Finalized
When Qian Jin woke up the next day, the sun was already high in the sky, and the bright sunlight shone through the window, making her eyes sting.
The hangover hit right on time; it felt like a bunch of shrimp soldiers were banging drums and gongs in my head, with waves of dull pain.
She rubbed her temples, slowly got up, and pushed open the door to go out. The courtyard was quiet; the others from the Chen Group must have already gone out to attend to their respective tasks. Only Ao Ming sat alone on the stone bench, staring blankly at the green bamboo in the corner of the courtyard, lost in thought.
Upon seeing Qian Jin emerge, Ao Ming immediately sprang to his feet as if wound up, quickly pouring a cup of warm tea and handing it to her. His eyes were filled with cautious concern, and his lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but he swallowed it back.
His hesitant, uneasy demeanor resembled that of a large dog guarding a treasure but fearing its owner would deny its existence.
Qian Jin took the teacup, the warmth spreading through her palms and slightly easing her headache. She sipped it slowly, her eyes somewhat vacant, clearly still feeling the effects of the alcohol.
The two of them sat and stood quietly for a while.
Suddenly, Qian Jin seemed to grasp a sliver of clarity from the chaos. She put down her teacup, looked up at Ao Ming, and spoke in a hoarse voice, still slightly groggy from just waking up, but with unusual directness: "Did you hear what I said before I passed out yesterday?"
Ao Ming was taken aback when she brought it up, then nodded vigorously like a chicken pecking at rice, his azure eyes fixed on her, as if afraid of missing any expression on her face: "I...I heard it!"
"Oh," Qian Jin responded, her expression unchanged, as if to say that the weather was nice today, "Then it's settled."
A seemingly casual remark struck like a thunderbolt, shattering all of Ao Ming's unease and speculation.
He stood there stunned for a long time, his brain processing this overwhelming joy. Then, his eyes visibly reddened, and the tears he had been holding back finally streamed down his face. He choked back sobs, "Waaah... I thought you were drunk! That you forgot as soon as you woke up! I... I didn't dare ask! I was afraid of getting my hopes up for nothing..."
Qian Jin looked at him, laughing and crying without any regard for his image, and felt both annoyed and amused, her heart melting completely.
She stood up, walked over, and hugged him, patting his back like she was comforting a child, her tone filled with helpless affection: "Oh dear, you're always like this... anyone who didn't know better would think I've been bullying you!"
After saying that, she deliberately put on a stern face, imitating the spoiled young masters in folk tales, and extended her index finger to lightly lift Ao Ming's chin, winking and saying, "Come on, beauty, give this master a smile!"
Her comical actions and tone instantly dispelled the lingering tears of emotion in the air. Ao Ming was amused and burst into laughter through his tears, and Qian Jin herself couldn't help but laugh along. The courtyard was filled with a joyful atmosphere.
After the laughter subsided, Qian Jin sat down again, her expression becoming more serious: "However, before getting busy with the wedding, there's something I need to take care of first."
Ao Ming stopped laughing and looked at her in confusion: "???"
...
The Matchmaker's Mansion was still bustling with activity, the endless red threads resembling a dazzling galaxy. Qian Jin had come prepared this time; she had carefully selected several exquisite, shimmering teardrop beads as gifts for the Matchmaker and the Little Matchmaker.
The Old Man of the Moon took the Rainbow Tear Pearl, delighted with it, and smiled broadly, saying, "We've also received reports that the people of Deer Cry Town have spontaneously decided to build a shrine for you and offer incense. The Heavenly Court is currently discussing it! This is quite a rare and exciting event!"
Qian Jin smiled and waved her hand, "No rush, just follow the rules. The reason I came this time," she said, naturally taking Ao Ming's hand beside her, her face beaming with happiness, "is because when I left last time, I promised you that if I ever found a husband, I would make sure the whole Three Realms knew of the Old Man of the Moon's fame! And here I am, to fulfill that promise!"
Ao Ming nodded in agreement, his handsome face flushed with obvious shyness, and whispered, "I'll do whatever Qian Jin says."
The Old Man of the Moon stroked his long, snow-white beard, paused for a moment, then burst into laughter: "Hahaha! I remember now! We made that promise back then, in the midst of our drunken revelry! Good! Good indeed! Qian Jin is a woman of her word!" He looked at their tightly clasped hands, his eyes filled with satisfaction, "You two, after overcoming so many hardships, have finally become a couple, truly a beautiful thing! When the time comes, I will personally attend your weddings with Brother Ban and Sister Lan, to bestow upon you the most perfect blessing for your marriage!"
Everyone was delighted to hear this, and the Old Man Under the Moon's residence was filled with another lively celebration, with people drinking and chatting until they were completely satisfied.
Back at the accommodations arranged by the God of Wealth, the two soon-to-be-married couples gathered together to discuss the specifics of their wedding.
Amidst the joy, a "sweet trouble" arose.
Ban Ge'er spoke first, his tone carrying the straightforwardness unique to the Tiger Clan and an undeniable air of authority: "If you ask me, the wedding should naturally be held in our Tiger Clan territory! The venue is spacious, lively, and grand, sure to be an unforgettable experience for you!"
Ao Ming immediately retorted, his dragon pride making him straighten his back: "The East Sea Dragon Palace is the best choice! Its magnificent palaces and numerous guests will better demonstrate the importance attached to this matter!"
The two men argued fiercely, each believing their idea was the best. They were on the verge of escalating from words to fists, and the air seemed thick with tension.
Lan Jie shook her head with a helpless smile. Qian Jin was also amused and exasperated. Just as she was about to speak up to mediate, she saw the two little boys, Jin Dou'er and Yin Bao'er, skipping and hopping in.
"Qian Jin! Qian Jin!" Jin Dou'er's voice was clear and bright. "The God of Wealth sent us to deliver a message, saying he wants you to come over now; he has important matters to discuss!"
Qian Jin and Ao Ming exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of surprise in each other's eyes. What was the God of Wealth summoning them for at this time? The wedding venue issue, which they had just been arguing about, had to be temporarily put aside.
Upon arriving at the spacious and peaceful main hall of the God of Wealth, before Qian Jin could even ask any questions, the God of Wealth announced with a smile that surprised everyone: "Qian Jin, the Heavenly Court has approved the people of Luming Town's request to venerate you as their guardian deity."
The hall fell silent for a moment. So fast? Everyone was a little taken aback.
Qian Jin blinked, processing the news, and asked with a hint of disbelief, "So... I'm officially... a minor deity now? The kind with a formal position and receiving offerings?"
“That’s right.” The God of Wealth nodded affirmatively, his smile widening. “From now on, you will be recognized by Heaven and worshipped in this region as one of the Three Blessing Gods.”
"That's wonderful!" Lan Jie'er was the first to smile and grab Qian Jin's hand. Ban Ge'er patted Ao Ming's shoulder forcefully and congratulated him loudly. Ao Ming looked at Qian Jin, his eyes filled with pride and joy, even happier than if he himself had received any reward. Jin Dou'er and Yin Bao'er happily circled around Qian Jin. For a moment, the hall was filled with congratulations and laughter.
Once everyone had calmed down a bit, the God of Wealth's expression turned somewhat solemn as he instructed, "Qian Jin, though your divine position is esteemed, your responsibilities are even greater. From now on, you must be even more careful in your words and actions, taking it upon yourself to protect Luming Town and bring blessings to all living beings, so as not to fail the faith of the people and the expectations of the Heavenly Court."
Qian Jin suppressed her smile and nodded earnestly: "Qian Jin understands, and will do her best."
Overjoyed, Qian Jin remembered the unfinished argument from earlier, and an idea popped into her head.
She looked at Sister Lan and Brother Ban and smiled, "We were just arguing about where to hold the wedding, but I have a new idea. We met at the God of Wealth's Mansion, which is where everything started and has great significance. How about we hold our core ceremony of marriage at the God of Wealth's Mansion? It would be convenient to invite our mutual elders and friends to join in the festivities. As for the specific customs and celebrations of our respective tribes, we can hold separate ceremonies at the Tiger Tribe and the Dragon Palace after the main ceremony. What do you think?"
This compromise preserved the origins of their friendship while respecting their respective traditions. After a brief consideration, Lan Jie'er and Ban Ge'er agreed, nodding in their approval. Ao Ming, naturally, had no objections either, leaving everything to Qian Jin's discretion.
Just when everyone thought the matter was settled, the God of Wealth, who had been listening with a smile, coughed lightly twice, attracting everyone's attention.
"Ahem," the God of Wealth stroked his beard, glancing around with feigned seriousness, "You children, discussing so animatedly and making such quick decisions, have you forgotten to ask... what your master thinks?"
Everyone was taken aback and looked at the God of Wealth, feeling a little uneasy. Did the God of Wealth think that holding a wedding at the God of Wealth's Mansion was against the rules?
The God of Wealth, having kept everyone in suspense, finally couldn't help but burst into laughter upon seeing the several faces that had suddenly tensed up. His round face was full of kindness and amusement: "Of course... I have no objections! Not only do I have no objections, but I will also prepare a generous gift for you! It's been a long time since the God of Wealth's Mansion has hosted such a grand celebration!"
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