THE REAL PROTEGE

"Ling, Honey…" Four Eyes' voice cracked slightly despite the smile. "Will you marry me?"

The room went still.

Even the giggling twins, Kim Kim and Chin Chin, paused mid-twirl. Lily clasped both hands over her mouth; Ren had frozen mid-whisper; Pharsa looked like her breath had caught just beneath her ribs.

Ling Li didn't speak right away.

She just stared down at her groom.

Not cold, not uncertain — but mesmerized, as if his voice had cut through every defense she had ever constructed.

There was astonishment in her eyes — rare and wild, like she was watching a star fall just for her.

Seconds passed.

Each one echoed like a gong in Four Eyes' skull.

Thirty seconds.

The longest of his life.

Then, finally, Ling Li nodded, eyes still holding his.

"Yes, I will marry you." She said, teary-eyed.

Four Eyes didn't waste a heartbeat.

He stood in one clean motion — and, without warning, scooped Ling Li up into his arms with a grin that split into a laugh when she gasped, stunned.

"Chu Yan!" she exclaimed, hands gripping his collar.

But Ling Li's laughter burst through in the next breath.

Her vision spun in a graceful 360° as he turned with her, bridal style, striding across the polished marble like he was walking out of battle, victorious.

The entire house erupted in cheers.

The Kim Kim and Chin Chin squealed with glee and followed at full sprint, flower skirts bouncing behind them. Chatty fist-pumped so hard he nearly knocked over a vase. Ren and Lily cheered loudly for their mother, enough to shake the chandeliers. Pharsa — ever composed — allowed herself a quiet smile as she gathered the train of Ling Li's gown like a general tending to her queen.

Petals rained from the second-floor balcony. Traditional instruments swelled to life. The white limousine glided away from the mansion like a pearl-hulled vessel cutting through golden morning mist. Inside, Four Eyes held Ling Li tenderly in his arms, her veil cascading over his sleeve, her lips parted in astonishment that hadn't yet caught up to her smile.

Outside, the world was already watching.

A convoy of sleek luxury cars followed each one, a symbol of quiet dominance. Black sedans with diplomatic plates, custom Rolls-Royces, gold-rimmed sports cars wrapped in wedding ribbons — it wasn't a procession. It was a declaration.

As they turned onto the avenue leading to the heart of the city, bystanders paused on sidewalks, mouths agape, watching the bridal motorcade as if royalty had returned from exile.

The towering silhouette of the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception rose ahead like a sanctified crown, its ancient stones bathed in morning light. Bells rang from its high spire — not just ceremonial, but thunderous, proud. The sound echoed down the boulevard like a call to witness the extraordinary.

The cathedral was packed.

Not a single pew was unclaimed.

Guests stood shoulder to shoulder — political leaders, heads of conglomerates, martial family elders, and society's most elusive names. The fragrance of white gardenias and thousand-year peonies floated through the arches. Camerapersons scrambled discreetly behind velvet curtains to capture history in the making.

And when the white limo pulled up before the cathedral's marbled steps, the noise outside fell away.

The driver opened the rear door.

Four Eyes stepped out first, straightening his tailored jacket. Then, with practiced care, he reached inside and lifted Ling Li out once more, the bride in his arms, to the stunned delight of everyone watching.

Gasps broke into applause. Even the iron-hearted El Capitan at the cathedral doors couldn't help the faint smirk that tugged at his lips.

Ling Li looked out across the sea of faces, stone columns, and vaulted light. None of it frightened her.

She had faced assassins, betrayal, dark arts — but this…

This was hers…

The beginning of something no longer hidden.

At the top of the steps, Shi Min and Shun waited with solemn nods, flanked by gold-robed clergy and twin girls holding baskets of orchids.

And just like that, under the ceremonial arches etched with ancient calligraphy, the bride and groom crossed the threshold — not just into a cathedral, but into a chapter that would change everything.

The Cathedral Ceremony

The doors of the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception glinted under the light of a thousand crystals. Inside, the air shimmered with anticipation. Gold-trimmed ribbons crowned each pew, while pale orchids and white lotuses overflowed from marble vases placed between columns that stretched toward the heavens, painted with saints and stars.

An orchestra near the altar stirred to life. Soft notes of a classical overture threaded through the air like a whisper of fate.

Then, the cathedral doors parted once more, and the groom's procession began.

Chu Yan, known as Four Eyes, stepped into view, flanked by his closest companions.

Four Eyes wore a tailored dove - white suit with silver embroidery that caught the light with each movement, the design subtly echoing the phoenix that adorned Ling Li's gown — a silent promise that they were already in sync.

To his right was Shi Min, eyes cool, precision in every step. To his left, Shun, chin high, exuding confidence with a protective edge. Just behind them came Fatty, wheeled gracefully by a junior attendant, his ceremonial crimson sash and proud smile stealing hearts with every inch forward. Then Chatty couldn't help but throw a wink at the guests, subtly adjusting his boutonnière like he was walking a red carpet rather than the aisle.

Whispers scattered softly through the pews, phones discreetly tucked away, all eyes drawn to the strength of the groom's circle — each man walking not behind him but beside him.

As Four Eyes reached the altar, he stood tall, hands trembling just enough to betray the storm behind his calm. His eyes fixed on the cathedral doors ahead, waiting.

And then the music changed.

The strings grew fuller, sweeping upward into a swell of heartbeats.

The entourage procession had begun.

Pharsa stepped forward first, dignified and regal, her silver-hued gown rippling like tempered moonlight. Her shoulders were drawn back, her spine tall, the embodiment of silent strength. She did not just walk beside Ling Li — she carried her loyalty in every stride, the weight of decades distilled into one vow of sisterhood and unshakable presence.