smoke like fire

The next day is the wedding.Early in the morning, several relatives and friends of Mr. William's family, as well as two relatives from the Marina side, came here to help first, and put the packaged small candies and gifts to be distributed to the guests into the gift baskets.While they were busy, they chatted non-stop.No quarreling, everyone looked happy.

Seeing them busy there, I felt very sorry, but Marin insisted, as long as I was a guest.But I couldn't move away, and I was pulled to chat.The relatives and friends who come here are all elderly, and the younger generation helps the newcomers.They talk to me about everything, including their own affairs, but they don't come to ask me about it.Not cold, but kind.The French have always known how to be polite without losing their enthusiasm.

But they didn't seem surprised that Zhao Kuanyi didn't come to say hello.

At that time, I couldn't talk to Zhao Kuanyi.Only when I went downstairs, I saw him in the garden from the window.It was cool outside, he was only wearing a dark knitted top, with one hand in his trouser pocket, his slightly longer hair was not combed carefully, it was fluffy on his forehead, blown away by the wind.He seemed to shout something.I saw the golden retriever come back from the rosebush in an instant.

I was going to go out to find him, but I didn't want to be seen by one of his relatives and friends, so I couldn't go for a while, so I didn't go there.Later, when I was able to go outside, I did not see him.

Of course no dogs.

At eleven o'clock the person in charge of the dinner came to the door.The white tents were stretched out in the orchard behind, and the sunny sunlight shone on the large and small spiers, like a bright star.

The outside of the house was about to get busy, and the people in the house were packing up, and a group of people drove to Saint-Ambroix separately.The newcomers have to register first at the city hall there, and they will come back to Rivières for a dinner together in the evening.Neither the new family nor Mr. and Mrs. William are Christians, so they were exempted from the church ceremony.

As for Zhao Kuanyi, he finally appeared, but he didn't follow, and stayed here with me.He showed up just as the men were getting ready to go out.To those people, he was not indifferent, and they were not alienated from him, they hugged each other face to face for a while.I saw it from the living room window and noticed the dog was there too, wagging its shaggy tail behind it.There was some dirt on the dog's heels.

Zhao Kuanyi didn't let the dog into the house.

I opened the door and came out, and said with a smile, "You know how to hide, you didn't show up until now."

Looking at it, Zhao Kuanyi slightly raised his eyebrows and said, "If you want to hide, you have to come in later." Pointing to the dog, "It ran into the garden of someone else's house next door, and I went to the door to call it back."

I also raised my eyebrows.If you don't believe it, there is no reason not to believe it.This is not Taiwan, nor is it Paris.You can't just say hello when you come to the door.I don't know what kind of family the neighbor lives in, but I think the other party can recognize Zhao Kuanyi.Greetings for a while, or staying for a cup of tea are all understandable.

I looked at the dog, which had its ears drooped and was lying on the stone steps in front of the door, looking innocent.I walked over, sat on one side, and stretched out my hand to stroke the dog's back; it wasn't frightened, it didn't move, and it showed a comfortable expression.

"What's it called?"

"Dominique." Zhao Kuanyi replied.

The dog immediately pricked up its ears and looked up at him, but seeing no more instructions, it lowered its head listlessly.I couldn't help laughing, and rubbed its head with my hands.

"I thought about raising a dog when I was a child." I said, "A cousin of mine raised a Shiba Inu at that time. It was very cute and not afraid of strangers. Anyone could hug and touch it. When I went there, Regardless of my mother's stop, I have to hold it tightly."

Zhao Kuanyi didn't speak.

I continued: "I said I wanted to raise it, but my mother of course didn't agree. Because raising it is very troublesome, and my father doesn't like dogs very much. Every time he sees that dog, his face is not very good-looking." After a pause, I couldn't help but add, "It's hard to imagine him being able to get close to dogs in the future."

Because I couldn't get my father to agree at that time, I couldn't support him.However, Ms. Xu has a toy VIP in her home.I found out by accident later on.But I no longer have the idea of ​​​​having a dog.

"It's very troublesome to raise a dog." After a moment of silence, Zhao Kuanyi said, "Not only do you have to raise and teach, but you also have to manage it. You have to be responsible." After a pause, he suddenly said, "It's like raising a child, and it should be the same. .”

I was taken aback and couldn't help but look at him.He didn't intend to continue talking, he just said: "Go ahead, eat something and rest a bit, or you won't be able to hold on at night."

Nearly five o'clock in the afternoon, all the people who had gone out before came back.And more people.In addition to the newcomers, as well as the original relatives and friends, there are also the groom's side, and more young people.When a large group of people gathered, the orchard, which cannot be said to be small, felt crowded.It was only a small part of the people who came to the banquet.

There was a cocktail party before the dinner, and since it was all set in the orchard, everyone came from the entrance on the other side instead of passing Mr. William's house.When the couple's car arrived, relatives and friends surrounded the car door and sprinkled rose petals on the couple who got off the bus.The bride Vonnie wore a pure white lace wedding dress, very dignified and beautiful, much more mature than what I had seen before.It's long gone. Sentimental.

At this moment, holding a bouquet of flowers in her hand, with a constant smile on her face, she walked onto the turf while holding the tall groom's arm, accepting everyone's congratulations.

More guests came one after another.The reception does not wait for anyone, it has already begun.A band came to the scene today and played brisk music.All present were close relatives and friends, all dressed up but relaxed and casual, with champagne in hand, or snacks, chatting freely, without too much scruples or excessive politeness.

The hottest player in the field is the rookie. The relatives and friends around Vonnie and her husband Nicolas exchanged dials, chatting and joking or taking pictures.A photographer is also arranged to take pictures of today's happy scene.

I went with Zhao Kuanyi to congratulate Vonnie. When Vonnie saw me, she was surprised and shouted, "Oh, Cheng! I didn't expect you to come." She gave me a hug.

I hugged her too.Even if she's the bride today—it's just as good for a while.The groom didn't care, and had a face-to-face ceremony with Zhao Kuanyi.This has always been the custom.

Vonnie let go of me and hugged her titular brother instead.After she touched Zhao Kuanyi's face twice, she introduced her husband Nicolas.

Nicolas took another look at Zhao Kuanyi, but he wasn't too surprised, as if he already knew about it.

Chatted a few more words - Vonnie and Zhao Kuanyi talked more.For some reason, after talking about Zhao Kuanyi and I's itinerary, I realized that the couple will be in Paris in the next two days.

Vonnie was very interested and asked Nicolas, but she was very vague.I couldn't hear clearly, so I couldn't help looking at Zhao Kuanyi. He noticed it and explained in my ear; it turned out that Vonnie found time to have dinner together in Paris when she thought about it.

At this time, several other relatives and friends came over laughing.Because she called the photographer over, Vonnie also pulled me and Zhao Kuanyi into the camera with a bunch of people.

When it was dark, everyone slowly moved into the big white tent.The tables and chairs have been set up early, all in white layout.A red rose was placed in the center of the table.There are also silver candlesticks, and the waiters in the venue are lighting candles. The flickering fire makes the atmosphere more romantic.

There is a small card in front of each seat with the name of each guest written on it.But it was so easy to wait until all the guests arrived, it would be 08:30.

Before the meeting, the parents of the newlyweds took turns to give speeches. Marin inevitably mentioned Vonnie's deceased biological father.It's not sad, it's a warm nostalgia.When it came to Mr. William, he emotionally told how good it is to have this daughter.Everyone was moved, and the bride also shed tears.

I thought I was also touched, but I couldn't help but glance at Zhao Kuanyi sideways.He seemed to be engrossed in listening, but he didn't know where to put his eyes.He combed his hair all back again, and he was dressed in a black suit, which was a bit stern.And the previous speech is over.Under the auspices of Mr. William, everyone toasted to the newlyweds.

The banquet is of course a Western style, and it is served in order one after another.The cups and toasts were interspersed with programs prepared by relatives and friends for the newcomers, such as singing or dancing, which was full of enthusiasm.They kept toasting again, and the red wine and champagne on the table were not the original bottles.

Most of the people at the same table are members of Mr. William's family.There are more women than men, and they are all older.One of them is probably Mr. William's sister, who is very concerned about Zhao Kuanyi.I couldn't pay too much attention to what they said, because they were also striking up a conversation. It was a coincidence that the lady next to me was the mother of a French wife of one of my high school classmates.

This time, I had planned to meet that old classmate.This lady seemed to be very happy for her son-in-law, but it was also a kind of old acquaintance.

After the night gradually deepened, the orchestra played the tune again.Mr. William got up and took Vonnie to the middle of the dance floor for the opening dance. Vonnie smiled happily, circling with the lace skirt in her hand.

The groom was ready to take his bride from Mr. William.

The newcomer danced and laughed, and many people around him were booing.They danced a song and exchanged a kiss.Another song was changed, and it was more lively. The guests all looked eager to try, and walked to the dance floor one after another.Not a pas de deux, like a square dance.

Regardless of gender, age or age, everyone danced to their heart's content.I was caught off guard for a while, and was taken down by the lady for a dance.He didn't notice Zhao Kuanyi.When he turned around, his coat was still draped over the back of the chair, but he was not there.

I thought about it, took a breath, and walked outside.The night was clear and the road was still visible; I went around to the other side of the tent and saw Zhao Kuanyi under the big tree there.

It's not like seeing people clearly at a glance.He was smoking a cigarette, with sparks flickering.I walked over and called him, but he seemed to look over.

As soon as they passed by, Zhao Kuanyi spoke first: "Is dancing fun?"

I shrugged my shoulders and said, "It's okay to jump once, but if you do it one more time, your bones may be broken."

Zhao Kuanyi snorted, did not answer, and then brought the cigarette closer to his mouth to smoke.

I also do not speak.Looking at the watch, it was past twelve o'clock at midnight.Cheers erupted from the other side of the tent. I looked over and saw fireworks were lit in the venue, and a table was pushed out, which was a big cake.The newcomers stood in front of the stage hand in hand.

I couldn't help feeling: "It's always a good thing to get married."

Zhao Kuanyi remained silent.After a while, he suddenly said: "But marriage is not just for both sides, there are too many worries. Quarrels are inevitable. It seems that if this is not the case, there will be no spark in the relationship." After a pause, "like me Mom. She is the person I have ever seen who loves to quarrel with her husband the most. Sometimes she quarrels just for the sake of quarreling. She is amazing. No matter whether it is her fault or not, she can always squeeze tears out of her eyes and let the other party fight again. Can't blame her."

I didn't expect him to talk about Miss Zhao, and I was stunned for a moment.I also don't know what to say.

Zhao Kuanyi said again: "Maybe I have seen her cry too many times. Every time I see a woman shed tears, I don't really feel pity, and I don't want to comfort her."

I can't help but have some impressions of his previous partners, those tears of parting, and his indifference.Thinking about it, I looked at him and said, "You are so ungentlemanly."

Zhao Kuanyi looked at it, but smiled.

"Probably—because I am a hateful and hateful man."

I watched him and couldn't help laughing too.But there is a trace of confusion in my heart; I understand how hateful and hateful he is.But I can't hate it, because I love it so much.

Inside the tent, the music sounded again, not so brisk, but in a slow tone.Both Zhao Kuanyi and I looked over there.I don’t know when they got up in pairs on the dance floor, but they didn’t form a dance step, they all cuddled and swayed their bodies.

My heart was touched, and the thought came together, and I stood in front of him and stretched out my hand.

"Shall We—"

Zhao Kuanyi seemed startled, but smiled instead.He said: "Why not?" He reached out to hold my hand.

I was pulled in front of me by him, and his other hand was on the back of my waist.I also put my arms around him, shaking with him to the faint music.I look at him.For some reason, I didn't want to talk, but my heart was peaceful and peaceful.I suddenly thought of the word "end of time".

Zhao Kuanyi was also silent.I don't know what he's thinking now.I think, I just need to know what I think.

We danced to the end without saying a word.

I let go of my hand first and looked at him, only then did I feel flustered.He turned his eyes away, and took two puffs of the cigarette still held between his fingers.

I watched quietly, took two steps back, gathered myself together, and then smiled and teased him: "I think you are hiding here because you are not very good at dancing."

From Zhao Kuanyi's point of view, there was a faint smile on his face.

"Talk whatever you want." He said lightly, walking forward.

I was still standing, looking at his back.He walked a few steps, stopped in front of him suddenly, and turned around.I was stunned, then smiled and stepped forward quickly, shoulder to shoulder with him, walking towards the joy that would not stop until dawn.