At her mother’s grave, she placed her mother’s favorite flowers. “Mom, I’m getting married.” Looking at the sweet smile on the tombstone, she smiled, “This time, I’m truly going to spend my life with my second brother. Mom, are you happy?”
“See, I’ve done everything you asked.”
Next was Ningyuan’s grave. Her memories of Ningyuan’s bloody yet smiling face were vivid.
“Brother Ningyuan, are you living happily in another place? This time, no one can force you to do what you don’t want to do. You can freely love whom you love.”
Tears glistened in her eyes. “You were once the one I loved most and the only man I truly loved. Because I loved you so deeply, you must be happy, right?”
She tried to keep her eyes wide open, not wanting to cry in front of him. “Brother Ningyuan, I don’t want to say thank you, because if I do, I would truly betray your intentions.”
I just want to tell you that I’m getting married. My life has intertwined with yours. I will cherish it and live well, just as you hoped.
She took a few steps, then turned back. “You once asked if I regret meeting you. Despite the pain, I have never regretted it. But if I had a chance to start over, please don’t meet me again. I hope you live a long life without sadness or regrets.”
“Where did you go today?” Qifeng asked when Rurufeng returned home. He had prepared dinner, and as they sat together in the garden waiting for her father and older brother, he continued.
Rurufeng leaned into his embrace, wrinkling her nose. “Second brother, you smell like chili.”
Qifeng supported her waist and sniffed his clothes. “Then I’ll go take a shower and come back down.”
“No need,” Rurufeng said, hugging him. “Stay with me.”
“If you want me to stay, don’t complain, understand?” he said, tapping her head.
“Second brother, you’re so capable, handling social settings and kitchen duties. There are so many good men nowadays!” she sighed.
Qifeng, exasperated, questioned, “Do you regret it? Feeling like you’re getting married too early?”
The question felt ominous. Rurufeng shrank back. “I went to the cemetery today, saw Mom and Ningyuan.”
“Hmm! What did you say?”
Rurufeng raised her eyebrows triumphantly, proud of her skills. “I told them I’m getting married. Mom and Ningyuan will feel relieved, right?”
After a moment of silence, Qifeng replied, “Mom will; Ningyuan won’t.”
“Why?” she asked.
Qifeng sighed softly, “As you said, Ningyuan was a good man. Good men can never truly let go of the woman they love. They’ll always worry about her well-being.” Though he had always disliked Ningyuan, his life-saving act in the flames made him let go of his grudges. This man, despite any flaws, had no false feelings towards Rurufeng.
Rurufeng stared at him. Qifeng kissed her forehead. “What’s wrong?”
Rurufeng nestled into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his waist. “I marvel at how many good men are in the world!”
“The one I’m holding right now is the best for me!” she grinned.
“Runer, where do you want to go for our honeymoon?”
“Are Dad and big brother coming too?”
Qifeng ground his teeth, “Runer, that’s a honeymoon. Do you understand?”
“I understand!” she quickly responded.
“And with Dad and big brother gone, who will manage the company?”
Rurufeng looked up, surprised. “Second brother, since when do you care about the company’s survival?” He had always coldly observed the world.
Qi Feng hugged her tightly, “I’m not worried about the company. I’m not going to let my wife and children starve.”
Ru Feng suddenly asked, “What if we can’t have children?”
Qi Feng stroked her hair absentmindedly, “Let nature take its course. As long as I have you, that’s enough.”
Ru Feng lowered her eyes and remained silent.
That day finally arrived.
Qiu Mama looked at her daughter in the mirror, her features like a painting. She wanted to be happy but felt her eyes reddening. Her daughter, whom she had raised single-handedly, was leaving home to join another family.
Ru Feng saw Qiu Mama’s expression and turned to hold her hand, “Mom, what’s wrong?”
Qiu Mama wiped her eyes, forcing a smile, “Mom is just happy!”
Ru Feng laughed and shook her hand, “I’m getting married but I’ll still be here. We can see each other every day at the cake shop. You don’t need to feel sad.”
Qiu Mama nodded, “I’m fine. I just couldn’t help myself for a moment. You’re going to be a happy bride today, don’t worry about me.”
Ru Feng comforted her by patting her hand, then turned back for the hairstylist to finish her hair. After a while, she softly asked, “Don’t all mothers cry and laugh when their daughters get married?”
The hairstylist smiled and replied, “Mothers everywhere are pretty much the same.”
Ru Feng wondered if her mother in heaven was smiling and crying now.
The sky was brightening when a convoy approached. The lead car was an elegant Bentley, followed by BMW 7 Series. Qiu Chi stood at the door, his gaze cooling.
Everyone surrounded Qi Feng as he stepped out of the car in a crisp suit, and for a change, he smiled, making his handsomeness appear more tender.
Qiu Chi remained motionless at the door, keeping it closed.
Qi Feng raised an eyebrow, looking at Qiu Chi, “I’ve come to fetch the bride. Please, President Qiu, be generous.”
Qiu Chi glanced at the luxurious cars behind him. “Is this for her? The Situ family is vast. Will she be burdened by such grandeur?”
Qi Feng replied calmly, “She has never known or cared about these things. She only knows my family’s cars.”
Qiu Chi’s expression shifted slightly, and others began to tease, “President Qiu, the bride is waiting. Won’t you let her go?”
“Maybe she’s been waiting anxiously…”
Qi Feng stepped forward, and Qiu Chi whispered, “Remember, I’m entrusting her to you. If you don’t treat her well, I’ll take her back.”
Qi Feng laughed lightly, “A man who’s been held by another woman, she won’t want.”
Qiu Chi stiffened. Qi Feng stepped away triumphantly, slipping a red envelope into his pocket. “President Qiu, thanks. This is the door-opening fee.”
After passing Qiu Chi’s first checkpoint, the subsequent doors became easier. Several groomsmen were from the Situ family’s security department – their strength and agility easily overpowered the delicate bridesmaids.
Standing before Ru Feng’s door, Qi Feng’s heart raced. “Feng’er, I’ve come to get you.”
Ru Feng didn’t speak. Qiu Yi said through the door, “Wrong form of address. Try again.”
Qi Feng’s face blushed, “Wife, I’ve come to get you.”
“Wow!” Cheers erupted inside. Qiu Yi suppressed a laugh, “The tone isn’t gentle enough. Are you intimidating our bride? That won’t do. Try again, or this door won’t open today.”
The groomsmen looked at each other, knowing no one could replace the groom in this task.
Qi Feng tried again, using the gentlest voice he could muster, “Wife, it’s me. I’ve come to take you home.”
Ru Feng struggled to hold back her laughter, amused that her second brother would have such a moment. His reputation as a cold-faced king would probably change after today.
Suddenly, the room fell silent. After a while, someone asked, “This is the most popular song right now, and you don’t know it?”
Qifeng closed his eyes. He not only didn’t know it, he hadn’t even heard it before. What song could express his current mood? He frowned and thought, then stepped forward, leaned towards the door, and sang, “After waiting for so long, finally this day has come…”
This was the happiness he had waited for almost his entire life, a beautiful dream he thought was forever out of reach. He hadn’t even dared to dream of such a wonderful day.
This was the first time Rufeng heard her second brother sing a pop song. His deep, resonant voice was filled with emotion. Rufeng stared blankly, carefully listening.
“Ah!” Qiuyi cried, “My dear, please don’t cry, or your makeup will be ruined!”
