kvmb Chapter 323 If I were to propose marriage
Chapter 323 If I were to propose marriage
Song Ming sat comfortably in a carved rosewood chair, with pastries just delivered by Fu Ling laid out on the huanghuali wood table in front of him. Each exquisite pastry was like a meticulously crafted work of art, uniquely shaped and irresistibly colorful. He gently picked one up and put it in his mouth; the delicate texture instantly blossomed on his taste buds, sweet but not cloying, with an irresistible aroma. Song Ming secretly admired them; these pastries were indeed as he had expected, each one incredibly delicious, truly worthy of being made by Fu Ling herself.
Just as he was about to turn around and properly praise Fuling, he inadvertently caught sight of her staring intently at him, her eyes somewhat unfocused, as if her thoughts had already drifted far away. A thin layer of mist seemed to veil her usual liveliness and vivacity. Song Ming couldn't help but chuckle at her appearance, and a sudden impulse welled up within him. He felt that spending his life with this girl might be a wonderful thing. After all, throughout his long life, he had never found a partner who truly matched him, and he had thought he would grow old alone. However, fate had now sent him such a lovely, interesting, and capable girl; if he didn't take the initiative, he feared he would miss his chance.
Then, Song Ming's lips curled up slightly, revealing a charming smile, and he said softly, "Miss Fuling, forgive my impertinence, but I have never asked you before whether you are engaged or not." His voice was deep and magnetic, as if it carried a special magic in the quiet room.
Upon hearing Song Ming's words, Fu Ling trembled violently, as if waking from a long dream. Her eyes slowly focused on Song Ming, a blush of embarrassment spreading across her face, as if her deepest secret had been exposed. Her hands unconsciously clutched the hem of her clothes, her fingers fidgeting nervously.
Fuling replied somewhat awkwardly, "Not yet. Among my brothers and sisters, I'm the only single woman left." Her voice was slightly low, as if she felt a little helpless about her single status. After speaking, she lowered her head slightly, not daring to look Song Ming in the eye, her long eyelashes casting a faint shadow on her cheek.
Song Ming looked at Fu Ling quietly, his gaze as deep and unfathomable as a still pool. After a while, he suddenly spoke, "If I ask my master to propose marriage to your parents, what are the chances of success?" These words were spoken softly, yet they struck Fu Ling's heart like a bolt of lightning.
Her face instantly flushed, like a ripe apple, making one want to take a bite. Her heart suddenly raced, as if it were about to leap out of her throat. Her mind was a mess, a torrent of thoughts surging within her. On one hand, she had long harbored feelings for Song Ming, but had never dared to express them; on the other hand, Song Ming's direct question filled her with both surprise and panic.
Fuling's voice became slightly stammering: "Then... then I'll have to ask my parents." With that, she rushed out of the house like a startled rabbit. Her steps were somewhat hurried, and she even accidentally bumped into the doorframe as she went out, making a dull thud.
She jogged along, passing through the long corridor, the flowers and plants on either side swaying gently in the breeze, as if mocking her disheveled state. All she could hear was her own rapid breathing and hurried footsteps, her cheeks still burning. In a few flashes, Fuling's figure disappeared from Song Ming's sight.
Song Ming remained inside, calmly eating his snacks, a subtle smile playing on his lips. He leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting through the window in the direction Fu Ling had gone. He thought to himself, "It seems this girl isn't entirely indifferent to me; things might be going well."
In a good mood, Song Ming quietly took stock of his possessions, considering what would be suitable for a betrothal gift. He thought of his treasured, warm jade pendant, passed down from his parents and ancestors. Its fine texture and soft color, adorned with exquisite carvings, symbolized good fortune and auspiciousness; he had secretly kept it since childhood. He also had many paintings and calligraphy by famous artists, gold and silver jewelry collected over the years from treating patients, silks and satins, and rare treasures. He wasn't sure what would be appropriate for an engagement. Besides these, he also had some precious medicinal herbs, acquired by chance during his travels, highly beneficial to health—perfect gifts for elders. Perhaps he should include those as well.
Meanwhile, Fuling had already run to her own garden. She leaned against a large tree, panting heavily. Her heart was still pounding, and her cheeks were still flushed. She reached up and touched her burning cheeks, secretly annoyed. She was over 20 years old and had experienced so many ups and downs over the years; how could she have been so out of control just now, like a naive young girl?
Recalling Song Ming's words, a sweet feeling welled up in her heart. In truth, her affection for Song Ming had already taken root in their daily interactions. His knowledge, his demeanor, and his care for her had all deeply moved her. However, she had never imagined that Song Ming would express his feelings so directly.
Fuling's mind drifted back to Song Ming's captivating smile, and her heart fluttered. She secretly thought how wonderful it would be to be with Song Ming. However, she also worried about whether her parents would approve of the marriage. Her parents had always hoped she would find a stable and reliable person. Although Song Ming was excellent in many ways, he was, after all, a man of the martial arts world, and his future was uncertain.
Fuling lingered in the garden for a long time until her emotions gradually calmed down. She knew that this matter needed careful consideration and that she couldn't make a decision based solely on a momentary impulse. She decided to find an opportunity to have a proper talk with her parents and hear their opinions.
Meanwhile, Song Ming had already gotten up and left the room. He decided to go find his master to discuss the marriage proposal. He knew that his master was highly respected in the martial arts world, and with his involvement, the chances of success would greatly increase.
Song Ming arrived at the path leading from the Gu residence to his master's dwelling. The wildflowers by the roadside nodded gently in the breeze, as if cheering him on. His steps were light and firm, his heart filled with anticipation for the future. He believed that as long as he worked hard, he would definitely be able to spend his life with Fu Ling.
When Song Ming arrived at his master's residence, his master was practicing swordsmanship in the courtyard. His movements were agile and swift, the sword flashing, each move revealing profound skill. Song Ming stood quietly to the side, waiting for his master to finish his practice.
After a while, the master sheathed his sword and saw Song Ming. He smiled and asked, "Ming'er, what brings you here? You don't usually come to see your master." Song Ming stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and then told his master everything about himself and Fu Ling.
Upon hearing this, the master nodded slightly, a pleased smile appearing on his face: "That girl, Fuling, is indeed excellent—intelligent, clever, and kind-hearted. If you can marry her, it will be a blessing for you. I am willing to help you with this." Song Ming was overjoyed and quickly thanked his master again.
After leaving his master's place, Song Ming felt exceptionally relaxed. He could almost see his happy future with Fu Ling. He decided that before his master proposed marriage, he should prepare well and leave a good impression on Fu Ling and her family.
In the days that followed, Song Ming became very busy. He inquired about Fu Ling's parents' preferences and carefully selected gifts. At the same time, he also worked even harder to improve his martial arts skills, hoping to become more outstanding and worthy of Fu Ling.
Meanwhile, Fuling was also quietly making preparations. She started learning embroidery, hoping to make herself a beautiful wedding dress. She also often chatted with her parents, subtly trying to find out their opinions of Song Ming. Uncle Gu and Aunt Gu said that Song Ming was a dragon among men, but his personality seemed a bit aloof. Seeing that he didn't even have a wife yet, they feared he would be lonely for the rest of his life, which was a pity.
Fuling was curious whether Uncle Gu and Aunt Gu would like a son-in-law like Song Ming. However, the elderly couple didn't even consider such an outstanding person as a potential son-in-law. After all, their daughter was far inferior to him in terms of status and position, and she was also an old maid who couldn't get married; her family had already given up on her marrying. So, after talking for a while, they still hadn't gotten to the point.