At home, Shen Ning stood before the mirror in her bedroom.
The dress Qin Yuheng had chosen for her was nothing short of breathtaking. A deep, midnight blue, the fabric shimmered in the light as though it had captured the essence of the night sky itself. The gown was crafted from luxurious silk satin, smooth and almost liquid in its flow, hugging her form in all the right places.
She finished with a subtle touch of makeup, a soft, natural look that enhanced her features without being too bold. A glance at her reflection made her feel a little more composed.
Qin Yuheng wrapped his hand around her waist from behind and looked at their reflection in the mirror. They both had their wedding rings on their fingers. Qin Yuheng had worn his ring every day since the moment she had put it on him. Shen Ning only wore hers when she had somewhere important to go, and today was one of those occasions.
He stood behind her, his tailored suit a perfect match for the night, sharp and elegant, the same color as hers.
His lips curved into a smile.
"How do I look?" she asked softly, turning her head slightly to catch his eye, a trace of nervousness in her voice.
"Breathtaking," he whispered, his breath warm against her ear. "Just one more thing."
He pulled a small, delicate necklace from his pocket, the pendant gleaming softly in the light. With gentle hands, he fastened it around her neck, his fingers brushing her skin and sending a shiver down her spine.
"I no longer want to take you there," he murmured, his tone suddenly more possessive.
Shen Ning raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Why?"
"There will be so many men present. I don't want them to see your stunning look." He pouted and said in a low voice.
"I will only look at you."
Qin Yuheng's face softened, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he looked down at her. Together, they stood there in the quiet of their bedroom, a perfect picture of elegance and love.
"Let's go." He took her hand, and together, they left the house.
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The hotel Qin Yuheng had booked was the Shangri-La Hotel in Beijing, renowned for its stunning night views from the top floors.
By the time they arrived, it was past six o'clock.
Qin Yuheng parked the car, swiftly exiting and walked around to help Shen Ning out.
As soon as she stepped out of the car, he gently covered her eyes with his hands. "Don't look. I'll lead you the way."
Shen Ning's heart raced in her chest. "Okay," she whispered, intrigued but also nervous.
A service attendant opened the main doors for them, guiding them into the grand lobby. The floor beneath their feet was smooth and polished, reflecting the soft glow of the chandeliers above.
When they reached the center of the room, Qin Yuheng slowly removed his hands from her eyes. "Open your eyes."
A chorus of voices rang out in unison. "Happy birthday!"
Shen Ning blinked in surprise.
Her parents, her closest friends—Lu Nan, Yun Xi, and Xu Xie—along with Grandpa Qin, Qin Yuheng's parents, Qin Yang, and his friends—Fu Sinan, Leng Jing, Huo Siang, Linna… Even Shi Xiao was there, along with a few unfamiliar faces.
The lobby was decorated beautifully, draped with elegant, shimmering lights, and soft, floral arrangements filled the space. The colors of the decorations matched the theme of the evening—luxurious and warm, with a touch of intimate charm. A large cake stood at the center, surrounded by candles and sparkling decorations. It was a celebration fit for royalty, yet it was all for her.
Shen Ning's gaze shifted to the cake, and her breath caught in her throat.
It was a Princess-style cake, towering and magnificent, with layers of soft pastel pink and white fondant that cascaded down like a silky gown. Each layer was decorated with intricate sugar flowers—roses, peonies, and delicate lilacs—arranged so delicately that they seemed to come alive. Tiny flecks of gold dust gave the flowers an ethereal glow, and at the top of the cake, a miniature sugar crown sparkled in the dim light, its beauty rivaling that of a fairy tale.
She couldn't believe her eyes. It was a creation that was both grand and graceful, an extravagant yet heartfelt gesture.
Shen Ning felt a warmth spread through her chest, a mix of love, surprise, and deep gratitude for the man who had created such a breathtaking celebration.
✧\(>o<)ﾉ✧