A perfect marriage

1936, Shanghai.

Even in broad daylight, the neon lights of the Paramount exuded a decadent luxury, tinting the shadows of the French Concession's plane trees with a touch of gold. Today, the entire Xiafei Road was even more bustling than usual, with crackling firecracker debris strewn across the ground, a blinding red.

Ling Xiuqing, the only daughter of the century-old brand "Ling Family Embroidery Shop", is getting married today.

"Breaking news! Breaking news! A daughter of an embroidery tycoon marries a talented man from a poor family. This beautiful story moves Shanghai!" The newsboy's shouting was drowned out by the noisy crowd.

Ling Xiuqing sat at her dressing table in her boudoir. The woman in the mirror had eyebrows as dark as distant black, skin as white as cream, and her eyes, piercing with longing for the future and a sense of timidity. She was wearing the very same phoenix-peony wedding dress she had embroidered stitch by stitch, a whole year's labor.

The wedding dress's base was made of the finest brocade, shimmering with brilliance. The phoenix on it seemed poised to take flight. Each wing was embroidered with finely twisted gold thread, appearing to burn in the sunlight. The phoenix's eyes, inlaid with black pearls smaller than grains of rice, shone with lifelike brilliance.

This wedding dress is a gift she presents to her beloved, and it is also her best expectation for her own wonderful life.

"Miss, you are so beautiful." Chun Tao, the personal maid, put the last pearl hairpin on her, her voice filled with just the right amount of envy. "If the son-in-law sees you, he will surely love you to the core."

Ling Xiuqing's cheeks flushed slightly. Through the mirror, she saw Chuntao's face, which was always lowered and compliant, now also had a happy smile on her face. She had been protected too well since she was a child, and her heart was pure. She only thought of Chuntao as her closest sister.

She nodded gently, her heart filled with sweetness.

Her husband, Han Shaoheng, though of humble origins, was a renowned scholar in Shanghai. He was a skilled writer, spoke elegantly, and his gaze upon her was always sincere and passionate. It was he who convinced her that love at first sight existed, and that unwavering devotion existed as well.

Her father initially disapproved of the marriage, arguing that his family was too poor. It was only after she went on a hunger strike that he finally agreed. She firmly believed she had made the right choice.

The auspicious time has arrived.

Han Shaoheng, dressed in a crisp Western-style suit, stood at the entrance of the Ling residence, looking elegant and graceful. When Ling Xiuqing walked out, supported by Chuntao, his eyes were filled with amazement. He quickly stepped forward, took Ling Xiuqing's hand from Chuntao, and held it tightly.

"Xiuqing, today you are... the most beautiful bride I have ever seen." His voice was so gentle that water could drip out.

Ling Xiuqing's heart skipped a beat and she lowered her eyes shyly, not noticing that when Han Shaoheng said this, his eyes inadvertently met Chuntao behind her.

That glance was so quick that it seemed like an illusion, but it contained a deep meaning that outsiders could not understand.

The wedding was a grand affair, with banquets stretching from the Ling residence to the street corner. Celebrities, wealthy businessmen, scholars, and nearly every prominent figure in Shanghai were in attendance. As they drank and chatted, they expressed admiration and blessings for this "beautiful story."

Ling Xiuqing was like a delicate puppet, being led by Han Shaoheng, accepting everyone's congratulations. She felt a little dizzy, whether it was the smell of champagne or the overwhelming sense of happiness that washed over her.

She only knew that the hand holding hers was warm and strong, and would be her support for the future.

As the night deepened, the guests dispersed.

Chun Tao took off the heavy phoenix crown for her and said with a soft smile: "Miss, a night of spring is worth a thousand gold. The son-in-law is already waiting in the room."

Ling Xiuqing's heart was pounding like a deer, and her face was burning. She nodded and let Chuntao help her into the new room covered with big red wedding characters.

The red candles flickered, the dragon and phoenix brocade quilt was neatly spread, and two cups of crystal clear wedding wine were placed on the table.

She thought this was the grand beginning of her wonderful life.

Little did she know that what was waiting for her ahead was the fire of hell that would burn everything.