215 215 — How Their Honeymoon Went

Qiao Mingran sighed, "But Tinghua, you know aristocratic families don't marry for love. I'm afraid this excuse is too weak and will not sit well with the Han family."

Gao Tinghua tried to reassure her, "There's more to that answer Mother, but let's just leave it at that. Han Jingse and I are not suitable for each other. If it would be better, I could compensate them for breaching the marriage contract."

What he left unsaid was that if they weren't satisfied with his concession, then they would have rejected a toast only to drink a forfeit.

After a pause, Qiao Mingran began carefully, "Are you sure you don't want to reconsider? Mother knows it's unfair to you, but the Han family can also be of help regarding this issue of your elder sister. You know the Han patriarch has a lot of connections."

Gao Tinghua felt a bit uncomfortable due to her words, but he understood where she was coming from, "I understand Mother, but not marrying Han Jingse does not mean we won't be able to get help from the Han family. In fact, marrying her may preclude us from getting that help."

Judging from the dynamics currently playing out, he had an inkling that the Han patriarch would not exactly be happy to see him marry that granddaughter.

He continued, "Besides, Brother— Chairman Li of the Li family is not a soft persimmon. He's not to be trifled with at all, especially since it's a matter that concerns his wife. It will all work out Mother, don't worry. Let's do the first things first."

Qiao Mingran nodded. Her son's words made sense. "Alright, if you say so. Now we just have to let the Han family know."

The person sipping a glass of wine beside her was noncommittal, "I'll inform them myself."

But Qiao Mingran said, "No, you leave that to me." Pan Yinli was already dissatisfied with her son. If she left him to break the news, she would be very hostile.

Gao Tinghua just shrugged indifferently. He had just downed the wine in his glass when he heard his mother's soft voice, so similar to Pei Yueran's, say, "Thank you so much Son."

*****

Contrary to Su Qianhua's predictions, Pei Yueran eventually needed clothes.

Three days into their honeymoon, she was finally able to step out and go on the tours and activities that Li Chuanmo had planned.

When she donned on the flowery skirt and white top he went out to buy, Li Chuanmo expressed that it was a pity. "The outfit looks very good on you, but you looked even better without them on."

He especially regretted buying a pair of shorts and tank top back. She wore them during the day and even wanted to sleep in them at night. Of course, he protested.

Pei Yueran had learned to play the mute recently, what with Li Chuanmo's new favorite topics of discussion.

"Are we still going for that tour or not?"

"I'd really love to say "not," but I guess I'll be kneeling on the washboard tonight if I did, so let's go."

Hand in hand, they strolled out of the hotel. Pei Yueran especially enjoyed the feel of the warm sun on her skin.

She smiled as she watched a lady haggle over flowers with a roadside vendor. The lady's little daughter who wanted the flowers tried to negotiate with the vendor in her milky voice, making Pei Yueran melt at her cuteness.

Then she came across another vendor, a young man, who tried to convince her in broken English to buy some candied fruits.

Because of his enthusiasm, she found herself craving it, and Li Chuanmo bought a few jars without a word. The excited expression on the vendor's face made her happy as well.

After having a late lunch in one of the local restaurants, they returned to the hotel to drop the things they had bought and change into swimwear before going to the hot springs in the hotel.

Somehow, they were the only ones there. Pei Yueran wasn't sure whether he rented it out or if it was just coincidence.

Li Chuanmo had no scruples and went into the hot springs first in only skintight black swim shorts, leaving Pei Yueran standing at the edge.

"Won't you come in?" Li Chuanmo eyed her in amusement, his eyes fixated on her bathrobe as if he had suddenly gained x-ray vision.

Resigned, Pei Yueran closed her eyes and removed the robe, while scolding Su Qianhua fiercely in her mind.

At the emergence of her two piece bikini, Li Chuanmo suddenly forgot all about teasing her as his eyes darkened dangerously. With one pull, he yanked her into the hot springs.

She landed square on his thighs with a low yelp.

When she felt his member, Pei Yueran wanted to cry but lacked tears. This wasn't what she imagined when she mentioned coming to the hot springs. Was he never tired?

Eventually though, it was a false alarm, or sort of. They didn't do much, he just necked her and touched everywhere that could be touched, kneading everywhere that could be kneaded and turning her to putty in the process.

When she breathlessly asked what he was doing, he shamelessly responded that he was studying the anatomy of his Honey.

By the time they left, Pei Yueran's face was so red that it looked like blood could be squeezed out without much effort.

Needless to say, that was merely the appetizer. Li Chuanmo still ate her clean after going back to their suite.

The week passed by in a blur. They spent lots of time talking about various issues as well as about the plans they had for the future.

They went shopping most afternoons, buying presents and souvenirs for the boys, as well as for the Li family, Director Zhou and Su Qianhua.

They also took day trips, sightseeing and taking pictures of historical sites for Han Yichen. Of course, intense physical "exercises" were a staple every other time.

Director Zhou called once, to hear her voice and confirm that she was enjoying herself. She hung up quickly after saying she didn't want to disturb them and that they should keep working very hard.

The Li family only sent them messages to ask after their wellbeing. The boys also messaged them once or twice, telling them to have fun and take lots of pictures.

Everyone was waiting for their return, as they had planned a family dinner to welcome them. They would be just in time to usher in the new year with family.

They had a candlelight dinner on the last evening of their honeymoon, complete with roses and red wine. Pledging to stay in love forever, it was a fitting end to the happiest and most relaxed one week of their year.

Looking back, the year had indeed been one heck of a rollercoaster, but it had been so worth it. Now a week after their wedding, they were back on a plane to City M to begin their married life.

There was a lot waiting for them at the company, and Pei Yueran was a bit nervous at having to navigate high society. But even amidst the nervousness, they were sure they could withstand everything and anything, together.

*****