The Marriage Ball Toss

Evening arrived quickly.

As night fell on the island, everything was enveloped in tranquility, with only the waves crashing against the shore, whispering their silent loneliness.

Fang Zhou and Qin Yun took the guide’s suggestion and visited the island’s only interactive ancient city, promising an immersive experience with unique thrills.

Trailing behind them was the persistent Song Qinghuan.

She initially wanted to walk alongside them, but Fang Zhou’s sharp gaze forced her to fall back.

As soon as they entered the city gates, they saw a tourist being paraded around with a wooden yoke for not extinguishing his cigarette.

Qin Yun laughed so hard she could barely stand.

“Hahahahaha!”

“Now I see why it’s called immersive. This is fun.”

Fang Zhou chuckled too; it was indeed amusing.

However, as they ventured deeper into the city, they realized it wasn’t much different from other ancient towns, with similar items for sale.

Beaded necklaces, peace charm keychains, and ubiquitous snacks like stinky tofu, sausages, and roasted pig trotters were everywhere.

Fang Zhou quickly lost interest, but Qin Yun remained enthusiastic.

She dragged him from one stall to another, tireless in her exploration.

Soon, they reached the city center, the most crowded area.

“Hey, look, what’s that?”

Qin Yun pointed to a distant pavilion, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. She turned to Fang Zhou, “What’s that building over there? It looks special.”

Fang Zhou followed her gaze to see an ancient-style pavilion.

On the pavilion, several peoples in period costumes bustled about.

Below, a dense crowd gathered, seemingly participating in some lively event.

“Looks like some activity is happening.”

“Let’s go check it out!”

Qin Yun eagerly pulled Fang Zhou forward to join the fun.

“Ladies and gentlemen! My daughter has reached marriageable age. Today, we seek a suitable match here at the embroidery tower. Whoever catches the embroidered ball shall marry my daughter!”

On stage, a person in an ancient official’s robe delivered his lines with gusto.

Not far behind him stood a graceful figure, veiled, presumably the daughter he spoke of.

Such a scene, straight out of a TV drama, brought to life, was sure to stir excitement, evident from the crowd’s enthusiasm.

They relished the spectacle, eager to participate even knowing it was just an interactive game.

Many men raised their hands, shouting, “Throw it here!”

“Me, me! I want to be the groom!”

“Why don’t you give it a try?”

Qin Yun teased, nudging Fang Zhou to join the ball-catching.

“Huh? I think I’ll pass.”

Fang Zhou raised an eyebrow, thinking: Catching another woman’s ball in front of you? That’s like asking for trouble.

However, Qin Yun, contrary to his expectations, continued to encourage him.

“Don’t worry, I won’t mind. It’s just a game!”

“And since we’re here, we should participate. Too bad I’m a girl; the lady won’t throw the ball to me, or I’d try myself.”

“Do it for me, fulfill a wish!”

“Please~?”

To get Fang Zhou involved, Qin Yun even started shaking his arm, speaking in a playful tone.

Unable to resist, Fang Zhou scratched his head and agreed.

“Alright, but remember, you asked me to do this, so don’t blame me later.”

Though unsure of Qin Yun’s intentions, Fang Zhou was always inclined to listen to his girlfriend.

Given Qin Yun’s personality, it was necessary to clarify things beforehand.

Qin Yun waved her hand, assuring him she wouldn’t.

“I’ll wait here for you. Go ahead! It’s about to start!”

Where they stood was just the outskirts; to catch the ball, Fang Zhou had to move ten meters closer, into the crowd.

As Fang Zhou’s figure disappeared into the throng, Qin Yun sighed in relief.

Thankfully, Fang Zhou listened and went.

She eagerly pulled out her phone, opening WeChat to check with her contact.

“Is everything ready? Can I go now?”

The reply came quickly: Yes, come over. I’ve arranged for someone to help with your makeup and costume.

Finally, Qin Yun smiled genuinely.

She glanced at the distant embroidery tower, where they were starting the ball-tossing activity.

Once the chosen one was selected, there’d be time for speeches, delaying things.

This gave her ample time to change.

Qin Yun was confident because she had coordinated with the staff well in advance.

The embroidered ball would surely land in Fang Zhou’s arms, and he’d be invited on stage as the groom.

Ultimately, he’d marry the bride in a traditional ceremony, lifting the veil to see her face amidst cheers.

In front of everyone, she’d become his rightful bride, smoothly leading to her real proposal.

With everyone watching, Fang Zhou wouldn’t refuse her.

Call it moral coercion or cunning, but Qin Yun had one goal: to marry Fang Zhou.

Moreover, after spending time together, she sensed Fang Zhou’s icy heart thawing, evident in his treatment of her, much like before.

Their three-month period was almost up, Qin Yun’s last chance.

If she didn’t seize it, Fang Zhou might break up with her.

This thought filled Qin Yun with anxiety, prompting her to take drastic measures.

The staff soon arrived to escort Qin Yun for her makeover.

As they were about to leave, someone grabbed Qin Yun’s arm.

A woman’s voice drifted from behind, eerie and sly.

“Where are you going, sister?”

Qin Yun frowned, turning to see Song Qinghuan.

She had forgotten about her.

“I’m just going to the restroom, be right back.”

Qin Yun didn’t want to waste words on Song Qinghuan, only wanting this rival to witness her love.

But today, Song Qinghuan was unexpectedly persistent, holding onto Qin Yun’s hand.

“I want to go to the restroom too. Let’s go together!”

Qin Yun shook her head, refusing.

“Let go, go by yourself. I don’t like company.”

Song Qinghuan smiled mischievously, tightening her grip.

“But I’m scared alone. I can wait outside for you.”

Seeing the undisguised mockery in her eyes, Qin Yun realized she had created a problem for herself.