Rebirth: My Childhood Sweetheart Came into My Arms

When the two arrived at the city hall, there were already several same-sex couples in line ahead of them.

The process of getting married in Denmark is not complicated. Once the preliminary procedures are completed, all you need to do on the day is hold a simple ceremony at the city hall and then go to the office for certification, and you're all done.

He Ziyu and Jiang Chengyu waited hand in hand in the auditorium, and soon their names were called.

The two exchanged an affirming look and walked in side by side.

Under the guidance of the officiant, the couple exchanged hastily prepared wedding rings, kissed each other, and then received their marriage certificate.

The process was so short it felt like a dream.

As He Ziyu walked out of the city hall, he held the A4-sized marriage certificate, turning it over and over in his hands several times. Finally, he couldn't help but exclaim, "We're married just like that?"

Jiang Chengyu glanced at him with a smile, "What, regretting it?"

"Of course I can't regret it, but..." He Ziyu pursed his lips, "Don't you think the process was a little too easy?"

Although He Ziyu gradually got used to the slow and steady way of getting along with Jiang Chengyu after they got together, he is still a person with a strong sense of ritual at heart. He likes to do some small romantic things on holidays, let alone big events like weddings.

There were many couples waiting at the city hall for their ceremonies, but the officiant strictly controlled the time, making it basically a formality. As a result, He Ziyu felt a strange sense of emptiness after he came out.

"Don't you think this wedding was too rough around the edges, and not what you imagined?"

He Ziyu nodded, without denying it.

Before coming here, he had already looked up the marriage process in Denmark online and knew that the procedures here were known for being simple and quick. But at the time, he didn't think too much about it and felt that becoming a legal couple with Jiang Chengyu was the most important thing.

But now, looking back, He Ziyu realized that he was actually a little bit bothered by it.

It wasn't that they minded that the wedding wasn't big enough, but rather that they felt the two of them should create some more meaningful memories on this important day.

Jiang Chengyu: "How about I get you a bigger one after we get back to China?"

"Never mind," He Ziyu said, taking Jiang Chengyu's arm and raising the corners of his mouth. "We've taken such a long leave this time, we'll definitely be very busy when we get back. Besides, as people say, every day is Valentine's Day for lovers. I need to change my stereotypical thinking."

Jiang Chengyu: "Let's make it clear in advance that you can't bring up old grievances in the future."

He Ziyu: "Am I that kind of person?!"

Jiang Chengyu: "Not now, but maybe later?"

He Ziyu: "Jiang Chengyu, are you looking for death...?"

Outside the city hall, two men in suits were chasing each other, their faces beaming with smiles, just like they did ten years ago when they were young and inexperienced.

……

With the verification completed, the marriage plans are now officially finalized.

On their way back to their short-term rental apartment, the two walked slowly in the warm afternoon sun, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation and comfort that they hadn't had in years.

Suddenly, He Ziyu's phone rang. He took it out and saw that it was a video call from He Lianghan.

He quickly found a quiet place to make the call.

"dad."

"Ayu, Chengyu, have you finished all the formalities?"

"It's all done," He Ziyu said, pointing the camera at him and Jiang Chengyu. "We're heading back now. We're going to a concert tonight, so we need to get ready."

"Oh, okay, I'll get straight to the point." He Lianghan cleared his throat on the other end of the screen and said seriously, "From today onwards, you two are officially a married couple. No matter what happens in the future, cherish each other and overcome difficulties together..."

"Also, I heard from Chengyu's mother that you plan to move to a house in Lvdu in the future. Dad thought about it and felt that giving red envelopes was too tacky, so he spent a lot of money to buy an aquarium and various tropical fish, as a way to decorate your new home..."

He Ziyu was both amused and exasperated upon hearing this. "Dad, we still have Eryu at home. Aren't you afraid that if you bring a fish tank back, it might get in a good mood and eat it one day?"

"Eryu wouldn't," He Lianghan said seriously. "When you and Chengyu were in college, we kept Eryu. It never touched the fish tank at home. Your mother said it probably knew its name was Eryu and thought those fish were the same kind as it."

He Lianghan's unreliable remarks made Jiang Chengyu, who was standing next to him, laugh.

"Dad, don't worry, I will definitely take good care of those fish."

"Look how sensible Chengyu is. Ayu, you should learn more from Chengyu."

"Okay, okay..."

After rambling on about all sorts of random things, He Lianghan sincerely wished the two of them a happy marriage before hanging up the video call.

Looking up at the clear blue sky, He Ziyu took a deep breath.

After hiding his feelings for so many years, he finally received the blessings of his family. He felt extremely relaxed, like a bird soaring in the clouds, free and carefree.

"Actually, I don't really like Green City's decorating style. Let's redecorate it according to our own ideas when we have the chance. Also, for the bathroom, it would be best to install two sinks so that we can wash up together in front of a mirror in the morning..."

He Ziyu was enthusiastically envisioning the future, completely unaware of the subtle change in Jiang Chengyu's emotions beside him.

It wasn't until the two reached the apartment building that Jiang Chengyu suddenly said he wanted to go to the bakery next door to buy something, which made He Ziyu a little suspicious.

"Brother Yu, what's wrong?"

"Huh? What's wrong?"

"You seem a bit unhappy," He Ziyu said, pulling him to the shade of a tree with a worried expression. "Did something happen at the company?"

"without……"

"Why is that?"

"It's really nothing."

Jiang Chengyu avoided his gaze, practically wearing the words "guilty conscience" on her face.

"You know perfectly well that you're not good at lying, especially in front of me. You wear your heart on your sleeve."

"..."

"If it were any other day you didn't want to tell me, that would be fine, but today is our wedding day. If you're going to hide something from me on such an important day, wouldn't that be inappropriate?"

Seeing that He Ziyu was genuinely worried, Jiang Chengyu hesitated for a moment before deciding not to hide anything further.

"It's not really anything important, it's just..."

"It's just that my dad hasn't contacted us..."

He Ziyu was stunned for a moment when he heard this. He looked at Jiang Chengyu, who had his head down and looked very embarrassed.

"He knows we're getting married today, and I didn't expect him to say anything congratulatory, but I hope my mom can give him her best wishes." Jiang Chengyu said, looking up at him. "Ayu, do you know how important today is to me? I hope our marriage will be approved by all our families."

He Ziyu felt a pang of sympathy and stepped forward to grasp Jiang Chengyu's hand.

"Oh, so that's what it was about."

"It's okay, Brother Yu. Maybe he's just too busy?"

"Besides, when Dad met with me alone before, he already expressed his approval of us..."

Jiang Chengyu: "That's different."

He Ziyu: "..."

"Today is a special day, and it's irreplaceable because it's special," Jiang Chengyu said. "But don't worry, I'll get into a good mood as soon as possible. We're going to a fan meeting together tonight."

He Ziyu nodded, pulled Jiang Chengyu into his arms, and patted his back comfortingly.

"Are you still going to the bakery? If so, could you bring me back two donuts?"

"Little glutton..."

Jiang Chengyu smiled and ruffled He Ziyu's hair. Just as he was about to turn around, his phone suddenly vibrated.

Without thinking much, he subconsciously took out his phone and was slightly taken aback when he saw what was on the screen.

It is Jiang Guosheng.

Noticing the change in Jiang Chengyu's expression, He Ziyu quickly asked, "Is it our dad?"

Jiang Chengyu nodded, a hint of joy flashing in his eyes.

Just now, Jiang Guosheng sent me a very long WeChat message, which included not only blessings but also repentance for his past actions.

He Ziyu squeezed next to Jiang Chengyu to watch together, and as he watched, his nose started to sting with tears.

He knew how difficult it was for someone like Jiang Guosheng to adopt a humble attitude, and could even imagine how many brain cells he had lost while editing that WeChat message.

After reading the message, Jiang Chengyu held his phone in silence for a moment before replying: "Thank you, Dad."

Those three short words completely shattered the ice wall between the two.

He Ziyu: "How is it? Are you happy now?"

Jiang Chengyu: "Hmm..."

He Ziyu: "If you're happy, hurry up and buy some donuts, or you'll be late for the fan meeting!"

……

In the evening, He Ziyu and Jiang Chengyu left the apartment carrying two large bags.

"Ayu, give me your bag, I'll carry it for you."

"Why? I can carry it myself." He Ziyu tightened the shoulder straps, his suspicions running through his mind. "Are you worried I'll break your precious thing?"

"That's not true," Jiang Chengyu denied outright. "You can throw it away if you want."

"I bought them with money, I can't bear to part with them..."

To prove he was a die-hard fan of the old brick wall, He Ziyu brought all the merchandise Jiang Chengyu had bought with him before leaving the country. The most outrageous item was a figurine that weighed several kilograms, which is currently in his bag.

Today's fan meeting was held at a bar. When the two arrived at the venue, there were already a few scattered fans gathered at the entrance.

"There don't seem to be many people around." He Ziyu looked around nervously. "They're not really that strict, are they?"

"No, it won't happen." Jiang Chengyu took his hand and walked to the somewhat rudimentary verification area at the entrance of the bar, where she took out the autographed CD.

"Hello, this disc was a gift from my wife. May we go in together?"

The staff looked at Jiang Chengyu, then at He Ziyu.

"Can."

"W-Can I?" He Ziyu was taken aback. "Isn't it only for die-hard fans? Let me show you some of the merchandise I bought before!"

"No need, just go in." The staff member was very calm, and fearing that He Ziyu would think she was being perfunctory, she added, "This fan meeting is not only for fans, but also for same-sex couples. The latter can have autographed posters and CDs."

He Ziyu was completely stunned upon hearing this.