A/N: Now for the first of Editor-san's scenes. He says that it's not his best work but if he really feels that way, he can always rewrite them. I kid, I kid. But let's see how different his approach to our Leading Ladies are as opposed to mine.
'Well, there could be worse places for me to be,' Yao thought to himself.
He was correct in that assessment. Currently, the newly minted Sennin was strolling the streets of Beijing, the nicer area of the city. Why was he here instead of handling the store?
To celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival that came around every first weekend in June.
Boats of all sizes and designs sailed through the seas in a spectacle of showmanship or competition as viewers watched while eating rice dumplings and drinking regular wine. Today's atmosphere was one of leisure and happiness for everyone involved.
The same could be said for Yao and his companion, who invited him out this afternoon.
Locking arms with him throughout walking and watching from a nearby bridge was Lei Fang. She was having a great time if her visible body language alone and saucy eyes said anything. Her attire was also vibrant, dressed in a colorful Chinese cheongsam of white, green, and red with comfortable flats. Yao was glad she kept her usual hairstyle as it made her look elegant.
It's been close to two years since the two began seeing each other and their subsequent confessions. Yao made it no secret that Lei Fang was the woman he wanted for himself. Dating was anything but conventional during the two years as Lei Fang contemplated moving to Aberdeen. Yao quickly shot down the idea due to not wanting to uproot her life purely for a romance fling. Of course, Lei Fang countered that what they had was no fling. Fortunately, it went no further than that.
"Not bad for a snack," Yao commented on his food. "You usually come to these festivals."
"Yes, when school isn't bogging me down. This is one of the rare times when I don't have homework to beat my head over." She smiled. "But I'm glad you decided to come with me today."
Yao shrugged. "I figured this was too good to pass up, especially since you followed me up the mountain."
"And I thought you were going to mention my legs like always," Lei Fang remarked.
"Oh, I was. Then again, it wasn't a time for me to gawk at your stallion calves."
And who could blame the man? Lei Fang's dress made her legs stand out, almost rivaling a certain Interpol agent's despite being younger and not of the same build. Not that Yao minded one bit. She was her person and could hold her own if need be.
The day continued with the couple taking a pleasant stroll through a nearby park, arms interlocked with fingers clasped together. They looked like a glamour pair amongst everyone else though no eyes were on them. This was precisely was Yao was hoping for. A quiet date with his girlfriend with no worries of dealing with the supernatural or having to fight and defend either his or Lei Fang's honor.
Days like these were preferable.
"Uncle and Ren mentioned you before I left them," Yao broke the silence.
Lei Fang turned to him. "Really? What did they say?"
"Why I don't bring you around them more often. They've gotten so used to seeing you almost every week before you had to head back to school."
"Ah, so I'm rubbing off on them." Lei Fang huffed. "It feels as though all eyes have been on me since the tournament and the mess that happened afterward. Of course, I also had to settle some old scores."
Yao fought the urge to growl when she mentioned that word. Jann Lee caught wind of him and Lei Fang seeing each other and had to see it for himself. That was when a fight broke out between the two men, but not for Lei Fang's heart as Jann Lee could care less about the girl. Knowing that info, Yao made sure Jann Lee would never bother or humiliate his girlfriend again. Adding to the latter's pain, Yao made him apologize to Lei Fang for the constant mistreatment. Jann Lee did so, although grudgingly.
Lei Fang's handprint across his face served as a stern reminder.
"I hope you didn't go looking for him again," Yao said.
"No, silly. I told you, I'm done being that man's fool. He came looking for me and gave a decent apology. I took it at face value and ended it there." Lei Fang held her boyfriend tighter. "Besides, why worry about him when I have you?"
Yao gave her a coy expression. "So I'm your new boy toy? Where all your attention goes?"
"You weren't complaining when I finally told you of my feelings," she pointed out.
"Fair. But seriously, I'm glad that you put that pointless saga behind you. And I hope he did the same."
"Agreed. It was past time for me to move on to bigger and better things."
That was Yao's queue to put his plan into motion. "You took the words right out of my mouth, sweetheart."
Lei Fang raised an eyebrow. "What do you m-"
She couldn't finish her sentence as Yao's lips melded with her own as they stopped walking in the middle of the bridge. The sun had just set and gave a romantic setting that none could've predicted nor wanted to end so soon. Still in shock, Lei Fang slowly regained any semblance of thought before wrapping her arms around Yao's shoulders, bringing him closer to her body. He responded by tracing her curves, both hands shifting over her spine.
The kiss broke, Lei Fang's voice a mere whisper. "W-What was that for?"
"Other than the fact I love you?" Yao replied. "One, I wanted to savor these moments with you. And two, for us to take the next step in our relationship."
That statement caused Lei Fang's eyes to widen, though she couldn't comprehend exactly what those words meant. "You... you mean..."
With the swiftness he was known for, Yao quickly took his right hand and obtained a small black box from his back pocket. One flick of his thumb revealed a gorgeous diamond ring that nearly blinded Lei Fang. A startled gasp emerged from her as a single tear turned into numerous pouring down her face.
"Lei Fang, you are everything I ever wanted in a woman. Not just your outer beauty but also your ingenuity, elegance, and kindness toward me. Even more so, the fact that you saw past my shortcomings and didn't bat an eye. That meant more to me than anything in this world, even earning the title as a Sennin."
Yao bent down on one knee, his breath held inside his throat. "Lei Fang, will you grant me the honor of becoming my beautiful and loving wife?"
Two seconds passed before Lei Fang advanced on him and bear-hugged him with the strength of a thousand men. "Yes! Yes! I will!"
Happy as he could be (Despite the life being squeezed out of him), Yao returned her embrace and somehow didn't lose control of the box in his hand. That would've been a blunder that wouldn't go unnoticed, especially as the gathered crowd began applauding at the scene before them.
Separating, Yao carefully slipped the ring on his new fiance's ring finger, surprising Lei Fang as it fitted seamlessly. "How'd you know my ring size?"
"Hitomi told me when you both came to visit a few months ago. I'm just glad she didn't spoil the surprise, knowing how much of a talker she is," Yao commented on her bestie.
Lei Fang playfully slapped his shoulder. "Meanie. It's beautiful. Thank you, Yao. What made you decide to marry me?"
"There was no other woman on this earth that deserves my love other than you." Yao stood up with Lei Fang holding his hand. "Come on, we can call our friends and family about the news."
Before they left, Lei Fang gave him another kiss, one she didn't dare let go of for some time.
A/N: Well we're in the third person now as opposed to first-person like I normally do. I honestly have no idea why he prefers 3rd person pov as opposed to a 1st person pov like me. Personally one of my favorite Authors is Riordan and his most famous work was done in the first person so it had a massive effect on me and my literary tastes. Anyway, check back soon with another scene.