Chapter 71: The Wedding

Shi Qi had a dream.

In the dream, it was still that small Western-style building covered in Endless Summer. Unlike before, the teenage Shang Sui wasn't painting; instead, he sat by the balcony, as if trying to imitate someone else.

He had his back to Shi Qi, like a butterfly about to fall beneath the sky.

Hearing a sound, the teenager turned his head. The moment he saw Shi Qi, his eyes widened. 'Are you getting married?'

Only then did Shi Qi realize she was wearing a white wedding dress.

Even so, Shi Qi felt she hadn't written 'I'm getting married' on her face, but the teenager seemed certain, his eyes showing reluctance. 'With whom?'

'With you.'

The teenager said blankly, 'You've already left.'

Shi Qi heard herself say, 'We'll meet again in the future.'

She told the teenager that when they met again, they would both be grown up, no longer close and special friends, but partners in the truest sense.

'So that's how it is.'

The teenager seemed thoughtful, his dim face gradually becoming vivid, and finally he smiled and said to her—

'Shi Qi! Shi Qi!' Lin Yan's voice jolted Shi Qi awake. 'Why have you been spacing out?'

'I...'

Shi Qi opened her mouth, wanting to say she had an extremely vivid dream this morning, but she absolutely couldn't remember the last scene.

The words were on the tip of her tongue, but Shi Qi changed her mind. 'Maybe I slept too long.'

She had passed out after they finished last night, slept for ten hours straight, and still felt weak when she woke up this morning, staring blankly at the ceiling from bed.

Shi Qi couldn't help feeling that her earlier decision had been too wild, even if it was only once, not considering the other person's freakish stamina.

Last night, as things got heated, Shang Sui coaxed her into wearing only the Apron.

Dizzy from his sweet talk, Shi Qi obeyed and was pressed straight into the bed, nearly losing half her life.

'Tomorrow, tomorrow we still have the wedding!' Shi Qi said in the chaos. 'We can't have everyone there except us. You need to, restrain yourself a bit...!'

That beautiful keyword moved the Alpha, and he finally understood he couldn't be completely unrestrained.

Shi Qi barely endured until one round ended, but Shang Sui quickly got excited again. Bound by his earlier promise, he didn't touch her, but he stared at her on his own...!

To prevent Shi Qi from shyly escaping, Shang Sui used the Sleeping Robe's sash to tie her hands and fix them to the headboard.

She thought that was the end. But not long after she fell asleep, in a daze it seemed Shang Sui pressed close again to kiss her face, and finally, afraid of waking her, he went to the bathroom himself.

The scariest part was that after all that, Shang Sui actually got up on time.

Shi Qi lazed in bed for half an hour before moving. If her foundation weren't so good, requiring only the simplest makeup and hairstyle, the wedding might really have been delayed.

Lin Yan didn't notice Shi Qi's wandering gaze. 'Are you too excited? After all, today is your big day.'

As she spoke, the door was pushed open.

'Xiao Qi! How are the preparations?' Chu Tao's lively voice came from the doorway. Beside her were Ying Yuran and Jiang Yan, the former holding an exquisite Lily of the Valley Bouquet.

'I've come to give you the bouquet,' Ying Yuran said, extending his hands forward. 'Please.'

'You don't know how funny last night was,' Lin Yan said. They had a party on the beach last night that went on until the wee hours. 'I told them the story of you and Shang Sui. Everyone was stunned, and they all thought it was especially romantic.'

'I heard the bouquet from your graduation year was from Shang Sui, and it was passed through Ying Yuran by chance. Ying Yuran said he had to hand the bouquet to you today to complete the circle.'

'Last time I saw Brother Sui, I thought he looked very familiar, and I couldn't help staring,' Ying Yuran said with a smile. 'Shi Qi thought I had a thing for Brother Sui back then, but I was just a flower boy.'

Shi Qi vaguely remembered that after getting drunk that day, she kept clinging to Ying Yuran.

She also laughed, taking the Lily of the Valley Bouquet from Ying Yuran. 'Misjudgment, acquitted.'

'His Majesty is wise,' Ying Yuran said, imitating Qin Shuhe's manner, then offered a sincere blessing. 'Happy wedding, Shi Qi.'

Jiang Yan suddenly raised his phone. 'Shang Sui said he wants to see you.'

'No, no, no sneaking photos before the ceremony,' Chu Tao scolded. 'Whose side are you on? I only let you come because you said you were wholeheartedly on Shi Qi's side!'

'Of course I'm on Shi Qi's side,' Jiang Yan immediately pledged loyalty. 'I just secretly took a photo of Shang Sui. Shi Qi, look.'

Shi Qi leaned in with great interest.

In the photo, Shen Qianyu was talking to Qin Shuhe, while Shang Sui was adjusting his tie alone. The black-gold Jacket Chain on his waist glittered, making him look radiant, without a trace of fatigue.

Shang Sui and Shi Qi's wedding attire were the same style in different colors of Custom Suit, one black and one white, with different adjustments in small details.

Both of them had many delicate accessories. Shi Qi didn't have pierced ears, so Shang Sui picked out Ear Clip for her.

Lin Yan chanted to Shi Qi like a mantra: 'He is black, you are white; he is the devil, you are the angel.'

Ying Yuran complained: 'That's a bit cringe for me.'

Lin Yan retorted: 'Don't you think it's fitting?'

Ying Yuran looked at the photo.

Once Shi Qi wasn't present, Shang Sui appeared especially cold. Even if he didn't do anything deliberately, his innate aura gave the impression of being hard to approach.

Ying Yuran: 'A cliché setup, when it meets the right person, unleashes unparalleled tension. You're right, Master Yan. Agreed.'

Chu Tao looked at Shang Sui in the photo, then at Shi Qi. 'You two have such great models. Today's wedding photos will be perfect.'

Besides the professional photography team, Chu Tao brought her own handheld camera.

She gestured for everyone to gather closer. 'I recorded a video over at Brother Sui's side just now.'

On the screen, Chu Tao pointed the camera at the dressing room mirror, adjusting the frame. 'The wedding is about to start. Say something!'

The camera turned, and Qin Shuhe's face appeared first on the screen. 'Today I establish the Shang clan as Empress, taking the central palace position. May I share a common heart with Queen Qi, and our qin and se harmonize—hey, Little Peach Sister, don't walk away. What do you mean, you think I'm too cultured?'

Shen Qianyu said calmly, 'Congratulations. The journey has been very difficult. As an observer, both seven years ago and now, it's like a miracle.'

After the serious words, Shen Qianyu changed his tone. 'Is Shi Qi there? Please don't divorce him, or he's very likely to take the path of crime. I don't want to be a prison doctor.'

Qin Shuhe burst out laughing beside him. 'Hahahaha! Shen Doctor, you're so funny!'

The camera turned to the last person.

'Can you say something nice?' Shang Sui unceremoniously kicked Shen Qianyu's chair, then looked at the camera, his face changing like a switch to tender affection. 'Xiao Qi is preparing now, right?'

'Can I have a kiss when we meet later? Our baby must be very beautiful and very handsome today. I can't wait to see you.'

'Ooh—' Everyone here let out a teasing cheer.

'Yes, yes! Super beautiful!' Chu Tao looked at the butterfly earrings swaying on Shi Qi's reddening earlobes. 'Completely a sparkling little cat!'

Seeing Shi Qi embarrassed, Lin Yan laughed uncontrollably. 'Aiya, Shang Sui really knows how to talk.'

Chu Tao started recording again, pointing the camera at the person in question. 'Can you grant Her Majesty the Empress's wish and kiss him?'

Shi Qi replied demurely, 'I suppose so.'

Seeing Lin Yan eager to speak, Chu Tao turned to him. 'Yan Yan, what do you want to say?'

Lin Yan clasped his hands together. 'Today is Shi Qi's wedding day. If I see this video ten years from now, I'll probably feel like it's a lifetime ago. Just like a year ago, I never imagined that Shi Qi would one day marry someone.'

'Shang Sui, are you there? Take good care of our cat. Don't bully him except in bed.'

Chu Tao let out a strange laugh. Shi Qi clicked her tongue, originally wanting to scold Lin Yan, but ended up laughing along.

'Ten years from now, I'll still come to your place to hang out, chat with you, play games, and watch a movie together,' Lin Yan said, looking at Shi Qi. 'Even if you marry... ah no, even if you marry Shang Sui, you have to save a spot for me at your place.'

'Of course,' Shi Qi said seriously. 'Don't worry.'

'You've worked hard all this time.' Lin Yan smiled. Shi Qi knew he was referring to Gland Atrophy Syndrome. 'He saved you, and you saved him. You both have to be happy.'

The ceremony venue was set deep in the forest. Since the wedding date was confirmed half a year ago, large quantities of Endless Summer had been transplanted to the island, and recently it happened to be the peak blooming season.

Golden sunlight filtered through the canopy. The main venue and guest seats were wrapped in clusters of flowers, like a river of colorful mist flowing through the forest.

'Jiang Yan,' Shi Qi called him as she passed the guest seats. 'I'll throw the bouquet to you guys later. Remember to catch it.'

'Huh?' Jiang Yan was startled. 'Oh, okay, okay, thanks.'

As she spoke, Shi Qi saw Shang Sui in the distance.

The Alpha wore a sharply tailored black suit, tall and straight, broad-shouldered and long-legged, even more dazzling than the blooming flowers behind him.

Shi Qi was momentarily captivated by his beauty. The thought of soon establishing the closest relationship in the world with Shang Sui filled her heart with irrepressible anticipation.

But then, some not-safe-for-work scenes flashed through her mind.

She only discovered this morning that the Maid Outfit had gone into the trash in tatters, emitting a strong honey scent.

Shi Qi suddenly realized that last time she went to the bathroom last night, Shang Sui had taken the Apron and Leg Ring she had worn.

Seeing Shang Sui walking toward her, Shi Qi's thighs reflexively began to weaken.

'Pervert.'

Hearing her mutter, Shang Sui stopped. 'Why do you scold me the moment we meet?'

After saying it, Shi Qi also felt it wasn't good to curse on the wedding day. She was about to say you misheard—

'That scolding sounds so nice,' Shang Sui said with a smile. 'Scold me a few more times.'

'...'

'So beautiful, baby,' Shang Sui's gaze clung to her. 'Even more fitting than I imagined.'

Shi Qi's entire outfit from head to toe was chosen by Shang Sui. A white suit with a matching vest and lace shirt, no tie, slightly revealing a bit of collarbone. The makeup artist had applied a shimmering liquid highlighter along the edge of her collarbone.

She had sparkling makeup, her eyelids shimmering, her already thick lashes curled, like a doll.

Like Shi Qi, Shang Sui's heart was also filled with the anticipation of entering marriage, barely containable.

'Didn't you want a kiss?' Shi Qi, feeling pleased by the compliments, said proudly. 'Come here.'

Qin Shuhe, sitting in the guest seats, turned around very quickly. 'Hey! What are you two doing? No sneaky kisses before the ceremony!'

Lin Yan beside him also joined in. 'Shi Qi, what's wrong with you? Why do you look disappointed?'

'Hurry up, you two are both impatient.'

'After this process is done, we can kiss!'

Caught by everyone, they had to give up for now.

'I forgot to say, everything today is wonderful.' Before the ceremony began, Shi Qi poked him. When Shang Sui leaned down, she said seriously, 'The setting, the clothes, the accessories... thank you for preparing so attentively. I'll remember this day forever.'

Shang Sui smiled and extended his hand to her. 'Shall we go?'

Shi Qi's eyes curved. 'Let's go!'

Unlike the elaborate setting, the wedding ceremony process was very simple.

There was no officiant for this wedding. They walked all the way through the Endless Summer flowers bathed in summer sunlight, as if passing through layers of a time tunnel.

Shi An and Jiang Li sat in the front row. On the left were Jiang Yoning and Li Zhao, the latter also carrying a camera, focusing on filming.

The moment Shi An saw Shi Qi, his eyes reddened. 'How is she already getting married? In my memory, she's still a child. I really can't bear to let her go.'

As Shi An spoke, he looked to the side. Yu Wan had been clapping at first, but later her eyes also reddened.

She took out a handkerchief from her bag to wipe her tears. Shang Yao spoke softly to her, a gratified smile on his face.

Among the elders, Jiang Li was the happiest. 'I've always thought Xiao Qi was born too beautiful, it's hard to find an Alpha whose appearance matches hers. I was afraid that on the wedding day, they wouldn't look compatible.'

Jiang Li said cheerfully, 'Very good, very good! Xiao Sui standing with her is like a pair of crystal figurines. Perfect match.'

Their suit lapels were all adorned with a Lily of the Valley Brooch. Shang Sui stopped, his gaze sweeping over the bouquet in Shi Qi's hand and the flowers on her lapel that were like lamps and dew. He felt everything was just right: 'On a day like today, there is no flower more suitable than this.'

Lily of the Valley blooms, happiness returns.

'I hope that from now on, your happiness and joy will be shared with me,' Shi Qi suddenly said. 'If you don't have me, you should be unhappy and joyless.'

Everyone present was stunned by the unconventional vows, and soon laughter broke out.

Qin Shuhe asked, 'Is Shi Qi cursing my brother?'

Lin Yan: 'Your brother is willing.'

Qin Shuhe: 'I think so too. He looks thoroughly pleased.'

'Alright,' Shang Sui's eyes rippled with a smile. 'I do.'

The warm breeze lifted scattered hydrangea petals. Shi Qi looked into his eyes, as if watching a scene from a fairy tale.

'You once said that meeting me that summer was like a fairy tale,' as if by some wonderful unspoken understanding, Shang Sui asked at the same time, 'From seven years ago until now, how did that fairy tale end?'

Even though it was a wedding gathered with family and friends, the voices of others suddenly became distant.

Last winter night, she had embraced Shang Sui on the day of First Snow. At that time, she thought it was the first intimate, unintentional hug since they met.

The language of Lily of the Valley includes the joy of reunion after a long separation. Without her knowing, another person had gratefully woven that meaning into the Bracelet of the Flower Day Festival.

After going through so much, of course it's a good ending.

Shi Qi was about to speak when this morning's dream suddenly flashed through her mind.

The teenager in the dream gradually merged with Shang Sui's face. Shi Qi finally remembered what the teenager had said at the end.

She smiled at Shang Sui, changed her words, and said the same thing—

'It's a perfect love story.'

-End of Main Text-