Chapter 82

The entire wedding had been organized by the two mothers, who consulted Jiang Xiaoyi and Meng Chuning on all the important details. But for the most part, the four of them were in complete agreement, making the preparations for the ceremony go remarkably smoothly.

Today, #ChuxiaoCPNewlyweds# exploded as the top trending topic on the entertainment charts.

Fans were throwing a massive celebration in the Chu-Xiao CP Super Topic.

【Whose CP gets married this fast?!】

【All the candy we’ve been shipping is real! I’m so happy I could die!】

【Whose fans get treated this well? Wedding photos in an 18-grid post, every single one perfect and gorgeous!】

【Chuxiao CP is holding their wedding at Hengwan Pavilion today. Rumor has it they booked out the whole venue and saved spots for fans as guests.】

【Which fan won a guest pass?! I’m so jealous, boo-hoo!】

【I did! I’m already at the Chuxiao CP wedding site!】

【Sis, drop some on-site pics to ease our cravings!】

【Pictures x9】

【Wow wow wow, god-tier looks, perfect match!】

【Are these pics of Chuxiao CP toasting the fan table?!】

【Oh my god, newlywed wives are too perfect!】

【Also, enjoy this 30-second video.】

In the video, Jiang Xiaoyi held Meng Chuning’s hand as they toasted the elders. Meng Qinglan beamed with joy, introducing Jiang Xiaoyi to the relatives. The scene was warm and harmonious.

“Good, good, good. She’s a real beauty,” the elders praised Jiang Xiaoyi one after another, filling the banquet hall with laughter and cheer.

Meng Chuning took Jiang Xiaoyi’s hand and said, “Xiaoyi, let’s head over there.”

“Sure.” Jiang Xiaoyi followed closely behind Meng Chuning as they made their way to the friends’ table.

Su Jiuyue stood up with her glass raised. “Xiaoyi, Chuning—congrats on your wedding! I’m thrilled to see you two together. I’ll down mine; you two drink at your leisure!”

Jiang Xiaoyi looked at Su Jiuyue with a smile. “Jiuyue, don’t get drunk.”

“What’s wrong with getting drunk? It’s your wedding today—not stopping till we’re smashed!” Su Jiuyue clinked glasses with the person next to her. “Everyone, cheers together!”

Song You smiled at Jiang Xiaoyi. “Everyone’s happy today. Let her drink a bit more; it’s fine.”

“We’ve reserved rooms for you all at Hengwan Pavilion,” Meng Chuning added thoughtfully. “Rest up there after it’s over.” With that, the friends’ table threw caution to the wind and drank freely.

Once the guests had dispersed, a tipsy Jiang Xiaoyi gazed hazily at Meng Chuning. “Sis, you’re not drunk?”

She recalled that Meng Chuning wasn’t much of a drinker—two glasses and she was out. Jiang Xiaoyi fared even worse; just a little had her feeling the aftereffects.

“I only had a bit.” Meng Chuning cradled Jiang Xiaoyi’s flushed cheeks. “Shall I take you home to sleep?”

Jiang Xiaoyi nodded obediently, not fully sloshed yet. “Sleep with my wife.”

Meng Chuning couldn’t resist planting a kiss on her cheek. “Such a good girl.”

“Chuning.” Meng Fanyu walked over after seeing off the guests. “It’s late. I’ll drive you two back.”

Jiang Xiaoyi wrapped her arms around Meng Chuning’s waist and said to Meng Fanyu, “Thanks, Sister Fanyu.”

“No need to thank me.” Meng Fanyu headed out of Hengwan Pavilion to fetch the car from across the street. “Wait here a sec.”

The two had been living in Star City Neighborhood for a while now, and the place was starting to feel more and more like a cozy home.

Meng Chuning’s favorite part of every day was rushing home from work to cuddle with Jiang Xiaoyi. But Jiang Xiaoyi wasn’t satisfied; she worked tirelessly to earn money for a bigger house.

“Xiaoyi?” Meng Chuning called out to her.

Jiang Xiaoyi looked over in a daze. “Hm?”

“I want to go on a honeymoon with you. When do you have time off?” Meng Chuning snuggled into her arms, acting spoiled. “Baby, I don’t want you overworking. Just take some time to be with me.”

Jiang Xiaoyi wasn’t so drunk that her mind was fuzzy. Her schedule had been packed lately, leaving too little time for her sister.

“I’ll clear the next month—no jobs. All for you, Sis.” Jiang Xiaoyi nuzzled into the crook of Meng Chuning’s neck. “That okay?”

“Of course.” Meng Chuning smiled. “I’ve already asked Mom for a month’s leave. Tomorrow, we can plan where to go for our honeymoon?”

Jiang Xiaoyi cooed sweet nothings. “Every day with my wife is a honeymoon.”

Meng Chuning giggled in her embrace. “Xiaoyi, your mouth is so sweet.”

“Mm.” Jiang Xiaoyi nodded meekly, her hazy eyes fixed on her. “Does my wife not like it?”

“I love it.” Meng Chuning was smitten.

It wasn’t until they returned from Hengwan Pavilion to Star City Neighborhood that the wedding truly felt real. Hand in hand, carrying everyone’s blessings, they stepped into their little home.

Jiang Xiaoyi walked backward, her dark eyes softened with a gentle glow, radiating warmth.

Meng Chuning let herself be led, lost in that gaze.

The streetlights cast bright pools at their feet, lighting their path with cheer.

“Slow down, Xiaoyi,” Meng Chuning said, gripping her hand as if holding the whole world.

Jiang Xiaoyi’s gaze was tender; perhaps the alcohol made it dreamy. Just looking at her had Meng Chuning lightheaded. “Xiaoyi, walk faster.”

“Hm?” Jiang Xiaoyi let herself be tugged into a jog all the way home.

Meng Chuning’s long hair tumbled free, wafting fragrance on the breeze. It drew Jiang Xiaoyi closer and closer.

The front door was adorned with a bright red “double happiness” character, and so was the furniture inside. The bedding was a set they had chosen together—exceptionally comfortable.

After her shower, Meng Chuning entered the bedroom. Jiang Xiaoyi fetched the hairdryer from the cabinet. “Sis, let me dry your hair.”

Jiang Xiaoyi was always eager to blow-dry her hair post-shower; it was the first thing she did every evening, and Meng Chuning loved it.

At first, Meng Chuning sat in her lap, leaning back with eyes closed in bliss. Now, she lay with her head in Jiang Xiaoyi’s lap and dozed off, her half-dry hair loose.

The hairdryer hummed softly. Meng Chuning tilted her head up to meet her eyes and murmured, “Xiaoyi, shall we go out tomorrow?”

“Sure. Where to?” Jiang Xiaoyi’s fingers combed through Meng Chuning’s silky strands. Feeling them dry, she switched it off.

“Just wandering hand in hand, anywhere’s fine.” Meng Chuning savored these days of constant togetherness.

Jiang Xiaoyi scooped her up onto the bed. “If we’re going out tomorrow, we should sleep early tonight.”

“Ah?” Meng Chuning pounced on top of her. “We can go the day after. No early bedtime tonight.”

Jiang Xiaoyi chuckled lowly. Meng Chuning leaned in to kiss her lips. “Think you can sleep?”

“No.” Jiang Xiaoyi rolled them over, pinning Meng Chuning beneath her. “Tomorrow, we stay in and cuddle all day.”

Their wedding night passed sleepless.

The ring on Jiang Xiaoyi’s ring finger served its purpose; the tiny diamonds on the band teased the little butterfly, making Meng Chuning tremble harder with the slightest pressure.

“Xiaoyi…” Meng Chuning clutched her wrist, knees rubbing against her waist. “Take off the ring.”

Jiang Xiaoyi pulled her hand free with a smile. “Sis, didn’t you tell me to wear it…?”

“No.” Meng Chuning’s voice quivered. “Can’t take it.”

“Okay.” Jiang Xiaoyi obediently removed the ring and set it on the bedside table. Meng Chuning glanced at it before looking away. “Wear it tomorrow.”

“Got it,” Jiang Xiaoyi said, pressing her legs down.

Only a dim nightlight glowed by the bed. The ring shimmered faintly, its light stretching shadows across the wall, outlining two entwined figures.

They spent the whole day at home. Lunch and dinner were delivered by Meng Qinglan and Jiang Meilian.

The doorbell rang for a good ten seconds. Jiang Xiaoyi, bleary-eyed, opened the door. Jiang Meilian thrust the insulated box at her. “Don’t forget to eat.”

With that, the door clicked shut. As she walked away, Jiang Meilian said to Meng Qinglan, “They’re still asleep. Don’t disturb them—let’s go.”

Meng Qinglan hadn’t dared peek earlier and had handed off the food delivery. Jiang Xiaoyi and Meng Chuning hadn’t gotten up for lunch, nor for dinner yet. This couldn’t go on.

“Meilian, tell them to get up and move around tonight,” Meng Qinglan said as she walked ahead. Jiang Meilian hesitated, then replied, “Maybe we shouldn’t meddle. Where to for dinner?”

Lately, Jiang Meilian had been staying at Meng Qinglan’s so much she never wanted to leave. Her hundred acres of fruit trees were in professional hands; she barely went home.

Meng Qinglan found the house livelier with company. She glanced back. “Not a fan of our cooking?”

“Just craving variety.” Jiang Meilian showed her a food guide app. “Start with this place?”

Meng Qinglan looked down and nodded. “Sure.”

…

The bedroom curtains parted, revealing the darkening sky outside.

Jiang Xiaoyi sat on the bed’s edge and lifted the covers, her hands sliding to Meng Chuning’s slender waist. “Sis, time to get up and eat.”

“Mm…” Meng Chuning shrank back. “Tickles.”

They’d stayed up till dawn the night before and slept the whole day to recover. After lunch, Meng Chuning had dozed right up to now, still groggy and bed-headed.

Meng Chuning reached for her. “Xiaoyi, carry me up.”

“Got you.” Jiang Xiaoyi scooped her by the waist and carried her out. Meng Chuning looped her arms around her neck, whining, “Xiaoyi, I’m starving.”

The dining table held the meals from their mothers, aromas wafting temptingly.

Meng Chuning blinked at it. “Did Mom come by?”

“Yeah.” Jiang Xiaoyi grinned. “Dropped off the food and left.”

“We can’t keep having them deliver tomorrow; it’s embarrassing.” Fresh from bed, Meng Chuning’s cheeks were rosy. Being caught lounging at home all day by their moms felt awkward.

Jiang Xiaoyi agreed it was getting embarrassing. No more sleeping in tomorrow.

After dinner, they strolled around a bit. Driving past No. 1 High School, they hit the after-school rush.

Jiang Xiaoyi turned to Meng Chuning. “Sis, want to check out the school?”

“Can we?” Meng Chuning eyed the strict security at the gates.

“Wait here. I’ll ask.” Jiang Xiaoyi got out and approached the school entrance.

Meng Chuning lowered her window to watch. Jiang Xiaoyi chatted briefly with the security guard, who nodded with a smile. She hurried back. “The guard knows me. He says we can go in.”

Meng Chuning asked curiously, “What’d you say to him?”

Jiang Xiaoyi had shot the Friendship Variety Show at No. 1 High School recently. The whole school knew her.

“I didn’t really say much,” Jiang Xiaoyi said with a smile. “The uncle said his daughter was my fan, so he let us in.”

Meng Chuning touched Jiang Xiaoyi’s cheek, a touch of emotion in her voice. “Our Xiaoyi is getting more and more popular these days.”

Jiang Xiaoyi smiled and opened the car door. “Sister, let’s go.”

Meng Chuning’s eyes curved into happy crescents as she gazed at her. She stepped out, took Jiang Xiaoyi’s hand, and said as they walked, “We haven’t been to the track before, have we?”

“Not yet.” Holding Meng Chuning’s hand, Jiang Xiaoyi headed toward the track. “I hear there are tons of young couples there at night.”

Meng Chuning pinched her finger. “How do you know that?”

“Su Jiuyue told me.” Jiang Xiaoyi recalled. “Back in school, Su Jiuyue used to hang out at the track all the time, watching couples for story inspiration.”

Meng Chuning couldn’t hold back a laugh. “I remember now—those system tasks Little Chuning assigned you were straight out of Su Jiuyue’s novels.”

Jiang Xiaoyi’s eyes went wide. “Little Chuning even told you about that?”

“Mm-hm.” Meng Chuning walked hand in hand with her onto the track. “Little Chuning shared all sorts of things with me. Want to hear?”

“Yes!” Jiang Xiaoyi asked eagerly. “What did she say?”

Arm in arm, Meng Chuning strolled with her. “I’ll tell you bit by bit.”

The track lay dim under the night lights, young couples drifting past, hand in hand.

Jiang Xiaoyi watched them, leaning in to whisper, “Sister, aren’t they scared of getting busted by a teacher?”

Meng Chuning opened her mouth to reply when a stern voice barked from behind them. “You kids ahead—hands apart, now!”

The couple jumped apart and bolted the other way.

Smiling at Jiang Xiaoyi, Meng Chuning said, “Looks like they are scared.”

Jiang Xiaoyi gripped her hand tighter. “I suddenly feel so lucky. I get to hold on to sister’s hand forever—no letting go.”

“Xiaoyi.” Meng Chuning laced their fingers together. “I’ll never let go of you.”

The stars shone bright overhead, circling the moon in silent songs of happiness.

A warm summer breeze whispered through, carrying that happiness not away, but into another time and place.