Snap!
In an instant, the pitch-black surroundings lit up brilliantly.
Shenhe and Elliot stood at the very center of a wedding stage. There wasn't a single person seated below—yet not a single seat was empty. Every seat was occupied by plush toys: bears, puppies, chicks, kittens, ducklings… all sewn by Elliot's own hands.
Since neither of them had many friends or relatives, he had created their guests himself.
The plush toys had been carefully arranged. Some wore adorable little accessories, some held balloons, and some posed with their tiny arms forming heart shapes. A ring of warm-toned lights encircled the toys, bathing the entire space in a soft, comforting glow.
Behind the audience seating, a heart shape made of balloons adorned the wall. Along the aisle leading up to the stage, countless small round candles glowed warmly.
The sight stunned Shenhe completely. Her mind went blank—she couldn't process what was happening.
"Ahem…"
At that moment, a cough came from beside them.
When Shenhe turned, she saw Jean, already prepared and waiting. Her eyes widened as she finally understood what was going on. Elliot, Jean, and Yuna had conspired together. They pretended the wedding would be tomorrow and took her to try on dresses today—but she never imagined that today was the real wedding.
Realization struck her all at once, and her cheeks flushed fiercely red. She didn't even know where to rest her gaze.
"Shenhe," Elliot said suddenly.
She instinctively lifted her head. He was looking at her with that familiar, gentle gaze.
"Do you remember when I told you that your smile is beautiful? More beautiful than mountains under moonlight, and more beautiful than a thousand glowing lanterns."
"I've come to realize something… you are beautiful at every moment. Everything in this world pales in comparison to even half of you."
His words stirred her memories. Those were the words he said after trading his fate with Cloud Retainer's help. She remembered them clearly—etched deeply into her heart. She thought she would never hear them again… yet fate had mercy, bringing him back to her side.
"Mr. Elliot, are you willing to acknowledge and accept Miss Shenhe as your wife?"
Jean's voice carried solemnly as she began the vows.
"I am willing," Elliot replied without hesitation.
"You must care for your wife with gentleness and patience. Cherish her, respect her, embrace her, and live with her alone. Fulfill your duties as a husband all your life, never forming romantic feelings for another, and remain faithful to her always. Are you willing to swear to this?"
"I am willing. I am willing to accept Shenhe as my wife and live with her forever. In any circumstance, I will devote my life to supporting her, treasuring her, comforting her, respecting her, and protecting her. I will not form feelings for anyone else. I swear this."
Jean nodded, then looked toward Shenhe.
"Miss Shenhe, are you willing to acknowledge Mr. Elliot Yuan as your husband?"
"I… I am willing," she answered shyly.
"You must receive your husband with gentle dignity. Love him, help him, treat him kindly, and live with him alone. Fulfill your duties as a wife all your life, never forming romantic feelings for another, and remain faithful to him always. Are you willing to swear to this?"
Hearing these words, Shenhe grew solemn. She took a deep breath and declared:
"I am willing. I am willing to acknowledge Elliot as my husband and live with him forever. In any circumstance, I will devote my life to loving him, following him, trusting him, protecting him, and cherishing him. I will not form feelings for anyone else. I swear this."
Once both vows were confirmed, Jean took out two delicate little boxes.
"Next, please exchange rings. Mr. Elliot Yuan, you may begin."
She gave clear instructions so Shenhe wouldn't copy him prematurely out of nervousness.
Elliot nodded, picked up the small box, opened it, and lifted a beautiful ring.
"Miss Shenhe, please extend your right hand," Jean reminded.
Shenhe instinctively lifted her right hand. Elliot gently held it and slid the ring onto her ring finger with steady, unhurried movements.
"Miss Shenhe, please begin."
Having watched his actions, Shenhe now understood the process. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she lifted the ring, and Jean continued smoothly:
"Mr. Elliot, please extend your left hand."
Shenhe then placed the ring onto his left ring finger.
"Mr. Elliot, Miss Shenhe. Today, you have pledged to protect and cherish one another forever. Through life and death, you shall never be separated."
"Love and loyalty are the foundations of joy and a lasting home. As long as you honor your solemn vows with steadfast hearts, harmony and happiness will always be yours."
"I give you my heartfelt blessing—may you support each other through all seasons and grow old together."
"Now, having become husband and wife… please offer each other your sincerest kiss."
The moment Jean finished speaking, Elliot and Shenhe embraced—and kissed.