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"……punishment."

The two walked out of the inner room, through the living room, out the front door, and across the red carpet.

The alley was filled with people—neighbors, relatives, and friends. Aunt He stood in the crowd, smiling, but tears welled in her eyes.

Xia Li walked on the red carpet, the train of her wedding dress trailing behind her, lifted slightly by the wind to reveal the tips of her white shoes. Song Che walked beside her, holding her hand, his palms sweaty.

Walking to the middle of the courtyard, Zhang Shushu and Song Jianguo were already seated. Zhang Shushu was wearing her new maroon dress, her hair neatly combed, and her eyes were red-rimmed. Song Jianguo remained as unhurried as ever.

The emcee was a chubby middle-aged man with a loud voice; the entire courtyard would fall silent as soon as he opened his mouth.

"Worship the heavens and the earth-"

Song Che and Xia Li turned around and bowed to the sky and earth outside the courtyard.

"Second worship high hall-"

The two men turned around and bowed to Zhang Shushu and Song Jianguo. Zhang Shushu's tears finally fell; she wiped them with her sleeve, then they fell again, and she wiped them again.

Song Jianguo reached out and took her hand.

"Husband and wife bow to each other—"

The two people faced each other, looking at one another.

Xia Li's eyes were bright, filled with light, tears, laughter, and Song Che's reflection. When you like someone, your eyes truly shine like stars when you look at them.

Song Che suddenly remembered what it was like when he first met her.

Standing at his doorstep, I said, "I've found you."

He didn't understand the meaning of that sentence at the time.

Now he understands.

The two of them bent down and bowed at the same time.

"Send it to the bridal chamber—"

Jiang Shuo cheered from the side, "Wedding night! Wedding night!"

Tao Xiang also shouted, "Wedding night! Wedding night!"

Zhang Hanyu tugged at Jiang Shuo's sleeve, "Don't lead the kids astray."

Jiang Shuo chuckled continuously.

Song Che took Xia Li's hand and walked into the inner room.

The door closed, and the noise outside subsided a little, but it was still audible—Zhang Shushu was greeting guests, Song Jianguo was pouring wine, Taoxiang was chasing Taoyao for candy, and Aunt He was talking to Aunt Li, their laughter coming in waves like ocean waves.

There were only two people in the inner room.

Xia Li sat down on the edge of the bed, the train of her wedding dress spread out on the bed, a white expanse.

She looked up at Song Che and stared at him for a long time.

“Alright,” she said, “now you’re mine.”

Song Che smiled. "It always has been."

Xia Li looked at him, stood on tiptoe, and kissed him on the lips again.

"Hello, husband."

"Wife...okay."

Song Che was immersed in happiness, but soon he noticed that Xia Li was holding his face with a serious expression.

"What's wrong?" Song Che also composed himself.

Xia Li seemed to be thinking, "You... smell like other girls."

"...Let me explain."

"There's more than one; it seems like there are two girls involved."

"You can even tell that out!"

"You wouldn't... be thinking of finding another wife, would you!"

"I didn't, I was wrong, Boss Xia Li!"

"...Actually, it's not impossible, but it can only be done on a small scale."

"Ah, really?"

Xia Li smacked him on the head, "You really dare to dream like that! You can't even be a mistress!"

"Received, Boss Xia Li."

"That's more like it." Xia Li raised her eyes. "I'll give you the betrothal gifts tonight. In the future... please take care of me."

"Please take care of me. Actually... I've also prepared a dowry." Song Che said earnestly, "I've been secretly earning money and have saved quite a bit. With my mom's help, our family... will be able to move into a big house this month."

"...A big house!"

"Yes, just like... Hitler's castle, we bought it based on that."