Ye Yi heard Jing Yiyi's voice and tugged at his lips. "I say, Jing Yiyi, do you still want the bride to come out?"
Jing Yiyi wasn't afraid of him. She snorted, "If you can't get the bride, I'll see who's in a hurry."
Ji Zhixiu frowned. "Agree to her."
Ye Yi: "..."
He resigned himself. "Fine, you name the challenge."
Jing Yiyi: "On such a wonderful day today, please have the groomsmen compose a poem to fit the occasion!"
Zhao Xinxin burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Compose a poem! I'm dying of laughter!"
Outside the door.
Lu Cong waved his hands repeatedly when he met his gaze. "Don't look at me. I can go through fire and water for Brother Xiu for anything else, but this, I truly can't do."
Ye Yi's mouth twitched. "Ji Zhixiu, it's your wedding, you compose the poem yourself."
Ji Zhixiu looked at Chang Qin.
Chang Qin hesitated for a moment. "Can this be Googled?"
Lu Cong fell into doubt. "I don't think so, right?"
Shen Muyuan was quite helpless. He stepped forward, pondered for a moment, and said, "I'll do it. I'll help Xiu brother win the beauty."
He exchanged a look with Ji Zhixiu, and everything was understood without words.
He pondered for a moment and then said, "Today we drink till we're drunk, a perfect pair of lovers, flowers are beautiful and the moon is full, all things are complete."
After speaking, even he felt a bit embarrassed and smiled. "This is my best effort."
Lu Cong excitedly said, "It's fine, as long as it's done."
He patted the door hard. "Open the door quickly!"
The girls inside burst into laughter.
Jing Yiyi said with disdain, "This poem is too perfunctory..."
Chang Qing couldn't help but laugh. "This is probably Mu Yuan Ge's best work. Yiyi, just let them off the hook."
"Alright," Jing Yiyi said with a sly smile. "Then let them in first. There are still many games to come."
The door opened, and everyone poured in, immediately filling the room to the brim.
Ji Zhixiu's eyes immediately landed on Jiang Mian, who was sitting on the bed.
She was breathtakingly beautiful today, like an immortal descending from the ninth heaven. Her cheeks were naturally flushed, her features exquisite, more beautiful than he had ever imagined.
Jiang Mian's beautiful eyes met his, and they both smiled.
Zhao Xinxin interrupted their loving gaze and shouted, "Mr. Ji, this won't do! You can't just take the bride away like this. You still have to pass the bridesmaids' test."
Ji Zhixiu withdrew his gaze, nodded slightly, and his voice was clear and resonant. "Please, bridesmaids, present your challenges."
Zhao Xinxin took out a test paper. "Please, groom, based on your understanding of the bride, complete this test independently. Groomsmen are not allowed to remind you~"
Ji Zhixiu said without hesitation, "Let's go."
"First question: The bride's birthday."
"The eighth day of the fifth lunar month."
"Who is the bride's favorite celebrity?"
"Song Xingjia."
The crowd burst into laughter. Ji Lanruo paused almost imperceptibly, then smiled. "The groom's charm is no match for Actor Song."
"Cough, cough, third question, true or false. Please listen: After marriage, you don't need to buy your wife gifts anymore."
"False. As long as she wants it, you can buy your wife gifts any day."
"Please list ten of the bride's virtues."
"Gentle, cute, beautiful, understanding, good at acting, hardworking, meticulous, never loses her temper with me, communicates well with me, and most importantly, loves me." He spoke the last sentence in a low, powerful voice.
Jiang Mian's eyes curved, and her gaze fell on him as he spoke so earnestly, unable to look away.
"Okay, last question. Please, groom, recite the socialist core values."
Ji Zhixiu readily complied. "Prosperity, democracy, civility, harmony, freedom, equality, justice, rule of law, patriotism, dedication, integrity, and friendship."
Lu Cong led the applause. "Woohoo! Brother Xiu is mighty!"
Zhao Xinxin breathed a sigh of relief. "Good, I've passed this round! Next!"
Jing Yiyi stood before everyone. "It's my turn."
She took out a five-meter-long spicy dried strip she had prepared. "Please, groomsmen, send someone."
Several people immediately looked at Ye Yi.
Ye Yi: ...
Where did this girl get so many troublesome ideas?
He glanced at Jing Yiyi, and she snorted. "Hurry up, don't waste time."
Ye Yi was speechless. Jing Yiyi handed him a pair of gloves, her face clearly conveying: How about it? Am I thoughtful enough?
Ye Yi gritted his teeth, tore open the spicy dried strip packaging, and started eating. It was very long, as thick as an electrical wire.
Everyone was roaring with laughter, and the room was filled with joy.
He didn't know if it was actually five meters long as the packaging claimed, but it was certainly very long.
After eating a third of it, he was already overwhelmed by the spiciness.
In the crowd, Ye San's expression was slightly serious.
Jing Yiyi saw a thin layer of sweat on his forehead and quickly handed him a tissue to wipe it and then unscrewed a bottle of mineral water for him.
Then she asked timidly, "You can't eat spicy food?"
Ye Yi gave her an annoyed glance. Wasn't she full of spirit just now?
He didn't say anything, took the water, drank a few gulps, and then continued eating.
By the time he finished the whole thing, his lips were bright red.
Then he slowly took off his gloves, didn't look at Jing Yiyi, but raised an eyebrow at Jiang Mian. "Can I take the bride now?"
"There's me too," Ji Lanruo stepped forward. "The last round is a game~"
She said with a smile, her expression cute, but Lu Cong had learned his lesson. He asked, "What game? Tell us first."
"This round is very simple," she said, clapping her hands. Someone brought out the props.
"This is a portrait of the bride. The groomsmen have to piece it together. Once it's assembled, you can take the bride~ We won't stop you!"
Lu Cong chuckled a few times. "This... Brother Xiu, you know little sister-in-law best."
Ji Zhixiu lowered his head, staring at the puzzle, and said calmly, "I'll do it!"
Zhao Xinxin applauded. "The groom is mighty!"
The atmosphere in the room was heated, and even the cameramen couldn't help but smile.
Jiang Mian also didn't expect them to come up with so many strange tricks.
Ji Zhixiu looked up at her. "Don't worry, I can piece it together."
Jiang Mian nodded. "I believe you."
Ji Zhixiu lowered his head, having spent countless nights together, no one knew Jiang Mian better than him.
He pondered for a moment, then began to select puzzle pieces.
Three minutes later, he placed the last piece. "Done."
Ji Lanruo looked from beginning to end, then bowed. "As expected of Mr. Ji. Alright, sisters! Let them go!"
Lu Cong shouted enthusiastically. "Kiss her first, then leave!"
"Kiss! Kiss!"
"Kiss!"
Ji Zhixiu lowered his head to look at Jiang Mian. Her eyes were smiling, and her cheeks were charmingly flushed.
"A Xiu..." a soft voice sounded.
Ji Zhixiu cupped her face with both hands, tenderly kissing her forehead.
Then he scooped her up and, to everyone's astonishment, walked out step by steady step.
Jiang Mian quickly hooked her arms around his neck. Their breaths mingled, and their gazes intertwined, conveying an indescribable sweetness.
Her lips curved uncontrollably upward. In his arms at this moment, she felt utterly at peace.
Ning Ning followed behind, carrying her train with his short legs.
Ji Lanruo watched their retreating backs, her eyes moist.
She knew very well how much Jiang Mian loved Ji Zhixiu. For someone like her, if there were no feelings at first, she wouldn't have rushed into marriage.
Now, the two of them had achieved their happy ending.
It was truly wonderful.
Zhao Xinxin bumped her arm. "Lanruo, let's go!"
Ji Lanruo snapped back to attention and nodded. "Let's go."
...
This wedding could be described as a wedding of the century.
The media reporters invited by Jiang Mian felt honored.
When she sent out the news initially, Jiang Mian had only one request: they would be provided with food and lodging, but any content posted online after filming must be approved by them first.
Once this news was released, it attracted a large number of media outlets to call proactively.
Jiang Mian chose a few who had good reputations and whom she had worked with before, and sent them invitations.
She sent invitations to directors and friends she had worked with in the industry.
Those who attended the wedding banquet posted photos of the wedding favors, causing a stir online.
The wedding favors were chosen by Jiang Mian. For the ladies, it was a designer handbag, and for the gentlemen, it was a Ji family perfume. It truly showcased the opulence of a wealthy family.
Ji Zhixiu had fifty thousand fresh roses flown in. Everything used for the wedding venue was top-notch. The entire castle was filled with a romantic atmosphere.
The manor was antique and picturesque, with lush green grounds, possessing a unique charm.
The wedding banquet was a buffet-style meal, allowing guests to dine casually and comfortably.
After the meal, there were activities such as hot springs, sightseeing, and golf.
All guests attending the wedding had their airfare covered and were provided with dedicated transportation.
Yu Ji enthusiastically took photos with his camera. Who would have thought that he would be invited this time?
And it was Jiang Mian herself who specifically requested him to come from the editor-in-chief.
Seeing the bride coming out to toast, he aimed his lens and clicked.
A colleague beside him sighed, "Jiang Mian's wedding is so grand. Even Song Xingjia is here."
Yu Ji craned his neck to look. "Shoot! We'll have plenty to write about when we get back!"
The colleague reminded him, "Don't forget, the exclusive news needs to be shared when we get back."
Yu Ji nodded. "Of course."
They were personally invited by Jiang Mian, but they would also share exclusive material with their colleagues when they returned, so it wouldn't be difficult.
In their line of work, it was important not to offend anyone. Since they would be publishing first and gaining enough attention, what was the harm in sharing with others later?
He had a heavy task on his shoulders for this trip.
Recalling the editor-in-chief's instructions, Yu Ji regretted not bringing more film.
A colleague patted him on the shoulder. "You keep shooting, I'm going to have a couple of drinks. I heard this wedding wine is from Mr. Ji's private vineyard! Hahaha! I'll be bragging about this for a long time!"
"You go ahead."
Not far away, Song Xingjia appeared gentle and refined. He raised his glass to them. "Congratulations on your marriage. I wish you both happiness."
Jiang Mian had changed into a wine-red dress for toasting. She was graceful and her makeup was alluring. Hearing this, she smiled. "Thank you..."
Song Xingjia interrupted her with a smile. "Don't force yourself. Just call me by my name."
Jiang Mian felt a warmth in her heart. She really couldn't bring herself to call him "little uncle."
Ji Zhixiu clinked glasses with him. "How long will you be staying this time?"
Song Xingjia swirled his wine glass and drained the ruby-red liquid down his long neck. Then he said, "I'll leave after your wedding."
"So rushed?" Jiang Mian was surprised.
"I can't be away." He said lightly.
He also felt quite helpless; he had been busy for several days beforehand to make it for the wedding.
Jiang Mian said, "Then I'll call Song Yin over to see you."
Song Xingjia shook his head. "No need. I saw him. He's doing well. I trust you both to take care of him."
He continued, "You're busy today, don't worry about me."
Ji Zhixiu nodded. "Okay, we have people arranged in the manor. If you need anything, just ask them."
The two continued to toast.
Then they saw Lu Cong and the bridesmaids drinking.
Lu Cong hadn't intended to compete with them, but Ji Lanruo said that their groomsmen were not good enough.
How could he tolerate that?
Back and forth, the six of them were locked in a drinking match.
Ling He couldn't even pull Zhao Xinxin back.
Chang Qing had taken the children to change clothes, so no one was looking after Chang Qin.
Jiang Mian tilted her head and whispered in Ji Zhixiu's ear, "Aren't you going to stop them?"
Ji Zhixiu raised an eyebrow. "Don't you find it quite interesting?"
Jiang Mian thought this man was truly wicked, just wanting to see them make fools of themselves.
Lu Cong refilled his glass. "Come on, let's continue! Let's see who laughs last!"
Ji Lanruo chuckled, her gaze sweeping over the guests. For a moment, she thought she saw Song Xingjia.
Then she shook her head. How could that be? How could that man be here?
She withdrew her gaze and said generously, "Come on, let's keep toasting!"
Shen Muyuan and Chang Qin clinked glasses.
Jing Yiyi looked up at Ye Yi, a silent standoff. She held his wine glass. "If you drink, I'll drink with you!"
Fan Cheng's eyes welled up with tears. "Even though the CEO is already married, I'm still very touched to see this scene today..."
He turned to Alice and said with emotion, "Baby, let's get married too, okay?"
Alice's cheeks flushed. "I won't agree without a proposal!"
Xiang Long, standing next to them, put his arm around Li Zhuyi. He was clumsy and didn't know what to say. "Don't cry, wife."
Li Zhuyi couldn't help but wipe her tears. They had come so far, it hadn't been easy. "I was just... seeing Sister Mian and the others take their vows, I was so moved..."
Xiang Long whispered, "We will be this happy too. Believe me."
"Okay."
Ji Zhixiu held her hand. "Let's go, we'll go to the next table."
Jiang Mian hummed and withdrew her gaze, linking her arm through his.
...
In the evening, Ji Zhixiu returned to the room.
Jiang Mian had already changed into comfortable clothes and was lying on the bed.
Ji Zhixiu walked to the bedside and leaned down to kiss her.
Jiang Mian saw his intention and quickly turned her face away. "The smell of alcohol is pungent."
Ji Zhixiu missed his kiss and straightened up, frowning. "I even specifically put on perfume."
Jiang Mian said coyly, "Then go take a shower."
Ji Zhixiu rubbed his nose. "Okay, I'll go take a shower first."
"Are the guests all taken care of?"
"Yes, those who got drunk have been arranged to be sent to their rooms and given hangover soup. Those who are not drunk and want to go to the hot springs have also been sent by my staff," Ji Zhixiu said calmly.
Jiang Mian reached out and hooked his finger. "Husband."
Ji Zhixiu bent down. "Hmm?"
Jiang Mian kissed him on the cheek. "You've worked hard."
Ji Zhixiu hadn't intended to do anything, but her kiss instantly ignited his passion.
His eyes darkened, and his gaze burned. "Then do I get a reward?"
Ever since he learned that Jiang Mian was pregnant, he had abstained until now.
But the doctor had said that after three months, the fetal stability would gradually improve.
Jiang Mian chuckled softly. "Then go take a shower first. I'll tell you after you've showered."
When Ji Zhixiu came out after his shower, Jiang Mian was already asleep.
Her lips were slightly parted, and she exhaled softly through her nose. Her makeup had been removed, leaving her looking simple, clean, and her sleeping face was sweet and reassuring.
Ji Zhixiu extended his long arm and drew her into his embrace. Soon, Jiang Mian was wrapped tightly around him with her hands and feet...
There was no other reason than that this man was like a huge furnace.
In a daze, a familiar scent wafted to her nose. Jiang Mian's lips were forced open, allowing him to enter...
His hot yet restrained kisses lingered downwards. Jiang Mian tilted her head back, exposing a stretch of her fair neck for him to do as he pleased.
"Wife, I love you." At the peak of their intimacy, Ji Zhixiu whispered in her ear, his voice tickling and intoxicating.
Their fingers were intertwined, and they were intimately close.
In the bridal chamber, red scented candles burned, casting shadows like paintings on the wall.
Jiang Mian's lips curved upward, her voice becoming even more娇 and seductive. "Me too, I love you, husband."
Walking with you, the years do not feel long.