[Qu Jiaran: Hey, I've got some good news for you. Nan Yu is getting married. The groom isn't you.]
[Qu Jiaran: Oh, I almost forgot. You're in seclusion and can't check your messages. Well, you can have a look when you're out. I bet Nan Yu will have her second child by then.]
At this moment, Tan Linyuan, who has just finished reading these two text messages on his phone: …
In his other hand, he is holding the wedding invitation sent to him by Qu Jiaran.
Every stroke of every character on the invitation seems like a sharp blade.
He clutches the decorated and hollowed-out invitation in his hand, his fingers gradually tightening. Unconsciously, he slowly crumples the card.
His breathing becomes very light.
He dares not breathe deeply, feeling that every molecule in the air has turned into a dagger, piercing through his throat and chest.
Tan Linyuan tilts his head slightly and exhales a long, slow breath.
"… Happy wedding."
…
On the wedding day, the sun shines brighter than usual.
Early in the morning, Nan Yu gets up to put on makeup. The makeup artist carefully designs her makeup and praises her as the most beautiful bride she has ever seen.
Nan Yu smiles and says, "You must say this to every bride."
"For others, it might be just flattery. After all, I'm paid to do this," the makeup artist is also honest and smiles along, "but you're really beautiful. Your facial features are extremely delicate. You're not from around here, are you?"
"I'm from Jiangcheng."
"Oh, a southern girl." The makeup artist smiles. "I'm from Dongcheng. Can you tell from my height?"
"I've heard that the scallions in your place are taller than people."
With this topic, the two of them start chatting for a while.
After the makeup and hairstyle are done, the makeup artist claps her hands together and says confidently, "I guarantee that the groom will be unable to take his eyes off you the moment he sees you."
Nan Yu sits upright in front of the mirror.
She knows she looks really beautiful today.
At this moment, she can't help but agree with the saying that every woman's most beautiful day is her wedding day.
"Don't be too nervous today. Relax and enjoy your wedding." The makeup artist puts away her makeup brushes and smiles. "If you're really nervous, just hold a mouthful of water in your mouth."
Nan Yu knows she means well and nods. "Thank you."
Actually, she isn't nervous at all.
Since she decided to be with Zhou Yu, her mood has been as calm as still water every day. The only thing that can stir up some waves in her heart is Little Chestnut.
Little Chestnut is a premature baby and learns things a bit slower than other kids. Recently, he just learned to call "Mommy".
Watching Little Chestnut grow up every day has become the thing Nan Yu looks forward to the most and is happiest about.
As for the wedding, in her eyes, it's just like a procedure. As long as it can be completed, that's enough.
The wedding ceremony is held very romantically.
There are just the right number of guests in the chapel. Everyone is sitting quietly on their chairs, watching the new couple.
Nan Yu is wearing a wedding dress and standing face to face with Zhou Yu.
Qu Jiaran is a bit late because of her makeup, so she has to sneak in through the back door of the chapel.
Originally, her seat was in the front row, but in order not to disturb others, she has to stand in the back row first.
Suddenly, she sees a familiar back.
Tall and slender, with a lean and straight back.
Qu Jiaran walks over and pats the person on the shoulder. When she sees those calm eyes, she immediately bursts into laughter.
"I knew you'd come," her tone is full of gloating. "So, how does it feel to watch Nan Yu marry someone else?"
Tan Linyuan ignores her and turns back.
Qu Jiaran: …
This arrogant attitude is really annoying!
However, thinking that his mood should be even worse now, Qu Jiaran feels much better.
On the stage, the ceremony has reached the stage of mutual vows.
His eyes are always fixed on one person.
She looks really beautiful today, just as beautiful as he imagined. The lights in the chapel shine on her face, making her smile even more radiant.
Hasn't Tan Linyuan ever imagined their wedding?
While the two people on the stage are making their vows, he is sitting in the crowd.
After the priest asks the question, Tan Linyuan quietly says "I do" in his heart.
Of course he remembers. He still owes her a wedding.
…
After the vows, the bride and groom are supposed to kiss under the blessings of the guests.
Tan Linyuan stands up and turns to walk out through the back door on one side.
After walking out of the chapel, his stuffy chest seems to feel a bit better.
He takes out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. He bought them casually at a convenience store on the way just now.
He doesn't have a smoking addiction, but at this moment, it seems that only smoking can dispel his current emotions. He can feel the jealousy growing wildly in his chest.
It was clearly the result he had acquiesced to.
It was clearly the scene he had hoped to see.
His fingers can hardly hold the cigarette, so he has to throw it into the trash can embarrassedly. A few sparks splash.
In the end, Tan Linyuan doesn't have the courage to watch the whole wedding.
…
After the ceremony, Nan Yu is helped back to the lounge by Zhou Yu.
"Thank you for your hard work today, senior," Nan Yu says in front of the mirror, preparing to take off the veil and hair accessories on her head.
"Nan Yu, I want to tell you something," Zhou Yu looks at her in the mirror and meets her eyes.
"Go ahead."
Zhou Yu purses his lips before saying, "Before, Mr. Tan asked me to take good care of you as much as possible."
Nan Yu's hand pauses.
"He said that we have common topics and are former schoolmates. If I take care of you, he will be very relieved."
Nan Yu suddenly falls silent.
Zhou Yu takes a deep breath. "I gave you enough time before. I want to really ask you today - will you really never regret this in the future?"
She won't regret this hasty decision.
Zhou Yu's Adam's apple rolls. "There has never been a precedent of divorce in our Zhou family."
That means that if Nan Yu really decides to marry him, then they will only be separated by death, not by life.
"Are you sure, junior?" Zhou Yu's voice is gentle. "I'm always ready for any answer."
Nan Yu's heart tightens slightly.
Is she sure?
Is she sure to spend the rest of her life with another man instead of Tan Linyuan?
She has a moment of daze.
And in this moment of hesitation, Zhou Yu has already guessed the answer.
He also knows that he isn't the one who can open Nan Yu's heart.
It's precisely because he knows this that he asks her this question.
A look of disappointment flashes across his eyes, and his voice is a bit hoarse. "… Actually, I saw an acquaintance sitting in the back row just now."
Nan Yu listens quietly.
"Mr. Tan was sitting there, but he left early."
Zhou Yu lowers his eyes. After a long time, he smiles and says, "If you go out and chase him now, you might still catch up."
Nan Yu slowly gets up and shakes her head. "No need."
Zhou Yu is a bit stunned.
"Senior, you're right," Nan Yu casually takes off the veil and puts it on the dressing table. "Marriage really needs to be carefully considered. I just wanted to find a father for Little Chestnut too much. It's my problem."
"Actually, I've also been thinking that this decision is too unfair to you. You have better choices and a better life," she lowers her head and looks at the wedding ring she just put on. "But it doesn't mean that if I don't choose you, I'll get back together with him."
In this world, there aren't only Zhou Yu and Tan Linyuan. She doesn't have to choose between A and B.
There are countless crossroads in life, and she can have more ways and choices.
Move forward instead of staying here.