Imperfect Desires

Everyone around them was expecting a long speech from Darren but the man just summed it all up too soon giving everyone a complicated feeling. Then everyone's eyes trained on Xiu, waiting for her to start speaking.

Xiu just grinned at Darren and said, "Baobei, let's grow ugly together!"

"Pfft!"

"What the fuck?!"

"What was that?"

One could literally hear the burst of curses, laughter, or confusion around. But Xiu was completely unaffected as always. She knew her Baobei understood what she meant and that was all that mattered.

Darren also closed his eyes briefly before looking and nodding his head, "Let's do that." He knew she meant, let's grow old together having the wrinkly face, frail bodies, but still the same strong heart that beats only for each other. "As long as you don't leave this hand again, I won't let it go."

Xiu grinned foolishly, "Then you promise you'll watch every sunset with me." 

"Only sunset?" he questioned. "What about sunrise?"

Xiu sheepishly looked around, "I'm a lazy potato, you know I won't be able to catch up with the sunrise. Even if you drag me out of bed, I'd still not be saying hi to the sun so early in the morning. But I don't mind saying goodbye to the sun in the evening."

Darren nodded in understanding, "Let's do that then. We'll watch every sunset."

"What kind of aspirations is that?" came Nora's voice from behind Xiu. "Watching the sunset every day? Won't you both get bored of the repetitive pattern?"

Xiu glared at her best friend before turning her head back and saying, "It won't be boring. It'll be just as special as it is today!" And then Xiu's eyes followed the fading orange hues of the sun on the horizon. Today, the sunset was just too special to her. 

"Maybe I should have just gone with the traditional vows," they heard Jing Ge's lamenting voice. "You both are so not following the script here.

Both Darren and Xiu didn't even look embarrassed as they faced him. Jing Ge shook his head at them and continued, "Let's exchange the rings."

Xiu looked at Jackie who stepped up with the rings. Xiu gave Jackie a once-over before passing him an appreciative gaze. Jackie was pleased to see that.

Everyone stood up to clap when they exchanged the rings.

"Okay, let's end it here," said Jing Ge.

Xiu gaped at him in disbelief, "Uncle Jing, you skipped the most important part."

"Did I?" Jing Ge feigned ignorance. "I don't think so."

"You definitely did!" urged Xiu. "I didn't kiss my husband yet!"

Jing Ge laughed out, "You're certainly one of a kind bride!" Xiu puffed up her cheeks and pouted with an aggrieved look. "Don't give me that." He looked at Darren and waved his hand, "I pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride now."

Darren wrapped a hand around Xiu's waist and pulled her close before putting his lips against hers. However, the kiss didn't continue for long. Although he was reluctant to part, he still managed to do so since he didn't want to continue before all of their family members. 

Hearing the sniffling sound, Francesca turned her head and looked at Zhou Xichen who seemed to be crying. Although no tears actually fell out, his nose was red and he was sniffling. Anyone would say he was crying right now.

Francesca's face twitched when she saw that and slapped Zhou Xichen's thigh, "I didn't invite you here to embarrass me. Stop crying!"

Zhou Xichen pointed at Zhao Huan, "She is also crying!"

"She is the mother of the bride!"

"Well, I'm the father of the groom!"

"Aren't you ashamed as a man to cry?"

"No!" retorted Zhou Xichen as he continued to look affectionately at the newlyweds. This could be considered the very first time he got to be a part of something important in Darren's life. Even though he was the father, he had only been a father in name. He never even got to spend a single special day with his son.

So, today was indeed quite precious to him. And he really didn't care if his image collapsed. He was feeling overjoyed. 

Francesca turned her face away and decided not to pay attention to him. 

On the other side, both Xin Zimen and Xin Zemin were also lamenting...

"Why do daughters grow up so fast?"

"I know, right? It just felt like yesterday I found her and today, I have to walk her down the aisle."

"I would have never let her get married if it wasn't Regan standing there as her life partner."

"Well, we can be reassured with him there."

"Daddy's Princess can't stay a Princess forever. She needs to become someone's Queen."

"Why are you getting so deep, Xiao Zi?"

"Who is talking to you?"

"You just had a conversation with me."

"No, I didn't. I was just talking to myself."

Saying that Xin Zimen even walked farther away from his brother. While Xin Zemin was left staring at his back in disbelief. 

As soon as Xiu and Darren were done with taking blessings from the elders, Nora tugged Xiu away saying, "Let's throw the bouquet! Let's throw the bouquet!"

"Are you that eager to be the next?" asked Xiu.

Nora nodded her head without any hesitation, "Of course, I am!" She leaned closer and whispered, "You make a good throw later on. I must catch that bouquet today!"

"You know even if you catch it, there is no guarantee that you'd be the next one to get married," reminded Xiu.

"You keep your logic to yourself!" She took a pause and added, "I must have this today. I have to win."

Xiu shook her head and took her place as she turned her head to look back at the crowd gathered behind her.

"Xiao Bobo, what the hell are you doing there?"

Han Bohai grinned at Xiu, "I'm increasing the chances of our win."

Xiu laughed out and turned back saying, "Okay then. Take your position, here I come!" With those words, she launched the bouquet into the air.