48
As the flight to Paris passed through the clouds, Shen Qingyu was adjusting Yu Wang's tie. She gently smoothed the light gray silk tie, her fingertips occasionally touching his collar, bringing a subtle warmth.
Outside the window was a sea of clouds, and sunlight streamed in through the porthole, casting a soft glow on her light pink dress.
"Mom lives in the Haussmann apartment on the left bank of the Seine. She's a well-known perfectionist. Even the tableware must be placed down to the centimeter." Shen Qingyu raised her eyes, her tone teasing, but also with a hint of worry. "When you see her later, she might ask a lot of questions about the details of your life, such as your sleep schedule, diet, and even your protective habits during training. Don't be annoyed."
Yu Wang held her hand, gently stroking the back of her hand with his fingertips, his eyes full of tenderness: "Don't worry, now that I'm here, I'm ready to accept Aunt's 'inspection'. Besides, these are things I usually pay attention to, just answer sincerely." He paused, took out a velvet box from his bag, opened it and showed it to her, "Look, I even asked Grandpa to ask someone to find this - the 'Midnight Flight' perfume from the 1950s. I heard that Aunt has been looking for this collection."
Shen Qingyu's eyes widened in surprise. This perfume was a Guerlain classic, and very few were left in the world. She hadn't expected Yu Wang to be so thoughtful. She leaned on his shoulder and whispered, "Thank you for thinking so much about my mother."
It was afternoon in Paris when the plane landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport. As I walked out of the airport entrance, I saw a driver holding a sign that read "Ms. Shen Qingyu." He was wearing a black suit and had a respectful attitude.
“Ms. Shen, Mr. Yu, Mr. Lin is already waiting for you in the apartment, please follow me.”
The car drove through the streets of Paris. The Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe stood out in the sunlight. The plane trees lining the streets swayed in the wind, and the air was filled with the aroma of coffee and bread. Half an hour later, the car pulled into a Haussmann-style apartment building. The beige exterior, with its intricate carvings, exuded a rich French charm. The elevator ascended to the top floor. As the door opened, brisk footsteps were heard.
"Yu Yu!" A middle-aged woman in a Chanel suit came forward. Her hair was meticulously styled and her makeup was exquisite. Although there were fine lines at the corners of her eyes, it added to her charm. It was Shen Qingyu's mother, Lin Yi. She hugged Shen Qingyu, her tone full of longing: "My precious daughter, you finally come to see your mother."
Shen Qingyu smiled and hugged her back: "Mom, I miss you too."
Lin Yi let go of her daughter and immediately set her eyes on Yu Wang. Her gaze, with the sharpness characteristic of someone in the art world, scrutinized him meticulously, from his hairstyle to the cut of his suit to the style of his shoes. Without the slightest hint of offense, she revealed a dedication to detail.
"Hello, Auntie. I'm Yu Wang." Yu Wang stepped forward and handed over the gift he had prepared with both hands. He said sincerely, "I heard you like collecting perfumes. This is the 'Midnight Flight' from the 1950s that I asked my grandfather to find. I hope you like it."
Lin Yi took the velvet box, opened it, and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. She had indeed been looking for this perfume for a long time, but she didn't expect Yu Wang to be so attentive. "You are thoughtful." Her tone softened, and she stepped aside to let them in. "Come in, the private chef has prepared dinner."
The apartment was decorated in a classic French luxury style. The living room's crystal chandelier shone brightly, Impressionist paintings hung on the walls, and the sofas were covered with velvet cushions—every detail exuded refinement. Dinner was served in the dining room, where a long table was covered with a white tablecloth and set with silverware and goblets. The appetizer was foie gras with figs, and the main course was seared steak. Each dish was a work of art.
During the dinner, Lin Yi asked many practical questions as Shen Qingyu had said, without beating around the bush.
"Yu Wang, I heard that esports players train for over ten hours a day. They usually train so late. How do they stay healthy? They can't just live on takeout and coffee, right?"
Yu Wang put down his knife and fork and answered seriously, "Auntie, I usually pay attention to my diet. The team has a dedicated nutritionist who prepares meals that are mainly high in protein and low in fat. I also take time to exercise during training, such as running and fitness. I also play basketball once a week to ensure my physical fitness."
"I heard that e-sports players are prone to carpal tunnel syndrome. Have you taken any protective measures?" Lin Yi asked again, his eyes falling on his wrist.
"Yes," Yu Wang raised his wrist, revealing the wrist guard on it. "We wear a professional wrist guard during training, and we take a ten-minute break every hour to do wrist stretching exercises. The team also hired a rehabilitation therapist to regularly relax our muscles to prevent occupational diseases."
Lin Yi nodded, and instead of asking about health issues, she started talking about the future. "What are your plans for the future? Would you consider developing in Europe? For example, participating in e-sports related fashion collaborations. Many brands now like to collaborate with the e-sports community."
"The current plan is to lead the team to play well in the competition first, and then turn to team management or e-sports industry operations after retirement." Yu Wang answered clearly, "If there is a suitable European cooperation opportunity, I am also willing to try it. After all, Qingyu's family is here, and it is not bad to have another development direction." His words not only expressed his career plan, but also hinted at his importance to Shen Qingyu, which made Lin Yi's eyes more recognized.
Shen Qingyu sat aside, watching Yu Wang calmly answer her mother's questions, feeling relieved. She knew that her mother's seemingly picky questions were actually out of worry for her, and Yu Wang's sincerity and attentiveness were gradually touching her mother.
After dinner, Lin Yi suggested a stroll along the Seine. Paris was ablaze with lights at night, and the Eiffel Tower twinkled every few minutes, like diamonds scattered across the night sky. Cruise ships glided slowly along the Seine, their lights reflected on the water, creating shimmering waves.
"When Yu Yu was a child, she would come to Paris every summer vacation." Lin Yi looked at the river, her tone full of nostalgia, "She was only this tall back then, and she always liked to hold my hand and run along the Seine." She gestured with her hands to indicate Shen Qingyu's height as a child, her eyes full of tenderness.
Yu Wang listened quietly, without interrupting. He knew that what Lin Yi was saying was a mother's concern for her daughter, and she was also opening her heart to him.
"As a mother, what I care about most is not your family background or how successful your career is, but whether you can bring happiness to Yu Yu." Lin Yi suddenly stopped, turned around, looked directly into Yu Wang's eyes, and said seriously, "You know, I've been in the fashion industry for decades and have seen too many impetuous relationships - they love passionately today and may go their separate ways tomorrow. The entertainment and e-sports circles are too noisy. What I worry about is that when the passion fades, can you maintain a calm and stay together for a lifetime."
These words were spoken with undisguised sincerity. Seeing the worry in Lin Yi's eyes, Yu Wang said solemnly, "Aunt, my feelings for Qing Yu weren't a momentary impulse. Three years ago, we separated due to a misunderstanding, and I regretted it then and have been looking for her ever since. Now that we're together again, I know how to cherish her even more. I promise you, no matter whether the future brings good times or bad, I will always put her first, respect her career, tolerate her temper, and spend every day with her."
Shen Qingyu took her mother's arm and added softly, "Mom, Yu Wang is really thoughtful. In order to come to see you, he specially learned French and can now communicate simply. He also studied your favorite Impressionist painters and talked to me about Monet's "Water Lilies" yesterday."
Lin Yi looked at the happiness in her daughter's eyes, then looked at Yu Wang's determined eyes, and finally a smile appeared on the corners of her tense mouth: "Okay, tomorrow I will take you to my favorite gallery. There are several authentic Renoir paintings there."
This proposal was undoubtedly a signal that Lin Yi's attitude was softening. Shen Qingyu and Yu Wang looked at each other and saw joy in each other's eyes.
On their third day in Paris, Lin Yi was about to take them to the Louvre when she received an urgent call. After hanging up, her expression darkened. "Oh no! There's a problem with next week's fashion show. The fabric supplier has defaulted on their contract and says they can't deliver on time. The show setup might have to be delayed." As she spoke, she quickly checked her email on her phone, her fingers trembling with anxiety.
Shen Qingyu quickly comforted her: "Mom, don't worry, can't you find other suppliers?"
Lin Yi sighed: "This silk fabric is very special. It was specially customized for this show. It will be difficult to find a replacement in a short time."
At this moment, Yu Wang suddenly spoke up, "Aunt, I know a few good silk suppliers in China. They have their own factories and have also taken international orders. They might be able to provide the same fabric. If needed, I will contact them now and send them the fabric specifications so that they can confirm it as soon as possible."
Yu Wang immediately pulled out his phone and called his domestic supplier. He detailed the fabric's material, color, pattern, and other specifications, and asked for sample images. Within half an hour, the supplier replied, saying they had the same fabric in stock and could arrange for immediate air shipment, ensuring delivery in time for the fashion show.
The crisis was successfully resolved. Lin Yi looked at Yu Wang with admiration in her eyes: "I didn't expect that you are not only careful but also so adaptable. Thank you so much this time, otherwise my fashion show would have been in big trouble."
"You're so kind. This is what I should do." Yu Wang said with a smile, "Qing Yu's family is in trouble, and I will definitely do my best to help."
That evening, Yu Wang arranged dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant on the banks of the Seine. The restaurant's terrace faced the Eiffel Tower, and as night fell, the tower's lights twinkled, a breathtaking beauty. Red roses lay on the table, and the red wine in the goblets shone with fragrance.
When the meal reached dessert, Yu Wang put down his spoon and looked at Lin Yi with a serious tone: "Aunt, thank you for giving me the opportunity to prove myself today. I know that you and my uncle have high expectations for Qingyu, and I also know that you are worried that I can't make her happy. But I promise you that I will spend my whole life to fulfill my promise, cherish her, love her, support her career, and give her a warm home. No matter what difficulties she encounters in the future, I will stand in front of her and not let her suffer any grievances."
Lin Yi looked at Yu Wang's determined eyes, then looked at her daughter who was smiling sweetly beside her, and smiled with satisfaction. She raised her glass and said to Yu Wang, "Remember what you said today. If you dare to bully Yu Yu in the future, I will be the first one to not forgive you."
Yu Wang quickly raised his glass and clinked it with hers: "Thank you, auntie. I will definitely not let you down."
-
After returning to Shanghai, the two families began to formally prepare for the wedding.
When Yu Daou and Shen Changshen met, they initially expected a "competition between the elders," but unexpectedly, the two struck up a conversation that was incredibly speculative. Yu Daou discussed Yu Wang's upbringing, while Shen Changshen discussed trends in the tech industry. Finally, they even discussed a business partnership—Shen Changshen's tech company could provide technical support for Yu Wang's esports venture, creating a mutually beneficial partnership.
Meanwhile, the WIN team's summer season is about to begin. Yu Wang is busy preparing for the wedding while training, feeling busy but full of energy. Shen Qingyu is also busy. While working on the WIN team project, she finds time to try on wedding dresses, book a venue, and choose gifts. Her daily schedule is packed, but she enjoys it.
On the eve of the competition, it was already late when Yu Wang returned to his new home after training. Entering the study, he saw Shen Qingyu asleep on the table, where the wedding plan lay spread out, and a "gift list" appeared on the laptop screen. Her hair fell across her face, her breathing even, and her face slept peacefully.
Yu Wang walked over gently, took out a thin blanket from the closet, and carefully draped it over her. He sat beside her, looking at her tired but smiling face, his heart filled with warmth. He knew that she had sacrificed a lot for this wedding. He gently held her hand and whispered in her ear, "Thank you for your hard work. After the competition, I will definitely accompany you well."
On the second day of competition, Team WIN was unstoppable. From the group stage to the knockout stage, the players worked together seamlessly, and Yu Wang's performance was truly stunning, ultimately securing a victory in the opening round of the summer season.
In the post-match interview, the host asked Yu Wang: "Does this victory have any special meaning to you?"
Yu Wang picked up the microphone and looked at Shen Qingyu in the audience with a gentle smile: "This victory is dedicated to my fiancée. Thank you for her continued support. I will continue to work hard in the future and live up to her expectations."
The scene instantly erupted in warm applause and cheers. Shen Qingyu sat in the audience, looking at Yu Wang under the spotlight, his eyes full of pride and love.
Three months later, the WIN team entered the playoffs with the first place finish in the regular season. Meanwhile, Yu Wang and Shen Qingyu's wedding was grandly held at a five-star hotel on the Bund.
On the wedding day, Shen Qingyu wore a custom-made wedding dress, the hem of which was embellished with crystals, and a long veil hung down behind her, glittering in the sunlight. When she slowly walked into the wedding venue, holding her father Shen Changshen's arm, the whole place fell silent.
Everyone's eyes were focused on her, but her gaze was only on Yu Wang who was standing at the end of the stage.
Yu Wang was wearing a black suit and had an upright posture. He looked at Shen Qingyu who was walking towards him with his eyes full of love, as if she was the only one left in the world.
Shen Changshen handed his daughter's hand to Yu Wang and said solemnly: "I hand Yu Yu to you, you must treat her well in the future."
"I will, uncle." Yu Wang held Shen Qingyu's hand tightly, his tone firm.
Lin Yi in the audience had red eyes from crying, and Shen Zichen's eyes also gradually became moist.
"As expected of my daughter, you are so gorgeous!" Lin Yi glanced at Shen Zichen, "Zichen, you are not a child anymore. Mommy doesn't ask you to get married. It's good to have a relationship and liven up your life."
Shen Zichen: "...Mom, do you really have to urge me to have a relationship at my sister's wedding?"
Chen Chenchen handed a pack of tissues to Qu Shengsheng and Qi Yan who were crying beside him.
Qu Shengsheng: "My good sister is getting married!"
Qi Yan: "She's also my good sister!"
Chen Chenchen thought to himself, "Why don't I say something too? My good brother is getting married!"
Qu Shengsheng and Qi Yan: "..."
When exchanging rings, Yu Wang gently took Shen Qingyu's hand, put the ring on her ring finger, and said softly: "For the rest of my life, whether in poverty or wealth, in health or in sickness, I will accompany you and love you. Please give me your guidance."
Shen Qingyu's eyes sparkled with tears of happiness. She also put the ring on Yu Wang's finger, her voice choked but clear: "Please give me your guidance for the rest of my life."
In the audience, the members of Team WIN cheered, "Brother Yu, throw the bouquet! Throw the bouquet!"
Chen Qingyu smiled, turned around, and looked at Qu Shengsheng standing in the crowd, throwing the bouquet to him accurately. Qu Shengsheng caught the bouquet, her face full of surprise. The people around her applauded and congratulated her. The moment she turned around, she met Chen Chenchen's gaze.
The wedding party continued late into the night.
Yu Wang held Shen Qingyu's hand and stood on the hotel terrace. The river breeze, carrying the moisture from the Huangpu River, blew the shreds of her veil gently. The Oriental Pearl Tower on the other side of the river was gleaming a warm yellow light, intertwining with the lights of the century-old buildings on the Bund, as if blending the gentleness of all Shanghai into the night.
Chen Qingyu leaned on his shoulder, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the diamond ring on her ring finger - the ring setting of this ring was decorated with tiny star patterns, and Yu Wang had specially asked the designer to customize it according to the starry sky on the day they met again.
"How did you spend the three years we were apart?" she suddenly asked.
Yu Wang paused, looking down at her. Moonlight fell on the corners of her eyes, revealing a gentle smile hidden there.
"At that time, I was always afraid that you had forgotten me long ago." Yu Wang tightened his arms and hugged her tighter in his arms, his voice as soft as a sigh.
"Silly boy." Shen Qingyu raised her hand and patted his back, a glint in her eyes. "I've never forgotten. It was a lie when I told you I didn't follow League of Legends." She paused, then added with a smile, "On the day of your first competition, I went to the scene and sat in the last row."
In fact, she went there on purpose when they met by chance at the hot pot restaurant.
The cruise ship on the river passed slowly, and the lights dragged long strips of light on the water, like a gentle footnote to their past.
Yu Wang lowered his head and placed a light kiss on the top of her head, his palm resting on her belly, his tone full of longing: "After the playoffs are over, let's go to Iceland to see the Northern Lights, okay? Just like you said before, make a wish under the Northern Lights and it will come true."
"Okay." Shen Qingyu nodded, her eyes shining like stars. "We also want to go to Italy to watch the sunset in Florence, go to Japan to see the cherry blossoms, and go to Paris to stay with my mother for a month."
"All up to you." Yu Wang agreed with a smile, his fingertips stroking the side of her face. "In the future, we'll have a house with a yard, planted with your favorite roses, and put a rattan chair in the yard. In the summer, we'll sit there and watch the stars. You'll draw the design, and I'll look at the team's training data. When we're old, we'll hand the team over to the younger players, and we'll travel around the world together, making up for the time we missed."
Shen Qingyu leaned against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, and suddenly felt that all the waiting was worth it. The regrets of their separation became the reason for them to cherish each other more; the hesitations they once had became the courage to hold each other tightly. She looked up and kissed the corner of his lips, tasting the sweetness of the night breeze - this was their perfection, the small happiness in every ordinary day after their reunion.
The bell tower in the distance struck twelve, and the sound of the bell spread across the night sky. Yu Wang took Shen Qingyu's hand and turned to walk towards the banquet hall.
The warm yellow light in the corridor stretched their shadows very long, overlapping them, never to separate again.
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