Fu Bochu walked quickly upstairs and said to them, "Meng Huaijin has arrived. Nannan, get ready." He then nodded to greet Su Yan and Xu Ying. Although everyone present knew how this marriage had come about and worried about Fu Wenying’s future, Fu Wenying was the only one filled with longing for what was to come.
After the customary procedures, Meng Huaijin entered the gates of the Fu Family residence. The Fu Family did not make things difficult for him; the various rituals were merely a formality.
Meng Huaijin walked into the living room with them. Fu Father and Mother Fu were seated in the seats of honor, with Fu Wenying and Fu Bochu standing to the right.
Seeing Fu Wenying dressed in her bridal Xiuhe suit, as beautiful as a flower, Meng Huaijin felt a tremor in his heart. The girl he had thought about day and night was about to become his bride.
The group stepped forward to face Fu Father and Mother Fu. "Uncle Fu, Aunt Zhou," Meng Huaijin said.
Maintaining a serious expression, Meng Huaijin turned to Fu Yixing and said, "Father, Mother, I have come to fetch Wenying."
Fu Father and Mother Fu nodded in acknowledgment. The master of ceremonies nearby announced, "Serve the tea."
A servant placed cushions in front of the two elders. Meng Huaijin and Fu Wenying stood before the cushions and knelt together.
"Father, please have some tea," Meng Huaijin said, serving Fu Yixing first. "Yes!" Fu Yixing replied, handing over a very thick red envelope as a gesture of accepting the new form of address. "Mother, please have some tea." Meng Huaijin then served tea to Zhou Lanzhi, who also presented him with a very thick red envelope. Finally, Fu Wenying served tea to both Fu Father and Mother Fu.
Fu Yixing turned his head to wipe away his tears.
After the tea ceremony was complete, Fu Father and Mother Fu helped the couple to their feet.
Meng Huaijin said solemnly to them, "Father, Mother, I promise you that I will treat Wenying well. I will never let her suffer any grievances. Please trust me."
Fu Yixing patted Meng Huaijin on the shoulder, tears in his eyes. "I only have one daughter. I hope you will treat her with sincerity. If one day you no longer love her, do not hurt her; just bring her back to me."
With that, he walked upstairs on his own. After Mother Fu and Fu Wenying shared a few private words, it was time to leave.
Fu Wenying said goodbye to Mother Fu, and Fu Bochu immediately hoisted her onto his back and walked toward the wedding car.
"Nannan, if things aren't going well for you in the future, just come back. Your brother is here." For the first time, Fu Bochu felt as though the path from their home was far too short.
A tear rolled down Fu Wenying’s cheek and onto the back of Fu Bochu’s neck. "How time flies. The brother who grew up alongside me is now carrying me away to be married."
Fu Bochu settled Fu Wenying steadily into the wedding car and pulled Meng Huaijin aside. "No one is allowed to bully my sister. If anyone does, I will make you regret it, even if it costs me my entire fortune." Meng Huaijin said respectfully, "Brother, that will not happen. I will be good to Wenying."
Fu Bochu, who usually appeared aloof to everyone else, lowered his head, patted Meng Huaijin’s shoulder, and said with a choked voice, "Please take good care of Wenying. She has never known grievance."
After saying this, Fu Bochu let him go. As Meng Huaijin walked to the wedding car, he turned and saw Fu Yixing standing on the roof of the villa, watching them intently. He bowed deeply, showing his respect and gratitude to Fu Yixing.
Shortly after, they drove off toward the hotel.
Once inside the car, Meng Huaijin sat in the backseat, feeling nervous as he tried to calm his excitement. He had never felt this nervous, even when negotiating billion-dollar contracts. He said to Fu Wenying, "Wenying, there are some things I will explain to you slowly in the future. I hope you can trust me—at least for now."
Fu Wenying gave him a reassuring look and took the initiative to clasp his hand tightly.
"Meng... Meng Huaijin?" Fu Wenying seemed unsure how to address him.
"Wenying, you can call me Huaijin from now on," he said, looking at her with a smile.
People said he was arrogant and aloof, indifferent and noble toward others. Yet, in front of the one he loved, he was gentle, considerate, and tender.
"Huaijin, you can call me Wenying from now on," Fu Wenying said with a smile.
Meng Huaijin squeezed her hand tighter and replied, "Alright, Wenying."
"My childhood name is Nannan."
"A-Jin."
Fu Wenying thought to herself, so this was how much had been missed all these years.