Chapter 285: Betrothed
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The celebration continued even after the procession was over.
Two families gathered around the hall. Butler Wong had made sure that the food and drink served on that day were immaculate.
Even though it was only a betrothal ceremony, for Shao Yan and Li Xiqing, that day felt as if they were practicing for the actual wedding ceremony.
People would come to their table to toast with them.
Some others would drag them around to show them off, or just to take pictures together.
"In law, I was thinking, how about let them register for the marriage certificate first, and we can slowly plan the reception?"
Mother Li, who was sitting next to Grandmother Wu, started to whisper around to discuss their wedding matters.
Grandmother Wu nodded her agreement, "I was thinking the same thing. Such happy occasions, them getting married is only a matter of time. Reception is just a formality."
"What do you think, Yan Yan?"
Grandmother Wu glanced to the side, but she was met with an empty chair. She started to look around to find her, but everyone shook their heads, not knowing where Shao Yan was.
"Great-Grandmother," A stubby finger poked Grandmother Wu on her arms, and then the little voice continued, "I saw a very tall uncle pull Auntie Yan Yan outside just now." And then the small child turned around and pointed at the backyard garden.
Grandmother Wu and Mother Li exchanged looks with each other before both women chuckled helplessly.
It seemed that the husband was worried he would not have his own time with the wife.
"Let them talk and decide, then," Mother Li concluded, "In law, why don't we play some mahjong game now?"
She linked her arms around her and started to mingle with the other ladies who were waiting for them.
----------
"We have not gotten the chance to discuss any of this... But, what does your dream wedding look like?"
The couple was sitting in a gazebo, overlooking the fish pond in the backyard. Li Xiqing applied a little pressure on his fingers that were massaging her ankle that he laid on his lap. Shao Yan was leaning back against one of the columns and relaxed herself.
"Hmm," She paused to think for a moment, "I have always imagined it to be a small and intimate ceremony."
She peeked at him from under her long eyelashes, "I always thought I was left alone, so I never planned for anyone else to attend, other than Qi Ling."
"What about now?"
Shao Yan heard splashes from the koi pond, and she glanced over.
"Now? I don't think I can escape Grandmother," She chuckled softly, "Seeing me getting married must be her wish of a lifetime, I don't want to rob it from her."
"But if I can choose, I always want an outdoor wedding," She tilted her head and peeked at the blue sky above her, "Just us, with the sun, the moon and the stars around us."
"And it will all be perfect," Shao Yan brought her gaze back to Li Xiqing and showed a dazzling smile.
Li Xiqing returned her smile and nodded, "Then, we should do it that way."
"What about the marriage certificate?"
Shao Yan paused as she digested the question in her mind. Her cheek gradually blushed as the reality slowly hit her. They were really getting married!
"Uh.." She paused to find the right words, "You can arrange it from your side," and then she bowed her head down, trying to hide her reddened face.
"Your parents suggested for us to get one before they go back to the USA," Her voice went softer at the end.
Li Xiqing smiled and decided to change the topic before his wife started to get so embarrassed and clammed up.
The wind was blowing gently around them, while the birds were chirping cheerfully.
The fish were dancing around happily and the lotus flowers bloomed joyfully.
Oh, what a wonderful day!
----------
A few hours later, Li Xiqing and Shao Yan went back to the main hall, holding hands and all smiles.
"Grandmother," He said as he approached the crowd that was drinking tea and chatting casually. "Yan Yan and I have decided to register our marriage next week," He announced in confidence.
Li Xiqing glanced at his mother and father who were sitting next to her, "And we have decided on having an overseas wedding next spring. So, one year from now."
Father Li nodded and smiled, "Good decision. At least we get to see both of you getting married before we fly back to the USA at the end of this month."
"That's good news, Yan Yan," Mother Li rose up from her seat and walked over. She gently grabbed her hands and clasped around them, "Good decision, my child."
"Auntie May," Mother Li glanced around the room; trying to find the woman that she was looking for.
A petite, slim woman, looked to be in her fifties got up from her seat and walked over, "Here, Madam."
Her face brightened upon seeing the woman, "Auntie May, can I trouble you to take measurement for Yan Yan? Let's make a dress for her marriage registration next week, and also for the tea ceremony next year."
Shao Yan stole a quick glance at Grandmother to see if she would object. Shao Yan knew that her wedding would be the most important event for the elderly. As expected, she noticed her eyebrows lifted in surprise; before Grandmother quickly adjusted her expression to indifferent. She decided to concede the arrangement to The Li's. Grandmother folded her hand neatly on her lap and stayed quiet.
"Mo- Mother," Shao Yan suddenly braved herself to speak out the word that she had not spoken for years.
"Mother," She tried again, "I have a suggestion."
Mother Li nodded an encouragement for her to continue her words.
"I would like Grandmother to be the one arranging my cheongsam dresses. No need to trouble Auntie May."
Mother Li was surprised at her suggestions, but before she said anything, Shao Yan continued, "But I will definitely need your help, mother, to help me plan the wedding reception."
All the other women around them suddenly burst into tiny giggles. This daughter in law was so adorable.
"Of course, Yan Yan, Mother will be more than happy to!" Mother Li replied while patting the back of her hands.
"And you are right, Grandma will be the perfect person to help you with cheongsam," Mother Li leaned in and whispered, "I really can't choose a pretty cheongsam as good as your Grandma."
Mother Li suddenly moved away and turned around to face the ladies behind them who were waiting for her to finish her conversation with her daughter in law.
"Alright, ladies, let's continue our mahjong games, where were we?"
And just like that, all the women around the room were distracted and went back to concentrate on their games, leaving Shao Yan and Risa to look at each other before smiling helplessly.
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The celebration continued even after the procession was over.
Two families gathered around the hall. Butler Wong had made sure that the food and drink served on that day were immaculate.
Even though it was only a betrothal ceremony, for Shao Yan and Li Xiqing, that day felt as if they were practicing for the actual wedding ceremony.
People would come to their table to toast with them.
Some others would drag them around to show them off, or just to take pictures together.
"In law, I was thinking, how about let them register for the marriage certificate first, and we can slowly plan the reception?"
Mother Li, who was sitting next to Grandmother Wu, started to whisper around to discuss their wedding matters.
Grandmother Wu nodded her agreement, "I was thinking the same thing. Such happy occasions, them getting married is only a matter of time. Reception is just a formality."
"What do you think, Yan Yan?"
Grandmother Wu glanced to the side, but she was met with an empty chair. She started to look around to find her, but everyone shook their heads, not knowing where Shao Yan was.
"Great-Grandmother," A stubby finger poked Grandmother Wu on her arms, and then the little voice continued, "I saw a very tall uncle pull Auntie Yan Yan outside just now." And then the small child turned around and pointed at the backyard garden.
Grandmother Wu and Mother Li exchanged looks with each other before both women chuckled helplessly.
It seemed that the husband was worried he would not have his own time with the wife.
"Let them talk and decide, then," Mother Li concluded, "In law, why don't we play some mahjong game now?"
She linked her arms around her and started to mingle with the other ladies who were waiting for them.
----------
"We have not gotten the chance to discuss any of this... But, what does your dream wedding look like?"
The couple was sitting in a gazebo, overlooking the fish pond in the backyard. Li Xiqing applied a little pressure on his fingers that were massaging her ankle that he laid on his lap. Shao Yan was leaning back against one of the columns and relaxed herself.
"Hmm," She paused to think for a moment, "I have always imagined it to be a small and intimate ceremony."
She peeked at him from under her long eyelashes, "I always thought I was left alone, so I never planned for anyone else to attend, other than Qi Ling."
"What about now?"
Shao Yan heard splashes from the koi pond, and she glanced over.
"Now? I don't think I can escape Grandmother," She chuckled softly, "Seeing me getting married must be her wish of a lifetime, I don't want to rob it from her."
"But if I can choose, I always want an outdoor wedding," She tilted her head and peeked at the blue sky above her, "Just us, with the sun, the moon and the stars around us."
"And it will all be perfect," Shao Yan brought her gaze back to Li Xiqing and showed a dazzling smile.
Li Xiqing returned her smile and nodded, "Then, we should do it that way."
"What about the marriage certificate?"
Shao Yan paused as she digested the question in her mind. Her cheek gradually blushed as the reality slowly hit her. They were really getting married!
"Uh.." She paused to find the right words, "You can arrange it from your side," and then she bowed her head down, trying to hide her reddened face.
"Your parents suggested for us to get one before they go back to the USA," Her voice went softer at the end.
Li Xiqing smiled and decided to change the topic before his wife started to get so embarrassed and clammed up.
The wind was blowing gently around them, while the birds were chirping cheerfully.
The fish were dancing around happily and the lotus flowers bloomed joyfully.
Oh, what a wonderful day!
----------
A few hours later, Li Xiqing and Shao Yan went back to the main hall, holding hands and all smiles.
"Grandmother," He said as he approached the crowd that was drinking tea and chatting casually. "Yan Yan and I have decided to register our marriage next week," He announced in confidence.
Li Xiqing glanced at his mother and father who were sitting next to her, "And we have decided on having an overseas wedding next spring. So, one year from now."
Father Li nodded and smiled, "Good decision. At least we get to see both of you getting married before we fly back to the USA at the end of this month."
"That's good news, Yan Yan," Mother Li rose up from her seat and walked over. She gently grabbed her hands and clasped around them, "Good decision, my child."
"Auntie May," Mother Li glanced around the room; trying to find the woman that she was looking for.
A petite, slim woman, looked to be in her fifties got up from her seat and walked over, "Here, Madam."
Her face brightened upon seeing the woman, "Auntie May, can I trouble you to take measurement for Yan Yan? Let's make a dress for her marriage registration next week, and also for the tea ceremony next year."
Shao Yan stole a quick glance at Grandmother to see if she would object. Shao Yan knew that her wedding would be the most important event for the elderly. As expected, she noticed her eyebrows lifted in surprise; before Grandmother quickly adjusted her expression to indifferent. She decided to concede the arrangement to The Li's. Grandmother folded her hand neatly on her lap and stayed quiet.
"Mo- Mother," Shao Yan suddenly braved herself to speak out the word that she had not spoken for years.
"Mother," She tried again, "I have a suggestion."
Mother Li nodded an encouragement for her to continue her words.
"I would like Grandmother to be the one arranging my cheongsam dresses. No need to trouble Auntie May."
Mother Li was surprised at her suggestions, but before she said anything, Shao Yan continued, "But I will definitely need your help, mother, to help me plan the wedding reception."
All the other women around them suddenly burst into tiny giggles. This daughter in law was so adorable.
"Of course, Yan Yan, Mother will be more than happy to!" Mother Li replied while patting the back of her hands.
"And you are right, Grandma will be the perfect person to help you with cheongsam," Mother Li leaned in and whispered, "I really can't choose a pretty cheongsam as good as your Grandma."
Mother Li suddenly moved away and turned around to face the ladies behind them who were waiting for her to finish her conversation with her daughter in law.
"Alright, ladies, let's continue our mahjong games, where were we?"
And just like that, all the women around the room were distracted and went back to concentrate on their games, leaving Shao Yan and Risa to look at each other before smiling helplessly.
The celebration continued even after the procession was over.Two families gathered around the hall. Butler Wong had made sure that the food and drink served on that day were immaculate.Even though it was only a betrothal ceremony, for Shao Yan and Li Xiqing, that day felt as if they were practicing for the actual wedding ceremony.People would come to their table to toast with them.Some others would drag them around to show them off, or just to take pictures together."In law, I was thinking, how about let them register for the marriage certificate first, and we can slowly plan the reception?"Mother Li, who was sitting next to Grandmother Wu, started to whisper around to discuss their wedding matters.Grandmother Wu nodded her agreement, "I was thinking the same thing. Such happy occasions, them getting married is only a matter of time. Reception is just a formality.""What do you think, Yan Yan?"Grandmother Wu glanced to the side, but she was met with an empty chair. She started to look around to find her, but everyone shook their heads, not knowing where Shao Yan was."Great-Grandmother," A stubby finger poked Grandmother Wu on her arms, and then the little voice continued, "I saw a very tall uncle pull Auntie Yan Yan outside just now." And then the small child turned around and pointed at the backyard garden.Grandmother Wu and Mother Li exchanged looks with each other before both women chuckled helplessly.It seemed that the husband was worried he would not have his own time with the wife."Let them talk and decide, then," Mother Li concluded, "In law, why don't we play some mahjong game now?"She linked her arms around her and started to mingle with the other ladies who were waiting for them.----------"We have not gotten the chance to discuss any of this... But, what does your dream wedding look like?"The couple was sitting in a gazebo, overlooking the fish pond in the backyard. Li Xiqing applied a little pressure on his fingers that were massaging her ankle that he laid on his lap. Shao Yan was leaning back against one of the columns and relaxed herself."Hmm," She paused to think for a moment, "I have always imagined it to be a small and intimate ceremony."She peeked at him from under her long eyelashes, "I always thought I was left alone, so I never planned for anyone else to attend, other than Qi Ling.""What about now?"Shao Yan heard splashes from the koi pond, and she glanced over."Now? I don't think I can escape Grandmother," She chuckled softly, "Seeing me getting married must be her wish of a lifetime, I don't want to rob it from her.""But if I can choose, I always want an outdoor wedding," She tilted her head and peeked at the blue sky above her, "Just us, with the sun, the moon and the stars around us.""And it will all be perfect," Shao Yan brought her gaze back to Li Xiqing and showed a dazzling smile.Li Xiqing returned her smile and nodded, "Then, we should do it that way.""What about the marriage certificate?"Shao Yan paused as she digested the question in her mind. Her cheek gradually blushed as the reality slowly hit her. They were really getting married!"Uh.." She paused to find the right words, "You can arrange it from your side," and then she bowed her head down, trying to hide her reddened face."Your parents suggested for us to get one before they go back to the USA," Her voice went softer at the end.Li Xiqing smiled and decided to change the topic before his wife started to get so embarrassed and clammed up.The wind was blowing gently around them, while the birds were chirping cheerfully.The fish were dancing around happily and the lotus flowers bloomed joyfully.Oh, what a wonderful day!----------A few hours later, Li Xiqing and Shao Yan went back to the main hall, holding hands and all smiles."Grandmother," He said as he approached the crowd that was drinking tea and chatting casually. "Yan Yan and I have decided to register our marriage next week," He announced in confidence.Li Xiqing glanced at his mother and father who were sitting next to her, "And we have decided on having an overseas wedding next spring. So, one year from now."Father Li nodded and smiled, "Good decision. At least we get to see both of you getting married before we fly back to the USA at the end of this month.""That's good news, Yan Yan," Mother Li rose up from her seat and walked over. She gently grabbed her hands and clasped around them, "Good decision, my child.""Auntie May," Mother Li glanced around the room; trying to find the woman that she was looking for.A petite, slim woman, looked to be in her fifties got up from her seat and walked over, "Here, Madam."Her face brightened upon seeing the woman, "Auntie May, can I trouble you to take measurement for Yan Yan? Let's make a dress for her marriage registration next week, and also for the tea ceremony next year."Shao Yan stole a quick glance at Grandmother to see if she would object. Shao Yan knew that her wedding would be the most important event for the elderly. As expected, she noticed her eyebrows lifted in surprise; before Grandmother quickly adjusted her expression to indifferent. She decided to concede the arrangement to The Li's. Grandmother folded her hand neatly on her lap and stayed quiet."Mo- Mother," Shao Yan suddenly braved herself to speak out the word that she had not spoken for years."Mother," She tried again, "I have a suggestion."Mother Li nodded an encouragement for her to continue her words."I would like Grandmother to be the one arranging my cheongsam dresses. No need to trouble Auntie May."Mother Li was surprised at her suggestions, but before she said anything, Shao Yan continued, "But I will definitely need your help, mother, to help me plan the wedding reception."All the other women around them suddenly burst into tiny giggles. This daughter in law was so adorable."Of course, Yan Yan, Mother will be more than happy to!" Mother Li replied while patting the back of her hands."And you are right, Grandma will be the perfect person to help you with cheongsam," Mother Li leaned in and whispered, "I really can't choose a pretty cheongsam as good as your Grandma."Mother Li suddenly moved away and turned around to face the ladies behind them who were waiting for her to finish her conversation with her daughter in law."Alright, ladies, let's continue our mahjong games, where were we?"And just like that, all the women around the room were distracted and went back to concentrate on their games, leaving Shao Yan and Risa to look at each other before smiling helplessly.
