Chapter 84 (End of Main Text) As she stood up, happiness shone upon her…
He Lingyi felt both happy and worried about Wen Jia's marriage proposal.
Wen Jia used to mingle in the entertainment circle and met Song Yanlin. She began to worry that the men in this circle were not sincere, perhaps they liked her because of her appearance, or perhaps they approached her because of her fame.
I'm always afraid that these men are too materialistic, treating love as a bargaining chip in the arena of fame and fortune, and viewing marriage as the smartest investment.
So she was conflicted; she was happy that Wen Jia had found a home, but she was also afraid that there might be some scheming behind this happy ending.
“You’re going to be a bride…” In the dead of night, the mother and daughter lay side by side on the bed. He Lingyi gently stroked her back, just like Wen Jia did when she was little. “Mom is so conflicted. I always thought you didn’t want to get married.”
Wen Jia lowered her eyelids and smiled, "I used to think I wouldn't want to get married, but later I realized it was because I met the wrong person."
He Lingyi slightly pursed her lips, "Song Yanlin? Or Zhou Jingcheng?"
Wen Jia slowly shook her head and said, "It's not that the people you met were wrong, it's just that they weren't suitable. Song Yanlin is too childish, and Zhou Jingcheng... he just wants a canary."
"And what about him?" He Lingyi asked again.
"I wish we had met sooner." Wen Jia uttered just four simple words.
“Silly girl,” He Lingyi chuckled, “you still haven’t told your mother how you two got together.”
"It's a bit absurd...you might not believe it if I told you."
Tell me about it.
Wen Jia naturally wouldn't mention the piece of paper locked in the safe, only saying lightly, "To put it simply, I originally thought he was talking to me about interests, but later I found out that he only wanted to date me. Mom, he fell in love with me much earlier than I did."
He Lingyi was taken aback. "Was he the one who fell in love first?"
“Hmm,” the moonlight shone on Wen Jia’s face, illuminating her beautiful profile, “when he fell in love, I didn’t even know him.”
"And what does 'profit' mean then?" He Lingyi began to worry again that her daughter's relationship wasn't entirely pure. After racking her brains, she finally managed to say, "Don't tell me you and him weren't in a proper boyfriend-girlfriend relationship from the start... Although this kind of thing is common in your circle, what did I tell you before? You can't do things that make you feel wronged. If you..."
Wen Jia quickly interrupted her wild speculations, "What are you thinking? We've been a proper boyfriend and girlfriend from the beginning..."
Isn't that a bit unserious? There's a constraint of 100 million.
"On the contrary, it was only later that he became less serious."
Wen Jia couldn't help but laugh as she spoke.
"You love him very much, don't you?"
Wen Jia gave a heavy "Mmm," and said, "I love it."
"Why do you love him?" He Lingyi turned over and looked at her daughter seriously. "If you love him because of his money, power, status, or identity, I advise you to think about it again."
It's no wonder He Lingyi said that. Wen Jia knew that she had always been such a clear-headed and insightful person, but there was always a hint of cruelty in her clarity.
“Darling, if you love him because of material things, those things will ultimately belong to him. It’s good if he’s willing to give them to you, but what if one day he doesn’t want to give them to you anymore? In families like theirs, there are always many things that are beyond their control. I’m afraid that your love will be too specific, specific to his wealth and his status. If these things are shaken in the slightest, your love will collapse.”
“No. Mom, I love him for reasons other than that.” Wen Jia shook her head slightly in the darkness. “I just love him.”
“I love him so much, it’s embarrassing and strange to say.” Wen Jia’s face was a little shy. “When I first met him, I was afraid of him, just like I was with Zhou Jingcheng. I felt like we were from different worlds. I was always afraid that someone like him didn’t have love in his heart and that I couldn’t afford to mess with him… Later I realized that he loved me too much and I couldn’t bear it, so I took the initiative to leave him. But later, he found me again and did everything he could to keep me by his side.”
Wen Jia paused for a moment, then said, “Mom, you know that people like him are always looked up to, flattered, and respected by others. But he told me that he doesn’t need me to give him those things. If he didn’t have the money, status, or position you mentioned, I would still love him.”
He Lingyi's eyes were glistening in the moonlight.
Wen Jia raised her head and looked directly into her mother's eyes: "Mom, I've never been so sure. Even if one day he has nothing left, I will still love him. Because to me, he is simply the person I love."
He Lingyi finally showed her first genuine smile of the night, with tiny tears glistening in the corners of her eyes.
"That's good." She patted her daughter's back gently. "Go to sleep, my darling is getting married."
But Wen Jia couldn't fall asleep. She tossed and turned in bed, her thoughts drifting back to that snowy night many years ago.
She tried hard to recall which streetlamp Xu Shaoting was standing under that night, and what kind of gentle look he was giving her.
Was he holding a cigarette between his fingers at that time?
What are you thinking?
Was it already certain that they would eventually meet?
She got up, got out of bed, and sat down at the piano.
I sent a message to Xu Shaoting at 1 a.m.
He didn't reply, but instead dialed the number directly.
"Baby," he called her gently and deeply, "why aren't you asleep yet?"
"I miss you, I can't sleep."
"Have you been drinking?"
"No, I didn't..." she began to accuse him, "Does that mean I can only think of you when I'm drunk?"
"What are you thinking about? Tell me."
"I'm thinking about the night we first met." She was full of curiosity. "That night... what were you thinking about?"
Xu Shaoting extinguished his cigarette and remained silent for a long time.
"I'm thinking, I must get to know you."
"It's that simple?"
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, and she could hear his steady breathing.
"I'm thinking about what I should do to make her see me too."
Wen Jia's heart softened suddenly.
"Are you afraid I won't see you?" She couldn't help but smile. "Even Chairman Xu has this kind of worry?"
"I'm afraid," he answered without hesitation.
“But I don’t seem to see you at all…” she said, becoming quite truthful.
"Yes, that's why I walked towards you."
Wen Jia clenched her fingers and pressed them against her chest, trying to calm her racing heart. "That was close..."
Xu Shaoting smiled and asked, "What's so dangerous?"
“If I weren’t the female lead in that film, you would have seen someone else… You would have gone to someone else, met someone else, and signed that contract with someone else…”
“Nonsense.” Xu Shaoting didn’t allow her to let her think wildly. “If it weren’t for you, maybe I would have just glanced at you and moved on, just a glance between strangers. But I happened to see you,” he paused, “so there were countless glances afterward.”
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone. He knew she was overthinking things again, so he tempted her, "Come out."
"What?"
"I'm at your door." He gently commanded, "Come out, I want to hug you."
Wen Jia's heart skipped a beat, and she almost ran to the window, gently lifting a corner of the curtain.
In front of the small garden, the familiar black sedan was quietly parked in the shadows of the trees. A tall figure leaned against the car, holding a phone and looking up at her window.
The moonlight and the glow of the streetlights intertwined, falling on his shoulders with an almost unbelievable gentleness.
She hung up the phone, and without even changing her shoes, she tiptoed out the door in her pajamas. She ran straight into the warm and firm embrace that was already open for her.
Under the streetlights, his embrace, carrying the cool air of the winter night and his unique, crisp scent, enveloped her tightly.
"Is there anything else you want to ask?" He casually kissed her before speaking.
Her eyes shone brightly in the light. "So, your approach to me was premeditated, wasn't it?"
"Yes," he replied readily.
"What if I hadn't agreed to sign the contract back then?"
"Then let's try another way. There's always a reason you can't refuse." He said without hesitation:
I will not let you go.
Under the streetlights, their shadows intertwined and stretched long.
On the second floor, He Lingyi stood behind the window, watching the two embracing downstairs. She smiled helplessly yet with a sense of relief, and gently drew the curtains.
-
For the Xu family, Xu Shaoting's marriage was a grand event that could not be taken lightly. Xu Shaoting was the eldest son at home and the chairman of the board outside. Every step of his marriage was watched by countless eyes. No one in the Xu family would slack off. Even for a seemingly simple procedure like obtaining a marriage certificate, Zhao Xinglan took it very seriously and specially invited a master to carefully select several auspicious days.
She called Xu Shaoting and told him several dates she liked.
Xu Shaoting held Wen Jia in his arms, listening quietly. After he finished, he turned off the speakerphone and asked for her opinion, "Which day do you think is better?"
Wen Jia couldn't make up her mind. "I have trouble making decisions. You decide."
Xu Shaoting chuckled, "Me, decide? Then the sooner the better."
Wen Jia bit her lower lip lightly, turned her face away, and didn't reply.
But he wouldn't let her go. "Mid-March, how about that? I can't wait to marry you." He paused deliberately, his tone a playful probing, "Or do you need time to think about it?"
Forced into a roundabout position by him, Wen Jia retorted softly, "Since you're in such a hurry to marry me, Mr. Xu, I'm afraid you have some unspeakable reason."
Xu Shaoting narrowed his eyes and breathed into her ear, "You know best whether I have any unspeakable secrets."
Seeing the blush spreading across her cheeks, he still wouldn't give up. "Marry me, and you can use it whenever you want."
Wen Jia was practically deaf to his words, but a certain part of her body involuntarily tingled with an itch. At times like this, she was easily swayed and easily swayed by his coaxing, "I'll listen to you..."
Xu Shaoting was satisfied. He kissed the tip of her nose and then picked up his phone again. "Let's set it for mid-March."
On the day they officially registered their marriage, Zhao Xinglan, Xu Bozheng, He Lingyi, and Yu Kaiqing all dressed up for the occasion. Wen Jia also specially invited Lin Xi and Zhang Linzhi to come over.
Lin Youzhe led his men to maintain order outside, keeping watch on the unsuspecting media who were following them.
The staff member was even more nervous than the others when pressing the stamp. He looked up at Xu Shaoting, then at Wen Jia, his gaze uneasy, as if he had been entrusted with an important task and didn't know who to look at.
The stamp was affixed, and two red booklets were gently pushed in front of the two individuals. The staff member sincerely said, "Congratulations to you both."
Today she wore a simple yet elegant short wedding dress. In front of the red backdrop of the oath-taking platform, she tilted her head slightly and tied Xu Shaoting's tie.
Xu Yancheng raised his camera from below the stage and captured the moment.
Xu Bozheng watched, unable to contain his emotions, and wanted to pull his wife into his arms, but found that his wife and He Lingyi were embracing each other tightly.
These two people met for the first time this morning, yet they seemed to have hit it off immediately.
He Lingyi buried her face in Zhao Xinglan's neck and shoulder, wanting to cry out loud, but too embarrassed to do so, and just silently sniffled.
Lin Xi, Yu Kaiqing, and Zhang Linzhi held hands, watching the happy couple on stage. It was unclear who first teared up on Wen Jia's behalf.
At noon, Zhao Xinglan invited everyone to visit Yunxi Bay.
Several cars drove into the Xu residence in batches.
Even though Zhang Linzhi had seen a lot of the world, she couldn't help but sigh when she got out of the car and looked at the entire mansion in front of her.
Lin Xi, holding Wen Jia's hand, teased her, "Now that you're married, can you take care of me?"
Wen Jia gave a forced smile. "He also has a younger brother who is single. He'll be here in a bit, and I'll introduce him to you."
Lin Xi was displeased. "Don't think I don't know what you're up to. If that's the case, then I'll still have to call you sister-in-law, won't I?"
Wen Jia spoke in a grand and dignified manner, saying, "Wealth and status can corrupt."
Neither of them noticed the smile that gradually appeared on the man's lips as he walked ahead.
Xu Yitang had been accompanying Xu Yishu on a business trip to Hong Kong these past few days and had also rushed back to Linzhou. Although he was not present at the ceremony, it didn't matter much, as he had at least made it to the banquet.
She stepped out of the sports car, took off her sunglasses, and without even glancing at her older brother and mother, went straight to Wen Jia and hugged her tightly, saying, "Sister-in-law, I missed you so much—"
She drew out the word "sister-in-law" while stealing glances at Xu Shaoting. She was very shrewd; she knew that once she uttered that word, her older brother would be in a great mood, and the allowance would be easily within his grasp.
Before they could even get warm in each other's arms, Xu Yishu grabbed him by the collar and pulled him away from behind. "Don't pretend, didn't we just see each other during the New Year?"
The prize that was within reach slipped away, and Xu Yitang stomped her foot angrily before turning to find the wronged Secretary Lin.
Seeing that she had finally walked away, Xu Yishu also said, "I missed you so much, sister-in-law. This is just a small token of my appreciation."
After saying that, she handed the shopping bags in her hands to Wen Jia.
Wen Jia was so frightened by her display that she took two steps back and finally fell into Xu Shaoting's steady arms, reaching out to catch her.
Just then, a red Ferrari pulled up outside, and Xu Yancheng got out with a flourish and walked into the living room.
"Hello, sister-in-law, I miss you too—"
He deliberately dragged out the word, looked at his older brother, and chuckled twice, "Your husband."
A burst of barely suppressed laughter filled the living room, along with Xu Bozheng's laughing and scolding voice.
Xu Yishu handed over the gifts, and when she saw the ring on Wen Jia's ring finger, she couldn't help but sigh, "The diamond really suits you. My taste isn't bad, is it?"
Wen Jia blinked, "Yours?"
Xu Yishu whispered in her ear, "I've also given suggestions on choosing a ring. My brother is very picky. I suggested pink, and he said he wouldn't consider it. I suggested a plain band, which is the most understated and classic, and he said it was too plain and wouldn't consider it. I suggested a two-carat diamond ring, which would be just right, and he said it was too small and wouldn't consider it..."
Wen Jia belatedly recalled hearing him say "I'm not considering it" repeatedly on the phone when she went to his office that day, and suddenly realized, "So he was discussing rings with you that day?"
Xu Yishu hummed in agreement, "But that wasn't the first time, actually..."
Before she could finish speaking, a large hand was placed between the two of them.
Xu Shaoting took Wen Jia's hand, gently stroking the diamond ring on her ring finger with his fingertip, and asked in a low voice, "What are you talking about that makes you so happy?"
Xu Yishu immediately straightened up and pretended to look at the ceiling nonchalantly.
Wen Jia smiled softly, placing her hand in his warm palm. "We were talking about a picky person choosing a ring." She tiptoed and quietly asked him, "So, the ring size was measured on the same day, right?"
Xu Shaoting smiled but remained silent.
Zhao Xinglan invited everyone to sit down at the long table in the garden. It was a good day, and the weather was fine. The white marble exterior walls gleamed warmly in the sunlight, and the Ionic columns supported the arched porch. Exquisite carvings meandered from the eaves to the window frames.
In front of the mansion, symmetrically distributed fountain pools reflect the blue sky.
The group of people at the table were relaxed and chatted happily. Wen Jia was no longer a guest, but the future hostess, so the conversation naturally revolved around her.
"Does your sister-in-law have a movie coming out in the second half of the year?" Xu Yishu asked with concern.
Wen Jia nodded, "They're aiming for an award."
Xu Yancheng has some knowledge of film. "The Oscars?"
"That's the intention," Wen Jia smiled. "The director has this ambition."
Xu Yitang, naturally knowledgeable about film, was the most qualified to speak on the matter. "Tsk tsk tsk, from the very beginning of the project, Director Yu won't let you have it easy. You'll be flying all over the world attending film festivals, organizing screenings, and arranging countless media interviews and industry parties..." She went on for quite a while before lifting her head from her plate, wiping her mouth, and turning meaningfully to Xu Shaoting, "Brother, will you be accompanying your sister-in-law?"
She was adept at changing the subject at moments like these. Xu Shaoting glanced at her and saw through her thoughts, but he didn't point it out. He just smiled and asked, "Why do you ask that?"
Sure enough, the next second Xu Yitang said something surprising, "You want to have a baby with your sister-in-law?"
In an instant, the dining table was filled with coughs and the clatter of wine glasses being overturned.
Lin Xi and Zhang Linzhi wiped their mouths with handkerchiefs, Xu Yancheng hurriedly went to pick up the overturned wine glass, and Xu Yishu kicked her sister's calf under the table.
Finally, Xu Bozheng spoke up to defuse the situation, saying, "It's too early to talk about this now. You haven't even attended the wedding yet, and you're already thinking about becoming an aunt?"
Xu Yitang suddenly realized, "...Oh right! Brother and sister-in-law, where are you planning to hold your wedding?"
Wen Jia smiled and turned to look at Xu Shaoting. "Our idea is to hold two events."
Xu Shaoting nodded and continued, "One event will be for the media, and the other will be for family and friends only." He paused briefly and then added, "To the small island."
"A small island?"
There was a moment of silence at the table, then Xu Yitang stood up first, cheering and jumping for joy, shouting that she wanted to be the first one there.
She knew best how to distribute favors equally, and she went around the table calling out names, "Daddy, Mommy, Big Sister and Second Brother, Sister Kaiqing, Secretary Lin, everyone should go!"
Zhao Xinglan smiled and shook her head, then pointed at her youngest daughter, "You're the most enthusiastic about these kinds of lively events."
"I'm just happy!" Xu Yitang walked behind Wen Jia and affectionately put his arm around her shoulder. "Sister-in-law, don't you think so?"
Xu Bozheng looked on with a hint of relief. He turned to Zhao Xinglan, his voice neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for everyone at the table to hear: "Since they have their own plans, let's do the wedding as they wish. We'll just cooperate."
"Cheers to my brother and sister-in-law's island wedding!"
Laughter filled the long table. Crystal glasses clinked, producing a crisp, echoing sound. In the distance, the fountain murmured gently. A breeze rustled through the rose bushes, carrying their fragrance across the table, lightly lifting the ladies' skirts and strands of hair.
Xu Yitang raised her glass again, first towards Xu Shaoting and Wen Jia: "Wishing my elder brother and sister-in-law happiness!" Just as she was about to drink, she felt it wasn't enough, so she extended her glass to the center of the table, a bright, youthful smile spreading across her face.
Wishing everyone happiness!!!
-
Dear everyone, I am very happy to be here to share my good news with you.
Yes, I'm married.
Right now, my husband and I are in Zurich, Switzerland.
As for why I chose this city, I think it's probably because it's where he confessed his feelings to me, so I have a special affection for it.
When I arrived in Zurich, it was raining. I'm embarrassed to say that I've been to Zurich three times, but I've never seen it sunny once.
The first time I came here was two years ago at Christmas. My husband took me to the banks of the Limmat River, and we walked along the old streets. I still remember how bumpy the road was, so we walked for the whole afternoon. That day, the florist looked at us for a long time and said we were a perfect match. I still remember her repeatedly assuring me that this was definitely not an excuse for not being able to find a bouquet that suited us. Finally, on the Mühlesteg Bridge, we hung a love lock.
The second time I came was last December. We had been separated for a month, and I was planning to go to Zurich to relax. Coincidentally, he was also in the city that day. He looked for me, but I avoided him. Unfortunately, we didn't meet in the end.
This is my third visit, and today is no exception. The banks of the Limmat River are still very romantic and pleasant. There's an old man selling locks here; you'll see him as soon as you step onto the Mühlesteg Bridge. He often wears a thick jacket, a scarf, and gloves. His stall has all sorts of locks, and he remembers every couple who buys a lock from him, praying to God that they will stay together forever.
I don't know if his prayer really came true, but my husband and I really did return to that bridge.
You might be curious about what kind of person he is. Actually, it's hard for me to describe him in a single word. I only know that when I first met him, I felt he was very distant, yes, distant. I never even imagined that I would have a story with him.
He once said that the first time he saw me was on a snowy day, but I didn't see him. He confessed to me that in countless dreams, he dreamed that I looked back at him.
I never told him, but I'll tell you quietly now that I've had the same dream too.
He once said that loving me was a long-planned act, but now I know it was simply a matter of passion.
On the day he confessed his love to me in Zurich, he didn't say "I love you," but rather: "I beg for a chance to love only you."
I know, it's him.
From now on, he and I will have a long road ahead, but I am absolutely certain that this time, there will be no more separation.
Wen Jia took a picture of her handwritten letter and posted it on Weibo. The moment she pressed the send button, the blue and white tram was slowly pulling up on Bahnhofstrasse.
Without hesitation, she turned off her phone, put her hand in Xu Shaoting's coat pocket, and intertwined her fingers with his. The two stepped off the tram in unison, neither of them speaking, simply revisiting the place in silence.
Their hearts were drawn to the same direction, and gradually, following their memories, they arrived once again at the flower shop on that old street.
The middle-aged woman, perhaps lacking a good memory, didn't recognize them but still greeted them warmly: "Sir, would you like some recommendations?"
Xu Shaoting nodded politely in response.
"I think I need to know the relationship between the two of you." The woman rested her chin on her hands, looking tenderly at the man and woman before her.
He responded with a simple German word.
“Well,” she exclaimed, not remembering them, so she gave a fresh remark, “they’re such a perfect match!”
She clapped her hands, having initially chosen white lilies, but then shook her head in self-doubt. In the end, she presented a bouquet of vibrant red roses to Wen Jia.
Wen Jia, carrying flowers in one arm and with his other hand tightly held, walked out of the flower shop.
She looked up at her and said the same thing she had said a year ago: "You can speak German."
Xu Shaoting smiled knowingly, "A little bit."
"So what did you say to her just now?"
“I said—” he paused deliberately, turned to her, his gaze tender, “you are my wife.”
A smile spread across Wen Jia's face, and at the corner of the alley, she couldn't help but tiptoe to kiss him.
They strolled hand in hand, and before they knew it, they had arrived at the Zurich Cathedral.
There weren't many people in the church; a few figures sat with their heads bowed in prayer, and the only sound in the quiet was the echo of their prayers.
They chose a bench near the front and sat down, quietly gazing at the solemn cross above the altar.
An elderly man dressed in a black robe and wearing an old wooden cross around his neck walked slowly over and softly blessed you in English with a German accent: "May peace be with you. It is rare to see such Eastern faces, carrying such a strong sense of happiness, come here."
Xu Shaoting smiled and politely replied, "Thank you. We just got married and wanted to come here to enjoy some peace and quiet."
“Ah, blessings to you.” His words were slow and rhythmic, like reciting an ancient poem. “Here you can hear God’s echo of happiness. Many people have made vows here, and many more have sought answers here. But you, it seems, have already found them.”
“We are indeed looking for an answer,” Xu Shaoting said, his voice unusually calm in the empty space, “or rather, to confirm a beginning.”
The old man's deep gaze swept over their tightly clasped hands. "The beginning often requires more courage and blessing than the end," he smiled. "God hears all sincere thoughts, especially those souls that, after many trials, still choose to return to their origin."
They sat quietly on the bench for a moment, feeling the sacredness of the moment. As they rose to say goodbye, the old man made the sign of the cross on his chest, slowly and solemnly saying, "May you be each other's peace and home. Amen."
Not far from the church is the Mühlesteg Bridge.
The two walked to the middle of the bridge in perfect unison and stopped in front of the lock wall.
“It’s still so new.” Wen Jia spotted the lock engraved with their names at a glance.
“It will never grow old.” Xu Shaoting tightened his grip on her hand. “The time we broke up, you stood here alone, what were you thinking about?”
She was ashamed but also honest, "I was thinking... how to unlock these two locks. Later, a foreigner told me that if I came here just to unlock these locks, then that's the meaning of their existence."
Xu Shaoting smiled faintly, glanced at her sideways, and said with such certainty, "It will always be meaningful."
The moment the words left their mouths, the two of them turned around almost simultaneously and saw the person who had been watching them from behind.
The uncle was still laughing heartily, just like when they first met him.
He habitually had his hands tucked into his jacket, wore a diamond-patterned scarf around his neck, washed jeans, and a small purse slung across his shoulder.
“We meet again,” he said, his tone as natural as if he were talking about the weather with an old friend. “I regret that I didn’t see both of you at the same time last time; it was bad news. But if I’m not mistaken, today… I will receive good news.”
Wen Jia looked up and smiled at Xu Shaoting.
The next second, he raised their intertwined hands and waved them gently in front of the older man: "You guessed right, we got married."
The middle-aged man was slightly taken aback. He noticed that the man and woman in front of him each wore a dazzling ring on their ring fingers.
“Oh…” He looked up at the sky devoutly, his right hand moving between his forehead, chest and shoulders. “Thank God. He heard my prayer.”
Wen Jia's eyes welled up with tears. "Thank you."
"Bless you both. When I go to church this week, I will pray to God again that you will stay together for life and grow old together."
-
Zurich was merely a transit point to the island. That night, the plane took off again, carrying them towards the Caribbean.
The island remained as beautiful as ever, its scenery unchanged and its brightness undiminished. During their absence, the horseman and the gardening team meticulously cared for everything on the island, and the sunlight generously bathed every corner, as if time had never passed.
The wedding was not extravagant; everything happened as naturally as the sea breeze on the island. Wen Jia didn't want too many outsiders to disturb her, so she didn't invite a professional photographer. Xu Yancheng and Xu Yishu took the initiative to record the event. She also didn't hire a makeup artist; she planned to do it herself.
The weather was beautiful that day; the clear blue sky held the generous sun, which was dressed in its finest attire and served as a guest at their wedding.
The lawn by the sea had been carefully arranged, with pure white chairs neatly placed, and clusters of blooming white lilies, pale purple roses, and fluffy flower heads beside them.
The sound of waves filled my ears, and the sun shone warmly.
The archway, adorned with vibrant flowers, stood silently.
Xu Shaoting stood right in the center of the archway.
His well-fitting suit accentuated his tall and straight figure, and the handkerchief in his breast pocket was impeccably neat. Instead of a tie, he opted for an elegant bow tie.
He was whispering something to the pastor.
His tone was so calm, his expression so natural, but only he knew that his palms were sweating, his Adam's apple bobbed, and his heart was pounding.
This was an extremely private wedding. She didn't like overly heavy ceremonies, so everyone in the chairs followed her wishes, sitting relaxed, sipping champagne, chatting and laughing, and immersing themselves in the island's languid beauty.
Suddenly, the conversations between people gradually subsided.
Xu Shaoting heard the pastor beside him utter a soft exclamation of amazement: "How beautiful..."
He paused for a moment, then turned to look in the direction the pastor was looking.
The sunlight poured down without reservation, illuminating her and the path she took to reach him, making it smooth and bright, like the prologue to a lifelong promise.
He saw his bride gently lifting her skirt with both hands, walking towards him step by step.
He thought perhaps the sunlight was too intense, because his gaze towards her was somewhat blurred.
The band's music began at the opportune moment, and the magnificent wedding march gradually grew grander and more solemn with her steps.
He held his breath, his eyelashes unblinking, until she stood right in front of him, and only then could he finally see her clearly.
The wedding dress was simple in design, yet far from plain. Made of silk satin, it trailed a long, white mermaid tail, shimmering with a warm, pearly sheen under the abundant Caribbean sun. The exquisite tailoring accentuated her slender figure, and the long train trailed behind her, sweeping across the verdant lawn.
Her long hair was loosely tied up, with a few stray strands falling beside her ears. She did her own makeup, without any eye-catching heavy makeup; everything was just right, which made the blush on her cheeks stand out even more.
Xu Shaoting gazed at her intently, speechless for a moment, and could only shake his head with a smile, "Too beautiful."
She looked up to meet his gaze. Sunlight danced in her eyes, reflecting his slightly startled expression. She smiled very softly, reached out, and firmly grasped his sweaty palm.
A priest draped in a sash stood to the side, a gentle smile on his face, looking at the young couple before him. His tone was calm and elegant.
"The weather is so nice today, isn't it? The sunshine, the waves, and you, the most important people in their lives. We are here not to complete a complicated ceremony, but simply to witness Mr. Xu Shaoting and Ms. Wen Jia's simple and beautiful decision to tie their futures together."
The pastor turned to the groom: "Mr. Xu Shaoting, are you ready? Are you ready to cherish her, support her, and be her strongest backing, rain or shine?"
With the sound of crashing waves, his answer was resolute: "I do."
The pastor then looked at the bride: "Miss Wenjia, what about you? Are you ready? Ready to accompany him, trust him, and walk hand in hand with him through this life, through thick and thin?"
Wen Jia's eyes were already burning with desire, and she was seeing everything in a blur, but she still answered clearly, "I do."
The pastor smiled kindly, "A ring is a symbol of marriage, a mark of eternity. It has no end, representing your endless love and commitment to each other. Now, please exchange rings."
Wen Jia opened her palm, and two rings lay quietly in the velvet box.
His ring was broad and substantial, its face polished to a fine matte finish, with only a delicate glossy line outlining the edge. The inside was engraved with their wedding date and the initials of her name.
With trembling hands, she took out the ring, a hot tear sliding down her cheek, but she still smiled proudly, waiting for the bells of fate to ring before slowly pushing it into the base of his ring finger.
So this is how he felt the day he proposed. She thought to herself.
"With all of us, including the sky, the sea, and the sunshine, as our witness, I now declare you husband and wife." The pastor's eyes were filled with joy and blessing, and his voice rose slightly, carrying a sense of declaration.
“Mr. Xu Shaoting, you may now kiss your bride.”
Amidst the applause and cheers of the surrounding guests, Xu Shaoting stepped into her white veil, leaned slightly, tilted his head, and kissed her gently yet firmly.
The pastor closed the heavy Bible in his hands, smiled, and quietly left, leaving the whole world to the two of them.
In the distance, beside the private dock, the mast of the white sailboat swayed gently, and the bells on the mooring ropes jingled occasionally, adding a tender aftertaste to the wedding.
The band played upbeat Cuban folk songs, and on the white round table, an exquisite cake and a translucent champagne tower gleamed.
His broad palm enveloped her hand, and together they cut the first piece, symbolizing a sweet future.
After enjoying the cake, the guests relaxed and rested on the beach.
Wen Jia had drunk some champagne, and was a little dazed and slightly drunk. She was half-squatting on the beach, writing with her fingers, while Xu Shaoting slowly held up her trailing skirt.
The Caribbean sea breeze always arrives at the perfect time. Wen Jia happily stood up, picked up her draped veil, and tossed it up. The white veil, like a cloud, gently enveloped Xu Shaoting's face without any deviation.
He stood still, looking at the smiling guests around him through the hazy veil, letting the white gauze brush against his face, shaking his head, and smiling indulgently.
Outside the gauze curtain, Wen Jia was taken aback at first, then couldn't help but laugh. She bent over, laughing heartily, her shoulders trembling slightly, so joyful, so unreserved.
—Happiness rushed towards him as soon as she stood up.
Xu Shaoting did not immediately lift the veil, but instead gazed at her through this gentle barrier. His gaze pierced through the fine mesh, fixing on her at that moment.
He chuckled softly, his chest heaving, his voice muffled through the veil, yet full of doting affection: "So happy?"
“Of course I’m happy,” she said, wrapping her arms tightly around him, one of her high-heeled feet playfully hooked up as she looked up at him. “Are you happy?”
"happy?"
Why are you happy?
"Because I married you."
He could not conceive of anything more beautiful than this, no matter how much he tried to imagine it.
From then on, his world was filled with her smiling eyes and the most perfect scenery in the world.
-
Wen Jia posted all the photos taken by Xu Yancheng on her WeChat Moments, and received a string of endless blessings.
Yu Jianshan was originally on the wedding invitation list, but he was too busy to attend.
But Wen Jia had no regrets, because on the wedding day, he wrote a lengthy congratulatory message and carefully recorded a video.
In the video, he was still wearing that familiar baseball cap, and his usually serious face was now beaming with a genuine smile.
"Congratulations on your marriage, Wenjia. This is the first time I've recorded a video like this for the female lead in my drama. I originally wanted to call you that, but then I felt it wasn't appropriate, because I know clearly that from now on, you will only be his one and only female lead."
Today, you've found your home, and I'm truly happy for you. Marriage is a more real creation than any script; it requires two people to improvise for a lifetime. There are no pre-set lines, no second chances, but I think you two don't need to do it all over again.
Because the best storyline has already unfolded in your hands.
As a director, I have witnessed too many meticulously planned encounters, yet I am still moved by your most natural approach.
Wen Jia, do you still remember the first time you stood in front of my camera? You asked me how to enter that fictional world. I said, forget the camera, forget the script, forget you're acting. Later, I realized you already understood this principle. Whether in a play or in life, you never deliberately try to play anyone; you simply and sincerely be yourself. And then, you found the person who truly appreciates your authenticity.
A good partner is like this. He won't try to change you, but will instead use his own methods to make your radiance shine even brighter. In the long, impromptu performance of marriage, you are each other's only audience and the most compatible partners. There's no director yelling "Cut!", no predetermined ending; every morning is a new beginning, and every evening can be a perfect closing scene.
I once told you that the best performance is forgetting you're performing. Now I want to say that the best marriage is probably forgetting marriage itself. Forget those dogmas about 'how couples should be,' just two independent and complete souls deciding to walk through life side by side. There will be moments of improvisation, moments of urgency to change things up on the spot, but as long as the foundation of trust is there, any performance that deviates from the plan can become a classic.
Wen Jia, as the director, I'm glad you finished filming your role in the movie; as a friend, I'm delighted that a new chapter in your life is about to begin.
Take action! Your new life has begun. I believe this will be a masterpiece.
In the very end, Yu Jianshan smiled and wished her well:
"Wenjia, please walk firmly toward happiness like this."
The screen gradually dimmed, and every frame, every second, every word replayed in her mind. She cried and laughed, and laughed and cried at the same time.
Xu Shaoting pulled her into a tight embrace, her face streaked with tears, and gently wiped away her tears with his fingertips, finally placing a light kiss on the corner of her lips:
"My darling, we will definitely walk firmly toward happiness."
-----------------------
Author's Note: The main story is now complete! Thank you for every collection, comment, paragraph review, chapter subscription, ticket, nutrient solution, and bug fix during the serialization.
This is my first post, and I know it has many shortcomings (not that I'm being self-deprecating). So I'm really, really grateful to every reader who likes this book. I recognize the IDs of the readers who often leave comments. Of course, I know there are many other readers who enjoy reading quietly. I will remember you all and thank you sincerely.
Because I was afraid that writing a lot of things in the author's notes during the serialization period would break you out of the story, I basically didn't leave any comments. But now I can finally say it! Perhaps writing really does consume a lot of physical and mental cells. I really broke down several times during the writing process. Every day, I would have thoughts like, "I really don't know how to write," "No matter how I write, it's not right," "I'm writing so badly," and "Should I continue writing?" The more I thought about these things, the more self-doubt arose, so there were several times when I almost couldn't continue writing.
But none of that matters. What matters most is that whenever I have these questions, when I think of your comments, urging me to update, and encouragement, I feel that the answers don't matter at all. At least you're still reading, so I have to keep writing. I can't give up. I have to be responsible to my readers, I have to make the story complete, and I have to give you an explanation.
So I stopped writing and picked up my pen countless times, but I finally finished it.
You all gave me motivation, so I am truly grateful to every reader. You probably can't imagine how much encouragement you gave me. Even when I was so desperate that I fell to the bottom of a well, with nowhere left to fall, you were like a rope hanging down, allowing me to grab on again, climb up little by little, and finish telling the story.
This story is complete because of Wen Jia and Xu Shaoting, and it is also complete because of you.
Thank you.
The grand wedding, the prize-winning competition, and the sweet everyday moments will all be included in the bonus chapters. The bonus chapters will be released later...
I will improve. See you in the next book! (I'll definitely have a stockpile of chapters for the next one and update daily...)
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