Chapter 57 Epilogue (4) He wasn't greedy, he only...
The car's heater was on full blast. Wen Chen clutched the black velvet box in his hand. The velvet on the box was softened by his body heat, and the fine silver patterns inlaid on the edges gleamed faintly in the dim light.
The snow outside intensified, the car headlights casting two narrow streaks of light. Countless snowflakes rushed towards the beams of light, instantly striking the glass and melting into damp specks that trickled down the windowsill. Gu Moheng gripped the steering wheel tightly, his gaze fixed on the snow-blurred road ahead, but his peripheral vision drifted uncontrollably towards the passenger seat.
"Gu Moheng." Wen Chen suddenly spoke, his voice crisp and clear, carrying the chill of the wind and snow. His gaze remained fixed on the withered forest rushing past the window, the white snow piled high on the branches falling in a rustling sound as the car bumped along, revealing the dark brown branches beneath.
"I'll keep this nameplate."
Gu Moheng's breath hitched. The elation in his chest was about to burst forth, but Wen Chen's abrupt, sharp tone left him hanging in mid-air: "However, the design of the tombstone needs to be changed."
Gu Moheng remained silent for three seconds, swallowing the overwhelming joy that welled up in his mouth as his Adam's apple bobbed. He asked, puzzled, "What's not to your liking?"
Is it because you feel that the location isn't good enough?
He would do anything Wen Chen asked, even if it meant buying the entire cemetery and rebuilding it.
“Don’t say ‘love for a lifetime.’” Wen Chen turned his head, his eyes shining brightly in the dimly lit carriage. “How many years is a lifetime? Eighty years? One hundred years?” He leaned forward slightly, his breath brushing against Gu Moheng’s earlobe. “Too short.”
Gu Moheng was stunned, his dark pupils filled with joy, like a desert parched by rain. He almost immediately replied, "Change it to 'eternal'."
The car slowly slowed down. Ahead was a long red light, the red brake light reflecting off the windshield, casting their shadows in shifting light and shadow, the air thick with unspoken emotions.
As soon as the car came to a stop, there was a soft "click" and the passenger seatbelt buckle popped open.
Before Gu Moheng could react, a shadow loomed over him. Wen Chen released his restraints, leaned over the wide center console, and closed the distance between them. He pressed one hand against the back of Gu Moheng's neck, ran it through the thick hair, and kissed him without warning.
Wen Chen took the initiative, which was extremely rare for her.
Gu Moheng was stunned for only a second. Then he grabbed Wen Chen's waist with his other hand, his fingertips sinking into the soft fabric, pressing the person tightly against him, their lips and teeth touching, their breaths mingling.
The two separated, panting, as the cars behind them honked their horns, one after another, shattering the silence of the swirling snow. Their foreheads touched, noses brushing against each other, warm breaths spraying onto each other's faces, carrying a hint of intimacy. Gu Moheng's eyes were terribly red, the tears still glistening, like a large dog whose fur had been stroked, his gaze fixed on Wen Chen's face with infatuation, unwilling to even blink.
Wen Chen raised her hand, her fingertips brushing against his moist lips. "The awards ceremony is tomorrow."
Mentioning this, the infatuation in Gu Moheng's eyes gradually melted away, replaced by a confident pride: "The private jet has been arranged long ago. It will fly directly to London tomorrow night. You can sleep on the plane and land just in time to adjust to the time difference, so it won't delay the award ceremony."
He knew Wen Chen's itinerary inside and out, from the details of the awards ceremony to all the plans after arriving in London, and had checked them all countless times.
Looking at him like this, Wen Chen gently stroked his cheek with her fingers, a light, ticklish sensation. "Whether I win an award tomorrow or not—"
“You definitely do.” Gu Moheng interrupted him without thinking. In his world, Wen Chen was the uncrowned king of the architecture world. “No one is more worthy of that golden ruler than you.”
Wen Chen smiled helplessly, a gentle ripple in her eyes, and reached out to press down on his still-talking lips. The lips beneath her palm were warm and soft, still moist from the recent kiss: "Let me finish."
Gu Moheng tightened his grip on the steering wheel and obediently shut his mouth, but the expectation in his eyes did not diminish at all.
"Whether we win an award or not, we'll get married in London after the event," Wen Chen said calmly.
The monotonous sound of the windshield wipers scraping against the glass, one stroke after another, swept away the constantly falling snowflakes.
Gu Moheng, who was staring straight ahead, widened his eyes. "Marry...marry?" The word rolled on his tongue. He felt like he was walking on clouds, light as a feather, his mind a complete mess, with the word "marry" echoing repeatedly in his head.
Wen Chen withdrew his hand and fastened his seatbelt again. "I've already arranged the church. It's a small chapel near St. Paul's Cathedral. It's a small ceremony, just a few close friends and family members, and a few people from the studio. I want to keep it low-key."
Gu Moheng's hands were still shaking, and he could barely hold onto the steering wheel. He felt like he was floating.
“But…” his voice was hoarse, his Adam’s apple bobbing with difficulty, “your conditions…”
When Wen Chen agreed to marry him, she clearly stated that she would only consider taking things further after winning the "Golden Ruler" award and proving her independence and achievements. This is also why Gu Moheng has never dared to force marriage, but only dared to secretly buy himself a burial plot and carve a vow of lifelong commitment.
"I've changed my mind." Wen Chen turned to look at the fleeting night view outside the window, a faint but gentle smile curving his lips, his expression reflected in the glass.
“The award is important; it represents my professional aspirations.” He turned around, meeting Gu Moheng’s eyes with unwavering determination. “But Gu Moheng, you are more important.”
Some things don't need a certificate to prove them, but some promises need a ceremony to be engraved.
Since we're going to stay together forever, let's start tomorrow.
Don't waste a single day.
"Okay." Gu Moheng stepped on the gas, and the car shot into the swirling snow like an arrow. The roar of the engine pierced the darkness, and the headlights cut through the thick snow. He just wanted to make this person his own, rightfully and legitimately. To carve it on a monument, imprint it on a certificate, lock it into his destiny, and never let go again.
-
The snow in London was much heavier than in China, with large, silent snowflakes covering the city in a thick layer of silver.
The heavy velvet curtains were pulled open a crack, and a biting chill seeped into the temperature-controlled suite through the glass gap, colliding with the indoor heating and condensing into fine water droplets that trickled down.
Wen Chen stood in front of the dressing mirror, letting the man behind him adjust his bow tie. The mirror reflected their figures; Gu Moheng was wearing a black bespoke suit in the same color scheme, his figure was upright, but his eyes were dark and swollen, clearly he hadn't slept all night.
This ruthless and decisive CEO Gu, who was known for his decisive actions on Wall Street, was now trembling with fear over the Windsor knot.
"It's crooked." Wen Chen said calmly, his gaze falling on Gu Moheng's taut jawline through the mirror, where he could see his teeth clenched tightly.
Gu Moheng's hand froze, and he immediately disassembled it and started over.
"alright."
Gu Moheng finally finished tying the knot, let out a long sigh, and lingered his fingertips on Wen Chen's Adam's apple.
“Perfect.” Gu Moheng took a half step back, his gaze greedily tracing Wen Chen’s features. The smoky gray haute couture suit was sharply tailored, making Wen Chen’s posture as slender as a pine tree, aloof and noble, with a composure between his brows that had been refined over eight years.
"Let's go."
Gu Moheng's fingers twitched in mid-air for a moment, then he clenched them into a fist and strode after him.
-
At the awards ceremony, the Royal Albert Hall was brightly lit, with the crystal chandeliers on the dome reflecting countless rays of light. On both sides of the red carpet, the sound of camera shutters created a white sea, rising and falling, recording every glittering figure.
Gu Moheng had taken his seat in the very center of the first row early on. Dressed in a black suit, he exuded an aura of coldness that kept strangers at bay. His brows were slightly furrowed, and his oppressive presence made it easy for those around him to approach. It wasn't until Wen Chen appeared on the side stage that the iceberg instantly crumbled into a pool of spring water.
The international architectural masters around him were talking in hushed tones, their words filled with anticipation and discussion about the award. And then there was Mr. Gu from Mosheng Capital, who never attends any events, but was actually there in person.
Gu Moheng sat upright, completely oblivious to the probing gazes directed at him. His palms were sweaty as he gripped the hard velvet box tightly in his pocket.
"Next, we will present this year's 'Golden Ruler' International Architecture Award!" The award presenter's voice was deep and powerful, echoing through the huge concert hall and instantly igniting the atmosphere.
Gu Moheng held his breath for a moment, his heart pounding violently in his chest, almost leaping out of his throat.
It has to be him, it absolutely has to be him.
His warmth and sincerity deserve the world's praise.
"The winner is—" The guest opened the envelope, paused deliberately for two seconds, glanced at the audience, and finally looked to the side of the stage, his voice filled with joyful cadence, "Wen Chen, from China!"
Thunderous applause erupted, instantly flooding the entire hall like a tidal wave.
Gu Moheng suddenly stood up and looked at the person under the spotlight, his excitement and pride almost overflowing.
Wen Chen calmly rose, buttoned his suit jacket, and walked step by step to the center of the stage. Eight years of rebuilding from ruins, eight years of agonizing days and nights, had finally blossomed into its most magnificent form at this moment. He accepted the heavy, golden trophy and stood before the microphone.
The lights were so bright that he squinted slightly. In contrast, the audience was completely dark, but he still managed to pinpoint the man standing in the front row who was now even somewhat disoriented.
As is customary, he calmly thanked the judges for their recognition and the team for their cooperation, every word of which was sincere.
Until the very end.
Wen Chen's fingers gently caressed the cold trophy, and her voice suddenly softened: "Finally, I would like to give special thanks to one person."
The room fell silent; everyone could hear the unusual tone in his voice.
Gu Moheng stood below the stage, his breath almost stopping.
"Eight years ago, when he left, I thought my world had collapsed, leaving only ruins." Wen Chen's voice clearly resonated in every corner through the loudspeaker.
“But eight years later, he came back.” Wen Chen looked in the direction below the stage, a smile slowly curving his lips, his eyes filled with light. “With his stubbornness and his favoritism, he helped me rebuild my whole world, brick by brick.”
Wen Chen raised the trophy in her hand and, through the dazzling lights, offered it to Gu Moheng from afar.
"Gu Moheng."
He called out the name, saying, "This award is half yours."
Without your financial support and unwavering protection, my talent might have struggled in the mud for a long time. Since you are willing to be the root in the mud, silently nourishing me, then I will be the blooming flower, coexisting with you and blossoming for you.
Wen Chen buried these unspoken words deep in her heart, took the trophy, and walked straight off the stage under everyone's gaze.
I pushed my way through the crowd to the front row. The director's camera didn't cut away at that moment; everyone was watching, anticipating a deeply moving hug.
Even Wen Chen opened her arms, a gentle smile in her eyes.
However, the next second...
In front of the world's cameras, Gu Moheng knelt down on one knee without hesitation.
"Whoosh—"
A gasp of disbelief erupted from the crowd, and the sound of camera shutters instantly intensified as countless flashes focused on the scene, capturing this breathtaking moment.
That was Gu Moheng, the infamous "capital tyrant" of Wall Street, the helmsman of Mosheng Capital, a man who had always appeared aloof and superior in the media spotlight. At this moment, however, he was kneeling devoutly at the feet of another man.
With trembling hands, Gu Moheng pulled the black velvet box from his pocket. His fingertips were stiff from excessive tension, and it took him several attempts to open the clasp.
Two gold plaques, gleaming with a cold light, lay quietly on the velvet lining.
Gu Moheng will love Wen Chen forever.
Wen Chen will be loved by Gu Moheng for eternity.
The camera zoomed in, and the two lines of extremely romantic words were clearly displayed on the big screen, igniting the emotions of the entire audience.
Gu Moheng held up the two plaques, looking up at Wen Chen, "Eight years ago, I arrogantly pushed you away, owing you a future, owing you countless days and nights of companionship. Now, I give you my life, my affairs after death, and every single second of this life."
He stared intently into Wen Chen's eyes, as if he wanted to expose his soul to him. "Marry me, or marry me."
"Anything is fine, as long as it's you."
Wen Chen looked at the man kneeling before him and suddenly smiled. He casually stuffed the "Golden Ruler" trophy in his hand into Gu Moheng's arms, as if exchanging tokens. He reached out and took out the nameplate engraved with the name of Gu Moheng from the box.
Clutched tightly in my palm.
"Mr. Gu, you've got a good plan." Wen Chen bent down, grabbed Gu Moheng's tie, and forced him to look up. The two were extremely close, their breaths mingling, carrying each other's warmth.
"Gu Moheng, I, Wen Chen, will marry you."
As soon as he finished speaking, he lowered his head and fiercely kissed those trembling lips. It wasn't a gentle, fleeting kiss, but a possessive, plundering kiss.
The audience was stunned for a few seconds. Then, they erupted in applause and screams that were a hundred times more enthusiastic than during the awards ceremony.
The flashbulbs went off wildly, freezing this moment in time.
The next day, the photo of Wen Chen grabbing Gu Moheng's tie and forcibly kissing him, while Gu Moheng knelt on the ground with a look of utter despair, made headlines in major media outlets around the world.
The title is only one line long.
"A Pact of Death: Eternal Submission Under the Golden Ruler"
-
The frosted glass door to the bathroom was pushed open, releasing a steamy, warm breeze. Wen Chen walked barefoot on the carpet, water droplets from her hair sliding down her slender neck and disappearing into the collar of her dark blue pajamas.
It was still snowing in the dead of night in London, but the room was warm and cozy. He casually picked up a towel to dry his hair, his gaze sweeping over the edge of the large bed. Gu Moheng was sitting there, his back slightly hunched, holding his phone in his hand. The light from the screen reflected in his deep eyes, making it look surprisingly bright. A cheap, silly smile played on his lips as he stared intently at the screen.
Wen Chen walked over, and the mattress sank in as he moved.
"Have you seen enough?" His voice carried a lazy quality, as if he had just taken a shower, with a slight rise at the end.
Gu Moheng didn't look up, his fingers still tracing the globally circulated photo on the screen, his tone clearly one of satisfaction and boasting, "I can't get enough of it." He held the phone up to Wen Chen, showing it off like a treasure, "Look, in this photo, there's light in our eyes."
On the screen was the front page that was being widely circulated by major media outlets.
Under the dazzling lights of the Royal Concert Hall, Gu Moheng knelt on one knee, his eyes filled with a fervent yet humble gaze. Wen Chen, however, gripped his tie, her kiss both domineering and resolute.
That was indeed light. It was a flame pieced together from two broken souls amidst the ruins.
Wen Chen glanced at it, and the blatant love on it made his ears burn slightly, but a faint smile involuntarily appeared on his lips.
The next second, he suddenly picked up his phone, opened the camera, and switched to the front-facing camera.
"Come here." Wen Chen leaned back against the headboard, her posture relaxed.
Gu Moheng immediately moved closer, his shoulder pressed tightly against Wen Chen's shoulder in an intimate gesture.
The camera captured the two people's current appearance: bare faces after a shower, still-drip hair, and matching dark pajamas. The background was the dark, deep night view of London outside the window, with faint neon lights.
"Look at the camera," Wen Chen reminded him.
Gu Moheng turned his head to the side, his eyes fixed on Wen Chen on the screen, the love in his eyes almost overflowing, and even the smile on his lips was full of undisguised doting.
"Crack".
The image freezes.
Wen Chen opened Weibo with satisfaction, ignoring the 99+ message notifications that had already exploded in the background. Her fingers flew across the keyboard, her tone unusually direct and flamboyant:
[Winner of the award, proposed to, and now I'm completely tied to him. Update: Getting married tomorrow, thanks for your attention. @顾默珩]
Click send.
Gu Moheng immediately opened his Weibo account and forwarded the post without hesitation, adding an even heavier shackle to that post.
[Forever and ever, never to be separated, thank you for witnessing. @WenChen]
After sending the message, he stared at the screen for a long time, his fingers repeatedly tracing Wen Chen's face in the photo, before finally putting down his phone. Turning his head, he saw that Wen Chen had already lifted the covers and crawled inside, her back to him, her breathing steady, seemingly already a little sleepy.
"Go to sleep." Wen Chen's voice was a little muffled. "I have to get up early for church tomorrow, and I don't want my groom to have dark circles under his eyes."
Gu Moheng chuckled softly and turned off the bedside lamp. Darkness instantly engulfed the room, leaving only the faint light of the snow filtering in from the window and the rustling sound of snowflakes falling on the glass.
He slipped into bed, stretched out his long arm, and skillfully embraced Wen Chen from behind, his chest pressed tightly against Wen Chen's back. He buried his face in the slightly damp crook of Wen Chen's neck, deeply inhaling his fragrance, as if this was his whole world.
"Wen Chen," he called softly.
"Hmm?" Wen Chen responded, adjusting herself into a comfortable position in his arms.
Gu Moheng tightened his arms. "I've already reserved the next life." The two plaques were engraved with eternity. He wasn't greedy; he only wanted every next life.
Wen Chen opened his eyes in the darkness. He could feel the burning heat emanating from the body behind him, and the violently pounding heart. He suddenly rolled over, and in the darkness, he accurately found Gu Moheng's lips and kissed them.
"...Approved."
Wen Chen's voice was soft, yet it struck Gu Moheng's heart. Gu Moheng suddenly grabbed the back of his head and deepened the kiss.
Outside the window, the church bells rang in the distance.
clang--
The sound pierced through the swirling snow and echoed through the London night sky, distant and solemn.
A new day has begun.
Their eternity has only just begun.
---------------------- -
Author's Note: The grand finale!
Thank you for accompanying me on this journey of the story. Thank you for every late night you stayed up to read the updates, for every thoughtful comment, and for every smile you gave for Wen Chen and Gu Moheng. It is you who made these two people truly live, suffer, and ultimately find happiness in a parallel universe.
At the beginning of the writing, I only wanted to write an old trope of a broken mirror being mended. Wen Chen built a high wall with rationality, and then personally demolished it in the moment of certainty; Gu Moheng destroyed everything he cared about with his obsession, and then rebuilt his home on the ruins with the same obsession.
They are not perfect, but it is precisely these imperfections that make their love precious.
To Wen Chen:
May your blueprints forever sparkle with inspiration, and may your buildings stand for a hundred years. May your rationality always be your armor, and may Gu Moheng's embrace be the only safe haven where you are willing to lay down your armor. May that piano always be played for you, and may two figures always sit side by side drinking tea under the shade of the camphor tree.
You deserve all the good things in this time, because you are good to begin with.
To Gu Moheng:
May your wounds heal completely, not just on your skin, but also the unseen cracks in your heart. May you learn not only to love, but also to forgive, trust, and be loved. Accept everything Wen Chen gives you with equanimity, just as you once gave him everything without hesitation. May your business empire remain forever stable, but even more stable than the empire is the home with him.
You deserve to be treated gently because you have never given up on being gentle.
May every tomorrow in parallel universes see them awaken to each other's breath and grow old in each other's gaze.
Finally, thank you again, my dear readers.
The story will end, but love will not. Just as Wen Chen said to Gu Moheng: "A lifetime is too short, it must last forever."
May we all meet that person in our lives whom we want to spend "forever".
If not, don't worry. Your Gu Moheng or Wen Chen may be walking towards you step by step through the crowd. And when they appear, you will know that all the waiting was worthwhile.
The story ends here.
But love never ends. [Heart]
See you in the next book. [Hugs]
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