood became even more elated.
She handed the materials she’d just received to Yu Xiaotao and said, “Sort and file these today. I’ll come check on them tomorrow morning.”
It was data for internal job candidates—she needed to review it before making her selections.
After assigning the task, Yan Yiyun went into the break room, pulled out her makeup bag, and began to freshen up.
She’d dressed formally today for a meeting: black business suit, light makeup, her hair pinned up with a few strands framing her face.
Dressed like this, dinner would feel… off.
She redid her makeup in warmer, brighter tones and took off her blazer, added a dainty necklace from her drawer, and transformed herself from a reserved professional into someone far more lively.
Satisfied, Yan Yiyun admired herself in the mirror. Now this looked more like someone going on a date.
Wait—this isn’t a date! She quickly shut down her wandering thoughts. This is just a casual get-together between friends!
She applied a bold red lipstick, let her hair down so it fell in soft waves, and walked out of the break room, her whole presence now glowing.
Yu Xiaotao looked up and was stunned by how beautiful she was. Wow, she thought, some people just look good no matter what!
Just moments ago, she was a commanding CEO. Now, she looked like a sweet, charming office beauty.
“What are you staring at?” Yan Yiyun asked, sitting at her desk to quickly go over a document, sensing Yu Xiaotao’s gaze.
Yu Xiaotao quickly looked down and waved her hands. “Nothing, nothing! You look really pretty!”
Yan Yiyun didn’t scold her. Instead, she hesitated and asked, “Really?”
Yu Xiaotao looked up, shocked. What is she saying? Of course she looked good! Even though she was still in the shirt from her business suit, the designer tailoring made it elegant and form-fitting. With the added accessories, her look had a cool sophistication mixed with a touch of allure.
Yu Xiaotao nodded firmly. “Really, you look amazing.”
Even compared to the celebrities in the company, she was stunning—perhaps even more so.
Yan Yiyun finally felt reassured. She had been worried that this thrown-together look wouldn’t measure up next to Qi Zhen. She didn’t want to embarrass herself.
She couldn’t help but wonder where Qi Zhen planned to take her for dinner. Just the thought made her heart flutter.
After halfheartedly flipping through a couple documents, it was finally six o’clock.
Yu Xiaotao was still at her desk, but Yan Yiyun was already up, checking herself one last time in the mirror, waiting for Qi Zhen to arrive.
Yu Xiaotao noticed how jittery she looked and wondered, Where is she going after work? A date, maybe?
Just then, a soft knock came at the office door.
Yu Xiaotao opened it to find Qi Zhen standing there, smiling gently. “Are you guys off work?”
Yu Xiaotao nodded quickly, stepping aside to let her in, her mind spinning: So it really was Qi Zhen! Their relationship must not be ordinary!
Part 2: In the Car
Yan Yiyun and Qi Zhen got into the car. As usual, the driver asked for a destination, and Qi Zhen gave the name of a shopping mall.
“What are we eating?” Yan Yiyun asked, her excitement obvious.
Seeing her so eager made Qi Zhen feel happy too. Yan Yiyun always affected her mood so easily.
“Hotpot or BBQ—whichever you prefer,” Qi Zhen said.
Since returning to China, Yan Yiyun had been swamped with work and hadn’t had time for dining out. Both BBQ and hotpot were things you couldn’t replicate at home. Qi Zhen’s suggestions hit right at her cravings.
After thinking for a moment, she said, “Let’s have hotpot today.”
—Meaning, BBQ could be for next time.
Qi Zhen nodded. The mall she picked had tons of restaurants, so if one place had a wait, they could easily try another.
“But,” she added, glancing up and down at Yan Yiyun, then turning away slightly, “hotpot makes your clothes smell. You don’t mind?”
Today, Yan Yiyun looked lovely. Totally different from her usual work look. Earlier at lunch, she’d still had that crisp, professional vibe. Now she exuded a relaxed charm—soft and alluring.
Qi Zhen could tell she hadn’t changed her outfit, just cleverly restyled it and redone her makeup and hair.
Did she do all that just for this dinner?
Qi Zhen’s heart skipped a beat. If so… did that mean Yan Yiyun liked her?
Yan Yiyun smiled and waved it off. “I don’t mind! Hotpot’s way more important!”
She leaned close and began counting on her fingers. “I haven’t had hotpot in almost a year! And last time, I was alone. My parents are all about health food and never eat anything spicy.”
She was too close. Qi Zhen felt a bit uneasy.
There was a light sweetness in Yan Yiyun’s scent that lingered in the tight space, making Qi Zhen’s heart race faster.
She subtly shifted away. If she stayed this close, she wasn’t sure she could keep herself from falling harder.
Noticing her withdrawal, Yan Yiyun felt a flicker of hurt. Was I making her uncomfortable?
But then she caught Qi Zhen’s gaze.
Qi Zhen wasn’t looking directly at her, but somewhere far away—yet somehow, it still felt like she was looking at her. There was a hidden intensity in those eyes, like a volcano that hadn’t erupted.
Yan Yiyun’s heart skipped a beat. She didn’t dare look back at Qi Zhen.
A strange, exciting feeling was welling up in her chest—something she’d long hoped for but couldn’t name. Something she didn’t know if Qi Zhen understood either. Her entire body felt light and dizzy with sweetness.
She shifted away, her heart pounding, heat rising to her face and tinting her ears pink.
What’s happening to me? she wondered. Why does one look from Qi Zhen make me feel so shy?
She subtly moved back to her own side of the car. She felt Qi Zhen relax a little, but the tension in the air still lingered—unspoken and thick.
Yan Yiyun knew something inside her had changed—something in her heart had been quietly rearranged by that single look from Qi Zhen.
Not knowing what to do, she steadied her voice and asked, “You can’t eat spicy, right? Should we get a half-and-half pot?”
Qi Zhen calmed down a bit too. Somehow, she could sense that a shift had occurred between them. Whether it was good or bad, she didn’t know. But she knew better than to push or question too soon. She would wait.
And she had patience.
Qi Zhen rolled down the window. The cool breeze helped disperse that earlier intensity.
“Yeah,” she nodded. “Let’s get a half-and-half.”
She actually liked spicy food, but too much of it upset her stomach.
Qi Zhen had planned to indulge this once, but hearing Yan Yiyun’s concern made her give up the idea.
Now that someone cared, she didn’t want to disappoint her.
If she got sick again, would Yan Yiyun blame herself, like last time?
Qi Zhen didn’t want that to happen again.
Yan Yiyun nodded eagerly. “Good! You don’t have to eat spicy for me—it’s not worth it if it makes you sick.”
Qi Zhen smiled. “It’s okay. I like spicy too. I’ll just eat a little.”
Yan Yiyun’s eyes widened in surprise, then quickly recalled how Qi Zhen had eaten spicy food happily last time. It wasn’t that she disliked it—it was just that too much hurt her stomach.
“So you do like spicy food…”
She frowned slightly in thought. “Liking spicy food but not being able to eat it freely must be frustrating.”
Qi Zhen agreed, nodding. “Can’t help it. It won’t get better overnight.”
Yan Yiyun felt a pang of sympathy. She loved food, and not being able to enjoy it properly felt like such a loss.
And with such similar tastes, eating together would be so enjoyable. She didn’t want this to be a one-time dinner. She wanted to eat with Qi Zhen again and again.
Maybe someday, she thought, I’ll become someone special to her.
She patted her chest and promised, “Don’t worry! I’ll make sure you drink soup and take care of your stomach every day!”
Qi Zhen looked at her sparkling eyes, and her heart softened. She smiled and said, “Okay.”
Yan Yiyun was still immersed in excitement, completely unaware of how dazzling her current expression looked in Qi Zhen’s eyes.
The two of them soon arrived at the hot pot restaurant Qi Zhen had reserved in advance. It was a clean, slightly upscale place, with a comfortable private booth where they wouldn’t be disturbed.
The moment they walked in and sat down, the server brought over the menu. Qi Zhen passed it to Yan Yiyun, asking, “Want to order together?”
Yan Yiyun immediately leaned in, her fingers nearly touching Qi Zhen’s as she pointed at the menu, “This, this, and this… Ah! And beef tripe, and duck bl00d too! We haven’t eaten together for so long; let’s order more!”
Qi Zhen looked at her excited expression and couldn’t help but laugh, “Aren’t you afraid of eating too much and getting indigestion?”
“Nope!” Yan Yiyun smiled cheekily, “You’re here. If I get a stomachache, you’ll take care of me.”
Qi Zhen’s eyes softened. “You’re already planning how to rely on me before you even start eating?”
“That’s right.” Yan Yiyun answered without any hesitation. Her eyes twinkled as if they were lit from within.
After they finished ordering, the broth was brought to the table. Qi Zhen skillfully poured the soup base into the pot and added a few slices of ginger. “Let’s wait for it to boil first.”
Yan Yiyun propped up her chin with one hand, watching her intently. “Qi Zhen, you’re really so different when you’re not at work.”
Qi Zhen glanced at her. “What do you mean?”
“You just feel… softer,” Yan Yiyun said softly. “At work, you’re cold and always look so serious. I feel like I might disturb you just by talking.”
“And now?” Qi Zhen asked.
“Now…” Yan Yiyun blinked, lowering her eyes a little. “Now you’re like the sun after winter snow, gentle and warm.”
Qi Zhen paused, her fingers holding the chopsticks tightening slightly.
Yan Yiyun didn’t even realize what she had just said. She only felt like her own face was getting hotter and hotter, so she hastily added, “Anyway, you’re not scary at all now.”
Qi Zhen gave a low laugh and said, “Good. I don’t want to scare you.”
The two of them chatted idly as they waited for the broth to boil. Soon, the bubbling hot pot was ready, and Qi Zhen helped Yan Yiyun cook her favorite dishes, placing them gently into her bowl one by one.
Yan Yiyun’s heart felt full to the brim. She ate with great satisfaction and couldn’t help saying, “It’s been a long time since I was this happy.”
Qi Zhen looked at her, “Is it because of the hot pot or because of me?”
Yan Yiyun was stunned for a moment, and her hand holding the chopsticks froze slightly.
Qi Zhen smiled as she picked up a slice of cooked tofu, dipping it lightly into sauce, and continued, “Don’t worry, I won’t force you to answer. I’m just curious.”
Yan Yiyun bit her lip lightly and looked down, not daring to meet her eyes.
She wanted to say it was both. But somehow, the words caught in her throat.
Qi Zhen didn’t press. She simply reached out and refilled Yan Yiyun’s tea, her expression calm and gentle as always.
But in her heart, she already had her answer.
Even if Yan Yiyun didn’t say it, she could feel it.
Part 3
After dinner, the two of them strolled leisurely through the mall.
Qi Zhen wasn’t in a rush to leave. She walked slowly beside Yan Yiyun, letting her talk about trivial things—like which lipsticks were recently popular, what kind of dog she wanted to adopt, or what drama she had been chasing lately.
Yan Yiyun spoke with so much expression, her eyes lighting up with every word. Qi Zhen didn’t interrupt; she just quietly listened and occasionally responded with a chuckle or a comment, completely absorbed in this rare, relaxed moment.
As they passed by a bakery, the sweet scent of freshly baked pastries drifted over.
Yan Yiyun suddenly stopped and turned to Qi Zhen. “Do you want to get something for breakfast tomorrow?”
Qi Zhen looked at her. “Are you asking if I want to buy it, or if you want to bring me breakfast?”
Yan Yiyun was momentarily stunned, then said with a little embarrassment, “I was just asking casually…”
Qi Zhen smiled and said, “Then I’ll answer seriously. If you bring it, I’ll eat it.”
Yan Yiyun’s heart skipped a beat again.
She always thought she was good at hiding her feelings, but in front of Qi Zhen, her heartbeat and emotions seemed to betray her without permission.
She looked away and muttered, “You’re not picky at all, huh?”
Qi Zhen tilted her head slightly. “Only when it comes to people.”
Yan Yiyun raised her head in surprise.
Qi Zhen met her eyes, and her voice softened. “I’m picky when it comes to people. But once I’ve decided, I’m not going to change easily.”
The meaning behind her words lingered between them.
Yan Yiyun felt like her ears were ringing, and her cheeks burned uncontrollably. She opened her mouth to say something but couldn’t find the words. It was as if everything around her had quieted down, and she could only hear the echo of her own heartbeat.
Qi Zhen didn’t say anything more. She just reached out and gently took the shopping bag from her hand. “Let’s go. I’ll walk you to the car.”
The two of them walked side by side, the cool evening breeze brushing against their skin, carrying the faint scent of dessert and hot pot.
The elevator doors opened, and they stepped inside. It was quiet, just the two of them.
Qi Zhen pressed the floor number and leaned against the wall, arms loosely crossed in front of her, her gaze falling on Yan Yiyun.
Yan Yiyun stood still, gripping the strap of her bag tightly, her eyes glued to the slowly changing numbers above the elevator doors.
Her thoughts were a mess.
She shouldn’t be this nervous. It was just dinner. Just a walk. Just the two of them talking casually.
But her body didn’t listen.
She was too aware of Qi Zhen’s presence, too aware of her every glance, every breath.
Just as the elevator dinged and the doors slid open, Qi Zhen suddenly said in a low voice behind her:
“Yiyun.”
Yan Yiyun turned around instinctively, their eyes meeting in the tight space.
Qi Zhen’s voice was gentle, but steady. “I’m glad we had dinner tonight.”
Yan Yiyun’s lips parted slightly, but her throat felt dry.
She could only nod lightly.
Qi Zhen took a step forward, then raised her hand and—very naturally—tucked a loose strand of hair behind Yan Yiyun’s ear.
“Go on,” she said softly. “It’s late. Get some rest.”
Yan Yiyun stumbled back a step, nodded again, and turned away quickly, walking toward her car.
Her footsteps were fast, like she was escaping something.
Only when she sat in the car did she dare to take a deep breath.
Then, as she reached up to touch her ear—where Qi Zhen’s fingers had just brushed—she suddenly smiled.
An uncontrollable, radiant smile bloomed on her face.
She didn’t dare define what they were just yet.
But something had definitely changed between them tonight.
Something subtle, but real.
The meal continued quietly, but the silence wasn’t awkward—it was a kind of peaceful ease.
After eating for a while, Qi Zhen noticed Yan Yiyun had started to slow down. She picked up a tissue and handed it over. “Are you full?”
Yan Yiyun nodded, cheeks slightly flushed from the heat of the hot pot, or maybe something else. “Mhm… I can’t eat another bite.”
Qi Zhen smiled and took the tissue back after she wiped her hands. “Then let’s not force it. You ate a lot today.”
Yan Yiyun leaned back a little, resting against the seat with a satisfied sigh. “Too full… but very happy.”
Qi Zhen tilted her head slightly, watching her. “That’s good.”
Yan Yiyun was quiet for a few seconds, then asked, “Why did you suddenly ask me to dinner today?”
Qi Zhen was caught off guard for a moment. She hadn’t expected the question to come so directly. After a pause, she answered, “Because I wanted to.”
“That simple?” Yan Yiyun looked at her, seemingly unconvinced.
Qi Zhen looked down at the tea in her cup, then back at her. “Maybe… I felt like I went too far earlier.”
“When you called me ‘little crybaby’?” Yan Yiyun narrowed her eyes slightly, the corners of her lips twitching upward.
Qi Zhen chuckled. “You still remember.”
“Of course I do,” Yan Yiyun said, crossing her arms. “It was too much. I was genuinely upset.”
Qi Zhen didn’t deny it. She softly said, “So I wanted to make it up to you.”
Yan Yiyun turned her head away, lips pursed, but her ears were red. After a few seconds, she muttered, “You’re forgiven.”
Qi Zhen raised an eyebrow. “So generous?”
“Well, I already ate your food,” Yan Yiyun mumbled. “It would be too stingy not to forgive you.”
Qi Zhen smiled faintly and said, “Then I’ll be more careful with what I say in the future.”
“Good.” Yan Yiyun glanced at her, tone still a little proud. “You should. I’m a very sensitive person.”
“I know.” Qi Zhen replied seriously, as if she were making a promise.
That sentence made Yan Yiyun’s heart thump again.
She didn’t know why Qi Zhen could always say the simplest things in a way that made her heartbeat speed up.
Once they finished the meal, Qi Zhen paid the bill, and the two of them headed back toward the car.
The breeze outside was cool. Yan Yiyun wrapped her arms around herself and shivered a little.
Qi Zhen immediately took off her own coat and draped it over her shoulders.
Yan Yiyun blinked. “You don’t have to…”
“You’ll catch a cold.” Qi Zhen’s tone was gentle but firm.
Yan Yiyun looked down at the coat on her shoulders. It still held Qi Zhen’s warmth and carried a clean scent, mixed with something light and fresh—maybe shampoo or laundry detergent.
She hugged it tightly.
“I’ll give it back tomorrow,” she said.
“No need to rush,” Qi Zhen replied casually. “Wear it home. It’s cold.”
The two of them walked side by side. Neither spoke again, but their steps were in sync, and the night air seemed to soften around them.
By the time they reached Yan Yiyun’s apartment building, she didn’t want to get out of the car.
She sat for a while, fiddling with her seatbelt.
Qi Zhen didn’t rush her.
After a moment, Yan Yiyun turned to her. “Thanks for dinner.”
Qi Zhen nodded. “You’re welcome.”
“I…” Yan Yiyun hesitated, then smiled. “Next time, I’ll treat you.”
Qi Zhen also smiled, her voice very soft. “Okay. I’ll wait.”
That one sentence made Yan Yiyun’s heart go soft again.
She opened the car door, got out with Qi Zhen’s coat still on her shoulders, and turned back.
“Good night, Qi Zhen.”
Qi Zhen looked at her, her eyes filled with quiet light. “Good night, Yiyun.”
As the car slowly drove away, Yan Yiyun stood on the sidewalk for a long time, her fingers clutching the edge of the coat.
Her heart felt light, her steps even lighter.
It felt like she had taken one small step forward—toward something she had longed for, but hadn’t dared to name until now.