She was pulled into his embrace the moment she turned to leave, his hands wrapping around her waist. "Let me see my A Wei again," he murmured.
With that, he leaned down and kissed her lips.
It seemed as though he could never get enough.
As his passionate lips descended, the faint scent of his cologne filled the air. The familiar fragrance caused Meng Jingwei's breath to quicken.
On such a joyous occasion, with the atmosphere so thick with emotion, a simple intimacy made her feel like she was losing control, surrendering to the moment.
Knock, knock, knock—
"Second Brother, are you ready?"
Just as they were lost in their tender moment, Tang Si's voice called out from outside the door.
Qing Muyue's movements paused, his expression turning grim. His handsome face creased with annoyance as he pulled Meng Jingwei out of the bedroom.
"Hurry up! The guests are waiting for you to toast them," Shi Ran urged from the side.
The group descended the stairs together and then moved through the wedding hall, table by table, offering toasts.
Music played in the hall, but it couldn't drown out the hubbub of the event.
After toasting several tables, they finally arrived at Qing Sihuai's table.
Qing Muyue raised his champagne glass and toasted his Uncle Qing Haoyu, Aunt Zhao Qing, Uncle Qing Dongkui, and Aunt Li Muzi. "Third Uncle, Third Aunt, Fifth Uncle, Fifth Aunt, thank you for coming to A Wei's and my wedding."
He clinked glasses with them, his voice gentle.
Even though these relatives had never been particularly fond of Qing Muyue in the past, today was his and Meng Jingwei's grand wedding. To avoid spoiling the beautiful atmosphere, he chose to let bygones be bygones for now.
Third Uncle Qing Haoyu sat in his seat and glanced at Meng Jingwei. "Muyue, you are still too young. I hope you won't regret this."
Third Aunt chimed in, "Meng Jingwei is indeed very beautiful, but the more beautiful a woman is, the more dangerous she is."
Fifth Aunt Li Muzi simply shot Meng Jingwei a glare. "I truly don't understand how you could fancy such an ill-bred woman. Thinking about how she hit me and your Fifth Uncle back then, I still can't get over it!"
Fifth Uncle Qing Dongkui snorted and drained his wine. "The Old Madam has been too lenient with you, and she's blinded you too. Otherwise, why would she support you two being together!"
Several of their cousins spoke up, trying to reason with them…
"Dad, don't talk nonsense. Today is cousin's wedding."
"Yes, Mom. I think Sister-in-law is refined and sensible, a perfect match for cousin."
"Oh, Third Uncle, Third Aunt, as long as my cousin likes her, isn't that enough?"
"Marriage is destined by heaven. I truly think they are a perfect match, talented man and beautiful woman."
"I think cousin Yuan Yuan is right."
…
The attitudes of some of the cousins were completely different. They stood up one after another, generously offering their blessings.
Qing Muyue, initially displeased by his uncles' words, his handsome face darkening instantly and preparing to tell them off, was held back by Meng Jingwei, who gently tugged his hand and gave him a stern look, signaling him not to act rashly.
Qing Muyue relented. He looked at his younger brothers and sisters and then turned to Meng Jingwei, introducing them one by one. "A Wei, this is Yuan Yuan, Yinuo, Qingning, and Lianqiao."
He then turned to the others and gestured towards Meng Jingwei. "Call her Sister-in-law."
Qing Muyue's father was the eldest of the siblings, making him the eldest among the cousins.
"Sister-in-law, wishing you and Eldest Brother a happy new marriage and many children soon."
"Happy newlywed life."
"May you always be happy."
"Sister-in-law is so beautiful, Eldest Brother is truly blessed."
…
They clinked glasses with Meng Jingwei. Meng Jingwei smiled gently and politely said, "Thank you all."
Then, the couple walked towards Qing Sihuai.
As Qing Sihuai was Qing Muyue's seventh uncle, his presence at the Qing family wedding was mandatory.
However, the uncle and nephew had an unspoken understanding. Perhaps out of consideration for the Old Madam, or for other reasons, Qing Sihuai made no further gestures at the wedding.