19: conduct

To save time, Yan Zhuohua and Yan Qinghe separated to get their styling done after changing into their formal attire in the dressing room. Yan Qinghe was faster; once finished, he waited for Yan Zhuohua on the sofa.

When he saw Yan Zhuohua emerge in his final look, Yan Qinghe was nearly stunned speechless.

As everyone knew, Yan Zhuohua was a renowned 'beauty,' primarily because he possessed an exquisite and lovely face that could rival any woman's. Clearly, today's makeup artist had successfully amplified his strengths. The brilliant makeup, meticulously styled hair, and a vintage, slim-fit black suit traced with dark red lines—accented by a mountain peach-shaped red crystal brooch—made him look even more radiant. Yan Qinghe couldn't snap out of it for a long time.

No wonder his mother and Aunt had tried so hard to stop him from seeing the look during the trial; it was all to shock him today.

This beautiful, outstanding, and proud person was about to be completely his. The surge of emotion Yan Qinghe had been trying so hard to suppress came rushing back now.

"Qinghe?" Yan Zhuohua called out several times before Yan Qinghe finally snapped back to reality as if waking from a dream.

"Is there something wrong with my outfit?"

"No, it's beautiful. That's why I was dazed for a moment."

Yan Zhuohua hadn't expected him to be so direct all of a sudden, and his face instantly flushed. "What are you saying?"

After saying that, Yan Zhuohua couldn't help but add, "You look very elegant and handsome today as well."

Yan Qinghe's features were more refined and handsome, leaning towards the colder side. However, today's suit, which matched Yan Zhuohua's with its dark red patterns, added a flush to his complexion, making him look a bit warmer.

Their mutual praise didn't last long, as the wedding was about to begin.

To the strains of a melodious piano piece, Yan Qinghe and Yan Zhuohua stepped onto the red carpet together at the master of ceremonies' call.

Yan Qinghe's restless heart suddenly grew steady. When they signed the agreement, it was just a marriage between the two of them; back then, Yan Zhuohua was polite but somewhat distant. When they went home together, they shared their marriage with their closest family; by then, Yan Zhuohua had already begun to accept his presence. On the day they were added to the genealogy, it was the recognition and blessing of the entire family; their names written together would be passed down in the records just like those of their ancestors, and by then, Yan Zhuohua was already working hard to invest in their future. Until today, as they stepped onto the red carpet together and walked before everyone, it was to announce their marriage to even more people. He wanted everyone to know that the person he had coveted for three years could only belong to him. And today's Yan Zhuohua would finally have sweet eye contact and intimate playfulness with him, just like a normal couple.

Even though he knew he had obtained all of this easily by taking advantage of Yan Zhuohua's guilt, it didn't matter. He would mark him first; sooner or later, through his efforts, that guilt would turn into love.

I know this is somewhat despicable, but how could a perfectly noble saint snatch away the person and affection they desire?

His anticipation was finally about to be fully realized.

Unlike the pensive Yan Qinghe, perhaps because Yan Zhuohua had already thought through the meaning of marriage on the way here, he felt no confusion or nervousness as he walked the red carpet—only endless anticipation for the future.

They finally reached the stage. Under the direction of the master of ceremonies and the watchful eyes of family and guests, they spoke the words, "I do." Regardless of the reason, this promise had been repeated in their hearts for over a month—and for Yan Qinghe, for several years. Today was merely the public declaration of that commitment.

The audience erupted in thunderous applause, with occasional cheers ringing out. Their eyes met, filled with warm smiles and bright light.

Next, their wedding rings were brought onto the stage by the best men.

Amidst another round of cheers, Yan Qinghe placed the ring on Yan Zhuohua's ring finger. The size was a perfect fit.

This was the first time Yan Zhuohua had seen their rings, and it was indeed a great surprise. The rings were designed by Yan Qinghe. The band of the ring he was wearing consisted of two parallel lines, one of which had a blue streak in the center. The two lines swapped places on either side of the finger and then met again in a sea of stars painted with sapphires.

The meaning was clear, and the design was simple and elegant. Yan Zhuohua fell in love with the ring at first sight, his heart full of joy.

He reached out to take the other ring and placed it on Yan Qinghe's finger. That ring's design was the same as his own, only with a red streak and red gemstones.

The two rings were like marks belonging to the other person left upon themselves.

After exchanging rings, it was the moment everyone had been looking forward to: the kiss.

As soon as the master of ceremonies finished speaking, the sound of the crowd teasing them became incessant.

Yan Zhuohua's face was already very red.

Yan Qinghe took a step forward, lightly holding Yan Zhuohua's shoulders to pull him close, then leaned down and kissed him. Amidst the increasingly enthusiastic noise, the strength in Yan Qinghe's hands gradually increased, as if he wanted to rub Yan Zhuohua into his own body.

Yan Zhuohua's hands also gradually found their way to Yan Qinghe's back as they kissed before the eyes of the multitude.

After a few seconds, the two slowly pulled apart. To them, those few short seconds felt as long as a century. Yan Zhuohua's face was even redder now, and the area beneath his eyes had also flushed red; he kept his head down, not daring to meet Yan Qinghe's gaze. Seeing Yan Zhuohua's shy appearance, the guests below couldn't help but tease more, making him too embarrassed to lift his head at all.

Yan Qinghe looked at the person beside him with satisfaction and concern. He then raised a hand to stop the shouting from below, led the other in a bow, and walked off the stage.

Sheng Xufeng's loud voice could still be heard clearly from behind: "He's feeling protective!"

Hearing this, Yan Zhuohua was overwhelmed with shame and anger. Sooner or later, he would tear that man's mouth apart!

Fortunately, the parts of the ceremony requiring their participation were all over; it was indeed time for them to step down. Now on stage were his mother, uncle, and Aunt, who were happily and excitedly saying the things they wanted to say to the children.

Taking advantage of the time, Yan Qinghe and Yan Zhuohua went to the dressing room next to the hall to change into their formal wear for the toasts.

Because they needed to change, everyone else had stepped out, leaving just the two of them.

Yan Zhuohua changed his clothes quietly. He hadn't yet recovered from the kiss earlier and was still feeling shy. Yan Qinghe, meanwhile, was savoring the warmth and softness from moments ago.

Once he finished changing, Yan Zhuohua looked up and found that Yan Qinghe, already dressed, was staring at him intently.

"What is it? Is there something on my face?" Yan Zhuohua asked as he touched his own cheek.

His cheeks were still slightly flushed and his eyes were shimmering; Yan Qinghe couldn't quite hold back.

"What happened just now didn't really count as a kiss." Indeed, it didn't; it was just their lips touching.

"Huh?" Yan Zhuohua didn't understand what he meant.

"A real kiss isn't like that. I'll teach you."

Before Yan Zhuohua could react, Yan Qinghe pulled him into his arms and kissed him again.

This time was different from the previous elementary-school-style kiss; the close contact produced soft, wet sounds. With the loving voices of his elders on the distant stage in his ears, Yan Zhuohua felt like his entire being was about to catch fire.

This kiss lasted much longer, until Yan Zhuohua was almost out of breath, before Yan Qinghe reluctantly let him go.

The taste was too sweet, making one want to keep taking more.

Yan Zhuohua stepped back twice, his legs so weak he nearly sat down. He looked up and glared at the rogue who had launched a surprise attack, unaware that his reddened lips, slightly watery eyes, and aggrieved expression only served to further provoke a desire to tease him.

Fortunately, Yan Qinghe still had some conscience and suppressed the urge to go for another round.

Under Yan Zhuohua's wary gaze, he spoke carefully: "I won't touch you again, I promise. I just want to help you straighten your clothes."

Regardless of whether Yan Qinghe's promise was credible, the clothes were indeed too wrinkled from the struggle.

Even with a bit of straightening, they weren't fit to be worn out. Yan Zhuohua glared fiercely at Yan Qinghe.

Yan Qinghe rubbed his nose sheepishly. "Let's change into another set. Don't we have spares?"

By the time they emerged in another set of formal wear, ten minutes had passed.

Those who were starting to get anxious saw the spare outfits they were wearing, along with Yan Zhuohua's unnatural expression and slightly swollen lips, and smiled knowingly.

Yan Zhuohua's eyes darted around, not daring to look at anyone.

There was no avoiding it; the two still had to go out and make the toasts according to the schedule. However, under the meaningful looks from his family, Yan Zhuohua's face flushed once more.

Accompanied by the groomsmen who were there to help block the drinks, the two began to toast the primary guests. The other guests were handled by the three elder brothers—Yan Zhuoyang, Yan Zhuoyi, and Yan Zhuoyan—who led the remaining groomsmen to toast on their behalf. With so many guests, it would be ridiculous to toast every single one, so they had to be selective.

The first few tables were for the Four Great Families. The Yan Family had always been close with the Li and Sheng families, mostly because their younger generations hung out together frequently. Li Wu was a member of the Li Family.

Whether based on status or friendship, the order of the toasts was the Sheng Family, then the Li Family, and finally the Zhao Family.

The first two families went very smoothly. Everyone was an old friend and they were sitting close together, so they simply did the toasts together. Since the children of both families were serving as groomsmen, it was uncertain who would actually end up drinking the alcohol, so everyone just had a glass as a gesture and moved on.

While they could drink less, they couldn't skip the conversation. The head of the Li Family, Li Hua'an, and his wife, Qiao Qi, were old acquaintances who were very fond of their son's friend; they had been sad for a long time when Yan Zhuohua left. Now, seeing Yan Zhuohua again, they offered so many warm greetings that it was as if he were their own son.

When they reached Sheng Xulin, he first gave Yan Zhuohua a hug and said, "Welcome home."

Well then, the Li family was just warm, but with you, it's straight up 'coming home'.

Sheng Xulin was also about to take over the family business. His parents had long since gone off to travel the world, so he was representing the Sheng Family today.

"You're finally home. When are we going out for drinks again?" Sheng Xulin said, then suddenly joked, "Wait, both of you are married men now. Are you even allowed to go out?"

Yan Qinghe arched an eyebrow. "You'll have to ask Zhuohua. He's the one in charge."

Yan Zhuohua shot him a warning look, telling him to behave.

Everyone laughed, and the atmosphere was very joyful.

When they reached the Zhao Family's table, however, everyone's expressions were not as pleasant as before.