Jiang Lan asked, "...What ring?"
What on earth was Lu Yicheng looking for? Where was there a ring?
Lu Yicheng glanced at Jiang Lan.
Honestly, still not saying anything. It must be in the cake. Lu Yicheng took another bite.
Still nothing.
Lu Yicheng said, "It's the ring you prepared for me. I saw it the other day. Didn't you hide it in the cake?"
Could it be under the table or in the dishes?
Lu Yicheng stared at the food on the table. If it was in the dishes... was it in the lamb or the beef?
Jiang Lan's heart skipped a beat. She suddenly realized what ring Lu Yicheng was talking about.
The engagement ring she had prepared.
When had Lu Yicheng seen it? That night... so he knew.
He had acted so convincingly.
Jiang Lan hadn't planned to give him the ring today.
Lu Yicheng was still searching for the ring, and people nearby were starting to notice.
Jiang Lan patted Lu Yicheng's hand. "Hey, what are you doing... eat your food. What ring are you looking for?"
Lu Yicheng: "I have to find it."
Not finding it wasn't an option.
"Could it be in the hot pot?"
Lu Yicheng grabbed a strainer, ready to fish around.
......
Jiang Lan's face turned slightly red, unsure how to explain it to Lu Yicheng. What was he thinking? Who would put a ring in food? Didn't he worry about chipping a tooth?
And...
"Lu Yicheng, you already have a ring," Jiang Lan whispered. "Why do you need another one?"
Lu Yicheng: "Of course I want the one you give me."
He wouldn't accept one from anyone else, but Jiang Lan was different.
He couldn't even eat properly; it had been days.
Lu Yicheng had been looking forward to this day.
Jiang Lan handed Lu Yicheng a small box. "An anniversary gift."
Lu Yicheng opened it eagerly, only to find a watch inside.
It was nice, but where was the ring?
Lu Yicheng: "Sweetheart, where's my ring?"
Jiang Lan: "The ring was never meant to be an anniversary gift. Just eat."
Lu Yicheng opened his mouth but didn't speak. If it wasn't an anniversary gift, then what was it for?
A ring, but not an anniversary gift.
Had Jiang Lan intended to... propose?
He hadn't dared to think about it. Lu Yicheng believed proposing was his responsibility.
But Jiang Lan had wanted to propose to him.
So the luck of that day had been prepared by Jiang Lan long ago.
It was supposed to be a surprise for the day of the proposal.
Lu Yicheng pursed his lips, stood up, and walked over to Jiang Lan. "Sweetheart, scoot over. I want to sit with you."
Jiang Lan moved over, making space for him. Across from them were two bouquets of flowers, and opposite the flowers sat two people.
Lu Yicheng couldn't describe the feeling in his heart—happy, but mostly bittersweet.
So Jiang Lan had agreed to his proposal not out of emotion but because she had already thought about marrying him before that.
"How did I not know anything? Good thing I proposed early."
Otherwise, he would have been beaten to it.
Jiang Lan sighed. "What do you mean 'you proposed early'? You should thank Teacher Yu. If it weren't for her, who knows who would have proposed first! And you say 'good thing I proposed early'..."
Always so full of himself.
Lu Yicheng scooped cooked meat for Jiang Lan. "My mom knew too!"
"You're the only one who didn't know, silly. Hurry up and eat." Jiang Lan rolled the meat in sesame sauce, hesitated for a moment, then picked it up and handed it to Lu Yicheng. "Just this one bite. Take it or leave it."
Lu Yicheng opened his mouth and ate it in one bite. He wasn't stupid enough to refuse food from his wife.
"Delicious, really delicious."
Jiang Lan focused on eating. She had been running around all morning and was starving.
Lu Yicheng went back to eating the small cake. He couldn't resist asking again, "It's really not in here, is it?"
Jiang Lan said firmly, "I'm sure it's not."
Lu Yicheng sighed. "Then let's go buy a necklace after we finish eating. We can wear the rings on the necklaces, okay?"
Lu Yicheng had been wearing the engagement ring all along. He wanted to keep this ring close to him too.
She hadn't even mentioned giving it to him, yet he was already thinking about the ring. But since it was prepared for him, who else would she give it to?
Jiang Lan nodded. "Fine, hurry up and eat."
Lu Yicheng: "Can I have it now?"
Jiang Lan: "No. Are you going to eat or not? If not, go sit back over there."
Couldn't even eat a meal in peace.
Lu Yicheng could wait. He was determined to see the ring today.
He focused on eating, though most of the food he picked went to Jiang Lan. After she was full, he dumped the remaining dishes into the pot and scooped them into his own bowl.
Meat, shrimp paste, and various vegetables—Lu Yicheng ate more than Jiang Lan. Finishing the leftovers left him comfortably full.
After the meal, Lu Yicheng dragged Jiang Lan to pick out necklaces.
His only requirement was that they had to be a matching set.
The clerk recommended a few options. Lu Yicheng's necklace was slightly thicker, with no extra decorations. The clerk said, "We're having a promotion today—everything is at least 40% off."
What jewelry store offers a 40% discount on everything?
Real gold and silver—a 40% discount would mean a loss. Only Jiang Lan could come up with such an idea.
Lu Yicheng coughed.
Jiang Lan said, "Then wrap them up. Charge this card."
Jiang Lan handed over Lu Yicheng's salary card. Lu Yicheng smiled even wider.
The point of earning money was to spend it. The more Jiang Lan spent, the happier he was.
The movie was scheduled for 9 p.m., ending at 11. Before even halfway through, Lu Yicheng couldn't sit still.
No matter how gripping the plot was, he couldn't get into it.
The thought of Jiang Lan picking out a ring, then going to various stores in the mall to prepare a surprise for him, made his heart itch.
Jiang Lan loved him.
Even if she hadn't said it out loud, her love was genuine.
He could feel it.
But in public, Lu Yicheng only dared to hold her hand—not even kiss her.
The movie ended at 11. Lu Yicheng remembered there was a five-star hotel nearby.
He didn't want to go home tonight.
Whether it was Purple Golden Mansion or Jiang's house, he wouldn't be able to sleep with Jiang Lan.
Neither was their home. Lu Yicheng wanted to be alone with Jiang Lan.
Today was their anniversary—four years together. Lu Yicheng didn't want to be apart from Jiang Lan today.
There weren't many people in the theater. The surroundings were dark. Lu Yicheng held Jiang Lan's hand, intertwining their fingers.
He leaned closer to her. "Sweetheart... after the movie, can we not go home? I don't want to go home today."
Lu Yicheng's heart pounded. In the darkness, he looked into Jiang Lan's eyes, which were watery from crying during the movie, shimmering with tears.
Jiang Lan was still immersed in the movie's plot and hadn't fully heard Lu Yicheng's words. "Hmm?"
Lu Yicheng wiped her tears. "...Never mind. Keep watching."
For the second half of the movie, Lu Yicheng had no idea what was happening.
When the movie ended, Jiang Lan sniffled. "That was so good. The final battle between gods and demons was amazing..."
Lu Yicheng led Jiang Lan out of the theater. "It was great. Really, really great. Absolutely amazing."
He hadn't even watched most of it.
Jiang Lan: "You didn't even watch it. Don't think I didn't see you playing on your phone."
She could guess what Lu Yicheng was thinking.
Not watching was a loss.
Lu Yicheng felt wronged. It wasn't like he hadn't tried to watch—he just couldn't focus.
"I couldn't concentrate on the movie. Sweetheart... can we not go home today?" Lu Yicheng whispered. "I'll talk to Teacher Xie."
They were already engaged. Living together wasn't a big deal. Lu Yicheng dared to bring it up with Xie Yunzhen.
Jiang Lan glanced at Lu Yicheng. The summer breeze blew past, and Lu Yicheng looked genuinely embarrassed.
His ears were red.
She didn't want to go back tonight either—just didn't feel like it. If they didn't go back, they could wake up together tomorrow morning.
But not going back was fine. Saying it outright wasn't.
Jiang Lan sent a message to Xie Yunzhen and another to Yu Wanqiu to cover for them. "I told my mom I'm staying with Teacher Yu tonight. Let's go."
Lu Yicheng hadn't expected happiness to come so suddenly. "Really? But how could you lie..."
It wasn't like they hadn't stayed together before. Why was he so excited?
Jiang Lan tugged Lu Yicheng along. "If I don't lie, should I go tell our moms the truth? I'll go confess."
Lu Yicheng immediately backtracked. "No, no."
"Just kidding." Jiang Lan hadn't planned to go back anyway. "Did you book a hotel?"
Lu Yicheng: "Yes."
Yu Wanqiu hadn't returned home yet. They could have gone back, but Lu Yicheng didn't want to. Holding Jiang Lan's hand, he checked them in at the hotel front desk and went straight to the presidential suite on the top floor.
The elevator was empty except for them. Lu Yicheng hooked his fingers with Jiang Lan's, his palms sweating.
As the elevator ascended, Lu Yicheng felt his breathing grow heavier.
Jiang Lan was curious about the presidential suite—she'd never stayed in one before. She didn't know what to expect.
Usually, when they traveled, they stayed in homestays.
But today, it was a five-star hotel.
After entering the code, the lights turned on automatically. A large floor-to-ceiling window revealed the night view outside. There were two rooms inside, a living room, a kitchen, and the cityscape beyond.
But before she could take a closer look, Jiang Lan was pressed against the wall.
Lu Yicheng: "Where's my ring? Where did you hide it?"
What followed was a kiss. Jiang Lan gripped Lu Yicheng's shirt.
He used to wear T-shirts more often, but since joining the company, he'd switched to dress shirts in all colors. Today's was white.
The shirt wrinkled under her grip. The shopping bags fell to the floor, their contents spilling out.
Jiang Lan: "Lu Yicheng..."
Lu Yicheng paused, looking at her seriously. "Don't call me by my name... you know what to call me."
He'd already proposed.
Why wasn't she calling him "husband"?
......
———
In mid-July, Yu Wanqiu and Lu Shuangchen returned from abroad. Their first order of business was to propose to Jiang Lan's family on behalf of their son.
This was Yu Wanqiu's first time visiting Jiang Lan's hometown. Both of them dressed formally.
Lu Yicheng's grandparents came along too.
They prepared betrothal gifts, a house, a car, and even wedding dresses. The Jiang family had no complaints.
Jiang Lan knew Yu Wanqiu was a celebrity, but up close, she looked even younger.
Jiang Lan's grandfather was also very welcoming and even played two games of chess with Lu Shuangchen.
The engagement party was scheduled for mid-September, a date chosen by a fortune-teller.
The wedding was tentatively set for May of the following year.
Lu Yicheng couldn't stop smiling. At noon, he cooked with Jiang Lan's grandmother.
Jiang Lan showed Yu Wanqiu and Lu Yicheng's grandmother around the county town. She couldn't quite believe it. "Teacher Yu, Grandma, I'm really getting married."
Yu Wanqiu said, "There are still several months to go. Actually, life after marriage won't be much different from now."
Jiang Lan nodded. The engagement was on September 16, and the wedding on May 19 of the following year.
Jiang Lan was looking forward to it.
Lu Yicheng's grandmother's face was creased with smiles. "September 16 is an auspicious date. Everything will go smoothly."
In August, Jiang Lan started her new job. Rumors about their engagement began circulating online.
Although the proposal and dinner hadn't been photographed, after the proposal, Jiang Lan had been wearing her ring.
So had Lu Yicheng.
Their necklaces were a matching set. Even though the ring was hidden beneath his clothes, it felt like an invisible connection.
The "Inseparable" fan group was buzzing—the liveliest it had ever been.
[Honestly, I've been waiting for this day for so long.]
[It's the wedding ring, right? Right? Right?]
[Wow, they're engaged!]
[Ahhhhhhh! I just ran around the block. This is the real deal. Lock these two up forever!]
[I'm more excited than if I were the one getting married.]
[Engagement! Wedding!]
[Can the wedding be livestreamed? I really hate that Lu Yicheng isn't in the entertainment industry.]
[At least post wedding photos!]
[My girl will look so beautiful on her wedding day.]
[Can the wedding be broadcast live?]
[We didn't even get to see how Lu Yicheng proposed. Disappointed.]
[Whatever, as long as Jiang Lan is happy.]
Fans were very supportive of the couple. A love story that began in college and lasted this long wasn't easy.
As for those who had criticized them for being mismatched, they had fallen silent.
If the couple themselves didn't care, why should outsiders interfere?
When summer break ended, students began looking forward to National Day in October.
This year's National Day tribute film included "Salute," along with two comedies. "Salute" was arguably the most anticipated movie—possibly the highest-grossing film in Chinese cinema history.
Presale tickets had already hit 210 million.
Yu Wanqiu had been busy lately with the premiere and various promotional events.
"Salute" premiered at midnight on October 1.
Jiang Lan and Yu Wanqiu attended the premiere.
As a National Day tribute film, the media in attendance included official outlets as well as entertainment reporters.
The film consisted of four short stories. The first was about border guards.
Snow-capped mountains in the northwest, howling winds, steadfast soldiers guarding the country's borders.
Frostbitten hands melting snow to cook instant noodles, faces and hands covered in chilblains. The most moving scene was when Chu Lingnan's character, a border guard, braved a blizzard to retrieve a flag.
His hands shook as he clutched the flag to his chest.
Though stationed in the harsh northwest, his heart was full of hope.
The second story was about a drug-sniffing dog. The film featured a retired drug-sniffing dog—a testament to the bond between humans and animals. But in the movie, the dog sacrificed itself after making significant contributions.
Though the actual dog was still alive, many unsung heroes—human and animal alike—had died protecting others.
The third story was "The Poplar Forest."
Wu Jing spent her prime years alone in the Gobi Desert, dedicating her life to China's northwest.
She planted trees her entire life, with lush forests behind her. Countless days were spent battling sandstorms and scorching sun, accompanied only by poplar trees.
In the latter half of the film, Wu Jing's husband gave up his position as a university professor to join her in the harsh northwest.
Wu Jing smiled through tears.
Jiang Lan had seen Yu Wanqiu filming this movie. At the time, Yu Wanqiu was so thin she was practically skin and bones, her pants hanging loose. In the film, Wu Jing sat by her husband's grave for a long time.
Thirty minutes told the story of Wu Jing's life. Jiang Lan didn't know whether she was crying for Wu Jing or for Yu Wanqiu.
By the time the premiere ended, even the reporters had red eyes.
Only after the premiere did director Chen Yi and the team behind "The Poplar Forest" finally relax.
Online discussions were largely positive. Though all profits from the film would be donated to hope schools, everyone hoped it would be a commercial success.
Veteran actors were always reliable.
Liu Qingyun's eyes welled up again. This was the first time the directors of the other three segments had seen "The Poplar Forest." After watching, they patted Liu Qingyun on the shoulder.
The female director's perspective was more nuanced. In a way, Liu Qingyun had elevated Wu Jing's story—and the one who brought Wu Jing to life was Yu Wanqiu.
Online reviews were overwhelmingly positive.
[Cried from start to finish. It wasn't overly sentimental—many scenes showed people smiling, yet I couldn't help but cry. The film's title says it all: a true tribute.]
[It was heartbreaking. Whether it was the drug-sniffing dog or the border guards, so many unsung heroes protect us. Happy birthday to our motherland.]
[I'd never heard of Wu Jing before. Thank you to the director and actors for introducing us to her. Truly remarkable.]
[The dedication of past researchers is awe-inspiring. A fitting tribute.]
[Yu Wanqiu never disappoints. The scene where she became emaciated broke my heart. "The Poplar Forest" covers Wu Jing's life in just over 30 minutes. I hope China produces more actors like her.]
[Worth watching twice.]
[There were minor flaws, but they served the story.]
[Though moving, some parts felt exaggerated.]
[What you call "exaggerated" was reality for many. Think before you throw around words like that.]
[Those calling it "exaggerated" have no idea what life was like for past revolutionaries.]
[Excellent. Lived up to the hype.]
[I love Yu Wanqiu so much.]
[Jiang Lan cried so hard at the premiere that Yu Wanqiu had to pass her tissues. I ship them even more now.]
[Chu Lingnan is always reliable.]
[This year's most anticipated film didn't disappoint.]
[Happy birthday to our motherland.]
After the premiere, the creative team gave interviews.
The first question went to Chen Yi. "Director Chen, are you satisfied with the actors' performances?"
Chen Yi: "From script revisions to finalizing the cast, the process took over a year. Four scripts, four directors. Though I oversaw the project, each director had final say on their segment's casting. Acting skills and suitability were both crucial. The actors delivered on performance, but physical transformations were up to them. I'm grateful for their dedication—it's what brought these characters to life."
Their status as award-winning actors wasn't just due to talent.
When it was "The Poplar Forest" team's turn, Liu Qingyun took the mic. "I'm very satisfied with Yu Wanqiu's performance. On set, she held herself to higher standards than I did. Thanks to the crew and cast, we have this film."
Yu Wanqiu spoke last. "I merely portrayed Wu Jing's life. The film took two months to shoot—two months to encapsulate her lifetime. To me, every highlight belongs to her, not me. If audiences love this film, it's because of Wu Jing, not me."
Yu Wanqiu's eyes were also red—not for the film, but for Wu Jing herself. The other three segments were equally moving.
By National Day's third day, "Salute" had surpassed 500 million at the box office. By the holiday's end, it had crossed 1 billion.
With strong post-holiday performance, it was on track to hit 6 billion.
Yu Wanqiu became China's first actor to star in films grossing over 20 billion total.
The term "milestone" suited her perfectly. Yet Yu Wanqiu now focused more on studying.
Not pursuing higher education was a regret. She wanted to make up for it.
Time flew. After May Day, the Lu family began preparing for Jiang Lan and Lu Yicheng's wedding.
There wasn't much left to do. Wedding photos had been taken, the new house was decorated—all that remained was the ceremony.
May 19 fell on a weekend, so Jiang Lan didn't even need to take time off. Truthfully, she wasn't as excited about the wedding as she'd expected.
After nearly five years together, married life would likely feel the same.
They'd have their own home. Before marriage, they alternated between Purple Golden Mansion and Jiang's house, commuting to work together daily. Married life wouldn't be much different.
The wedding itself would just be a crowd watching them exchange vows and toast.
What frustrated Jiang Lan most was that Xu Xiang couldn't be her bridesmaid.
Xu Xiang had gotten married three years ago, and Jiang Lan hadn't even known.
Her bridesmaid was Ou Mingyang, whom she'd kept in touch with.
Xu Xiang was also disappointed. Her marriage had been a private civil ceremony. Who knew that disqualified her from being a bridesmaid?
Still, she wanted to see Jiang Lan marry the love of her life.
The wedding was set for May 19. As the bride, Jiang Lan didn't even know the venue. Her wedding dress and traditional gown had already been delivered.
The plan was to wear the traditional gown to their new home first, then change into the wedding dress for the ceremony, and finally return home after the banquet.
Jiang Lan assumed the wedding would be held in a domestic church.
Xu Xiang asked if she was nervous. Jiang Lan shook her head. "Not really. Marriage doesn't feel any different. Looking at our marriage certificate, it's already routine. I see Lu Yicheng every day anyway."
The only change would be living in the same building as Yu Wanqiu—something to look forward to.
Xu Xiang was blindsided by another wave of dog food. "Well, just enjoy being a bride."
She'd already tried on both dresses. To look her best, Jiang Lan had been eating lightly lately. With the wedding tomorrow, she just hoped the photos would turn out well.
The next day dawned clear.
Mid-to-late May was still cool, with late spring hues blending into early summer.
Xie Yunzhen and Jiang Baoguo had barely slept. Jiang Lan's grandmother had tossed and turned all night.
Listening to her grandfather's snores, she felt both happy and sad. She wanted to talk but found her husband sound asleep.
At 5 a.m., Jiang Lan's grandmother shook her grandfather awake. "Stop sleeping. Lanlan is getting married today."
"They already have the marriage certificate. It's not like this is new..." Her grandfather rubbed his eyes. "What time is it?"
"It's different. No ceremony means they're not really married. Both are necessary."
"You like her fiancé, don't you?"
Of course she did, but he wasn't her grandson. After today, her granddaughter would belong to another family.
"Cheer up. It's a happy occasion. As long as the kids are happy." Her grandfather was more pragmatic. Lu Yicheng was a good kid—patient, treating Jiang's family as his own.
He was also responsible at work and more family-oriented than Jiang Lan.
Jiang Lan was 24. It was a good age to marry.
Her grandmother sighed. "Fine, fine. Be happy..."
A little after 6 a.m., Xie Yunzhen got up to make Jiang Lan a small bowl of noodle soup.
Soon after, Ou Mingyang arrived as the bridesmaid. Xie Yunzhen had only recently learned about Xu Xiang's marriage—just a civil ceremony, no wedding.
The Lu family would arrive at 9 a.m. to fetch the bride, first to the new home, then to the wedding venue.
The makeup team arrived at 7 a.m. and got to work immediately.
Yu Wanqiu's makeup team knew Jiang Lan well. "Your skin looks great today. You'll be the most beautiful bride."
Jiang Lan smiled. Tradition dictated that the bride and groom not see each other for three days before the wedding.
They hadn't even video-called.
Yu Wanqiu, as Lu Yicheng's mother, had been busy lately. Jiang Lan only had to focus on being a bride.
By 8 a.m., makeup was done. Jiang Lan stepped out to show Xie Yunzhen and the others. "Mom, Grandma, how do I look?"
They'd seen her in the traditional gown before, but without the phoenix crown or full makeup. Now, with everything in place, she was a true bride.
She looked stunning—every detail perfect.
From a tiny girl to a beautiful woman.
Xie Yunzhen nodded, her voice thick with emotion. "Beautiful... my daughter is so beautiful..."
Jiang Lan's grandmother touched her hand. "So lovely! Grandpa, look at our Lanlan. Isn't she pretty?"
Jiang Baoguo opened his mouth, then turned away to wipe his eyes. Her grandfather said, "Beautiful."
Jiang Lan laughed. "Lu Yicheng is so lucky."
Xie Yunzhen's sadness eased at Jiang Lan's teasing. "Don't say that in front of him. Are you still hungry? Eat something more."
Jiang Lan shook her head. "No, this phoenix crown is so heavy. The pearls and gems are real. Teacher Yu spared no expense."
Xie Yunzhen thought Jiang Lan was being too casual, still calling Yu Wanqiu "Teacher Yu" at a time like this. "As a daughter-in-law, you should call her 'Mom.' Where are your manners?"
"I know, I know. I'm getting married and you're still nagging me. Soon you'll only be able to praise me over the phone."
That made Xie Yunzhen sad again.
Realizing her mistake, Jiang Lan said, "Mom, I want yogurt."
Xie Yunzhen went to get it.
By 8:40 a.m., the groom's party arrived.
Lu Yicheng checked his outfit. "Everything okay?"
Lu Xingran said, "All good. Should I knock?"
Lu Yicheng: "I'll do it."
Xie Zheng, standing behind them, was purely decorative.
He and Lu Yicheng got along well. Last year, he'd collaborated with Lu Yuan as a brand ambassador. This year, he was Lu Yicheng's groomsman.
Along with Lu Xingran—two single men.
Xie Zheng: "Just knock. We'll handle any challenges."
Whether it was drinking, singing, or push-ups, Xie Zheng and Lu Xingran were ready.
Their job was to get the groom to the bride.
But when the door opened, Ou Mingyang didn't give them any trouble. "Come in. What would you like to drink?"
Xie Zheng: "Huh?"
Ou Mingyang: "For the fetching ceremony. Come in."
Lu Yicheng entered first. Seeing Xie Yunzhen, Jiang Baoguo, and Jiang Lan's grandparents, he knelt.
"Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, Dad, thank you for allowing me to marry Jiang Lan." Though they'd already registered the marriage and had their approval, Lu Yicheng felt the need to say it.
Jiang Baoguo helped him up. "Enough of that. Are you hungry? Want something to eat?"
Lu Yicheng shook his head.
He was dressed in traditional groom's attire—bright red and festive.
Xie Yunzhen and Jiang Baoguo chatted with Lu Yicheng in the living room. To them, he seemed no different from any other morning.
Lu Xingran and Xie Zheng greeted them politely. At 8:55 a.m., Lu Yicheng finally went to fetch the bride.
Lu Yicheng whispered, "Your parents kept me talking. I couldn't come see you sooner. You look beautiful today—though you always do, every day."
He knelt to put embroidered shoes on Jiang Lan. "I've come to marry you."
From Jiang's house to Purple Golden Mansion Phase III took just over 40 minutes. Upon arrival, Jiang Lan went straight to her room to change and redo her makeup before heading to the wedding venue.
When she asked Lu Yicheng about the location, he refused to say. "You'll see when we get there."
Jiang Lan assumed it was a church, but the car stopped at a manor. As she stepped out, she saw fields of dandelions.
White puffballs, some carried by the wind, floated toward her.
Lu Yicheng said, "I'll take you to Dad first. See you soon."
Jiang Lan's gaze lingered on the dandelion fields—endless white, with seeds drifting through the air.
Xu Xiang's jaw dropped. It was breathtaking.
Ou Mingyang squeezed Xu Xiang's hand in excitement. Holy crap, getting married here would make for amazing photos.
Even Xie Zheng, a grown man, was impressed.
Thankfully, neither of them was allergic—otherwise, they'd have ended up in the hospital.
Another path led to the wedding site.
White rose walls lined the way to the ceremonial platform.
Guests included Yu Wanqiu's friends—many from the industry: Shen Xingyao, Zhang Lin, Zhang Tian, Liu Qingyun, Chu Lingnan...
Lu Shuangchen had few friends. Yu Wanqiu had vetoed inviting the people from their last dinner.
The rest were relatives from both families.
The wedding took place at the manor—Lu family property. Lu Yicheng had arranged for the dandelions to be planted, timing their bloom perfectly.
Yu Wanqiu was busy hosting Jiang's family.
Lu Yicheng's uncle and aunt were also occupied, greeting guests.
The emcee was a famous TV host. He checked the large screen—it would be used later.
As the ceremony began, the emcee played a video from the desktop.
The crowd quieted.
Lu Yicheng appeared on screen. "One year, six months, and twenty-two days after I decided to propose, I'm finally having the wedding of my dreams, marrying the girl I love."
Jiang Lan, holding Jiang Baoguo's arm, heard these words as she stood by the rose wall.
Through the flowers and guests, she locked eyes with Lu Yicheng. He didn't speak—the voice came from the screen.
From her birthday on October 28 to today, from proposal to wedding, so much time had passed.
Jiang Baoguo, wearing a formal suit and glasses, led Jiang Lan toward Lu Yicheng.
The short walk felt endless.
To Jiang Lan too.
The screen showed Lu Yicheng's recordings—mostly made at night.
Jiang Lan suddenly remembered that time in City G when she'd misunderstood Lu Yicheng. He must have been recording a video then.
The clips were filled with his musings—childish, rambling. With hundreds of nights' worth, many videos weren't included.
By the time they reached the platform, the video was still playing.
The emcee said, "There's someone whose greatest wish is to earn money and marry the one he loves. He's waited so long for this day."
"Through Qinghua University's red maples, green willows, golden ginkgos, and snowy pines—even after leaving campus, he never stopped thinking of her."
"He remembers her favorite foods, colors, every little preference."
"He dreams of commuting to work together—the most romantic yet ordinary wish. To that girl: Will you marry him, become his wife, through sickness and health, never parting?"
Dandelion seeds, blown by fans, swirled around Jiang Lan. Lu Yicheng had worried they'd bloom too early or too late.
Luckily, they hadn't.
Jiang Lan had come happily to marry him. But she hadn't expected Lu Yicheng's preparations—especially the video. She'd known nothing about it.
Of course she would say yes.
Jiang Lan: "I do."
The emcee: "Lu Yicheng, do you take Jiang Lan to be your wife, to cherish and love her, through sickness and health, never parting?"
Before the emcee finished, Lu Yicheng said, "I do."
He'd always been willing.
They exchanged rings, tossed the bouquet, and Jiang Lan changed into a reception dress.
The day was exhausting.
They returned home after 7 p.m.
Outside, night had fallen. The house was decked in red—traditional and festive, even the curtains.
After a long day, the first order of business was showering.
As Jiang Lan finished, the doorbell rang. It was Yu Wanqiu.
Yu Wanqiu handed her a large box. "Here's the gift list and cash gifts. Happy wedding!"
Jiang Lan took it without hesitation.
Counting cash was the best part of getting married. She'd have something to do tonight.
After Yu Wanqiu left, Jiang Lan started counting. Lu Yicheng emerged from the room. "What's that?"
Jiang Lan: "Wedding gifts."
Such a big box—how much was inside?
Jiang Lan smiled at him. "Let's count tonight. I wonder if we'll finish!"
Lu Yicheng raised an eyebrow. "Count money?"
He locked the door first. "What's there to count on our wedding night... Look at me."
