Claude Island originally had one dock and one helipad, which were perfectly sufficient for the island owner's personal use but proved inadequate when hosting a small wedding.
Construction crews worked around the clock to widen the dock and clear part of the forest to expand the helipad, now capable of temporarily accommodating ten aircraft and fifteen yachts.
When Zhong Ziyan first arrived on the island, she briefly thought the plane had taken a wrong turn—the place bore no resemblance to what she remembered from her last visit.
It wasn't until she spotted the floating cabin still anchored in the sea on the island's southern shore that Zhong Ziyan had to admit the renovations had progressed at breakneck speed.
On the distant horizon, Zhong Ziyan even thought she glimpsed what looked like a small naval vessel approaching.
Upon closer inspection, she realized it was actually a yacht.
Yes, a yacht that resembled a slightly smaller destroyer...
Compared to that behemoth, Zhong Ziyan's personal yacht might as well have been a fishing boat.
The wide-eyed Zhong Ziyan marveled: "I've sunk actual warships before, but this is my first time seeing a yacht that looks like one. What an eye-opener."
Hua Shuangshuang followed Zhong Ziyan's gaze. Having thoroughly researched the guest list—200% prepared—she could instantly recite anyone's family background and personal gossip: "That belongs to an oil-rich royal family."
"Does the warship come with its own army?" Zhong Ziyan joked.
Hua Shuangshuang answered seriously: "His private forces remain aboard; only a few personal attendants will accompany him ashore."
Zhong Ziyan: "..." No matter—even if he brought an entire regiment, they wouldn't stand a chance.
"Besides, you might find common ground with that prince," Hua Shuangshuang smiled, clutching her tablet. "After all, he owns a car made entirely of gold—every component except the essential mechanical parts."
Zhong Ziyan didn't consider gold enthusiasts kindred spirits. They were competitors vying for the world's limited gold reserves.
There's only so much gold on Earth!
As the group reached the off-road vehicles by the dock, Wei Hanyun turned to Zhong Ziyan: "My mother and second brother's family have arrived. I—"
Before he could finish, another modified off-roader came skidding sideways, its door flying open to reveal Wei Hanyan's face: "Auntie! No time to explain—get in!"
With a wink at Wei Hanyun, she reached out to pull Zhong Ziyan along.
Fortunately, Zhong Ziyan didn't resist—otherwise, the seatbelt-wearing Wei Hanyan would have gone flipping across the beach with her vehicle.
Hua Shuangshuang nimbly squeezed into the car with her tablet.
"Uncle, I'm borrowing her! Go entertain the guests—I'll send Ziqian to assist you later!" Wei Hanyan shouted before slamming the door. The off-roader roared away across the sand.
When Wei Hanyan looked back, Zhong Ziyan had already settled in: "What's the emergency?"
The wedding dress designer beside Wei Hanyan wore a pained expression: "I've never met a bride who completely delegates her wedding preparations like you—no rehearsals, no dress fittings, no pre-wedding photoshoots, arriving just one day before the ceremony."
Zhong Ziyan: "..." It's a fake wedding—no need for perfection. "That's why we hired professionals like you."
The designer remained unimpressed: "But we only have about twelve hours left, and you haven't even seen the venue in person."
"You sent me videos."
"In person!" The baby-faced designer protested loudly. "What woman wouldn't want to see her dream wedding venue with her own eyes?"
Zhong Ziyan surveyed the five designers plus Wei Hanyan surrounding her and decided against arguing.
Why pick a fight with six people when she couldn't even knock some sense into them?
The off-roader kicked up sand all the way to the floating cabin, now cordoned off by a charming "No Entry" barrier made of seashell strands labeled "Bride's Prep Area—Authorized Personnel Only."
Zhong Ziyan found herself practically carried into the cabin and deposited in the newly arranged dressing room.
The makeup artist studied Zhong Ziyan's face closely: "Excellent skin condition—no worries about makeup application. Recent facial treatments?"
"None."
"My aunt never even wears sunscreen—she only gets treatments when I drag her to them," Wei Hanyan said while removing her sun-protective jacket, her tone slightly envious of Zhong Ziyan's natural complexion.
Meanwhile, the dress designer swiftly took measurements: "Hmm... figure maintained perfectly, identical to before. No last-minute alterations needed."
"First trial makeup and hairstyle, then a dress fitting. If everything checks out, we'll do one venue rehearsal," the baby-faced designer rattled off rapidly. "We're running short on time, ladies—must move faster. Miss Wei, when can the groom break free? His presence at rehearsal would be ideal."
Just as Zhong Ziyan was about to say "unnecessary," Wei Hanyan interjected: "When it's time, I'll call Grandma to retrieve Uncle!"
Resigned, Zhong Ziyan closed her eyes as instructed by the makeup artist.
To Wei Hanyun's family, this was a genuine, significant wedding. How did Wei Hanyun plan to explain things when their contract period ended?
The renowned makeup artist spent a full ten minutes scrutinizing Zhong Ziyan before inspiration struck.
Her expression transformed into one of excitement as she unlatched her massive makeup case: "Leave it to me!"
Meanwhile, the wedding dress—displayed on a mannequin—was finally carefully transported in after the bridal styling concluded.
Zhong Ziyan glanced over curiously: "..." This dress clearly wasn't designed for solo dressing—it would require two or three assistants.
"This is undoubtedly one of the most perfect wedding dresses I've ever designed and created," the designer declared proudly. "I might even remove the 'one of' qualifier—come, Miss Zhong, let's have you try it on."
Steeling herself, Zhong Ziyan entered the changing room with the designer's assistant.
Though the dress appeared extravagantly ornate, its structure turned out surprisingly straightforward. With the assistant's guidance, Zhong Ziyan easily slipped into the custom-made gown.
The dress revealed minimal skin, its skirt scattered with blue and green diamonds that twinkled like playful starlight.
Delicate vintage lace covered her arms to the shoulders—lightweight enough to subtly reveal her fair, healthy complexion beneath.
The square neckline in courtly style perfectly framed her collarbones and the necklace the assistant had just fastened (while standing on tiptoe), featuring teardrop-cut blue diamonds and pearls.
The jewelry formed a complete set. After a moment's thought, Zhong Ziyan recalled the design house mentioning these pieces were carved from "a single raw stone."
The green ones were most likely those two diamonds worth a yacht each.
At this thought, Zhong Ziyan: "……" She lowered her head to look again, but no matter how she counted, she felt there were more than just two green diamonds on her.
Where did the extra ones come from?
The assistant busied herself for a while, meticulously adorning Zhong Ziyan with all eight pieces of jewelry before bending down to adjust the train of her gown. Gazing at the mirror, she sighed in admiration, "You are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen."
This full set of extravagant accessories would easily look gaudy on anyone else, but Zhong Ziyan’s poised elegance effortlessly subdued the dazzling brilliance, turning them into mere embellishments that enhanced her radiance—as if even the diamonds and pearls bowed before her, becoming mere accessories to her grace.
Zhong Ziyan studied her reflection as well, mentally calculating the fortune draped over her body.
And all of it was for a single occasion.
"Oh, and we mustn’t forget the final two important steps!" The assistant clasped her hands excitedly, retrieving the bouquet and placing it in Zhong Ziyan’s grasp before stepping behind her to secure the tiara.
It was the same priceless tiara Zhong Ziyan had once worn to the Wei family banquet, though for the wedding, an exquisite handmade veil had been delicately attached.
The assistant carefully adjusted the tiara and veil before stepping back, pressing a hand to her fluttering heart as she took a deep breath. Softly, she asked, "Are you ready?"
Zhong Ziyan nodded, bouquet in hand. "Perfect. There’s nothing left to change."
The assistant scurried a few steps away. "Then I’ll open the door now."
Zhong Ziyan: "Mm."
In a dreamy voice, the assistant added, "The photographer must already be waiting outside, ready to capture your first moment in the wedding gown."
Zhong Ziyan: "……Mm?"
