“Drinks are on me!” Li declares, much to everyone’s delight.
It’s after-hours, and the restaurant sign says they’re closed, but their colleagues and close friends all stay for the after party. Shang’s buzzed. Not on alcohol—he hasn’t taken a sip—just on life.
Fuck, he can’t remember the last time he felt this good.
Laurie, Rina, Bea, Xu Hong, and Kay surround Eden, all eagerly catching a glimpse of her ring.
“It’s massive!” Laurie gawks.
“It was my mother’s,” Xu Hong explains. “It’s been in the family for generations.”
“It’s beautiful,” Eden says, smiling.
Shang can’t help but smile, too. His beautiful little fiancée. His little future wife. He’d buy her a million different rings if she wanted because that’s what she deserves.
Freddie pats Shang on the shoulder. “Peter owes me a hundred bucks.”
Shang huffs. “Were you betting that she wouldn’t say yes?” he asks, mildly offended.
“No,” Peter grumbles. “We had a bet whether or not you’d give a sappy speech.”
“My speech wasn’t sappy.”
“It was alittlesappy,” Li notes.
Eden laughs and holds Shang close, wrapping her arms around his waist to press her cheek against his chest. “I thought it was perfect.”
Shang presses a kiss to her hair. “Thank you, sweetheart.”
Bea coos. “You two are so sweet. I think I might have cavities now.”
“Where do you think you’ll have the wedding?” Rina asks. “And when? And how?”
Peter nods. “It has to be on a beach. Super romantic and very popular these days.”
Eden grins. “I’m sure we’ll figure it out. We’ve got plenty of time.”
Li beams with pride. “I’m proud of you, kid. She’s a real catch.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“So,” Xu Hong says with a click of her tongue. “I hope you know I’m expecting a lot of grandchildren.”
Shang feels his face flush with heat. “Mom.”
“At least two. Maybe three. I want to spoil them rotten.”
“We’re not even hitched yet. Can’t we—”
“Hop to it!”
Shang chuckles, hiding his embarrassment. “Jesus, Mom. Would you relax?”
“If your first born’s a boy,” Peter states, “you’d better name him after me.”
Freddie gawks. “Excuse me? You better name him afterme. I’m clearly their favorite.”
Rina raises her hand immediately. “I call dibs naming it after me if it’s a girl!”
