Chapter 116

The deputy editor’s hand trembled with excitement as he handed over the slip of paper, eyes locked on the group sitting at the back, sipping tea. “Who cares if we went to the wrong door? If you ask me, we should take the chance to ask for an exclusive interview!”

Yu Shoujing glanced at the room number on the slip and was just about to send a junior staff member to verify it at the front gate when Xu Jiajia came walking over with two thermos flasks in hand.

Seeing the editor-in-chief, deputy editor, and their colleagues from the domestic news department crowding the doorway, Xu Jiajia looked puzzled. “Editor, why aren’t you going in?”

Yu Shoujing couldn’t help but ask, “Is this Li Mingzhen’s house?”

“Yes, Zhenzhen’s doing her makeup right now. Please come in and sit down.” Xu Jiajia smiled as she led them inside and quickly refilled the gentlemen’s teapots with hot water.

The deputy editor, who moments earlier had been eager to suggest a feature piece, now found himself tongue-tied in front of these distinguished men. He followed behind Yu Shoujing, eyes full of awe. Encountering even one of these esteemed figures would be rare—seeing a whole group like this felt more surreal than a dream.

Yu Shoujing took a seat a little lower down and greeted the elderly man known as Wangwo. “Mr. Wangwo, hello! I wonder if you still remember me? I once interviewed you.”

Wangwo was now in his eighties but looked remarkably energetic and healthy. “I remember you—you’re young Yu from Huaguo News Agency, aren’t you?”

Little Yu hadn’t expected such a renowned figure to remember him and quickly nodded, eyes gleaming. “Yes, yes, that’s me. Your memory is incredible.”

Su Weiran, seated nearby with his tea, looked up upon hearing “Huaguo News Agency” and kindly asked, “So you’re a colleague of our Zhenzhen?” Seeing the confusion on Yu Shoujing’s face, he added, “Li Mingzhen.”

Zhang Renzhe burst into hearty laughter at Yu Shoujing’s stunned expression. “Weren’t you here for Zhenzhen’s wedding? Why do you look like you stumbled into the wrong house?”

Yu Shoujing wiped the sweat from his forehead with a wry smile. “I really did think I was in the wrong place.”

Wangwo noticed his nervousness and chuckled, shaking his head. “Today, we’re all guests of the Li family. If you’re here, it’s fate. No need to be so nervous.”

Relieved, Yu Shoujing finally brought up the real reason for his visit under the persistent prodding of the deputy editor behind him. “With the public’s spiritual life becoming increasingly rich, literature, painting, opera, and traditional medicine have made their way back into everyday life. I wonder if you gentlemen might spare some time for an interview to discuss the development of these fields in the reform era?”

Wangwo, Su Weiran, and the others exchanged glances, and seeing no objection among them, Wangwo nodded with a smile. “As it happens, tomorrow is our regular gathering day. We’ll be dining at Zhang Renzhe’s home. Why don’t you join us then?”

Zhang Renzhe, quite familiar with his own setup, pulled open a drawer under the table and jotted down his address. “Come by at nine in the morning.”

This was an unexpected delight. Clutching the address, Yu Shoujing said eagerly, “I’ll be there on time.”

With so many important guests outside, it wasn’t enough for just Zhenzhen’s classmates to help with the reception in the main hall. Li Muwen’s family had hurried inside to greet Grandma Li and then rushed to the front room to help host the guests. Like Yu Shoujing, they were stunned when they saw the line of luminaries seated at the head of the room.

Over the years, Li Muwen had made it a habit to visit his mother on weekends, sometimes with Xue Wenhua and sometimes alone. He had encountered Mr. Wangwo a few times. As for Zhenzhen knowing so many prominent figures, he hadn’t given it much thought—after all, in his eyes, his niece was clever, lively, and likable. Naturally, these gentlemen must have taken a liking to her.

The gentlemen, too, remembered Zhenzhen’s words when they first emerged from the cave. They had guarded that secret for years, always saying they had met Zhenzhen through Mr. Wangwo and were drawn to her spiritual sensitivity, which led to a deep, cross-generational friendship.

Li Muwen wasn’t often on TV, but as a journalist from Huaguo News Agency, Yu Shoujing was familiar with the capital’s officials. When he saw Li Muwen acting as host, he finally pieced it together—no wonder Li Mingzhen lived in such a fine courtyard. It turned out she had a powerful relative.

“Come, have some fruit.” Grandma Li led the family in bringing out bowls of freshly washed fruit, placing them on the small tables beside each guest. She greeted them warmly. “We’ve got a lot of fruit trees in our yard. They’re especially sweet—don’t be shy, eat up.”

“You seem particularly happy today, Elder Sister,” Su Weiran joked with a smile. “You’re practically floating when you walk.”

Grandma Li burst into hearty laughter. “I only have one granddaughter. Now that she’s getting married, I’ve got no worries left.”

After a few more pleasantries, Grandma Li turned her attention to Yu Shoujing. Xu Jiajia noticed and quickly said, “Grandma, these are our paper’s editor-in-chief, deputy editor, and colleagues.”

“Oh my, hello leaders!” Grandma Li wasn’t new to this and didn’t flinch at all. “If our Zhenzhen has caused any trouble at work, please teach her well.”

Yu Shoujing replied with a smile, “You’re too kind. Comrade Li Mingzhen is diligent, quick to learn, and very well-liked by her colleagues.”

Grandma Li beamed with pride but, being unfamiliar with him, could only feign modesty. “Please continue to guide her.”

As they were chatting, Sun Rende and Wang Xinzhi from the clothing factory arrived with the factory leadership. They often came to report work, so Grandma Li was familiar with them and quickly welcomed them in.

Watching the bustling house, Zhang Chunhua tugged at Liu Xiulan and whispered, “We don’t have many relatives or friends in the capital. How come there are so many people here today?”

Liu Xiulan glanced at Grandma Li, who seemed well-acquainted with everyone, and guessed, “Probably people she met after moving here. Mom’s got a great personality and is super friendly. Haven’t you noticed how even just stepping out to buy vinegar, a whole bunch of people greet her?”

Zhang Chunhua nodded, clearly impressed. “When we get back home, I’m going to start working on my relationships with the neighbors too.”
—

It wasn’t just the Li household that was lively—next door at Xi Junjie’s place was just as festive. You could hear laughter from across the courtyard wall as his classmates and colleagues teased him good-naturedly.

As the auspicious hour approached, Zhenzhen shut the windows and took out a red wedding dress from her wardrobe. Ling Xiulan had initially prepared a white wedding gown, but Grandma Li and the others preferred a more traditional look. They wanted Zhenzhen to wear bright red for the wedding—a symbol of happiness and prosperity.

Just then, a renowned French wedding dress designer released a crimson bridal gown inspired by the Chinese phoenix. The gown wasn’t just about color coordination—it pursued perfection in every exquisite detail. As soon as Ling Xiulan heard about it from a friend over the phone, she immediately asked her to buy it and have it shipped all the way back to China.

The moment the gown was unveiled, it stunned everyone. Even the well-traveled Yan Baozhu was full of admiration. She reached out and gently touched the shimmering phoenix feathers, a glow in her eyes that made her look as beautiful as she had in her youth. “What a gorgeous wedding dress.”

There’s no woman who doesn’t love a wedding dress. Unfortunately, Yan Baozhu had been born in the wrong era. She had neither worn a wedding dress nor had a proper wedding. No matter how luxurious or expensive her clothes were now, they couldn’t make up for the regret of not having worn a wedding dress back then.

“To see a wedding dress this beautiful in my lifetime—I’d have no regrets even if I died now,” Yan Baozhu said with heartfelt admiration. She took the dress and smiled gently at Zhenzhen. “Come on, let me help you change into it.”
—

Zhenzhen looked down at the crimson fabric on her body, unable to wait a second longer before walking over to the full-length mirror. The moment she saw her reflection, she froze in astonishment. Her natural makeup was already beautiful, but after Yan Baozhu’s expert touch, she now radiated a blend of allure and brilliance. Dressed in the hand-crafted masterpiece, only one phrase could describe her: radiant beyond compare.

“Crackling—” A burst of firecrackers sounded outside. Zhenzhen came back to her senses and smiled at Yan Baozhu. “That must be Junjie heading out.”

Back in her youth, Yan Baozhu had been a peerless beauty. She had studied Peking and Kunqu opera since childhood and had been surrounded by countless other graceful and stunning women. If she praised someone’s looks, they were truly extraordinary. Yet at that moment, Zhenzhen’s simple glance back made even her forget herself for a moment.

“Absolutely stunning!” Yan Baozhu said sincerely. “Especially your eyes—they’re so full of life.”

Zhenzhen blushed and laughed, covering her face with her hand. “Even though it’s true, I still get embarrassed hearing it.”

Yan Baozhu chuckled and gave her a light poke on the forehead. Once Zhenzhen was seated steadily on the bed, Yan Baozhu picked up the red veil beside them, gave it a gentle shake, and draped it over Zhenzhen’s head.

Looking at the red veil falling to her wrists, Zhenzhen smiled sweetly. Her consciousness seemed to pass through all the walls and land gently on Xi Junjie.
—

Because Junjie’s house and Zhenzhen’s house were so close to each other, it wouldn’t do to just walk straight next door. Instead, the wedding procession headed east, planning to circle Beiyang Lake and enter Zhenzhen’s house from the other side. The constant firecracker blasts outside, paired with the joyous music from the radio, stirred up the guests in the main hall. One by one, they pushed to the doorway to watch the fun.

Xi Junjie straightened his tie and anxiously tugged at Liu Chenglin, a bold northeastern uncle: “Is my tie crooked? Is my hair messy?”

“Oh my god, brother, you’ve asked me like eight hundred times already. I’m telling you—your tie is straight, your hair’s fine, and you look damn handsome.” Junjie sighed in relief, his heart pounding faster and faster as they neared Zhenzhen’s door.

“They’re here!” Mingbei shouted, seeing the procession approach. Roubao quickly used a lit incense stick to ignite the long line of firecrackers outside the gate. With the celebratory explosions, Zhenzhen’s cousins and nephews blocked the entrance tightly.

Liu Chenglin counted silently and gave Junjie a sympathetic look. “Bro, you’ve got like a dozen brother-in-laws and a bunch of nephews too. Looks like this door won’t be easy to get through.”

Junjie was prepared. He turned to signal his cousin Xi Zihao, who immediately stepped forward with a big bag of red envelopes and began squeezing into the crowd, handing out packets and shouting, “Here to pick up the bride!”

Weddings are all about the lively atmosphere. With Zihao generously handing out red envelopes, the Li family accepted the good fortune and naturally stepped aside. Soon enough, Liu Chenglin, Xi Zihao, and a few others escorted Junjie into the Li family’s house.

Seeing the obstacle passed so quickly, Junjie’s old college roommates clapped their hands excitedly and hurried after him. The Xi family house had once been part of the western wing of a royal estate, while Zhenzhen’s family lived in the main section. The interiors remained preserved, with ancient architecture and towering trees in the courtyard that momentarily made everyone forget their task.

But before they could go far, the wedding party was blocked again in front of the decorative archway.

Seeing Wangwo, Su Weiran, and others sitting there, Junjie nearly cried. “Gentlemen… you’re blocking the way too?”

Zhang Renzhe, who was closest to Junjie—especially after having shamelessly asked him to cook Buddha Jumps Over the Wall all summer—waved his fan and smiled. “Junjie, Zhenzhen is one of our proudest students. If you want to marry her, you’ve got to get past us first.”

Junjie’s cousins and brothers were all confused. They whispered to one another:

“That’s Mr. Su Weiran, right? Grandpa adores his paintings.”

“And that’s Peking opera master Xie Shurang—Grandma listens to his performances every day.”

“I recognize Zhang Renzhe! He’s been helping grandma with her health lately.”

One by one, they identified the men before them. After exchanging glances, they turned and ran back the way they came. Junjie, wiping sweat from his forehead, looked around and realized most of his backup had vanished.

Zhang Renzhe chuckled. “Still hoping for reinforcements? Come on, draw a lot.”

Junjie saw a pile of challenge slips—apparently, each teacher had prepared something. He randomly picked one and unfolded it to reveal a number.

He handed it to Zhang Renzhe. “It says five.”

Zhang glanced back at the seated gentlemen and grinned. “Whose number is this?”

“Mine,” Su Weiran stood up.

Seeing the globally renowned painter, Junjie forced a smile. “Mr. Su… you’re not asking me to paint, are you?”

Su Weiran gave a faint smile. “Poetry and painting go hand in hand. I’ve got a painting here—write me a poem to match it.” Xu Jiajia and Guo Xiaoqiao received the scroll from Mr. Su and slowly unrolled it.

The moment Junjie saw it, he froze.

It was a long scroll based on Junjie and Zhenzhen, capturing their journey from first meeting to falling in love, betrothal, and finally marriage. Though Su Weiran was famous for landscapes and florals, his figures were also masterful—just rarely seen by the public.

Looking at the scroll, Junjie couldn’t help but recall every moment he had shared with Zhenzhen. How lucky he was to have met such a wonderful girl, to love and be loved by her, and now to walk into a life together.

Eyes slightly red, Junjie gave Su Weiran a deep bow. “Thank you, sir, for this gift.”

“Hey, hey, hey, don’t think you can just slip by,” Su Weiran pointed at the scroll with a smile. “Compose a poem.”

Xi Junjie was stunned. He had grown up in France since he was little and only returned when he was already a teenager. Forget composing—he couldn’t even recite poetry properly. He pulled out his handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his forehead again and turned helplessly to his close friends for support. But Liu Chenglin and the others, seeing his pleading expression, all shook their heads in unison and took a synchronized step back. Looking at these disloyal friends, Xi Junjie felt like crying—why was it so hard to get married?

“Where is he? I don’t see him?” The Xi family’s Grandpa and Grandma had heard from their grandson that their idol had arrived, and immediately abandoned their walking sticks. The two of them were running faster than anyone else, with a few cousins barely keeping up.

Grandpa Xi pushed his way to the front, eyes fixed excitedly on the spirited old man with a flowing beard standing before a long scroll. He almost jumped up with joy.

Tugging Xi Junjie’s sleeve, Grandpa Xi grinned so wide his mouth couldn’t close. “What are you waiting for? Go marry your bride!”

Xi Junjie shot a pitiful look at Su Weiran and quietly tattled to Grandpa, “Mr. Su painted a long scroll for Zhenzhen and me. He says I have to write a poem before I can go over.”

Looking at his grandson’s hopeful expression, Grandpa Xi gave him a shove forward. “Then hurry up and write one!”

At that moment, Xi Junjie understood—turns out his grandpa didn’t know how either.

Zhang Renzhe glanced at his watch and urged, “Come on, we’re running out of lucky time.”

With no other choice, Xi Junjie gave in. “Sirs, I really can’t do this.”

Unexpectedly, the gentlemen around him burst out laughing. Wangwo immediately said, “I can help you out with this one—but I have a condition.”

“Condition?” Xi Junjie looked at their mischievous smiles and suddenly got it. “After I get married, I’ll cook for you all.” Seeing their eyes light up, he raised five fingers. “Five meals!”

“Deal!” Wangwo pulled out a brush and swiftly penned a poem on a piece of white paper, handing it to Su Weiran. “Hurry up and write it on—don’t hold up the ceremony.”

Su Weiran had already prepared the ink. With a fluid motion, he copied it onto the scroll. He then stamped it with his signature seal.

With a smile, Su Weiran and the others cupped their hands in a traditional greeting. “Wishing you a lifetime of happiness.”

Overjoyed, Xi Junjie bowed deeply to the gentlemen, then ran straight toward Zhenzhen’s room without another word.

Since the ink needed time to dry, the scroll was left to air on the table. Grandpa Xi took the opportunity to admire it up close. Seeing his grandson’s likeness painted on it, he grumbled enviously, “This kid’s not nearly as good-looking as I was in my youth. Master Su, could you paint me on there too?”
—

“The groom is here!” Guo Xiaoqiao’s clear voice rang out as Liu Chenglin and the others escorted Xi Junjie into the bridal room. Seeing Zhenzhen in her red veil sitting on the bed, even Xi Junjie slowed his steps, and everyone else fell silent in awe.

He approached her and knelt on one knee before the bed. With deep affection, he kissed her hand lightly before sweeping her up into his arms.

A breeze wafted through the window, lifting Zhenzhen’s red veil. She wrapped her arms around his neck and planted a soft kiss on his lips through the veil.

Cheers and screams erupted loud enough to lift the roof. The guys shouted their approval at the top of their lungs, while the girls blushed and giggled behind their hands. Zhenzhen wasn’t embarrassed in the slightest. Leaning against Xi Junjie’s chest, she gazed at him as he carried her out the door. His cousins set off firecrackers and confetti. “The bride is home!”

The wedding ceremony was set up in the main courtyard. Xi Changbo and Ling Xiulan were already seated, but Grandpa and Grandma Xi were nowhere to be seen.

Setting Zhenzhen down, Xi Junjie tugged at Xi Zihao and whispered, “Where are Grandpa and Grandma?”

Xi Zihao smacked his forehead. “They’re probably next door—I’ll go find them now.”

He dashed off while everyone burst into laughter. “Good thing the families live nearby. If they were farther apart, Junjie might’ve had to get married at Zhenzhen’s house!”

Next door, a group of elders were still chatting excitedly when Xi Zihao burst in like a man on fire. “Grandpa, Grandma—it’s time for the ceremony!”

Hearing the urgent shout, Grandpa Xi slapped his forehead. “I completely forgot!”

The elderly couple turned and bolted out the door. Su Weiran smiled at his old friends. “Come on, let’s go enjoy the show.”
—

Kicking off her heels, Zhenzhen rubbed her aching calves and sighed. “Wearing heels all day is more exhausting than running on the mountain.”

Xi Junjie squatted beside her and gently massaged her legs. The ache eased bit by bit as he kneaded her muscles, and Zhenzhen let out a soft moan of relief.

Hearing her sultry voice, Xi Junjie nearly dropped to his knees. He cleared his throat, sat beside her, and with one hand reached for the zipper on her back. “You’ve had a long day. Let me help you out of your dress.”

Feeling his breath at her ear, Zhenzhen melted against him. Pulling his hand toward her, she pouted, “Go run the bath for me first. I want a soak to relax.”

“Alright. When I get back, I’ll help you undress.” Xi Junjie’s eyes darkened with desire. He kissed her softly and went off to draw her a bath. Once she heard the water running, Zhenzhen quickly slipped out of her gown, hung it up, and changed into a long nightgown.

Xi Junjie returned, undoing his tie as he stepped out of the bathroom. He saw Zhenzhen lying on the bed reading, her long, pale legs lifted and swaying, the hem of her nightgown resting on her thighs.

He tossed the tie aside and collapsed beside her, poking her forehead with a smile. “Didn’t we agree I’d help you take off the dress?”

Zhenzhen’s cheeks flushed pink. She rolled over and covered her face, her voice muffled behind her hands. “Don’t say embarrassing things like that at night!”

“That’s embarrassing?” Xi Junjie chuckled, pulling her into his arms. His warm breath tickled her earlobe, then drifted down her neck. “What about if I say it like this—would that be even more embarrassing?”

As his teasing voice reached her ears, Zhenzhen slowly lowered her hands. His breathing grew heavier the more of her face he saw, and his arms tightened around her. Their bodies drew closer and closer, until finally, their burning lips met in a deep and passionate kiss.

Kisses trailed from her lips downward, while his hands moved steadily upward, blazing a trail of heat that seemed to burn right into Zhenzhen’s heart. Her eyes grew hazy, her body feverish, as if set alight, and her thoughts drifted farther and farther away.

Whoosh— Suddenly, the sound of running water from the bathroom broke through the haze. Zhenzhen snapped back to her senses a little and gave a light push to the man pressing down on her. Her voice was dry as she murmured, “The tub is overflowing.”

Reluctantly, Xi Junjie climbed off of her. But when he heard the unrelenting gush of water from the bathroom, his eyes lit up again. He scooped Zhenzhen into his arms with a grin and strode toward the bathroom, his voice full of uncontainable excitement: “Bath time with my wife!”

Author’s note:
They’re married now—cue the confetti! Xi Handsome has completed his marriage quest. From here on out, the story will lean more toward career progression than romance. Mwah!