Chapter 666

As the newlyweds stepped onto the stage, the emcee's voice rang out: "First bow to heaven and earth!" The couple turned and bowed in unison. "Second bow to the parents!" They turned again and bowed deeply. Jennifer and Paislee sat above them, their eyes glistening with emotion as they watched the young couple. When the pair bowed before them, Jennifer couldn't hold back her tears of joy. Paislee, too, was both nervous and elated. "Now, bow to each other as husband and wife!" Facing one another, the couple slowly bent forward in reverence. "The ceremony is complete!" Thunderous applause erupted throughout the hall. Next came the tea-serving ritual to honor the elders. Nathan knelt and presented a cup to Paislee. "Father, please have some tea." Paislee accepted it with a nod, only for Nathan to add solemnly, "Whatever guidance you wish to impart today, I will honor it—here before all these witnesses." Though Paislee had once been reluctant to let his daughter Nan Ying marry, years of obs