**Chapter 8: The Wedding**
Yuezhi stood in the quiet preparation room, fingers tracing the crimson silk of her wedding attire. The dress blended modern lines with traditional elegance — deep red that symbolized joy and good fortune, accented by a subtle white crane embroidered near the shoulder. Her hair was pinned up with jade accents, simple yet regal.
A soft knock. Jianyu entered, pausing as their eyes met in the mirror. He wore a tailored dark suit with a traditional crimson boutonnière.
"You look…" His voice caught. He stepped closer and gently adjusted one of her hairpins. "Are you sure you're strong enough for the full ceremony? We can simplify—"
"I am here," she replied, turning to face him. "That is what matters."
He searched her face, then nodded. The quiet warmth in his eyes made her chest tighten in that unfamiliar way again.
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