LOI Chapter 66 — Chinese Tradition (Final Chapter Part 2)

Rong Ke accepted a new role and joined the production after returning from Sand Harbor. He transferred one million to Yan Zhi and barely involved himself in the wedding preparations.

It wasn’t that he wanted to be hands-off; rather, Yan Zhi kept changing his mind every other day. One day, he insisted bringing out the ancestral tablets of his father and grandmother for a traditional Chinese ceremony. The next, he declared Chinese themes boring and propose a cosplay party instead.

At first, Rong Ke tried to discuss plans with Yan Zhi between filming, but eventually lost track of his ideas and let him be.

However, after being fooled by Yan Zhi many times before, Rong Ke was cautious this time, adamantly sticking to the wedding budget.

He set a standard cost of three thousand yuan per guest. Luo Fei was tasked with overseeing expenses. In the end, Yan Zhi invited around 600-700 people, barely keeping the budget within two million yuan.

Considering the monetary gifts they’d receive, actual expenses should be lower. Rong Ke was reasonably satisfied with this arrangement.

The wedding was scheduled for the May Day holiday on a small island in Southeast Asia.

Although the place was a bit far away, Yan Zhi not only secured sponsorships but also invited media, transforming the wedding into an entertainment industry extravaganza. Most guests were eager to attend unless they were really unavailable.

The ceremony was set for noon. Unlike typical weddings where only the couple walks the red carpet, Yan Zhi and Rong Ke’s wedding required all guests to do so – not that anyone objected. Every guest arrived in full regalia, with the red carpet procession rivaling any fashion event.

Outside the banquet hall, a steady stream of guests arrived amidst clusters of media. Camera shutters clicked incessantly, creating a lively atmosphere. However, in the dressing room, Rong Ke felt uneasy. “Did this wedding really only cost two million?”

“Really,” Luo Fei replied nearby. “We placed flower and beverage advertisements along the red carpet, and sold broadcasting rights for the procession. It should cover all other expenses.”

Rong Ke sighed helplessly, asking Yan Zhi, “Are you getting married or conducting business?”

On the other side of the room, Yan Zhi stood in front of a full-length mirror, adjusting his tie. The custom SPL suits accentuated his dashing appearance, his already handsome features enhanced by subtle makeup.

“Getting married, of course,” Yan Zhi returned to Rong Ke’s side. “You didn’t want to spend too much. I wanted our wedding to be as grand as possible. Now we’ve achieved both. Isn’t that perfect?”

Fair enough.

Both their wishes were fulfilled; Rong Ke had no complaints.

Just then, Zhou Lin knocked and poked his head in. “Gentlemen, it’s showtime.”

On the fifty-meter red carpet leading to the banquet hall, Rong Ke walked arm-in-arm with Yan Zhi.

Camera shutters clicked so rapidly the wedding march was barely audible. Yan Zhi found time to wave at the media, while Rong Ke focused on maintaining his dignified posture.

Thankfully, media coverage stopped at the banquet hall entrance. Beyond that was private space.

Rong Ke and Yan Zhi ascended the stage amid guests’ cheers. As Zhou Lin, acting as master of ceremonies, worked the crowd, Rong Ke whispered to Yan Zhi, “Didn’t you say we’d have a traditional wedding?”

If Rong Ke remembered correctly, Yan Zhi ultimately decided on a traditional approach.

He expected them to wear hanfu or Tang suits, but SPL delivered two Western-style suits. He anticipated traditional elements in the venue, but looking around, even the dining tables weren’t round but rectangular, exuding a distinctly Western ambiance.

How was this traditional in any sense?

“Trust me, it’s traditional,” Yan Zhi whispered in Rong Ke’s ear, turning slightly.

“Are you confusing modern weddings with traditional ones?” Rong Ke couldn’t help asking.

Nowadays, weddings often blend Eastern and Western elements. Rong Ke reasonably suspected this wannabe Westerner mistook it for Chinese tradition.

“No,” Yan Zhi replied.

Rong Ke still had doubts, but Zhou Lin began calling them to recite their vows, so he set his questions aside for now.

“At this sacred moment, I solemnly swear to love Yan Zhi/Rong Ke forever and remain faithful. We’ll face life’s challenges together. May our love endure until death.”

The ceremony’s form and Rong Ke’s discomfort with the flashing cameras became irrelevant in this moment.

The ritual imbued the rings with tangible meaning. After they kissed, Yan Zhi whispered in Rong Ke’s ear, “Don’t take it off again.”

Rong Ke smiled and agreed, “Okay.”

Following the midday ceremony came an outdoor party lasting into the evening.

Guests changed into swimwear, some enjoying water activities, others sunbathing on the beach, completely relaxed.

Rong Ke and Yan Zhi slipped away to a quieter stretch of shore, strolling hand in hand under the sun.

“Tired from the wedding?” Yan Zhi asked.

“Not at all,” Rong Ke replied, watching the soft sand beneath his feet. “You’re probably more tired.”

After all, Yan Zhi handled every detail of the wedding.

“I’m not tired either,” Yan Zhi lifted Rong Ke’s hand, kissing its back. “We could do this every year.”

“…Let’s not,” Rong Ke looked at Yan Zhi. “My new film wraps soon. Let’s visit Fei-jie in Europe and have our honeymoon.”

Yan Fei was busy with work. She took time to return to China last month for a family gathering, so she didn’t attend this island wedding.

“Maybe later,” Yan Zhi said. “It’s not convenient right now.”

“Not convenient?” Rong Ke was puzzled. “Did something happen to her?”

“Not her, me,” Yan Zhi said. “I’m broke.”

Rong Ke suddenly stopped walking. Silence fell between them, broken only by the sea breeze.

Thinking he misheard, Rong Ke asked uncertainly, “Broke?”

“Yes,” Yan Zhi admitted honestly. “I spent all my money on the wedding.”

Rong Ke: “…”

He hesitated, his voice trembling as he asked, “Wasn’t the sponsorship supposed to cover the wedding expenses?”

“It did,” Yan Zhi replied, “but the wedding is just the wedding. There were other expenses.”

Rong Ke was momentarily stunned.

He recalled their agreement of a two-million wedding budget. On this matter, he believed Yan Zhi hadn’t broken their arrangement.

But what else could have possibly required so much money beyond the wedding?

No matter how Rong Ke thought about it, it shouldn’t have been enough to drain their entire savings.

After calming his racing heart, he asked Yan Zhi, “How much did you actually spend?”

“Five million,” Yan Zhi said.

That’s not so bad, Rong Ke thought with relief.

His new drama paid over ten million, and even after taxes, it would be enough to cover this expense.

Wait—

If it was only five million, how could they not even afford a honeymoon in Europe?

Sure enough, Yan Zhi added, “…dollars.”

Rong Ke felt his heart skip a beat.

Taking a deep breath, he tried to stay calm. “Did you fucking buy this island or something? Spending five million dollars on a wedding.”

“Oh? How did you know?” Yan Zhi said. “I bought this island as your gift. We can come here for vacation anytime.”

Rong Ke: “…”

Yan Zhi wasn’t some billionaire. Before getting marries, Rong Ke had checked his assets. They only amounted to tens of millions in RMB.

So he wasn’t lying. He really spent all his money on the wedding.

“You…” Rong Ke felt dizzy with anger. “Was this really necessary for a wedding?”

“Of course it was,” Yan Zhi replied matter-of-factly. “I specifically researched Chinese traditions. When a man marries, he’s supposed to spend his entire fortune on his spouse.”

So this was what this foreigner thought of as tradition???

“What kind of twisted tradition did you research…” Rong Ke massaged his temples, forced to face reality. “So now you’re completely broke.”

“Not entirely,” Yan Zhi said. “I have my plans.”

One month later.

In the MQ office, Rong Ke and Yan Zhi sat on the long sofa. One exuded effortless charm, the other radiated cold beauty. Although they wore pieces from the same collection, each carried a distinct style.

“Thank you both for accepting MQ’s interview,” Chen Wen sat in the chair opposite them, flanked by a lighting assistant and a photographer capturing their interactions.

“Our pleasure,” Yan Zhi replied.

“First, congratulations on Express breaking the 3-billion box office mark.”

Rong Ke nodded slightly. “Thank you.”

Since its May Day release, Express’s box office numbers had soared, setting a record for the fastest film to break 3 billion.

Analysts attributed this not only to its Sand Harbor Film Festival award but also to Yan Zhi’s extravagant May Day wedding, which had generated massive publicity for the film. With its solid quality and effective promotion, such success was hardly surprising.

As the film’s primary investor, Yan Zhi had long since recovered his investment.

Moreover, with his current worth, he could now afford to buy ten more islands without breaking a sweat.

“I heard this film faced funding issues early on, and you stepped in to support Director Jiang. Is that true?”

“Yes,” Yan Zhi confirmed. “I found the film interesting and didn’t want it to fall through.”

“You have quite an eye,” Chen Wen praised. “You probably didn’t expect Express to be this successful back then.”

Yan Zhi glanced at Rong Ke beside him and said, “I’ve always had good taste.”

“But Express doesn’t seem to have plans for international awards,” Chen Wen noted.

“International awards have very high artistic requirements,” Rong Ke replied diplomatically.

In fact, Express was a “tailored film” for the Sand Harbor Film Festival, and its current success was already remarkable.

Jiang Hua likely knew this too, hence the absence of other award campaign plans.

“Then Rong Ke, do you have such plans for the future?” Chen Wen asked. “You’re so young and already a Sand Harbor Best Actor winner. You must have great potential.”

“Hmm…” Rong Ke replied thoughtfully, “Do you want the honest answer or the polite one?”

“The honest one, of course,” Chen Wen said.

“Honestly, I’m going with the flow,” Rong Ke shrugged. “I don’t have many concrete plans right now.”

“You know your fans want you to learn from Zhou Lin?” Chen Wen smiled. “They say marriage shouldn’t derail your career.”

Rong Ke smiled, “That won’t happen.”

“And Yan Zhi, what are your future plans?” Chen Wen asked.

“Going with the flow,” Yan Zhi echoed Rong Ke’s words. “Doing whatever I want to do.”

“Well, that’s not surprising,” Chen Wen glanced at her notes before continuing, “You’ve been married for a month now. Does anything feel different?”

“Not really,” Rong Ke looked at Yan Zhi. “Do you think so?”

“Yes,” Yan Zhi said. “I love you even more now.”

Rong Ke maintained his smile: “…” Stop with the cheesy lines.

“Speaking of which,” Chen Wen continued, “how did you two first fall for each other?”

“It was obviously my charm,” Yan Zhi said.

Rong Ke shot him a glance: You obviously relied on your acting skills.

But he answered properly, “Yan Zhi provides great emotional support. You’re never bored with him. When I was going through a rough patch, he helped me through it. He’s a very important person to me.”

Yan Zhi’s lips curved upward. “I fell in love with him without reason, like it was destiny.”

Thankfully this wasn’t live. Rong Ke interrupted the interview to tell Yan Zhi, “Can’t you be more serious?”

“How am I not serious?” Yan Zhi asked.

“We agreed before coming – no cheesy stuff.”

“I just love you more and more. How is that cheesy?”

Rong Ke turned to Chen Wen, “Don’t you think he’s being cheesy?”

Chen Wen, caught in the crossfire, wasn’t sure how to respond.

But as an editor-in-chief, she thought quickly and asked Rong Ke, “Don’t you like it when he’s cheesy?”

“I do,” Rong Ke blinked. “I just worried you might find it uncomfortable.”

Yan Zhi wrapped an arm around Rong Ke’s shoulders. “Why care about others?”

Watching the couple’s playful banter, Chen Wen messaged her work group: [I’m never interviewing the Yan-Rong couple again /smile]

[Why not?]
[Are they not cooperating?]
[Isn’t Rong Ke easy to work with?]

[Chen Wen: No, it’s just that their lovey-dovey behavior is completely inconsiderate of others /crying]

“Editor Chen?” Rong Ke noticed her on her phone. “Shall we continue?”

“Yes.” Chen Wen looked at her interview outline and pressed on reluctantly, “Do you two have any secrets to maintaining such a loving relationship?”

Rong Ke thought for a moment before saying, “There’s no secret really.”

“That’s true,” Yan Zhi gazed at Rong Ke. “When you’re with the right person, everything falls into place naturally.”

— The End —