But now, Sheng Yanxiao felt an unparalleled sense of calm in his heart. Shengshi was his responsibility, and the woman in his arms was even more so.

He had accompanied her growing up, and he would continue to accompany her as they grew old, allowing her to be free and unrestrained under his protection.

Sheng Yanxiao tightened his arms around Su Weiyi, and after a long silence, he spoke, "Weiwei, let’s go public."

Su Weiyi felt a tremor in her heartstrings. It wasn’t the first time Sheng Yanxiao had suggested going public, but Su Weiyi clearly recognized the stark contrast in her reactions between those times. Back then, she was shocked and scared.

Her first reaction was no, it can’t be, absolutely not.

But now, she no longer felt that way. She lifted her gaze and looked at Sheng Yanxiao firmly, her heart filled with endless courage.

Su Weiyi smiled slightly and nodded, "Okay."

Sheng Yanxiao’s eyes lit up, and he lowered his head, deeply kissing Su Weiyi’s lips.

He had waited for her to come back, waited for her to willingly give herself to him, and now, he saw her laying down her reservations, fearlessly being with him.

The future was long, and he would always shield her from the wind and rain.

Between them, she only needed to take one step forward. For the rest, she just needed to stand there and wait. No matter if the road ahead was full of thorns or covered in frost, he would unhesitatingly come to her side.

——

Although they decided to go public, Sheng Yanxiao and Su Weiyi didn’t rush back. Since Chen Ajia was still around, they decided to go seek some experience from the other two.

Both parents were aware of Chen Ajia and Si Nian’s situation. Originally, both sides were against it, but now it seemed they both tacitly accepted it. They had more experience in this regard.

They arranged a dinner, and by the time Si Nian and Chen Ajia arrived, Sheng Yanxiao and Su Weiyi were already seated in the private room. Sheng Yanxiao’s arm was draped over Su Weiyi’s chair, and Su Weiyi was leaning gently against Sheng Yanxiao. Their affectionate appearance could make others sick with sweetness.

Si Nian sat down and immediately said boldly, "Oh my, are we showing off affection again? Come on, darling, kiss me, lest people think we have no affection to show off."

Chen Ajia shot him a glare and asked while holding the menu, "Have you ordered? The sashimi here is great, and the matsutake soup is also nice. The tempura and beef are particularly delicious."

Su Weiyi shook her head and took a sip of tea. "You order."

Chen Ajia, holding the menu, leaned over next to Su Weiyi, and the two of them looked at the menu together. Su Weiyi would occasionally look up at Sheng Yanxiao to ask for his opinion.

Chen Ajia’s eyes sparkled at the sight of the food, completely ignoring Si Nian on the other side.

Sheng Yanxiao discreetly shot Si Nian a smug look, meaning: Brother, you’re not making it; in her eyes, your importance doesn’t compare to food.

Si Nian’s face turned dark, forcing himself to counter, raising his eyebrows: Ajia knows what I like to eat, and she only orders what I love.

Soon, the assorted sashimi platter arrived. Sheng Yanxiao looked at the plate, two-thirds of which was fish roe, and subtly shot Si Nian another triumphant glance: You sure about that?

Young Master Si was inwardly bleeding, and he looked pitifully at the person beside him, Darling, oh darling, did you forget that I don’t eat fish roe?

At this moment, Chen Ajia had already picked up a piece of sashimi, dipped it in soy sauce, and put it into her mouth.

Completely ignoring her pitiful boyfriend beside her.

Si Nian was choked with indignation, turned his head, only to see Su Weiyi placing a piece of Arctic surf clam into Sheng Yanxiao’s plate.