"Everyone, we often say that love should be spoken out loud. I completely agree. In our everyday lives, there is rarely the life-and-death drama you see in literature or films. Most of the time, life is plain and ordinary. But even in that ordinariness, we should express our love. Saying 'I love you' once a day is not too much, is it?"
The host, Xiao Ao, turned to the groom. "Mr. Hou Jun, then what are you waiting for?"
"I love you, Sadie! I love you so, so much. From the very first time I saw you in Professor John's class, I fell for you at first sight. It was like a basketball on the court — only when it goes into the hoop is it a three-pointer. My love for you is more than just three points." Hou Jun spoke his confession loud and clear.
Sadie, being an American woman, loved such bold declarations. The moment his words landed, she threw herself into Hou Jun's arms and rewarded him with a kiss.
The room burst into applause.
"I heard the groom has prepared a special gift for the bride. Is it time to bring it out?" Xiao Ao asked.
For the sake of keeping the "surprise" in surprise, even the host had not been told what it was. Not that he was curious. Having been to countless weddings and practically fed dog food three times a day in his career, he had seen every kind of romantic stunt.
Slideshows made from years of shared memories, LEGO castles painstakingly built over many days — he had seen it all. So to hide it from him? Ha. As if he could still be impressed.
He kept his smile professional, but his inner voice was far less polite.
The next moment, Hou Jun signaled to Lao Qian. Lao Qian checked that the path was clear, then gestured to someone outside. At the same time, the photographers who had been secretly arranged in advance got into position, cameras ready from every angle to make a music video later.
After about a minute, a cart was pushed in, covered with a red cloth. It was about two meters long, one and a half wide, and nearly two meters tall — big enough to fit a lion inside. Luckily, the banquet hall's second-floor doors were wide enough, or it would never have fit.
Slowly, the cart was wheeled to the center of the stage.
A giant plush toy? An enormous jigsaw puzzle? Xiao Ao guessed. He had once hosted a wedding where the groom spent an entire year assembling a massive puzzle for the bride. That had been spectacular.
The guests were just as curious.
"No wonder he managed to get a girlfriend. Look at this showmanship."
"It's huge."
"Could it be a life-sized wooden sculpture? I remember him saying in our group chat that his hobby was carving statues."
"Possible. Definitely possible. A statue her height would be so romantic."
The guesses from the tables of Little Fruits were joined by the voices of Hou Jun's friends from Los Angeles.
"What has Chase prepared? I'm dying to know."
"Sadie's dog passed away before… could it be a similar pet?"
"Phillip, what is wrong with you? Who brings a dog as a wedding gift? Only your brain could come up with that!"
All eyes were fixed on the stage, every guest trying to imagine what was hidden under that red cloth.
"Sadie, I'm sure you'll love this gift," Hou Jun said.
Music began to play before Xiao Ao could even ask what it was.
With a sudden tug, Hou Jun tried to pull off the red cloth. It was so big that the first pull wasn't enough, so he gave it everything he had and yanked again.
The cloth flew away with a swoosh.
Beneath it stood a small stage, complete with microphone and electronic keyboard.
But that wasn't the real surprise. The real shock stood in the center of that mini stage — the most dazzling figure in the room.
It was Chu Zhi.
Sadie froze as if she had turned to stone. Was that Jiu?
🎵 I'm hurting, baby, I'm broken down. I need your loving, loving, I need it now. When I'm without you… 🎵
🎵 I'm something weak… 🎵
Chu Zhi played the keyboard and sang, his voice carrying a warm, angelic radiance meant to make people feel happiness.
Ever since performing Always Go Home and Visit as the Emperor Beast on the Spring Festival Gala, Chu Zhi's popularity had soared. Seventy percent of the Chinese guests recognized him instantly.
A top-tier superstar suddenly appearing at a wedding and bursting into song left many brains unable to process the moment, like computers freezing up.
The two tables of Little Fruits sat there with expressions no different from Sadie's — pure disbelief.
🎵 Oh, sugar…Yes, please…Won't you come and put it down on me… 🎵
🎵 Right here, 'cause I need…Little love, a little sympathy… 🎵
Sometimes, translating English songs into Chinese lyrics made them feel awkward, but in English, with that strong rhythmic groove, Sugar was absolutely a great song.
Chu Zhi's English was flawless. Having performed on many international stages, this wedding venue felt like home turf.
And since this was the wedding of two Little Fruits, he let himself enjoy it even more, interacting with the audience whenever he could.
It wasn't until he reached the second verse that people finally snapped out of their daze.
"Holy crap, is that really Jiu-yé up there? Not a hologram? Not some look-alike actor?" 61, who wore glasses, couldn't hold back a curse.
Emotion told Siyi Anran that Jiu-yé could not possibly be here. Logic, however, cooled her down and made her think. "Don't talk nonsense. Holograms that real only exist in sci-fi movies. And as for an impersonator — who could possibly imitate Jiu-yé's looks? Are you joking with me?"
Her own reasoning startled her. They had always believed it possible for Jiu-yé, as an idol among idols, to record a wedding blessing video for Little Fruits.
But to fulfill a fan's wish by showing up in person? No one had expected that.
"Does Orang Home's random wish-fulfillment have another round coming?" was the only thought in Ye Bai's head.
The venue was in chaos now.
People who had been seated all stood up, moving closer to the stage.
"I can't see clearly. Tell me, is that Jiu-yé?"
"Jiu-yé… damn, you mean I paid my share for the wedding gift, got to eat, and now I'm getting a live Jiu-yé performance too? What kind of lucky deal is this?"
"Quick, pinch me, I can't take it."
If it weren't for the wedding etiquette, the Little Fruits would have already rushed the stage.
Xiao Ao, the seasoned host who had presided over countless ceremonies, stood slack-jawed. He had never seen a surprise like this before.
"Mother of mercy… he actually came in person?!" Earlier he had even mentioned Chu Zhi's name. Was this not the ultimate case of "speak of the devil"?
Incredible. Absolutely incredible.
Never judge a book by its cover. Looking at the groom's modest face, Xiao Ao couldn't believe he had pulled off something this big.
🎵 Right here, 'cause I need…Little love, a little sympathy… 🎵
🎵 Your sugar… yes, please…Won't you come and put it down on me… 🎵
Chu Zhi waved and interacted with the guests as he sang.
The groom gazed at the bride with pure affection. The bride pressed a hand to her mouth, dizzy with the rush of surprise, joy, and love.
"I love you, my dear," Sadie told Hou Jun.
Under the Emperor Beast's singing, the mood had been perfectly set. The couple clung to each other and shared a deep French kiss right there on stage.
Chu Zhi took it all in. Seeing their happiness made him feel the trip had been more than worth it.
🎵 Oh, sugar… just like a bullet without a destination. No matter where you are… 🎵
🎵 No matter where you are, I just want to be with you. I just want your little bit of sweet love… 🎵
Chu Zhi's stage presence had the entire crowd moving happily to the beat.
Hou Jun and Sadie danced along right on stage, moving without care, only joy in their hearts.
The friends from Los Angeles loved this kind of energy.
"I like the song, and I love this wedding surprise. Better than any gift," Milton said.
"Never heard this song before. Is it an original?" Phillip wondered.
"Who is he? I want to know," Alice said.
From the fact that Sadie had become a face fan of Chu Zhi, it was clear — his looks were universally appealing. Beauty could transcend cultures.