Chapter 21: Taking Wedding Photos

At the break of dawn, Gu Jianing woke from a sweet dream. After washing up and having breakfast, she began to get ready.

She wore a long brown trench coat over a white sweater trimmed with red, paired with a skirt. The outfit set off her fair, delicate skin and graceful figure. Her exquisite, lovely face was like a peach blossom in full bloom in May; her almond-shaped eyes were clear as spring water, brimming with emotion.

“My Ningning is getting prettier by the day,” Yao Chunhua couldn’t help but praise her daughter as she admired her outfit. She recalled her own youth, when she was the local beauty, and her husband was the most handsome young man in the village. Their children had all inherited their good looks.

“Auntie, you look so beautiful,” Yang Manman chimed in as she finished her breakfast and picked up her books, ready to head to the village school. Her eyes lit up when she saw Gu Jianing, and she didn’t hesitate to compliment her.

Yang Manman no longer held any prejudice against Gu Jianing. Especially in recent days, she could clearly feel the effects of her treatment.

It was the cold of winter, and in the past, her hands and feet were always icy. She’d go to bed early, and if her husband wasn’t around, it would take until the middle of the night for her to finally feel warm. Her stomach was always cold year-round, prone to discomfort, and her period pains were unbearable.

But lately, she felt much warmer inside. She’d barely lie down at night before her body warmed up. She thought, maybe when the treatment was over, she’d finally be able to get pregnant.

After Yang Manman left the house full of hope, a familiar jeep pulled up in front of the Gu family home.

The car door opened, and a man stepped out, his long legs straight and strong, followed by the rest of his tall figure.

He had broad shoulders, a narrow waist, sharp features, and a hint of wildness in his eyes.

Hearing voices inside, he looked up.

The young woman walked toward him, her skirt fluttering lightly in the breeze, revealing a slender, jade-like ankle. Her steps were light and graceful, like an elegant and enchanting kitten, each step landing softly on his heart.

As she drew near, a faint, fresh fragrance drifted over.

She tilted her head up to look at him, exposing the delicate, fair skin of her neck. Her long lashes quivered, and her almond eyes glistened with charm. The upward curve at the corners of her eyes was captivating, as if a single glance could ensnare his soul and make it impossible to look away.

Bathed in the morning light, her soft skin seemed to glow, flawless and smooth, with a fine, downy sheen.

Sheng Zexi’s fingertips trembled, feeling a slight itch.

She bit her rosy lips gently, a faint smile playing at the corners, and spoke in a soft, sweet voice.

“You’re here.”

Seeing him lost in thought, she reached out her small, fair hand, her fingers like scallions, and tugged lightly at his sleeve. Sheng Zexi instantly tensed, his heart pounding.

In that moment, her touch seemed to set his whole body alight.

He swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry.

“Brother Sheng, why aren’t you saying anything?” she asked, her tone coquettish and playful.

Sheng Zexi coughed lightly, snapping back to his senses. “You look beautiful today.” It was obvious she’d dressed up carefully—for him.

His heart was bursting with joy. If he had a tail, it would be wagging.

Gu Jianing knew she was pretty, but hearing Sheng Zexi’s praise still made her happy.

She’d never been one for false modesty. Tilting her chin up like a proud little cat, she said, “I’ve always been good-looking. When I dress up, I look even better.”

She lowered her gaze, long lashes casting a shadow over her eyes, and muttered softly, “Today is the day we take our marriage certificate photo. It only happens once in a lifetime, so of course I have to look my best.”

Sheng Zexi’s heart swelled with happiness. He loved that she dressed up for their special moments.

Looking at his beautiful future wife, he remembered what she’d said yesterday.

He thought, maybe he hadn’t bought enough cold cream yesterday—he’d need to stock up on more.

Last night, for the first time in his life, Sheng Zexi had applied cold cream to his own face. After more than twenty years, he was finally learning to take care of himself.

After greeting the Gu family, Gu Jianing got in the car, and Sheng Zexi drove toward Qingshan County.

As they passed the fields, the people working only caught a glimpse of the dust kicked up by the jeep.

“That’s the Gu family’s future son-in-law, Officer Sheng’s car, isn’t it?”

“Yep, that’s his car. I saw it just yesterday.”

“I think I saw the Gu family’s girl in the passenger seat. Where are they off to?”

“Where else? They’re off to do what needs to be done before the wedding, of course.”

Wen Zhuqing watched the jeep disappear from sight, listening to the gossip around her. Her eyes darkened as she pursed her lips and bent her head to keep digging up sweet potatoes.

Li Juan, two people away, glanced at Wen Zhuqing out of the corner of her eye, guessing at her mood.

The jeep arrived in Qingshan County and stopped right in front of the photo studio.

The old photographer’s eyes lit up when he saw them. “You two are here for wedding photos, right? What a perfect match!”

The man was handsome, the woman beautiful—a couple made in heaven.

“Move a little closer, please. Yes, the gentleman, a bit closer to the lady. That’s it, don’t move.”

With several clicks of the camera, Gu Jianing and Sheng Zexi’s wedding photos were captured and preserved in that moment.

The photographer looked at the pictures, growing more and more satisfied.

This was the most attractive couple he’d ever photographed. He even asked if he could display one of their photos in his studio, offering to give them a half-price discount.

They refused.

First, they didn’t care about the money.

Second, Sheng Zexi was an officer—and would be an even more prominent figure in the future. It was best not to have his photo displayed publicly.

“All right, you can come pick them up in two days.”

Though a bit disappointed, the photographer, seeing Sheng Zexi’s uniform, realized his request hadn’t been appropriate.

After the photo shoot, the two of them strolled through the supply and marketing cooperative.

Since they hadn’t held their wedding banquet yet, even though Sheng Zexi wanted to spend more time with Gu Jianing, after their shopping trip he still drove her back to the Gu house.

Before she left for town, her hair had been tied in a simple bun. When she returned, there was a delicate hair clip in her hair. Standing at the door, she waved goodbye to her fiancé in uniform.

Two days later, Sheng Zexi returned to the Gu house.

Yao Chunhua, knowing today was the day to register the marriage, had already given her daughter the household registration booklet early in the morning.

“Ningning, my marriage application has been approved!” As soon as she got in the car, Sheng Zexi shared the good news with Gu Jianing.

Perhaps he was too happy—his usual sharpness and wildness had softened.

Gu Jianing responded with a soft “Mm,” a gentle smile on her lips, clearly delighted as well.

They went to the photo studio first to pick up their pictures.

There were several photos: their wedding portrait together, individual shots, and a few other poses.

Gu Jianing received a copy of their couple’s photo, as well as Sheng Zexi’s solo portrait.

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