The morning mist had yet to clear from Xicheng.
A deafening string of firecrackers suddenly erupted outside the residential community.
Red paper scraps fluttered down, covering the road still dotted with patches of snow.
The wedding procession set off from the residential community.
In the top-floor presidential suite, the bridesmaids were already braced for battle.
The moment someone knocked, Zeng Haiyan's booming voice rang out from inside. "Where are the red envelopes, groom? You're not getting in without them!"
Without a word, Luo Bisheng slid thick red envelopes under the door, stack after stack.
It went quiet inside for a few seconds.
"Not enough! There aren't enough to go around," Li Lanxiang called out, egging them on.
Luo Bisheng took out another stack and pushed it under.
After another round of red envelopes, the door finally opened a crack.
The groomsmen surged forward and forced the door open. The women blocked the entryway, making Wang Xiaoliang swear all kinds of vows and sing a love song in front of everyone before finally letting him through.
After more than half an hour of commotion, Wang Xiaoliang finally squeezed into the inner room.
Wei Zijin sat upright on the wedding bed. Her scarlet gown made her skin look whiter than snow, and the phoenix embroidered in gold thread shimmered under the lights. Her makeup was exquisitely done today, with a huadian between her brows and vivid, luscious red lips.
Wang Xiaoliang dropped to one knee and offered her the bouquet.
Everyone around them chanted, "Kiss her! Kiss her!"
Wei Zijin's cheeks flushed as she accepted the bouquet.
Wang Xiaoliang bent down, swept his arms around her, and lifted her securely into his arms.
"You've gotten heavier." Wang Xiaoliang gave her a little bounce in his arms and leaned close to her ear