"By the way, Shi Min, about our wedding rings," Ling Li began. But before she could finish, Shi Min cut in with a confident smile. "Mom, I already got someone to design them. Just wait for them to arrive," he assured her, his eyes twinkling with excitement.
"Oh, then I will leave this matter to you," Ling Li replied, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She knew Shi Min had everything under control.
"Got it!" Shi Min responded, giving his stepfather a knowing look that spoke volumes about their shared understanding.
After a delightful breakfast and a refreshing break, the group gathered in one of the grand halls where the planning committee Shi Min had assembled was waiting. As they entered, the committee members stood up and greeted them with respectful bows.
"You may all sit down," Ling Li said, her voice calm and composed as she sat on the main seat with Four Eyes and Shi Min by her side. When everyone was settled, Ling Li addressed the planning committee again. "Who is the head of the group?" she inquired, her eyes scanning the faces before her.
Several people stood up and introduced themselves one after the other, each with a sense of pride in their role:
- "Madam, I am the group head for the program."
- "Madam, I am the head for decorations."
- "Madam, I’m the head for the attire."
- "Madam, I’m the head of the food committee."
- "Madam, I’m the head for the invitation and RSVP."
- "Madam, I am the head of documentation."
- "Madam, I am the head of logistics."
- "Madam, I am in charge of the technical side of the programs."
Ling Li was momentarily overwhelmed by Shi Min’s meticulousness. She took a deep breath to compose herself. "Oh," was all she could manage at first. After a brief pause, she regained her poise. "Who wants to come first?" she asked, her voice steady and authoritative.
"Madam, if I may?" the head of the program asked, her voice filled with confidence.
"Sure, go ahead," Ling Li replied, nodding encouragingly.
"Thank you, Madam," the woman said, giving a respectful bow. "Madam, about the wedding rite, may I ask if we want it the traditional Chinese way or should we follow the Catholic Wedding Rite in church?"
Ling Li was caught off guard by the question, her mind racing with possibilities. She turned to Four Eyes for his opinion, her eyes searching his face for guidance. "What do you think?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Four Eyes, his mind preoccupied with his proposal plan, responded, "You decide." His calm demeanor belied the turmoil within him.
Sensing her mother’s indecision, Ren intervened with enthusiasm. "Mom, I think a Catholic wedding would be best; not only is the rite complete, but it is also more surreal to have the wedding in a church." Her eyes sparkled with excitement at the thought.
"Yes, Mom, I agree with big sister!" Lily seconded, her voice brimming with eagerness.
Ling Li, feeling reassured by her daughters’ enthusiasm, made her decision. "Then it is a Catholic wedding," she confirmed with the head of the program.
"Very well noted, Madam. Should we invite the Archbishop to be the main presider? How many priests should we invite?" the woman asked, her pen poised to take notes.
"Regarding this, Pharsa will help you with the list," Ling Li replied, giving a knowing look to Pharsa, who acknowledged it with a nod.
"Yes, I understand, Madam," Pharsa said, her voice filled with determination.
The wedding planning continued with a flurry of activity. The head of decorations stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Madam, for the decorations, I propose a blend of traditional Chinese elements and modern elegance. Red and gold will dominate the color scheme, symbolizing prosperity and happiness. We could also incorporate cherry blossoms and lanterns for a touch of romantic ambiance together with the most beautiful fresh flowers. For the birthday celebration, we could have a whimsical theme with pastel colors, balloons, and fairy lights to make it magical for the twins."
Ling Li’s eyes lit up at the suggestion. "That sounds wonderful. Make sure to create a detailed plan and share it with us," she said, her voice filled with anticipation.
Next, the head of the attire committee stood up, her voice confident and clear. "Madam, for the attire, I recommend traditional Chinese wedding gowns for the main ceremony and elegant Western-style dresses for the reception. This way, we honor our heritage while embracing contemporary fashion. For the birthday celebration, we could have custom outfits for the twins designed by the world-renowned couturier, M."
Ling Li nodded in agreement. "I love the idea. Contact M, and let him proceed with the designs, including for the wedding, and ensure they are ready for fittings well in advance."
The head of the food committee then took the floor, her voice filled with pride. "Madam, for the menu, I propose an opulent feast with the most exquisite and expensive dishes from around the world. We will offer a variety of gourmet delicacies such as caviar, foie gras, truffle-infused dishes, wagyu beef, and lobster, Chef Leon will be flying in as early as next week to finalize. There will also be a selection of decadent desserts, including a multi-tiered wedding cake and a grand birthday cake for the twins, both created by a world-renowned pastry chef."
Ling Li’s mouth watered at the thought. "That sounds delicious. Make sure to have a tasting session before finalizing the menu."
As the planning continued, each committee head presented their proposals with enthusiasm and dedication. The atmosphere was electric, filled with a sense of purpose and excitement for the upcoming wedding and birthday celebration. This content belongs to novel⸺fire.net
With competent and talented staff working, the meeting didn’t take long.
The moment Ling Li and her entourage emerged from the hall, they were greeted by the stately figure of Old Tutor Chen, who stood waiting in the grand living room. The air was filled with an aura of anticipation. Old Tutor Chen’s serene composure hinted at the significance of this unexpected meeting. His eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as he glanced at Ling Li, who hurriedly made her way toward him.