Chapter Ninety-Five: The Grand Wedding

The latest chapter of The Magnate’s Star...

As the New Year’s bells rang out and the world rejoiced together, bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new, the entire city was shaken not by the holiday itself, but by a grand wedding banquet. The immensely powerful Huo family had abandoned its usual low profile; the celebration was vast and magnificent, broadcast live by the media from beginning to end. Stars from home and abroad attended in person, and international giants and tycoons came personally to join the festivities. It was truly a wedding banquet fit for a great noble house.

On the eve of the New Year, many celebrities and fashion legends had quietly appeared at the Huo family estate. The legendary master David, father of fashion, was present; the world’s top supermodel, Aaron, came in person; and renowned conglomerates from around the globe all offered their blessings. In that moment, the Huo family’s immense influence and the status of its super-wealthy realm were fully revealed.

Because Rong Qing’s parents were no longer alive, her grandparents were brought to the Huo residence to see her off into marriage. Before the antique vanity table with its carved floral patterns, the figure reflected in the mirror wore a serene, peaceful smile. Behind her, Granny Li held her granddaughter’s glossy hair, tears blurring her vision. The comb moved slowly through the dark strands to the very ends, carrying with it a silent hope: that her granddaughter would have a life of happiness and fulfillment, that this combing of the hair would bless her with a lifetime hand in hand with her beloved, growing old together, and finally a house full of children and grandchildren, with branches and leaves spread far and wide.

Rong Qing turned and embraced the elders who had watched her grow up. For them, seeing their granddaughter married happily was the happiest moment of their lives. Their eyes filled with tears from excitement. “Don’t cry, Grandma. Don’t cry... Grandma is just happy.”

Rong Qing was already breathtakingly beautiful. Dressed in formal attire, she looked today like a fairy descended to earth, too radiant to profane, too dazzling to meet directly. The exquisite wedding gown outlined her perfect figure; her fair skin made her seem even more pure and noble. Her makeup was light, yet the charm in her brows stunned everyone who saw her. Her tall, graceful frame carried the white gown perfectly, its train falling behind her. Her long hair was gathered into a simple bun, and a Victorian ruby crown rested upon her head, making her look as dignified and elegant as a queen arriving in state.

Such beauty made Rong Qing unforgettable. When she appeared side by side with Huo Lingtian on the terrace of the Huo family’s main residence, the entire venue erupted. Pure and noble, she glowed in white as the breeze sent ripples through her gown; beside her, Huo Lingtian wore a proper black formal suit that matched his domineering nature. Leaning together, they formed a harmony so perfect it seemed ordained by heaven.

At the Huo family’s unique oath platform, the wedding of the sixth generation of Huo patriarchs had once been witnessed, and every generation had enjoyed happiness and prosperity, with the Huo clan growing ever stronger. To be able to come to this terrace and let every member of the Huo family witness their wedding was a sign of respect and blessing toward all the ancestors, and it also cemented Rong Qing’s supreme position as mistress of the house.

Everyone present stood in solemn silence. Classical music began to play, and the white wedding terrace seemed like the most sacred place on earth. Standing at the summit of the Huo residence, they bore witness to a love that would remain in this world.

Huo Lingtian took Rong Qing’s hand and slowly ascended the white steps. They looked like lovers who had shared hardships and weathered storms together, walking side by side step by step toward the terrace. White aloofness and black dominance intertwined perfectly as they climbed, under the gaze of all, to the altar of their wedding.

Standing upon the clouds, hand in hand with the man beside her, Rong Qing did not see the world below as a dangerous precipice, but as a future filled with hope and confidence. A gentle smile remained on her face from beginning to end, sincere and happy. Their fingers were tightly interlaced, never to part.

Huo Zhen, the sixth-generation head of the Huo family, wore a festive dark red suit. He stood at the highest point of the terrace and looked at his beloved grandson and future granddaughter-in-law with eyes full of affection. His majestic, resonant voice rang through the entire venue.

“Huo Lingtian, heir to the seventh generation of the Huo family. Before the ancestral patriarchs of the Huo line, do you willingly take Rong Qing as your wife? In wealth or poverty, in sickness or health, to remain by each other’s side for life? The sons of the Huo family value trust, love, and righteousness, and are worthy of heaven and earth. Are you willing to grow old with her?”

Huo Lingtian answered with grave solemnity, his voice resounding across the terrace: “I am willing.”

Old Master Huo was greatly satisfied as he looked at his grandson. Though proud, aloof, and overbearing, and though he had never shown much respect for his elders, once he gave his word he had never broken it. Men of the Huo family acted with courage and kept their promises, unwavering and single-minded. Then he turned to the beautiful woman beside his grandson and asked just as solemnly, “Rong Qing, the Huo family bestows upon you not only honor, but also duties that cannot be refused. Are you willing to marry this man, and through hardship and danger, never abandon him?”

Rong Qing held the man’s hand tightly, answering with a knowing smile, trusting him completely, placing all her reliance in him. She nodded, her voice clear and firm. “Grandfather, I am willing.”

Old Master Huo was satisfied. Standing at the summit of the Huo family, he faced the descendants of the clan and all the guests and declared the ceremony complete.

The entire venue burst into applause.

A marriage certificate may be little more than a piece of paper in the eyes of the law, but here, atop the Huo family terrace, before the spirits of generations of patriarchs, they had entrusted each other with their truest hearts and souls. The Huo family rule was that every patriarch of each generation had but one wife in a lifetime. Through sickness and health, through life and death, never to be separated.

“Bow to the Huo ancestors.”

Unlike Western superstition, the Huo family placed its faith in human effort prevailing over heaven. Every patriarch was the core of the family and its most revered elder; only those acknowledged by them could truly wield the Huo family’s authority.

Huo Lingtian and Rong Qing, facing heaven and earth, bowed three times with solemn reverence. The two people on the terrace, having chosen one another, would grow old together.

If the terrace oath had been the most important part of the wedding, then the banquet that followed was the means of receiving the guests. The media and business magnates, stars and actors all attended without exception, giving the Huo family more than enough honor. The reception hall in the Huo mansion had invited chefs from many countries to cook. Dishes of every flavor, along with authentic home-style specialties, drew praise from everyone present. The luxurious venue, built through a month of overnight work, was no less splendid than a five-star hotel. The varied cuisine made the Huo family’s dominance and stature all the more unmistakable.

Rong Qing wore a classic crimson qipao. Her makeup was restrained yet bright, with a touch of rouge on her cheeks that enhanced the gentle beauty of Chinese womanhood. Her glossy black hair was pinned up behind her head, and the qipao accentuated her exquisite figure. She carried herself with grandeur and noble poise, and every gesture was elegant and proper, earning praise from all. From that day on, no one dared look down on this star who bore the bearing of a lady from a great house.

Huo Lingtian led his wife from table to table toasting the guests. Rong Qing was no less formidable than any man, giving everyone ample face. When they reached the table of the international elite, Master David and Director Wang Zhang were already thoroughly drunk. They clutched their precious Rong Qing with obvious affection, looking as though they were giving away a daughter and feeling the sorrow of parting. If not for the fact that the man before them was truly outstanding, they would never have wanted to hand their treasured girl over to any man.

“Drink less,” Rong Qing said, stopping Wang Zhang just as he was about to take another sip, while cooing affectionately toward David.

“Rong Qing, congratulations.” Aaron still felt some unwillingness in his heart, but since he had already missed his chance, that regret was his alone to bear. He raised a glass generously to Huo Lingtian. “If you ever dare treat her badly, I’ll take her away!”

“I won’t give you the slightest chance,” Huo Lingtian replied with overwhelming dominance.

The two men, because of one woman, competed with each other in secret, yet they also became the closest of friends.

Today, Old Master Huo was all smiles. In his dark red suit, he looked even younger, his cheeks slightly flushed, his laughter hearty. He had even drunk several cups more than usual.

What was even more extravagant was the specially designated room for receiving gifts in the Huo residence, now piled high with presents from the guests: precious agates and jade, luxurious antiques, and even a powerful figure from nowhere who had presented several crates of gold bars at once. Such a spectacular display, if ever made public, would certainly stir up a storm.

After the midday banquet, the wedding’s festive atmosphere had still not faded. The luxury wedding cars that had taken the bride and groom earlier were said to have been seen almost everywhere that day, and the Huo residence remained brilliantly lit.

By the evening banquet, the original stars of the celebration, Mr. and Mrs. Huo, appeared only briefly. Rong Qing wore a silver evening gown of exquisite elegance, adorned with lavish jewelry that made her even more noble, while Huo Lingtian wore a black tailcoat, immaculate and handsome in a perfectly fitted suit.

After Huo Lingtian and Rong Qing danced only the first dance in the hall, the newlyweds disappeared from the banquet room entirely. What had been a gathering of elites became the grandest and most luxurious feast, with the finest people from every field assembled together in merry uproar.

Rong Qing’s face was faintly flushed, carrying the seductive allure of drink. She wore a fur coat and wandered freely through the winter night beside the man. They slipped away from the Huo family’s layers of guards and escaped the banquet scene, appearing at the edge of the sea.

The vast, misty ocean, the rolling waves, all made the scene even more majestic. Huo Lingtian held his wife’s hands as they walked along the beach, together witnessing a love that seemed to stretch into eternity. At the same time, a giant ship set sail from the depths of the sea and drew toward the shore, its multicolored lights illuminating heaven and earth. Huo Lingtian and Rong Qing boarded the vessel, where light shone brilliantly everywhere.

In an instant, countless fireworks blossomed from the shore. Their brilliant sparks lit up each other’s faces. Rong Qing stood quietly in Huo Lingtian’s embrace at the bow, the fireworks forming the most beautiful backdrop.

“Wife... my wife,” Huo Lingtian murmured. The woman in his arms today had officially become his, and the fulfillment and happiness in his heart made this iron-blooded man’s heart ever softer.

Though the sea wind was fierce, the warmth in their hearts as they embraced carried their temperature to one another. Huo Lingtian pressed his forehead to Rong Qing’s, his eyes deep with love. “I love you.” At that moment, it became the most beautiful confession in the world.

When love runs deep, at the deep sea’s heart, the two gazed at each other. Their lips pressed close, their murmured devotion making their hearts race even more. The biting of lips and the long, fervent kiss made them forget everything, feeling each other’s breath and the unique scent of their beloved. Nothing could satisfy their longing. On this day, they became each other’s most intimate lovers, kin bound by love, and above all, each other’s shelter and dependence. The two intertwined in each other’s arms, becoming the brightest sight upon the sea.

“Lingtian, where are we going?” Rong Qing asked, leaning in his embrace as the fierce wind no longer seemed cold. The ship was slowly heading toward the center of the ocean, and the shore’s reflection blurred into the distance.

“An island that belongs only to you and me,” Huo Lingtian said softly near her ear.

The great ship moved steadily onward, carrying them into the next stretch of their journey.

End of Volume One