Zheng Nanfeng had disappeared from the audience, and the atmosphere turned a bit awkward. The host hadn't expected Zhong Canxi to steer the conversation towards Ji Xiaoli.
Ji Xiaoli, however, seemed oblivious. A faint smile always hung on her lips, as if what Zhong Canxi said had nothing to do with her.
The bullet comments were going crazy.
"I kind of feel like Zhong Canxi is confessing. Who is he talking about..."
"Come on, he's just thanking his friend. Don't make wild guesses."
"I feel like Zhong Canxi kept looking at Ji Xiaoli when he said that. But Ji Xiaoli is with President Zheng. No way..."
"Guys, stop making wild guesses. Just now, Canxi and Xiaoli both said they're just friends."
...
The host also sensed that something was off, so he said with a beaming smile, "That's really lucky. I hope everyone can meet such a friend in times of difficulty. But Canxi's achievements are also due to his own hard work."
Zhong Canxi smiled faintly, neither confirming nor denying, while stealing glances at Ji Xiaoli from the corner of his eye.
"What about you, Xiaoli? Is there anyone you'd like to thank in your life?" The host turned to Ji Xiaoli, trying to bring the atmosphere back on track.
Ji Xiaoli blinked her eyes and replied with a beaming smile, "Well, actually, there is."
A blush crept onto her face. She looked towards the audience but found that Zheng Nanfeng was nowhere to be seen. Zhong Canxi followed her gaze and knew where Zheng Nanfeng had been sitting before. A tinge of sadness flashed across his eyes.
"The person I want to thank is well - known to everyone. He's my boyfriend, Zheng Nanfeng." When Ji Xiaoli mentioned Zheng Nanfeng, her face was glowing, and it was obvious to everyone how happy she was.
"Looks like we're in for another load of dog food," the host joked with a smile.
Ji Xiaoli wasn't sure if Zheng Nanfeng had heard her words. "I'm really grateful to Nanfeng for being so tolerant of me all this time. I know I can be a bit willful, but he's never criticized me. He's always silently put up with me. We've been through a lot together..."
Ji Xiaoli spoke slowly with a smile on her face, sharing her experiences with Zheng Nanfeng. Everyone present was deeply touched.
Zhong Canxi could hardly maintain his smile. His heart was filled with bitterness, but he was also genuinely happy for Ji Xiaoli.
"President Zheng?" Just as Ji Xiaoli finished speaking, she heard the host's surprised voice.
Zheng Nanfeng rushed onto the stage out of breath from the backstage. In front of Ji Xiaoli's astonished eyes, he slowly knelt down on one knee and took out a small ring. "Xiaoli, will you marry me?"
Zheng Nanfeng stared intently at Ji Xiaoli, but his heart was pounding. He hadn't heard Ji Xiaoli's heartfelt confession, but Zhong Canxi's performance today had spurred him on. He thought it was necessary to mark Ji Xiaoli as a married woman. Only in this way could those who coveted her back off.
He had bought the ring a long time ago, just waiting for an opportunity to make Ji Xiaoli willing to marry him.
This time, he had acted on impulse. Ji Xiaoli seemed to be in a daze, staring blankly at him.
It was the host who let out a "Wow" and started clapping. "Xiaoli, just say yes. Our President Zheng is so devoted."
The bullet comments were also flooded.
"Say yes, say yes. That ring is so beautiful."
"It must be really expensive."
"Wow, I remember this ring. It's a new work by Master Li Can called 'Love of a Lifetime'. There's only one in the world, symbolizing undying love. And this ring is worth several villas."