CHAPTER 280: CHAPTER 254: THE WEDDING (PART 1)

Speaking of which, Zhou Mengqin opened the jewelry box she was holding.

A set of diamond trio pieces: necklace, stud earrings, and bracelet...

The facets of the diamonds glimmered, almost shouting about their expense.

Su Xiaomeng knew she wasn’t someone who recognized items of value, but even without that knowledge, just by looking at the color and cut of the diamonds, she knew they were extraordinary.

"Xiao Meng, wear this."

Zhou Mengqin said.

"Who is attending today who isn’t wealthy or hasn’t seen diamonds? Wearing such a set won’t intimidate anyone."

Bai Fengmao immediately disagreed, with a tone that was a bit sarcastic, hiding thorns in soft words.

Actually, from the moment they met at the staircase and knew each other’s intentions, they argued all the way to the door of the dressing room.

"A wedding only happens once in a lifetime, so of course, having meaning is more important."

Implying that Xiao Meng’s grandmother’s bracelet was meaningful, while the diamond jewelry from Zhou Mengqin merely seemed vulgar.

Usually, Zhou Mengqin was good at keeping her composure, but even she showed a rare touch of childishness.

She didn’t explain in detail, only mentioned that the diamond jewelry suited a beautiful bride better, but didn’t say...

That this set was custom designed for Su Xiaomeng by Italy’s most renowned jewelry designer, LING, on her request.

One is her granddaughter, the other is her future daughter-in-law, both cherished deeply.

"Stop arguing, let the child decide for herself."

Yin Shaohui seemed to be playing the mediator, but actually glanced more at Yin Shixiu, with a barely concealed threat on his face.

Both Bai Fengmao and Zhou Mengqin agreed with this solution, so their intense gazes fell on their granddaughter.

"Meng Meng, this is your grandmother’s...

"These diamond jewelry pieces fit this wedding dress better, right, fourth child?"

Bai Fengmao and Zhou Mengqin seemed really pitted against each other.

It’s actually a bit challenging for Su Xiaomeng to choose between Bai Fengmao and Zhou Mengqin.

In her heart, she was inclined toward her grandfather’s bracelet, after all, thinking it’s from the grandmother she never met and that it was her mother’s mother’s favorite piece of jewelry when alive.

She had a strong urge to touch it.

But on the other hand, there’s her future mother-in-law... no, her mother-in-law!

A mother-in-law who also cherished her like a daughter, she couldn’t afford to offend her either.

And so...

Su Xiaomeng smiled, slipped on the bracelet, and then took the jewelry set from Zhou Mengqin’s hand, giving Yin Shixiu a look, "Help me put it on."

She accepted everything, recognized both their intentions, and offended no one.

Even though... the bride looked quite over-accessorized like this.

But to borrow a phrase Su Xiaomeng said later, the elders’ love, no matter how heavy, can never be called burdensome.

After Xiaomeng accepted everything, Bai Fengmao and Zhou Mengqin had nothing more to argue about, and the two elders looked at each other, finding it amusing at heart.

"Alright, it’s getting late, since Xiaomeng is ready, then—"

Yin Shaohui was about to suggest to start preparing the wedding, when his gaze inadvertently landed on Yin Shixiu’s casual outfit, causing him to frown, "What’s going on with you? Planning to marry looking like that?!"

Yin Shixiu was only about to change into another set of clothes, which would be quick, so he wasn’t anxious.

But for this wedding, the elders seemed to care more than the main couple, so ironically, the emperor’s not in a rush but the eunuchs are.

As soon as Yin Shaohui spoke, Bai Fengmao immediately followed up, "Planning to marry my granddaughter in that outfit?! What are you up to? Don’t you value this wedding?!"

Yin Shixiu couldn’t hold it anymore, he scratched his head without rebutting, and quietly went to change into his suit.

The wedding venue was set at the famous Lover’s Cliff.

This spot was chosen by Zhou Mengqin, firstly because it is already so famous, always a sacred place for weddings.

Secondly, although the old madam of the Yin family was at such an advanced age, she was, after all, still a woman, with some vulnerability to romantic and beautiful love legends.

At first, when Su Xiaomeng heard about Lover’s Cliff, she searched it online, and knowing it was indeed a renowned scenic spot, she was quite looking forward to it.

But after she learned about the love legend of Lover’s Cliff, she didn’t feel so well.

At the time, she immediately demanded to ask Yin Shixiu, "What kind of nonsense legend is this? Isn’t it just the Indonesian Bali version of Romeo and Juliet? If we hold the wedding here... won’t it be unlucky?"

She really looked worried, muttering non-stop on her own.

One moment testing if they could change the location, the next criticizing all those couples who had weddings at Lover’s Cliff.

If it carried some good meaning like holding hands until old age, it’d be different.

But two lovers not gaining parental consent, jumping off Lover’s Cliff together, sacrificing for love...

What sort of good omen is that supposed to be!

Yin Shixiu, on the other hand, was at ease. He had little interest in myths and those legends, so naturally, he felt the same about the tale of Lover’s Cliff.

To him, it was merely a wedding venue; as long as the scenery was good and the elders liked it, he didn’t have too many demands.

But watching Su Xiaomeng fret and fuss like that, it actually made him feel rather pleased.

Compared to Su Xiaomeng blindly worrying over this tragic legend, he felt assured and content.

How much must this girl love, to fear a legend that might just be a fabrication of the world?

He thought more about it and found it amusing, not bothering much with words, just telling Su Xiaomeng not to worry too much.

Su Xiaomeng saw her fears hadn’t resonated with Yin Shixiu, and felt a bit indignant, but...

"It’s quite good, to be able to pledge together at Lover’s Cliff, if anyone breaks their vow in the future, just push the other down then."

At that time, Yin Shixiu was trying to comfort her, though he said it casually, it was hard to hide it was his heartfelt sentiment.

The meaning was somewhat underwhelming, but...

This kind of legendary love, where the living share no quilt but the dead share the same grave, always makes the world melancholic, yet hardly anyone can ignore the envy in their hearts.

The ceremony officially began at ten, officiated by a rather experienced old priest from the local area for Yin Shixiu and Su Xiaomeng.

This year he was already seventy years old, his dark skin and deeply etched lines on his face made him appear older than his actual age.

Yet, this priest carried a bit of legendary status; it’s said he started officiating weddings at the age of twenty.

None of the couples he officiated ever broke up or divorced.

Su Xiaomeng wasn’t sure how much of this was true or false.

After all, he’s officiated so many weddings in his lifetime, not every couple would be able to keep track of their current situation, right?

But...

Su Xiaomeng watched as Yin Shixiu slowly slipped the ring onto her ring finger.

Listening to Yin Shixiu’s "Yes, I do," spoken neither lightly nor heavily, but straight to her heart.

She still hoped that this legendary priest could let her and the man she loved hold hands until old age.

Not seeking a life of stability, but hoping, no matter what happens, he would be by her side.

Su Xiaomeng ended up with Yin Shixiu in a muddled way; they’ve been together for so long, she doesn’t place much importance on the ceremony anymore.

But sitting at the guest seats, those young unmarried girls looked on with eyes full of admiration.

Su Chengji was seated in the front row, watching the sea breeze lift his daughter’s veil, sunshine streaming upon her, with the endless sea behind her.

When he handed Su Xiaomeng over to Yin Shixiu, he didn’t feel much emotional touch, just sitting quietly now...

He watched the happiness smile spread across his daughter’s face, suddenly teary-eyed.

Bai Sixian wasn’t one to put much emphasis on ceremonies either, so she just watched the young couple like one admiring scenery.

Mm... of course, she couldn’t help but recall the day twenty years ago, the scene of marrying her husband.

Compared to her daughter, it really was like heaven and earth.

Here in Bali Island of Indonesia, whereas back then, she and Su Chengji held the wedding in the Su Family Village’s hall, with big pot dishes.

As she turned to share her thoughts with her husband, unexpectedly...

"What are you doing?"

Bai Sixian frowned, not quite understanding why Su Chengji was silently wiping tears.

Su Chengji, with a thick nasal voice, softly said, "From now on, our daughter won’t be mine..."

"What kind of nonsense is that? How could she not be yours?"

"Look at the way she looks at Shixiu, like he’s her whole world... From now on, Meng Meng surely won’t have room for her dad in her heart."

Bai Sixian fainted, but she continued to hit Su Chengji mercilessly, "Didn’t she start showing this look today? She’s long been unable to fit you as her father in her heart, speaking as though she still keeps you in mind."

Bai Sixian’s words truly hit Su Chengji hard.

Su Chengji didn’t eat much at the wedding ceremony’s end, quietly finding a secluded corner to contemplate life.

Of course, Bai Sixian wouldn’t actually neglect her husband.

Even though Xiao Meng and Yin Shixiu had been together for a long time, even though this wedding was just a formality, she and Su Chengji are Xiao Meng’s parents.

Sending a daughter off in marriage... never easy.

Su Chengji sat by a cliff edge, legs crossed, sighing continuously.

Bai Sixian walked over, leaned against his shoulder, "Xiao Meng is fortunate..."

"Eh, she’s fortunate indeed..."

With Shixiu as such a reassuring and loving husband, it truly is good fortune.

"With a father like you."

Bai Sixian laughed gently, and said.

Su Chengji paused, turned to look at Bai Sixian...

Bai Sixian hooked his neck, "Hubby, I’m fortunate too..."

Su Chengji’s eyes were tinged with red as he hugged Bai Sixian tightly.

After the luncheon, there was a banquet that followed.

Tired guests could return to their rooms or rest elsewhere, but still, many young people, high in spirits, liked to join the crowd.

The afternoon banquet continued the revelry.

Su Xiaomeng and Yin Shixiu returned to the room and changed into two sets of traditional Chinese attire, the bright red, gold phoenix embroidered festive dress immediately transported Su Xiaomeng to ancient times.