Chapter 92 Spend Time Together
The couple did not choose a popular wedding destination for their ceremony, but instead chose a small Dutch town near the North Sea.
Their "hall" is a private lakeside lawn behind a boutique hotel that has been family-run for many years.
The lake water is clear, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds and the lush woods on the opposite bank.
In the early morning, before the mist had completely dissipated, the lawn had already been carefully decorated.
There was no red carpet, just a path paved with blue forget-me-nots and light green moss.
The guest chairs were simple wooden benches with backrests, each with a small bouquet of lily of the valley and tulips tied to the back with soft gray-green ribbon. The air was filled with the scent of grass, earth, and a faint floral touch.
Tang Ximian was standing in a room on the second floor of the hotel, with his brother Tang Li helping him to adjust his tie and suit buttons.
He was wearing a tailor-made white suit. The fabric was soft and the cut was excellent, which made his waist and legs look slim and long. He looked as fresh as the lily of the valley covered with dew outside the window.
The pocket square on his chest was chosen by Si Yankai. It was a dark blue silk with a subtle luster, which contrasted with his fingers trembling slightly with nervousness.
"Alright." Tang Li took a step back and looked him up and down, his eyes filled with undisguised pride and a subtle hint of emotion. "Our Mian Mian is definitely the most handsome one today."
From downstairs, the soft sound of a classical guitar could be heard, playing a tune that they all liked very much.
"Brother, I'm a little nervous." Tang Ximian said softly and took a deep breath.
Tang Li smiled and patted his shoulder: "Why are you so nervous? Those sitting down here are all eager to throw their best wishes in your faces. Let's go, he's waiting for you."
When Tang Ximian appeared at the end of the lawn, all the whispered conversations stopped.
The sun was shining right on him, and he saw Si Yankai standing under the flower arch.
Si Yankai was wearing a darker charcoal gray suit, with the same tailored fit, outlining the superior lines of broad shoulders and narrow waist.
He stood straight, his eyes traversing the short flower path and firmly locked onto Tang Ximian. There was unmistakable love, appreciation and a quiet certainty in his eyes.
He wore a blue tie on his collar that was exactly the same color as Tang Ximian's pocket square.
Tang Ximian walked over step by step, with soft green grass and flower petals on both sides.
He could hear the gentle lapping of the water against the shore, the rustling of leaves in the wind, and the beating of his own heart.
He saw Yu Shu and other close classmates winking at him on the bench. Mo Ziyan nodded slightly and looked at them with Qin Yulin. Mu Jiu raised his camera and took silent and rapid photos. Le Yaqi covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes sparkling.
Sitting at the front of the bench were Tang Ximian’s grandmother, grandmother, grandfather, and Si Yankai’s parents.
They all looked at them tenderly, smiled and gave their blessings.
Tang Li, a few steps behind him, always watched his brother walk towards happiness with a firm gaze.
He stood in front of Si Yankai.
Si Yankai naturally stretched out his hand, and he immediately held it. The familiar, dry and warm touch instantly and strangely soothed most of his tension.
The ceremony was presided over by a highly respected local old scholar invited by the hotel. He spoke English with a pleasant Dutch accent and his tone was soothing and solemn.
He talks about love, commitment and responsibility.
When it was their turn to say the oath, Tang Ximian took out a small folded card with slightly rough edges from the inside pocket of his suit - it was obvious that it had been touched repeatedly many times.
He took a deep breath and looked into Si Yankai's eyes. His voice was clear, with a little imperceptible sob, but it was extremely clear:
"Si Yankai, I used to think that life was very long, so long that I couldn't see the end. After meeting you, I realized that life can be so short, so short that I'm afraid I won't have enough time to give you all the good things. I'm not good at saying nice things, but I've packed up all my future, all my likes, dependence, little tempers, and silly looks, and today, I'm giving them all to you. Please, keep them well. And I will always love you and be with you until the end of my life."
Si Yankai listened quietly, tightening his grip on his hand slightly.
He didn't take the card, but just looked at Tang Ximian deeply, as if he wanted to carve his current appearance into the depths of his soul. His voice was lower than usual, and every word hit the heart:
"Tang Ximian, I've taken your 'future'. It's not short; we'll live it together for a long time, long enough for every day to be filled with the surprises you love and the simple warmth you cherish. From this moment on, the underlying color of every second of my future is you. You are my home, my destination, and the destination of all my struggles and happiness."
When they exchanged the rings, the pair of platinum rings shone with a warm light in the sunlight.
Si Yankai carefully put the ring on Tang Ximian's left ring finger. The size was perfect.
Tang Ximian also followed his example and carefully pushed the other one to the base of his finger.
The old scholar smiled and announced the end of the ceremony.
The next second, colorful confetti and petals gushed out from the hands of Mu Jiu, Yu Shu and others, fluttering like a rain of flowers.
Tang Li was the first to rush up and hugged Tang Ximian tightly and forcefully. Then he turned to Si Yankai, shook hands with him firmly, and hugged him again. He whispered something in his ear, and Si Yankai nodded solemnly.
Others also gathered around, and the sounds of blessings and laughter instantly filled the entire lawn.
Lunch was served at a long, family-style table by the lake, the pristine white tablecloth laden with exquisite Dutch delicacies: freshly caught North Sea herring, a cheese platter of various flavors, perfectly grilled lamb chops, and a heaping pile of vibrant red strawberry tarts.
The sun is warm, the clinking of wine glasses makes crisp sounds, and the air is filled with the aroma of food, flowers, and the taste of happiness.
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