At this moment, everyone's gaze fell squarely upon Qin Xi.
"Sis, it's him! It's really him!" Qin Yi, spotting the woman now bathed in the spotlight, exclaimed in delight. She sprang to her feet, scanning the crowd for Yang Chen.
The Qin family members stood frozen in shock.
"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!" Qin Fei muttered in disbelief.
Old Master Qin's eyes widened. "Could it be that all of this was arranged by that good-for-nothing? How could that be?"
It wasn't just the Qin family—everyone present was equally stunned.
Qin Xi, renowned as Jiangzhou's most beautiful woman, had been the subject of ridicule throughout the city five years ago when news of her marriage to Yang Chen spread.
When the host mentioned the second event earlier, many had found it strangely familiar. Now, the truth dawned on them all.
Just as the crowd was overcome with astonishment, the spotlight suddenly shifted, illuminating another woman, then another, cycling through five or six women before finally fading.
"That was just a little joke, everyone. Since the gentleman in question wishes to remain anonymous, we ask for your understanding. Tonight's gala has now come to a close. Thank you all for coming!" The host chuckled lightly, adopting a playful tone.
"I knew it couldn't possibly be that loser!" The Qin family collectively exhaled in relief.
Others, however, weren't as quick to dismiss the idea. Many sensed that this might not have been a mere joke, especially since the host's account matched the events of five years ago perfectly.
For a fleeting moment, as the spotlight had settled on her, Qin Xi had truly wondered if Yang Chen was behind tonight's spectacle.
Now, with the banquet concluded and no sign of Yang Chen, a faint pang of disappointment tugged at her heart.
"I'm leaving," she announced to her family and rose to depart.
As she stepped out of the hotel, a woman approached. "Excuse me, are you Miss Qin Xi?"
"Yes, I am. And you are?" Qin Xi didn't recognize the woman.
The woman smiled professionally. "Our boss would like to discuss the future of Sanhe Group with you. Would you be interested?"
Qin Xi's spirits lifted instantly. Though the company had been handed over to the Qin family to settle debts, it was her brainchild. Even if she couldn't reclaim it, the chance to remain involved was tempting.
Given how many prominent families had expressed interest in partnering with Sanhe Group tonight, Qin Xi didn't feel disheartened. This outcome was far better than leaving it in the Qin family's hands.
She followed the woman into an elevator, which ascended to the top floor.
Meanwhile, back in the banquet hall, someone called out, "Host, you only mentioned two events. Wasn't there supposed to be a third?"
The host, still on stage, smiled mysteriously. "The third event is this: the husband will propose to his beloved on the rooftop of Starlight Garden Hotel, to make amends for the past. Now, let us all step outside to witness this moment of happiness!"
Starlight Garden Hotel was the tallest building in Jiangzhou. Its name derived from two distinctive features: first, the entire top floor was constructed of glass, resembling a dazzling star at night; second, the rooftop was designed like a giant astronomical telescope, offering an unobstructed view of the starry sky.
Guided by the host, the crowd moved outside and gazed upward.
From the ground, the rooftop shimmered like a distant star, its details obscured by the height.
"Auntie, Daddy said he was taking Mommy out today too, but they didn't bring me," pouted Xiao Xiao, nestling into Qin Yi's arms with a sulky expression.
"That ungrateful girl! She's still in touch with that loser!" Zhou Yu Cui fumed.
"Mom, maybe it's Sis and Brother-in-law up there!" Qin Yi pointed to the rooftop.
A sneering voice chimed in from nearby: "That loser probably can't even afford a single flower."
Another taunt followed: "Look at the scale of tonight's celebration. I bet your sister's hiding somewhere, green with envy."
The Qin family had approached.
"At least we were seated in the front row as honored guests, unlike some guard dogs relegated to the back," Qin Yi shot back.
"Who are you calling a guard dog?" Qin Fei snarled, stepping forward with a raised hand as if to strike.
Zhou Yu Cui swiftly shielded her daughter. "Lay a finger on her, and you'll regret it! She's about to marry into the Su family, the wealthiest in town!"
"Stop bragging. Without the Qin family, you're nothing," Qin Fei scoffed.
Just then, the young man who had escorted Qin Yi earlier reappeared, bowing respectfully. "Miss Qin, the ceremony isn't over yet. Chairman Su, concerned for your comfort, has reserved the café across the street where you can enjoy the view."
Before Qin Yi could decline, Zhou Yu Cui interjected, "How thoughtful of our future in-laws! We'd be delighted." With a triumphant glance at Old Master Qin, she led her family away under envious stares.
Meanwhile, Qin Xi had reached the rooftop. As the elevator doors opened, she gasped at the sight before her.
The vast space was entirely encased in glass, save for the walls and dome, offering a panoramic view of Jiangzhou's glittering skyline. But what captivated her most was the starry expanse above—so close it seemed she could reach out and touch the twinkling lights.
The floor was carpeted with rose petals. At the far end, silhouetted against the window, stood a figure in military attire, hands clasped behind his back as he surveyed the city below.
The posture struck Qin Xi with overwhelming familiarity.
His height, build, stance—everything mirrored Yang Chen's, except for the uniform.
Today was their wedding anniversary. The host's second story had mirrored their own. Could it really be...?
Qin Xi's breath hitched.
Then, the figure turned.
Her heart stopped.
It was him.
Clad in an army-green uniform, a cap emblazoned with the national emblem atop his head, black combat boots gleaming, his chest adorned with rows of gleaming medals—he strode toward her.
"It really is you," Qin Xi whispered, eyes brimming.
Yang Chen nodded solemnly. "These past five years, because of me, you've endured too much suffering and scorn. Now, I swear upon this uniform: never again will you come to harm."
With a resolute thud, he dropped to one knee, producing a ring that sparkled with a pink radiance—the very Pink Star diamond worth 500 million yuan that Qin Xi had seen earlier.
"Qin Xi, I love you. Will you marry me?" Yang Chen's voice resonated with sincerity.
At that moment, soft music swelled. Helicopters circled overhead, showering the hotel in a cascade of rose petals that cascaded like a waterfall, enveloping the entire building in a fragrant veil.
Fireworks erupted across the sky, painting the night in vibrant hues that lingered like dreams.
Tears streamed down Qin Xi's face as she stared at the man kneeling before her, her heart overflowing.