First spoiled, then love

Chapter 613 Obsessed with Money
After their candlelight dinner, Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru walked out of the restaurant hand in hand. The rain had stopped, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of earth.

Chen Qingrong opened the car door for Tang Xiaoru, and only after she was seated did he gently close it before walking around to the other side to get in the car himself.

Soft music played inside the car, weaving a romantic atmosphere with the night.

"This diamond ring is so beautiful, Chen Qingrong. I didn't expect you to be so thoughtful." Tang Xiaoru sat in the passenger seat, admiring the diamond ring on her hand repeatedly in the dim light of the car, her face beaming with a happy smile.

As Chen Qingrong started the car, he smiled and said, "As long as you like it, that's all that matters. I just wanted to give you a surprise."

Tang Xiaoru looked up and glared at him, pretending to be angry: "But, you proposed to me in front of so many people, I was so embarrassed, you know that?"

Chen Qingrong chuckled and mercilessly exposed her: "But you looked like you were grinning from ear to ear just now, where was the embarrassment?"

"You..." Tang Xiaoru's cheeks flushed slightly as her secret was exposed. She shouted angrily, "Shut up! Can't you give me some face?"

Chen Qingrong chuckled, stopped teasing her, and focused on driving.

After a while, Tang Xiaoru calmed down and said again, "I never thought that with our two children almost a year old, I would be able to experience being proposed to again. It really proves that saying on the internet: how can marriage be the same no matter who you marry?"

Chen Qingrong shrugged and laughed, "If you like, I'll ask you once a day until you get annoyed."

Tang Xiaoru laughed and scolded, "You're crazy, aren't you? You have too much money to burn, huh? But to be honest, I'm really touched. Thank you, Qingrong, for letting me experience so much romance and happiness."

As the two chatted, the car stopped in front of the movie theater.

Chen Qingrong got out of the car, opened the door for Tang Xiaoru, and the two walked hand in hand into the screening room.

The screening room was already full, and they found seats and sat down.

The screen lights up, and the movie begins. It's a romance film that tells the story of a couple's journey from meeting to falling in love, filled with romance and sweetness.

Tang Xiaoru watched with great interest, occasionally giggling at the scenes in the movie.

While watching the movie, Chen Qingrong would occasionally glance at Tang Xiaoru, and seeing her happy expression filled him with satisfaction and happiness.

Halfway through the movie, Tang Xiaoru suddenly whispered, "Qingrong, don't you think we look a lot like the main characters in the movie?"

Chen Qingrong smiled slightly and nodded, saying, "Yes, our story is also very romantic. From meeting to falling in love, and then having two children, every step is full of memories."

Upon hearing this, a hint of tenderness flashed in Tang Xiaoru's eyes: "Yes, sometimes when I think about it, I really feel very lucky. Meeting you is the greatest happiness of my life."

Chen Qingrong held her hand tightly and said affectionately, "Meeting you is my good fortune. Xiaoru, I will always love you, forever."

Upon hearing this, Tang Xiaoru felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She nestled tightly in Chen Qingrong's arms, feeling this profound love.

The movie continued playing, but at this moment, the movie was no longer the focus; their hearts were what mattered most.

After what seemed like an eternity, the movie ended and the lights came on.

Tang Xiaoru lifted her head from Chen Qingrong's embrace, and the two smiled at each other, as if the whole world was filled with sweetness.

"Let's go home." Chen Qingrong stood up, took Tang Xiaoru's hand, and walked towards the exit.

Tang Xiaoru nodded and followed Chen Qingrong out of the screening room.

The outside world had become quiet, with only the occasional chirping of insects breaking the silence of the night.

The two got back into the car, and Chen Qingrong started the engine and drove home.

Tang Xiaoru leaned back in her seat, watching the scenery rushing past the window, her heart filled with emotion.

"Qingrong, thank you for giving me such a wonderful night," she suddenly said.

Chen Qingrong smiled slightly: "As long as you're happy, anything I do is worth it. In the future, I will give you even more surprises and romance."

Tang Xiaoru listened, her heart filled with anticipation.

She knew that as long as Chen Qingrong was by her side, her life would be filled with endless happiness and sweetness.

The car drove through the night, as if carrying their happiness and dreams, heading towards that distant future.

On this beautiful night, their love, like the brilliant stars, shone with eternal light.

As the car slowly drove into the residential area and stopped in front of her house, Tang Xiaoru couldn't wait to open the car door.

She took Chen Qingrong's hand and jogged into the house.

At home, the two little ones were already asleep, their faces beaming with angelic smiles.

Tang Xiaoru and Chen Qingrong exchanged a smile, then quietly went to the children's room and covered them with blankets.

Then, the two returned to the living room and sat on the sofa. Tang Xiaoru nestled in Chen Qingrong's arms and whispered, "Qingrong, I feel so happy. With you by my side and the children with me, I really don't ask for anything more."

Chen Qingrong hugged her tightly and said affectionately, "Xiaoru, I will always be with you, forever. Our happiness has just begun."

Several months later, Chen Ning and Chen Xi's first birthday party finally arrived as scheduled.

On this day, Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru got up early, eagerly anticipating this special day.

For Chen Qingrong, this first birthday celebration was not only a celebration for his two children, but also a manifestation of his responsibility and love as a father.

After all, due to various reasons, the children's full moon celebration had not been held before, which had been something he had always regretted.

Therefore, Chen Qingrong decided to hold a grand celebration for this first birthday party, to leave the children with an unforgettable memory.

The first birthday party was held in a very high-end hotel in Shanghai, decorated like a fairy tale world. The colorful balloons, the exquisite and delicious desserts, and the smiling faces all created a strong festive atmosphere.

Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru stood at the hotel entrance, welcoming each and every friend and relative who came to offer their congratulations. Their faces were filled with happy smiles, as if at this moment, all their hard work and dedication had been rewarded.

"Oh my, Xiao Chen, your children are so adorable! It makes me want to have another one!" a relative of uncle's generation said to Chen Qingrong with a smile.

Chen Qingrong laughed and patted the other person on the shoulder: "Then you'd better keep it up. But our two little ones are really quite lovable."

Just then, another relative came over, carrying a large gift box: "Qingrong, Xiaoru, this is a gift I prepared for your two children. I hope they will like it."

Tang Xiaoru accepted the gift and said gratefully, "Thank you so much. We're so glad you could come. You didn't need to bring a gift." The relative smiled and waved his hand, "Oh, it's nothing. We've been friends for so many years."

As time went by, the hotel's banquet hall gradually became lively.

The guests sat or stood, chatting and playing with the children, filling the room with laughter and joy.

Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru moved through the crowd, greeting each guest and thanking them for coming.

Finally, the important part of the first birthday celebration arrived – the "grasping ceremony" (a traditional Chinese custom where the baby chooses objects to represent the baby).

Chen Qingrong specially prepared many items with rich symbolic meanings for Chen Ning and Chen Xi, including banknotes, toy cars, books, pens, and so on.

He smiled and said to everyone, "Come on, let's see what our two little ones will choose."

A crowd gathered around, all staring curiously at the two little babies.

Chen Ning and Chen Xi were placed on a large table covered with items. They blinked curiously, seemingly full of interest in everything around them.

Chen Ning crawled a few steps and grabbed the exquisite little car without hesitation.

He held the toy car, fiddling with it in his hands, as if he had found his own toy world.

Everyone laughed and said, "Looks like young Chen Ning will be a car enthusiast in the future!"

As for Chen Xi, she crawled around, seemingly searching for something.

Finally, her gaze fell on the few banknotes.

She reached out her little hand, grabbed the banknotes, and held them tightly in her hand. Everyone burst into laughter at the sight.

Chen Qingrong was overjoyed. He patted Tang Xiaoru on the shoulder and laughed, "It seems my son isn't as ambitious as my daughter. It's true what they say, daughters take after their fathers."

Tang Xiaoru rolled her eyes at him and said, pretending to be angry, "So you mean our son inherited my lack of ambition?"

Chen Qingrong smiled awkwardly and quickly waved her hand: "No, no, absolutely not! I meant that our daughter will definitely be a little rich woman in the future."

The onlookers burst into laughter, making the atmosphere even more lively.

Some people joked, "Looks like Xiao Chen will have to work harder to earn money in the future, otherwise how can he support such a rich little woman!"

Chen Qingrong smiled and nodded: "That's right, that's right. I will definitely work hard to earn money so that my daughter can live the best life."

At this point, the hotel staff began serving the dishes. One after another, delicious dishes were brought to the table, and the guests took their seats to enjoy the sumptuous feast.

Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru also brought Chen Ning and Chen Xi to sit at the main table, enjoying this wonderful time with their families.

During the meal, everyone chatted and laughed, sharing their interesting stories and experiences.

Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru were toasted by their relatives and friends one after another, and they accepted every toast with smiles as they responded to everyone's blessings.

Tang Chengshan was even more excited than on his daughter's wedding day. He pulled his group of old friends to introduce his grandchildren, which made several of his old friends, who hadn't yet held their grandchildren, grit their teeth in anger.

Chen Ning and Chen Xi became little stars at the banquet. Everyone took turns holding and playing with them, and their little faces were always beaming with bright smiles.

Whenever someone takes a picture of them, they strike various adorable poses, drawing praise from everyone.

As night fell, the first birthday celebration gradually came to an end.

The guests rose to say goodbye, and Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru saw each guest off, their hearts filled with gratitude and reluctance.

They knew that the success and joy of this first birthday party was inseparable from the support and blessings of every relative and friend.

After the last guest left, Chen Qingrong and Tang Xiaoru smiled at each other.

"It's finally over," Tang Xiaoru said wearily. "Even though we didn't cook the dishes ourselves, it's still exhausting."

Chen Qingrong put his arm around her shoulder and said, "It's okay. You won't be tired when you get home and count the money. Come on, let's go back and count how much money we received as gifts."

Tang Xiaoru rolled her eyes. "You're really obsessed with money."

Two days later, with the sun shining brightly and a gentle breeze blowing, Boss Xuanyuan finally ended his long and arduous journey to Shaanxi and returned to this familiar city.

Upon learning the news, Chen Qingrong immediately contacted Boss Xuanyuan and asked to meet him. He wanted to know about his old friend's situation and also wanted to hear about what he had seen and heard on his trip.

The two met at a quaint teahouse. Upon entering, Chen Qingrong almost didn't recognize Boss Xuanyuan in front of him—his once round face had become much thinner, his skin was tanned dark, and even his signature beer belly had disappeared without a trace. He looked much more energetic, but also clearly showed signs of fatigue.

"Brother Xuanyuan, did you go to Africa? You've gotten so tanned!" Chen Qingrong joked, while secretly admiring Boss Xuanyuan's perseverance and determination.

Boss Xuanyuan gave a wry smile and waved his hand: "Don't mention it, Qingrong. My trip to Shaanxi this time was like going through a tribulation! Those days, ugh, were inhuman!"

Chen Qingrong poured him a cup of tea, gesturing for him to speak slowly. Boss Xuanyuan took a sip of tea and began to speak slowly: "Do you know? The environment there is terrible. The sandstorms are terrifying. By the end of the day, your mouth and nose are full of sand. The food is also extremely simple. Sometimes, when things get busy, you can't even get a hot meal."

At this point, a hint of unwavering determination flashed in Boss Xuanyuan's eyes: "But you know what? Although it was hard work, when I saw those saplings taking root in the barren land and growing taller little by little, I felt so happy, and I felt that it was all worth it. Moreover, I also made a lot of like-minded friends this time. Working together with everyone, that feeling was really great."

Upon hearing this, Chen Qingrong exclaimed sincerely, "Brother Xuanyuan, you're doing a truly great deed! Planting trees to control wasteland and benefit future generations—this is a virtuous act. Look, even Heaven is rewarding you, taking your beer belly back down, haha!"

Boss Xuanyuan was amused by Chen Qingrong's words and laughed out loud: "Yes, yes, now that you mention it, I really feel like I've come out ahead! But to be honest, Qingrong, I was able to persevere this time thanks to your encouragement and support. If it weren't for you, I probably would have given up long ago."

Chen Qingrong waved his hand: "Not at all, it's because you have perseverance and willpower. If it were me, I might not have been able to do as well as you."

After chatting for a while, Boss Xuanyuan suddenly took out a large red envelope from his pocket and handed it to Chen Qingrong: "Qingrong, you have to accept this. I know I missed your child's first birthday party, and I'm really sorry. Consider this a small token of my appreciation as a gift for the children."

Chen Qingrong quickly declined, saying, "Brother Xuanyuan, this is unacceptable. You've already done so much; how can I possibly accept your money?"

Boss Xuanyuan insisted, "Don't be so polite with me. Do we need to be so formal? Besides, this is just a small token of my appreciation, so please accept it."

Chen Qingrong couldn't refuse, so he accepted the red envelope, his heart filled with gratitude: "Brother Xuanyuan, you're too kind. But since you insist, I'll thank you on behalf of the children."

The two chatted for a while longer before Boss Xuanyuan left because he had other matters to attend to.

(End of this chapter)