Not long afterward, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly changed as the music softened and the lights focused on the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please!" the host announced enthusiastically through the microphone. "Tonight, we have gathered to celebrate a very special occasion—the first wedding anniversary of Mr. Duan Hai and his beautiful wife, Yue Ning! Let us give them a warm round of applause!"
The hall immediately erupted in applause.
I turned toward the entrance, curious to see when the two hosts would finally appear.
A moment later, the doors opened, and Yue Ning entered with her husband, Duan Hai.
Yue Ning immediately caught everyone's attention.
She wore an elegant, champagne-colored evening gown that complemented her figure beautifully. The dress fitted her slender waist before flowing gracefully over her hips, while its delicate neckline revealed her smooth, fair skin. Her long, dark hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, framing a beautiful face with delicate features and bright, expressive eyes. Her makeup was subtle but refined, enhancing her natural beauty without making her look overly glamorous.
Her skin appeared smooth and radiant beneath the warm lights, while her graceful posture and confident steps gave her an air of elegance. Although she was surrounded by extravagantly dressed guests, she stood out effortlessly. There was a natural charm about her that made it difficult to look away.
Beside her stood Duan Hai, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit with a crisp white shirt and a dark tie. He was a handsome man with neatly styled hair, well-defined features, and a tall, well-proportioned build. His polished shoes and understated luxury watch added to his refined appearance.
Unlike Yue Ning's graceful elegance, Duan Hai carried himself with the confidence of someone accustomed to being in the company of wealthy and influential people. His smile was relaxed, and he occasionally turned toward his wife to exchange a few words, appearing attentive and comfortable beside her.
Together, they made an impressive couple.
"Look at those two," my mom whispered with a smile. "They really do look wonderful together."
I nodded. "They certainly know how to make an entrance."
Yue Ran glanced at me before turning her attention back to her younger sister. A faint smile appeared on her usually composed face as she watched Yue Ning walk into the hall.
Meanwhile, the host continued introducing the couple, offering congratulations and wishing them many more years of happiness together.
"Please join me in congratulating our wonderful couple on their first anniversary! May their love grow stronger with every passing year, and may their future be filled with happiness, prosperity, and countless beautiful memories!"
Another wave of applause swept through the hall.
Yue Ning smiled gracefully at the guests, occasionally waving in acknowledgment. Duan Hai stood beside her, thanking people who called out their congratulations.
As they approached the stage, the warm lights illuminated them against the elaborate floral backdrop. Cameras flashed from different corners of the hall as guests captured the moment.
Watching them, I couldn't help smiling.
A year of marriage had passed, and tonight, surrounded by family and friends, Yue Ning and Duan Hai appeared to be enjoying the happiness that came with this special milestone.
At least for the moment, everything seemed perfect.
Just as the applause began to fade, the lights in the hall gradually dimmed.
The guests turned toward the enormous screen behind the stage, where a short video began to play.
Soft music filled the hall, and the first image appeared on the screen. It was a photograph of Yue Ning as a little girl, standing beside Yue Ran in what looked like their family home. Yue Ning had a bright smile on her face, while her older sister stood beside her with an unusually gentle expression.
A few guests chuckled when the next series of childhood photographs appeared.
There was Yue Ning wearing a school uniform, Yue Ning celebrating her birthday, and Yue Ning posing with Yue Ran during a family trip. Some pictures showed the sisters hugging each other, while others captured Yue Ning playfully making faces at the camera.
As the years passed, the little girl in the photographs gradually grew into the beautiful woman standing on the stage.
Then the video shifted to another chapter of her life.
A young Duan Hai appeared on the screen for the first time. There were photographs of the two of them meeting, spending time together, and eventually becoming a couple. One picture showed them sitting beside each other in a café, while another captured them walking hand in hand beneath a row of trees.
The music grew softer as the video moved on to their wedding day.
Yue Ning appeared in a magnificent white wedding dress, standing beside Duan Hai in his wedding suit. They exchanged rings, smiled at each other, and finally sealed their vows with a kiss as their families and friends celebrated around them.
The screen showed more photographs from their wedding, followed by moments from their first year of marriage. There were pictures of them traveling together, celebrating festivals, sharing meals, and enjoying quiet moments at home.
Nothing particularly extravagant appeared in those final photographs. They were simply two people sharing their lives, one day at a time.
Yet somehow, those ordinary moments made the video even more touching.
The hall had grown unusually quiet.
I glanced at my parents and noticed that my mom was already wiping tears from the corners of her eyes. My dad, who usually maintained a composed expression, was staring at the screen with reddened eyes.
Beside me, Yue Ran had also fallen silent.
Her gaze remained fixed on her younger sister's childhood photographs. The woman who usually appeared so cold and unapproachable was now struggling to hold back her tears.
I gently reached for her hand.
She didn't look at me, but her fingers immediately tightened around mine.
"She's grown up so quickly," Yue Ran whispered.
Her voice trembled slightly.
I turned toward her and saw tears rolling down her cheeks.
For Yue Ran, Yue Ning was more than just a younger sister. She was the little girl she had watched grow up, the child she had protected and cared for through countless years. She had witnessed Yue Ning's childish mischief, her youthful dreams, her first love, and finally, the day she married the man she had chosen to spend her life with. Read the latest chapters at g.com.
And now, that little girl was celebrating her first wedding anniversary.
Time had passed so quickly that even Yue Ran, who was usually so strong and composed, couldn't help feeling overwhelmed.
I understood their feelings. Watching someone grow from a child into an adult could make even the happiest occasion bittersweet. There was joy in seeing Yue Ning build her own family, but there was also the realization that the days of her childhood had become memories.
Yue Ran took a quiet breath and wiped her cheeks.
"If only Mom and Dad could see this," she whispered.
I knew immediately whom she meant.
Her parents couldn't attend the celebration because they lived on an extremely remote island, far from the city. Reaching their home required traveling by boat, and the journey was neither quick nor easy. Given the distance and the circumstances, they hadn't been able to come.
Yue Ran had always been close to her parents, especially when it came to matters concerning Yue Ning. I could only imagine how much she wished they could be here tonight, watching their youngest daughter celebrate this milestone.
"They would be very proud of her," I whispered reassuringly.
Yue Ran nodded, though her eyes remained fixed on the screen.
"I know. I just wish they could see how beautiful she looks tonight."
I gently squeezed her hand.
"They'll see the photographs and video afterward. And you can tell them everything about tonight."
She managed a small smile.
On the stage, Yue Ning had also begun wiping her eyes. She leaned closer to Duan Hai, who put an arm around her shoulders and whispered something that made her smile through her tears.
The video continued until it reached its final sequence.
A photograph of Yue Ning and Duan Hai standing together on their wedding day appeared on the screen. They were smiling at each other, their hands clasped together, looking like a couple who had an entire lifetime of happiness ahead of them.
The music gradually softened.
Then the photograph faded to black.
For a moment, the screen remained completely dark.
The guests waited, assuming the video had ended.
But suddenly, a small golden light appeared in the center of the screen.
A gentle melody began playing again, accompanied by the sound of a heartbeat.
Several guests exchanged curious glances.
"What is that?" someone whispered.
A moment later, elegant golden lettering appeared against the dark background.
ONE YEAR OF LOVE. ONE YEAR OF HAPPINESS. AND NOW, A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS.
The hall fell silent.
I frowned slightly, wondering what the organizers had prepared.
The words slowly faded, replaced by a short video clip.
At first, it showed Yue Ning and Duan Hai sitting together on a sofa. With a gentle smile, Yue Ning presented her husband with a small gift box, while Duan Hai watched her curiously, unaware of the surprise she had prepared for him.
He lifted the lid.
Inside was a pair of tiny white baby shoes.
The hall erupted in surprised murmurs.
Duan Hai stared at the shoes in disbelief before slowly looking up at Yue Ning. She smiled at him, her eyes filled with affection, and gently placed a hand over her stomach.
The video froze on that moment.
Then, beneath their photograph, a final message appeared in large, elegant letters.
A LITTLE MIRACLE IS ON THE WAY.
For one heartbeat, nobody seemed to understand what they were seeing.
Then the next line appeared.
CONGRATULATIONS TO YUE NING AND DUAN HAI!
YOU'RE GOING TO BE PARENTS!
"What?!"
"She's pregnant?"
"Congratulations!"
The guests immediately began congratulating one another, their voices filling the room. Some stood up to get a better look at the screen, while others raised their phones to capture the announcement.
My eyes widened in surprise.
I turned toward Yue Ran, who was staring at the screen with her mouth slightly open.
For a moment, she looked as though she couldn't believe what she had just seen.
Then she covered her mouth with one hand.
"Yue Ning..." she whispered.
Tears filled her eyes again, but this time, they were tears of pure joy.
My mom was already crying openly.
"Oh, my goodness! She's going to have a baby!"
My dad laughed, his eyes still moist. "That little girl is going to be a mother now."
Yi Cheng, who had been quietly watching the screen, tugged at my sleeve.
"Daddy, what does that mean? Is Aunt Yue Ning going to have a baby?"
I smiled and patted his head.
"That's right, little rascal. You're going to have a little cousin."
His eyes immediately lit up.
"Can I play with the baby?"
"Of course," I replied, laughing softly. "But you'll have to wait until the baby is born."
Meanwhile, on the stage, Yue Ning was visibly overwhelmed by the reaction. She turned toward Duan Hai, who took her hand and raised it gently for everyone to see.
The host quickly stepped forward, his face beaming with excitement.
"Well, ladies and gentlemen, it seems we have an even bigger reason to celebrate tonight! Please join me in congratulating Mr. Duan and Mrs. Duan on this wonderful news. Not only are they celebrating their first wedding anniversary, but they're also preparing to welcome a new member into their family!"
Another wave of applause swept through the hall.
Duan Hai leaned toward Yue Ning and whispered something in her ear. She smiled, then nodded as he gently embraced her.
The sight brought another round of cheers from the guests.
Yue Ran could no longer remain seated.
She stood up immediately, wiping away her tears as she looked toward the stage.
"That's my little sister," she murmured, her voice trembling with pride. "She's going to be a mother."
I stood beside her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"Congratulations, Auntie Yue Ran," I teased softly.
She turned toward me and gave me a watery glare.
"Don't call me that."
I laughed.
"But it's true. You're going to be an aunt."
She tried to maintain her usual stern expression, but it lasted barely a second before she smiled again.
Then she looked back at Yue Ning, her eyes shining with happiness.
For Yue Ran, the evening had already been meaningful enough. She had watched her beloved younger sister celebrate the first year of her marriage, surrounded by people who cared about her.
Now, there was another life to celebrate, another little person who would soon become part of their family.
I held Yue Ran's hand as the applause continued around us.
Earlier that afternoon, my mind had been troubled by what I had witnessed involving Yi Luoli. The questions were still there, waiting for answers.
But at that moment, watching my wife smile through her tears as she celebrated her younger sister's happiness, I decided to set those worries aside once more.
Tonight belonged to Yue Ning and Duan Hai.
And their first wedding anniversary had just become a night their family would remember for the rest of their lives.