Chapter 61: A Valentine’s Day Gift

When both of them uttered, "I do," the audience erupted in enthusiastic applause. Just a single phrase, yet it carried countless promises.

On stage, Gu Jue held An Shiying firmly by the waist, raised the microphone, and the hall fell silent.

"Today's wedding is something I owed my wife. From the moment we met to knowing and loving each other, we've been through so much. No matter how hard things were, she was always by my side, the one who understood and supported me most, and now, she's the most important person in my life."

Gu Jue turned, his gaze unwavering as he looked at his wife, then continued,

"For the rest of our lives, I will do everything in my power to make you happy. I won't dare to chase after anything deliberately; I only hope that every beautiful beginning has a beautiful ending, just as this day and night stretch on forever."

His words were unadorned yet full of sincerity. Everyone watched the couple with eyes full of blessings.

An Shiying's eyes grew moist. She reached out to hold him, looking at him earnestly:

"Now that we're married, from this day forward, we will be together through every dawn and dusk, never to be parted. We'll share ordinary yet brilliant days, and in the hard, painful nights, we'll lean on each other. There will be much stability and eternity. May we hold hands and grow old together from now on."

Amidst cheers and blessings, the two exchanged rings, their eyes brimming with tears as they embraced and kissed.

As the music ended, Lin Xi naturally left the stage and nestled into Lu Yuxiu's arms. Gu Yao pulled Wen Jin into his embrace, burying himself in her collarbone. Everyone felt deeply moved, awed by the sacred power of love.

The wedding continued...

The second half of the celebration was a ball. After all, it was the wedding of the boss of Starry Sky; nearly every prominent figure in Dragon City had been invited. The guest list was extravagant, almost like a gathering of the upper echelons of society.

Truth be told, the second half was all about mingling, chatting, and networking.

An Shiying had changed into a comfortable red dance dress, holding a wine glass, arm in arm with Gu Jue, smiling gracefully as she toasted and conversed with guests.

Lu Yuxiu accompanied his father, dealing with directors and investors. Gu Yao was pulled aside by business partners for drinks.

Lin Xi and Wen Jin, free from their duties for a moment, walked hand in hand, picking out delicious treats from the long table.

Elsewhere, Yan Xu sought out Lin Tianyou. The two sat in a corner, chatting leisurely.

"Tianyou, how have you been? Busy lately?" Yan Xu handed him a glass of red wine, his words carrying a hint of purpose.

Lin Tianyou knew exactly what he meant. He took the glass, unhurriedly, his fingers swirling the stem.

"It's alright. He's already inside, but I hear he's still not behaving."

Yan Xu raised an eyebrow, sneering, "Already in prison, what's he going to stir up now? Just get someone to sentence him to death and that'll be the end of it."

Lin Tianyou's eyes darkened, his face cold. "That would be too easy for him."

"True," Yan Xu nodded thoughtfully. "Does Xi still not know about this?"

"She doesn't need to worry," Lin Tianyou glanced at his carefree sister, a slight smile at his lips.

Then he turned back to Yan Xu, his gaze meaningful. "You didn't return just for the wedding, did you?"

Yan Xu laughed softly, speaking with elegance, "As expected, nothing escapes you. The boss entrusted me with something."

"What is it?" Lin Tianyou stared intently.

Yan Xu pressed his finger to his lips, mysterious. "The secret can't be revealed~"

Lin Tianyou's expression darkened; it seemed to be something concerning Xi.

"Don't worry, it's nothing dangerous," Yan Xu saw his concern and gestured for him to relax.

Meanwhile, Wen Jin was pulled away by Gu Yao, and Lin Xi, feeling lighthearted, enjoyed her dessert alone.

Yan Xu, at some point, sat across from her, passing her a slip of paper. "Finally caught you alone."

Lin Xi understood immediately, her tone serious. "What does the boss need?"

Yan Xu laughed, "You really get straight to the point!"

Lin Xi glared at him, "Out with it!"

Yan Xu shrugged, revealing, "We've found the mole in your team. It's Tang Xin."

"Her?" Lin Xi narrowed her eyes, surprised.

"Yes. I didn't expect it either. She's so quiet and seems honest, but... The boss wants to know how you want to deal with her, since she's your subordinate."

Lin Xi frowned, stabbing at her dessert. "Deal with her according to the rules. Let her live for now; I have questions for her when I return."

"Alright." Yan Xu nodded, "I'll let the boss know."

No sooner had they finished speaking than Lin Xi felt an arm wrap around her waist from behind. She knew it was Lu Yuxiu and placed her hand over his arm, smiling at Yan Xu.

Yan Xu teased them with a glance and then turned away.

"Darling, do you want a Valentine's Day present?" Lu Yuxiu whispered in her ear, still holding her from behind.

Lin Xi's eyes lit up. "I do! But isn't it bad for us to leave early?" she hesitated.

"It's fine. No one will notice." And so, hand in hand, they quietly slipped away.

They returned together to Splendid Mansion, Lu Yuxiu's villa.

It was Lin Xi's first time entering his home, and it was just as she'd imagined: black tones, minimalist style.

"Watch some TV for a bit; I'll get things ready." Lu Yuxiu led her to the living room sofa and kissed her forehead, then walked away.

"Okay." Lin Xi made herself comfortable, turned on the TV, and found an episode of "Big-Eared Tutu," snuggling contentedly on the sofa.

When Lu Yuxiu returned, he saw her watching as Tutu on TV adorably recited, "Rainbow candy, snow cakes, chocolate, ice cream..."

He couldn't help but laugh—still such a child.

"Ready?" Lin Xi saw him and immediately sat up, putting on her slippers to go see the surprise.

Lu Yuxiu took his little one to the backyard.

As soon as Lin Xi stepped outside, she saw a sky lantern set up—not too big, not too small.

Her eyes sparkled with barely concealed delight. "A sky lantern?!"

"Yes," Lu Yuxiu's eyes crinkled with a smile. "Sky lanterns are wishing lanterns. You can write your wish on it and then release it into the sky."

"That's wonderful!" Lin Xi praised him, diving into his arms. "You're amazing, setting up a sky lantern at home!"

Lu Yuxiu wrapped his arms around her, lips curving. "Of course. Have you thought about what to wish for?"

"I have." Lin Xi nodded vigorously, reaching out her hand.

Lu Yuxiu handed her a marker. "Let's each write on one side, together."

They earnestly wrote down their wishes, exchanging a glance.

"What did you wish for?" Lu Yuxiu raised an eyebrow.

Lin Xi smiled brightly, suggesting, "Let's swap and see."

Lin Xi had written: "May those I love always be safe and joyful."

Lu Yuxiu's wish: "Lu Yuxiu and Lin Xi together forever."

Lin Xi couldn't help but laugh, her eyes curved in delight. "What is this?"

"My wish—a lifelong wish," Lu Yuxiu replied, utterly serious.

The air was sweet and fragrant as they gazed at each other for a long time.

A lifetime was too long; Lin Xi dared not make promises lightly.

She broke the tension with a practical question, "Are sky lanterns allowed in our community?"

Lu Yuxiu chuckled, "I checked. We're allowed to release a small one. The buildings are spaced far apart, and the backyard is open enough."

"Good, we can't do anything illegal~" Lin Xi joked, her heart unmoved, thinking of all the illegal things she'd done.

Against the deep black sky, the red sky lantern floated upward, shining like a bright star, carrying their wishes as it soared freely.

"So beautiful," Lin Xi murmured, gazing at the glowing light.

Her heart seemed to float with the lantern, soaring in the sky. The warm and brilliant flame was dazzling—a distant hope, an endless love.

Lu Yuxiu watched his sweetheart's profile: her perfect silhouette, delicate chin, lips tinged with red, pert little nose, eyes that seemed to hold galaxies. Every detail made him feel she was crafted just for him.

He could no longer restrain himself. He pulled her into a kiss, first gently licking her soft lips, then prying them open with his tongue, deep and passionate, teasing and dominant.

Lin Xi was stunned by the sudden kiss. Her wide eyes were misty, unable to move, simply tilting her head to meet him.

Her body felt aflame, his hot hands lingering at her waist, her breathing growing heavier. When she was nearly out of breath, he released her lips, moving downward to bite at her neck and collarbone.

"Mmm—"

She moaned softly, as if laced with aphrodisiac, prompting him to press against her again, capturing her lips, invading and fiercely sucking her tongue.

His kisses were nothing like his demeanor. Though he was cool and reserved, noble and restrained, his kisses were like blazing summer suns—searing, almost melting her.

Lin Xi couldn't help but wrap her arms around his neck, chin raised, alluring and seductive, shyly responding.

For a while, they remained entwined before parting, his brow pressed against hers, hand stroking her back, sending waves of tingling warmth.

After releasing the sky lantern, they returned to the living room. Lin Xi curled up on the sofa, watching "Big-Eared Tutu." Worried she might be hungry, he had left a bowl of rice porridge on the table.

Lin Xi felt her heart warmed. She glanced sideways at him; he'd already started working on his laptop.

He sat in loungewear, leaning against the sofa on the carpet, his long legs folded, hair falling naturally over his forehead.

With his head bowed, he focused intently on the screen, fingers moving skillfully across the keyboard, lips pressed into a thin line.

From her angle, she could see the computer screen as he typed in English, line after line.

Noticing her gaze, he turned slightly, smiling. "What's up?"

"Men look so handsome when they're serious—it's absolutely true!" She looked at him, eyes curved in a smile.

He chuckled, continuing his work. "Where did you learn that?"

"It's all over the internet," Lin Xi tilted her phone. "Are you about to inherit the family business?"

"Why?" Lu Yuxiu eyed her. "Thinking about future assets?"

"Don't talk nonsense!" Lin Xi glared at him. "You always want to take advantage. I'm just worried you'll be too tired."

Lu Yuxiu smiled, warm and content. "Don't worry, darling. I'll take care of myself; after all, I have you to look after."

"I'm grown up now! I don't need you to take care of me," Lin Xi protested, sparring with him.

And so, the two bickered back and forth, never bored, only sweet, stirring their deepest hopes.