Hook

The wedding was not held in a grand or solemn setting.

It wasn't held in a solemn church, nor in a luxurious hotel banquet hall. The location was a meticulously maintained garden estate on the outskirts of the city, boasting expansive lawns and glass sunrooms.

This place usually hosts weddings and banquets. The environment is quiet and lush. The ceremony pavilion, adorned with champagne-colored roses and white gauze, is nestled under several tall sycamore trees, where sunlight filters through the branches and leaves, casting dappled patterns of light.

There were only a few guests, all of whom were close relatives and friends.

Xiao Jue and Lin Ye arrived early, of course. The lawyer Xiao was dressed in a well-fitting light gray suit, looking quite respectable. He dragged Lin Ye around taking pictures, claiming it was to "record important moments for my brother."

Lin Ye remained taciturn, but his eyes were gentle as he silently followed Xiao Jue, occasionally glancing towards the ceremony pavilion with a hint of blessing in his eyes.

Sister Jin, along with several familiar neighbor aunties who knew the inside story and sincerely wished them well, busied themselves preparing snacks and tea, their laughter ringing out.

Several close colleagues from Tan Huaiyu's law firm also came, dressed appropriately, chatting and laughing, offering their sincere blessings.

Qingran, dressed in a beautiful white gauze dress and with a flower hair clip in her hair, looked like a little angel. She was being led by Sister Jin, her little face flushed with excitement and a little nervousness. She was today's flower girl.

The air was filled with the scent of grass, the fragrance of flowers, and the slightly sweet bubbles from the champagne tower.

A gentle string quartet played soothing music in the distance; everything was just right—warm, simple, yet solemn.

The master of ceremonies was Xiao Jue—in his words, such important occasions must be controlled by important people like him.

"Ahem," Xiao Jue cleared his throat, unusually abandoning his carefree demeanor, and stood in front of the flower-adorned ceremony platform, looking at the two newlyweds standing on either side, his eyes filled with smiles, his voice carrying clearly and warmly through the small microphone.

"Today, we gather here, witnessed by our relatives and friends, to celebrate Mr. Qi Shuo and Mr. Tan Huaiyu's decision to spend the rest of their lives together."

His gaze swept over the smiling guests below the stage, finally settling on the two main characters.

"They met not early, but at the right time. Their journey may have been bumpy, but in the end, it all led them to each other. Love comes in many forms, and they, with the most steadfast companionship and the most unwavering choice, have interpreted their unique and profound affection."

"Therefore, today, there are no formalities, only our most sincere feelings and our deepest blessings for them."

Xiao Jue looked at Qi Shuo and smiled: "Mr. Qi Shuo, are you willing to take Mr. Tan Huaiyu as your partner, to love him, respect him, care for him, and be loyal to him without reservation, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, until the end of time?"

Qi Shuo stood there, dressed in a well-tailored black suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and long legs. His usual slightly cold and hard demeanor was now replaced by a calm, almost devout gentleness.

He didn't answer immediately, but stared intently a few steps away at the person wearing the same white suit, but whose slender figure gave him a different kind of refined and elegant air.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the sycamore leaves, falling on Tan Huaiyu and bathing him in a soft, pale golden glow.

His eyes were slightly lowered, his long eyelashes casting small shadows beneath his eyelids, and his cheeks were flushed with a faint blush of nervousness and anticipation. His fingers unconsciously clenched and unclenched.

Qi Shuo looked at him, his gaze sweeping over his straight nose, his tightly pursed, slightly dry lips, and finally settling on those clear, watery amber eyes that were also looking up at him.

There was nervousness, shyness, complete trust, and pure love that was almost overflowing.

Time seemed to stretch out and stand still at that moment. The friendly chuckles and whispers of the surrounding guests faded away, and the music became indistinct.

In Qi Shuo's world, only the person in front of him remained, and his own reflection in the person's eyes.

He recalled the wary and distant eyes when they first met; he remembered his tentative tentative reach, which he quickly extended and then withdrew; he remembered the clingy embrace he received when drunk, his awkward care when he was sick, his eyes that welled up with tears when Qingran called him "sister-in-law" for the first time, and the warm moments on countless ordinary days when they cooked together, took walks together, and snuggled together on the sofa watching boring TV.

Those small moments, gathered together, flowed through his originally barren life, nourishing it with lush greenery.

He finally spoke, his voice not loud, even slightly strained due to some indescribable emotion, but every word was clear, steady, and powerful, like a mark etched into time, passing through the breeze and falling into everyone's ears, and even more so into Tan Huaiyu's heart:

"I do."

These three simple words carry immense weight.

There are no fancy words, no moving vows, only the simplest and most steadfast promises.

Tan Huaiyu's eyelashes trembled violently, as if burned by those three simple words.

He blinked rapidly, trying to wipe away the sudden surge of tears, but his eyes still involuntarily reddened.

He looked at Qi Shuo, seeing the unmistakable deep affection and determination in the other's eyes, and his heart felt as if it were being soaked in warm honey water, both swollen and soft, almost melting.

Xiao Jue smiled, turned his gaze to Tan Huaiyu, and said in a gentler voice, "Mr. Tan Huaiyu, are you willing to take Mr. Qi Shuo as your partner, to love him, respect him, care for him, and be loyal to him without reservation, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, until the end of time?"

Tan Huaiyu took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart and the lump in his throat. He raised his head, his gaze passing over Xiao Jue and looking straight at Qi Shuo opposite him.

The sunlight was a bit too bright, making Qi Shuo's figure somewhat blurry, but he could clearly feel the focused and gentle gaze that was always on him.

He also remembered many things.

I remember that clumsy sheltering me on that rainy night, his silent yet steadfast protection, the wind and rain he shielded me from, the sense of security his broad back brought, the unspoken love he hid in the details of life, and the feeling of "home" he gave me.

This man, with his unwavering silence, sheltered him, providing him with a place where he could laugh and cry freely, where he could completely relax, a place he could call his "home," and a complete, warm home.

Tears finally slipped down his cheeks, unable to be held back. But Tan Huaiyu didn't wipe them away. He just looked at Qi Shuo, letting the tears fall, while a bright and happy smile curved his lips.

He nodded vigorously, his voice choked with emotion, yet he uttered those three words with unparalleled clarity and loudness:

"I do!"

I do.

No matter how many unknowns the future holds, no matter how smooth the road ahead may be, I am willing to walk with you.

I do.

Place my hand in your palm, and entrust the rest of my life to you.

Xiao Jue's smile deepened. He turned slightly to the side, gesturing for Qing Ran, who was holding the ring box, to come forward.

Wearing a white tulle dress, Qingran's face was tense as she tried to put on a serious expression. Holding a small velvet box, she walked steadily step by step to the center of the ceremony platform.

She first looked at Qi Shuo, then at Tan Huaiyu, her dark, grape-like eyes shining brightly.

She opened the box, inside which lay two simple and elegant platinum band wedding rings, shimmering with a warm and understated luster in the sunlight.

Qi Shuo first reached out and took out the slightly smaller ring from the box.

He didn't act immediately, but instead looked up and took another deep look at Tan Huaiyu before taking Tan Huaiyu's slightly trembling left hand.

Tan Huaiyu's fingers were long and slender, and her fingertips were slightly cool due to nervousness and excitement.

Qi Shuo's movements were slow and steady, with an almost ritualistic solemnity. He gently pushed the ring, symbolizing commitment and bondage, into the base of Tan Huaiyu's left ring finger.

The size was perfect, a flawless fit. The cool metallic touch against my skin sent a slight shiver through me, and then the ring seemed to warm up with my body heat, becoming a part of me.

Then, it was Tan Huaiyu.

He picked up another ring from the box, his fingers trembling slightly, and it took him two tries to hold it firmly.

He also took Qi Shuo's left hand. Qi Shuo's palm was large, with distinct knuckles, and calluses from years of hard work; it was warm and strong.

Tan Huaiyu lowered his head and carefully slipped the ring onto Qi Shuo's ring finger. The same movements, the same slow and solemn gestures. When the ring was pushed up to the base of his finger and fit perfectly, he breathed a sigh of relief, looked up, and met Qi Shuo's incredibly gentle eyes.

The rings have been exchanged.

Xiao Jue's voice rang out at the right moment, filled with laughter and blessings: "Now, the groom may kiss the groom."

The guests responded with good-natured laughter and soft applause.

Qi Shuo stepped forward, closing the already short distance between them. He raised his hand and gently wiped away the undried tear stains on Tan Huaiyu's face with his fingertips, his movements as delicate as if he were wiping a rare treasure.

Then, he lowered his head slightly and placed a gentle and restrained kiss on Tan Huaiyu's smooth forehead.

This kiss was devoid of lust, filled only with tenderness and promise.

Tan Huaiyu closed his eyes, feeling the warm touch on his forehead, and tears welled up again, but these were hot, happy tears.

However, just when he thought the ceremonial kiss was about to end, Qi Shuo's lips moved down slightly, and finally, firmly and gently, covered his lips.

This was a kiss witnessed by everyone. Gentle, lingering, brimming with boundless love and vows. There was no deep kiss, just lips touching, breaths mingling, yet it was more moving than any passionate kiss.

Tan Huaiyu paused for a moment, then obediently closed his eyes, tiny teardrops still clinging to his eyelashes. He tiptoed to return the kiss, his hands unconsciously wrapping around Qi Shuo's neck.

Sunlight filtered through the sycamore leaves, dancing on them.

A gentle breeze carries the fragrance of flowers and grass. Soft music, applause, and laughter from family and friends blend together to create the most beautiful background sound.

Qingran looked up at her brother and brother Yu, who were hugging and kissing each other tightly. She covered her face with her hands, peeking through her fingers. Then she shyly put her hands down, clapped her hands vigorously, and smiled until her eyes curved into crescent moons.

Sister Jin had already secretly wiped away her tears, but she couldn't stop smiling.

When the kiss ended, the two separated slightly, their foreheads touching, their breaths slightly ragged, but their eyes were only for each other, and overflowing with happiness that could not accommodate anyone else.

The applause grew even louder, mixed with whistles and cheers from Qin Zhou and Xiao Jue.

Qi Shuo and Tan Huaiyu smiled at each other, held hands tightly, their fingers intertwined and wearing matching rings, and raised their hands to their chests, bowing slightly to all their relatives and friends below the stage who were giving them their blessings.

Qingran ran over, lifting her little skirt, and grabbed Qi Shuo with one hand and Tan Huaiyu with the other. Looking up at them, her voice was clear and loud: "Brother, sister-in-law, congratulations! Ranran loves you the most!"

Qi Shuo bent down and ruffled his sister's hair, while Tan Huaiyu also squatted down and kissed her little face.

The three people stood together, the sunlight shining on them, a scene as beautiful as a painting.

There was no grand ceremony, no complicated procedures, only the witness of close relatives and friends, only the most sincere vows in each other's eyes, and that simple yet eternal ring on the ring finger, symbolizing a lifetime of bond.

But for them, that was enough.

This is enough to declare that from now on, we will weather the storms together and share joys and sorrows.

Holding your hand, we will grow old together.

The sun shone brightly, the breeze was gentle, and their love was overflowing. At this moment, their home became more complete and stronger because of love and commitment.

That platinum ring, subtly gleaming, resting on the base of the finger, is a silent vow, a warm shackle, binding two once lonely souls together, sharing joys and sorrows, weathering storms together.

It doesn't flaunt itself, yet it exists weightily, reminding each other in every morning when we smile at each other, and in every evening when our fingers are intertwined:

From that moment on, we were intertwined, and we became who we are.

Qi Shuo and Tan Huaiyu stood side by side beside the ceremonial pavilion, watching the sunset slowly sink below the distant treetops. On their hands, matching rings shimmered softly in the afterglow.

As the clamor subsides and the world returns to tranquility, their new and eternal daily routine is just beginning.

Ahead lies a long road of years, and perhaps still storms, but the warmth of palms touching and the small ring between their fingers will give them the most solid strength to traverse all the mundane and thorny things.

Love is a choice, a promise, and the daily companionship and support.

And today, they have stamped this love with the most solemn seal.

Qi Shuo reached out and gently grasped Tan Huaiyu's hand. Their fingers intertwined naturally, and their rings lightly touched, producing a soft and pleasant sound.

Tan Huaiyu turned her head to look at him, her eyes reflecting the warm light of the setting sun and Qi Shuo's gentle profile.

The two exchanged a smile, needing no further words.

"Go home?" Qi Shuo asked in a low voice.

"Yes, let's go home." Tan Huaiyu nodded, his fingers tightening slightly as he grasped the warm, strong hand in return.

Behind them stood a ceremony pavilion adorned with roses and white veils, witnessing their vows of the day.

Before them lay the road home, bathed in the glow of the setting sun, leading to the future they would build together, a future filled with warmth, life, and love.

"Huaiyu."

"Um?"

"Wife."

Tan Huaiyu chuckled softly and replied gently, "Mm."

Qi Shuo cupped his face and ruffled it roughly: "Just a 'uh-huh'? Shouldn't you have responded something?"

Tan Huaiyu's cheeks flushed slightly from his rubbing, her eyes crinkling into crescents with laughter, and the tips of her ears turning pink, yet she still obediently and softly said, "Husband..."

"Mmm! I'm here!" Qi Shuo was satisfied, as if he had received the most precious response. He bent down slightly and buried his head in his neck, his nose rubbing against the warm skin. He nuzzled against him affectionately, his voice low and sticky, "I love my wife the most."

"Okay, okay, I like you the most too."

"Wife." Qi Shuo hugged him tightly, deliberately emphasizing the words as if savoring their sweetness, "My wife."

Tan Huaiyu gave a satisfied "hmm" and gently drew circles on his back with her fingers, as if responding to his coquettishness.

Qi Shuo held him in his arms, feeling the warmth and heartbeat of the person in his embrace, and felt more at ease than ever before.

"Honey, let's do this every day from now on, okay? Let's stay together forever, okay?"

"good."

"Then... pinky promise."

Qi Shuo, unusually childlike, stretched out his little finger, hooked it around Tan Huaiyu's, and shook it earnestly.

Tan Huaiyu looked at him, her smile gentle yet firm: "Okay, pinky promise."