The wedding planning meeting lasted exactly six minutes before things went wrong.
"I want fireworks," Tian Rong announced, slamming her hands on the table like she was declaring war.
"No," Kai Ying said instantly.
Le Xin sipped her tea. "Define fireworks."
"Literal," Tian Rong said proudly. "Or emotional."
"Absolutely not," Kai Ying repeated.
Xiao Lan flipped open her notebook. "Fireworks require permits. Also insurance."
Tian Rong pointed at her. "You're why I like you."
Kai Ying exhaled slowly. "This is not your wedding."
Tian Rong grinned. "Yet I'm doing all the planning."
Le Xin tilted her head. "We didn't ask you to."
"You proposed near a beach," Tian Rong replied. "You opened the door."
Kai Ying closed her eyes.
"Venue?" Xiao Lan asked.
"Small," Kai Ying said. "Quiet."
"Beach wedding," Tian Rong said at the same time.
Le Xin smiled. "Courtyard. Near water."
Tian Rong squinted. "Compromise?"
Xiao Lan nodded. "Garden venue with water feature."
Everyone paused.
"…That works," Kai Ying admitted.
Tian Rong gasped. "I won."
"No," Kai Ying said. "You were managed."
"Guest list?" Xiao Lan continued.
"Immediate circle," Kai Ying said.
"Plus the bar regulars," Tian Rong added.
"No," Kai Ying snapped.
Le Xin laughed. "Maybe not the regulars."
"What about the bartender who cried when you got engaged?" Tian Rong asked.
Kai Ying stared. "Why did a stranger cry?"
"Love is moving," Tian Rong replied.
Xiao Lan wrote: Limited guests.
"Outfits," Tian Rong said, eyes lighting up. "Matching suits?"
Kai Ying nodded. "Yes."
Le Xin added, "With different cuts."
Tian Rong leaned forward. "And dramatic entrance."
"No," Kai Ying said.
"Smoke machine?" Tian Rong tried.
"No."
"Live band?"
"No."
"Confetti?"
"No."
Tian Rong pouted. "You're no fun."
Kai Ying replied calmly, "I am marrying her."
Le Xin smiled. "That's fun enough."
Tian Rong sighed theatrically. "Fine. But I pick the cake."
Xiao Lan looked up. "Within reason."
Tian Rong grinned. "Chocolate. Tall. Excessive."
Kai Ying hesitated. "…Chocolate is acceptable."
Victory.
The meeting ended with a half-filled checklist, one headache, and Tian Rong still talking.
As they stood to leave, Tian Rong slung an arm around Xiao Lan's shoulders.
"Admit it," Tian Rong said. "This is exciting."
Xiao Lan paused. "It is… manageable."
Tian Rong laughed. "High praise."
Le Xin took Kai Ying's hand. "You okay?"
Kai Ying glanced at Tian Rong. Then at Xiao Lan, already quietly fixing the chaos.
"Yes," Kai Ying said. "As long as they're not in charge of the vows."
Tian Rong perked up. "I have ideas—"
"No," Kai Ying said immediately.
Le Xin laughed, leaning into her.
The wedding would be small.
The chaos would be contained.
And somehow, it would be perfect.
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Thank you for reading my novel