Far from her restaurant, far from Yunzhou, Ji Yuxuan was on her way to the rainy city of Jingyuan to attend a wedding. She supposed she could call the bride her best friend. During their university years in London, they had grown close, sharing late-night conversations, quiet confessions, and the kind of companionship that gently filled the empty spaces in one's life without demanding too much in return.
Ji Yuxuan's Porsche came to a smooth stop along a quiet stretch of beach. Gentle waves lapped against the shore as a white speedboat pulled up beside the wooden dock. Ji Yuxuan stepped out carefully, lifting the hem of her soft blue dress to keep it from brushing the water. The sea breeze caught the flowing fabric, tugging at it lightly as though testing her composure. Within minutes, the small island where the ceremony was to be held came into view, resting against the horizon like a painting framed by sky and sea.
Upon arrival, Ji Yuxuan entered the wedding venue without hesitation. Soft music drifted through the air, blending with the distant rhythm of the waves and the whisper of wind. Guests filled the seaside pavilion, their laughter rising and falling in gentle waves of its own. Ji Yuxuan stood quietly, waiting for the bride to make her entrance.
She moved with effortless grace. The pale blue gown she wore swayed lightly with each step, its off-shoulder design delicately framing her collarbones. Layers of sheer fabric fell in fluid lines, giving her silhouette an air of quiet refinement. A subtle necklace rested against her throat, catching the sunlight and casting a faint shimmer that enhanced her natural elegance.
Within moments, the surrounding conversations softened. Eyes turned toward Ji Yuxuan almost instinctively. It was not that she sought attention, but that her presence alone commanded it.
Whispers rippled among the guests.
"Which family does she belong to?"
"She is stunning. What a perfect daughter-in-law she would make."
"Her skin looks so fair. She seems so refined."
"Who is she? A close relative of the bride?"
The murmurs continued until a woman cleared her throat dramatically and approached with quick, lively steps.
"Yuyu! So you finally descended from your mountain retreat. Which heavenly god convinced you to attend?" the woman exclaimed, looping her arm through Ji Yuxuan's with theatrical affection.
The woman was Xu Jialing, the youngest daughter of the Xu family, whose ties with the Ji family had always been cordial. Xu Jialing had studied with Ji Yuxuan in London. Together with Qiao Anran, the bride of the day, the three of them had once shared the same dormitory and countless memories.
"Xu Jialing, calm yourself," Ji Yuxuan murmured softly, aware that more eyes had turned toward them.
Xu Jialing only laughed before guiding Ji Yuxuan toward the Qiao family.
Mr. and Mrs. Qiao greeted Ji Yuxuan warmly.
"Xuanxuan, I heard you opened a restaurant in Yunzhou. How is business?" Mrs. Qiao asked eagerly.
"It's going well, Auntie," Ji Yuxuan replied in her usual concise manner.
Mrs. Qiao beamed and affectionately held Ji Yuxuan's arm.
"And… do you have a boyfriend yet?" she asked with unmistakable curiosity.
Ji Yuxuan offered a faint smile and gently shook her head.
Mr. and Mrs. Qiao exchanged pleased glances, as though the answer carried a quiet promise.
Xu Jialing leaned closer and whispered teasingly, "As always, you remain the top candidate to become Ranran's sister-in-law."
Ji Yuxuan did not respond. She simply shifted her gaze toward the sea.
Soon, Qiao Anran made her way toward the altar. Qiao Anran looked radiant in her white gown, happiness shining across her face. Beside her stood Qiao Anyu, poised and striking in his tailored suit.
The ceremony unfolded beautifully beneath the open sky. When it came time for the bouquet toss, Xu Jialing rushed forward, competing eagerly with the other guests. Fortune favored her. The bouquet landed squarely in Xu Jialing's hands.
With a delighted cry, Xu Jialing threw her arms around Ji Yuxuan.
"Yuyu! It seems you'll be attending another wedding this year."
"Oh no, you should be planning yours too. We must all get married this year," Xu Jialing added enthusiastically.
"Planning what? Do you think this is some annual event?" Qiao Anran chimed in as she approached from behind, wrapping her arms around Ji Yuxuan.
"Still, I agree. You should meet your destined man soon," Qiao Anran teased with a playful smile.
Ji Yuxuan merely sighed softly.
"Speaking of annual events, I'm inviting both of you to my restaurant's New Year celebration," Ji Yuxuan said, smoothly changing the subject.
"Oh? And what happens if I don't attend, Boss Ji?" Qiao Anran asked mischievously.
"That's fine. Focus on your honeymoon."
The calm response left Qiao Anran briefly speechless before she burst into laughter. Xu Jialing joined in, linking arms with her.
"Boss Ji is so understanding."
The two women laughed freely while Ji Yuxuan simply shook her head, choosing not to indulge their teasing any further.
The celebration continued into the evening. More guests arrived as decorative lights illuminated the shoreline, casting golden reflections across the water. Ji Yuxuan glanced at her watch. It was getting late.
Before leaving, Ji Yuxuan presented her wedding gift to Qiao Anran and offered her congratulations once more. She bid farewell to the Qiao family as well. At the dock, Xu Jialing clung to her in mock protest before finally pulling Ji Yuxuan into one last tight embrace.
As the speedboat pulled away from the island, Ji Yuxuan stood quietly, allowing the night wind to brush against her hair and the hem of her dress.
It had been a good day.
Ji Yuxuan had reunited with the two women who once filled the quiet emptiness of her days in London.
Two friends who had been small but steady lights during one of the loneliest chapters of her life.