At this highly anticipated moment, the bride and groom's eyes were solely on each other. Their journey to this day had not been easy, and they had finally reached it. Feelings of emotion were inevitable.
The host, microphone in hand, walked between them. "First, let us welcome the newlyweds and offer them our sincerest blessings."
Applause erupted from the audience, and the clicking of camera shutters was incessant.
The host turned to the groom. "Mr. Zhan Mohan, do you take Miss Wei Yumeng before you to be your wife? Will you promise to cherish her, day in and day out, for ten years, regardless of whether she remains as radiant and vibrant as she is today?"
"I do. And I will love her forever. I will love every wrinkle on her, every flaw. As long as it is her, I will love her."
If "I do" was the only correct answer to the question, then Zhan Mohan's words were undoubtedly a textbook-level response. Life, with its joys and sorrows, its aging and changes, yet the human yearning for beauty never fades.
Beautiful women always had one extra concern to navigate: whether their husbands would still see them as their everything once they grew old and less attractive.
Perhaps everyone's answer would be affirmative, but how many could truly deliver? Yet, the one making such a promise now was none other than Zhan Mohan.
Every word he spoke, Wei Yumeng would believe unconditionally.
After questioning the groom, the host's next question was for the bride.
"Miss Wei Yumeng, do you take Mr. Zhan Mohan before you to be your husband? Will you promise to stay by his side, no matter his future prosperity?"
"I do. No matter what he becomes, I will stay by his side."
"Very well. Now, please, bride and groom, exchange your rings."
Zhan Yichen and Mu Linjing appropriately handed over the rings. Amidst the envious gazes of the crowd, they completed the ring exchange. The ceremony was nearing its end.
Wei Yumeng was about to throw her bouquet. However, with only Mu Linjing as her bridesmaid today, the bouquet was undeniably destined for her.
"My bridesmaid today is my best friend, who has been with me through thick and thin. No matter if my life is good or bad, she has always been by my side. Today, my bouquet is just for her."
Holding the bouquet, she walked step by step to Mu Linjing. "Linjing, I sincerely hope you will find ever-increasing happiness."
As Wei Yumeng approached, Mu Linjing's eyes welled up. She had witnessed Wei Yumeng's struggles throughout their journey, and today, with this wedding successfully held, she had, in a way, handed her over to Zhan Mohan herself.
Now that they were a couple with children, their future life would likely be filled with nothing but happiness.
Receiving the bouquet, Mu Linjing blinked away tears. "We will both find ever-increasing happiness."
The two women embraced, a silent blessing for each other.
The next segment was for the bride and groom to toast the guests. Mu Linjing helped Wei Yumeng change out of her wedding gown and into a cocktail dress, after which they went to toast Grandpa Zhan.
Grandpa Zhan rarely smiled so kindly, his eyes beaming as he looked at the couple.
After drinking the wine Wei Yumeng offered, he presented a gift he had prepared. "Although Yumeng has called me Grandpa for a long time, today is a special occasion, so I must prepare a 'changing of the title' gift."
As he spoke, he placed a document on the table. Seeing the familiar gift, Wei Yumeng already guessed its contents.
She picked it up and indeed, it was another share transfer agreement.
"This is twenty percent of my shares in the company. Yumeng, this is Grandpa's wedding gift to you." He then glanced at Mu Linjing behind Wei Yumeng. "Grandpa's remaining shares naturally have other destinations. From now on, the young generation will manage the Zhan family. Grandpa will just focus on seeing his great-grandchildren and enjoying his retirement."
Wei Yumeng understood. Grandpa Zhan meant to divide the shares he held between his two granddaughters-in-law, herself and Mu Linjing, so as not to show favoritism.
After all, he had two grandsons, and even if he tried his best to be fair, he had to be more or less equitable. The Zhan Corporation had already been handed over to Zhan Mohan. Even if Zhan Yichen had no objections, he had to compensate in other areas.
Words could be hurtful. To prevent any gossip from outsiders in the future, they had to eliminate the possibility internally.
It was evident that even though Grandpa Zhan no longer managed the company, he remained astute in his dealings.
Therefore, Wei Yumeng did not refuse and accepted his gift. "Thank you, Grandpa. Mo Han and I will take good care of you in the future."
Grandpa Zhan chuckled playfully. "Then have a few more great-grandchildren, so Grandpa won't be lonely."
Mu Linjing's ears perked up at this, and she immediately chimed in, "Yes, Yumeng, have another one."
Seeing Mu Linjing egging her on, Wei Yumeng didn't hold back. She quickly grabbed Mu Linjing. "Grandpa, why don't you urge Linjing instead? Yichen is not young anymore; he should be a father."
The two of them deflected the responsibility, but Grandpa Zhan intended to hold them both accountable.
"Both of you should have children, especially Linjing."
Mu Linjing had indeed dug her own grave. Before they were even engaged, they were already discussing having children.
Uncle Mu and Aunt Mu, watching their daughter smile so happily, understood her feelings. It seemed this alliance with the Zhan family was now sealed.
Although they had always worried about their daughter being bullied after marrying into the Zhan family, the Zhan family had repeatedly allayed their concerns with their actions. They had no choice but to accept this marriage and prepare their daughter's dowry.
After the toasts and the completion of the wedding procedures, Zhan Mohan stood on the stage. "Thank you all for attending the Zhan family wedding today. You are welcome to explore the island freely for the next two days. If anyone wishes to return earlier, we can arrange flights for you."
He and Wei Yumeng intended to stay on the island for an extra day. Firstly, to allow Wei Yumeng to rest, and secondly, because Wei Yumeng loved the scenery here.
The temperature here was higher than at home, making it an ideal choice for a vacation for those who disliked the cold.
They had children and could not be away for too long, so a honeymoon trip was not planned, but staying an extra day here was perfectly feasible.
Many guests who attended the wedding chose to stay, but a significant number were also returning. Most of these were reporters dispatched by various media outlets, and there was no need to guess why they were in such a hurry to leave.
Despite Zhan Mohan's instructions yesterday, it was impossible to completely silence them. Even if they couldn't secure a headline, this was still major news.