Eternal Love: A Love Story Chapter 785 - Couples Party!!
Previously on Eternal Love: A Love Story...
A warm smile bloomed on Zhao Ming's face as she observed the joyful expressions of everyone present, reveling in the banquet's festivities. The happiness surrounding her brought a cascade of memories from her time in this world, flashing before her eyes.
She recalled the initial shock of slapping Ji Cheng upon their first meeting and the overwhelming disbelief she felt at the palace's opulence during the Empress Dowager's banquet, her very first attendance in this realm.
The revelation of Ji Cheng's hidden depths, a stark contrast to his usual cold and cruel Emperor persona, remained vivid. The Emperor she feared might end her life for any misstep was now, in their private moments, a devoted subordinate, almost an Empress's slave.
The delight of transitioning from innocent to fully embracing her desires, her first kiss, her first intimate… well, her first time, every sensation was still as sharp as ever in her memories.
Time had flown by in an instant, making it feel as though it all happened just yesterday. Reflecting on the curse that brought her to this world, she felt a sense of gratitude, for without it, she would have missed the profound opportunity to have these beautiful children with her beloved husband.
She mused, 'I wonder about the other world. I truly hope Zhao Ming, the original me, is also happy and content with the life she has chosen for herself.' A soft sigh escaped her lips as she pondered if she harbored any regrets about her decision.
Her gaze fell upon Yaling and Xiecheng, their eyes heavy with sleep as they watched the ongoing performance, and a smile touched her lips. 'Because I have no regrets about choosing this life over my original one.'
##
"Yu Mei, could you pass me the soy sauce and bring out those small, decorative plates?" Xie Ming was immersed in the kitchen, skillfully preparing her renowned spicy seafood noodles. It had been a demanding day, having spent hours tending to the stove in preparation for everyone's dinner.
Tonight, she and Li Wei were hosting a dinner party for their friends. There was no specific occasion, but with everyone keen on a get-together before Bai Ju's departure for Australia once more, they had arranged this gathering.
Bai Ju needed to oversee the initial phase of a new hotel branch he had established abroad.
Li Wei had extended invitations to Bai Ju, Bai Xuiren, and Xiao Jun. Meanwhile, Xie Ming had invited Su Jin and Dr. Feng, who not only served at the hospital but was also the nephew of Ms. Yang, a patient Xie Ming had assisted on the roadside and later managed her delivery.
Despite Li Wei suggesting ordering takeout or having the kitchen staff handle the catering, Xie Ming insisted on cooking herself, eager to treat her guests to her own culinary creations.
"Miss, you should go and change now. It's nearly time. The guests will be arriving any moment; you really must change," Yu Mei urged, noticing Xie Ming still wore the pale pink apron, now smudged with various sauces from her cooking endeavors.
Xie Ming glanced at the clock, realizing it was close to 6 pm. "Ah, it is rather late then. Alright… let the broth simmer for another ten minutes before you turn off the heat. I'll leave it in your capable hands then." She finally removed her apron and departed the kitchen.
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At the dining table, Li Wei shot a stern look at Jin Liang, who was seated opposite him and enthusiastically slurping the noodles Yu Mei had served, "Why are you here? We didn't invite you," he stated coldly, glaring at his brother who had brazenly intruded upon their gathering.
Jin Liang shook his head. "Brother, don't you feel even a little bit guilty seeing me here? You invited everyone, even that cheapskate Xiao Jun, but not your own brother? Why? I am your brother, for goodness sake!" he exclaimed dramatically, feigning tears.
Xiao Jun, seated beside him, let out a chuckle. "This party is exclusively for couples, not for singles," he quipped, seemingly intensifying Jin Liang's discomfiture.
Jin Liang clenched his jaw and directed his gaze towards Dr. Feng, who sat next to Su Jin, idly sipping his wine. "Then why is he here? Isn't he single, just like me?" he queried with misplaced confidence, unwilling to challenge Bai Ju's sharp, scrutinizing gaze. As for Xiao Jun, he had already paired up with Bai Xuiren.
He couldn't fathom liking her, given how she consistently treated him like a stray dog. Yet, he felt no shame in acting like a puppy, brazenly following her everywhere.
Dr. Feng looked up, a flicker of confusion crossing his face, wondering what he had inadvertently done. Su Jin, seated beside him, shot Jin Liang a disapproving glare and scoffed, "Who said he's single? Mr. Jin, don't you think you're perhaps a bit too self-assured?"
"....."
Xie Ming couldn't help but suppress a giggle. "Um… Su Jin is Dr. Feng's girlfriend," she clarified, finally introducing the pair to Jin Liang, who had uninvitedly crashed the party precisely at dinner time.
" Not merely a girlfriend, but his soon-to-be wife. We're engaged!" Su Jin declared proudly, flaunting her engagement ring.
" That's sufficient. You needn't utter another word." Doctor Feng gently tapped her hand, signaling for her to cease speaking, lest Jin Liang, already wounded, be driven to tears.
Over the years, he had departed from Global Entertainment to establish his own label, yet recognition remained elusive. Why was he the sole unmarried one? Well, Bai Ju was also single, but who would dare to point that out?
He would likely be ejected from the premises if such a remark were made.
Bai Xiuren, shaking her head at Jin Liang's display, turned her attention to Xie Ming. " So, how is it, being the chief of the department? Is it not difficult?" she inquired with evident concern.
Though she had once harbored feelings for Jin Liwei, those sentiments had waned over time. Witnessing Xiao Jun's persistent pursuit, she had decided to offer this foolish individual a chance as well.
He might be foolish, but his company was comforting, which was why she tolerated his antics.
Furthermore, her relationship with Xie Ming had also improved, to the point where they could converse on the phone and go shopping together. Since Su Jin occasionally joined their outings, they were no longer complete strangers.
Xie Ming cleared her throat at the sudden question. " It is indeed challenging. I must not only treat patients but also oversee the department's other administrative duties."
Following Grandfather Su's official retirement, she had been appointed as the new head of the Chinese medicine department, relinquishing her position as head doctor.
" However, you are performing better than my grandfather. The department's expenses have decreased since you assumed leadership. Do you realize how much Old Feng has relaxed since you became the department chief?" Su Jin chuckled, revealing the true feelings of Old Feng, who was the hospital's Director and Doctor Feng's grandfather.
Observing everyone enjoying themselves, a look of contentment spread across her face. While not much had changed over the years, her own life had become increasingly occupied. Despite her busyness, which left little time for herself, she was happy pursuing work she loved.
Liwei, seated beside her, noticed her smiling blankly and leaned closer. " Aren't they bothersome? That's precisely why I mentioned it was a poor idea to invite them over."
She turned to him and laughed softly at his words. Why did he always dislike having his friends over for a gathering? It was no wonder everyone found him irritating.
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