Chapter 295: Xing Zai's Invitation

At six in the morning, just as dawn broke, Xiang Fei slipped out of bed with light steps. He glanced at Zhou Huimin, still fast asleep, and gently closed the bedroom door.

In the kitchen, Xiang Fei tied on an apron, took eggs, ham, and fresh vegetables from the refrigerator. Sizzling sounds rose from the frying pan, and the aroma of fried eggs soon filled the air. With practiced ease, he flipped the spatula, humming an old song Zhou Huimin had been listening to lately.

"Ding-ling-ling—" The phone suddenly rang. Xiang Fei wiped his hands and answered, "Hello, Uncle Han, Happy New Year."

From the other end came Han Shanping's hearty laugh: "Ah Fei, up so early? I was afraid I'd disturb your rest!"

"Habit, you know I can't sit still," Xiang Fei said while flipping the fried egg, "Is everything for the New Year ready on your end?"

"Ready, ready! Your auntie has been busy from morning till night, insisting on making dumplings herself..."

After chatting for about ten minutes, Xiang Fei hung up. Turning around, he found Zhou Huimin leaning against the kitchen doorframe, watching him with a smile.

"Why are you up?" Xiang Fei hurried over to support her. "Didn't you want to sleep a bit longer?"

Zhou Huimin rubbed her eyes: "Your phone call woke me up." She leaned closer to the stove and sniffed, "Smells so good, I'm hungry."

Xiang Fei chuckled: "Almost done, go sit in the living room first."

At the dining table, Xiang Fei neatly arranged the golden fried eggs, the preserved egg and lean pork porridge, and the hot milk.

Since the housekeeper had gone home for the New Year, he had to do all these chores himself.

"Try it," Xiang Fei pushed the plate toward Zhou Huimin, "Haven't cooked in a while, don't know if my skills have declined."

Zhou Huimin cut a small piece of fried egg and put it in her mouth; her eyes immediately lit up: "Delicious! Even better than what Sister Zhang makes!"

Xiang Fei raised his eyebrows proudly: "Of course, this is the exclusive Xiang family secret recipe."

They ate and chatted, talking from last night's reunion dinner to New Year's plans. Zhou Huimin suddenly remembered something: "By the way, did Yangyang cause trouble at Mom and Dad's?"

Xiang Fei replied: "After waking up, I called Dad's place. No trouble, he was very well-behaved."

Zhou Huimin's eyebrows curved: "This child, doesn't miss his mom and dad at all."

Just as they finished clearing the dishes, the doorbell rang. Xiang Fei wiped his hands and went to open the door, only to find Zhou Xingxing and Li Bingbing standing outside, carrying large and small gift bags.

"Brother Fei! Happy New Year!" Zhou Xingxing cheerfully clasped his hands. "Here to pay New Year's respects to you!"

Li Bingbing sweetly called out: "Happy New Year, Mr. Xiang!"

Xiang Fei quickly stepped aside: "Come in, come in quickly."

In the living room, as Zhou Huimin was about to rise to greet them, Li Bingbing hurried over to support her: "Sister Huimin, please stay seated!"

Zhou Huimin shook her head with a smile: "I'm not that delicate, it's only been a few months."

Zhou Xingxing placed the gifts beside the coffee table: "This is bird's nest sent from the mainland by someone we asked, for Sister Min to nourish her body." Then pointing to another box, "This is a peace charm I obtained in Thailand, to protect Sister An Min's safety."

Xiang Fei poured tea for both of them: "Why be so polite? Just having you here is enough."

After a round of pleasantries, Zhou Xingxing suddenly became somewhat awkward. He rubbed his hands, glanced at Li Bingbing, who, unusually, blushed and lowered her head, playing with the hem of her clothes.

"Um... Brother Fei, Sister Min..." Zhou Xingxing pulled out a gold-stamped invitation from his pocket, "We... we are getting married."

Xiang Fei and Zhou Huimin simultaneously showed expressions of surprise. Zhou Huimin took the invitation and saw written on it:

Mr. Zhou Xingxing and Miss Li Bingbing

Have set the date for July 7, 2002

To hold their wedding at Xiangjiang Peninsula Hotel

Respectfully request your presence

"Congratulations!" Zhou Huimin said sincerely, "Finally, the fruit of their love has ripened."

Xiang Fei patted Zhou Xingxing's shoulder: "This time, you must treat her well, don't be like with Ah Juan again..."

Zhou Xingxing nodded repeatedly: "No, no! This time I will definitely cherish her!"

Li Bingbing, usually so carefree, was now too shy to lift her head, murmuring softly: "Xing Zai... he treats me very well..."

Chatting until noon, Zhou Xingxing stood up to take his leave: "We won't disturb your rest, we still have to pay New Year's respects to others."

Xiang Fei saw them to the door. Zhou Xingxing suddenly turned around and said solemnly: "Brother Fei, you must come then!"

Xiang Fei nodded with a smile: "Definitely."

Watching the two drive away in their car from the villa, Xiang Fei returned to the living room. Zhou Huimin was gently stroking the invitation, sighing, "Lovers finally become spouses."

Xiang Fei sat beside her, putting his arm around her shoulders: "This time, I hope Xing Zai doesn't miss out again."

Zhou Huimin leaned against his chest: "Bingbing is a good Miss, she will be happy."

Outside the window, the New Year's sunlight filled the courtyard. Xiang Fei lowered his head and kissed the top of his wife's head: "We will also be happy forever."