Chapter 213: The Proposal
Li Chen awoke feeling unusually determined. Today was the day - though nerves fluttered in his stomach, he resolved to make it memorable for Zhang Mei. Perhaps she would even reciprocate his feelings?
Bolstered by hope, Li Chen drove to the mall and searched the boutiques until he found a dress and jewelry that perfectly suited Zhang Mei’s style. With his purchases in hand, he returned to the villa, finding Zhang Mei alone in the living room.
"Where is everyone?" Li Chen asked, looking around. Zhang Mei just shrugged, inquisitive at his jittery demeanor.
"What’s going on with you?" she asked pointedly.
Li Chen took a steadying breath, willing his voice not to shake. "I was rather hoping you would accompany me somewhere this evening..." he managed. "That is, if you’re amenable?"
Zhang Mei smiled radiantly. "How lovely, another formal event? In that case the gift is most welcome."
Li Chen rubbed his neck awkwardly. "Yes, a business affair. I took the liberty of selecting an ensemble I thought would suit you."
Zhang Mei accepted the offered bag, peeking at the shimmering gown within. "You know me so well, I’m sure it’s perfect," she said. "What time are we to leave?"
"Ah - is 8pm agreeable?"
"Wonderful. I’ll be ready." As Zhang Mei departed to prepare, Li Chen exhaled heavily in relief.
Safely in his room, Li Chen’s elation gave way to renewed nervousness. He fished out his phone and anxiously googled advice on proposing to a long time female friend. But the ambivalent responses only heightened his doubts. Was this too abrupt? What if she valued their platonic bond too much to risk altering it romantically?
Li Chen ran a hand through his hair in frustration. Why did wooing the woman he cared for profoundly have to be so endlessly complex and terrifying? Resolute, he pocketed the ring box - he refused to lose his nerve now. Tonight, he would bare his heart at last, wherever that might lead...
Li Chen paced his room, doubts and anxiety threatening to overwhelm him. So much could go wrong tonight - rejection, humiliation, irrevocably damaging or even losing the friendship he treasured so deeply. If Zhang Mei didn’t reciprocate his feelings, would things between them ever be the same again?
And what if she did accept him but he failed to meet her expectations as a partner? He had never courted anyone before - what if he disappointed her as he clumsily navigated this unfamiliar romantic terrain?
Li Chen wiped his sweaty palms, heart racing as he glanced at the clock. His window for backing out was closing rapidly, yet going forward felt infinitesimally riskier. Lives were at stake on missions far less daunting that baring the well of emotions he had harbored silently for years to the woman who had become his entire world.
As the fated hour approached, Li Chen wavered between elation and sheer panic. Lives were simpler when the only companionship he permitted was solitary confinement in his workshop. No heart rending vulnerability, no fear of devastation if something precious was gained then lost.
Yet glancing at the photo of Zhang Mei on his phone stilled his fears somewhat. He had to know if what they shared could bloom into more. And if this gambit ended in ashes instead of bliss? He would treasure the time they had, however brief...
As the pivotal hour arrived, Li Chen showered and dressed carefully in a trim black suit, inspecting his reflection nervously. Steeling himself, he slipped the small velvet box containing the diamond solitaire ring into his pocket.
He exhaled slowly then headed downstairs to await Zhang Mei’s arrival, pulse racing. Soon she emerged, resplendent in glittering white, hair coiffed elegantly. Li Chen’s eyes widened - she looked radiant and at ease, the beautiful gown and jewels enhancing her luminous complexion.
He, meanwhile, felt ready to come apart at the seams, palms damp with anxiety. But the warmth in Zhang Mei’s expression as she greeted him bolstered his courage slightly.
"Shall we depart then?" Li Chen managed without stammering, offering his arm. Zhang Mei smiled and took it. Even her light touch made his heart flutter unpredictably. Would he even survive dinner without giving away his monumental secret? Yet now was no time for hesitation or second guessing. Li Chen patted his pocket, feeling the ring’s outline, as he escorted his stunning companion out into the evening. The die was irrevocably cast...
Li Chen’s nerves threatened to consume him during the drive to the location. Though he tried keeping his eyes fixed steadfastly on the road, they repeatedly stole glances at the elegant woman beside him, his heart lurching each time.
Zhang Mei chatted amiably about her day, seeming not to notice his jitteriness. Meanwhile, Li Chen agonized in silence. Was this all a mistake? What if she rejected him outright, leaving him hollow and distraught? Each traffic light presented opportunity to turn the car around and retreat, abandoning this rash endeavor.
Yet whenever the conversation lapsed, he drank in her beloved face discreetly through his periphery, reminded why he was willing to risk everything for even a chance she might feel the same. No other woman, no matter how unblemished, could compare to his treasured friend in grace and wisdom. She was his sanctuary - the eye of his hurricane world.
As long as she was near, he could weather anything. And if tonight she consented to bind to him in matrimony, Li Chen knew utter joy and fulfillment for the first time, no matter what else the future held. Glancing once more at her serene profile, Li Chen squeezed the ring box in his pocket for courage. He would see this audition through, no matter the cost...
As Li Chen drove towards their destination, Zhang Mei glanced around curiously. "Where are we headed, Li Chen?"
He cleared his throat, hands tightening on the wheel. "Ah, please forgive me, I was not entirely forthcoming earlier..."
Zhang Mei looked askance at him. "What do you mean?"
Li Chen managed a shaky smile. "I wanted to surprise you. But we’re nearly there now."
"A surprise?" Zhang Mei mused. "How very cryptic of you. And I suppose you won’t spoil it prematurely?" She studied his anxious profile in amused concern.
"You shall see momentarily," was all Li Chen trusted himself to say without his straining voice giving everything away prematurely.
Zhang Mei just laughed gently and relaxed into her seat. "Very well, keep your secrets my mysterious friend! I look forward to unraveling this surprise."
Li Chen risked the quickest glance of appreciation at his gracious companion as they drove on into the evening. At least she did not seem upset over the harmless deception... Now to ensure her reception at their ultimate destination went smoothly. Li Chen patted his pocket, stealing himself as his pulse raced faster into the unknown.
A few minutes from their mystery locale, Li Chen pulled the car over abruptly. "Actually, please wait here - I need to quickly check on something," he told a bemused Zhang Mei.
"So secretive!" she laughed. "Very well, I’ll amuse myself while you run your mysterious errand."
Nearly faint with anxiety, Li Chen exited and tracked down Zhu Fengrui who was working feverishly on Li Chen’s special requests.
After verifying all was in place - flowers, atmospherics, the meal - a slightly relieved Li Chen returned to drive Zhang Mei the short remaining distance, hands shaking despite his calm facade.
Zhang Mei took Li Chen’s offered hand, alighting gracefully from the vehicle into what appeared to be a dim secluded park. She glanced around in further confusion as Li Chen formally escorted her down a candlelit path without a word.
What was going on with him tonight? The fancy dress and jewels, this mystery location...such odd behavior from her normally reserved friend. Zhang Mei studied Li Chen discreetly in the flattering firelight.
He moved stiffly, face pale and taut. Realization struck - he was tremendously nervous about something! But whatever could be causing this baffling anxiety? She wracked her brain, puzzled by his request not to reveal their destination earlier.
As they rounded an arbor woven with more twinkling lights, soft music and floral scents wafted towards them. Zhang Mei gripped Li Chen’s arm to steady sudden weak knees. Wait...could this be...? Surely not, they had only ever been friends!
Heart pounding, she took in the intimate table awaiting them, candles reflecting off crystal and silver. The sheer romance of it stole her breath...as did meeting Li Chen’s vulnerable eyes finally with dawning wonderment.
Would she be charmed? Shocked? Repulsed? Li Chen could only pray Zhang Mei would react positively once the extravagant proposal setup was finally revealed.
He opened her door with clammy hands and unfaltering politeness. No glimpse of the inner turmoil threatening his poise as he extended a hand to formally escort his closest confidante into a future either wondrous or catastrophic depending on her response in the next pivotal minutes.
