Cloud City rarely saw snow, and no one knew when the first snowfall of the year would arrive. Mu Shanyi’s invitation was like an exciting mystery box.
But before the first snow came Miao Zhu and Sheng Xingran’s engagement ceremony.
The night before the ceremony, the lawn at the Maritime Manor was set up for a pre-party. Located in the tropics with abundant sunshine, it retained a summery atmosphere even in autumn.
Though only the closest friends and family from both sides were invited, the number was still considerable. Everyone gathered joyfully, and under the night sky, amid twinkling lights, elegant figures mingled with clinking glasses.
The wedding planning company had used the vast amount of material provided by Sheng Xingran to create a long video, which was now playing on an outdoor screen.
Photos of the two protagonists from childhood to now, countless snapshots from family gatherings and friends’ events they had attended together, all appeared before the audience. Every second of the video told the story of their deep bond.
Miao Ling and Ni Xiaoying watched with mouths agape, bursting into laughter from time to time.
“…She’s not coming?” When an old photo from the racetrack appeared on the screen, showing Mu Shanyi in equestrian attire gazing calmly at the camera, Emma was struck by that perfect face. Though she had some opinions about Mu Shanyi, she couldn’t hold back and whispered to Miao Zhu.
After that snowy night, Miao Zhu hadn’t seen Mu Shanyi in person, and their messages never touched on the topic. But Sheng Xingran was Mu Shanyi’s sister, and with her sister getting engaged, Mu Shanyi wouldn’t miss it without reason—perhaps she was coming straight for tomorrow’s ceremony.
“She’ll come,” Miao Zhu replied to Emma, subtly turning her neck.
She had just returned from a business trip the day before, packed her bags in Cloud City, and flown straight to the Sea Island. Then she and Sheng Xingran had been caught by the photographers for an afternoon of outdoor shots. The exhaustion from the nonstop schedule was written all over her face.
To make matters worse, the gown Miao Ling had carefully selected for her that evening was too tight around the chest and waist to accentuate her figure. It constricted her uncomfortably, forcing her to maintain the poised and elegant posture of a dressed-up mannequin in a shop window.
“Are you okay?” Emma noticed her stiff movements. “You look a bit off.”
“A little tired, and the dress is really tight.”
Emma expressed deep sympathy. Soon, she leaned in again to whisper to Miao Zhu: “Why is Li Zi drinking so much? The party’s just getting started.”
Miao Zhu looked toward another round table in the distance.
At that small round table sat several of Sheng Xingran’s friends. Li Zi was already swaying unsteadily from the alcohol. Beside her, Xiao Kui’s lips moved nonstop as she said something to Li Zi, then snatched the wine glass from her hand.
Miao Zhu was several meters away, and with the lively atmosphere, Xiao Kui’s soft voice didn’t carry clearly. From the lip-reading, it seemed she was urging Li Zi to drink less.
“Xingran, should you go check on Li Zi?” Li Zi might have had some issue; normally, she wouldn’t lose composure at an event like this.
Sheng Xingran hesitated before responding to Miao Zhu: “No need, Xiao Kui will take care of her… My sister is here.”
The sound of propellers came from the distant sky. A night-flying helicopter skimmed over the sea, its searchlight illuminating the waters ahead as bright as day. In the blink of an eye, the continuous roar was right overhead.
The Sea Island helipad was separated from the party lawn by an entire manor castle. The helicopter landed steadily on the other side. The guests heard it but didn’t see it, and Mu Shanyi hadn’t even appeared yet, but she had already caused quite a stir among them.
The Sheng Family had booked the place out, and some of Miao Family’s relatives didn’t know who this late arrival was, leading to speculation. Someone explained: “That’s from the Mu Family, Mu Shanyi. You don’t know her?”
Ni Xiaoying nodded with a smile. Miao Ling beamed with pride and, fearing her voice would be drowned out by the propeller noise, raised her volume: “Yes, yes, it’s Xingran’s sister, making time amid her busy schedule to come.”
Emma tried to hold back but couldn’t: “Early or late, she has to show up at someone else’s engagement pre-party to steal the spotlight.”
The engine roar faded, and the island returned to quiet. The video on the screen reached its end.
The party moved to the next segment, where the emcee invited Sheng Xingran and Miao Zhu to toast the guests.
Miao Zhu lifted the hem of her gown and held Sheng Xingran’s hand. They walked gracefully along a path of petals to the bar. The moment they raised their glasses, a waterfall of fireworks several stories high cascaded behind them. Starlight and flames were always romantic, and the guests cheered and teased in unison.
“So perfect!”
“Kiss!”
“You’re engaged and still shy, haha!”
Miao Zhu knew the photographers would capture the silhouette of her and Sheng Xingran kissing as the fireworks fell. She glanced toward the castle.
“Longlong.” Sheng Xingran wrapped an arm around Miao Zhu’s waist.
Miao Zhu withdrew her gaze. She turned her face, and Sheng Xingran leaned down to kiss her.
Thud—
A dull crash drew everyone’s attention. Li Zi had stood up too forcefully, knocking over her chair, which smashed heavily into the lawn.
She staggered toward the embracing couple.
