A new chapter and the ringing of wedding bells
Returning to city life did not sever their connection with Qinan Mountain; instead, it infused it with new meaning and rhythm. On weekdays, Lin Wanxing imparts profound knowledge of classical literature on the podium at Nanjing University, while Jiang Chen, thanks to the solid technical skills and pragmatic spirit he demonstrated at Qinan Mountain, successfully lands a job at a socially conscious technology company, participating in the development of inclusive educational software. Their lives are fulfilling and peaceful, like a river that has settled and flows steadily into the distance.
Weekends became their unspoken agreement to return to the mountains and rivers. Every Friday evening, that familiar off-road vehicle would carry them, along with Su Xiao and Lu Ziang, who often accompanied them, to that verdant forest. Jiang Chen was still his "Teacher Jiang," patiently teaching the children to recognize the keyboard and understand the simplest programming logic in the village school's simple classroom, watching those once timid eyes sparkle as the first line "Hello World" appeared on the screen.
Lin Wanxing then took over the Chinese language class. Instead of simply reciting from the textbook, she led the children in reciting ancient poems, telling the stories and emotions behind the words. "The bright moonlight before my bed" was no longer just cold words, but the gentle moonlight that every child in the mountain village had seen, shining through the wooden windowpane before their bed; "sowing a grain of millet in spring" was also closely connected to their parents' labor in the terraced fields. She brought the words to life in the mountain breeze and river water, quietly nourishing the children's hearts.
Su Xiao's arrival injected a completely different kind of vitality into the classroom. She became "Teacher Su Su," in charge of art and craft classes. Her classes were always filled with laughter, as she led the children to create collages from collected leaves and petals, sculpt strange little animals from clay, and express their boundless imaginations with vibrant colors.
She seemed to have inexhaustible energy; she could squat on the ground and work with the children to figure out how to glue the petals more securely, or she could stand with her hands on her hips and pretend to be angry, scolding the naughty child who had spilled paint everywhere. Her enthusiasm and creativity, like a bright spot, illuminated the entire campus.
Lu Ziang's involvement was marked by his unique rigor and care. He used his expertise to set up a temporary "health corner" every Saturday afternoon in the school clinic, which was actually just a slightly tidy empty classroom.
He would conduct a basic physical examination for every child who was willing to come, measuring their height and weight, listening to their heart and lungs, and checking their eyesight. He moved gently and spoke calmly, patiently reminding the children to wash their hands and not to drink unboiled water.
He also prepared some illustrated health knowledge cards, explaining the disadvantages of picky eating or the importance of going to bed on time in the simplest scientific language. At first, the children were a little afraid of this "Dr. Lu" in his white coat with a serious expression, but gradually, they would take the initiative to line up for him to examine them, and even hold up the cards to ask him some strange questions.
In this continuous, shared effort, they found a deeper sense of fulfillment and connection that transcended personal emotions. Watching the children improve little by little, their eyes becoming more confident and bright, and their bodies becoming healthier, this sense of accomplishment flowed like a gentle stream, converging into a warm lake in their hearts.
One Saturday evening, the four of them had just finished a day of classes and were walking back to the town's guesthouse, the setting sun casting long shadows on them. Su Xiao suddenly stopped, cleared her throat, and wore a smile that was a mixture of excitement, nervousness, and an irrepressible sweetness on her face.
"Um... there's something I need to tell you both." She took Lu Ziang's arm, her voice eight octaves higher than usual.
Lin Wanxing and Jiang Chen stopped in confusion and looked at them.
Lu Ziang adjusted his glasses, his expression as calm as ever, but upon closer inspection, his ears seemed slightly red. He coordinated with Su Xiao, speaking in a serious tone as if announcing the progress of a research project: "After thorough and rational evaluation and consultation between both parties, we have decided to establish a long-term, stable marital relationship."
The air was silent for two seconds.
Lin Wanxing's eyes widened suddenly, she almost gasped, and looked at Su Xiao in disbelief, then at Lu Ziang.
"You...are getting married?!" The news came so suddenly. Although she knew they were already together, the fact that it jumped straight to marriage still shocked her instantly.
Jiang Chen was also clearly stunned. A clear ripple of surprise appeared on his usually expressionless face. His gaze swept back and forth between Su Xiao and Lu Ziang, as if trying to confirm that this was not a joke based on some strange logic.
Seeing their synchronized expressions of shock, Su Xiao finally couldn't hold back and burst out laughing. She shook Lu Ziang's arm triumphantly: "See? I told you they'd have this kind of expression!"
Lin Wanxing snapped out of her daze, her initial shock quickly replaced by overwhelming joy. She stepped forward and hugged Su Xiao tightly, her voice choked with emotion: "Oh my god! Xiao Xiao! Really? That's wonderful! This is... wonderful!" She was genuinely happy for her friend; this happiness had come so quickly and surely, filling her with immense joy.
Jiang Chen walked up to Lu Ziang. No words were needed between the two men. Jiang Chen extended his hand, and Lu Ziang paused slightly before extending his own. The two shook hands firmly.
"Congratulations." Jiang Chen said succinctly, his eyes filled with sincere blessings.
"Thank you." Lu Ziang nodded, adding, "This is the optimal decision."
This untimely, rational remark made Lin Wanxing and Su Xiao, who had just separated from their embrace, burst into laughter simultaneously. Even Jiang Chen's lips curved into a faint but genuine smile. After the initial shock, a deep joy and warmth filled the air amidst the sunset and mountain scenery, a joy and warmth for their dear friend's happiness.
Over the next few weeks, wedding preparations unfolded in a fast-paced yet unique manner. Su Xiao, with Lin Wanxing by her side, took full control of the arrangements, with a clear style—rejecting tediousness and prioritizing uniqueness and sincerity. Lu Ziang, with Jiang Chen by his side, provided the physical labor and… unconditionally carried out Su Xiao's various "instructions."
The wedding was held on a crisp autumn weekend. The venue wasn't a luxury hotel, but rather an open courtyard in the suburbs brimming with artistic flair. There were no traditional red carpets or extravagant decorations; instead, the courtyard was adorned with fresh bouquets and warm yellow string lights, and long tables were set with delicate dishes, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.
There were only a few guests, all close relatives and friends. Lin Wanxing was the bridesmaid, and Jiang Chen was naturally the best man.
As the wedding march began, everyone held their breath as Su Xiao, arm in arm with her father, walked down the path paved with fallen leaves. She wore a simple yet impeccably tailored white satin gown, her short hair styled with an exquisite headpiece, and her face radiated a happy and confident smile—she was dazzlingly beautiful. Lu Zi'ang stood before the altar, dressed in a well-fitting black suit, his expression as calm as ever. But as he watched Su Xiao walk towards him, her figure was clearly reflected in his usually analytical eyes, gleaming with an unmistakable tenderness and certainty.
The ceremony was indeed full of the couple's unique style. During the vows, Su Xiao spoke sincerely and movingly; when she got emotional, her eyes reddened, but her smile was radiant.
When it was Lu Ziang's turn, he took out a… card. It wasn't filled with sweet words, but rather several "commitment clauses" regarding marriage, such as "guaranteeing continuous optimization and upgrading of our relationship," and "respecting and supporting all of Ms. Su Xiao's irrational romantic needs," etc. The points were clear and logically sound, yet each was followed by an awkwardly added phrase like "because I love you"—clearly something Su Xiao had forced him to add. The guests couldn't help but chuckle, yet were deeply moved by this unique sincerity.
After exchanging rings, it was time for the bouquet toss. The single young people gathered at the front of the stage, laughing and joking. Su Xiao turned her back, holding the exquisite bouquet in her hand. She quietly turned around, her gaze precisely sweeping across the crowd, and found Jiang Chen and Lin Wanxing standing slightly to the side, smiling as they watched the scene.
She blinked quickly at Lin Wanxing, then forcefully threw the bouquet backward—directly towards Jiang Chen's location!
A stir ran through the crowd, and several hands reached into the air. Jiang Chen had been watching quietly, not intending to participate, but when the bouquet of flowers flew straight towards him as if it had eyes, he instinctively raised his hand, almost reflexively, and easily and steadily intercepted it in mid-air before an excited girl next to him could snatch it.
A burst of good-natured laughter, exclamations, and applause rang out from the surroundings.
Jiang Chen, holding the unexpected bouquet, paused for a moment, seemingly realizing what he had done. He looked down at the bouquet, a symbol of happiness, then looked up, his gaze landing precisely on Lin Wanxing beside him.
Lin Wanxing was also looking at him, her eyes filled with surprise, a smile, and a hint of gentle encouragement.
A faint hint of embarrassment flashed across Jiang Chen's face, but it quickly transformed into a composed smile. Holding the bouquet, he walked up to Lin Wanxing, said nothing, and gently handed her the flowers.
At this moment, no words were needed. Applause erupted again, even more enthusiastic than before, carrying everyone's blessings.
Watching from the stage, Su Xiao leaned smugly against Lu Zi'ang, grinning like a cat that had just stolen some cream. Lu Zi'ang, with his arm around her shoulder, looked at the perfect couple below the stage, adjusted his glasses, and whispered to Su Xiao, "Not bad, the throwing angle and force were very precise."
Su Xiao laughed and punched him lightly.
As night fell, the string lights in the courtyard lit up, like stars on the ground. Melodious music filled the air, and laughter echoed throughout. Jiang Chen and Lin Wanxing exchanged a smile, holding the bouquets of flowers carrying their friends' blessings, watching the newlyweds dancing slowly in the center of the dance floor, their hearts filled with a peaceful anticipation for the future.
Their new chapter, intertwined with the joyous chimes of their dearest friends, resonates at this moment, playing the warmest and most touching melody of life.
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