Not long after waiting, someone called for the third number. Shuai Chang and Anqiluo exchanged a glance and stepped into the registration hall with their number cards, while Yalin and Shazuo stood off to the side to observe.
The officiant collected their identification and then asked, “Do you both willingly agree to marry?”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
The officiant nodded, “Will it be a marriage or an adoption?”
“Adoption,” Shuai Chang replied.
The officiant held a book and said, “Today, under the witness of the Beast God Mins, Adonis O’Brien is willing to join the Anqiluo Niges family as a groom and will henceforth be known as Adonis O’Brien Niges. Please exchange rings.”
Yalin and Shazuo held the rings, standing beside Shuai Chang and Anqiluo.
Shuai Chang threaded the ring through a silver chain and placed it around Anqiluo’s neck, and Anqiluo did the same.
The officiant smiled and nodded in satisfaction. “Now, let the relatives speak.”
“First, we invite Mr. Yalin, the relative of Adonis O’Brien Niges, to share a few words.”
Yalin’s eyes reddened with excitement as he spoke, “In my heart, Adonis is the strongest male beastman. He loves helping the weak and is a kind-hearted male beastman, and on top of that, he is very handsome! There’s no denying that Adonis is a prominent figure on campus. I am very happy that Adonis and Anqiluo are getting married today. Anyone who sees them together would think they are a perfect match, and indeed they are. They love each other, care for each other, and are the most important people in each other’s lives. Witnessing this union of love, I can only say: I wish you both happiness.” By the end of his speech, Yalin’s eyes were already filled with tears.
“Next, we invite Mr. Shazuo, the relative of Anqiluo Niges, to share his thoughts.”
Shazuo, with tightly clenched hands, remarked, “From the moment I met Anqiluo, I felt he was the perfect female beastman: his gentle personality, his thoughtfulness for others, and his desire to care for people. His virtues are too numerous to recount in a single day. Now, the perfect Anqiluo is getting married, and I am genuinely happy for him because I know that Adonis is also a great male beastman who will protect Anqiluo every day moving forward. While I wish you both happiness, I would like to make a request—may your future baby recognize me as their godfather.”
Shuai Chang looked at Anqiluo’s radiant smile, feeling as though honey was overflowing in his heart, filled with sweetness.
The officiant announced, “I declare that Adonis and Anqiluo are now united as partners, bound to each other for life.”
“Please, Mr. Anqiluo Niges, throw the bouquet representing your blessings.”
Standing with his back to them, Anqiluo gently tossed the bouquet, immediately hearing Shazuo’s cheers. Turning around, he found Yalin and Shazuo each holding a side of the bouquet.
Anqiluo looked at Shuai Chang, who smiled and kissed him lightly on the lips.
Yalin quickly released his hold, and the bouquet fell into Shazuo’s hands.
Yalin felt a bit anxious, hoping that Shazuo hadn’t heard the officiant call his name earlier.
On the way back, Shazuo, embracing the bouquet, looked very happy, laughing without asking about Yalin’s name, nor sharing his own thoughts.
This was unusual behavior for the chatty Shazuo.
Yalin tried to lower his presence, tucking his neck in, feeling both anxious and stifled.
He was the one who was rejected. Why was it that in the end, Shazuo seemed fine, while he remained lost in the past?
Summoning his courage, Yalin said to Shazuo, “Shazuo, I didn’t do anything wrong!”
Shazuo looked up in confusion, his eyes blank, then noticed the bouquet in his hand. “Yalin, do you want the bouquet too?”
Shazuo called him Yalin, indicating he had not been exposed.
Yalin let out a sigh of relief. “Shazuo, I mean, you look great with that bouquet.”
Shazuo’s lips curved up, his eyes narrowing into crescent shapes. “I’ve already started to imagine my wedding.”
“With your ex-boyfriend?” Yalin’s heart sank impulsively.
“Yalin?” Shazuo’s eyes flashed with confusion.
“Sorry.” Yalin said regretfully, “Driver, please pull over.”
The taxi came to a slow stop, and Yalin opened the door and left without looking back.
Anqiluo looked out the window worriedly. “Adonis, do you think Yalin will be okay?”
Shuai Chang sat up straight and patted Anqiluo’s shoulder. “Don’t worry; Yalin is at least a six-star comprehensive male beastman. He can handle himself, even if he walks alone in the dark forest.”
Anqiluo glanced at Shazuo in the rearview mirror, noticing his friend’s lips pressed into a thin line, emotions swirling in his eyes.
“Shazuo, do you know about Yalin…?”
“Anqiluo, please just drop me off at my door. I don’t want to talk right now.” A hint of exhaustion crept into Shazuo’s eyes; heaven only knew how much control it took to hold back questions about Yalin’s name.
The car remained silent for half an hour, finally stopping outside Shazuo’s villa. As Shazuo reached for the door, Shuai Chang said, “I believe there’s been a misunderstanding between you two. No matter what it is, it’s better to clear it up so there are no regrets in your hearts.”
Shazuo paused for a moment and nodded, “Thank you for bringing me back. Congratulations on your marriage.”
Anqiluo got out and gave Shazuo a hug. “Shazuo, I am your forever friend.”
“I know; you are my forever friend too, Anqiluo. See you when school starts, dear.” Shazuo kissed Anqiluo on the cheek before turning to enter the villa.
Anqiluo joined Shuai Chang in the backseat and leaned his head on Shuai Chang’s shoulder. “Adonis.”
“You’re mistaken; call me ‘Husband.’”
Anqiluo’s face flushed. “…Husband.”
Shuai Chang laughed. “Wife.”
#
Before school started, Yalin overcame his internal barriers and registered a new QQ account to add Shazuo.
Although his family wasn’t wealthy, having a computer was a must; otherwise, how could he have had an online romance with Shazuo last year?
On Shazuo’s side, it seemed he had been waiting at the computer, as Yalin’s friend request was approved the moment he sent it.