THE REAL PROTEGE

Thank the heavens that El Padre and El Capitan arrived when they did.

With the kind of quiet authority only immortal martial warriors could summon, they stepped into the fray. They halved the weight on everyone's shoulders.

El Padre handled the diplomatic families with his silver tongue and velvet gloves. At the same time, El Capitan patrolled the perimeter with his hawk-like gaze, fingertips always just inches from his concealed dagger. Wherever they appeared, the atmosphere steadied.

Still, on the evening before the wedding, Mushu leaned wearily against the hallway pillar, glancing at the others.

"If I didn't know better," he muttered, voice dry, "I'd say we were prepping for a royal coronation."

Shi Min, eyes dark-ringed, didn't look up from his device. "It is, Mushu. You just haven't realized it yet." He said with a chuckle.

Pharsa chuckled as well from a couch cushion she hadn't moved from in two hours. "We survive tonight, and we'll make it to the altar alive."

If not for El Padre passing out hot ginger tonic and El Capitan confiscating Shi Min's fourth caffeine patch, they really would've looked like panda-eyed ghosts in the official photos.

But for now, beneath the moonlit sky and blooming magnolias, everything was in place.

Tomorrow, the world would bear witness to a union carefully built in shadows — anchored in love, tempered in storms.

And behind the veil of glamour, the people who loved her were working until their bones ached, all so that when Ling Li stepped forward, the world would pause. And only she would shine.

==============

Finally, The Wedding Day: Let the Games Begin

The sky above the Ling estate was a soft watercolor of pale gold and rose, the sun still stretching itself awake. Yet the grounds below were already alive with vibrant motion. Crimson ribbons lined the hedges, firecrackers crackled against the stone courtyard, and golden mist swirled like celebratory smoke over the drive where the groom's motorcade roared into view.

A convoy of sleek black cars rolled in with polished aggression. At the lead — Four Eyes himself — dressed in a custom modern hanfu of bright red and golden embroidery, shoulders broad with purpose, jaw set with nerves and giddy determination.

Beside him in the groom's car sat Shi Min, composed and sharp in a matte charcoal jacket with jade buttonwork; Shun, arms crossed and smirking like he was prepared for war; Fatty, regal in his wheelchair, a crimson sash tied around his torso in celebration.

And behind them, Chatty was hyping up the rest of the entourage. "We're going to look good losing, boys — so let's lose in style!"

As they parked and stepped out, loud firecrackers exploded along both sides of the gate — a barrage of sounds that marked the arrival of the groom.

Smoke filled the air as bursts of red and gold confetti rained down from the upper balcony.

Inside the bridal chamber, excitement bloomed like fireworks.

Ren was already bouncing on her toes beside the tall lacquered screen where Ling Li sat with Pharsa, the two of them calm as still water — until Lily peeked through the door and squealed.

"They're here!" she announced with glee, spinning back into the room with her twin sisters Kim Kim and Chin Chin trailing behind her like twin hurricanes in tulle flower girl dresses.

Kim Kim declared proudly, "We'll guard Mommy!" Chin Chin followed with a firm nod, brandishing a plush toy like it was a divine weapon. "No one gets past us!"

Ling Li smiled faintly, dabbing a bit of rose balm on her lips as Pharsa adjusted her earrings. "Let them sweat a little," she said quietly, regal as ever.

Back at the front gate, the men assembled, holding red gift boxes and traditional satin pouches loaded with cash.

But the doors remained locked.

A voice filtered through the hidden mic in the entry intercom — cheeky, bright.

"State your purpose," Ren's voice demanded.

Four Eyes stepped forward. "I've come to collect my bride."

"Then prove you're worthy," Lily said in mock sternness.

Chatty leaned into Four Eyes. "This feels like an ambush."

"It is," muttered Shi Min.

Then came the challenges.

First: The Love Quiz. Four Eyes was forced to name Ling Li's favorite tea, her blood type, and what she once said in passing about how she preferred her noodles on a rainy night in Baguio. For every wrong answer, the red pocket offering had to grow fatter.

He flubbed two questions and was sent staggering backward by a confetti cannon.

Second: Declaration of Love — sung in chorus.

Fatty led with a ballad so heartfelt that even Lily choked back laughter, listening through the upstairs monitor. Chatty, on the other hand, performed a terribly off-tune rendition of "Endless Love" with fake tears and a rose stem in his mouth.

"That's enough torture," Pharsa muttered, shaking her head — but not stopping the games.

Third: The Strength Challenge.

Four Eyes, Shi Min, Chatty, and Shun were made to do 100 pushups — with Kim Kim and Chin Chin adding little satin pillows on Four Eyes' backs for "extra training." The twins shrieked with delight, counting loudly and giggling whenever someone's elbow wobbled.

And the final task: The Bride's Password.

Four Eyes stepped forward, handing over the thickest red envelope yet. "All these trials," he said breathlessly, "just to see her smile."

Ren peered from behind the ornate door screen. "Password?"

Four Eyes paused, then said quietly, "Qīng lúo yǔ — her favorite poem line."

A beat of silence.

Then click.

The doors parted.

And as petals floated from above, Four Eyes took his first step into the room, to where his bride waited, serene as moonlight, surrounded by laughter, family, and the faint scent of sandalwood and jasmine.

He had made it through the firecrackers, the games, and the red envelopes.

Now came the only prize he ever wanted — her hand in his.

The moment hung like a crystal on the edge of time — light glancing through, emotions refracting in all directions.

Four Eyes knelt gracefully, bouquet in hand, his gaze steady and unwavering. The vibrant reds and creamy magnolias in the bouquet mirrored the blooming warmth on his face, but behind his confidence was a heart pounding like a war drum.