Elaina was playing downstairs with her son, while Guo Yiyang, Joanna, and Wu Shangqing were amusing the baby nearby, making little Guo Yishun giggle.
"You're finally back. We thought you'd stand Xiao Xi up," Elaina said with a smile.
"I've never seen anyone like this. The wedding seems to have nothing to do with him; he's letting Sister Xiao Xi handle everything," Guo Yiyang pouted.
"You just woke up. Are you hungry? Shall I make you a bowl of noodles?" Her mother's love for her son was evident.
"No need, Mom. I'll find somewhere to eat. Xiao Xi has already scheduled a full day for me."
"Haven't you two gotten your marriage certificate yet? Let's get that done today," Wu Shangqing said.
"Yes, about that... where's the household registration book?"
"It's all with Xiao Xi. She's been ready for days, but you haven't been back."
"Alright then. I'm going out, Mom. I don't know what time I'll be back, so don't wait for me for dinner."
"Got it. Your matters are more important. Freshen up a bit too; you're all stubbly, people will think you're a refugee."
Didn't I just escape a refugee camp? Of course, Guo Xuyang didn't say that out loud.
Li Minxi took Guo Xuyang to a beauty and wellness center to spruce him up. He got a shave, haircut, bath, and styling, and emerged looking as handsome as ever.
"That's better. I really don't know where you've been, looking like a wild man."
"I went quite far this time, it was an emergency," Guo Xuyang said, mixing truth with fiction.
"Let's pick out clothes first. Yours all need replacing," Li Minxi said, pulling him unceremoniously to Bao Ji Tailors.
This shop was very famous, specializing in clothing for dignitaries and movie stars.
"Boss Wang, help us make a couple of suits," Li Minxi called out towards the inside.
A man in his fifties emerged from the shop, holding a measuring tape. "Director Li, what brings you here today?"
"Boss Wang, about the suits I mentioned a few days ago, I'll pick them up the morning after tomorrow."
"Certainly. I'll measure this gentleman first."
Boss Wang proceeded to measure Guo Xuyang's shoulder width, arm length, inseam, chest, hips, waist, and collar.
"Director Li, still one Western suit and one traditional Chinese jacket?"
"Yes. Make them match mine. Boss Wang, do you have anything he can wear now?"
"Yes, I'll bring out a couple." Boss Wang turned and went inside.
"How did you find this place?" Guo Xuyang whispered.
"Don't you know what I do? One of my company's artists found this place through a friend, who said the craftsmanship was good. I've been here twice. I wanted to get my dress made here, but the boss doesn't take those jobs, only Western suits and traditional Chinese attire."
"I see. Isn't the shop owner a bit overwhelmed working alone?"
"He's only in charge of taking orders; others do the actual work."
"So that's how it is. Have you decided on your dress?"
"I picked out a dress long ago. I've been waiting for you to get back to confirm. And we still haven't bought the diamond ring."
"Diamond ring?" Guo Xuyang repeated, suddenly recalling the large diamonds from the diamond mine he had acquired in Africa.
"Can a diamond ring be made on-site? How long does it take to make?"
"If it's custom-made, it can be done in as little as three days. Of course, if the price is right, it can be done in one day."
"Where were you planning to get it made?"
"I looked at a few places, and the master craftsman at Mr. Wu's place makes the most beautiful ones."
"Then why look anywhere else? Have Old Xu make it, he can do it in a day. I'll call Xia Li in a bit and have her arrange it with Old Xu," Guo Xuyang said, taking out his phone and dialing.
"Xia Li, contact Old Xu later and ask him to make a diamond ring for my wedding with Xiao Xi. Yes, I need it by the morning after tomorrow. Alright, that's all."
"Done. It's arranged. Shall we go eat? I'm a bit hungry."
"Let's go to the Civil Affairs Bureau to get the marriage certificate first, then we'll eat."
As they were talking, Boss Wang came out of the shop with a grey suit and a navy blue suit.
"Do you think these two suits will work?"
"Yangzi, try them on first," Li Minxi nudged Guo Xuyang.
Guo Xuyang took the grey suit and went into the changing room.
"They fit well."
"Do you want to try this one too?" Boss Wang asked.
"Try it. If it fits, we'll take both," Li Minxi said.
"You don't need to buy so many clothes, one will be enough."
"Which of these two looks better? Trying them on won't take long."
"Alright."
Guo Xuyang had no choice but to go back in and change again.
"How's this one?"
"This one isn't as good as the previous one, it looks a bit old-fashioned. Let's go with the previous one."
"See, you insisted I try it on. Let's stick with the previous one? I liked that one too."
"Okay, stop dawdling. Hurry up and change. We need to leave," Li Minxi said, pushing him back into the fitting room. "How much is it, boss?"
"That will be thirty-two thousand for both your outfits and this gentleman's."
"I'll pay you now. Make sure it's done well. There's no time for alterations. It must be ready by the morning after tomorrow."
"Director Li, you've been here before. My reputation is guaranteed. Otherwise, you can pay after you've picked them up."
"I trust your craftsmanship. I'll transfer it to you now," Li Minxi said, scanning the QR code to pay.
"Are you done changing? We need to hurry, the Civil Affairs Bureau will close soon."
"Coming, coming!" Guo Xuyang, holding up his trousers, pushed open the changing room door. "Boss, please take this one back."
"Alright, you can just leave it there."
"Goodbye, Boss Wang! I'll be back the morning after tomorrow to pick them up."
"Goodbye, Director Li!"
By the time Guo Xuyang and Li Minxi arrived at the Civil Affairs Bureau, it was already past 11:30 AM.
They completed the photo, registration, and received their certificates right at noon.
"Here you go, take good care of it." The staff member handed the bright red marriage certificates to the couple.
"Thank you. Here's a little something for you," Guo Xuyang said, handing a small stone to the staff member.
"What's this?" the staff member asked curiously.
"A stone. Take it to a jeweler and have it polished; there's a little surprise inside," Guo Xuyang said.
"Is it jade?" the staff member asked doubtfully. "Thank you, this is too valuable, we can't accept it."
"It's just a trifle, not worth much. Thank you so much for your help, we've delayed your closing time."
"It's alright, this is what we should do. Thank you." The staff member took it, put it in her handbag, and turned away.