CHAPTER 23

The officiant began to speak, his voice calm and steady, carrying gently through the hall. The world outside seemed to fade until it was just the two of them standing side by side.

When Wenlang slid the ring onto Gaotu's finger, his touch lingered just a moment longer than necessary. Gaotu's hands trembled slightly as he did the same, a quiet smile tugging at his lips.

And when the officiant finally declared them married, a gentle wave of applause rose from the crowd. Wenlang turned to him, eyes warm and without a pause, leaned in and pressed his lips softly against Gaotu's, brief, tender and a quiet promise.

The applause swelled again, but for a heartbeat, it felt like the world had gone still. It was just them, no crowd, no cameras, just them in their own small bubble they had created.

The applause lingered for a moment before fading into murmurs of congratulations and the soft clinking of glasses being prepared for the toast. Gaotu could still feel the warmth of Wenlang's hand in his, steady and grounding, as they turned to face the guests. Cameras flashed quietly capturing the moment the heir of the Shen family finally tied the knot.

Wenlang's father rose first, giving a brief, dignified nod toward the couple before lifting his glass. His speech was short and formal. "To my son and to his partner....may this union bring stability, strength and happiness."

Applause followed and soon, a few people came over to offer congratulations. They exchanged handshakes, smiles that were more courteous than warm. Wenlang managed the crowd easily, his confidence returning as he conversed with ease.

Gaotu, on the other hand, found himself standing a little behind, smiling politely as introductions were made. He wasn't used to this kind of attention. The scrutiny from people who assessed more than they spoke. Still, he kept his composure, grateful for the occasional reassuring glance Wenlang sent his way.

Qing approached with a glass of juice for him, her smile light. "You did great."

Gaotu let out a small laugh. "You think so." The two laughed as they gulped their juices.

The music began to play softly, a gentle instrumental that filled the background as servers moved about with trays. Wenlang excused himself from a small group of people and walked back to Gaotu, slipping an arm around his waist. "You holding up?" he asked quietly.

Gaotu nodded, leaning slightly into him. "I'm good."

"Careful there are still some unmarried hearts here. Show some mercy." she teased.

Wenlang chuckled, not bothering to move his arm. "Well that's just too bad," he said smoothly. "Not my problem."

Qing just laughed, shaking her head. "You really are shameless."

As the event wore on, Wenlang's father eventually made his way over. His expression was as unreadable as ever, a half-full champagne glass in his hand.

Gaotu was standing beside Wenlang, his arm looped through his, when he noticed the older man approaching. Instinctively, he tried to pull away, but Wenlang's grip only tightened, firm and reassuring.

Before Gaotu could say anything, the old man was already standing before them.

"Congratulations," he said.

Both of them stared at him as if waiting for him to say something else, but that was the last thing either of them had expected to hear .

"Thank you," Wenlang replied first.

Gaotu hesitated for a moment, still wary, but quickly echoed, "Thank you."

The old man lifted his glass slightly toward Wenlang. Wenlang mirrored the gesture, and they both took a sip in silence.

And without another word, the old man turned and walked away, disappearing back into the crowd.

Gaotu watched him go, then looked up at Wenlang. "Was that... a good sign?" he asked uncertainly.

Wenlang gave a quiet laugh, shaking his head. "Sometimes I can't read him either. Who knows?"

He turned to Gaotu then, a teasing glint in his eyes as he tugged him closer. "But let's not dwell on that. We have better things to focus on tonight."

___________________

Everything else went smoothly as the crowd began to thin. What had felt like it would go on forever finally came to an end. Unlike most weddings, there was no long reception or all night celebration. They didn't have that kind of circle to keep the party going.

Once the last of the guests had offered their congratulations and taken their leave, the venue grew quiet. Qing was the last to leave. She hugged Gaotu tightly. "Remember to call me," she said softly before her driver arrived to take her back.

After she left, Wenlang and Gaotu stood for a moment in the now empty hall. "I'm so tired," Gaotu murmured, his shoulders relaxing at last.

Wenlang smiled faintly and reached for his hand. "Let's go home," he said.

And just like that, they walked out side by side, leaving the glitter and noise behind for the quiet comfort waiting beyond the night.