The celebration roared on, waves of clinking glasses, laughter, embraces, and cheers filling the pavilion. Ling Li stood at the center of it all, her hand still entwined with Four Eyes’. This was no ordinary victory—this was a triumph carved from blood, battles, and fate itself.
And in her heart, she knew—
This was only the beginning.
Everything else faded away.
For tonight, at this moment, it was just the two of them.
And a promise sealed under the fireworks.
As the last of the guests departed, leaving trails of laughter and well-wishes in their wake, Ling Li stood amidst the lingering warmth of family and soldiers who remained behind, their presence a testament to unwavering loyalty. The grand pavilion still shimmered in golden lights, casting elongated shadows that danced with the gentle evening breeze. Only El Padre and El Capitan stayed behind.
With a knowing smile, Ling Li reached into her embroidered pouch and took out her phone. She fiddled for a moment and sent out red pockets, each one bearing a sum equivalent to three months’ salary.
The effect was immediate.
An uproar exploded from the ranks, a chorus of cheers ringing out like a war cry of victory. Soldiers gripped their phones in disbelief, staring at the generous gift as if they had just been handed a golden key to fortune.
“This isn’t just for Camp Blaze,” Ling Li announced, her voice clear and firm, carrying across the pavilion. “Every single camp and company under my command will receive the same.”
If the soldiers had been overwhelmed before, now they were completely undone. Men and women alike erupted into celebratory shouts, some practically lifting each other in excitement.
Far beyond the pavilion, employees who had already settled into their beds jolted upright as notification after notification flooded their work chat groups. Confusion turned to elation as they logged in to see the announcement spreading like wildfire.
Mushu, always quick to seize the moment, uploaded a photo he had personally captured that night, the very moment Four Eyes had knelt before Ling Li, the brilliance of the ring reflecting in the emotion-filled depths of their eyes.
The reactions were instant.
“Madam, Congratulations! You are truly generous!” came one message.
“The wedding proposal—did you see? The whole nation’s talking about it!”
“Wait, did we just get a massive bonus? Someone confirm before I wake up my entire neighborhood!”
The news shot through the ranks at the speed of lightning, faster than any official announcement could have hoped to travel.
Then, as the chaos of celebration simmered, the Camp Commander stepped forward, clearing his throat meaningfully.
“Master, Madam,” he addressed them with great formality, yet there was a distinct twinkle of excitement in his eyes. “The soldiers have prepared something special for you.”
At his words, the pavilion shifted as the gathered soldiers moved with practiced discipline, positioning themselves in perfect formation. It wasn’t until the first notes swelled into existence that Ling Li realized what was happening.
The orchestra began to play, but there was no hired ensemble.
Ling Li’s eyes widened, utterly bewildered. She had fought with them, commanded them, and trusted them in the battlefield — but she had never imagined they could wield music with the same discipline as they did their weapons.
Before she could even voice her astonishment, Four Eyes stepped forward, his stance as steady and confident as ever. With practiced grace, he bowed before her, his hand stretched toward hers.
“May I have this dance?” His voice was warm, laced with a teasing reverence, his expression soft yet unwavering.
Ling Li was momentarily speechless.
She could command armies, bring nations to their knees, and wield influence unlike any other. Still, here, standing before Four Eyes under the shimmering glow of celebration, she felt delightfully powerless.
With a smile, Ling Li placed her hand in his, allowing him to pull her into the moment gently.
The second her fingers brushed his, Four Eyes wasted no time, he effortlessly spun her into the dance, leading her across the pavilion with fluid precision.
He pulled her close, his voice a whisper in her ear, sending tingling shivers down her spine. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ novel•fire.net
“Dear, you look so wonderful tonight.”
Ling Li chuckled, grinning from ear to ear. “Honey, you look very dashing yourself.”
Four Eyes raised an eyebrow, his smirk deepening. “What’s with the look? Are you not convinced?” His tone dropped into playful accusations. “Hmph! Let me think—how should I punish you tonight?”
Ling Li narrowed her eyes at him, the corner of her lips twitching.
‘Who the hell said I’m not convinced?! You’re just making an excuse to make a hooligan move legally!’
Ling Li snorted at her own unspoken thoughts.
Four Eyes, as if reading her mind, only chuckled in response, tightening his grip just slightly, ensuring she remained within the intimate space of their dance.
And as they twirled under the glowing lights, surrounded by music, soldiers, and the echoes of a night that would be remembered for a lifetime, Ling Li realized—
This wasn’t just a proposal.
It was a moment of fate, a defining Chapter sealed in time.
As Ling Li and Four Eyes glided across the pavilion, lost in their world of whispered affections and intimate smiles, their twin daughters, Kim Kim and Chin Chin, stood at a slight distance, watching intently. Though barely a year old, the two had an uncanny ability to perceive the world beyond their age, silently exchanging thoughts in a battle of wits only they understood.
Kim Kim, ever the serious one, furrowed her tiny brows, arms crossed in deep contemplation. She meticulously observed her parents... the way Four Eyes effortlessly guided Ling Li across the pavilion, how her mother followed without hesitation, their steps synchronized as if the dance had been rehearsed a thousand times over.
Her sharp eyes lingered on the way her father pulled Ling Li closer, hands steady, movements fluid.
A strange realization stirred within her.
Not just warriors. Not just leaders. Not just untouchable figures who commanded nations and armies.
Her lips twitched slightly, amusement flickering across her delicate features. ‘Interesting.’
Her musings, however, were abruptly interrupted by her subconsciousness.
‘Hey, Kim Kim... how could you even think Mama and Papa aren’t human? What are they, mythical beasts? What if they find out you’ve been doubting their existence, huh?’