"What's wrong, Shenhe? Should we pick another one?" Yuna asked when she noticed the worry lingering on Shenhe's face.
"It's alright, Shenhe. You said you'd trust him—he'll definitely come. Don't worry. Let's try it on first."
Captain Jean, fully aware of the reason behind Shenhe's unease, immediately reassured her.
Hearing their words, Shenhe hesitated for a moment. Then the light slowly returned to her eyes as she nodded. "Alright."
"Is the gentleman coming too?" Yuna asked curiously.
"Yes. He said he needed to take care of something, but he'll be here soon," Shenhe replied.
"Don't worry. A woman as beautiful and gentle as you—there's no way he wouldn't come. Trust me."
Yuna's sweet words made Shenhe blush.
"Exactly. Go try on the dress. He might arrive any moment," Jean added.
Feeling their reasoning was sound, Shenhe picked up the wedding gown and stepped into the fitting room.
After some time, Shenhe stepped back out wearing the pristine white wedding dress.
The white gown, paired with her silver-white hair, made her appear pure and gentle—almost ethereal.
The sight left both Yuna and Jean completely stunned.
Even Yuna, who had seen countless brides, hadn't expected such a dramatic transformation the moment Shenhe put on the dress.
"Wh-what is it…? Does it look… strange?" Seeing their blank stares, Shenhe became flustered.
"No. Not strange at all."
Jean widened her eyes as she walked toward her slowly.
"It's… breathtaking…"
Yuna, equally astonished, stepped right up to Shenhe and examined her closely.
"Without exaggeration, you are truly the most beautiful bride I've seen in all my decades of running this shop."
Shenhe's face instantly turned scarlet.
"N-no… I'm not…" She felt she could never withstand such high praise.
"So beautiful, Shenhe, you're truly too beautiful. Damn it, even I want to marry you now. What should I do? Run away with me—forget Elliot. I'll treat you well!"
Jean exclaimed dramatically.
Even she hadn't expected Shenhe's silver-white hair and the gown to complement each other so perfectly.
Shenhe was stunned speechless, her face burning hotter and hotter.
From birth to now, she had never received so many compliments—not even close.
It was impossible not to blush.
"Shenhe, sit here. I'll fix you up a bit more. You'll look even more beautiful than you do right now."
Yuna tapped a stool beside her, signaling for her to sit.
"Go on! Trust Yuna's skills. The most beautiful woman wearing the most beautiful wedding dress—with a little extra touch, Elliot won't be able to look away!" Jean urged.
"Alright… then… thank you." Shenhe walked over slowly.
"No trouble at all! It's my honor to do the makeup of a beauty as stunning as you."
Yuna's sweetness never missed its mark.
Shenhe blushed again and stayed quiet, afraid that hearing too many compliments would make her feel as though she were floating away.
What followed was Yuna's meticulous work.
She was gentle and thorough, treating Shenhe's face like a flawless piece of art as she adjusted every detail.
Though Shenhe was already breathtaking, Yuna's skill brought out her beauty to its fullest.
"Perfect… absolutely perfect…"
After a period of careful work, Yuna stepped back and examined Shenhe from head to toe.
Only when she found no flaw whatsoever did she take Shenhe's hand and lead her inward.
"Shenhe, come over here. Just one final step, and you'll be the most beautiful bride in the world."
"Wait… Yuna, where did Jean go?" Shenhe suddenly realized she wasn't around.
"Captain Jean said she was going to check a few other bridal shops in Mondstadt—just in case your gentleman came looking in the wrong place," Yuna explained.
"I see…" Shenhe murmured.
"Don't worry about it! Come, I'll bring out my secret weapon. I swear I'll make you absolutely stunning!" Yuna said enthusiastically, still guiding her forward.
Soon, she brought Shenhe to a doorway.
When she opened it, the inside was pitch black.
Before Shenhe could react, she was gently pushed inside. The door closed behind her with a crisp click.
Just as Shenhe stood there in confusion, a blinding beam of light suddenly descended from above.
She instinctively raised a hand to shield her eyes.
Out of the corner of her vision, she noticed another beam of light illuminating the darkness.
Under that light stood someone.
Bathed in the glare, she couldn't see his face clearly—but something in her heart recognized him instantly.
She took a few slow steps toward the figure, and the other beam of light moved closer as well.
As her eyes gradually adjusted, she finally saw him clearly.
It was Elliot.
He was dressed in a sharp, perfectly tailored suit, a faint smile on his lips—looking more handsome than he had ever looked before.
Shenhe stared, completely entranced, her feet moving forward on their own.
Soon, in the darkness, the two beams of light converged.
And Elliot appeared before her.
They stood face to face, simply gazing at each other in silence.