The surprise came too suddenly, Chen Dongyang once again thought he had misheard.
He pushed Tian Tian's hand away in disbelief and patted his own forehead.
"Do I have a fever? Am I delirious?"
"Shouldn't Tian Tian be at school right now? How could she suddenly come to find me and propose to me?"
"Heavens, am I hallucinating? Have I gone crazy wanting to get married?"
Seeing his silly mumbling, Tian Tian knew he had been tormented by her recently and felt guilty and heartbroken.
Then, as Chen Dongyang lowered his arm, she pounced into his arms, cupped his chin, and offered her lips.
It wasn't until he tasted her unique flavor and felt her warmth that Chen Dongyang reacted.
This wasn't a dream, not a hallucination, Tian Tian had really come to find him.
He stood there dumbfounded until Tian Tian kissed him enough and let go, then he finally spoke.
"Tian Tian, you are..."
Tian Tian's eyes lit up with joy, finally returning to her old self.
"I want to propose to you, I want to marry you, Chen Dongyang."
"Don't ask why, just know that you are worthy. Will you marry me?"
When Ge'er was six months pregnant, Tian Tian and Chen Dongyang took time to return to Nancheng.
Besides getting their marriage license, they also went to Ge'er's home for a meal, which was cooked by Lei Dongyi and Chen Dongyang.
Tian Tian and Ge'er sat alone on the living room sofa. Tian Tian wanted to ask about their current relationship, but Ge'er stopped her.
"I'm still carrying Shang Jincheng's child. Let's be humane and not talk about irrelevant things."
Tian Tian knew that Ge'er hadn't gotten over it yet.
With the active encouragement of Tian Tian and Chen Dongyang, the school's academic performance soared in the final exams, rising to seventh place in the county.
On the eve of the holidays, Tian Tian and Chen Dongyang held a simple wedding in the school cafeteria.
The principal was the host, and the other teachers and all the students were the witnesses.
Although the wedding was simple and unpretentious, it fulfilled the wish of all the students to see their favorite couple together, and everyone was happier than the bride and groom.
After handling matters at the school, Tian Tian and Chen Dongyang repeatedly promised everyone that they would return next year before the students let them go.
The day after returning to Nancheng, Ge'er went to the hospital for a Cesarean section.
Thanks to Lei Dongyi, who doted on her with delicious food and drinks all day, Ge'er gained over thirty pounds during her pregnancy.
Although amniotic fluid and the fetus accounted for more than half of the weight, she visibly became fairer and plumper.
The fetus was overfed, leading to an enlarged head circumference. The doctor did not recommend a vaginal birth during the last check-up.
This child carried the hopes and efforts of two generations of the Zhan and Shang families, and no mistakes could be made.
Finally, everyone unanimously decided on a C-section.
On the day of hospitalization, the parents and siblings of the Zhan and Shang families all went, with over a dozen people gathered outside the operating room.
Lei Dongyi knew his special identity made it inconvenient to be present. Early in the morning, he packed Ge'er's hospital necessities, watched her leave, and did not follow.
A healthy baby boy weighing seven pounds and eight ounces was born, and he was in good health, except that he cried a lot.
Shang's parents held him and tried to soothe him, but he kept crying. They asked the doctor what to do.
The doctor said that the baby felt insecure after leaving the mother's body and would calm down if he heard his father's voice, suggesting that the father hold him.
Jiang Nan Fang called Lei Dongyi.
Regarding Lei Dongyi's identity, Jiang Nan Fang had privately discussed it with Shang's parents a few months ago.
The child belonged to the Shang family and would undoubtedly take the Shang surname.
However, she proposed that Ge'er raise the child.
No matter how close grandparents are, they cannot replace parental love, especially since his paternal grandfather's character was questionable and he might not set a good example for the child.
They could visit the child anytime, and the child would definitely interact with them in the future.
But the fatherly love that the child lacked also needed to be compensated.
Lei Dongyi had no issues with character and was willing to take responsibility for the child. It was a good thing to have another person to love the child, and she hoped the Shang family would accept him with an open mind.
Therefore, when the doctor asked where the child's father was, Shang Jincheng's mother was the first to look for Lei Dongyi.
"Where is he? Didn't he come?"
Jiang Nan Fang made the call, and soon, Lei Dongyi rushed over.
The tiny child settled down instantly when placed in his arms.
For the sake of their grandson, Shang's parents accepted the situation.
"Let it be this way. As long as the child is well and Ge'er is happy, we are fine with anything."
The child was very smart, and by the age of one year and eight months, he could speak.
He could not only say "Mama" and "Dada" but also "eat," "hug," and simple "Grandpa" and "Grandma."
It was a Friday, and Mrs. Shang missed her grandson. Ge'er took the child to her house to visit, and they stayed at the Shang's all day.
As it got dark, Mrs. Shang did not ask them to stay for dinner but instead started talking to Ge'er about her concerns.
"Time flies so fast, it's almost the end of the year. The child is growing up so well and can already call people. It's not just you who has worked hard, but Dongyi has too. Ge'er, you'll both be almost thirty next year. Isn't it time to give Dongyi a proper status?"
"As Nan Fang said, it's always good to have more people who love the child. We've seen Xiao Lei's performance all this time, and he's impeccable. He's not young anymore, so don't keep him waiting."
"It has to be done sooner or later, so the child's status will also be legitimate."
"Speaking of which, this child is truly blessed, being the darling of three families. With the Zhan family and the Lei family doting on him, what else can we worry about?"
After all, she was Shang Jincheng's mother, and Ge'er always felt guilty facing her.
Before she could figure out how to answer, the nanny announced, "Madam, Dongyi is here."
As the words fell, Lei Dongyi, wrapped in a dark blue overcoat and a crisp black suit, strode in with a graceful demeanor.
He first greeted Mrs. Shang and then started taking off his coat while looking at the child.
"Baby, did you miss Daddy?"
Yes! I missed him terribly!
In the more than a year since he came into this world, Daddy was there when he slept, dressed, bathed, and had his diapers changed. His son was too attached to him.
He was sitting on his grandma's lap playing with a toy when he heard the voice, immediately turned his head, and excitedly flapped his hands and feet: "Daddy! Daddy!"
Lei Dongyi quickly unbuttoned his suit, fearing that the chill from his clothes would transfer to the child.
Only when his shirt was fully exposed did the child smile, wrapped warmly in his chest.
"Good boy, did you miss Daddy?"
His son snuggled in his arms, his chubby little hands touching his stubble.
"Yes!"
"Then do you want to give Daddy a kiss?"
"Mwah," the little one pounced on his face and kissed him.
After interacting with his son and having his fill of smiles, Lei Dongyi finally looked at Ge'er.
"Are you going back tonight? I came to see you because I missed the child. If not, I'll leave after dinner."
Mrs. Shang smiled and stood up to usher them out, "Yes, we won't be keeping you for dinner today. You should go."
"Ge'er, think about what I said. I'm serious."
Lei Dongyi left with the child in one arm and Ge'er in the other.
"What were you talking about? What did you discuss today? Are you unhappy? Do you have something on your mind?"
Ge'er was silent for a few seconds, "Lei Dongyi."
"Let's get married."