Gentle sunlight blanketed the lawn, and the breeze carried the faint fragrance of flowers through the air.
Yuzuriha and Taiju's wedding arrived right on schedule.
Nearly all their old friends from the Science Kingdom came, gathering on the sunlit lawn. Laughter and cheerful voices rose all around, filling the air with festive excitement.
Gen scanned the crowd, looking around until he soon spotted Li Xiang in a corner.
Rather than joining the lively crowd, she stood by the dessert table on her own, happily eating a little cream cake.
Gen's eyes lit up, and he walked over with light steps, his voice carrying its usual teasing, smooth tone.
"Well, well, well~ Little Li Xiang, long time no see."
Li Xiang turned at his voice, a dab of white cream still clinging to the corner of her mouth.
"Gen, long time no see."
Seeing the cream on her mouth, Gen smiled helplessly. He took a clean handkerchief from his pocket, leaned down slightly, and gently wiped it away for her.
The soft handkerchief brushed the corner of her lips in a natural, easy motion.
"Oh dear, you've got cream on your mouth, Little Li Xiang."
Li Xiang didn't pull away, quietly letting him wipe her face clean.
Just as he finished, footsteps sounded behind them.
Shrike made his way through the guests. The moment he saw Li Xiang, his eyes lit up with unmistakable delight.
"Long time no see, Li Xiang!"
"Long time no see, Shrike." Li Xiang smiled and reached out to shake his hand.
Before they had finished shaking hands, a figure came charging over.
With a broad, exuberant grin, Ryusui Nanami threw his arms around Li Xiang, nearly sending her stumbling back two steps with the force of his hug.
"Ha ha! Li Xiang! I have to say,