The first ray of morning sun slanted into the bedroom from outside the window. Mi Xue stretched languidly, then suddenly remembered something, glancing quickly to the side of her.

The person who had lain beside her last night was gone, leaving only the warmth of the bedclothes. She knew Zhang Yang had a habit of getting up early to exercise, a routine he never broke.

Stroking the warmth beside her, a blush crept back onto her cheeks. They hadn't been together for a short time; they shared all the intimacy appropriate for lovers, yet they hadn't taken that final step.

It wasn't that Zhang Yang was unwilling; it was that she hadn't agreed before. Girls tended to overthink things.

Despite her deep love, there had always been a lingering worry she couldn't quite articulate, so she had refused Zhang Yang, citing the relationship being too new. Before this, Zhang Yang had shown her immense respect and never pressured her.

Mi Xue rose softly, pulling on her coat and walking to the dressing table nearby. Gazing at the slightly seductive face reflected in the mirror, Mi Xue gently touched her still-warm cheeks.

Overnight, she felt she had undergone a transformation. Mi Xue’s brow twitched subtly; she looked down, appearing slightly surprised.

Though it was her first time, she had certainly heard enough stories from others. Her roommates in college had frequently recounted how painful the first time would be, a pain that could last for days.

Yesterday, it hadn't seemed painful at all; in fact, it felt imbued with pleasure, and she had fallen asleep quickly afterward. Today, she felt no discomfort whatsoever; everything was as usual.

Glancing back, her face flushed slightly again. The faint crimson on the sheet remained; without that trace of red, she might have doubted whether yesterday was truly real.

Little did she know, Zhang Yang had used his internal energy the previous night to soothe her body completely. Otherwise, it would have been more than a momentary sting, and she wouldn't feel so well today.

Zhang Yang’s medical skill was entirely capable of such a feat. “Xiao Xue, what’s wrong?” Just as she reached downstairs, she bumped into Qu Meilan, who looked at her with palpable confusion, causing Mi Xue’s face to redden again.

“Nothing, I’m fine. Are Zhang Yang and the others back yet?” Mi Xue frantically shook her head, touching her hair.

Her demeanor only deepened Qu Meilan’s bewilderment, though Qu Meilan simply shook her own head, thinking nothing more of it. She had just finished preparing breakfast; normally, Zhang Yang and Long Feng should be returning around this time.

Before she could speak, the outer door opened. Long Feng entered first, followed by Zhang Yang, and the three spirit beasts—Lightning, Chasing Wind.

Chasing Wind still possessed its snowy white coat and seemed particularly spirited today. Their training that morning involved practical sparring.

This time, it wasn't Zhang Yang against Long Feng and the three beasts teamed up, but Lightning paired with Shadowless fighting against Long Feng and Chasing Wind. Zhang Yang had acted as the referee.

Zhang Yang’s strength far surpassed theirs, and constant sparring against him could negatively affect their mindset; a rare instance was fine, but prolonged exposure was detrimental. The "Twin Wind Combination" was the name Zhang Yang had given Long Feng and Chasing Wind.

Although Long Feng was weaker, he possessed a divine weapon, ranged capabilities, and decent speed. Chasing Wind, comparatively, had power and swiftness.

Their coordination was surprisingly effective, managing a near-even match against Lightning and Shadowless. Both pairs ended in a draw.

Even with the tie, Chasing Wind looked exceptionally proud, considering its partner was slightly weaker. Currently, both Lightning and Shadowless possessed the strength to fight a late-stage Third Layer cultivator one-on-one; achieving parity with them was already no small feat.

Seeing Zhang Yang return, Mi Xue instinctively moved towards him, taking his coat from his shoulders. Her actions now resembled those of an adorable young wife waiting at home for her beloved husband to return.

During breakfast, Mi Xue couldn't stop smiling. Long Feng understood everything that had transpired, leaving only the naive Qu Meilan completely unaware, constantly pressing Long Feng for more detailed explanations.

Having achieved a breakthrough, the now more diligent Qu Meilan yearned to reach the Second Layer and become a true master. Zhang Yang and Mi Xue had overcome their final layer of restraint, and their affection seemed even deeper.

After breakfast, they left together, not even taking Lightning and the others. They didn't return until evening, having spent the entire day enjoying themselves.

That night, Zhang Yang officially moved into the large bedroom, which was originally the master suite, the owner’s quarters. Time passed steadily.

Everyone who needed to be informed had been notified, and the engagement date was fast approaching. Zhang Yang planned a modest engagement ceremony, aligning with Zhang Keqin's wishes, as it was merely an engagement, not the wedding.

At the Yangxue Grand Hotel, the day was exceptionally festive. Every employee wore celebratory attire, and flower baskets and displays were set up at the entrance, adorned with the character for joy.

Even though it was just an engagement, Xiao Dai and Nannan took it very seriously, determined to make the event splendid to express their gratitude toward Zhang Yang and Mi Xue. The two knew clearly that without Zhang Yang and Mi Xue, they would not be where they were today.

The hotel would close to the public for the day, hosting only their own guests. For a venue with dozens of private rooms, entertaining only a few tables for an engagement felt rather extravagant.

“Xiao Dai, how handsome am I today!” Hu Xin, dressed in a sharp suit, puffed out his chest and asked with a grin, looking every bit the groom. “Handsome enough to drop dead, but you’re wearing so little—aren’t you cold?” Xiao Dai rolled her eyes but couldn't help but voice her concern.

It was the height of winter, and while Changjing was in the south, it was situated further north; temperatures at this time were usually below freezing. In this weather, wearing only a thermal layer under a suit, most people couldn't handle it.

“I’m not afraid of the cold; it’s fine, I’m hardy!” Hu Xin patted his chest and chuckled foolishly again. The big guy certainly had a good physique; though he was now a boss, he had worked his way up from the ground floor, and his past efforts had forged a solid frame.

On the other side, Nannan and Gu Cheng stood together. Unlike Hu Xin and Xiao Dai, who were whispering secrets, it was unclear what Gu Cheng said, but Nannan quickly lowered her head, her face flushing.

Then, Gu Cheng returned with a bouquet of fresh flowers. Receiving them made Nannan’s face even redder.

That boy Gu Cheng was finally spurred into action, motivated by Zhang Yang and Mi Xue’s engagement, bravely taking this step. The final barrier between them had been broken, and Nannan had officially accepted his pursuit.

Though it was just the beginning, it was a huge step forward from before when both were too timid to initiate, leaving their relationship in an ambiguous state without a true title. Now, it was settled.

The six of them had truly formed three distinct couples, achieving the happy ending of lovers finally united. As they spoke, both Gu Cheng and Hu Xin looked up as a procession of vehicles arrived in the parking lot.

This convoy was familiar to them: a Ferrari leading the group, with BMWs trailing at the end. Li Ya, Wang Chen, and Su Zhantao had arrived.

Zhang Yang had invited few people, but these close friends had to be included; failing to invite them meant he wouldn't have an easy time later. Huang Hai, Long Cheng, Chang Feng, Wu Zhiguo, and Hu Bin, whom they had met a few times but weren't intimately close with, were also present.

Remarkably, most of these men were also clad in sharp suits, as if they were the ones getting engaged today. “Hu Xin, why the fancy outfit?

Are you trying to steal Zhang Yang’s thunder today?” Li Ya, after getting out of his car, quickly approached Hu Xin and commented with a hint of envy. Hu Xin was tall and solidly built; though his complexion was dark, he looked energetic, and the suit gave him a certain presence that seemed to overshadow Li Ya.

“Heh heh, look at you! Don’t just talk about me!” Hu Xin laughed, puffing his chest out further.

Li Ya stood noticeably shorter beside him, and with a frustrated slump, he drifted toward Gu Cheng. He figured he couldn't compete with Hu Xin, so he might as well compare himself to Gu Cheng.

Su Zhantao walked over then, wearing a Western-style tailcoat—no one knew where he sourced such an outfit, and it drew an immense amount of attention. Yang Ling linked her arm through his, wearing a regal yellow gown that perfectly complemented him.

“We all agreed on suits! This guy changed at the last minute—he deserves a beating!” Li Ya muttered to Gu Cheng with evident jealousy.

Wang Chen sauntered over and nodded heavily, his eyes also showing deep sourness. The group had previously conspired to dress formally to eclipse the groom, Zhang Yang, simply because he had announced his engagement so quickly and only told them right before the event.

Su Zhantao had readily agreed at the time, but when they all gathered today, he showed up in a tailcoat. Among a crowd dressed in suits, his tailcoat immediately set him apart, and with Yang Ling by his side, Su Zhantao instantly became the center of attention.

Involuntarily, the rest of them served as a backdrop. This displeased them greatly, yet they were helpless.

It was too late to rush out and buy tailcoats, and besides, they couldn't mimic what others wore without seeming utterly tasteless. They could only let Young Master Su have his moment of glory today.

“Has Zhang Yang arrived yet?” Su Zhantao grinned widely. Upon arriving, this was his first question.

His sudden wardrobe change had indeed achieved the desired effect; Yang Ling’s suggestion was excellent, instantly making them the focal point. He suspected that even when Zhang Yang arrived, he might not outshine them.

Thinking this, Su Zhantao glanced at Yang Ling beside him, but seeing her somewhat resentful look, he felt a pang of guilt and looked away. They had long intended to get engaged, but the date hadn't been set.

Zhang Yang, however, had settled things with Mi Xue so quickly and was getting engaged today. Their speed was far greater than his, which made Yang Ling envious but also slightly dissatisfied.

She wasn't young anymore; she was several years older than Su Zhantao. He could afford to wait, but she couldn't.

Her greatest wish now was likely to marry, settle down, bring peace to her family, and find her own peace of mind.

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