Xi Song's POV
After an overworked group meeting, I could finally answer his calls.
I massaged my neck, laughing at the same old joke.
Me: So, did you fail again?
Ling Xiao: I doubt if you're really my best friend. But this time, your brother grabbed the chance and turned it into the best proposal.
Frowning at his words, I quickly leaned forward and took the phone close to my ears.
Me: What? You finally proposed to her?
Ling Xiao: She was sobbing. It was heart-touching, I know.
I pressed my lips together, trying not to cringe while pulling his leg.
Me: Are you sure she was not crying in disappointment at your proposal?
Ling Xiao: Yaa! Do you want to die? I'll not let you enter my wedding, but then again, you're my only best friend.
Me: I think I won't be able to make it. The work in the US is getting out of my reach. I need to keep track.
Ling Xiao: You can't come to my wedding, but you surely can take the time to fly back once a year just to see her from afar, right?
Me: Huh?
Ling Xiao: Do you think I don't know? I'm your best friend. Even if we're not in the same country, I know what you're up to.
Me: Fine! I give up! You deserve to have me at your wedding.
Ling Xiao: As if you're left with any other choice. Bye; I'll see you soon, my busy hunk.
..................................................
Author's POV
The wedding season of December was back. The invitation had gone to all the people. The preparations for the marriage were also in full swing.
Xi Song had returned to China on a break. But he did not tell anyone that he had gotten his transfer back here.
All the responsibility on the groom's side fell on his and Han Shuo's shoulders. Whether it was picking a stunning outfit or giving a dreamy look to the wedding venue, both executed their tasks perfectly.
There were only a few days left until the wedding. They also discussed and distributed today's work between them. Xi Song accompanied Ling Xiao for the pre-wedding shoot, while Han Shuo remained at the venue to check the decorations.
Fixing his bow, his eyes landed on Xia Na coming out. He was too stunned to see her wearing a body-hugging, mermaid-cut white gown.
He kept checking her out from top to bottom until Xi Song grabbed his chin to shut his wide-open mouth.
"Sir, have patience. She's yours after all."
The moment he turned to glance at Xia Na, his eyes got fixed on the girl accompanying her. His eyes got moist, watching her from this close.
"Oh, Xingyue, you're here too."
She smiled, nodding her head. "Why won't I be here when my Xia Na is going to look like a princess today?"
Chuckling at her comment, Xia Na glanced at Xi Song. "Oh, Xi Song? It's been a long time."
He quickly shifted his gaze to Xia Na, trying to avoid her eyes. "I can't believe you're getting married to my child, Xia Na."
"All thanks to you, Dr. Song."
Both chuckled over a flashback of their conversation from the workshop.
Flashback
"If you knew Ling Xiao could do anything just to be with you, why did you leave him? Why did you break his heart, Ms. Xia?"
As soon as she started explaining to him, he could not stop laughing. Seeing him like this, she started getting furious but was also shocked.
"So, you're telling me Ling Xiao's mom asked you to choose? Oh, gosh, so you were that girl she was talking about."
Interwinding her hands, she raised her eyes. "What do you mean?"
"Lol, she wanted to test a girl's true love. So, I gave her this idea, and it turns out to be you. She was only trying to see if you were going to stick with him even in such situations. That's it."
"What? It scared me to hell. How can you suggest such a thing?" She threw a resentful look at him. "I didn't know it was you. Anyway, I'm like her second son. Of course, I need to offer the best advice."
"You mean the most shitty advice?"
"Likewise." He shrugged his shoulders.
Flashback ended
"Wait, since when have you two had secrets?" Ling Xiao gazed at them suspiciously.
Moving his head closer to his, he whispered. "Since you chose to spend your life with her, remember, I'll always be the master key."
Time passed in chat, and their shoot started. The other two just silently supported them. Maybe they were left with no courage to raise their heads and look at each other for a couple of moments.
While secretly glimpsing at each other, there came a time when both of them became overwhelmed.
"Okay, we'll do this as the next pose," the photographer advised them.
"Umm... Instead of this, can we make our own pose?" Xia Na asked.
"Yes, you can."
Her words sent them back to an unforgettable moment in their lives.
Flashback
"Okay, Ms. Li, can you put your hands around his neck and lean closer to his face?"
They recalled the time of their pre-wedding shoot, when they were tied up in that shoot after an argument.
It was difficult for the photographer to get their pictures as neither of them was ready to cooperate properly.
"Can you put your hands away? They're itchy," Xi Song claimed in a mocking tone.
She glared at him before asking the photographer. "Can we do our own pose?"
Sighing at the sight, he made an okay sign with his hand and waited to capture them.
She grabbed hold of his collar tightly and pulled him towards her. Resting her face on his chest, she closed her eyes and said with a tight-lipped smile, "Put your hands on my waist. I want to wrap up this shoot and go home as soon as possible."
He rolled his eyes and did whatever she asked for. The fake smile finally turned out to be their final wedding photo.
Flashback ended
........................................
Arranging the flower vase, she brushed back her hair as it kept blocking her view.
She let out a sigh and gave up on trying when a tender palm fell on her skin while caressing her hair strands back.
Slowly, she turned around, only to find Han Shuo beaming at her.
Feeling taken aback, she stepped back. "What are you doing here?"
"The same thing as you're doing."
Making an 'o' sign with his mouth, he corrected himself, "Oh, this? Well, just being the helping hand you need in life."
"You and your crappy jokes." She rolled her eyes, walking away, but he blocked her way.
"Then, do you want to listen to a better one?" He cleared his throat, gathering all his energy. "Do you know the groom and bride met each other looking after decorations at their best friend's wedding? Did you get déjà vu?"
"What nonsense is this? Mr. Han, I guess I have clearly told you before. I'll not always ignore your mistakes. So, please, leave me for god's sake." She walked away, leaving him in despair.