Chapter 635: 637, The peach tree is young and graceful, its blossoms burning bright (second watch)

Chu Xiu attended a boarding school and would come to the Mo family during vacations.

The two families had long since merged into one.

In order to pick an auspicious date, the Mo family’s senior matriarch even put on her glasses.

"In-laws, what do you think about this date?"

"I think the 6th is better than the 8th," suggested Zhao Yan.

Upon hearing this, the Mo family’s senior matriarch looked up at Zhao Yan, "Then let’s settle for this date, August 18th, what do you think?"

"Sounds good," Zhao Yan smiled, "This date is not bad, just not sure if Zhixuan and Jin like these two dates."

The Mo family’s senior matriarch said with certainty, "We picked it, they’ll surely be happy with it."

Right then, footsteps and voices came from outside the door.

It was Chu Jin and Mo Zhixuan returning.

"Jin, Zhixuan, you’re back, we’ve chosen the date, August 18th, do you two have any objections?" the Mo family’s senior matriarch quickly stood up and asked.

August 18th.

It was two months away from now.

Mo Zhixuan of course had no objections; the sooner the better for him.

Chu Jin was always an obedient child and naturally had no objections either.

Thus, the wedding date was happily decided.

The next day, Chu Jin and Mo Zhixuan went to the Civil Affairs Bureau to register their marriage.

Today seemed to be a good day, the marriage registration office had a long queue, and the faces of the couples were filled with happy smiles.

Chu Jin and Mo Zhixuan stood out for their exceptional looks, and almost as soon as they walked into the hall, they caused a stir.

"Doesn’t that look like the National Goddess?"

"And the guy next to her must be the head of the Mo family, right?"

"My goodness, these two are much more attractive than in the photos."

"I didn’t expect them to be so down-to-earth, actually queuing up in person for a marriage certificate."

"I have to take a photo to commemorate this! I’m getting my certificate on the same day as the National Goddess!"

"These two together really do match perfectly."

Although there was a lot of discussion, nobody approached to bother them.

It took about two hours before it was their turn.

After filling out their personal information forms, they went for the free marriage health check and took photos.

Both were very photogenic.

Even the stiff ID photos turned out astonishingly beautiful.

During the photo-taking, the photographer’s hands were shaking.

He had worked at the Civil Affairs Bureau for many years and had never seen a couple with such high levels of attractiveness on both sides.

When they came out again, each of them had a red marriage booklet in hand.

The booklet bore an ancient phrase:

Two surnames uniting in marriage, one hall forging a pact, a lasting bond formed, a match well acclaimed. Beholding today the peach blossoms in full radiant bloom, suitable for marriage and home, divining future years of endless offsprings’ blossom, may you prosper and thrive. With solemn vow of white-haired harmony, this is recorded on grand paper, to honor the covenant sealed with crimson leaves, detailed in the registers of mandarin ducks. This certificate.

Almost the moment they got hold of their marriage licenses, Mo Zhixuan took a photo and uploaded it online, announcing their wedding date.

Consequently.

The special number "818" soared to the top of the trending searches.

The internet was abuzz.

Most of the buzz was congratulatory.

One week before the wedding.

Chu Jin, together with Zhao Yan and Chu Xiu, moved out of the Mo family’s home.

There’s a tradition in Capital City, three days before the wedding, the couple is not supposed to see each other.

Moreover, the bride must, after all, leave from her family home.

So, a few days in advance, a group of people went back to also make preparations.

The day after Chu Jin returned, Tong Zhi came over with Mo Zhixuan, and to Chu Jin’s surprise, Mo Qingyi also came with them.

This was the first time Chu Jin had seen Mo Qingyi in the three years since they’d parted.

Before, because Mo Qingyi was at a military school, they didn’t even have a chance for a video call.

Compared with the Mo Qingyi from three years ago,

Mo Qingyi had indeed changed a lot after three years.

The long hair that used to reach her waist was now a short bob at her ears.

Her pale skin had turned into a healthy wheat color.

And she had grown much taller.

The only thing that remained unchanged was her expressive cat-like eyes, which were still so evocative.

She wore an army green T-shirt, black jeans, and short boots on her feet, exuding a valiant and spirited air.

Chu Jin steadied herself before she realized that this was indeed Mo Qingyi!

It wasn’t a dream.

"Qingyi!"

"Jin!"

The two of them almost cried out in unison, then they embraced each other tightly.

"Qingyi, you dead girl, when did you come back? Why didn’t you tell me when you returned!" Chu Jin’s voice was close to a choke.

Mo Qingyi’s throat also felt tight as she forced a cheerful laugh, "Didn’t I want to give you a surprise? Besides, you and my brother are getting married—such an important event, how could I not come back?"

"Qingyi, welcome back." Chu Jin took a deep breath, still feeling as if she were in a dream.

"Jin." Mo Qingyi hugged her tight, then let go.

The atmosphere gradually eased, and the sound of laughter began to fill the living room.

Mo Qingyi regaled Chu Jin, Mo Zhixuan, and Tong Zhi with tales of what she had seen and heard over the past three years.

She had Chu Jin and Tong Zhi laughing heartily.

Mo Zhixuan, however, remained calm, sitting motionless like a statue, prompting Mo Qingyi to tease.

"Jin, you’ve become even prettier after three years, unlike my brother who always has such a serious face, as if someone owes him millions. I don’t know what you see in him!"

"Blindly fell for him, I suppose." Chu Jin replied with a laugh. Mid-sentence, as if suddenly recalling something, she looked up at Mo Qingyi and asked, "By the way, did Duanmu come back with you?"

Duanmu Zhe hadn’t returned since he went to the States three years ago.

At the question, Mo Qingyi’s eyes briefly dimmed before she recovered her composure, "No, he... also went to the States?"

So, that fleeting glimpse at the airport wasn’t an illusion?

"Yes," Chu Jin nodded, "a week after you left, he followed you to the States. Haven’t you seen him there all this time?"

"No," Mo Qingyi smiled lightly, skirting the subject, and continued, "Let’s not talk about him! Right, Jin, we’re here to deliver your wedding gift attire."

"Right, right, right!" Tong Zhi slapped her thigh, "I almost forgot if Qingyi hadn’t mentioned it. Jin, come see if the wedding dress Auntie Tong made looks good."

With that, Tong Zhi picked up the large wooden chest from the ground, moved it onto the table, and carefully opened the lid.

No sooner had the lid been lifted than a golden light emerged from inside the chest.

"Wow! It’s beautiful." Chu Jin and Mo Qingyi exclaimed in unison.

Even Mo Zhixuan, usually so calm, now had a glint of excitement in his eyes.

Since the wedding of Chu Jin and Mo Zhixuan was to be a traditional Chinese ceremony, the wooden chest contained a very classical set of traditional Chinese wedding attire, complete with a Phoenix crown.

The wedding dress, stitched by Tong Zhi one thread at a time, featured dragons and phoenixes on a gold-trimmed, floor-sweeping, wide-sleeved gown that seemed to come alive, a testament to the embroiderer’s profound skill.

The Phoenix crown was commissioned by Tong Zhi from a renowned craft master, forged from real gold and silver, extravagantly glorious under the light.

The embroidered shoes were also personally stitched by Tong Zhi.

This was the most orthodox set of Phoenix crown and robe, exquisitely like a work of art, something you simply couldn’t buy off the shelf.

Mo Qingyi reached out and toyed with the golden tassels hanging from the front of the Phoenix crown, "Oh my, I really love this Phoenix crown, it’s so much prettier than a hat!"

Tong Zhi immediately said with a laugh, "Then you should hurry up and find one. On the day you get married, Auntie Tong will give you a set even prettier than this."

"Really?" Mo Qingyi asked with a smile.

"Of course, it’s true," Tong Zhi nodded then immediately with a gossipy face, said, "By the way, you’ve been in M country for three years, haven’t you brought back a boyfriend?"

Three years had passed, and Mo Qingyi was now a 21-year-old young woman.

"I’m so ugly, no one wants me," Mo Qingyi sighed looking up at the sky.

Tong Zhi patted Mo Qingyi’s head, "Nonsense! My great-niece is not ugly at all! How about Auntie Tong introduce someone to you tomorrow?"

Mo Qingyi chuckled, hastily waved her hands, "No need! No need! Speaking of which, this phoenix crown and robe looks so beautiful, let’s hurry and have Jin try it on." Mo Qingyi pushed Chu Jin forward.

Tong Zhi’s attention was quickly diverted, and she thrust the wedding attire into Chu Jin’s hands, "Right, right, right, Jin, you should quickly try it on to see if there’s anything that doesn’t fit so I can alter it for you."

Chu Jin, holding the wedding attire, said with a helpless face, "This... I don’t know how to wear it." Ancient clothing involved complicated tying of laces.

"I know how to," Mo Qingyi eagerly raised her hand, "Jin, I’ll take you to put it on!"

Before Chu Jin could react, he was pushed by Mo Qingyi up to the bedroom’s changing room.

Mo Zhixuan: "..." Damn it! Daring to steal his lines! So annoyed.

Mo Qingyi had insisted she knew how to dress him, but in truth, she was also all thumbs, and after much struggling inside, they barely managed to put the wedding attire on properly.

Under the dazzling crystal lights, Chu Jin stood there in a traditional phoenix crown and robe.

The bridal gown was red as fire, made from top-quality ice silkworm silk. The dragons and phoenixes embroidered onto the sleeves and the edge of the skirt with gold and silver threads were incredibly intricate, as if ready to come alive, radiating glory bright enough to rival the brilliant light from the horizon.

The outer layer of the skirt was very long, spreading across the floor and nearly taking up half of the changing room, with the grand and luxurious patterns of the phoenix subtly visible within the gauzy fabric, their golden light adding an air of nobility.

Although the colors were extremely dazzling, they seemed to have been custom-made for her the moment she put them on, making her fair, luminous skin appear even more translucent.

Her natural red lips needed no embellishment, and the depths of those captivating, delicate peach-blossom eyes brimmed with unique charm, shimmering like water, enough to ensnare one’s soul.

Admiration supreme.

Beauty that eclipsed the land.

She made the myriad landscapes look dull in comparison.

It was as if among the multitudes, only she remained resplendent amidst the purple and red.

Chu Jin looked at the person in the mirror, momentarily stunned, almost unable to believe that was himself.

"Oh my god!" Mo Qingyi couldn’t hold back her exclamation, "Jin, you’re so beautiful! Ahhh!"

Used to seeing Chu Jin in normal clothes, Mo Qingyi felt an almost irresistible urge to kneel before him dressed in ancient attire.

Perhaps the word "beautiful" was no longer sufficient to describe him.

It was a kind of beauty that was spectacular.

"Jin, lower your head, let’s put on the phoenix crown," Mo Qingyi suppressed the astonishment in her heart, holding the phoenix crown in her hands.

"Okay," Chu Jin bowed his head slightly.

The phoenix crown was crafted of pure gold and silver, heavy but unmeasured. Chu Jin moved the golden tassels in front of him to the sides and looked up at Mo Qingyi, asking, "Does it look good?"

This perfect face, combined with the exquisite and luxurious phoenix crown, was simply too beautiful for words!

"It looks good!" Mo Qingyi nodded eagerly, "It looks breathtaking!"

A smile appeared on the corners of Chu Jin’s mouth, and with his eyes curved, he said, "Really?"

Mo Qingyi continued, "Really, Jin! Stop smiling! If you keep smiling, I won’t be able to resist marrying you! Let’s go out quickly and dazzle my brother and Auntie Tong."

"Mhm," Chu Jin nodded slightly.

Soon after, Mo Qingyi helped Chu Jin into the living room.

"Auntie Tong, Brother, Xiu."

All three turned around at the same time. When they saw the person in front of them, they were all stunned, unmistakable astonishment coloring their eyes.

Beautiful.

Very beautiful.

Beautiful to the point of taking one’s breath away.

Vibrant as a peach tree in bloom, shining in its splendor.

Stunning enough to overthrow kingdoms and realms, unmatched in the whole world.

Even Zhao Yan, who followed downstairs, was stunned, standing there with both hands covering her mouth, her face full of excitement.

Chu Jin slowly lifted her gaze to look at Mo Zhixuan—

Her peach blossom eyes, shimmering like waves, were as bright as the stars, seemingly able to draw one in inexorably, impossible to look away from.

"Come here," he said slowly.

Chu Jin gently moved her feet, as if lotuses bloomed with each step, as though she was treading upon the tip of his heart with every move.

Mo Zhixuan had imagined her wearing the phoenix crown and wedding robe, but now that he saw it with his own eyes, the shock was still uncontrollable.

The phoenix crown and wedding robe seemed as if they were tailor-made for her.

"You look beautiful," Mo Zhixuan, now oblivious to others, left a light kiss on her forehead.

Tong Zhi and Mo Qingyi were both dumbstruck.

If they had not witnessed it themselves, they would never believe that Mo Zhixuan, who had always been indifferent and unemotional, could be so enchanted one day.

Chu Jin was not Mo Zhixuan. With so many people around, she felt a bit embarrassed. She quickly stepped out of Mo Zhixuan’s embrace and walked over to Tong Zhi, "Aunt Tong, thank you, I really like it."

"Silly child," Tong Zhi covered her mouth and laughed. "What’s there to thank, we’re all family here. Seeing you looking so beautiful makes me feel so accomplished!"

"Sister, you look so pretty," Chu Xiu couldn’t help but exclaim.

"Zhi Zhi, your craftsmanship is really good! You must teach me one day," Zhao Yan said as she came down from upstairs.

"Sure thing, sure thing, with your smarts, Sister Yan, you’ll definitely learn in no time! Right, it’s getting late, Qingyi and I should head back first."

Zhao Yan nodded gently, "Alright, be careful on your way back."

"Wait," Chu Jin grabbed Mo Qingyi’s wrist, "Help me take off the dress before you go." Traditional clothing is especially complicated, with many ribbons and hidden clasps, all on the back, making it impossible to handle alone.

"I’ll help you," Mo Zhixuan intercepted Chu Jin’s hand, then turned to Tong Zhi and Mo Qingyi, "Aunt Tong, you and Qingyi go ahead."

"Then we’ll take our leave."

Mo Qingyi was about to say something but was pulled outside by Tong Zhi.

Zhao Yan brought a cup of milk to Chu Xiu, "Xiu, drink your milk and then head up to bed right away, you have school tomorrow."

"Okay," Chu Xiu nodded obediently.

Upstairs.

Mo Zhixuan led Chu Jin into the bedroom.

For the occasion, Zhao Yan had specifically changed her bed sheets and duvet cover to red.

On the dressing table, there was also half of a cut "happiness" character.

The dazzling crystal light illuminated the interior brightly, giving the illusion of a bridal chamber.

Mo Zhixuan looked at her, the affection in his deep and imposing phoenix eyes was unmistakable. He leaned down, brought his thin lips close to her red lips, just about to kiss her when Chu Jin put her hand in between.

"Hmm... Mr. Mo, what do you think you’re doing?"

Mo Zhixuan took her wrist, which was as lustrous as jade, and whispered into her ear, "Guess."

"Guess if I’m guessing," Chu Jin said with a faint smile, patting his face gently.

Mo Zhixuan, turning the tables, kissed her on the lips.

Chu Jin slowly closed her eyes.

Pieces of bright red fabric were tossed to the floor one by one.

....

When Chu Jin opened her eyes again, the man was still as composed as ever, taking control and conquering effortlessly, his profound phoenix eyes unusually calm, his facial features stern and his thin lips nearly pressed into a line, as if he was in his office, masterfully strategizing.

...

The next day, when Chu Jin woke up, it was already noon.

Getting out of bed, Chu Jin was nearly unable to stand steady on her feet. She leaned against the wall for a good while before she regained her composure.

Just then.

The door was pushed open, and Mo Zhixuan walked in, looking fresh and energetic.

Aside from making him look even more radiant, the night had virtually no other effect on him.

The disparity between men and women, at times like these, was fully manifested.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read