146: Extra Chapter 3 of the Cool School Prince

The starlight over Erhai Lake seemed to still twinkle before her eyes, and Wen Ci looked down at the diamond ring on her finger, her lips curving upwards unconsciously.

The ring, personally designed by Shen Mo, reflected a brilliant light under the sun, just like their feelings at this moment.

"What are you looking at? So engrossed." Shen Mo embraced her from behind, resting his chin lightly on her shoulder.

Wen Ci turned around and held up her hand, wearing the ring, in front of him: "I'm looking at how cunning my fiancé is, having planned all of this from the very first day."

Shen Mo smiled, took her hand, and kissed the ring: "That's called preparing for a rainy day. Who told me that I recognized you at first sight?"

After their graduation trip ended, they faced their first separation.

Wen Ci received an acceptance letter from the Jewelry Design Department of the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, while Shen Mo had to stay in China to take over part of the family business.

Although it was only a temporary long-distance relationship, for the newly engaged couple, every second of separation felt exceptionally long.

"Only two years," Shen Mo held her tightly at the airport, "When you return after your studies, we will get married."

Wen Ci buried her face in his chest, inhaling the familiar woody scent of him: "I'll call you every day."

"I'll wait for your call every day." Shen Mo's voice was a little hoarse, "Remember to send me photos, let me see the scenery of Paris and you."

*

The autumn in Paris was breathtakingly beautiful. Wen Ci stood by the Seine River, holding up her phone to capture the golden fallen leaves and ancient buildings. She quickly sent the photos to Shen Mo, with a message:

"I passed by here on my way to class today, wishing I could walk with you."

After sending the message, she checked the time. It was three in the morning Beijing time. Shen Mo should have been sound asleep.

However, in less than a minute, her phone vibrated.

"Why aren't you asleep yet?" Wen Ci answered the video call, and Shen Mo's slightly tired but still handsome face immediately appeared on the screen.

"Just finished a transnational meeting." Shen Mo rubbed his temples, "Just happened to receive your message."

Wen Ci looked at the dark circles under his eyes with a pained heart: "You should be resting."

"Seeing you makes me not tired anymore." Shen Mo's lips curved into a gentle arc, "How was class today?"

They communicated like this every day, seizing every possible moment across a seven-hour time difference.

Wen Ci would show Shen Mo her design sketches during her lunch break; Shen Mo would send her night views from his office window after working late.

Sometimes, just having the video call open while working independently, hearing each other's breathing, was enough to soothe their longing.

Wen Ci completed her two-year study plan in a year and a half.

She secretly changed her flight, intending to give Shen Mo a surprise. As she walked out of the airport, her heart pounded so fast it felt like it would burst from her chest.

However, a bigger surprise awaited her.

In the airport arrival hall, Shen Mo stood impeccably dressed in a suit amidst a sea of roses, surrounded by family and friends holding "Welcome Home" signs.

Wen Ci froze in place, her suitcase slipping from her hand.

"How did you—"

"Your advisor emailed me yesterday, saying your graduation project received the highest evaluation from the academy." Shen Mo walked towards her step by step, his eyes filled with starlight, "I guessed my fiancée would come back early."

Wen Ci threw herself into his arms, and the familiar warmth immediately enveloped her. Shen Mo whispered in her ear: "I missed you so much, Ci Ci."

Amidst the cheers of the crowd, Shen Mo knelt on one knee, holding her hand, "Ci Ci, a year and a half of waiting has made me even more certain that you are the only love of my life. Will you officially become my wife?"

Wen Ci nodded, her eyes blurred with tears: "I do, I always will."

*

As a prominent family in the capital, the Shen family's only son's wedding naturally became a city-wide event. The wedding planning team began preparations half a year in advance, and the venue was chosen to be the Shen family's private estate in the suburbs.

"Does it really have to be so grand?" Wen Ci asked somewhat uneasily, flipping through the thick planning book.

Shen Mo hugged her from behind: "How can it be grand enough to match my bride?"

Wen Ci's parents specially brought back a family heirloom from France, an antique wedding dress with a hundred-year history, custom-made by her great-grandmother in Paris. The lace and pearls on the dress were all handmade, still dazzling after all these years.

"This wedding dress has finally found its owner." Wen Mother helped her daughter try it on, her eyes tearful, "Your great-grandmother once said that this wedding dress would only bring eternal happiness."

The night before the wedding, according to custom, the couple could not meet. Shen Mo sent a message: "Can't sleep, my mind is full of how you'll look tomorrow."

Wen Ci touched the wedding dress hanging on the hanger and replied: "I'm also wondering how handsome my groom will be."

At five in the morning, the makeup artist team arrived at Wen Ci's suite.

She sat in front of the dressing table, watching herself gradually transform into a bride in the mirror. Her hair was styled into an elegant updo, adorned with pearls and small diamonds; her makeup was exquisite but not heavy, highlighting her clear eyes and natural lip color.

"Mrs. Shen, you are truly beautiful." The makeup artist couldn't help but exclaim, "Mr. Shen will surely be stunned."

Wen Ci lowered her head shyly, her heart pounding like a drum.

After today, she would be Mrs. Shen.

At the same time, the main venue of the estate was already bustling with guests.

Almost all the influential figures in Beijing were present: business magnates, political dignitaries, art celebrities, and even a few low-key royal members from other countries.

Shen Mo, wearing a custom black tuxedo, stood in the lounge constantly adjusting his tie.

"Don't be nervous," his friends said with a laugh, patting his shoulder, "You're Mr. Shen, who doesn't even bat an eye at board meetings."

Shen Mo took a deep breath: "This is more important than any board meeting."

At ten in the morning, the wedding officially began.

A fully glass conservatory was set up on the estate's lawn, decorated with tens of thousands of white roses and baby's breath. Guests were seated, and the symphony orchestra began playing the "Wedding March."

When Wen Ci appeared at the end of the aisle, arm in arm with her mother, the entire venue fell silent for a second, followed by gasps of admiration.

Sunlight streamed through the glass roof onto her, the century-old wedding dress radiated a pearly luster, and the face beneath the veil was beautiful beyond human description.

Shen Mo stood at the altar, feeling his breath stop.

His Ci Ci, his bride, was walking towards him step by step.

When Wen Mother placed her daughter's hand in his, Shen Mo found his hand trembling slightly.

"You today..." he whispered, his voice a little choked, "are so beautiful."

Wen Ci looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears: "You too."

The priest began to read the vows, but in Shen Mo's ears, the world seemed to only contain him and Wen Ci.

When he said "I do," his voice was firm and strong; when Wen Ci responded with the same vow, he saw the light in her eyes more dazzling than any diamond.

After exchanging rings, the priest announced: "Now, the groom may kiss the bride."

Shen Mo gently lifted Wen Ci's veil, cupped her face, and amidst everyone's blessings, kissed the only love of his life.

Applause and cheers surged like a tide, drones arranged the words "Just Married" in the sky, and countless petals rained down from above.

The wedding banquet was held in the estate's main ballroom. Fifty round tables were covered with ivory tablecloths, decorated with fresh white roses and crystal candelabras. When Wen Ci and Shen Mo entered hand in hand, all the guests stood and applauded.

"Nervous?" Shen Mo squeezed her hand under the table.

Wen Ci smiled and shook her head: "With you here, I'm not nervous."

They first served tea to both sets of parents.

Mr. Shen and Mrs. Shen looked at their son and daughter-in-law, their eyes full of contentment; Wen Ci's parents couldn't help but shed tears, especially seeing their daughter's happy smile.

"Treat her well." Wen Father said to Shen Mo, his voice a little choked.

Shen Mo nodded solemnly: "I promise with my life."

During the toast, the high school classmates were the most boisterous. The class monitor raised a champagne glass and loudly said: "Remember the graduation trip? We knew then that you two would end up together!"

Amidst the laughter, Shen Mo frankly admitted: "Yes, I had already planned to marry her back then."

Wen Ci blushed and pinched his waist, only for him to take the opportunity to hug and kiss her, eliciting another round of cheers.

Halfway through the banquet, Shen Mo suddenly stood up and tapped his champagne glass. The entire hall quieted down, and everyone looked at the newlywed couple.

"Thank you all for attending Wen Ci's and my wedding." Shen Mo's voice echoed through the hall, "Today, I want to say a few words to my wife."

He turned to Wen Ci and took both her hands: "Ci Ci, from the moment we first met, my life changed because of you. You are the bravest, most special girl I have ever met, and being able to become your husband is the greatest honor of my life."

Wen Ci's tears streamed down, and Shen Mo gently wiped them away, continuing: "Whether in good times or bad, in sickness or in health, I will be by your side, loving you, cherishing you, until the end of my life."

In front of everyone, Shen Mo kissed his bride again.

The applause was endless, and many female guests were moved to tears.

Late at night, guests gradually left. Wen Ci and Shen Mo stood on the estate's terrace, looking up at the starry sky. Wen Ci leaned into Shen Mo's arms, sighing with fatigue but happiness.

"Tired?" Shen Mo kissed the top of her head.

Wen Ci shook her head: "Just feeling... so happy. Everything today feels like a dream."

Shen Mo's eyes were slightly red. He lowered his head and kissed Wen Ci: "This isn't a dream, Ci Ci, I love you, and from now on, you are my wife."

"I love you too, A Mo, from now on, you are my Mr. Shen."

The night breeze gently blew, and the starlight remained, just like that night years ago by Erhai Lake. Only this time, their love no longer needed any proof, because every day for the rest of their lives would be a continuation of love.