Shen Muzhi looked into Xiang Zhilan's eyes, his face tense.
Everyone watching held their breath, staring intently at the stage and at Xiang Zhilan.
Xiang Zhilan nervously clasped her hands on her stomach, parted her lips slightly, and said in a voice that was neither too loud nor too soft, "I... am willing."
A thunderous applause erupted from below as the priest announced the exchange of rings.
After the ring was put on her, Xiang Zhilan's body felt completely drained, as calm as still water.
The guests cheered, "Kiss! Kiss!"
Xu Tingchuan put his arm around Ni Sitian's waist and lowered his head to press his lips against hers.
Ni Sitian was a little shy about kissing in public, and her hands unconsciously gripped Xu Tingchuan's clothes tightly, welcoming his intense kiss.
Shen Muzhi lifted Xiang Zhilan's veil, lowered his head to kiss her lips, but Xiang Zhilan instinctively turned her head away, and he only managed to kiss the corner of her mouth. Fortunately, the audience below couldn't see clearly from that angle and didn't realize it was a misplaced kiss.
After the two couples kissed, the vows ceremony officially ended, and they moved on to the banquet hall inside the hotel.
Ni Sitian and Xiang Zhilan went into the dressing room to change into their second dresses.
Ni Sitian's second dress was a fitted red cheongsam embroidered with gold thread, with a modified fishtail skirt made of layered tulle, which made her look dignified and beautiful when she walked.
Xiang Zhilan's second dress was a light red evening gown, light and flowing, with a skirt that reached the ground, making it easy to conceal the flat shoes she was wearing.
"Two beautiful brides, come on, let's take a picture together." Xu Jiayue and Fu Wenuan entered the dressing room and said with a smile.
After taking photos of four different combinations, Xu Jiayue showed the photos to Ni Sitian with her camera so she could choose the best ones.
Fu Wenwen and Xiang Zhilan were chatting. Fu Wenwen mentioned that she had been experiencing severe morning sickness recently and asked Xiang Zhilan how she was doing.
"I was vomiting a lot a while ago, but I got better after taking care of myself. Except for the mornings and when I smelled any particular odor, I basically don't vomit anymore." Xiang Zhilan glanced at Fu Wennuan's belly and smiled, "You should be almost three months along, right?"
“Yes, I have a prenatal checkup next week.” Fu Wennuan smiled and added, “I heard that morning sickness will lessen after three months. I hope it will get better in another week or two. I’m so dizzy from all the vomiting.”
"How about I go ask around and get you the prescription?" Xiang Zhilan said with a light smile.
The two got along very well, mostly talking about pregnant women.
Upon hearing this, Xu Jiayue jokingly said to Ni Sitian, "Sister-in-law, you should also try harder and give me a little nephew or niece soon."
Ni Sitian smiled wryly. This wasn't about whether she put in more effort or not; it was about Xu Tingchuan...
"It's almost time, let's go out to entertain the guests." Ni Sitian changed the subject and stood up.
The group left the dressing room together. Ni Sitian walked side by side with Xiang Zhilan and said in a low voice, "You look very tired. Take a break if you can, don't overwork yourself."
"I know." Xiang Zhilan nodded.
Upon entering the banquet hall, Xu Tingchuan saw Ni Sitian and immediately walked over quickly, took her hand, and said softly, "There are a few tables to toast later. I'll cover for you, so you can drink less."
Those tables are for important elders, so we have to offer them toasts. We've already arranged for people to help us toast and greet the others.
"You should drink less; your stomach is even worse than mine," Ni Sitian said with a smile, her words tinged with concern.
Xiang Zhilan looked at them caring for and loving each other, then looked away, smiled bitterly, and realized that compared to Ni Sitian, she didn't look like a bride at all.
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