The mother river of Lincheng is called Yan River. Extending outward from its estuary is an island named Riyandao, far from the city’s hustle and bustle, like a hidden paradise in the sea. It is famous for its breathtaking seascape, where the sky and water blend seamlessly.
Liang Zhiyi loved such natural scenery by the sea, so the wedding was held on Riyandao. To avoid disturbance from tourists, the entire island was booked, and for the next few days, only wedding guests were allowed to enter the island.
In the morning, after the bridal pickup, the wedding convoy headed to the maritime pier in grand style, with guests being brought to the pier by special vehicles. All the guests’ accommodations, meals, and activities on Riyandao were covered, with no personal expenses required.
As the daughter of a prominent family and with Pei Chen being the founder of Chengzhi Tech, their statuses were prestigious and unmatched. Thus, the guests attending the wedding were not only close friends but also notable families and high society figures from Lincheng—wealthy and influential, making for an extravagant event.
Once the time came, everyone boarded the cruise ship and set off. After an hour, under the clear blue sky and bright waters, they arrived at the island.
Everything on the island was already prepared. On an open-air platform by the sea, adorned with flowers and balloons, the couple completed their wedding ceremony.
The sky was bright and clear, the sunlight bathed the scene, and the crystal-clear sea gently lapped against the white sandy beach. At the moment Pei Chen lifted her veil and kissed her, time seemed to freeze, as if this perfect moment became eternal, leaving nothing but this beautiful world.
Amidst the blessings of their guests, the first half of the wedding concluded, followed by a luncheon, a tea banquet, and the grandest event—the evening banquet.
The evening banquet took place at a top-tier resort hotel on Riyandao, built by the Liang Group a few years prior. Knowing that the wedding banquet of the Liang Group chairman’s daughter was to be held there, the hotel had begun preparations two months in advance.
For the evening banquet, Liang Zhiyi changed out of her Western wedding gown and donned a Xiuhe dress.
The Xiuhe dress is a traditional Chinese bridal outfit, handcrafted over three months by artisans skilled in Suzhou embroidery, exuding a rich classical charm.
Gold and silver threads meander intricately over the delicate red silk satin, with every stitch meticulously depicting three-dimensional embroidery patterns of phoenixes, pomegranates, auspicious clouds, and various flowers, symbolizing happiness, marital bliss, and abundant offspring.
The sleeves were adorned with short middle sleeves and colorful beaded tassels on the cloud shoulders. The dense embroidery patterns and dotted rhinestones spread across the fabric, sparkling subtly under the lights. The phoenix coronet she wore on her head was genuine, pure gold.
Her hair was styled into an updo, her makeup was exquisite, and as the tassels swayed, her features resembled a painting, with a gentle and serene classical beauty.
Before the evening banquet began, after changing into the dress, Liang Zhiyi walked towards him, her dark, lustrous eyes curving like rippling autumn waters.
She took his arm and looked up at him, softly asking:
“Doesn’t this one look just as beautiful?”
Considering the people around them and not wanting to smudge her lipstick, the man restrained his urge to pull her into his arms and kiss her.
“It looks absolutely stunning.”
He spoke in a hoarse, gentle voice, his gaze fixed solely on her, unwilling to look away even for a moment.
Although Liang Zhiyi was always beautiful in his eyes, today her beauty was something he would never forget for the rest of his life.
Especially because this beauty came from her wearing the wedding dress for him.
At the evening banquet, Pei Chen and Liang Zhiyi, along with both sets of parents, toasted the guests. In addition to the elite and noble figures known to their parents, the couple also invited their university classmates, as well as students and teachers from their old Class 9.
Almost the entire class showed up, with the exception of a few individuals, along with members of the school’s basketball team. These were people who had witnessed the love between Pei Chen and Liang Zhiyi, making for a lively gathering.
As everyone reminisced about their high school days, they teased the couple:
“Congratulations, congratulations! The moon and the sea have finally come together…”
“I remember when Zhiyi started school, she immediately asked to sit next to the class monitor, didn’t she?”
“Yes, yes! I remember! The homeroom teacher asked Zhiyi to pick a seat, and she directly said she wanted to sit next to the class monitor. She was aiming for her future husband from the start!”
“Hahaha…”
“Zhiyi, why did you target Pei Chen from the very beginning?”
Liang Zhiyi smiled gently, “Maybe it was because Pei Chen was just too handsome.”
Someone jokingly added, “Class monitor, did you hear that? Zhiyi only liked you because you were handsome! So shallow!”
The young woman quickly met the man’s gaze and explained, “No, no, my husband is wonderful in every way.”
“Oh, here they go showing off their love again…”
“No way, you two have to drink with us. We can’t let you off the hook that easily for showing off!”
Pei Chen half-embraced the young woman, raised his glass, a faint smile appearing in his eyes as he said, “Zhiyi doesn’t drink; I’ll drink for her.”
“Oh, come on, are you really going to protect your wife like that?”
“Let’s get Pei Chen drunk tonight!”
“Wait, if we get the groom drunk, they won’t be able to complete their wedding night later!” someone joked with a mischievous smile.
“Hahaha, Zhiyi, you two better hurry up. We want to be toasting at your child’s one-month celebration soon…”
Amid the teasing, Liang Zhiyi’s cheeks flushed pink.
…
The evening banquet ended amid laughter and cheer.
After finishing all the formalities, Liang Zhiyi and Pei Chen returned to their wedding suite.
Even though they were only staying on the island for a few days, their hotel room had been exquisitely decorated for the occasion.
The hotel faced the sea, built along the beach, with white high walls and a green-tiled roof, nestled between the sea and the cape where mountains and forests stretched endlessly behind them.
Pei Chen and Liang Zhiyi’s suite was the one with the best view, combining classical Chinese and modern styles. After passing through the entrance, adorned with a screen painted in ink, there was a miniature garden with a rockery and flowing water, winding and layered as it led deeper into the suite.
The wooden decor around them instilled a sense of peace and serenity. As they walked further in, the scene inside gradually unfolded before them.
The room was surrounded by the sea on three sides, with the night sky full of stars unobstructed outside the windows. The sea breeze gently lifted the white gauzy curtains by the window.
Following the wooden floor outwards, the open-concept design extended the space to an outdoor ocean-view terrace, where the endless stretch of white sand could be seen.
Though most people would head straight to swim in the sea, the terrace was equipped with a heated infinity pool. The setting was extremely private, with no one to intrude—leaving just the two of them alone in this vast expanse of sky and sea.
Inside, the room was elegantly decorated. A large black pearwood bed stood under red and gold curtains, with bedclothes embroidered with mandarin ducks and peonies. Mandarin duck pillows adorned the bed, and the silk bedding was as soft as cream, glowing gently under the light.
The colors, though traditionally festive, blended perfectly with the simple wooden decor and the coastal scenery, avoiding any sense of gaudiness. On this wedding night, the atmosphere felt particularly romantic and subtly intimate.
Upon returning to the bridal suite, Xuan Xia, Ji Fei’er, and a group of others naturally wouldn’t miss the chance to tease the newlyweds, playfully disrupting the room for a while.
In the end, Pei Chen ushered the group out. Liang Zhiyi sat in the bedroom, listening as Pei Chen saw them off to the foyer, seemingly exchanging a few words.
The door closed.
After a day of excitement, they finally had a moment of peace.
Pei Chen returned to find the young woman still dressed in her bridal attire, sitting by the wedding bed and watching him. Her face seemed to be tinted with the same red hues surrounding them, her eyes soft and filled with affection—both alluring and innocent.
He sat beside her, and she asked softly, “What did you just say to them at the foyer?”
Pei Chen pulled her into his arms, looking at her with a teasing tone, “I told them that if they kept causing a ruckus, how would we find time to have children early?”
Her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red as she playfully scolded him, “Who said anything about having children early…”
Pei Chen chuckled, no longer teasing her. He gently removed her shoes and began to massage her feet. “You’ve been on your feet all day. Are you tired?”
She nodded, pouting slightly. “Luckily, I secretly changed into flat shoes tonight; otherwise, it would have been unbearable.”
“I’ll get some warm water for you to soak your feet.”
“No need to trouble yourself; you’re tired too.”
He stood up and kissed her lightly on the lips. “I’m not tired. Just sit tight.”
As he walked to the bathroom, Liang Zhiyi wiggled her toes and smiled sweetly, feeling a surge of happiness in her heart.
Her Pei Pei was really wonderful.
Pei Chen returned with the water, first helping her remove the phoenix coronet and the cumbersome ornaments, then soaking her feet in the warm water.
Half-kneeling, he looked up to see her dimples showing as she smiled sweetly and innocently, which made him smile too.
“So happy?” he asked, though he already knew the answer.
She pouted at him, playfully annoyed, “You know the answer already.”
The young woman lowered her head slightly, her eyes shyly curved, and she replied to him in a light, joyful voice, “Of course I’m happy to marry you.”
Pei Chen gazed at her, his eyes filled with tenderness.
By the time they finished removing makeup and taking a bath, it was already late into the night.
But on this night, with the full moon and blooming flowers, no matter how tired they were during the day, all traces of fatigue had vanished.
Outside, the night was deep, and the cool sea breeze drifted into the room, causing the red and gold curtains to sway gently. On the crimson wedding bed, the mandarin duck pillows had been set aside, and beneath the soft, delicate bedding, the young woman lay in the man’s arms, wearing nothing.
Her face was tinged with shyness, her almond-shaped eyes glistening with moisture, her black hair cascading over her shoulders. Her milky white skin contrasted starkly with the red bedding, a sight that ignited a fire in the heart at just a glance.
Pei Chen held her close, looking down at her, his voice low as he said, “I checked earlier, and there aren’t any condoms in the room.”
“Hmm?”
Zhong Xinrou had taken care of all the wedding arrangements.
“They must have thought we wouldn’t need them, or maybe they’re hoping to have a grandchild sooner.”
The young woman blinked in embarrassment, “Then what should we do…”
“If you’re scared, I won’t touch you tonight.”
Liang Zhiyi met Pei Chen’s gaze, seeing the restraint in his eyes, and she knew how difficult it was for him. After all, a wedding night comes only once in a lifetime, and she certainly wanted to share a night of utmost sweetness with him.
She lifted her hand to rest on his shoulder, her eyes curving into a smile as she softly murmured:
“It’s okay. Today is a safe day, and even if something unexpected happens, becoming parents a little early wouldn’t be so bad.”
After all, as long as he was by her side, she was willing.
Pei Chen gazed at her, then after a few seconds, he let out a deep hum, his large hand gripping her waist as he lowered his face to hers, his warm breath sealing her lips with a kiss.
The sweet fragrance of gardenias slowly filled the air.
He pried her lips open, his kiss both forceful and tender. Liang Zhiyi, overwhelmed by his embrace, couldn’t help but wrap her arms around his neck.
Outside, the waves gently lapped against the shore.
Inside the bed’s warm embrace, the air thickened with intimacy, until it all blended into the soft, pleading whispers of the young woman.
Soon after, Pei Chen’s love completely enveloped her world.
After a while, Liang Zhiyi found it hard to endure, her eyes reddened with unshed tears, and she whimpered, “Husband, slow down…”
Pei Chen smiled wryly, kissing away the glistening tears clinging to her lashes:
“First you want it faster, now slower—why is my little Zhizhi so delicate?”
At first, he indulged her every wish. But as their passion grew, he took full control.
…
A long time later, a seagull perched on a nearby rock. The rising tide gradually calmed.
Pei Chen held the young woman tightly in his arms and kissed her again.
When the kiss ended, they remained quietly embraced, their hearts filled with sweetness.
Pei Chen gently stroked her long hair, his voice low as he murmured in her ear, “Zhizhi, you probably don’t know how happy I am to have married you.”
If he could turn back time, he would never have believed that one day he would be worthy of growing old with her.
Leaning against his chest, Liang Zhiyi’s lips curved into a soft smile:
“I know.”
Because she had always wanted to marry him, to spend her life by his side.
—
Over the next two days, the wedding festivities continued, and the guests were free to explore and enjoy the island.
Compared to the first day’s busy schedule, the next two days were much more relaxed. Liang Zhiyi and Pei Chen went on boat trips, admired the scenery, and entertained their guests, sharing their love amidst the beauty of nature.
To the guests, the two seemed like a perfect match, destined to be together. Even a simple glance between them was filled with such deep affection that it was impossible not to envy their love.
A few days later, the group returned to Lincheng from Riyandao.
The couple officially moved into their new home at Hai’an Yunhua, finally having a place that was truly their own.
Since there were still many things to handle at the company, they decided to postpone their honeymoon until the following spring. With their current financial situation, they could take a trip whenever they wanted.
In November, Liang Zhiyi’s period came as expected, and thankfully, there was no surprise pregnancy. As autumn turned to winter, the weather gradually grew colder.
By late December, the Liang and Zhi Mian families planned to spend a weekend together celebrating Christmas.
In the afternoon, Pei Chen had to go to the office to handle some urgent matters, so Liang Zhiyi went to the Zhi Mian house first.
In the kitchen, the housekeeper was preparing the meal, while in the living room, Liang Zhiyi and Zhi Mian sat on the sofa, chatting. Duan Zhiheng, dressed in a dinosaur onesie and holding a teddy bear, was jumping around, full of energy.
“Mama, play a game…”
The little one moved closer to Zhi Mian, his bright, grape-like eyes sparkling as he clung to her.
Zhi Mian smiled and patted his head, “Hengheng, be good. Can you play by yourself for a bit? Mama needs to talk with your godmother.”
But the little guy kept bouncing around, too full of energy for Zhi Mian to handle, so she called for backup: “Duan Zhuo—”
After a moment, a man with dark hair, strong brows, broad shoulders, and a slim waist emerged from the adjacent room. His expression was slightly stern as he looked at Duan Zhiheng:
“Come here, don’t bother your mom.”
Zhi Mian smiled, “How about you go play with Daddy?”
Seeing Duan Zhuo, the little boy, holding his teddy bear, opened his arms and happily ran over, his voice soft and sweet, “Daddy, I want to play with Daddy…”
Duan Zhuo bent down and scooped him up effortlessly. He then raised an eyebrow at Zhi Mian, a lazy smile playing on his lips, “See? He’s still attached to me.”
The girl chuckled, “Alright, alright, it’s best if he sticks to you.”
Holding his son, Duan Zhuo turned around, his voice drawling playfully:
“Let’s go, we’re going to play with building blocks…”
After father and son left, Liang Zhiyi smiled, “Duan Zhuo seems to really enjoy taking care of kids.”
Zhi Mian smiled wryly, “He didn’t at first.”
“How could he not like his own son? Especially when Hengheng is so adorable.”
“If you have a child, Pei Chen will definitely love them.”
Liang Zhiyi rested her chin in her hand, her eyes curving into a smile, “Pei Chen really does seem to like kids.” Every time they visited Zhi Mian’s house, Pei Chen always seemed especially happy when playing with Duan Zhiheng.
Zhi Mian leaned in closer with a smile and asked, “Since Pei Chen likes kids so much, when do you plan to have one?”
Liang Zhiyi’s cheeks turned slightly pink, and she murmured softly, “Lately, I’ve been thinking that having a child might be nice. By the way, how long did you and Duan Zhuo try before you got pregnant?”
Zhi Mian blushed and coughed lightly, “We didn’t really try… it was an accident.”
“An accident?”
Zhi Mian nodded, explaining that it happened on the first try, which was quite a coincidence.
Liang Zhiyi laughed, “I guess when fate decides it’s time, there’s no stopping it.”
“At first, I thought pregnancy was a scary thing, but later, as I felt the little one growing inside me, all I felt was joy.”
Seeing the sweet smile on her friend’s face, Liang Zhiyi could almost feel that same joy of becoming a mother herself.
The two friends continued chatting, and by evening, Pei Chen arrived from the office, bringing a Christmas gift for Duan Zhiheng.
The two families gathered together for a warm and cozy dinner.
After dinner, Liang Zhiyi followed Zhi Mian to the kitchen to learn some baking, while Pei Chen and Duan Zhuo went off to chat.
Around nine o’clock in the evening, it was time to leave. Liang Zhiyi and Pei Chen said their goodbyes and left the villa.
Outside, the night was dark, and a cold wind howled. Pei Chen carefully wrapped a scarf around Liang Zhiyi, and once she was snugly bundled, he pulled her close. She smiled sweetly, “Alright, let’s go.”
Under the streetlights, they walked slowly toward the parking lot, chatting about the little one. Liang Zhiyi laughed, “Hengheng is just too adorable. He even asked if you could sleep with him tonight.”
Pei Chen smiled, “He really is cute.”
Liang Zhiyi then mentioned her conversation with Zhi Mian earlier in the day about pregnancy, sighing, “Pregnancy is so unpredictable. I heard that Xiao Zhang from our company has been trying for a year but still hasn’t conceived.”
“It depends on many factors.”
She casually added, “Getting pregnant on the first try isn’t easy. I have a feeling it wouldn’t be so quick for us.”
Hearing this, Pei Chen glanced down at her and calmly asked in return:
“Have you given me the opportunity to perform?”
“…”
Her face flushed instantly.
Wait, who said there wasn’t an opportunity? That night on their honeymoon…
The man leaned down and playfully nipped at her earlobe, whispering:
“Guessing won’t get us anywhere. How about we head home and find out for real tonight?”