Chapter 95
“Miss Li Xinjun, do you take Miss Song Ling to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?”
“I do!”
“Miss Song Ling, do you take Miss Li Xinjun to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?”
“I do!”
“By the power vested in me by God, I now pronounce you wife and wife. May you love and cherish each other, through thick and thin, till death do you part. Amen. You may now exchange rings.”
Song Ling took Li Xinjun’s right hand and slowly slid a diamond ring onto her ring finger. They both held their breath, their hands trembling with anticipation. After Song Ling had placed the ring on her finger, Li Xinjun took Song Ling’s hand and slipped another diamond ring onto her finger.
After exchanging rings, they embraced, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss. A lone but enthusiastic applause echoed through the beautiful chapel. Apart from the two brides and the priest, there was only one witness: Mark, their best friend and family.
Mark had known them since the Qing Dynasty, witnessing every stage of their relationship. Seeing them finally exchange vows filled him with emotion. Although Fan Weiqi was no longer with them, he knew she would have been happy for them.
Song Ling and Li Xinjun walked over to Mark, who embraced them both tightly.
“Congratulations! I’m so happy for you both! It’s wonderful to see you finally together!”
“Thank you, Mark. We wouldn’t be here without you. You’re our benefactor, our best friend, and our family.”
“We’re practically family after all these centuries. Enough with the formalities! What are your plans now? Back to China or back to England?”
“We’re planning to travel the world, to explore all the places we missed while we were apart. What about you? Back to England to continue your environmental activism?”
“I’m also planning to travel the world. In fact, if you hadn’t called me back for the wedding, I would be sunbathing in the Maldives right now. After Qiqi’s passing, I needed a change of scenery. I want to see the world through her eyes.”
“Then we’ll part ways for now. When we’re tired of traveling, we’ll come find you.”
“Okay.”
Mark kissed them both on the cheek and then left. Li Xinjun and Song Ling, hand in hand, walked out of the chapel. They didn’t bother with a legal marriage certificate or a wedding reception. A simple ceremony, a simple dress, a simple ring, a single witness, and a priest: it was perfect.
A wedding was just a ceremony. What truly mattered was the love in their hearts and their unwavering commitment to each other. As long as the person standing beside you at the altar was the one you loved, it was the perfect wedding.
They spent the next year traveling the world, exploring new places, indulging their curiosity, and savoring every moment together. They had no itinerary, no deadlines, no destination in mind. They simply followed their hearts, enjoying the beauty of the world and the company of each other.
Although they had lived for centuries, they still retained their childlike wonder, their hearts filled with excitement at every new discovery.
There was a saying: “The world changes, but love remains.” It described the passage of time, how some things fade with the years, while others endure. For Song Ling and Li Xinjun, their love for each other had remained constant, unwavering, despite the changing world and the passing centuries.
They were lying on sun loungers on a beach, enjoying the warm sun and the gentle breeze. Li Xinjun picked up her phone and opened Weibo, which she hadn’t checked in a while. After her retirement, Yu Wenqian had returned control of her account to her, but she had been so preoccupied with her blissful life with Song Ling that she had neglected her social media presence.
Her last Weibo post was her retirement announcement. She scrolled through the comments, thousands of them, most expressing sadness and disappointment at her departure, some offering understanding and well wishes, and many inquiring about the mysterious partner she had mentioned at the press conference.
Li Xinjun smiled. She took Song Ling’s hand, snapped a photo of their intertwined hands, and posted it on Weibo, with a simple caption: “Holding your hand, growing old together.” She then closed the app and continued to enjoy her day with Song Ling.
“Who did you send that photo to?” Song Ling asked.
“To my fans on Weibo.”
“You still care about your fans? You promised me you would quit acting. Have you forgotten already?”
“No, I haven’t. I just wanted to share our happiness with everyone.”
“It’s been almost a year since you retired. Do you think anyone still cares about you?”
“I just checked Weibo. The last comment was posted last night. I’m still quite popular, you know.”
“That’s why I don’t want you to continue acting. I don’t want everyone ogling you. How do you think that makes me feel?”
“You’re such a jealous lover!”
“You’re mine!”
“We’re married! What more do you want?”
“I don’t care! You’re mine, and mine alone!”
“Okay, okay, I’m yours forever. I love you, wifey.”
“I love you too, wifey.”
Li Xinjun leaned down and kissed Song Ling. Song Ling wrapped her arms around her neck, savoring the moment. Suddenly, Li Xinjun’s phone rang. They both looked at the phone, surprised. No one had called them in a long time.
Li Xinjun answered the call. The caller ID displayed “Yu Wenqian.”
“Hello, Sister Wenqian! Long time no see! What brings you to call?”
“Hello, Mo Mo? I just saw your Weibo post. Congratulations! You two are so sneaky! Getting married without telling anyone! Aren’t you having a reception?”
“Oh, I’m sorry, Sister Wenqian. Ling Jie and I wanted to keep it private, so we didn’t tell anyone. It was just a simple ceremony. I’m sorry we didn’t invite you. How have you been?”
“No need to apologize. I was just calling to congratulate you. And to remind you that the Berlinale is next week. ‘Whispers of the Heart’ is nominated, and I was wondering if you’d be interested in attending. You might have retired, but you’re still one of the lead actresses and a nominee. What do you say?”
Li Xinjun looked at Song Ling, seeking her opinion. Song Ling shrugged, indicating that she didn’t mind. Li Xinjun then replied,
“Yes, we’ll attend.”
“Both of you?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, great! I’ll arrange your seats. See you there!”
“Okay, see you there. Bye.”
“Bye.”
A few days later, Li Xinjun and Song Ling checked out of their hotel and flew to Berlin for the Berlinale. They walked the red carpet hand in hand, dressed in matching outfits, their love for each other evident. Reporters, both local and international, flocked to them, snapping photos.
Li Xinjun’s Weibo post, featuring the photo of their intertwined hands and the caption “Holding your hand, growing old together,” had sparked a frenzy online. Fans had noticed that the other hand in the photo belonged to a woman, and the internet was abuzz with speculation. Li Mo was trending on Weibo.
Now, seeing Li Mo in person, hand in hand with the CEO of Pinnacle Entertainment, the reporters realized that Song Ling was the other person in the photo. The revelation sent them into a frenzy, their cameras flashing nonstop.
“Mo Mo, look this way! Look this way!”
“Ms. Song, can you stand closer to Mo Mo?”
“Mo Mo, are you and Ms. Song married? Is that Ms. Song’s hand in the photo?”
“Can we get a shot of your rings?”
Li Xinjun, unfazed by the attention, wrapped her arm around Song Ling’s waist, posing for the cameras. Song Ling, exuding confidence, placed her hand on Li Xinjun’s shoulder, smiling at the reporters.
The reporters, delighted by their cooperation, continued to snap photos. As they were about to leave, Li Xinjun, to appease the reporters, kissed Song Ling gently on the lips, sending the cameras into overdrive.
Inside the venue, Li Xinjun and Song Ling were seated with the film crew. Director Wang, seeing Li Xinjun, gave her a hug, and then they all took their seats.
The ceremony began with an opening speech by the hosts, followed by the presentation of awards by various presenters. The Berlinale was a prestigious event, attracting films from all over the world. Most of the attendees were foreigners.
There weren’t many films from Asia in competition. “Whispers of the Heart” was one of the few that had made it to the final selection. To show their support, Chinese television stations were broadcasting the ceremony live.
“And now, we’ll be presenting the award for Best Director. Please welcome our presenter, Steven Charles.”
“Thank you. Thank you for the warm welcome. Let’s take a look at the nominees.”
A montage of film clips played on the screen, including a clip from “Whispers of the Heart,” featuring Fan Weiqi and Li Mo. Li Xinjun’s eyes welled up with tears as she saw Fan Weiqi’s face. Song Ling, noticing her sadness, handed her a tissue.
The cameras captured the tender moment, and the live stream chat exploded with comments, mostly expressing support and admiration for Li Mo and Fan Weiqi.
“And the winner of the Best Director award at the 2020 Berlin International Film Festival is… Wang Zhigang from China! Please welcome Director Wang to the stage!”
Director Wang stood up, and Li Xinjun embraced him, her eyes filled with tears. He shook hands with the people around him and then walked onto the stage, accepting the award from the presenter.
“Thank you. Thank you to everyone who supported ‘Whispers of the Heart.’ Thank you to my amazing crew, to Li Xinjun for her brilliant performance, and to Fan Weiqi, who is no longer with us. You made this film possible. Thank you.”
Director Wang’s voice choked with emotion as he mentioned Fan Weiqi. They had been friends and colleagues for many years, and he couldn’t say much more without breaking down.
He quickly finished his acceptance speech and left the stage. The cameras captured his raw emotion, transmitting it to viewers in China. Fan Weiqi’s fans were crying, the live stream chat flooded with messages of love and support.
The hosts continued the ceremony, presenting more awards. “Whispers of the Heart” won several awards, including Best Screenplay and Best Cinematography.
“And now, for the most anticipated award of the night: Best Actress. Please welcome our presenter, Christine Cole.”
“And the winner of the Best Actress award for 2020 is… Fan Weiqi! Please welcome Fan Weiqi to the stage!”
Director Wang gently nudged Li Xinjun, urging her to accept the award on Fan Weiqi’s behalf. Li Xinjun, her heart heavy, walked onto the stage, accepting the award from the presenter. She stood at the podium, her eyes scanning the audience, tears streaming down her face. She bit her lip, unable to speak. Her gaze finally settled on Song Ling.
Song Ling raised her fist, giving her a thumbs-up. Li Xinjun nodded and then turned to the audience, taking a deep breath.
“Thank you. Thank you to everyone who loved and supported Fan Weiqi. I met her through ‘Whispers of the Heart,’ and I have to say, she was an incredibly dedicated and talented actress. This film wasn’t originally a dual-lead film, but Qiqi, without any hesitation, auditioned for the supporting role because she loved the character.
She wanted to portray the character authentically, so she spent a lot of time with me, trying to build chemistry, and we quickly became close friends, even best friends.
Although she tragically passed away during filming and couldn’t be here tonight to accept this award, I know she would be happy. This award represents your recognition of her talent and your love for her. I thank you on her behalf.
Qiqi, we love you, and we’ll never forget you. Thank you again for your support. Thank you.”
Li Xinjun couldn’t hold back her tears. The audience was moved, many wiping away tears of their own. Director Wang, who had been crying since leaving the stage, broke down completely, sobbing in his assistant’s arms.
Li Xinjun, holding the award, walked off the stage. Song Ling met her at the bottom of the stairs, and Li Xinjun embraced her, her sobs shaking her body. Song Ling held her close, her dress damp with Li Xinjun’s tears.
“Let’s go home, wifey,” Song Ling whispered, her voice gentle.
“Okay, let’s go home.”
Song Ling took Li Xinjun’s hand and led her out of the venue, away from the cameras and the crowd. It was Li Xinjun’s final public appearance, her final farewell to the world of entertainment.
Years later, people still spoke of Fan Weiqi and Li Mo, their names becoming synonymous with talent and tragedy. Even Song Ling’s name occasionally surfaced in conversations, often linked to rumors of immortality and eternal beauty.
“Jun’er, look at you! It’s been decades, and people still talk about you and Weiqi! We can’t even go back to China anymore!”
“Oh, wifey, I didn’t expect it to be like this! I just wanted to have some fun and be an actress for a couple of years! I didn’t realize I would leave such a lasting impression!”
“You were the same in the Qing Dynasty! I turned my back for a moment, and you became the famous Li, the talented scholar! You almost became the Empress! And now you’re the eternal legend, Li Mo! From now on, you’re not leaving my sight! I can’t handle any more of your shenanigans!”
“But wifey, you can’t keep me locked up forever! I haven’t worked in thirty years! I’m bored of traveling!”
“That’s because you’re too charming! You attract trouble wherever you go!”
“Wifey… Please! I’ll choose a low-key profession! Okay?”
“Like what? Tell me.”
“A pilot? I’ll be stuck in the cockpit all day. No one will see me.”
“No! Those flight attendants will be all over you! I won’t allow it!”
“Then how about a stunt performer? There aren’t many women in that profession.”
“No! Those men will be ogling you! I won’t allow it!”
“… Men are out, women are out… What do you want me to do?”
“You can be my wife!”
“… I meant a job!”
“Hmm… I’ll start a company, and you can be my secretary. We’ll outsource all the other work, so no one else will see you.”
“That’s no different from being locked up! I’ll be stuck with you all day!”
“Are you complaining about being with me?”
“No, that’s not what I meant!”
“Are you bored of me? Tell me!”
“Wifey, you’re wrong! I love you more than anything! How could I be bored of you?”
“Then stay by my side and never leave my sight!”
“… Yes, ma’am.”
———–The End———–