224 - Cinderella’s Dream: Together Forever

**Chapter 224** Early the next morning, Chen Wan and her companions went to find Shang Nuan to discuss wedding plans. The hotel they intended to use had been idle for a long time, leaving all the tables, chairs, and floors in need of cleaning. As dawn broke, they began clearing the first-floor lobby. They first wiped every table and chair clean, then swept away all the dust from the floors. Finally, the soldiers assisted in mopping the floor. By midday, the hotel’s ground floor was spotless. Opting for a simple ceremony, Chen Wan borrowed two microphones from Shang Nuan and asked Jin Can to serve as the wedding officiant. After discussing the itinerary for the next day, everyone went their separate ways. As the night fell, Chen Wan tucked the little one into her small bed before holding Jiang Yanxin close, pondering the details of tomorrow’s wedding. Jiang Yanxin playfully poked Chen Wan's chest, asking, "You've rarely talked about your past. What did you do back in your world? Have you had any girlfriends before?" Chen Wan kissed the corner of Jiang Yanxin’s lips, calming her gently, "I was single until I met you. Before coming here, I was part of a special ops team, akin to a SWAT officer. My daily routine revolved around training and missions; thinking back, it was rather monotonous." "Do you prefer it here or your previous world?" Jiang Yanxin inquired. With a soft chuckle, Chen Wan replied, "Is that even a question? Of course, here — where you and Yang Yang are — is home. I had no family back there, aside from my dear mentor and his wife, but other than that, I was quite alone, living a rather unfulfilling life." Chen Wan leaned in for another kiss at the corner of Jiang Yanxin's lips, continuing, "My life truly came alive after arriving here. I came on the very day we were trapped in the Xiaobai Building by Zhang Qiang. Later, we had the RV and traveled all the way to Funan City to seek out your family. Along the way, we even met Qin Ke. Despite the world’s dangers, each day here is precious because I have you and our baby with me." "Mhm." Jiang Yanxin nestled into Chen Wan's embrace with a soft laugh. Meeting Chen Wan had indeed marked a significant turning point for her and Zai Zai. At dawn, Chen Wan got up to shower and prepare breakfast. By a bit past five, while the little one was still sleepily sprawled in her bed, Chen Wan playfully pinched her cheek to wake her. Zai Zai frowned and glared at Chen Wan, "Mommy, what are you doing? I'm not fully awake yet." "Sweetheart, we have something important to do today. Mummy and I are getting married, and we can't have the ceremony without our little flower boy. I made your favorite little meat buns today. Want to get up and eat?" Chen Wan explained, knowing Zai Zai’s mind was more tempted by food, tempting him with his favorite treats. Upon hearing about the food, Zai Zai immediately rubbed her eyes and sat up in bed, "Okay then, I want three buns." "As many as you like. Now let's get my little troublemaker washed up." Chen Wan kissed Zai Zai’s small cheek with a smile. By the time they finished breakfast and tidied up, it was just after six. Wei Siyu and the others arrived as well. Chen Wan took out the clothes she collected from the RV for everyone to choose from since weddings are once-in-a-lifetime events, and it’s better to look beautiful for them. She dressed the little one in a pink bunny dress and styled Zai Zai’s hair into pigtails, much to Zai Zai's delight. In the apocalypse, he seldom wore dresses due to their impracticality. Now, dressed up, he cuddled up affectionately to Chen Wan. When they reached the venue, many from the first district had already gathered, eager to witness the rare spectacle of a wedding. Despite the peace in the first district post-apocalypse, such ceremonies hadn’t been held, making it a novel event everyone wanted to join. Chen Wan and her group invited the guests to take their seats. Although the scarcity of resources meant there wasn't much to serve, the enthusiasm of the crowd was undeniable—no one left early. Around nine, Cao Wei and Shang Nuan arrived. At first, onlookers thought Cao Wei had merely come to officiate the ceremony for Chen Wan, but soon realized otherwise when she stood with Shang Nuan among the brides. Seeing that everyone, including many residents of the first district, was gathered to witness this occasion, Jin Can took the microphone and stepped onto the stage, beginning her role as host. "I'm delighted you all could join us for the wedding of our five couples. Life has been tough since the apocalypse, but fortunately, the first district has offered us a safe haven to live like we did before. Today marks our first official wedding since the district's founding, so let’s congratulate the couples and welcome our little flower bearer to bring the flowers." Jin Can said with a smile. Zai Zai, clad in a pink bunny dress, trotted onto the stage, followed by Huang Lili, who carried five bouquets. The flowers, gathered by Chen Wan and her group from the nearby fields the day before, had been soaking in water overnight to keep them fresh. Yi Yi had arranged them as if freshly picked from a florist, adding to the ceremony’s sense of occasion. "Now, let our little flower bearer present the flowers to Chen Wan and Jiang Yanxin," Jin Can announced cheerfully. Zai Zai, excited, clung to Chen Wan’s leg affectionately. Huang Lili gently reminded him, “Sweetheart, it’s time to give your moms the flowers.” Realizing his task, Zai Zai took the bouquet from Huang Lili and happily presented it to his mother, "Mommy, here's a little flower for you~" "You're such a sweetheart." Jiang Yanxin received the flowers from Zai Zai, bending down to kiss his tender cheek before standing up. "Next, it’s time for our second couple today, Qin Ke and Shen Mingyan," Jin Can prompted, smiling at the little one. Zai Zai trotted over to Qin Ke and Shen Mingyan, hugging each of their legs before taking another bouquet from Huang Lili and handing it to Shen Mingyan, "Auntie, here’s your flower~" "Thank you, our precious Yang Yang," Shen Mingyan said, her eyes crinkling with laughter. Zai Zai proceeded forward, waiting for Jin Can to call the next names, as she already knew them! "Next, it’s the turn for our third couple, Yi Yi and Jiang Wan Ning," Jin Can continued. Trotting along, Zai Zai hugged Yi Yi and Jiang Wan Ning's legs as well, adorably announcing, “Auntie, a flower for you.” "Thank you, Yang Yang. You’re such a good girl." With Jiang Wan Ning's praise, Zai Zai felt a newfound burst of enthusiasm and set off with even more determined strides. "Now, let's move on to our fourth couple, Wei Siyu and Qi Jing," Jin Can reminded sweetly. Without skipping a beat, Zai Zai hugged both women’s legs before stretching out her little hand to receive a bouquet from Huang Lili and presenting it to Qi Jing, “Auntie, here’s your flower~” “Thank you, Yang Yang,” Qi Jing said, gently caressing Zai Zai's cheek with a smile. Finally, it was time for the last couple, featuring Cao Wei and Wen Nuan. Jin Can announced, “Now, for the last couple of today’s ceremony, Cao Wei and Shang Nuan, Yang Yang, please present the flowers to your aunties.” Slightly bashful, Zai Zai hesitated, not really familiar with these two aunties. How should she present the flowers? After a moment of cute reluctance, Zai Zai gathered her courage, hugged their legs individually, collected the bouquet from Huang Lili, and handed it to Shang Nuan. Shang Nuan noticed those given the bouquets previously were those receiving the flowers, yet somehow the little one brought hers directly. How could this tough A receive such an endearing offering? Cao Wei, on the contrary, was overjoyed, lifting Zai Zai with a bounce in her arms, casting a challenging look at Shang Nuan while whispering, "See? Children have the clearest sight; you’ll have to know your place." "Pfft, she's just too young to understand. How about a little competition tonight? Are you up for it?" Shang Nuan teased in a hushed tone. "Ha, bring it on. Scared of you? Hardly," Cao Wei shot back with a defiant glare. With the challenge accepted, a sly smile graced Shang Nuan's lips; her Wei Wei was always a softie everywhere except her words. Meanwhile, the first district residents, captivated by the sight, buzzed with conversation: "Yes, I know about the other couples, but seeing Cao Commander and Deputy Officer Shang together? I didn’t expect that — they’re both alphas!" "Exactly, alphas generally have a competitive streak, so for them to compromise for each other, it’s quite something." "They indeed match well, each exuding such presence and poise that they command respect just by being there." "The little one is so adorable. I believe he's Chen Wan and Jiang Yanxin's child. It's wonderful. With such stability in our first district, surely there will be more children in the future," someone commented. Cao Wei, holding the little one, gently pinched Zai Zai's chubby hand and offered, "Auntie has some delicious cookies. Want to come with Auntie to get some?" Zai Zai pursed his lips, tempted by the idea of cookies. After a moment's hesitation, he nodded. Cao Wei chuckled at Zai Zai, teasing, "You're letting Auntie lure you away with just cookies? How cute." Feeling praised, Zai Zai nuzzled against Cao Wei’s chest, basking in the attention. With the first phase of the wedding complete, the second phase featured speeches by Ye Lan and Jiang Zhao Yuan, acting as the elders. Little Zai Zai remained nestled in Cao Wei's arms throughout the proceedings, showing no signs of wanting to return to his mommy or mummy, his mind still fixated on the promised cookies. Eventually, Chen Wan and Jiang Yanxin came over to collect Zai Zai. "Sweetheart, the ceremony is nearly over. Our little emcee has worked hard. Aren't you embarrassed being held the whole time?" "Not embarrassed. Auntie promised me cookies," Zai Zai replied in his baby voice. "We'll take Yang Yang with us. We promised her cookies, and we'll bring her back to you this afternoon," Cao Wei said with a smile. She really was fond of the little one.