Work Text:
Cheng Xiaoshi was lying on the couch, arm outstretched toward the ceiling, tilting his hand so that the ring on his finger glimmered in the sunlight.
Lu Guang had proposed to him the day prior. It was their 2-year anniversary as official boyfriends.
Xiaoshi was actually caught by surprise when Lu Guang got down on one knee and asked for his hand in marriage.
They were at the bridge, illuminated by the string of lights. But no matter the place or time, he would always want to be by Lu Guang's side.
The ring itself wasn't anything big or fancy, just a simple twin-ring, silver band with two blue-and-yellow gemstones.
It’s not like Cheng Xiaoshi wanted those 14kt gold rings that would probably wipe out their bank account; heck, if Lu Guang proposed with a cherry ring pop, he still would have said yes.
He was just so happy that someone was actively willing to spend the rest of their lives with him.
He knew he had some sort of attachment issues when it came to meeting people.
He tends to be clingy and overly friendly, and many didn’t really enjoy his company as a result.
Yet, Xiaoshi was so grateful for the few people who decided to stay.
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‘A guest has arrived.’ The front door chimed.
Qiao Ling and Xu Shanshan welcomed themselves in, chatting away while sipping on their bubble tea.
“I sure hope you brought me some.”
Cheng Xiaoshi exclaimed as he slowly lifted himself off the couch.
“Well duh, I don’t wanna be hearing you whine and complain like some kid,” huffed out Qiao Ling.
Xu Shanshan snickered in the back.
“I do not whine!”
Xiaoshi yelled out, puffing his cheeks as he poked through the boba seal with the straw.
“Thanks anyway,” he grumbled out.
Qiao Ling placed her bag down at the counter, along with an extra bubble tea.
“Where’s Lu Guang? I also got him some tea, extra sweet.”
“He went out to the market; it was a quick errand. He should be back soon.”
“Well, might as well make myself comfortable”
Both girls made their way towards the sunroom, sitting in the spot Cheng Xiaoshi had previously occupied.
Making his way to the sunroom as well, Xiaoshi pulled out his phone and texted Lu Guang about the visit and whether he could stop by the dumpling place so they could all eat something.
“Hey Shanshan, has Dong Yi asked the big question yet?”
Qiao Ling asked, hoping to have some juicy gossip, but with the way Xu Shanshan let out a gloomy expression, it kinda answered all her questions.
“I know he wants to too! But there’s always something interpreting us, or it’s never the right moment.”
“Wait, I thought you two were like fiancées already.” Cheng Xiaoshi didn’t even look up from his phone, sipping on the last of his bubble pearls.
Xu Shanshan crossed her arms and puffed out her chest, ready to start an argument with Xiaoshi. Because of course, there was never a visit without them throwing insults.
“Oh hush! You wouldn’t understand how hard it probably is! You can’t rush these kinds of things.”
“You guys were together for what, 2 going to 3 years now? If you really want to get married, just buy the ring yourself. Nothing wrong with a woman getting down on one knee.”
“It’s not wrong, but I want him to ask me! I bet I get proposed to first than you anyway.”
100 Yuan was slapped onto the table by an excited Qiao Ling.
“I want in on some of this action! 100 Yuan for Shanshan to have that ring on her finger first!”
Xiaoshi looked at her and scoffed. “Really! Do you have no faith in your very own brother?!”
“Sorry Xiaoshi, gotta bet on the most likely,” Qiao Ling chuckled to herself.
Xu Shanshan slapped another 100. “Bet! Easy money!”
Cheng Xiaoshi looked at the money on the table. Couldn’t help but have the biggest smile.
'I'm sure gonna love this.'
He stood up from his seat, dusted himself off with confidence, and snatched the money off the table, counting the bills while walking to the front desk.
“Hmmmm, I guess this would do; I would have preferred more money, but alas, it is what it is.”
“Whoa whoa whoa! You can’t just pocket that!!”
Qiao Ling and Xu Shanshan got up quick to try and tackle him, but before they got too close, Cheng Xiaoshi whipped out his hand, posing it in front of their faces.
The shiny silver ring glimmered on his finger.
“Ah ah ah, I say this ring on my finger is a telltale sign that I won your little bet.”
Cheng Xiaoshi wiggled his fingers, basically taunting the fact that he won.
Both girls stood in disbelief, mouths open as they stared at his hand.
“No way, you've got to be lying.”
Qiao Ling grabbed his hand, inspecting the ring closer.
“Nope!” Cheng Xiaoshi said, popping the ‘p’.
‘A guest has arrived’
“I’m home.”
All heads turned toward the white-haired man who entered the studio with a bag of groceries and another of takeout, setting them down on the counter.
“Lu Guang!!! Did you actually propose to Xiaoshi?!”
Qiao Ling yelled with anticipation.
“Hey! Do you not believe me or what?!”
Shanshan quickly hushed Cheng Xiaoshi and waited for a response.
Lu Guang let out a small grin and answered calmly.
“Yeah, I did, last night.”
Both girls squealed in excitement.
Qiao Ling asked for all the details, firing question after question while Xu Shanshan whipped out her phone to take pictures of the ring to send to her boyfriend Dong Yi.
Xiaoshi smiled ear to ear, trying to answer all of his sister's questions, making sure not to leave anything out.
The trio was practically bouncing up and down, bubbling with happiness.
Lu Guang stood quietly at the entrance, observing the scene in front of him, his smile even bigger now.
Although he and Xiaoshi already lived together and did everything together, he was glad he got down on one knee; declaring his love for the whole world to see warmed his heart.