The two agreed to keep the marriage certificate a secret for now, practicing what is known as a secret marriage.
However, they decided to be open about it internally.
That evening, Liang Manqing drove Qin Qin back to the Liang house. Aunt Tao greeted them with a happy smile immediately.
“Manqing, Xiao Qin, you’re back.” Aunt Tao had been alone for days and was worried sick. Liang Xue only came back in the evenings to chat briefly, and without anyone else to talk to, she was getting bored.
“How have you been, Aunt Tao? Has Liang Xue been obedient?” Liang Manqing didn’t hear Liang Xue’s voice upon returning and asked: “Where is Liang Xue? Isn’t it the weekend? She shouldn’t be in school.”
Aunt Tao smiled and replied: “Liang Xue went to find Lin Cheng. She said she was going to pick up her homework.”
“Running around all day.” Liang Manqing sighed softly and called Liang Xue, who was in the car, rushing back.
After Liang Manqing and Qin Qin moved out, Aunt Tao had reorganized both of their rooms so they could stay comfortably when they returned.
Liang Manqing helped Qin Qin upstairs to rest: “How do you feel? Are you tired?”
“You’ve asked that many times. I’m fine. I’m just pregnant; I’m not that delicate.” Liang Manqing had doted on Qin Qin throughout the trip, treating her like she couldn’t take another step, almost spoiling her rotten.
“It’s better to be cautious.” Liang Manqing was even more careful when it came to Qin Qin. She only wanted Qin Qin to give birth to the baby safely and smoothly.
Qin Qin stroked her belly and smiled in agreement: “I’ll listen to you, but can we just stay here? The new residence is too empty. I feel more comfortable here at home.”
“Aunt Tao is here, and so is Liang Xue. When you’re out working, they can keep me company.”
The new villa was originally bought to compensate Qin Qin—first, to fulfill the upcoming plot mission, and second, to give Qin Qin security.
“Since you don’t like the new place, we’ll move back.” Liang Manqing also thought it was more suitable for Qin Qin to stay at the Liang house.
While Aunt Tao was preparing dinner, Liang Manqing told her about Qin Qin’s pregnancy.
The spatula in Aunt Tao’s hand almost slipped. She exclaimed: “So fast!”
Realizing her slip, she composed herself. Liang Manqing hummed: “I might have to trouble you to take extra care of Qin Qin from now on, Aunt Tao.”
Aunt Tao immediately said: “Of course! I need to pay close attention to the pregnant woman’s diet. Don’t worry, Manqing.”
Dinner was served. When Liang Manqing brought out the millet congee, she saw Liang Xue rushing back, dusty and wind-blown, her cheeks flushed.
Liang Xue ran over with her homework: “Why did you decide to come home today? I thought you were never coming back.”
“A few days away, and your mouth has gotten quite sharp.” Liang Manqing pinched her cheek: “Wash your hands and come eat.”
“You left without a word that day, and all your belongings were gone when I got home. Humph, why bother coming back?” The more Liang Xue thought about it, the angrier she got. Why couldn’t they have explained things before moving out? Were they that desperate for private time?
Liang Manqing was speechless: “I really left in a rush that day and didn’t have time to say anything. I’m sorry.”
“It’s more than that! You didn’t even offer an explanation. You only called me once just now. Do you still consider me family?” Liang Xue released all the frustration she had been holding in for days.
Liang Manqing hadn’t realized Liang Xue cared so much about her older sister. She smiled and promised: “It won’t happen again. Will you forgive your Sister this one time?”
Her tone was completely coaxing a child. Hearing Liang Manqing call herself Sister, Liang Xue blushed, embarrassed, and turned to wash her hands, but her back showed she was happy and excited.
Aunt Tao smiled kindly: “It makes me so happy to see you sisters caring for each other.”
Aunt Tao had watched Liang Manqing and Liang Xue grow up. The sisters’ relationship was never good; they were always arguing or bickering. Seeing their relationship improve recently made Aunt Tao overjoyed.
Qin Qin couldn’t stay upstairs, hearing the commotion below. She came out and asked: “Is Liang Xue back?”
Liang Manqing looked up. Qin Qin was about to walk downstairs. Liang Manqing quickly ran over and said: “Wait a moment, I’ll come get you.”
She cautiously helped her, treating her like a precious treasure that might break. Liang Xue came out after washing her hands and muttered: “Why is she acting like she’s pregnant?”
Aunt Tao lightly tapped the back of Liang Xue’s head. Liang Xue’s eyes widened: “Really?”
Throughout dinner, Liang Xue centered the conversation around becoming an aunt, fluctuating between belief and disbelief.
Liang Xue lowered her voice: “You got your marriage certificate. When are you having the wedding? Where will you hold it?”
She was so excited it was as if she were the one getting married.
Qin Qin smiled: “The wedding planners gave us a few proposals, but they were all too extravagant. I decided to keep it simple and private for now. Just a small dinner with friends and family.”
Liang Manqing learned Qin Qin’s thoughts for the first time: “Is that really okay?”
“It’s fine. No need for a big show.” Qin Qin had thought about it for a long time. She decided to keep the marriage secret for now. First, to stabilize her career, and second, because going public wouldn’t benefit Liang Manqing’s career right now either.
“Alright then. I won’t offer any opinions on your decision.” Liang Xue had wanted to show off to her friends and classmates, but it seemed she would have to restrain herself this time.
Liang Manqing also agreed with Qin Qin’s idea, as she was concerned about the instability of her transmigrated state. If she were suddenly transported back, Qin Qin would still have room for regret.
All of the wedding planners’ elaborate proposals were temporarily put on hold.
A week later, Liang Manqing decorated the Liang house into a wedding venue. Liang Xue happily helped with the preparations.
Xia Jun and Lin Mian also attended. The two held hands, looking at the warm scene, smiles reaching their eyes.
Lin Mian asked: “When are we having our wedding?”
Xia Jun held her hand excitedly: “Will you marry me?”
Lin Mian feigned annoyance: “Can’t you tell?”
Xia Jun’s eyes welled up with tears. Liang Manqing, lightly sweating, said: “Don’t forget to catch our bouquet later.”
Lin Mian heard Liang Manqing’s words and smiled openly: “I will.”
The wedding was held in the Liang family’s courtyard. Although it was outdoors, the weather was perfect that day.
Liang Manqing was still worried Qin Qin would be cold, so she put up a canopy in the courtyard for warmth.
The ceremony officially began.
Although simple, the two only had eyes for each other, not feeling the slightest bit of crudeness, as if the whole world was centered around them.
Liang Manqing took Qin Qin’s tender hand and slipped the brilliant diamond ring onto her finger, completely securing her.
Qin Qin also placed the other ring onto Liang Manqing’s finger, smiling: “Sister, you belong only to me.”
Liang Manqing’s lips pressed against the corner of Qin Qin’s mouth, smiling: “Mhm, only to you.”
Warm applause erupted all around them.
Liang Manqing and Qin Qin smiled radiantly.
After the wedding, Qin Qin declined all work invitations. Although Shi Jia was disappointed that Qin Qin was taking a break at the peak of her career, she didn’t object, only saying: “When you return, I will definitely make you famous again.”
Liang Manqing had provided Shi Jia with the opportunity initially. In the future, as long as Qin Qin wanted to film, Shi Jia would do everything she could to help her.
Qin Qin completely put aside her career ambitions. She was already extremely satisfied to have met Liang Manqing, Shi Jia, and the others in this life.
The Liang Group gradually got back on track and grew stronger.
Liang Manqing returned home, physically and mentally exhausted. The first thing she said to Liang Xue was: “When is your college entrance exam? I’ll only manage the company for you until the end of your freshman year.”
“Ah? I’ll be enjoying my happy college life during my freshman year.” Liang Xue felt miserable. She hadn’t even taken the entrance exam yet, and she was already facing the pressure of inheriting the family business.
Liang Manqing’s dark circles were almost down to her chin: “You want to be happy? I’m almost worked to death.”
Managing two companies alone, and being so hands-on with both, Liang Manqing was spread too thin.
She came home very late every day. Every time she returned, her sweet, fragrant wife was already asleep.
Liang Manqing quickly showered and, once back in the room, instinctively made a spot on the floor to sleep, not wanting to disturb Qin Qin.
Liang Manqing didn’t know if she was too anxious, but every time she saw Qin Qin, she felt her wife’s belly had grown larger.
Liang Manqing gently touched her wife’s belly, and subtly, she thought she could feel the baby kicking her, gurgle, gurgle.
Liang Manqing coaxed softly: “Baby, don’t kick. Let Mommy sleep, okay?”
The baby was obedient and quiet.
Liang Manqing thought it was even more miraculous: “Is the baby that smart?”
The pregnancy wasn’t far along, and the baby wasn’t fully formed yet. How could it be kicking?
Qin Qin heard her and found it amusing: “That’s my stomach growling. I’m hungry.”
Liang Manqing awkwardly rubbed her ears: “I’ll go make you food right now.”
Qin Qin looked at Liang Manqing’s nervous demeanor, and a warmth swelled inside her. She felt this life couldn’t be happier. If only it could stay like this forever.
As time passed, thanks to Liang Manqing’s hard work, the Liang Group operated smoothly and efficiently.
Liang Manqing was eventually able to fully hand over the business operations to the professional manager.
Liang Manqing only visited the finance department for inspection at the end of the month.
At the end of the year, Liang Manqing pushed off a lot of work from her studio. The most important thing now was being with Qin Qin.
The New Year was approaching, and the festive spirit grew stronger.
When Liang Manqing returned home after work, she found the house decorated festively.
Qin Qin was standing on a stool, hanging couplets.
Liang Manqing panicked. She quickly reached out and hugged her, lifting her down: “Wife, why are you climbing so high? You’re not listening at all.”
Liang Xue saw it too and was terrified: “I can hang them! Don’t fight me for the job.”
Liang Manqing carried Qin Qin upstairs and gave her another safety lecture. Qin Qin’s ears were ringing: “Sister, how do you want to punish me?”
Liang Manqing saw Qin Qin’s nonchalant attitude and decided she needed a small punishment: “Let me think.”
Since Liang Manqing said they shouldn’t share a bed during the first and last three months of pregnancy, Qin Qin had been counting the days.
Liang Manqing: “Wife, why are you so happy?”
Qin Qin leaned close to her ear and whispered: “It’s been three months already. Sister can punish me severely tonight.”
Liang Manqing’s mind went blank. She thought for a long time before realizing what the “three months” referred to.
Ever since Qin Qin got pregnant, Liang Manqing hadn’t thought about intimacy.
Although Qin Qin sometimes tried to grind her down in various ways, Liang Manqing always held the line.
Liang Manqing shook her head: “No, I’m still sleeping on the floor tonight.”
Since Qin Qin became pregnant, Liang Manqing had slept on the floor for three months, afraid she would accidentally roll over and press down on her.
Qin Qin was completely dumbfounded: “Sister, you don’t need to be so nervous. You don’t have to sleep on the floor. It’s okay.”
Liang Manqing disagreed: “Listen to me on this matter. Let’s be safe. I’ll listen to you on everything else, alright?”
No matter what Qin Qin said, Liang Manqing wouldn’t agree. Qin Qin was furious.
Later that night, as Liang Manqing lay on her side on the floor, Qin Qin ignored Liang Manqing’s objections and slipped into her blanket.
Liang Manqing smelled the fresh little rose scent. When she opened her eyes, she saw Qin Qin’s face right next to hers.
Just as Liang Manqing was about to speak, the little rose blocked her lips.
Their lips pressed together. Liang Manqing didn’t move, afraid of hurting Qin Qin.
So, while Qin Qin was distracted, she grabbed Liang Manqing’s fingers and finally completed the thing she had been thinking about for three months.
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