Kim Kim’s lips twitched, she inhaled sharply, shifting her gaze to her sister, who was watching their parents with wide, shimmering eyes.
Unlike Kim Kim, Chin Chin wasn’t analyzing the moment - she was feeling it.
Her small fingers clutched at the folds of her dress, her round cheeks flushed with emotions too vast for her little heart to contain. She gazed at her mother, watching the way Ling Li twirled under the soft glow of the pavilion lights, her dress swirling like a whisper of silk. Her father’s hands were firm yet gentle, securing her mother in an embrace that spoke volumes without words.
Chin Chin’s breath hitched.
Not the kind spoken about in books—not something distant or exaggerated.
It was right before her. ‘Alive. Breathing.’ Unfolding in front of her eyes.
Chin Chin sniffled, blinking rapidly, feeling far too overwhelmed for her tiny body to handle.
‘Mama looks so beautiful...’ she thought, her heart swelling. ‘And Papa... I’ve never seen him .’
As if hearing her unspoken words, Kim Kim scoffed. She turned her head just slightly, locking eyes with her twin.
‘Tch, obviously,’ she murmured, though there was no sharpness in her voice.
There was understanding.
Chin Chin smiled softly, wiping at her eyes with her little hands.
Though neither twin could fully articulate what they were feeling, they both knew one thing for sure.
This night... would never be forgotten.
Then, on cue, Four Eyes gave Ling Li a final, effortless twirl, spinning her gracefully before stopping at the front of the lined-up soldiers.
A formation of thirty high-ranking officers from Camp Blaze, led by the Camp Commander, stood with unyielding discipline. Their eyes reflected something rare... admiration not just for their leader, but for the moment itself.
One by one, they stepped forward.
Each soldier handed Ling Li an enormous stem of vibrant red roses; their petals full, deep, and almost alive beneath the golden light.
Ling Li accepted them with graceful precision, her fingers running lightly over each delicate bloom, her lips curving in appreciation. She knew the symbolism well—loyalty, respect, and unwavering devotion.
And then — the arrows.
Exquisite, top-notch quality war arrows were presented to Four Eyes, one after the other.
By the time he held five, Four Eyes’ brows twitched.
By ten, he began to eye them suspiciously.
By fifteen, he was inwardly groaning.
By thirty, he was done.
Four Eyes stared at the bundle of pristine arrows in his grasp, expression flickering somewhere between hilarity and exasperation. "This is... quite the congratulatory gift," he muttered, shifting the weight of them in his arms.
The Camp Commander, unblinking, composed, finally spoke.
"Master Chu Yan," he began, his voice smooth, respectful, yet carrying that unmistakable hint of amusement, "We have witnessed your unwavering skill on the battlefield. These arrows are a symbol of precision, strength, and endurance — qualities befitting a man destined to stand by our Supreme Commander’s side."
Four Eyes exhaled, shaking his head slightly, lips twitching into a smirk. "So, in other words," he drawled, raising an eyebrow, "you’re all telling me to make sure my aim never falters in protecting her."
A ripple of chuckles echoed among the soldiers.
One officer, younger but bold, grinned. "We figured you’d appreciate the... gentle reminder, Master Chu Yan."
Ling Li stifled a laugh, watching her husband navigate the moment with his usual mix of composed charm and helpless humor. She stepped closer to him, running a finger lightly along one of the arrows before leaning in slightly.
“Well,” she mused, amusement flickering in her gaze, “at least you’ll never run out of weapons.”
Four Eyes exhaled, side-eyeing the bundle with an exaggerated sigh. “Wonderful,” he murmured. “Just what I needed... thirty reminders that I’m responsible for keeping up with the most powerful woman in the world.”
Ling Li chuckled, watching as the soldiers one by one offered their formal congratulations, their words strong, respectful, and heartfelt.
Ling Li passed the bunch of roses to Pharsa while Four Eyes stowed the arrows straight to his space ring.
The twins stood nearby, Kim Kim shaking his head while Chin Chin giggled softly, whispering, “Papa is funny.”
As the final soldier stepped back, the pavilion was once again engulfed in a wave of celebration — the music swelled, the laughter deepened. The night continued with an energy that promised...
‘This was only the beginning.’
Upon returning home, the night’s lingering magic followed Ling Li and Four Eyes like a whispered secret. The soft glow of moonlight filtered through the grand estate, casting gentle silver strokes upon the floor. The moment they stepped through the doors, Ling Li barely had time to steady herself before Four Eyes swept her off her feet— literally.
In one swift, effortless motion, he carried her bridal style, cradling her securely against his chest.
Her vision spun for a brief second before she found herself gazing up at him, eyes wide, heart skipping in surprise.
"You—!" she started, but the words barely formed.
He said nothing, only smirked.
His grip was firm yet gentle, as if he was afraid to let go, afraid she would disappear like a fleeting dream if he loosened his hold even a fraction. The warmth of his embrace sent an undeniable shiver through her, an unfamiliar heat rising to her cheeks.
Ling Li’s heartbeat was wild, chaotic, erratic — yet, within his arms, she felt anchored.
The doors to their bedroom opened with a quiet creak, and without hesitation, Four Eyes crossed the threshold, stepping straight into their sanctuary.
With slow, deliberate movement, Four Eyes lowered Ling Li onto the massive bed, the silken sheets cool beneath her skin. His hands lingered a second longer than necessary before he finally pulled away, kneeling above her, watching her with an expression so intense it made her breath hitch.
Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken emotions.
Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, he spoke.
“Dear...” His tone was different tonight — softer, deeper, raw in a way that unraveled her completely.
“Thank you.” His fingers traced the edge of her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly over her skin, reverent. “I promise never to hurt you; I will only love you, protect you, and the children... with my life.” The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the nοvelfire.net
His words hung in the air, heavy and unshakable — a vow woven not just with promises, but with undeniable truth.