Dark red velvet is spread on the round table, which is quite large, causing the hem to drag on the clean white tiles.
Several eye-catching glass chandeliers on the ceiling are not lit, only a few ambient lights emit a soft glow, maintaining the minimum level of brightness.
There are several small dishes on the edge of the table, all of which are cold dishes. It is more of a decoration than a means of filling the stomach.
In the center, surrounded by a few bright green small plates, is a large bunch of carnations. Pink and white flowers bloom in clusters among the green leaves, elegant and luxurious.
Unknown instrumental music is playing in the sound system, and the flying notes collide with the flowers. The flowers also shake along with the rhythm, seeming quite satisfied with the beat.
There are many people at the banquet, so many that even if everyone speaks in a low voice, whispering, it still feels like a torrent, chaotic and noisy, but also comforting.
My head hurts—I gently rub my temples with two fingers—tired from the journey, and being pulled up early in the morning to follow the entire wedding process, I didn't even have time to find some coffee to survive, and the result of a serious lack of rest is like this.
...
Makeup, photoshoot, change of hairstyle, continue photoshoot... Under the constant manipulation of the photographer and makeup artist, time quickly passes, fortunately, the results are visible to the naked eye. When I moved my thoughts away from the sugarcane plant in the corner of the wall, which could even touch the roof even if it leaned, there were already several bridesmaids wearing matte gray long dresses.
Two pieces of white gauze gently envelop, and the rest of the skin is exposed. Although the countryside morning still has a bit of chill, no one cares about these: finally, it's over. Several people quickly divide the work, lock the door, hide the shoes, and do it in one go.
The wedding car is not very punctual, to be precise, it is a few minutes early. This is not a problem, so someone from upstairs opens the window and asks about the purpose of the person in the black suit. They exchange a few words loudly, and the door of the small building opens smoothly, and a group of people continue to rush upstairs with noise.
All dressed in black suits, white shirts, tied bow ties, and a branch adorned with full flowers inserted on the chest.
Such a group of people crowded at the door of the bride's room, calling for the door. The bridesmaids clamored for red envelopes, and the other side cooperatively asked for the door to be opened—after all, the door was so tightly sealed that not even a piece of paper could be inserted.
The hidden shoes were quickly found, after all, the bedroom was not that big, the furniture was quite limited, and most importantly, there was no real obstruction.
Some things are better left unsaid, too much is not beautiful.
A small dog about a month old is kept on the first floor. It has brown fur and a pointed mouth. It clings to the railing and quietly watches its owner in a white dress. Taking advantage of the ceremony, I also bend down and rub its head. Looking at it squinting its eyes and showing a comfortable expression, I touch its slightly rough fur and ask it softly, your owner is about to leave, don't you want to take a good look at her?
Of course, there will be no answer, it can't even bark a few times.
...
The carnations on the table still sway, matching the climax of the music, gathering my scattered thoughts.
Through the gaps between the petals and leaves, I see the bride wearing a wedding dress with a huge petticoat, dragging a long train, walking up the stage.
The surrounding noise gradually fades away. The music becomes softer after the climax, making me unable to resist the temptation to take a nap in this ambiguous atmosphere.
Brief memories of the past, both sides read their vows, exchange rings, relatives and friends give speeches... under the guidance of the host, everything is connected and orderly.
I gaze at the stage, savoring every word. Honestly, the vows are a bit cheesy, but it doesn't stop me from listening with relish. Everyone is also genuinely smiling, toasting to bless the newlyweds on stage.
Life is filled with mundane matters, so why worry too much about trivial things?
The groomsmen and bridesmaids, as well as the groom's relatives, sit at the round table below the stage. The view is good and the visibility is clear. Thanks to this, I see the tall and thin figure of my father-in-law, slightly bent, with a slightly crooked flower on his chest; I see my mother-in-law wearing a red cheongsam, gently pursing her lips, holding her husband beside her; I see my father-in-law's square face, which is seven points similar to the groom's, and the smile that appears when he pretends to be calm; I see my mother-in-law's arm being held, leaning against my father-in-law, the smile between her eyebrows makes her look several years younger.
I see the groom's body slightly plump, although he has lost some of his youthfulness, his appearance is still the same, also pursing his lips, firmly holding the slender palm wrapped in long gloves, with tears in the corners of his eyes.
I didn't see the expression of the other protagonist clearly. Bright makeup, continuous shutter clicks, flashing lights, too many things rushed in, engulfing the petite figure, leaving only the pure white wedding dress and endless imagination.
I withdraw my gaze and pick up the chopsticks to enjoy the food. This table of food is probably the last gathering with my old classmates on this trip, and I eat heartily, happily, and satisfactorily.
Before leaving, I randomly picked a card from the messy blank greeting cards at the front desk, picked up a pen without a cap, and wrote a few words:
Time is long, the road ahead is far.
Time flies, the journey is long.
It is an honor to be your classmate, to be your friend, to witness your life-changing event, and to witness the new beginning that belongs to you.
I hope all the beauty stays with you, and all the hardships are overcome by you.
On this journey of life, the road is long and the mountains are high. I hope that when we meet again, you will still be smiling like a flower, just like now.