Chapter 68 END

Chapter 68 END

December 31st, evening. Heavy snow began to fall in a flurry, blanketing everything, piling up into soft, fluffy drifts.

On the largest beach in Jinhai City, it was packed with people and dazzling lights. Citizens flocked to welcome the arrival of the new year.

To celebrate New Year's Eve, the city government had specially prepared a fireworks show for everyone on the beach. It was said that when midnight struck, a spectacular grand gift would be presented to every citizen.

The old year had finally passed. Whether the past year had been full of storms or sunshine, pain or joy, all emotions were let go on this day. Everyone firmly believed that the next year would be better. Even if they're at rock bottom now, every step they take from here is a step up.

Nan Liujing's home.

Uncle Li had been busy from morning until dark, cleaning the house and preparing a lavish New Year's Eve dinner.

Bai Wei had finished her last gig of the year early and came over to help.

Unsurprisingly, this year she had won multiple film awards in a sweep and was named the most popular female artist of the year, ranking No.1. A well-earned honor.

Shen Gali's phone had been flooded with text messages since he woke up.

Company employees messaged him asking when he would come back to work, saying that without seeing his face, their motivation had tanked;

Hein blew up his phone with messages asking when the third annual Best Husband Competition would be held, confidently claiming that this time he would definitely take the crown;

Gong Yuan sent several red envelopes, each filled with sincere blessings. As always, he affectionately called Shen Gali "precious son."

Amidst the constant stream of "Happy New Year," only Troublemaker No. 1's greetings were conspicuously absent. In the past, he would have probably come straight to the door, endlessly calling out "Brother," but this time, it was as if he had vanished without a trace, leaving no evidence of his existence.

Just as his arrival had been without any sign, his disappearance was also silent.

For the first time, Shen Gali carefully replied to everyone who had messaged him:

"May you cherish goodness, constant as the ages; may you delight in endless joy and laughter."

He didn't brush anyone off this time. Not being particularly adept with his phone, he didn't even know how to copy and paste. He typed out each reply word by word, the web of his thumb aching from the effort, but he didn't stop.

Those who received his replies were thrilled: sniffling, "Shen Gali replied to me! Looks like I'm going to have great luck this year!"

After answering over a hundred messages, his hand suddenly paused on the contact name "Dumbass #1."

After much deliberation, he opened the chat window and awkwardly typed a few words:

"In the days to come, may your actions follow your heart and all your wishes come true. Happy New Year."

Not knowing when he would leave, not knowing if he would ever see the snow of next winter again, he had once hated appearing in crowds and being the center of attention. But today, he desperately wanted to leave a trace of himself in this world.

If he was fated to be forgotten, he hoped that day would come as slowly as possible.

But among the incoming replies, there was still no name of Dumbass #1.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

Bai Wei entered holding an envelope, placed it beside Shen Gali, and said, "I just went out to buy drinks. When I came back, I found this letter at the door. I don't know who sent it."

Shen Gali silently picked up the letter. On the creamy white envelope, there were only three small characters in regular script: "To Brother."

Bai Wei smiled. "Although I don't know who wrote this to you, I think it must be from a child who likes you very much. Maybe they can't contact you by phone right now, so they can only talk to you through a letter."

She finished speaking, exited the room, and closed the door behind her.

Shen Gali gazed in a daze at the letter. After a long while, he broke the wax seal on the envelope and took out the letter inside, and found, besides the letter, a photograph.

A letter without a salutation or signature, just a handful of lines:

"When you see this letter, I will already be on the flight to Malaysia. I heard it's a peaceful, unhurried country. This decision might seem very sudden, but I hope that I can stop my hasty pursuit and slowly think about what I truly want there."

"I wish you smooth sailing in the days ahead. I don't know if there will be a day of reunion in the future, but I'm still aching for the moment we meet again."

Even without a signature, Shen Gali knew at once who had sent this letter.

In this world, there was probably only Shen Lanqing who would be so desperate to get away from him yet still yearn to see him.

Shen Gali slowly put down the letter and glanced at the photo beside it.

The photo showed deep mountains blanketed in snow, with a hazy, milky halo around the moon over the rolling mountain ridges.

Shen Gali didn't understand the meaning of this photo and thought it was just a simple snow scene.

But when he put down the photo, he accidentally found something written on the back.

Turning it over, there was the familiar handwriting again, with simple and clear words:

"For the new year, I wanted to give you a gift, but then I thought that I am a person who has made mistakes. My things, like me, are as filthy and sinful as I am, and they would defile you."

"When I think of you, I always look up at the moon. This is the only pure thing I have. Now, it is yours."

The moon in the photo gradually blurred. His eyes grew hot with tears, which fell onto the photo, leaving wet marks.

The plane cut through the night sky. Inside the dim cabin, the night view outside was even clearer.

Shen Lanqing leaned against the window, slowly raised his eyes to look at the high sky.

A bright moon hung high, pure and flawless.

He had thought that the moon would be bigger and clearer from high above, but now he realized that the moon was still very far away from him.

*

"Cheers—Happy New Year!"

Four glasses of red wine gently clinked, producing a crisp sound.

Around the warm, cheerful table sat four people. Although not all of them were blood-related, at this moment they were a close-knit family.

"It's almost midnight. Taking this opportunity, why doesn't everyone share their wishes for the new year and any plans?" Uncle Li, as the hype man, spared no effort in warming up the mood.

"I'll go first." Bai Wei cleared her throat, pretended to hold a mic, and said, "I hope that in the new year, my precious son will be healthy and happy, that our dear son-in-law will always love and cherish our Li Li, and that Uncle Li will also be healthy and strong as ever."

Uncle Li blushed and coughed lightly, then shifted the topic: "Then it's my turn. I hope that in the new year, everyone will become better and better, especially the young master and Mr. Shen. May you enjoy blessings in spring, peace in summer, ease in autumn, and joy in winter. May Miss Bai Wei's star shine forever, and bring us more excellent works."

"Finally, I wish this old man that I may serve the young master for the rest of my life."

Bai Wei couldn't help but interject: "Also, give the lovebirds some alone time."

It was Nan Liujing's turn.

Nan Liujing thought for a moment, then said with a light smile: "I've already said the overly official words in the company's New Year address, so I won't repeat them. Then I hope that decades later, two old men can still sit together like this, eating simple and plain food, bickering over trivial matters like how many goji berries to put in their thermos."

He gazed deeply into Shen Gali's eyes, his dark, liquid eyes unfathomable: "But by then, I guess, I'll still be the first to compromise."

Stars seemed to flicker in Nan Liujing's eyes, as if echoing Shen Gali's heart, which was trembling uncontrollably.

Nan Liujing's eyes always looked toward the distant future, and in that future, he was certain that Shen Gali would be a part of it.

"Your turn, Li Li. Mom wants to hear your wish," Bai Wei said, making a fist like a microphone and extending it to Shen Gali's mouth.

Shen Gali noticed the Lisianthus bracelet on her wrist—the one he had given her when they first met. Though cheap, she had never forgotten to wear it.

To her, what mattered wasn't the bracelet's price, but the person who gave it to her.

His mother's face gradually blurred. Shen Gali's nose stung fiercely, tears constantly gathering in his eyes. He had to force his eyes wide open to keep the golden beads from falling.

He didn't know why an author would write a wish-fulfillment novel using his name as a cannon fodder character. Perhaps it was a coincidence, or maybe the author had a grudge against him and was deliberately getting back at him.

But what he was certain of was that in this world, everyone had given him their undivided love, turning him from an early-exiting vicious cannon fodder into a true protagonist.

However, the original story was coming to an end. Would the original host come back? Would he replace Shen Gali and enjoy the love of his mother and Nan Liujing?

Would they unknowingly love a stranger? And would he, in turn, be confined to a lonely hospital room, day after day staying by those cold medical instruments, never again having the chance to say "Mom," and no longer having Nan Liujing in that world?

Shen Gali hesitated to speak, but no one urged him. Everyone was smiling as they quietly waited for his answer.

They all knew this child's mind wasn't quick; he wasn't lively or spirited, and he needed a long time to think things through. What they had to do was give him their full patience and wait slowly.

After a long while, Shen Gali finally spoke softly:

"Then I hope everyone's wishes come true."

It carried no profound meaning or ornate rhetoric, but because it came from Shen Gali, it was the most beautiful language in the world to the others.

Amid a round of applause, Shen Gali slowly stood up and said in a low voice, "The heating in here is too warm. I'm going out to get some air."

Bai Wei and Nan Liujing both stood up at the same time: "I'll go with you."

Uncle Li pulled Bai Wei back down, laughing. "Give the young couple some privacy. They must have a lot to say to each other now. Let's focus on finishing this table of food."

Bai Wei shrugged. "I guess I'll just have to tough it out with Uncle Li."

Out in the courtyard.

Shen Gali pushed open the French window. The cold wind, mixed with heavy snowflakes, rushed in, quickly turning his eyelashes white.

Nan Liujing draped a thick wool coat over him and stayed quietly by his side.

From here, they could also see the fireworks display on the beach. Though far away, the view was even better.

Shen Gali stared at the fireworks, his eyes reflecting the rich colors.

Nan Liujing put an arm around his shoulders and brushed the snow off his eyelashes. His voice was gentle and soft: "Stay outside for a while, then go back in. The low temperature is bad for your heart. I don't want to be seventy or eighty years old, talking alone to your tombstone."

Shen Gali's fingers trembled.

So he knew about my heart condition.

It seemed he knew everything, yet said nothing.

"What time is it?" Shen Gali suddenly asked.

Nan Liujing glanced at his watch. "Eleven fifty-five. Five minutes until the New Year. I heard that at exactly twelve o'clock, the beach will present an amazing gift to everyone. I wonder what it is."

Shen Gali took a slow deep breath, looking into Nan Liujing's eyes. "I have a secret to tell you."

Nan Liujing leaned in, bringing his ear close to Shen Gali's lips, smiling. "Tell me, I'm listening."

Shen Gali gazed at his profile, slowly taking in every detail from his forehead to his chin, trying to memorize the contour of his face.

In this life, Shen Gali had been lazy and downbeat, unable to do anything well. But the one thing he never wanted to be careless about was remembering every detail of Nan Liujing.

His Adam's apple moved. He leaned close to Nan Liujing's ear, shielding his lips with his hand as if afraid the wind might overhear his secret.

Then, his lips moved slightly. He told the secret slowly, dragging out each word.

After a long moment, he stepped back from Nan Liujing.

Nan Liujing remained leaning in, still listening, the smile still lingering on his face, not yet faded.

Shen Gali's voice was carried by the wind: "I've only told you this secret. Don't tell Mom. If she asks, just say I suddenly decided to go on a trip far away, okay?"

Nan Liujing struggled to keep smiling, but his lips couldn't stop trembling.

"Please don't go." His voice sounded distant, like it was coming from far away.

Like a fantastical story with a touch of magic, the moment Shen Gali spoke it, Nan Liujing firmly believed it was just a joke to mess with him.

But Shen Gali couldn't lie. He was always honest, no matter what.

This time, though, Nan Liujing wished he were lying.

"Please don't leave. I don't want you to go," Nan Liujing asked again. Perhaps he could have roared and cried like a TV drama hero to vent his emotions and digest the secret he couldn't understand.

But the words that came out were simple and direct—his only plea at that moment.

Shen Gali didn't know how to answer.

The original novel had ended. Would this world still exist? He didn't know, and no one could tell him.

The minute hand was pointing at 59—one minute to go, and then he might have to leave.

Suddenly, Nan Liujing strode to the center of the courtyard. He scratched the snow with his foot, tracing the characters of Shen Gali's name.

Under the dim lamplight, Nan Liujing's expression was hard to read. "I'm afraid I'll forget you. So even if you leave, I can still remember your name."

"I'll find a way to get to you. I'm Nan Liujing—there's nothing in this world I can't do."

Nan Liujing spoke with unusual calm, but tears kept streaming down his face, scattered by the cold wind, only to be covered by fresh, hot tears.

It was painful, but he couldn't show any sadness. If he broke down first, Shen Gali—the clumsy fool who couldn't do anything right—would only become more worried.

Shen Gali's tears finally burst through the dam. His voice trembled uncontrollably. "But you wrote the wrong character. That's not my name – that's the character for 'pear'."

Nan Liujing: "It's almost twelve. The last character of your name has too many strokes. I was afraid I wouldn't finish in time."

Shen Gali had never felt so speechless. In this melancholy atmosphere, Nan Liujing still managed to make him laugh. Crying and laughing at the same time would make him look like a fool.

Just then, the clock tower by the sea began the New Year's countdown, its chimes echoing through every corner of Jinhai City.

Ten, nine, eight, seven—

Shen Gali wiped his tears, walked down the steps quickly, and took Nan Liujing's hand, laughing. "It's amazing – you're always so warm. Even in a snowstorm, your palms stay warm."

Nan Liujing smiled back. "Because seeing you makes my heart beat faster and my blood flow quicker."

They both looked toward the fireworks display, chatting calmly:

"You said the big surprise was something stunning?"

"Maybe they're giving everyone eight million."

"What if there's not enough money?"

"I'll ask you for it."

The last second of the year arrived with a heavy, slow toll of the bell—long and weighty.

Tiny flames shot into the sky, blooming into vast and intricate patterns.

At that moment, Hein, Gong Yuan, Yu Yanxiang, Ren Yinuo, Bai Wei, and Uncle Li all looked up at the enormous firework at exactly eight o'clock.

In that instant, their eyes widened.

As the firework burst open, every resident of Jinhai City appeared in rough lines among the floral clusters. Though it wasn't detailed enough to clearly discern each person's features, they were up in the sky!

Strangely, among those six million small faces, Shen Gali instantly spotted himself, next to Nan Liujing's perpetually arrogant expression, along with his mother, Uncle Li, and many others.

Nan Liujing tightened his grip, enveloping Shen Gali's hand in his palm, his voice calm as still air: "Look, everyone knows you were here."

Shen Gali clasped Nan Liujing's hand in return, his face illuminated by the brilliant fireworks: "Yes, indeed."

He could no longer remember what it felt like when he first came through, but disappearing might be like how it was in TV shows—part of his body gradually fading, becoming stiff, numb, and devoid of sensation.

Starting from his feet, a strange sinking feeling took over, like the day he fell into the pond. He finally recalled what he was reaching for as he struggled and stretched out his hand when he fell into the water.

Just like now, wanting to hold tightly onto Nan Liujing's hand.

"Nan Liujing, actually, I kind of like you," Shen Gali said softly.

The last word was lost in a choked sob that could no longer produce proper sound.

The sentence Nan Liujing had always been waiting for finally came as a response.

"Just kind of like?" he asked with a smile, looking at the still-blooming fireworks.

"Well... a lot," Shen Gali's fingers gradually loosened. "But it seems like I said it too late."

The stiffness and numbness began to creep upward. Now, his entire lower legs had lost sensation. He dared not look down—he didn't like the idea of disappearing into stars; he wanted an underground CBD, wanted no pain.

In the moment Nan Liujing's mind wandered and his hand relaxed, the sensation of Shen Gali's fingers vanished.

He instinctively tried to grasp again, but in the end, he caught only air.

Shen Gali was gone.

He had once said that even if he disappeared, no one would care. But Nan Liujing felt this would be the hurdle of his entire life. He claimed to be Nan Liujing, who would surely find him again, but where had Shen Gali gone? No one could tell him.

After his mother passed away, he swore he would never cry again. But this time, tears flowed endlessly.

No matter how strong he was, there were things beyond his power.

"Crrrack—" The floor-to-ceiling window behind him was slid open, and hasty footsteps sounded.

Now Nan Liujing had to think about how to explain Shen Gali's sudden disappearance to the others.

But tangled and messy, the moment Shen Gali left, his ability to think had gone with him.

"Oh my!" Uncle Li's surprised voice rang out. "What happened here!"

"Li Li! What's wrong with you!" Bai Wei exclaimed, rushing over.

Nan Liujing: ?

Nan Liujing turned around and looked.

...

Bai Wei and Uncle Li, one on each side, were pulling Shen Gali up by the arms with all their might.

Uncle Li: "Sorry, sorry. I saw a frozen redwood tree, dug it up and threw it away, and forgot to fill in the hole. The heavy snow just covered it up. My bad, my bad. How did this poor kid end up stuck in there?"

Shen Gali, pulled out of the big pit by the two of them: Damn, I don't want to live anymore.

Nan Liujing's eyes widened, his pupils dilated violently in shock. He even forgot to help.

So, Shen Gali hadn't disappeared—he had just fallen into a pit...

Ha.

He had fallen into a pit.

After being pulled out, Shen Gali's first words were: "What time is it?"

Uncle Li: "It's already half past twelve. Are you still eating the food, or should I clear the table?"

Shen Gali: ?

So, he hadn't been sent back to his original world at all. Not only that, Nan Liujing had stood by and watched him buried in the snow for almost half an hour! No wonder his legs were stiff and numb—it was because they were frozen!

"Master, you just let our Li Li fall into a pit and didn't even help?" Bai Wei scolded.

Shen Gali: "Don't blame him. He went a little crazy just now."

But why hadn't he left when the novel ended?

Shen Gali pondered for a long time. Forget it—he couldn't figure it out, so he wouldn't torture himself.

The next second, Nan Liujing strode over and pulled him into a tight embrace, his voice joyful like a child's, unable to contain his delight:

"Shen Gali, my treasure, I'm sorry, I was wrong. Next time you fall into a pit, I'll notice right away."

Shen Gali weakly said: "First, fix the mistake you made with my name..."

Uncle Li: "So, are you going to eat this food or not? It's getting cold."

Shen Gali looked at the three of them, their faces so real and clear, and suddenly broke into a smile: "Yes, I want three bowls."

At the dinner table, they raised their glasses again. Amid the chorus of "Happy New Year," the finished novel began once again to move forward.

Shen Gali had always loved freedom, not wanting to be tied down by boring feelings. But sometimes, he also felt tired, wishing for a gentle hand to guide him on.

If there had to be such a person, he hoped it would be—

In the snow, he copied Nan Liujing's gesture and traced the name under it with his foot.

Nan Liujing couldn't take it anymore: "Who is Nan Liujing?"

Shen Gali fired back: "And who is Shen Gali?"

Because the character "Jing" has fewer strokes, making it simpler to write—that's not an unfair reason, is it?

*

"The sixth day of this month is an auspicious day. It's Saturday, the sixth, and also the sixth day of the lunar month—a perfect double sixes. It's a fire-element day, matching the fire-element fate of you two. It's the most prosperous and lucky day of the year. Holding the wedding on this day will surely bring great fortune and a bright and prosperous future."

The feng shui master placed their birth charts on the table and praised again: "Both your birthdays and your birth charts are identical! You must be destined to be family—a true perfect match!"

Nan Liujing slid a thick red envelope across the table and nodded: "Thank you, Master. We'll decide to hold the wedding on this day."

Shen Gali: ?

My opinion doesn't matter, apparently.

Ever since Nan Liujing learned that secret, he'd been paranoid every day, even rushing out of the bathroom mid-brushing to check if Shen Gali was still safe.

He was terrified that Shen Gali might leave again someday. To show his sincerity to heaven, he decided to hold the wedding he once disdained by choosing an auspicious date, declaring to the heavens:

Shen Gali is mine.

But Shen Gali thought: Why do we have to have a wedding? The moment I think about putting on a show of deep affection in front of a crowd, my social anxiety kicks in.

However, Nan Liujing said that on the wedding day, many people would give red envelopes, and all that money would be his. Thinking about it, Nan Liujing's friends and relatives were all prominent figures in society—walking ATMs. With that money, he could build a tomb fit for an emperor.

Thieves would get lost and die inside.

He probably didn't realize that the wool comes from the sheep's back.

Wealthy people like Nan Liujing seemed to pay special attention to wedding details. While Shen Gali lay flat, Nan Liujing sat by the bed and explained the wedding flow to him step by step.

Shen Gali listened and wilted.

"Why do we need a rehearsal? Can't I just improvise?"

"Why do I have to toast the relatives? Do I have to stand all day?"

"So why are we making up for a wedding? Isn't a marriage certificate enough?"

Nan Liujing kissed him tenderly: "But I want to prove to the world that you are my wife."

Shen Gali was unmoved by the affectionate kiss and argued: "My standing limit is only three minutes."

"It doesn't matter, I'll figure something out."

On the wedding day, Shen Gali was dragged out of bed at 3 a.m. to get makeup and change clothes.

To be honest, he had never woken up this early. He was completely dazed, seeing double images.

When the makeup artist asked him to look up, he didn't respond. She had no choice but to call someone over to help hold his chin.

Fortunately, he was naturally beautiful—any extra stroke would have been overkill and hidden his delicate features.

Just as the makeup was finished, the artist wasn't satisfied and wiped it all off with makeup remover.

Shen Gali: ...

He had once said that suits were too restrictive, that his shoulders couldn't move freely. So Nan Liujing had a custom-made short tuxedo for him: a beige Western-style pleated blouse with a lotus leaf collar, loose yet with natural draping. The bow tie was set with a huge ruby, and the gold setting was carved into the shape of an iron-willow tree, skillfully holding the wine-red gem.

It was said that this ruby was from the crown of Denmark's first queen—a priceless treasure, flown in as a gift from the Danish royal family.

Shen Gali was tall and had a long neck; even the pleated stand-up collar couldn't hide his elegant neck, as beautiful as a swan.

The Rosander family refused to be outdone. With a grand gesture, they sent a manor as a gift and announced they would give 2% of their shares as a wedding present, attending in person.

And Shen Gali seized every moment to lie down.

After makeup, lie down for a while;

Arrived at the wedding venue's waiting room, lie down for a while.

The wedding venue was a white church by the seaside, built years ago by Nan Feng for his two sons' weddings. The building area was about two acres, a typical Gothic style with numerous pointed arches and ribbed vaults, creating a soaring visual effect. The intricate and exquisite craftsmanship highlighted retro mystery and luxury.

It was said that the thing cost hundreds of millions to build back then, and now it's a famous check-in spot in Jinhai City.

Back then, Nan Liujing thought Shen Gali didn't deserve it, so he didn't even hold a wedding. But today, he begged Shen Gali to marry him. Times change, and even Nan Liujing, whose mouth was harder than diamond, learned to flatter and please.

Countless guests attended the wedding. Between Nan Liujing and Bai Wei, they virtually knew everyone in Jinhai City. Fortunately, the venue was large enough; otherwise, no hotel could accommodate so many people.

Shen Gali dozed off in the waiting room and was woken by a staff member, who told him the wedding was about to start and asked him to wait outside the hall.

Leaning against the wall, he followed the staff member slowly through the corridor. The colored glass windows on both sides didn't let in much light, so antique oil lamps were placed by each window.

Staff passing by saw this scene and stared blankly.

It was like a scene from an old Western movie—flickering candlelight, a young prince in an exquisite tuxedo walking slowly through the corridor, as if following fate's guidance toward his future.

Shen Gali reached the huge arch. As the elegant music began, the staff pushed open the doors.

At that moment, everyone's gaze converged on him.

Shen Gali's social anxiety hit hard.

He closed his eyes in despair, silently telling himself: Don't be afraid, they're just cabbages.

But the "cabbages" couldn't look away for a long time, their eyes following him.

Wuwuwu, he was so beautiful, like a delicate and noble elf prince from a fairy tale—skin as white as fresh snow, exquisite to the point where even his eyelashes shone.

Hein came to the wedding with his family. As soon as he saw Shen Gali, he panicked and was about to run over to hold his hand, but his mother covered his mouth and dragged him back.

The child's indignant question was buried in the grand music: "Why, why do you keep piercing my heart? If I had known it was Shen Gali's wedding, I would never have come. How can I bear to watch him hand his future over to a man unworthy?"

Mom: "Shut up."

Evan Rosander was very excited, but he didn't know what he was excited about. He only knew that even though there were thousands of guests, his eyes were only on Shen Gali—the man he once wanted to take back to the UK.

If he couldn't have him, at least he could see him at his most beautiful, and that would be enough for a lifetime.

But Shen Gali thought: Damn it, Nan Liujing, why did you choose a place like this for the wedding? Do you know how long the path to the flower platform is?

He looked up at the end of the red carpet, where Nan Liujing's tall and slender figure came into view. The navy blue suit was perfectly tailored; the vine-patterned pocket square was tied into a rabbit-ear bow at the collar, losing the former seriousness and adding a touch of elegant charm.

He was smiling, and even while Shen Gali was still some distance away, he couldn't wait to reach out his hand.

The venue was full of decorations, a sea of people; there were too many things to attract attention. Yet his eyes were still only on him, steadfast, his gaze fixed on him for the rest of his life.

When Shen Gali was still a few meters from the flower platform, Nan Liujing ignored the officiant's objections and took the initiative to step down and hold his hand. On such a long road, someone was finally with him to the end.

The emcee was speaking eloquently on stage, but Nan Liujing suddenly raised his hand and glanced at his watch.

Three minutes had passed.

He abruptly made a stop gesture to the emcee, then waved toward the backstage. Immediately, a few staff members carried out a... bed.

The head of the pristine white, soft bed was adorned with pink roses and lisianthus, looking incredibly inviting to sleep on.

He took the microphone and said to the audience, "Sorry, everyone. My husband is usually quite lazy—I've spoiled him too much. As a result, he can only stand for three minutes at most. You don't mind if he lies down for a bit, right?"

Shen Gali: ...

Well, since you said it, I'm actually going to lie down now.

Audience: ???

They watched Shen Gali lie down, hands clasped over his chest, looking completely devout.

What's he doing? That's way too forward.

The emcee was baffled, snapping back to reality only after a long pause: "Ah, well..."

Holy crap, the groom's lying down. What do I say now? Help!

Nan Liujing knew Shen Gali disliked these lengthy, convoluted procedures, so he simply took over for the emcee:

"Let's exchange rings now."

Two little flower attendants ran up onto the stage, carrying small baskets. They had never seen anything like this before. Curious, they leaned over the bed and studied Shen Gali. "Big brother, are you tired? Why are you lying in bed?"

Shen Gali passed the blame: "Nan Liujing arranged it."

The little flower attendants asked again, "Big brother, why aren't you wearing a suit?"

Shen Gali passed the blame again: "Nan Liujing arranged it."

"Uncle spoils you way too much. If this keeps up, you'll be spoiled rotten," the little attendants said innocently, speaking whatever came to mind.

This time, before Shen Gali could respond, Nan Liujing gently pushed the two children aside, took Shen Gali’s hand, and slid the ring onto his ring finger.

Then he said to the children, "This is nothing. Life is long. Even if he does get spoiled, that's a long way off."

Shen Gali: Zzz

The guests watched Groom One lying flat and Groom Two completely unbothered, and after a moment, they raised their hands and clapped.

Oh well, as long as they're happy.

The guests ate and chatted cheerfully, completely unaware that the two grooms had slipped away at some point.

Nan Liujing inexplicably dragged Shen Gali away midway through. They got into a car, and the wheels rolled forward. The scenery outside the window changed from towering skyscrapers to low houses, and finally to endless mountain ranges.

Shen Gali asked, puzzled, "Where are you taking me?"

"Don't ask, or else I'll say I'm taking you to sell you off."

Finally, the car stopped in front of a green mountain.

Shen Gali looked closer and saw a solitary stone tablet standing at the foot of the mountain. It was engraved with some small characters, along with his and Nan Liujing’s names.

"What's this?" A bad feeling rose in Shen Gali's chest.

"A joint husband-and-husband tomb," Nan Liujing said proudly. "A hundred years from now, we will rest here together forever."

Shen Gali: ...

"Can it be dug up?" he asked grimly.

But then he thought—how long would it take to dig up a grave this big?

He slowly turned to Nan Liujing, gritting his teeth.

I've spent my whole life seeking a peaceful resting place for after death, pushing myself forward through countless struggles, but in the end I can't escape this man's grasp.

Forget it. Whatever.