ORCBRB – Chapter 91

Chapter 91

Sang Shi'an and Jian Cenyu's marriage registration was something that seemed impulsive but was, in fact, long-planned.

The day before Jian Cenyu was to return to Australia, Sang Shi'an bought two tickets to a concert in Las Vegas from a friend and dragged Jian Cenyu along.

On the way to the concert, Sang Shi'an experienced another bout of anxiety—anxiety over their impending separation.

While driving, Jian Cenyu noticed Sang Shi'an frequently checking the mirror to touch up her makeup and asked, "Your makeup is very pretty. Is there something you're not happy with?"

There were no flaws. It was just that if she didn't use touching up her makeup to distract herself, she was afraid she would keep staring at Jian Cenyu.

After a long pause, Sang Shi'an managed to squeeze out, "Professor Eifflov asked if I was interested in pursuing a master's degree."

An olive branch from a Harvard professor was a rare and excellent opportunity, but Jian Cenyu didn't say that.

She glanced at the navigation and asked calmly, "What are your thoughts?"

Sang Shi'an was silent for a moment, casually poking the car's hanging ornament. "Grad school would take at least two or three years."

The rest of the reason didn't need to be said.

It was only the beginning of her senior year. If she stayed in the US, it meant at least three more years of a long-distance relationship.

But if she returned to China...

Ever since they both went abroad, she and Jian Cenyu seemed to have deliberately avoided this topic, never bringing it up.

The situation at Jian Corporation had now completely stabilized, and both her and Jian Cenyu's academic and professional lives were heading in a good direction. But ultimately, they were Chinese, and they couldn't avoid the topic of whether or not to return to China.

Jian Cenyu was silent for a moment, then said, "The work in Australia is almost finished. All that's left is to get approval for the drug's registration in various countries. If you want to stay in the US, I can come to the US to be with you. If you want to go back to China, we'll go back together."

Sang Shi'an turned to look at Jian Cenyu. "Won't it affect you?"

Jian Cenyu pulled the car over to the side of the road, smiled, and said, "If you're referring to my research, between life and prejudice against homosexuality, I think the vast majority of people would choose life."

Sang Shi'an was still hesitant. "Maybe it's better not to."

Jian Cenyu could sense Sang Shi'an's uncertainty. She unbuckled her seatbelt, took Sang Shi'an's hand, and asked calmly, "An'an, what do you think is the reason the public is prejudiced against homosexuality?"

"Because they can't carry on the family line?"

Sang Shi'an leaned back against the car seat, squinting at the sunlight filtering into the car.

"Or maybe... because it's unconventional?"

"That's right."

Jian Cenyu said, "The reason the public is prejudiced against homosexuality is, in the end, because they think it's inappropriate. When our relationship was exposed back then, everything was too rushed. We really had no convincing way to prove whether we were right or wrong."

She chuckled softly, her voice gentle like the summer breeze. "Back then, Jian Zhenyang was able to threaten us because there was no precedent. In the years we've been dating, has the efficacy of Jian Corporation's medicine changed because of my sexual orientation? Did Harvard turn you away because of your sexual orientation? No. By the time you graduate from your undergraduate program, our solid, stable relationship and our respective developing careers will be the best proof that our love is not wrong. All that time that has passed, every minute and every second, has proven that we are just an ordinary couple among the countless masses."

Back then, they were sheltered by their families. All outsiders could see was their unconventional relationship.

But in the future, this relationship will only be an insignificant detail when people get to know them.

She believed she could do it, and Sang Shi'an could too.

Sunlight streamed through Jian Cenyu's long hair, creating specks of light. Sang Shi'an leaned over, feeling the strong beat of Jian Cenyu's heart, and hugged her tighter.

Several minutes later, a smile spread across her face, as if a weight had finally been lifted from her heart, and everything became clear.

Sang Shi'an was much more mature now, possessing an adult's caution. "But we still can't have a public wedding. We have to cater to mainstream thinking."

She clicked her tongue. "Even if those kids want to follow our example and come out, they'd better see if they have the ability first. We're not setting a bad example."

Jian Cenyu looked at Sang Shi'an for a moment, her thoughts unreadable. Half a minute later, she said nothing, let go of Sang Shi'an, and started the car.

Sang Shi'an opened her mouth but didn't know what to say, quietly averting her gaze.

When the car stopped at the end of the street, Jian Cenyu got out while Sang Shi'an was still staring blankly out the window. A couple walked by, holding hands, their laughter drifting into the car. Sang Shi'an shook her head, feeling she was being overly sensitive.

So what if they couldn't openly receive everyone's blessings? At least she had Jian Cenyu with her in this. She wasn't alone.

After mentally preparing herself, Sang Shi'an got out of the car and looked for Jian Cenyu. Just as she turned around, she saw Jian Cenyu coming out of a flower shop, holding a large bouquet of fiery red roses. Amid the surprised cheers of the surrounding passersby, she slowly knelt on her left knee.

The hem of her white dress fluttered in the gentle breeze. The evening glow blended bright colors into Jian Cenyu's clean, cool features. A heavy velvet box opened, revealing two platinum bands shining together.

It was the most exquisite scene Sang Shi'an had ever witnessed in her life.

At some point, Jian Cenyu had also developed the habit of buying her flowers, but this bouquet was extraordinarily significant.

Her heart began to beat rapidly. A reserved smile touched Sang Shi'an's lips. "Jian Cenyu, what is the meaning of this?"

"A proposal." Jian Cenyu looked up, a smile reaching her eyes. "Our relationship may not be blessed in China, but it can be in the United States."

She said, "An'an, marry me."

They weren't far from the concert venue, and many young people had gathered, enthusiastically shouting in English for her to say yes.

Sang Shi'an pulled Jian Cenyu up and, under everyone's gaze, wrapped her arms tightly around Jian Cenyu's neck to kiss her. Her joyful laughter melted between their pressed lips.

Their eyes met. Sang Shi'an's face was as red as the sunset glow. She panted and asked, "What's next?"

Jian Cenyu found her question adorable, but seeing Sang Shi'an's dazed and helpless expression, she said, "If you don't want to keep being watched, let's get in the car."

Two minutes later, the fiery red Ferrari drove them away from the flower shop. Sang Shi'an stopped the car and carefully examined the velvet ring box in her hand,

Her gaze fell on the rings, and she asked softly, "When did you prepare these?"

"I consulted many designers and went through many drafts. I'm not very good at this kind of design, so it was delayed for a very, very long time." Jian Cenyu placed the roses on the floor mat. She didn't specify a time, but Sang Shi'an vaguely understood.

"I just got them at the end of last month and booked the flight."

"You were so sure I would say yes?"

"If you didn't, I could keep asking. Ask a few more times, pester you for a lifetime, and you'd eventually agree."

Sang Shi'an slowly raised her eyes to meet Jian Cenyu's gaze, which was filled with sincerity.

She sniffled, realizing she couldn't maintain a dignified composure at all. She really didn't know what to make of Jian Cenyu's actions.

It was true she was moved, but it was also true she was startled.

"Why that expression? Anyone who didn't know would think I'd abducted a bandit chief's wife."

Her emotions interrupted by the teasing in Jian Cenyu's eyes, Sang Shi'an suddenly broke into a smile. "I have no desire to suffer with a bandit chief. Get as far away from me as you can."

Despite her words, her hand, which was stroking the surface of the rings, clearly showed interest. She picked up one of them and held it out to Jian Cenyu with a haughty air.

Jian Cenyu's lips curved into a smile as she slowly slipped the simple band onto Sang Shi'an's finger.

Sang Shi'an copied Jian Cenyu, picking up the other ring and putting it on Jian Cenyu's finger. The moment their ringed hands clasped, Sang Shi'an's heart fluttered. "Jian Cenyu, it should still be early enough to register, right?"

Only after the words left her mouth did Sang Shi'an realize what she had said.

Just moments ago, she had been coyly refusing the proposal, but now that she'd said it, there was no taking it back. As Jian Cenyu squeezed her hand, Sang Shi'an blushed involuntarily and decided to go all in. "Are we going or not?"

Jian Cenyu seemed to have already done her homework. Her voice was exceptionally gentle. "In Las Vegas, you can get a marriage license until midnight. If you're willing, I can make an appointment online right now. We'll go to the bureau to get a number first, then go to a chapel for the ceremony."

Sang Shi'an froze, looking at her in surprise. "We're having the wedding now?"

"It's part of the process for getting a license here. A minister from a chapel has to officiate for us before we can get the marriage certificate. It's a bit more complicated than in China. If you don't like it, there are several other states in the US that register same-sex marriages. It's not too late to do it next time I come over."

Next time.

How could Sang Shi'an possibly wait until next time?

Especially with Jian Cenyu gazing at her so affectionately, the ring on her finger, and the car filled with the scent of roses, Sang Shi'an felt like she was about to drown.

It was too much.

In that instant, Sang Shi'an stopped thinking about anything else and completely followed her instincts, saying, "Then let's do it today."

They completed the steps of getting a number, paying the fee, and registering as quickly as possible. By the time they arrived at the white chapel they had booked at the last minute, the sky had already darkened. Streetlights turned on one by one, and the white doves outside the chapel flew into the sky with the wind.

There were still over a dozen couples ahead of them waiting to complete their vow ceremony. It seemed to be a good day for weddings.

They stood before the chapel. Sang Shi'an looked up at the chapel's steeple for a moment, then at the intricately carved white fence surrounding it. Brilliant lights enveloped the chapel, adding a touch of warm and mysterious color.

She gazed from a distance at the couple taking their vows inside, quietly watching other people's laughter and joy, until Jian Cenyu took her hand, and she finally felt part of the atmosphere.

Sang Shi'an turned her head and, in the soft twilight, met Jian Cenyu's eyes. It was a familiar gaze, one where she was the sole focus.

"I..."

Sang Shi'an wanted to say something, but felt that now that they were at the chapel door, anything she said might sound like she was getting cold feet.

Jian Cenyu was still waiting for her to continue. In this delicate atmosphere, Jian Cenyu spoke first, "Where do you want to have the wedding ceremony?"

Sang Shi'an tilted her head and smiled. "So soon? We haven't even registered, and you're already thinking about the wedding?"

Jian Cenyu squeezed Sang Shi'an's hand and said, "A wedding needs to be prepared in advance."

Sang Shi'an asked back, "What about you? Where do you want it? This is about both of us. We can't always do things according to my preferences, can we?"

"I don't think I have a place I particularly long for."

Jian Cenyu wasn't being perfunctory. Her personality made her indifferent to many things. There weren't many people or things she cared about; Sang Shi'an was one, and her anti-cancer drug research was another.

"Then take your time to think about it." Sang Shi'an glanced at a couple who had just finished their vows and were walking out of the chapel. An idea suddenly struck her. "Jian Cenyu, do you want to kiss me?"

Jian Cenyu: "Right now?"

Sang Shi'an wiggled her fingers, feeling the cool metal of the ring brush against her skin. "Yeah. The thought that when I come out of there, I'll be a married person, and I'll have to start celebrating Women's Day... it makes me, uh, a little nervous."

"If you like, I can celebrate Children's Day and Youth Day with you in the future." Jian Cenyu leaned forward and kissed Sang Shi'an on the lips.

Their lips met in a slow, lingering kiss. The faint scent of pine from around the chapel mixed with the clean, crisp fragrance of their perfumes. Sang Shi'an proactively wrapped her arms around Jian Cenyu's shoulders.

Entwining, deepening, merging.

It was as if they were holding honey, a thread of sweetness spreading between their lips. In the final moment as the daylight faded, time seemed to stop, and love surged.

After waiting for a full hour, it was finally their turn to say their vows.

The minister made a friendly gesture of blessing towards them, held up the holy book, and began the ancient and sacred ceremony.

"We are gathered here today in the sight of God, To join together Sang Shi'an and Jian Cenyu in holy marriage."

When the first line of the vows reached her ears, Sang Shi'an's memory returned to the first day she met Jian Cenyu.

Twelve years ago, Sang Shiyue went abroad to study. She was sitting unhappily on the swing in the garden when she heard laughter and cheerful voices from the front yard.

"Old Master Jian has always been muddle-headed. Just let Cenyu come to our house after school." Ren Li's voice in her younger years was more capable, yet still gentle.

"Then I'll have to trouble you. Cenyu, greet her."

"Auntie Ren."

From that day on, Sang Shi'an had an older sister every evening.

Even her good friends at school couldn't hold her attention. Sang Shi'an began to look forward to the end of the school day, looking forward to being called "An'an" by that beautiful older sister who looked like a celebrity.

But the beautiful older sister was like an ice queen and never spoke much to her. Even though her parents were very warm, the beautiful older sister's attitude remained the same.

Her mother told her that the beautiful older sister's father was very busy with work, and her mother was in poor health and had gone abroad to recuperate. She had received a lot of cold treatment while staying with relatives before, so her personality had been like this since she was young, and Sang Shi'an shouldn't bother her.

But how could Sang Shi'an hold back?

One weekend, she found her favorite lollipop in the snack cabinet, quietly knocked on the beautiful older sister's door, and when the door opened, she enthusiastically offered the lollipop, saying in a soft voice, "Cenyu Jiejie, have some candy—"

Jian Cenyu frowned slightly, crouched down, and said, "I don't like candy."

Because of the Sang family's background, Sang Shi'an had almost never been rejected by anyone who came to their home. Previously, she might have gotten angry and left, but when she thought about what her mother had told her about the beautiful older sister being mistreated by relatives, Sang Shi'an felt she was so pitiful.

So she carefully grabbed Jian Cenyu's sleeve and shook it gently. "Does your mom not let you eat candy either? It's okay, I hid this one secretly. No one will know."

Jian Cenyu was slightly taken aback and asked, "Then why are you giving it to me?"

Sang Shi'an's chubby face was filled with shyness. "I want to be friends with the beautiful older sister. From now on, I'll share everything I have with you."

"...To always trust in each other and continually work to be worthy of each other's trust."

Finally, she had a sister, and she had a friend.

"Cenyu Jiejie, this is the tenth birthday present my mom gave me. Do you like it? I can give it to you."

"Cenyu Jiejie, Universal Studios is opening this weekend. I begged my mom for preview tickets. Will you go with me?"

"Cenyu Jiejie, these problems are so hard. Do you have to go to Yanjing University? Does that mean I have to get into No. 1 High School too?"

"Cenyu Jiejie—"

Day after day, year after year, even after so many years, the memories were still as vivid as ever.

"...To be open and honest with one another, even when it is difficult."

The fragments of memory flashed by faster and faster.

So fast that Jian Cenyu disappeared from her life, so fast that Jian Cenyu reappeared in her world.

The minister's vows seemed to speed up, each devout phrase, each profound memory from the past.

"...Will you love together, and be faithful to together as long as you both shall live?"

As her memories returned to the present along the timeline, she heard Jian Cenyu's devout vow whispered in her ear.

"I will."

She could finally keep her childhood wish by her side forever, until eternity.

Sang Shi'an met Jian Cenyu's gentle gaze and made the most sincere vow with the rest of her life: "I will."

---

Previous Table of Contents Next