Raelle stood inside her dressing chamber, gazing at her reflection. Her gown was a masterpiece, a stunning crimson creation hand-embroidered to perfection by Yue Yue's delicate hands. Golden threads ran through the intricate designs of phoenixes and peonies, shimmering under the lantern light. The gown's long, flowing sleeves brushed the floor as she moved, every single thread showed the love and care that Yue Yue put into every detail of her wedding attire. Her hair was pinned up in an elegant, traditional style, adorned with gold hairpieces and jade combs, with strands of pearls cascading down the sides.
All this jewelry was taken out from the family's vault and it showed the beauty of the era that had passed.
Raelle had no idea that Mu Chenyan already knew about how she had been fooling everyone in the past few days. She believed she did a good job at hiding her tracks but she ignored the anomaly of Xia Zhao who not only woke up earlier but had a habit of walking around when everyone else was sleeping.
Currently, Raelle put her hand over her chest and felt her own heart beating like a drum. Her heart was fluttering with a mix of excitement and something else... She wondered if that was the anxiousness that Shui Xian spoke of. Her slender and fair finger brushed the golden threads on her chest and smiled to herself.
Soon, Cloe and Xiang Wai came to join her as her bridesmaids and then followed Mu Chenyan. Although Mu Chenyan had a critical look in her eyes when she looked at Raelle, she couldn't bring herself to say anything. She was actually feeling a bit sore that her Elle learned to do bad things for a man now.
She should stop thinking about it or she might close the door at Shui Xian's face rather than letting him take her Elle away.
She looked at Raelle's face and said, "My sweet little Elle, you grew up before I knew it. I don't know what to say to you right now."
"You said everything you wanted to say when I got my marriage certificate," reminded Raelle. "And you shed enough tears that day too. Please, let's not repeat it today. Your makeup is going to be ruined. I still want some good pictures from my wedding day. Not with your makeup running down."
Mu Chenyan's emotions were washed up once she heard this and poked Raelle's cheek, "How could you even say this? Can't I be a little emotional?"
"Not today," said Raelle.
"I'm sending off my daughter, I have the right to feel a little sad."
"We live right next to each other. I'm not moving to Mars. It's not possible yet and even if it was, I wouldn't do it."
Mu Chenyan sighed, "I really am wasting my emotions on you right now."
"The groom is here to pick the bride!" A loud voice came from outside.
Usually, the groom would lead a loud procession to the bride's home. This procession would light firecrackers and play loud musical instruments. But since Raelle didn't like loud noises, they decided to skip these things altogether. There was no need to make such a scene at all.
Outside, Shui Xian was making his way through the bustling courtyard, dressed in a traditional Tang suit--black trousers matched with a red top, its deep red silk top complementing Raelle's gown perfectly. His attire was regal, with embroidered dragons swirling up the sleeves and collar, symbols of strength and protection. He carried himself with calm confidence, but the glint in his eyes revealed the happiness he felt inside.
Once the bridesmaids opened the door, they blocked Shui Xian and his procession, not letting him move forward or even look at the bride until their demands were met.
Even Mu Chenyan's lips twitched while Xiang Wai wanted to hide in embarrassment. She could not see this and did not want to acknowledge this boyfriend anymore either. This idiot actually went to sing a patriotic song, where was his brain? But then again, what could one expect from Zhai Yanjun?
Hyson who had been standing aside and watching the farce laughed the loudest and even patted Zhai Yanjun's shoulders, "Soldier, I was definitely expecting something like this from you. You did not disappoint me." Then he turned to Shui Xian and said, "Xian Ge, this is why one should be careful when picking up groomsmen. Be picky about it, don't just take whoever is available!"
"You can stop being sarcastic," said Zhai Yanjun. "I don't know any songs. How is it my fault?"
"You are not at fault at all," replied Hyson. "You did a good job. I am proud of you."
"I don't believe it!"
They all kept a watch on Cui Xukun and finally after giving the red envelopes, Shui Xian was allowed inside. When he rushed in, everyone laughed behind him. Seeing Raelle sitting on the bed with a red veil covering her face, his heart beat was getting out of hand. He really felt like it was his first time seeing his bride.
He bowed to Raelle slightly and extended his hand toward her, "Raelle, I'm here to take you with me."
Raelle hummed in response.
"Let's go," said Shui Xian.
"My shoes," reminded Raelle helplessly. She didn't know why there were so many tricks in one wedding. Which moment was it that she lost her brain and insisted on having a traditional wedding? She was the one asking for trouble. She was really asking for all this trouble.
Shui Xian knocked on his head as he also realized that he hadn't found her shoes yet. He looked at Zhai Yanjun and Cui Xukun saying, "Move around already. Let's look for the shoes. Hurry up!"
"Why are you in a such hurry?" asked Zhai Yanjun. "We should be patient enough in such situations to think clearly."
"Shut up!" said Shui Xian. "I'll see how patient you are on your wedding."
Zhai Yanjun really sealed his lips and started looking around for Raelle's shoes now. He could hear Xiang Wai's laughter but he chose to ignore it all under such a situation.
"Where is it?"
Raelle lifted her hand to point in a certain direction when Hyson held her hand down, "You should know which team you are in. How can you cheat like this? Where is your integrity?"
"What am I gonna do with integrity on my own wedding day?"
"No matter how much of a hurry you are in to get out of this heavy gown, you still need to behave and let him work a little. He needs to understand that marrying you isn't simple just because he managed to steal away your heart. He has to put some work into it."