262 My Lady, My Man (2/2)

”Good.”

He led her to the table and pulled a chair for her before taking a seat on the opposite chair. His hand reached over the table and continued to hold her hand, never taking his eyes off of her.

At that moment, a group of people carrying instruments walked to them. It was a four-piece band consisting of guitar, organetto, tambourine and harmonica. They began serenading the couple with Italian love songs.

Iris' eyes lit up, enjoying the folk-style melody and the saccharine lyrics. Although she was just starting to understand and appreciate romance, she now knew why many people would say that Italian was a romantic language.

When the first song ended, she wanted to clap but Jin Liwei was holding one of her hands. She raised an eyebrow at him but his gaze on her never wavered. It made her heart skip a beat. Clearing her throat, she looked at the musicians again.

”Bravo!” Because she couldn't clap, she praised them instead.

They bowed in thanks and started playing another song. A waiter in crisp black tuxedo appeared carrying a pitcher of non-alcoholic sangria. Jin Liwei took into account that his baby girl didn't drink alcohol.

The couple enjoyed a full-course Italian dinner. All of the dishes were delicious and artfully presented. They weren't only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes. They were all cooked and prepared by a famous Italian chef who flew all the way from Venice.

Iris didn't know but Jin Liwei spent a big amount of time, effort and of course money to persuade the chef. Despite this, the chef was still hesitant. It was only when he used his connection with Maestro De Luca that the chef finally accepted his offer.

After the delightful dinner, the couple chatted for a bit. Jin Liwei kept his tone light, but inside he was barely keeping everything together. His heart was racing and he was sweating under his clothes.

”Are you alright?” Iris asked, noticing his discomfort.

”En.” Then he stood up and held up his hand to her. ”Come, baby. There's something I want to show you.”

She tilted her head to the side. There was more?

”Okay,” she said and accepted his hand. ”Hm?” She raised an eyebrow when she felt his damp hand. She opened her mouth, about to ask what was wrong with him but stopped when she saw his serious expression.

So she allowed him to lead her to the other end of the hall. Amazement struck her when she discovered that the entire mezzanine was decorated with the seemingly endless roses and other flowers.

Finally, they stopped a few steps away from the railing.

Iris became confused. When she looked at Jin Liwei again, she grew concerned because huge drops of sweat were now flowing down his face.

”Liwei, are you ok—”

”Baby,” he interrupted her. ”I'm going to show you something.”

She hesitated before nodding.

He led her to the railing. ”Look down.”

She did.

What she saw down there shocked her, making her gasp. Her eyes widened and her mouth opened. Then she felt Jin Liwei move beside her.

She turned, becoming even more shocked. Her heart almost jumped out of her throat because of his next actions.

Jin Liwei fell down on one knee in front of her.