C25 The Wedding of the Century

Lin Xuan was deeply moved.

He realized just how significant he was to Pei Qiuyu; she was willing to defy the Nine-star General for him, forsake a life of luxury and privilege, and choose instead a simple life by his side.

Her courage, her spirit, and her steadfast commitment to an ordinary life with him sent a jolt through Lin Xuan.

With Pei Qiuyu as his wife, what more could he possibly want?

"Qiuyu, don't be so unappreciative!"

Old Lady Pei was frantic with worry.

"Yes, Qiuyu, if you turn down the Nine-star General, then I, your cousin, am doomed!"

Pei Jinzheng scrambled to Pei Qiuyu's side, clutching at her legs, tears streaming down his face. "I can't repay the debt for the Pagani that's over ten million yuan, and I... I even secretly took the gold bars from the chest..."

"You can't do this to me, my dear sister..."

Even if Pei Qiusha wasn't the one marrying the Nine-star General, at least she was a Pei. The luxury car and gold bars from the dowry could be negotiated.

But if Pei Qiuyu rejected the Nine-star General's proposal, they'd have no connection to him at all.

The Nine-star General would surely reclaim the dowry, and Pei Jinzheng couldn't bear to think of what would come next!

Pei Qiuyu retorted furiously, "Now you remember I'm your cousin? When you all conspired to push our family to the brink, did you spare a thought for me?"

"Now that you've caused a disaster, you expect me to be your salvation. I'm telling you now, I can't do it. I won't sacrifice my own happiness and Lin Xuan's for the sake of your family!"

...!!

Pei Jinzheng was struck dumb, as if thunderstruck.

Lee Moxiang, desperate to intervene, pleaded, "Qiuyu, don't be foolish. You can't let a simpleton ruin your bright future."

"Listen to your mother, marry the Nine-star General..."

"Mother!"

Pei Qiuyu exclaimed passionately, "I've always obeyed you, but I cannot and will not on this. Lin Xuan treats me well, he cherishes me, and I can't be without him now. So please, stop trying to convince me, stop pressuring me. It doesn't matter if it's the Nine-star General or a ten-star, a hundred-star—I will not marry him!"

Lin Xuan was deeply moved. "Honey, you're just too adorable. The Nine-star General is the highest rank there is, and your husband is one!"

As Pei Qiuyu stood firm in her decision, Old Lady Pei fumed, "If you dare reject this, I'll disown you as my granddaughter!"

With tears in her eyes, Pei Qiuyu responded, "You've repeated that threat more than once. To you, it's only about your own interests and the Pei family's. My happiness has never been your concern!"

"I'm not listening to anyone today!"

"This... you're driving me mad!" Old Lady Pei was so angry she stamped her feet.

Lin Xuan's voice was icy as he interjected, "Qiuyu is entitled to make her own choices. No one has the right to dictate her life!"

He then turned to Ye Lingtian, "Pei Qiuyu is my wife, Lin Xuan's wife. If she doesn't wish to marry the Nine-star General, we should all respect her decision."

Pei Qiuyu had made up her mind; she didn't desire the Nine-star General and preferred a simple life with her current partner. It was her choice to make.

"Agreed!"

Everyone was taken aback when Ye Lingtian, the five-star God of War, readily consented.

"Given that Miss Qiuyu doesn't wish to marry the Nine-star General and prefers to stay with her husband, the General is noble enough not to insist," he declared.

"However, Miss Pei's love for her husband is steadfast, and the century's most anticipated wedding has been meticulously planned."

"As a representative of the Nine-star General, I've decided to proceed with this grand wedding as a gift to Miss Pei and her husband!"

"Is that true?!"

Pei Qiuyu was a mix of shock and delight.

Lin Xuan discreetly gave Ye Lingtian a thumbs-up.

As Lin Xuan's loyal subordinate, Ye Lingtian understood his wishes well and handled the situation with ease.

"Lin Xuan, did you hear that? They're throwing the wedding for us!"

"It's a gift from the Nine-star General!"

Pei Qiuyu clutched Lin Xuan's hands, her excitement palpable.

"Yes," Lin Xuan affirmed with a smile.

"This is amazing!"

Pei Qiuyu was overjoyed, like a child in a candy store.

What woman doesn't dream of a romantic and lavish wedding?

Yet Lin Xuan could never have arranged such an event for her, and she had resigned herself to admiring other women's fortunes from afar.

The wedding of the century was about to commence for the two of them. How could she contain her joy and excitement?

Pei Qiusha, in a state of agitation, confronted Ye Lingtian, "Does the Nine-star General even know you've made this decision on your own?!"

Ye Lingtian burst into laughter, "Of course he knows. The Nine-star General has just given his blessing, and he's quite pleased with my decision."

"Miss Pei Qiuyu, and your husband, it's time to change into your wedding attire."

"Okay, okay!"

With a beaming smile, Pei Qiusha took Lin Xuan by the hand and ascended to the stage.

Lee Moxiang was visibly upset, "That stubborn girl! How could she turn down the Nine-star General and marry a nobody?"

Yet, seeing her daughter radiating happiness, the mother in her couldn't help but shed tears of joy.

"Qiuyu, you've endured so much. Oh, my dear..."

Pei Qiang wrapped his arm around Lee Moxiang, comforting her, "Seeing our child happy is all that matters in the end."

Lee Moxiang, dabbing at her tears, couldn't help but protest, "That headstrong girl... only by marrying the Nine-star General could she find true happiness..."

Then, Ye Lingtian's voice once again filled the room from the podium.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we've just received an update from the higher-ups. Due to urgent duties, the Nine-star General is unable to attend the sealing ceremony in person."

"As such, he has specifically tasked me to extend his heartfelt congratulations to Pei Qiuyu and her husband, Lin Xuan!"

"May they hold hands for a lifetime, age together gracefully, and find joy in each other's company. Wishing them a blissful union!"

"Bravo!!" The crowd erupted into a roaring applause.

"Now, let's welcome the bride and groom with our warmest and most enthusiastic applause!"

The applause thundered once more as a procession in tailcoats, cradling an array of Western instruments, made their way forward.

"My goodness, it's the Ellsworth National Symphony Orchestra!"

A prominent guest exclaimed, "This is one of the world's premier orchestras, typically seen only at state banquets, commanding fees of over ten million for a single performance. How did they manage to secure them for this event?"

"Well, it's no surprise. With the Nine-star General's esteemed status, who wouldn't want to honor his request?"

"I've heard that this orchestra is performing pro bono!"

"Wow, the clout of a Nine-star General is sky-high!"

As the Everson National Symphony Orchestra played, Pei Qiuyu, in her pristine white wedding gown, gracefully entered the venue alongside Lin Xuan, clad in his sharp suit.

A wave of enchanting music filled the air, stirring emotions and setting a romantic tone.

Lin Xuan gazed at Pei Qiuyu with eyes brimming with love, as the crowd watched on.

Each step they took on the crystal glass stairway set off ripples, blooming into beautiful blue hearts.

These hearts twirled on the crystal floor to the strains of the zither, delivering a powerful visual spectacle.

Surrounded by a floral wonderland, the scene was breathtakingly beautiful.

Countless young women sighed with longing, "This is the height of romance! I'm breathless; it's just too perfect!"

"To have a wedding like this would be a dream come true! I'd die happy right now if I could!"

In that moment, Pei Qiuyu, overcome with emotion, covered her mouth to stifle her sobs, tears cascading down her cheeks like pearls.

Her eyes misted over once more.

Lin Xuan watched her, his smile tender.

Wife, I promised to give you the world.

And this is only the beginning...

As they reached the rooftop, adorned with flowers at the top of the crystal stairway,

Helicopters soared overhead, showering them with a cascade of red rose petals.

Pei Qiuyu, amidst the floral deluge, looked exceptionally stunning.

"Wow!!!"

The crowd erupted in a frenzy of excitement.

Thunderous applause and cheers echoed far and wide.

The big screen scrolled with well-wishes from influential figures:

"The Five Star Commanders of the Northern Territory wish the bride and groom a lifetime of happiness together!"

"The Director of the Department of Unification and Warfare sends heartfelt wishes for everlasting unity to the bride and groom!"

"Mr. Ivan, President of the International Union and leader of one of the world's top hundred companies, extends his congratulations for a harmonious marriage!"

...

As the heavyweights' blessings played across the screen, Pei Qiusha and her family's eyes burned with envy.

"Any one of these heavy hitters could just latch onto a single leg hair of theirs, and they'd be set for life, basking in glory and bringing pride to their forebears!"

"The blessings pouring in for Pei Qiuyu and Lin Xuan from all corners are simply staggering in their prestige!"

Overwhelmed by the outpouring of good wishes from these titans, Pei Qiuyu's voice quivered with emotion. She was brimming with joy.

In that instant, she felt like the luckiest woman on the planet!

The wedding of the century, a two-hour-long affair filled with romance and grandeur, was drawing to a close.

Still basking in the afterglow of happiness, Pei Qiuyu and Lin Xuan slipped away to change into fresh attire for the evening's banquet.

It was then that Ye Lingtian, wearing a congenial smile, announced, "Now, we proceed to the moment of reckoning!"

His demeanor shifted abruptly as he called out to those seated below, "The family of Pei Qiusha, step forward!"