Within days, the courts sentenced the Xing family to 20 years in prison for their crimes. All their assets were seized by the government, including luxury homes, vehicles, and business holdings.
The Xin family's legal team worked closely with law enforcement to ensure every piece of evidence was accounted for.
Gu Yangjin, once a victim, was now hailed as a symbol of resilience and courage. News outlets praised her bravery in standing up to her abusive family and reclaiming her life.
At a press conference, Gu Yangjin spoke softly but firmly:
"I am not defined by my past or by those who sought to harm me. I am grateful for the love and support of my chosen family, especially Ah Xin and the Xin family. Together, we will build a future free from fear and lies."
The crowd erupted in applause.
Two Weeks Later
Gu Yangjin adjusted her fiancée's tie behind the courthouse steps, the roar of reporters muffled by security detail. "Twenty years minimum sentencing... Does that feel like enough?"
Qiao Zhi captured her hand, kissing the knuckle below her engagement ring. "They'll never touch you again. That's what matters."
Madam Xin's laughter rang out as she posed with the prosecution team, her arm around the tearful nanny who'd testified. Across the street, billboards already displayed new Xin Corporation ads featuring Gu Yangjin's smile beneath the tagline: FAMILY IS CHOICE.
That night, as Qiong City's skyline twinkled through their bedroom window, Gu Yangjin traced Qiao Zhi's collarbone with quiet awe. "You didn't have to bankrupt them."
Qiao Zhi rolled atop her, moonlight catching the steel in her gaze. "Yes, I did." Their lips met-soft at first, then deepening with hungry promise. Between kisses, she murmured, "No one... hurts... my wife..."
Gu Yangjin's breath hitched at the word. "Wife," she repeated, rolling them sideways. "I like the sound of- mmph!"
The rest was lost to dawn's approach, while far below, city workers replaced the last Xing Corporation billboard with a marriage announcement that lit up the night.
..
..
The sun rose gently over Qiong City, illuminating the grand plaza before Xin Corporation's headquarters. A raised stage, draped in ivory and pale lavender fabrics, waited under a sweeping canopy of wisteria and peonies. Thousands of guests—family, friends, business partners, and global press—filled the transparent seats that lined the wide aisle. Giant screens flanked both sides of the stage, broadcasting live footage to a global audience.
At precisely ten o'clock, a hush fell over the crowd, punctuated only by the soft flutter of camera shutters. From an elegant archway of flowers, Qiao Zhi appeared, stepping forward in a tailored white suit that highlighted her strong shoulders and graceful poise. Her dark hair was pulled back into a sleek chignon, and her eyes shone with calm determination. Every camera lens, every gaze in the plaza, followed her as she walked with quiet confidence.
Moments later, the music swelled—an orchestral arrangement of strings and piano—and Gu Yangjin emerged at the far end of the aisle. Her wedding gown was a masterpiece of lace and silk, its fitted bodice flowing into a train studded with delicate pearls. She paused, took a deep breath, and began her descent. The world seemed to slow: petals drifted around her, candlelight flickered in glass lanterns lining the pathway, and her heart beat in time with every step.
Hand in hand, Qiao Zhi and Gu Yangjin met halfway down the aisle. For a moment, they simply looked at each other—the city's skyline a distant backdrop. Then, together, they proceeded to the stage, shoulders brushing, their fingers intertwined as a silent promise. Witnesses stood and applauded, some wiping tears from their eyes. The global livestream viewership surged, tapping past ten million on multiple platforms.
At the center of the stage, beneath a floral canopy, Xin Luo—the elder sister and maid of honor—held two velvet boxes. She opened the first to reveal a platinum band set with princess-cut diamonds. Qiao Zhi took it, slid it onto Gu Yangjin's ring finger, and gently closed her hand around Gu Yangjin's. Then Gu Yangjin returned the gesture, placing an identical ring on Qiao Zhi's finger with a reassuring smile. A delicate trill of bells sounded, and the audience erupted in applause.
With dawn's light glinting on the glass walls behind them, Qiao Zhi spoke first, voice steady but full of emotion:
"From the moment I met you, I knew my life would never be the same. You are my strength, my warmth, and my home. Today, I vow to stand by you through every storm, to protect your heart, and to build our dreams together. With this ring, I give you my promise for all my days."
Gu Yangjin's eyes glistened as she replied:
"You rescued me from darkness and showed me what true love means. You are my rock, my laughter, and my sanctuary. I vow to honor you every morning and cherish you every night. I will share your burdens and celebrate your joys—for all the days of our lives."
When their vows ended, the crowd rose in a standing ovation. Champagne flutes clinked in the VIP section; confetti cannons boomed overhead, releasing cascades of white and lavender petals.
Amid the shimmering petals, Qiao Zhi lifted Gu Yangjin's hand to her lips, then leaned in for a kiss that was both gentle and filled with depth. It was a seal on their vows, a spark that swept through the plaza. On every screen, cameras zoomed in to capture the tender moment.
As the ceremony concluded, Xin Luo took the stage with a broad smile. "The formalities are in good hands now," she called to Qiao Zhi, "Please, take this day for yourselves." She gestured to the bridal party, who guided the guests to a reception tent nearby. Under strings of fairy lights, white tables held silver platters of hors d'oeuvres, crystal goblets brimmed with champagne, and a towering wedding cake glistened with edible blossoms.
Qiao Zhi bowed to the audience. "Thank you all. Tonight, Xin Corporation celebrates not only business, but love itself." She glanced at Gu Yangjin and slipped her arm around her waist. "Shall we?"
Gu Yangjin smiled, leaning into Qiao Zhi's embrace. "Let's begin our life."
Hand in hand, they departed the stage, leaving the rest of the reception in Xin Luo's capable hands. Guests cheered as they walked past, snapping photos and sending congratulatory messages worldwide.
After the last round of applause faded, Qiao Zhi and Gu Yangjin turned back toward the dais one final time. Madam Xin and Mr. Xin stood beneath the floral arch, surrounded by lingering guests.
Madam Xin's eyes glistened as she stepped forward, gently unlocking a small lacquered box. She drew out an exquisite jade pendant—an heirloom passed down through generations of the Xin family—and held it out to Gu Yangjin.
"With this," Madam Xin said, voice warm and steady, "you carry our blessings—and our trust." She draped the pendant around Gu Yangjin's neck, then folded her into a mother's embrace.
Mr. Xin placed a firm hand on Gu Yangjin's shoulder. Though his expression remained careful and reserved, his tone softened. "If Ah Xin ever makes you unhappy," he said with a half-grin, "you tell me. I'll teach her a lesson."
Qiao Zhi laughed, looping an arm through Gu Yangjin's. "It seems our parents love you more than me," she teased, and the four of them shared a happy, surprised chuckle.
Madam Xin's eyes shone. "From this day until forever, Xin Huanming, you are my daughter."
At those words, Gu Yangjin felt tears spring to her eyes. She wrapped her arms around Madam Xin's waist. "I never imagined… ever… this could happen to me."
Qiao Zhi gently nudged Gu Yangjin's back, brushing away her tears. "You deserve every bit of love," she whispered in her ear.
Gu Yangjin took a steadying breath. "Where's sister-in-law?" she asked, stepping back to look around.
Mr. Xin frowned, scanning the crowd. "Your sister-in-law should be here—but I don't see her."
Madam Xin's brow drew tight. "That irresponsible girl—disappearing right when we need her most!"
Qiao Zhi placed a calming hand on Gu Yangjin's. "It's fine. Maybe she's running an errand." She turned back to the gathering.
Madam Xin gave Qiao Zhi's arm an encouraging squeeze. "Hurry on—everything at the villa is ready."
With a final wave, Qiao Zhi took Gu Yangjin's hand and led her down the aisle. The guests began to disperse toward the reception tent, voices soft with congratulations.
As they passed a quiet side corridor—lined with potted orchids and dim lanterns—Qiao Zhi halted mid-step. Ahead, beneath a pale moonbeam, Xin Luo and a beautiful blonde woman pressed together in a deep kiss.
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