Chapter 203: Extra – The Wedding Chapter

Having completed the ceremony without further incident, the guests proceeded to the banquet hall, while Li Xiao and Song Jin set out under the escort of the Royal Guard for their ceremonial procession around the Shengde District.

Seeing the procession fly out from the palace, the crowd that had been waiting in the streets for half the day erupted into waves of continuous cheers.

Li Ji had wanted to watch the procession in person, but as part of the “groom’s family side,” he could not leave the palace. He could only sit in the banquet hall and satisfy his curiosity by watching the live stream.

Seeing the stream flooded with blessings for Li Xiao and Song Jin, Li Ji felt delighted and casually started giving out red packets in the official royal live stream room.

At first, viewers were focused on the upcoming procession until red packets kept popping up, and a user with the ID “Big Brother Number One” rapidly climbed to the top of the streamer’s donor leaderboard.

When people opened the profile, they discovered this top backer had already spent ten figures and was still sending out red packets nonstop!

Discussions about “Big Brother” began to mingle with the congratulations in the chat:

• “Big Brother Number One’s ID looks super familiar, like I’ve seen it somewhere before.”
• “+1 on familiar!”
• “Isn’t this the same Big Brother who threw cash around the chat when Li Xiao won the competition back then?!”
• “The one who said he didn’t approve of Li Xiao’s marriage! I remember now!”
• “Big Brother really is a die-hard fan of Brother Li!”
• “Big Brother disagrees with the wedding, so he decided to go broke to express his protest? Hahaha!”

Seeing the massive surge in discussion surrounding the top donor, the royal family thoughtfully issued an announcement revealing that “Big Brother Number One” was actually King Li Ji of Danse, complete with an official account verification badge.

At this, not only the citizens of Shengya were stunned, but the netizens of Danse were equally dumbfounded.

Their King was secretly using an alt account to shower money over in Shengya?

Years ago, rumors claimed the relationship between the two brothers was terrible, to the point where Li Xiao left the palace for ten years. But if their relationship were truly awful, how could Li Ji follow Li Xiao’s matches so closely and throw red packets like crazy to celebrate?

The username “Big Brother Number One” was remarkably subtle as well—pride laced with tsundere traits, and tsundere traits carrying a hint of smugness.

Clearly, there was more to those old rumors, but regardless, Li Ji’s status as a doting brother was now an absolute, concrete fact.

At that moment, Li Ji was busy feeding his younger son, completely unaware that his alt account cover had blown, until he saw a wave of “Thank you, King of Danse, for the red packets” sweep across the live stream chat. Li Ji was struck dumb.

Assistant Liu looked into it, caught between laughter and tears.

“Your Majesty, the Shengya royal family was worried that too many wild rumors might harm your reputation, so they helped verify your account. Do you want to change your username?”

Li Ji: “…”

Now that everyone knows, what’s the point of changing it?

On the procession vehicle, Li Xiao looked at the dense crowds lining both sides of the street and asked Song Jin beside him, “Tired?”

Song Jin looked out the window. “A piece of cake. There’s still a sixty-pound battle waiting for me later.”

Li Xiao: “…”

Song Jin turned his head and glanced at Li Xiao’s left hand. “Pity I couldn’t help you put on a ring.”

If he had known something unexpected would happen at the wedding, he would have drawn a ring on Li Xiao back then, too.

Li Xiao said nonchalantly, “Having a few regrets only makes it more unforgettable.”

“Regrets make it more unforgettable…” Song Jin pondered the meaning behind his words, lost in thought.

Thinking he was just unreconciled, Li Xiao offered, “How about I let you draw one on me after we get back?”

Song Jin: “Have that much faith in my skills?”

Li Xiao: “Either way, it’ll look better than a cat head, right?”

Song Jin: “…”

A week later, having concluded all the schedules for the Shengya wedding, the two traveled to Danse without missing a beat to prepare for the next ceremony.

The wedding in Shengya had been grand beyond precedent, creating a massive sensation across the networks of both nations. The entire internet was eagerly anticipating what kind of crown prince’s wedding Danse would host.

On the day of the wedding, just as dawn was breaking, Lin Hai, the housekeeper of the side palace, knocked on the door of Li Xiao’s bedchamber.

“Your Highness, it is time to prepare for the sacrificial rites.”

Inside the dim bedroom, Li Xiao was awakened. Seeing Song Jin sleeping soundly in his arms, he gently released him to get out of bed.

Just as he lifted the quilt, an arm reached over from behind to wrap around his waist.

“It’s so early, why get up right after going to sleep?” Song Jin rolled over to cling to Li Xiao, asking drowsily.

At the family banquet last night, Jiang Chi, Wei Feng, and the others had come over, and the group had fooled around until two or three in the morning before dispersing.

Li Xiao rubbed his hair. “Time for the sacrificial rites.”

Song Jin nuzzled his palm. “So tough on you.”

Li Xiao: “Feeling bad for me?”

“Feels great.” Song Jin snorted a laugh. “I shouldn’t be the only one forced out of bed to listen to scriptures.”

Li Xiao: “…”

Li Xiao: “Want to come along?”

Song Jin turned his back to him heartlessly. “Hurry up and go, don’t dilly-dally.”

Li Xiao: “…”

Today was different from usual; even washing up had its own ceremonial rules. After showering, Li Xiao went straight to the dressing room.

The moment he opened the door, he saw Li Ji and Yan Qing.

Li Xiao was a bit surprised: “Brother, Qing-ge, why are you here?”

Yan Qing smiled and explained, “Here to help you shave and comb your hair.”

Li Ji gestured for Li Xiao to sit in front of the mirror, washing his hands in a basin brought over by Assistant Liu. Seeing Li Xiao’s confusion, he explained, “This was originally supposed to be done by Father and Dad, but their condition is still unstable, so they couldn’t make it. I’m taking their place.”

Li Xiao glanced at the basin; green leaves floated on the water’s surface, along with seeds that looked like crop grains. Although he had observed a wedding in his past life as a bystander, he hadn’t actively participated, leaving him with only a vague understanding of many details.

Li Xiao sat down: “I didn’t know about this rule. When you got married, I couldn’t—”

“It has to be performed by family elders or married members. You were unmarried back then, so you couldn’t do it anyway.” Sensing Li Xiao’s guilt, Yan Qing took over the conversation. “We asked your grand-uncle back then.”

Li Ji wiped his hands dry, took a container from the tray held by Yan Qing, mixed in some medicinal powder, and stirred it into a lather before applying it to Li Xiao’s face.

“By the way, you aren’t allergic, right?”

Li Xiao: “…”

Isn’t asking this a bit late after you’ve already applied it?

Li Xiao: “Has someone had an allergic reaction before?”

“Yes,” Li Ji said while shaving Li Xiao. “Great-grandfather was allergic to Lija fruit. His face swelled up like a pig’s head on his wedding day, and despite using every emergency measure, the swelling didn’t go away completely. In the end, he had no choice but to wear a full mask to hold the ceremony.”

Yan Qing chuckled softly: “Supposedly, it even started a trend back then; many people started wearing masks to get married after that.”

Li Xiao: “…”

After a few passes with the razor, Li Ji leaned down to inspect closely: “Your skin isn’t turning red, so you shouldn’t be allergic.”

Li Xiao: “…”

Is the testing method really this crude and direct?

After shaving, Li Ji changed out the water basin, wrung out a towel, and wiped Li Xiao’s hands. Yan Qing picked up a comb to dress his hair.

Seeing both of them looking completely engrossed in the task, Li Xiao simply pretended he was incapable of basic self-care, sitting passively as they fussed over him.

Assistant Liu signaled the staff below to present the accessories.

Li Ji picked up an ear cuff and personally helped attach it to Li Xiao: “I didn’t have the chance last time, but this time I finally get to watch you get married.”

Li Xiao was currently running through today’s schedule in his head. Hearing this, his hand resting on the armrest tightened slightly as he asked with feigned nonchalance, “Last time?”

Li Ji looked as though he had just realized his slip of the tongue, trying to cover it up: “I mean previously—I thought I wouldn’t get the chance to see you get married.”

Li Xiao looked at Li Ji through the mirror: “When previously?”

“The ten years you left the palace.” Li Ji turned around, picked up two other ear cuffs, and shifted the topic: “Which style do you like?”

Seeing that he was unwilling to elaborate, Li Xiao picked a pair at random.

Once fully dressed, Yan Qing looked at Li Xiao in the mirror, unable to help marveling at the exceptional genetics of the Li family.

Li Xiao usually dressed plainly and modestly, looking nothing like a Danse royal. Now, simply clad in proper crown prince regalia, the impression he gave was entirely different from his usual self, leaving a striking, radiant impression.

That face went without saying, but the commanding aura of a ruler radiating from between Li Xiao’s brows made even his jewel-encrusted attire serve as mere embellishments, as though this were his most genuine form.

An attendant knocked and stepped in to remind them of the sacrifice time.

Li Xiao stood up, bowing to offer his farewells to Li Ji and Yan Qing.

Upon reaching the doorway, Li Xiao paused slightly, looking at the flower garlands adorning the pillars outside the corridor, and said softly, “I’m very happy that you can see me get married, too.”

Watching Li Xiao walk away without turning back, Li Ji looked somewhat stunned.

Yan Qing had just instructed the attendants to pack up when he turned around and saw Li Ji’s odd expression, asking in confusion, “What’s wrong?”

After a second thought, Li Ji shook his head: “Maybe I’m just overthinking things.”

It was two hours later when the tedious sacrificial procedures finally ended. Li Xiao returned to the side palace to change.

The moment he walked into the lounge, he saw Song Jin sitting on a chair. He was wearing a simple shirt and trousers, backlit by the morning sun streaming through the window behind him, coating him in a soft glow.

At twenty-four, Song Jin had lost the childishness he had at eighteen, yet his beauty was even more flamboyant—like midsummer sunlight, dazzling, hot, and brimming with vitality.

“Why so surprised?” Song Jin rested his hand on the food container on the table, tapping it twice. “I didn’t come empty-handed like a certain someone; I brought food. Moved?”

“Moved.” Li Xiao walked over and opened the container; inside were two pieces of rice cake. “Just this little?”

Song Jin: “Got hungry waiting for you, so I had a couple of bites.”

Li Xiao: “…”

Song Jin touched the various studs on his ear, saying with a bright smile: “You really suit flashy dress-ups. I like it.”

Li Xiao: “…”

Flashy?

Song Jin: “Isn’t it heavy? We should weld a metal support brace for your ears, or they won’t hold the weight of so many studs.”

Li Xiao drawled lazily: “Might as well help weld one for yourself while we’re at it.”

Song Jin’s smile froze.

He had been so focused on teasing Li Xiao that he forgot he had a share in it, too.

Main Palace.

Qian Can, Jiang Hao, and the third member set their alarms to wake up on the dot, changing into formal suits to head to the Main Palace together.

By the time they arrived, many guests were already present.

Walking along the luxurious grand corridor to the entrance of the banquet hall, they checked in one by one.

An attendant on the side handed over a bag filled with crop seeds, gesturing for each person to grab a handful.

Lacking experience, Qian Can grabbed a huge handful, causing his pocket to bulge outwards.

“Can I put some back?”

Jiang Hao: “No, you’ll be kicked out.”

Qian Can: “…”

Song Yu’s family had arrived early and was resting in the inner hall, personally received by Li Ji and his partner.

Since it wasn’t their first time meeting, they were old acquaintances and didn’t put on any formal airs.

Watching the houseful of young and old seriously discussing desserts, Li Ji thought to himself that developing desserts might have been the most correct decision he ever made.

Song Yu asked Rong Shi: “After the youngest’s wedding ends, shall we stay over for another three to five months?”

Rong Shi: “Why don’t you just move your office over here?”

Song Yu was struck with an epiphany: “You really are smart.”

Rong Shi: “…”

Bukui and Bunao were still young, so Rong Mian didn’t let them eat too much. Having finished their portions with lingering desire, they could only solicit extra treats from their father and Song Yu, envying Buli—who had taken Li Xiao as his godfather—more and more.

Buli was often brought to Danse to play, so he had definitely eaten many desserts they had never tried before.

Bukui: “When Dad comes, I want to take him as my dad.”

Bunao: “I want to take my dad as my dad too. Dad only cares about eating his own, but Dad is still better—there are so many delicious things at home.”

Li Ji / Yan Qing: “…”

Song Yu and the others: “…”

Are you playing reading comprehension with us?

Song Yang: “Speak properly to me.”

While they were talking, Song Li sneaked over to the children’s seats, holding onto the youngest of the Li family without letting go, looking utterly suspicious.

Halfway through his food, Li Chou saw a “culprit” attempting foul play and yanked Song Li’s hand away: “He is my younger brother.”

Song Li: “Your brother is my brother.”

Li Chou: “He is mine alone.”

Song Li: “Half of him is mine.”

Li Chou: “Sangbiao!”

The kitten, which was currently savoring meat on the table, turned its head, let out a perfunctory meow at Song Li, and went back to burying its face in food.

A knock sounded at the door, and Assistant Liu entered respectfully.

“Your Majesty, it is almost time.”

In the outer hall, Qin Le checked the time: “Boss and the others should be coming over soon.”

Just as he spoke, a group of attendants approached from the end of the corridor.

Qian Can hurriedly adjusted his camera, beginning a new day of photo-tracking work.

After taking a few snaps of the attendants, Li Xiao and Song Jin suddenly entered the frame, causing him to gasp.

Qin Le: “What’s wrong?”

Qian Can: “Boss is absolutely killing it today!”

Jiang Hao: “They’re here, they’re here!”

Hearing their conversation, the surrounding guests looked toward the corridor, seeing Li Xiao and Song Jin walking hand-in-hand in full ceremonial regalia.

Qian Can rushed forward to take photos, waving at Song Jin and Li Xiao: “Boss! I didn’t expect you to look so handsome in traditional Danse royal attire too!”

Song Jin said nonchalantly: “What don’t I look good in?”

Qian Can: “A hoop skirt—”

The moment he said it, he received a glare from Song Jin, causing Qian Can to shut his mouth immediately.

“A hoop skirt?”

Li Xiao had sharp ears. Hearing this, he looked at Song Jin. “You’ve worn a dress before?”

Song Jin maintained a cold face: “No, you misheard.”

Li Xiao: “…”

Li Xiao turned to Qian Can: “Remember to send the photos to me. One red packet per photo.”

Qian Can: “…!!!”

Qian Can: “Sending them right away!”

Who could resist Big Brother Li’s red packets?

To sell out the boss just a little bit for red packets was entirely forgivable.

Song Jin: “…”

This traitor.

Stepping into the hall, Song Jin said coolly: “For every one you dare collect, I’ll confiscate double.”

“…” Qian Can didn’t dare utter a peep anymore.

Surrendering his entire private stash wouldn’t even be enough.

As soon as Li Xiao and Song Jin arrived in the outer hall, Song Yu and the others came out from the inner hall to greet them.

The hall instantly grew lively.

Li Xiao and Song Jin were surrounded tightly by a crowd of guests.

Several young Omegas couldn’t take their eyes off them, but the moment they recalled the tempers of these two, they forcefully suppressed any unruly thoughts.

Years ago, Song Jin had ruthlessly taught those Omegas in the social circuit who tried to climb the ladder a lesson, and ever since, no one dared throw themselves at Li Xiao.

Apart from fearing Song Jin’s temper, an even more crucial point was that Li Xiao valued him far too much; provoking Song Jin was equivalent to provoking Li Xiao himself.

Even the Meng family, who once covered the sky with one hand, fell at Li Xiao’s hands—who else had the guts to step forward and provoke them?

Not to mention Song Jin was the Crown Prince of the neighboring nation, with the entire Shengya Empire standing behind him. Dealing with him meant declaring enmity against an entire empire; when the time came, one wouldn’t even know how they died.

Even putting everything else aside, Song Jin’s own qualifications were exceptionally outstanding, standing beside Li Xiao without being outshone in the slightest.

Together, the two were both harmonious and independent, neither serving as a mere foil to the other. They perfectly epitomized a power couple; there was simply no room for a third person to step in.

Thinking this through, the surrounding Omegas completely lost any lingering desires.

What did they have to compare with Song Jin? Even if Song Jin paid them no mind, Li Xiao wouldn’t spare them a second glance either.

While chatting, Li Xiao saw Jiang Chi and Wu Ya walking over.

The two had long obtained their marriage certificate, and their child was already three years old. Everyone in the circle knew they were a couple, but since Jiang Chi was busy with military affairs over the years, he never had time to hold a wedding. Wu Ya didn’t seem particularly attached to having a wedding either, so they simply lived low-key lives.

“Second Highness, happy marriage.”

Wu Ya handed over the gift he had brought.

Li Xiao took it and passed it to housekeeper Lin Hai behind him: “Didn’t bring the child?”

Wu Ya: “He’s over at his grandfather’s.”

Song Jin: “Why doesn’t your kid come to the palace to play anymore? Chou-chou’s been so bored lately he’s almost plucked the cat bald.”

Wu Ya shook his head helplessly: “Last time he was scared into tears by the Little Highness’s kitten, and he refuses to go back no matter what.”

Song Jin: “So timid? When I have time, I’ll take him to build up his courage.”

Wu Ya: “Where to?”

Song Jin: “The beast park.”

Wu Ya: “…”

Then he’ll take a detour whenever he sees you in the future.

While they were chatting, Li Xiao looked at Jiang Chi: “Finished with the work at hand?”

“Don’t even mention it.”

Speaking of work, Jiang Chi had a massive headache.

After the major purge in the military, personnel was constantly short-staffed. Every time they had just adjusted the division of labor, it wouldn’t be long before someone else was implicated and arrested, leaving the entire department in misery.

Over the past few years, many newcomers were promoted, along with new colleagues transferred from other departments. All of them required time to integrate, and only now had things finally stabilized.

Li Xiao: “I plan to set up an independent Major Crimes Investigation Unit, managed by you and Wei Feng. I’ll discuss the specifics with you two later.”

Jiang Chi: “Major Crimes Investigation Unit?”

Li Xiao nodded: “Directly subordinate to the royal family, outside the jurisdiction of the Investigation Bureau.”

Jiang Chi’s eyes flickered: “Meaning, you’re our only superior?”

Li Xiao gave a faint affirmative hum.

Neither Jiang Chi nor Wei Feng were suited for desk jobs; placing them in the second line was a waste of talent, and placing them in other legions wasn’t appropriate either. It was better to establish a new branch.

Jiang Chi was instantly thrilled.

“Then it’s a deal! I’ll submit my transfer application the moment I get back.”

“As for Wei Feng, I haven’t—”

Halfway through his sentence, Li Xiao saw Wei Feng enter the hall.

Jiang Chi: “Speak of Old Wei, and Old Wei arrives.”

Wei Feng sized up Li Xiao from top to bottom: “As expected of my kid, so handsome.”

Li Xiao: “…”

He hadn’t deliberately lowered his voice, so the surrounding people heard it, but they all assumed he was close with Li Xiao and merely joking.

Song Jin: “Envious? You can get married too.”

Wei Feng said with a touch of sorrow: “I want to, but unfortunately, my wife is gone.”

Song Jin: “…”

Calling ‘wife’ really comes smoother and smoother to him now.

Guests continued to arrive, so Li Xiao and Song Jin couldn’t chat with them for too long.

Before leaving, Wei Feng handed Li Xiao a box with a smile: “Happy marriage.”

The small wooden box was only the size of a palm, its lid hand-carved with a golden feather sparrow spreading its wings.

Li Xiao took it: “Thank you.”

Wei Feng waved his hand, threw his arm over Jiang Chi’s shoulder, and the two went off to find a place to drink.

Just now, watching Wei Feng look at Li Xiao with a smile, Song Jin had actually caught a glimpse of an elder’s affectionate warmth toward a junior in his eyes. For a moment, it felt like the old Wei Feng was showing through.

Once they left, Song Jin leaned close to Li Xiao and asked in a low voice: “What did he give you?”

Li Xiao opened the box; inside lay a pair of silver hoops. Carved on the inner side in ancient Finch script were the words “May God Protect You”.

In Danse, parents would bestow accessories upon their children at major life milestones such as birth and marriage, signifying blessings for health and smooth lives.

Receiving such a gift from Wei Feng caught Li Xiao somewhat off guard.

At ten o’clock sharp in the morning, the wedding ceremony officially began.

Eighteen auxiliary temples surrounded the Main Temple of the Sun God; this was where the royal family held sacrifices and weddings.

Ordinary royal family members were only permitted to use the auxiliary temples; only the King and the Crown Prince possessed the qualification to host weddings in the Main Temple.

Guided by attendants, Li Xiao and Song Jin walked toward the Main Temple, required to step over eighteen braziers, walk across gravel ground, and undergo baptism by “Divine Water”.

Other guests could observe from both sides of the main path.

Watching Li Xiao and Song Jin pass before his eyes, Li Ji noticed that both had an extra silver hoop attached to the tip of their left ears.

Along the way, many strangely dressed dancers performed odd dances, playing musical instruments Song Jin had never seen before. The melody was deep and resonant; while he couldn’t say he loved it, it wasn’t unpleasant.

Compared to Shengya’s wedding customs, Danse’s wedding was wildly lively.

Reaching the Main Temple, the guests stopped at the bottom of the steps, watching Li Xiao and Song Jin enter the grand doors.

The temple walls were covered in ancient, intricate murals, embellished with countless rare jewels and precious metals. Song Jin followed Li Xiao, taking it in as they walked.

The High Priest chanted prayers. Song Jin couldn’t understand a single word, but fortunately, having rehearsed beforehand, he knew what to do and when.

Once the process concluded, the High Priest gestured for them to step onto the high platform, where a cylinder carved from shells stood, used for drawing lots.

Li Xiao placed his hand on the cylinder and exerted slight force. The cylinder began to rotate, and after a moment, a shell dropped out, carved with the image of an old man.

Song Jin looked at Li Xiao in confusion: “What does this mean?”

Li Xiao: “The Old Man Lot, signifying long-lasting happiness, health, and longevity for the elders in the family.”

Song Jin nodded: “I thought even the gods were mocking you for being prematurely aged, like an old man.”

Li Xiao: “…”

The Priests: “…”

Your Highness, you truly dare to say anything.

Song Jin spun the cylinder. A moment later, a shell carved with a child dropped out. He picked it up and flipped it over: “Is this a blessing for the kids?”

Li Xiao said in all seriousness: “It signifies that you will have many children and blessings, being very fertile.”

Song Jin: “…”

The priests silently bit their lower lips, not daring to laugh for fear of having their pay docked.

For the final segment of the ceremony, the priest presented a cup of clear wine.

Under the witness of the gods, both were to ask each other the one question they wanted to ask most. The person being asked had to answer truthfully, without avoiding or lying.

Most people would ask romantic questions like “When did you start liking me,”“Who do you love most,” or “Between me and whoever, which do you prefer,” making it a segment to express sweet words and showcase affection.

Li Xiao and Song Jin had tacitly never discussed what questions they would ask.

From the moment the wedding date was set, Li Xiao had been looking forward to what Song Jin would ask him.

Song Jin gazed into Li Xiao’s eyes, his expression rare in its seriousness, speaking neither hurriedly nor slowly: “Inside Brother Yang’s workshop, there’s a room that outsiders are strictly forbidden from entering. Inside stands a machine that has never been activated—”

Li Xiao was caught off guard, having never imagined Song Jin would bring up this matter.

The two were standing too close; the shift in Li Xiao’s expression couldn’t escape Song Jin’s eyes. He continued: “Before you met me, you had already been there, hadn’t you?”

Li Xiao had never expected Song Jin to pull off such a major move at a time like this, completely inescapable.

Li Xiao knew he was merely probing; Song Yu and Song Yang could never have told him about the past life.

Jin was meticulous; perhaps he had picked up clues over their years together.

This question had likely been suppressed in his heart for a long time.

At this thought, under Song Jin’s expectant gaze, Li Xiao nodded: “Yes.”

After he spoke, he saw Song Jin’s eyes widen slightly, looking at him in disbelief.

The atmosphere froze briefly.

In the blink of an eye, the confusion and lost expression in Song Jin’s eyes vanished, replaced by an even firmer resolve.

“Good.”

Song Jin nodded. “Your turn.”

Li Xiao remained silent for a moment before looking back at Song Jin: “Have you thought of your answer for me?”

Song Jin froze, only then remembering that he still owed Li Xiao an answer.

Back when Li Xiao confessed, he had insisted that Song Jin give his answer only after careful consideration; six years had passed in a flash.

Song Jin reached out to wrap his arms around Li Xiao, whispering in his ear: “Sometime in the future, I might step into that room once again—for you.”

Catching the meaning behind those words, Li Xiao’s hand hanging at his side twitched, and he pulled Song Jin close into his chest: “I won’t give you that opportunity.”

Song Jin snorted a laugh: “Then that’ll depend on your skill.”

The temple bells chimed, signaling the flawless completion of the wedding ceremony.

Before the lunch banquet started, the two removed their heavy accessories and changed into a set of light formal wear. Song Jin moved his shoulders: “I feel like I’ve been weighed down a centimeter shorter.”

Li Xiao burst out laughing: “You’re tall enough; even if you were pressed ten centimeters shorter, it wouldn’t be a problem.”

Song Jin: “That won’t do. If I’m that much shorter than you, how am I supposed to top?”

Li Xiao: “…”

You’re still thinking about topping?

That isn’t purely a matter of height.

Shortly after the lunch banquet ended, the dinner banquet was set to begin. However, the dinner banquet only invited relatives and friends, cutting the headcount in half compared to the afternoon.

Qian Can and the other two had lost their drinking duel last night. Growing bolder with defeat, they carried wine bottles over again tonight to challenge Li Xiao and Song Jin. In the end, they were knocked out one by one; even the human booze tank, Jiang Hao, couldn’t hold out. The three ended up lying crisscross on the sofas, completely passed out.

Using drunkenness as an excuse, Li Xiao brought Song Jin back as soon as midnight passed, leaving Li Ji, Song Yu, and the others to continue entertaining the rest.

On the way back to the side palace, seeing Song Jin repeatedly rubbing his temples, Li Xiao reached out to feel his forehead: “Drunk?”

“No.” Song Jin leaned naturally against Li Xiao’s shoulder. “Woke up too early this morning, really sleepy.”

Li Xiao: “We’re almost there.”

Returning to the inner palace, Li Xiao signaled the staff to withdraw, leading Song Jin back to the room himself.

After a day of fuss, Song Jin looked uncomfortable, so Li Xiao prepared to wash up and go to bed early.

Song Jin, however, thought differently.

Li Xiao pressed him into the bathtub to wash up, only for Song Jin to grab his tie and yank it violently: “Tonight is our wedding night. How do you plan to spend it?”

Li Xiao held onto the edge of the tub, saying expressionlessly, “Wash up and sleep.”

“Sleep?” Song Jin nodded unhurriedly. “Fine, I’ll sleep with you.”

Li Xiao: “…”

Li Xiao: “Didn’t you say you were sleepy?”

Song Jin: “Sleep after sleeping.”

Li Xiao: “…”

Seeing how persistent Song Jin was, Li Xiao rubbed his head: “Bathe first.”

Li Xiao stood up to leave, but Song Jin pulled him back again.

Song Jin: “Washing together saves time.”

Li Xiao: “…”

Where on earth would washing together save time?

Seeing that his kitten was behaving differently from usual, Li Xiao looked at him suspiciously: “Are you drunk?”

Song Jin snorted a laugh: “How could I possibly be drunk?”

Li Xiao harbored deep doubts about the truth of this statement. Fearing Song Jin might run into trouble bathing alone, he rolled up his sleeves and sat beside him to help him wash.

Song Jin wasn’t obedient at all, pulling and tugging without bathing properly. By the time he finished washing him, Li Xiao’s own clothes were soaked.

When Li Xiao cleaned himself up and walked out of the bathroom, he saw that the kitten who had kept the word “sleep” on his lips just now had already voluntarily squirmed into the duvet, fast asleep.

Li Xiao shook his head, let out a laugh, walked over, and kissed Song Jin’s forehead: “Goodnight.”

After confirming the banquet situation with Li Ji, Li Xiao turned off the lights and lay down, drifting off to sleep while holding the wine-scented kitten.

Just as he was about to fall asleep, the person in his arms suddenly snapped his eyes open and sat up abruptly.

Thinking he was feeling unwell, Li Xiao sat up alongside him: “What’s wrong, feel like throwing up?”

Song Jin: “We haven’t completed our marriage registration yet. We can’t sleep together.”

Li Xiao: “…”

This brat is heavily drunk.

“It’ll be in time if we do it tomorrow,” Li Xiao said, pulling him back into the duvet.

“No way.”

Song Jin brushed his hand away, ordering 07 to open the civil affairs system, filling out their data in two swift taps.

[Submitting to the backend for review—Review passed—Test questions sent to the bound terminal. Complete the test to finish marriage registration.]

[Detected marriage registration record from six years ago, activating marriage quiz—Middle-aged and Elderly Version.]

Li Xiao: “…”

Middle-aged and Elderly Version?

[Question: If your Alpha partner always leaves the bathroom door open when using it, how would you advise him?]

• A. Patiently explain the downsides of leaving the door open until he corrects it.
• B. Can’t stand it for a second, tell him to get lost and use another bathroom before coming home.
• C. Simply tear down the main door and invite the neighbors over to enjoy the view together.

Song Jin glanced at Li Xiao, hesitating for a second: “B.”

Li Xiao: “…”

He wanted to choose C just now, right?

[Incorrect answer!]

[Question: Your Alpha partner asks you, “The laundry is done, should I hang it up to dry?”, what does he mean?]

• A. Informing you to hang the clothes.
• B. He wants to hang the clothes.
• C. Asking you—if you don’t hang them, he’ll throw them away and buy new ones.

Song Jin crossed his arms, saying confidently: “C.”

Li Xiao: “…”

Even if he weren’t drunk, he wouldn’t get this right.

[Incorrect answer!]

[Question: Your Alpha partner’s pheromones are out of order, making him frequently lose control, but as an Alpha yourself, you cannot effectively soothe his symptoms. What would you do at this time?]

• A. Take him to the hospital for active treatment and comfort his emotions.
• B. Let him find professional Omega providers on his own to soothe his pheromones.
• C. He’s getting up there in age anyway, just cut off the gland directly and be done with it.

Song Jin: “C.”

Li Xiao: “…So ruthless.”

[Incorrect answer!]

[This round of testing has ended. Your marriage registration request has been rejected. Thank you for visiting, goodbye!]

Song Jin looked at the prompt on the display screen in utter disbelief.

Look at how crushed the kid was.

Li Xiao felt amused and sympathetic. He stroked Song Jin’s head, planning to offer a few comforting words, but unexpectedly, the other party kicked off the duvet, got up, and prepared to leave.

“Screw it, I’m not getting married anymore.”

Li Xiao chased after him and pulled him back: “How about I try?”

Song Jin turned around and glared at him: “Looking down on me?”

Li Xiao: “…”

Forcefully dragging Song Jin to wait for five minutes, they were finally able to start the second round of questions.

The outcome was easily imaginable.

The next day, Song Jin’s consciousness gradually returned. A glance at the time showed it was already past nine in the morning.

He couldn’t recall anything that happened after leaving the banquet hall last night.

Li Xiao was still sleeping. Song Jin opened his terminal, intending to ask his brother Song Yu and the others about their plans for today.

Unexpectedly, the prompt floating right at the very top caught his eye.

[Marriage quiz cooldown timer: 710 hours 35 minutes 8 seconds.]

Song Jin was completely bewildered.

Clicking open the prompt, he was struck dumb.

He had actually submitted thirty marriage registration requests, every single one failing at the quiz segment, resulting in his account being locked by the system for an entire month.

Song Jin turned around and pushed Li Xiao awake. Before he could speak, he was pulled onto Li Xiao’s chest by the half-awake man.

Li Xiao said with profound meaning: “A lifetime is so long; we’ll definitely manage to get married eventually.”

Song Jin: “…”

–END OF MAIN STORY AND EXTRAS–