Shi Qi had a dream.
In the dream, it was still that little villa surrounded by blooming Endless Summer hydrangeas. But unlike before, the young Shang Sui wasn’t painting. He was sitting at the edge of the balcony, as if trying to imitate someone else.
He had his back to Shi Qi, and under the sky, he looked like a butterfly on the verge of falling.
Hearing movement, the boy turned around. The moment he saw Shi Qi, his eyes widened. “Are you getting married?”
Only then did Shi Qi realize he was wearing a white wedding suit.
Even so, Shi Qi didn’t feel like he was broadcasting “I’m getting married” across his face, yet the boy seemed certain. A look of unwillingness flickered in his eyes. “To whom?”
“To you.”
The boy said blankly, “But you already left.”
Shi Qi heard himself say, “We’ll meet again in the future.”
He told the boy that when they saw each other again, they would both be grown up, not just close and special friends, but partners in the truest sense.
“So that’s how it is.”
The boy seemed lost in thought. His dim expression slowly lit up, and in the end, he smiled and said—
“Shi Qi, Shi Qi!” Lin Yan’s voice snapped Shi Qi awake. “Why are you spacing out like that?”
“I…”
Shi Qi opened his mouth, wanting to say that he had a very vivid dream this morning, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t remember the last scene.
As the words reached his lips, Shi Qi changed his words, “Maybe I just slept too long.”
He had passed out right after doing it last night, sleeping straight for ten hours. Even when he woke up in the morning, his body still felt weak. He lay in bed, staring dazedly at the ceiling.
Shi Qi couldn’t help but think his decision from the night before had been far too reckless. Even if it was only once, he hadn’t accounted for how absurd the other man’s stamina was.
By the end of it all, Shang Sui had coaxed him into wearing nothing but the apron.
In a haze of sweet talk, Shi Qi had complied, only to be pinned down into the mattress, half his life practically wrung out of him.
“W-we’re getting married tomorrow…!” He had managed to say in the chaos, “We can’t just not show up when everyone’s already there. Can’t you restrain yourself a little…!”
A certain beautiful keyword finally struck a chord in the Alpha, and he at last realized he couldn’t go completely wild.
Shi Qi barely managed to make it through the first round, but Shang Sui quickly became aroused again. Though he refrained from touching him due to a prior promise, he still kept staring at him…!
To stop Shi Qi from getting flustered and running away, Shang Sui tied his hands to the headboard using the sash of his robe.
Shi Qi had thought it was finally over. But not long after he fell asleep, Shang Sui seemed to lean in again in a daze, kissing Shi Qi’s face. In the end, afraid of waking him, he went off to the bathroom by himself.
The scariest part was that after everything they’d done, Shang Sui had still gotten up on time.
Shi Qi lay in bed for another half hour before he could move. If he hadn’t had such naturally good features that only needed minimal makeup and hairstyling, the wedding might’ve actually been delayed.
Lin Yan didn’t notice Shi Qi’s slightly dazed expression. “Are you too excited? I mean, it is your big day.”
Just as he spoke, the door swung open.
“Xiao Qi! How’s the prep going?” Chu Tao’s cheerful voice rang out from the doorway. She was followed by Ying Yuran and Jiang Yan. The former held an exquisite bouquet of lilies of the valley.
“I’m here to deliver your bouquet.” Ying Yuran held it out with both hands. “Please.”
“You have no idea how funny it was last night.” Lin Yan and the others had a beach party the night before, which didn’t end until well past midnight. “I told everyone the story of you and Shang Sui, and everyone was totally captivated. They all said it was super romantic.”
“I heard that the bouquet you got the year you graduated was from Shang Sui, and it got passed along to you by Ying Yuran by accident. Ying Yuran said he had to hand this one to you personally today to complete the circle.”
“The last time I saw Sui-ge, I thought he looked really familiar. I couldn’t stop staring.” Ying Yuran added with a laugh, “Back then, Shi Qi thought I had a crush on him, but I was just the flower boy.”
Shi Qi vaguely remembered how, after getting drunk that day, he had clung to Ying Yuran and wouldn’t let go.
He laughed as well, taking the lily of the valley bouquet from Ying Yuran’s hands. “Mistaken judgment. Innocent and acquitted.”
“You are wise and benevolent, Your Majesty.” Ying Yuran imitated Qin Shuhe’s tone before sincerely offering his well-wishes, “Congratulations on your wedding, Shi Qi.”
Suddenly, Jiang Yan raised his phone. “Shang Sui says he wants to see you.”
“No way, no way. No sneaky pictures before the ceremony.” Chu Tao asked, “Whose side are you on, anyway? You said you were loyal to Shi Qi. That’s the only reason I let you in here!”
“Of course, I’m on Shi Qi’s side,” Jiang Yan immediately pledged his loyalty. “I just secretly took a photo of Shang Sui. Shi Qi, look.”
Shi Qi leaned in with great interest.
In the photo, Shen Qianyu was chatting with Qin Shuhe, while Shang Sui stood off to the side adjusting his tie. The black-gold chain of his waistcoat gleamed brilliantly, making him look radiant, with not a trace of fatigue.
Shang Sui and Shi Qi were wearing custom suits in the same design but different colors, one black and one white, with subtle distinctions in the details.
Both wore a number of elegant accessories. Since Shi Qi didn’t have pierced ears, Shang Sui had picked out a pair of clip-ons for him.
Lin Yan said to Shi Qi like he was chanting a mantra, “He’s the black, you’re the white. He’s the devil, you’re the angel.”
Ying Yuran muttered, “That’s kinda cringe, even for me.”
Lin Yan shot back, “Don’t you think it’s perfect?”
Ying Yuran looked at the photo.
Whenever Shi Qi wasn’t around, Shang Sui appeared especially aloof. Even when he didn’t intentionally act distant, his natural temperament made him seem hard to approach.
Ying Yuran: “Even the most cliché plot can be powerful with the right people. You were right, Master Yan. Consider it noted.”
Chu Tao glanced at the photo of Shang Sui, then at Shi Qi. “You two are modeled too perfectly. Today’s wedding photos are going to be flawless.”
In addition to the professional photography team, Chu Tao had also brought her own handheld camera.
She motioned for everyone to gather around. “I just shot some video over at Sui-ge’s side.”
On the screen, Chu Tao was pointing her camera at the mirror in the dressing room, adjusting the frame. “The wedding is about to begin, say something!”
The camera turned, and the first face to appear on screen was Qin Shuhe’s. “Today, Lady Shang is made Empress, officially seated in the central palace. May he and Emperor Qi join hearts and hands, like perfectly tuned strings—Hey, Xiao Tao-jie, don’t walk away! What, too cultured for you?”
Shen Qianyu spoke coolly, “Congratulations. It’s been a long and difficult journey. As a bystander, both seven years ago and now feel like miracles.”
After the serious part, he changed tone. “Is Shi Qi watching? Please, whatever you do, don’t divorce him. Otherwise, there’s a very high chance he’ll spiral into a life of crime. I don’t want to become a prison doctor.”
Qin Shuhe burst out laughing beside him. “Hahahahahaha! Dr. Shen, you’re hilarious!”
The camera turned to the last person.
“Can’t you say something decent?” Shang Sui unceremoniously kicked the leg of Shen Qianyu’s chair, then turned to the camera and said tenderly, “Xiao Qi’s probably getting ready right now.”
“When we meet later, can I get a kiss? Our baby must look incredibly gorgeous and handsome today. I can’t wait to see you.”
“Oooh—” Everyone watching made teasing sounds in unison.
“For real, for real! So pretty!” Chu Tao said as she looked at the butterfly-shaped earring swaying from Shi Qi’s flushed earlobe. “You’re totally a sparkling little cat!”
Seeing Shi Qi getting embarrassed, Lin Yan couldn’t stop laughing. “Oh, Shang Sui really knows how to talk.”
Chu Tao started recording again, turning the camera toward the star of the moment. “Shall we grant the Queen’s wish and give him that kiss?”
Shi Qi replied modestly, “I suppose we can.”
Noticing Lin Yan itching to speak, Chu Tao turned the lens toward him. “What about you, Yanyan, anything to say?”
Lin Yan clasped his hands together. “Today is Shi Qi’s wedding day. If you watch this video ten years from now, you’ll probably feel like it was a whole lifetime ago. Just like I never would’ve imagined a year ago that Shi Qi would end up marrying someone.”
“Is Shang Sui watching this? You better treat our cat right, and not bully him except, well, maybe in bed.”
Chu Tao let out a strange laugh. Shi Qi clicked his tongue, originally intending to scold Lin Yan, but ended up laughing too.
“Ten years from now, I’ll still come over to your place. I’ll still chat with you, play games, and finish watching a movie together,” Lin Yan said as he looked over at Shi Qi. “Even if you’re married to… I mean, even if you’ve married Shang Sui, you’ve gotta save me a spot in your home.”
“Of course,” Shi Qi replied seriously. “You have my word.”
“You’ve been through a lot.” Lin Yan smiled, and Shi Qi knew he was referring to the glandular degeneration. “He saved you, and you saved him. Both of you have to live happily.”
The ceremony venue had been set deep within the forest. Ever since the wedding date was confirmed six months ago, a large number of Endless Summer hydrangeas had been gradually transplanted to the island. It just so happened that they were now in full bloom.
Golden sunlight streamed through the treetops. The main area and guest seating were surrounded by vibrant flowers, like a river of colorful mist weaving through the woods.
“Jiang Yan,” Shi Qi passed by the guest seats and called out to him, “I’ll be tossing the bouquet later, make sure to catch it.”
“Huh?” Jiang Yan was caught off guard. “Oh, oh, okay! Thanks.”
Just as he spoke, Shi Qi caught sight of Shang Sui in the distance.
The Alpha wore a neatly tailored black suit. Tall and upright, with broad shoulders and long legs, he outshone even the profusion of blossoms behind him.
Shi Qi was momentarily stunned by his beauty. The thought that they were about to enter into the most intimate relationship in the world filled him with uncontrollable anticipation.
But immediately after, a few indecent scenes flashed through his mind.
It was only that morning that he’d discovered the maid outfit, now torn to pieces and tossed in the trash, still carrying a heavy scent of honey.
Shi Qi abruptly recalled that during his final trip to the bathroom last night, Shang Sui had taken the apron and leg garters he’d worn.
As Shang Sui walked toward him, Shi Qi’s thighs instinctively went weak.
“Pervert.”
Hearing him mutter under his breath, Shang Sui came to a stop. “Why are you cursing me the moment we meet?”
Shi Qi realized cursing someone on one’s wedding day wasn’t exactly ideal. He was just about to say, “You must’ve misheard—”
“That sounded lovely,” Shang Sui said with a smile. “Say a few more.”
“…”
“You look so beautiful, baby.” Shang Sui’s eyes clung to him. “Even better than I imagined.”
Everything Shi Qi wore, from head to toe, had been handpicked by Shang Sui. The white suit was paired with a matching vest and lace shirt. He didn’t wear a tie, revealing a sliver of his collarbone, where the makeup artist had applied a shimmering highlight that caught the light like water.
His makeup sparkled, and with every blink, his eyelids glittered. His thick eyelashes were curled like a doll’s.
Just like Shi Qi, Shang Sui was nearly overcome with the excitement of stepping into marriage. He could hardly contain himself.
“Didn’t you want a kiss?” Shi Qi, flattered by the compliment, said haughtily, “Come here.”
Qin Shuhe, seated among the guests, swiftly turned around. “Hey! What are you two doing? No sneaky kissing before the ceremony!”
Lin Yan joined the teasing. “Shi Qi, what’s with that regretful expression?”
“Hurry it up, you two can barely wait.”
“Once the ceremony’s over, you’ll be free to kiss all you want!”
Caught red-handed by everyone, they had no choice but to hold off for now.
“Almost forgot to say—everything today is perfect.” Just before the ceremony began, Shi Qi poked him. When Shang Sui lowered his head, he said earnestly, “The setting, the clothes, the jewelry… Thank you for putting so much care into it. I’ll remember this day forever.”
Shang Sui smiled and reached out his hand to him. “Shall we?”
Shi Qi’s eyes curved into a smile. “Let’s go.”
Unlike the elaborate set design, the wedding ceremony itself was remarkably simple.
There was no officiant. They walked together through the summer sunlight, weaving between Endless Summer hydrangeas, as if passing through a tunnel layered with time.
Shi An and Jiang Li sat in the front row. To their left were Jiang Youning and Li Zhao—the latter holding a camera, entirely absorbed in filming.
Shi An’s eyes turned red the moment he saw Shi Qi. “How is he getting married already? In my memory, he’s still just a little kid. I can’t bear it.”
As he spoke, he glanced sideways. Yu Wan had been clapping at first, but now her eyes were red too.
She pulled a handkerchief from her bag to dab at her tears. Beside her, Shang Yao whispered something to her, wearing a relieved smile.
Among the elders, Jiang Li was the happiest of all. “I always thought Xiao Qi looked too good. It’d be hard to find an Alpha who could match him in appearance. I was honestly worried that the two wouldn’t look well-paired standing together today.”
He chuckled cheerfully. “But it’s perfect! Xiao Sui and him together look like a pair of crystal figurines, absolutely made for each other.”
Both of their suit lapels were adorned with lilies of the valley boutonnieres. Shang Sui paused, his gaze sweeping over the bouquet in Shi Qi’s hands and the delicate, dewdrop-like blossoms on his chest. It all felt just right. “For a day like today, there couldn’t be a more fitting flower.”
Lily of the valley blooms; happiness returns.
“I hope, from now on, that your happiness and joy will always be shared with me,” Shi Qi said suddenly. “And if I’m not there, then I hope you’ll be neither happy nor joyful.”
Everyone present was stunned by this unconventional vow, then quickly broke into laughter.
Qin Shuhe asked, “Is Shi Qi cursing my ge right now?”
Lin Yan: “Your ge’s clearly enjoying it.”
Qin Shuhe: “Yeah, he looks like he’s absolutely thriving.”
“Alright,” Shang Sui smiled, eyes crinkling, “I do.”
A breeze lifted scattered hydrangea petals. Shi Qi looked into his eyes, as if gazing into a fairy tale.
“You once said that meeting me that summer felt like something out of a fairy tale.” As if following the same unspoken rhythm, Shang Sui asked, “From seven years ago until now, how does the story end?”
Though surrounded by friends and family, all other sounds seemed to fall away.
He remembered a snowy night last winter, holding Shang Sui close during the first snowfall. At the time, he thought it was their first spontaneous moment of closeness since they met.
The lily of the valley’s meaning included the joy of reunion after long separation. Without his knowing, someone else had gratefully woven that meaning into the Flower Festival bracelet.
After everything they’d been through, of course it was a happy ending. Shi Qi was just about to speak when a flash of that morning’s dream surfaced in his mind.
In the dream, the face of the young boy had gradually merged with Shang Sui’s. Shi Qi finally remembered what the boy had said at the end.
He smiled at Shang Sui, changed what he was about to say, and repeated the same words—
“It’s a perfect love story.”
—End of Main Story—
Author’s note:
Congratulations to our two babies on their wedding!
The wedding is the ending of a summer fairy tale and the beginning of a love story^^
When I started writing, it was the first day of 2025. I never expected the story to last until the end of June. There were times during serialization when I got stuck and felt incredibly anxious. I’m really slow at writing, too. Thank you all for sticking with me from winter to now.
Typing “End of Main Story” made me really happy, or rather, I’m just really happy to have shared 2S and 17’s story with you all.
I’ll be taking a short break, then coming back with side stories. If there’s anything specific you’d like to read, feel free to let me know, and I’ll see if I can write it.
Besides a bit of post-marriage domestic life, most of the extra chapters I want to write will be “what if” scenarios. One is the post-apocalyptic AU I mentioned ages ago (17 as a mercenary, 2S as the mission target. 2S hires 17 to assassinate or kidnap him, basically scheming his way into meeting his wife ^^).
Another is a high school AU: fork(17) X cake(2S). (Though if I go with this, I might have to bend time a little to make them the same age.)
The last one is angel/demon.
I might write one or two of these, or scrap them all and write something else entirely. This story went from a short story to a long one, which just proves I’m terrible at planning, hahahaha
ShenJiang’s side story might be written at the very end.
Translator’s note:
Thank you so much to everyone who made it this far! I’ve really enjoyed working on this novel, and I hope you’ve had just as much fun reading it. As for the extras, the author has only posted one chapter so far. I’ll wait a little longer to see if more are released. Until then, see you later! ❤️
