Final Chapter
The money she received at the wedding at the God of Wealth's Mansion significantly increased Qian Jin's savings, especially the "golden house" inside her bracelet. She happily counted the money for several days, feeling that life couldn't be more perfect.
The joyful atmosphere hadn't even faded when the wedding banquet at the East Sea Dragon Palace arrived as scheduled.
The location for the wedding was chosen with great ingenuity. It was the very sea area where Qian Jin and Ao Ming had created for the merfolk, the "Storytelling Under the Moon" spot.
The rocky stage, once a stage for telling tales of joy and sorrow, is now adorned as the most magnificent wedding venue. Pearls and silk intertwine, shimmering and reflecting the clear seawater and joyful aquatic creatures below.
All the aquatic leaders from within the East Sea's jurisdiction came to offer their congratulations. The Turtle Prime Minister, accompanied by his shrimp soldiers and crab generals, also presented their carefully prepared gifts: a set of bowls and plates crafted from a giant giant clam shell, possessing built-in heat-retaining and food-preserving properties, and a magnificent yet…and quite heavy, phoenix crown made of countless tiny, colorful shells and pearls. Wearing it, Qian Jin felt as if her neck had been given a workout. This simple yet sincere gift made her beam with joy.
The merfolk were overjoyed to learn that it was Qian Jin's wedding. In their hearts, Qian Jin was a benefactor who brought new life and hope. No story was needed to evoke tears; the heartfelt joy and blessings alone brought tears to their eyes, and they produced another batch of exquisite Rainbow Tear Beads as a wedding gift.
While feeling touched, Qian Jin subconsciously started calculating in her mind: Hmm, another considerable income.
The Dragon King and Queen wanted them to stay in the Dragon Palace for a while longer, but Qian Jin and Ao Ming were still preoccupied with the many matters in Luming Town. They politely declined their offer and, carrying with them their blessings and newfound gains, returned to Luming Town.
Unexpectedly, as soon as I stepped into the town, I was surrounded by enthusiastic villagers.
It turns out that the town had already prepared a grand celebration feast!
A long banquet was set up along Jinxiu Road, and people from all over the town came. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy, even more lively than during the Spring Festival.
Old Li, holding a wine glass and beaming, said, "Immortal Qian, Young Master Ao, our Luming Town is your home! Of course, we should hold another celebration at home!"
The dishes and chopsticks from the wedding banquet had just been cleared away when the land temple held its completion ceremony.
Qian Jin felt like a spinning top, having spun around several times in a row, either eating or on her way to eat. She pinched her cheeks, which seemed a bit rounder, and sighed, "If I keep eating like this, I'm afraid my 'Three Lucky Gods' will turn into the 'Round Lucky Gods'!"
Fortunately, all the busyness was a sweet burden. The border trade permit granted by the God of Wealth of the North Road truly played a significant role. The unique mountain products, herbs, and seafood of Luming Town were sold to the North through this channel, bringing back a steady stream of wealth and resources, and the town prospered at a visible pace.
That day, Ao Ming rushed back from outside and found Qian Jin, who was checking the trade accounts. He was so excited that he was almost incoherent: "Qian Jin! Quick! Go to the local temple! Your masters, your masters...!"
Qian Jin's heart skipped a beat. She threw down the ledger and rushed out with Ao Ming.
The Earth God Temple was completed, its air thick with the smoke of incense, solemn and peaceful. Inside the main hall of that temple, Qian Jin witnessed a scene that instantly brought tears to her eyes—
Three solid yet gentle spiritual entities are suspended in front of the altar.
One is a deep, earthy yellow like the earth itself; another is a vibrant, verdant green like the spring breeze; and the third is a resolute, metallic color like gold and stone.
They were not humanoid, but rather three different colored orbs of light, yet one could clearly sense the familiar aura of the three masters contained within them.
Sensing Qian Jin's arrival, they immediately gathered around affectionately. The earthy yellow spirits gently rubbed against her cheek, the emerald green ones danced around her wrists, and the metallic ones sprinkled shimmering light above her head, filled with affection and joy.
Elder Shen arrived shortly afterward, observed them carefully for a moment, stroked his beard, and looked on with a mixture of relief and a hint of resignation: "It seems that the vibrant life force of Deer Cry Town has greatly nourished them. This is the best state they can recover to after merging with the earth's veins. Their intelligence has been restored, they can perceive the outside world, and they can communicate with you, their closest relative, but returning to human form... I'm afraid that's no longer possible."
As Qian Jin listened, her initial excitement gradually subsided. She reached out and carefully touched the three warm spirits, a tearful yet incredibly satisfied smile appearing on her face: "It's alright, it's alright. It's good that they're still here, it's good that they're still here!"
...
Before we knew it, it was Lunar New Year's Eve.
The town of Luming was already decorated, with bright red lanterns hanging along both sides of Jinxiu Road. Every household had pasted up brand-new Spring Festival couplets and paper-cut window decorations. The air was filled with the aroma of New Year's Eve dinner and the faint smell of smoke from firecrackers.
Many townspeople brought homemade rice cakes, cured meat, and newly brewed rice wine to Qian Jin and Ao Ming's courtyard, insisting on giving "Immortal Qian" New Year's gifts to thank her for everything she had brought to the town.
The children ran over excitedly, chattering around Qian Jin: "Sister Qian, let's go set off fireworks together tonight! You promised us!"
As night fell, heavy snow began to fall outside the window, enveloping the entire town of Luming in a tranquil, silvery-white blanket. Inside Qian Jin's courtyard, however, it was warm and cozy. She had personally prepared an exceptionally lavish New Year's Eve dinner. In the distance, the faint sounds of fireworks exploding in the sky could be heard.
Old Man Shen savored the wine warmed by Ao Ming, gazing at the heavy snow outside the window. He then looked at Qian Jin, who had finished her work and was now resting. Suddenly remembering something, he chuckled and teased, "Qian girl, I remember you always saying that you'd retire and count your money when you suddenly became rich. Now you truly are rich, known throughout the Three Realms. But why do you seem busier than before? This retirement life seems quite different from what you imagined."
Qian Jin poured a full glass of wine for Elder Shen, then glanced at Ao Ming's back as he busied himself in the kitchen, her gaze gentle yet resolute. She turned back, her tone calm yet powerful:
"Mr. Can, I now feel that this is the best retirement."
"The best retirement isn't about lying down and doing nothing, but about having something to do and not worrying about making a living; and what you're doing is something you genuinely enjoy and find meaningful. Besides..."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the cozy little house. Outside the window lay a peaceful town, while inside, the aroma of food filled the air.
The person you love is right next to you. And your friend lives just across the street.
After listening, Elder Shen was stunned for a long time. His eyes revealed a sense of clarity and emotion after experiencing many hardships. He raised his wine glass and clinked it heavily with Qian Jin's glass: "Well said! You girl, it seems that you have really suffered before to have such a thorough understanding."
Qian Jin downed the wine in her glass in one gulp. After the initial spiciness, a sweet aftertaste lingered in her mouth. She smiled, her eyes crinkling: "Yes, I used to think that life was too cruel and harsh on me. But looking back now, it has been really good to me."
At this moment, Ao Ming came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of freshly stir-fried, fragrant side dishes. He carefully placed it on the table, his forehead still covered in flour. Looking at Qian Jin and Elder Shen, he asked curiously, "What are you talking about? You seem so happy."
Qian Jin looked at him, her heart filled with a huge and simple sense of happiness.
She stood up, walked to Ao Ming's side, took his hand, and, as if making a declaration, uttered the words that had been buried deep in her heart for so long, words that could illuminate all the past and future:
"We're talking... The best investment I ever made in my life was slapping you, this 'potential stock,' in the God of Wealth's Mansion."
...
The snow fell silently, covering the traces of the old year.
The fireworks were dazzling, illuminating the hopes for the New Year.
In this small town called Luming, the road is named Jinxiu, the school is named Qiancheng, and the temple carries gratitude and protection.
The former penny-pincher has finally found a treasure even more precious than spirit stones and jewelry.
Those are: love, companionship, responsibility, and belonging.
The story of Qian Jin and Ao Ming has quietly come to a perfect end amidst the warm smoke from cooking fires and the ordinary atmosphere of everyday life.
[End of article]
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