"We should have known this would happen," one muttered. '"I ate too much food before dinner even started. Now I'm bloated and heartbroken."'

Shun chuckled, patting his friend on the back. "Sucks to be you."

As the couple finally pulled away, Ling Li laughed softly, wiping at the lingering tears in her eyes. Four Eyes held her hands, his gaze unwavering.

"You're mine now," he said, his voice raw with emotion.

Ling Li raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in her gaze. "Was I not yours before?"

Four Eyes grinned, shaking his head. "You were always mine. But now, the world knows it too."

The pavilion burst into applause once more as the guests rushed forward to congratulate them.

Quan Ye was the first to reach Four Eyes, clapping him so firmly on the back that he nearly sent him stumbling forward. "You actually did it!" he exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief. "You were sweating bullets, man!"

"Not bullets," Chatty interjected with a smirk, crossing his arms. "Entire bombs!!!"

Four Eyes let out a breathy laugh, running a hand through his hair, trying to steady the rush of excitement threatening to overwhelm him. His temples throbbed slightly… not from exhaustion, but from the sheer intensity of emotions coursing through him.

Shi Min, Ren, and Lily approached next, their faces glowing with unfiltered joy.

"Congratulations, Mom and Paps," Ren grinned, pulling Four Eyes into a half-hug, then turning to Ling Li, his eyes twinkling with pride.

Four Eyes smirked, tugging Shi Min into a playful embrace. "Thank you, Shi Min, Ren, Lily," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Then came Old Tutor Chen and Old Tutor Ma, the latter still looking slightly dazed from the whole ordeal. Tutor Chen, ever composed, stroked his well-groomed mustache with an approving nod.

"Madam Ling," he began, his tone calm but with an unmistakable warmth. "It seems you've made an excellent choice in partners." His words carried weight, a silent seal of approval that meant more than his outward expression let on.

Ling Li chuckled, meeting his gaze with unwavering confidence. "I believe so."

Old Tutor Ma, still wary from the unexpected aerial spectacle earlier, nodded stiffly. "I wish the two of you endless happiness," he muttered before quickly retreating, perhaps still trying to convince himself he hadn't imagined it all.

As congratulations poured in, the pavilion transformed into a grand feast, tables brimming with the finest delicacies, the air saturated with fragrant spices, and wines poured generously into gilded goblets. But among the waves of cheers and laughter, a few figures stood out.

At the head of the commotion, two men approached with commanding presence—men whose mere existence sent shivers down the spines of many.

El Padre, the 'Godfather of the Mafia, stalked forward with smooth yet predatory grace, dressed in a midnight-black suit that bore the weight of his empire. His cold, sharp eyes locked onto Ling Li and Four Eyes, and then, with a rare smile curving his lips, he extended his hand to Four Eyes.

"Welcome to the family," he murmured, his voice a quiet promise — a declaration not only of approval but of allegiance.

Ling Li met his gaze head-on, her chin slightly lifted. There was a mutual respect between them, an understanding forged not through words but through years of battles, decisions, and shared power.

Beside him stood El Capitan, 'the Underground King,' clad in deep gray, his posture unwavering. He let out a low chuckle, clapping Four Eyes on the shoulder with more force than necessary. "You're damn lucky, 'hermano,'" he said in his rich, accented voice, a mix of amusement and warning. "She's worth more than an empire."

Four Eyes swallowed back a smirk, knowing full well the weight behind those words.

Then came the towering figures of the Global Elite Federation's core leaders — political giants whose presence could shift economies and armies alike.

The Russian President, ever the humorist, grinned widely, clapping Ling Li on both shoulders. "Ah, Ling Li! You always find a way to keep the world entertained!" His laughter boomed over the celebration. "And you, Chu Yan… you better keep up, or she'll leave you behind!"

Four Eyes laughed, shaking his head. "I'll do my best."

Beside him, the Cuban President, far more serious, inclined his head slightly in greeting. His sharp eyes analyzed the scene with practiced precision before he simply stated, "Powerful unions breed powerful futures. May you both find strength in each other."

Ling Li appreciated his words, nodding firmly.

A few feet away, lurking at the edge of the commotion, stood the Chinese President. His smile was small, forced, barely concealing the tension in his features. He spoke little, offering only a perfunctory nod, but his eyes betrayed the weight of his thoughts. Guilt gnawed at him from the inside, knowing that in secret corners of his empire, whispers had woven dangerous schemes—schemes that sought to covet Ling Li's power.

Ling Li didn't need words to understand his silence. She saw through him.

And he knew it.

As congratulations poured in from dignitaries, allies, and commanders, the pavilion transformed into a grand feast.

A massive, multi-tiered cake stood tall at the center of the gathering—a masterpiece crafted by the finest Michelin-starred pastry chefs. Intricate sugar flowers adorned its surface, and the delicate gold embellishments shimmered under the warm light.

The dinner was a spectacle in itself. A five-star Michelin chef had curated a menu worthy of royalty—succulent roasted meats, fresh seafood platters, perfectly aged wines, and an assortment of exquisite dishes from every corner of the world. The aroma alone was intoxicating, drawing guests to their seats with eager anticipation.

Four Eyes pulled Ling Li close as they sat at the grand table, his fingers entwined with hers beneath the tablecloth.

"Tell me," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Did I surprise you?"

Ling Li smirked, lifting her wine glass as she held his gaze.

"You did," she admitted. "And you managed to make me cry."

Four Eyes chuckled, raising his own glass. "Then I did something wrong, you can have my whole body as my compensation."

Ling Li almost choked from the wine. "You!"

Four Eyes playfully winked at her as Ling Li pushed him away.

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