Axolotl Translations

Early that morning, Wei Jiajia was pulled out of bed by He Shengnan.

“Rise and shine, sleepyhead! Today’s the day!” she exclaimed, looking at Wei Jiajia, who sat slumped and disoriented. The girls had stayed up late chatting, excitement bubbling over, leaving Wei Jiajia little time to sleep before dawn.

By the time her friends had helped her dress, the morning was well underway. “He’s here! He’s here!” Nuannuan and Xiangqing burst into the room, quickly closing the door behind them. They huddled by the window, peering out. A flurry of excited whispers filled the air as they plotted how to tease Qiao Haoyu upon his arrival.

The lean years hadn’t entirely released their grip, so the wedding was a modest affair, held at the Zhang family home. This fulfilled Jiajia’s wish to be married from her maternal grandmother’s house. Because the two families lived so close, Qiao Haoyu, accompanied by a few cousins from his uncle’s side, had ridden bicycles, their handlebars adorned with red ribbons, circling the lane before finally reaching the Wei residence. But at the very threshold, Wei Jiajia’s younger brothers barred his way.

Seeing Xiangdong and Xiangxi, now strapping young men, and Yangyang, his face a mask of determination as he stood shoulder to shoulder with his older brothers to block the door, Qiao Haoyu felt a pang of mixed emotions.

This was really…

Usually it was “Brother Haoyu” this and “Brother Haoyu” that. But today, of all days, he was met with a united front of resistance!

“Come on, you three, let me through,” Qiao Haoyu chuckled, attempting a bribe. “Whatever you want, your brother-in-law will get it for you later!”

“No chance!” Xiangxi retorted, his gaze unwavering. “We’re not that easily swayed.” Did he think they were like Yangyang, the little glutton, who could be bought with a few treats?

Yangyang, the usual picture of a carefree eater, had received a stern lecture from his brothers beforehand. Now, he stood firm, focused on the task at hand, impervious to any sweet talk or sugary promises.

Qiao Haoyu rubbed his nose, a touch of awkwardness in his movements. These little brothers-in-law were becoming less endearing with age! He couldn’t very well force his way in, so he had no choice but to try a gentler approach.

Looks like I’ll have to add some extra training sessions for these kids when I leave, he grumbled inwardly. They have far too much energy for their own good, and it’s starting to wear on my nerves.

Behind him, the Zhang family boys couldn’t suppress their grins as they watched Qiao Haoyu squirm. They weren’t about to interfere. He could handle this himself. After all, he’d always been the instigator, and they’d covered for him enough times in the past.

This was a golden opportunity to see Qiao Haoyu squirm, and the boys were determined to savor it. There was no rush; they had all the time in the world.

“Brother Haoyu,” Xiangdong began, his gaze fixed on Qiao Haoyu, “if you want to come in, you have to answer a few questions. If we’re satisfied, then you can pass.” As the eldest, it was his duty to ensure Brother Haoyu made proper promises to the family on this important day, in front of everyone.

“Alright, fire away!” Qiao Haoyu straightened up, then added with a grin, “But first, you have to call me ‘brother-in-law’!”

A ripple of laughter went through the crowd behind him.

Xiangdong ignored the jibe and cut to the chase. “Will you always treat my sister well?” he asked, his eyes meeting Qiao Haoyu’s.

“Absolutely!”

“After you’re married, who will manage the finances?” Xiangxi followed up.

“Your sister, of course.”

Xiangdong: “Will you ever force my sister to do something she doesn’t want to do?”

“Never.”

Xiangxi: “Who will do the housework in your home?”

“If I’m home, I’ll take care of it all.”

And so, the three brothers stood guard at the threshold, each taking their turn to grill him.

Watching the brothers’ earnest interrogation, the crowd couldn’t help but feel a bit sentimental. No one doubted Qiao Haoyu’s sincerity; on the contrary, everyone felt Wei Jiajia had made an excellent choice. He clearly cherished her.

Inside, as Wei Jiajia listened to the relayed account of the scene at the door, Qiao Haoyu’s promises echoing in her ears, her heart swelled with affection. She knew he was a man of his word.

And her three younger brothers… they had truly grown into fine young men. They were standing up for her. She wasn’t alone; she had brothers she could depend on.

“If someone bullies my sister, will you protect her?” Yangyang asked, delivering his final question.

“Absolutely. As long as I’m around, no one will dare lay a hand on your sister,” Qiao Haoyu replied confidently, giving Yangyang’s cheek a gentle squeeze.

“Alright! Can I come in now?” He turned to the twins.

The twins exchanged a look, satisfied with his responses. With a shared push, they swung open the large doors, beckoning Qiao Haoyu and his entourage to enter.

Standing before Wei Jiajia’s bedroom door, a sudden wave of anticipation washed over Qiao Haoyu. His bride awaited him.

Determined to expedite matters, he knocked. “Jiajia, I’ve come to take you home.”

Hearing his deep voice, Wei Jiajia’s heart fluttered.

“First,” Su Pan called out from within, “what’s your offering to persuade us to open the door?”

Qiao Haoyu raised an eyebrow and glanced around.

Zhang Huimin’s second brother, understanding the unspoken request, swiftly produced a red envelope from his satchel and slipped it under the door.

“A red envelope!” Yang Sisi exclaimed, her sharp eyes spotting it first. She darted forward and scooped it up, quickly dividing the contents among the women inside. Playful threats followed, about checking the amount and refusing to open the door if it wasn’t sufficient. After all, they had a long list of trials prepared for the groom!

But before they could carry out their threats, the door swung open from within, and the crowd surged forward.

“Ah—” The women inside were taken completely by surprise, standing frozen, red envelopes clutched in their hands, expressions a mixture of shock and disbelief.

At the back of the crowd, Nuannuan and Xiangqing covered their mouths, giggling mischievously. They had secretly agreed with their soon-to-be brother-in-law the previous afternoon to open the door for him. That was why they had skipped the festivities at the main entrance. The thought of the gifts he had promised them made their hearts flutter with delight.

Su Pan and the others never suspected they had two little traitors in their midst.

Qiao Haoyu, oblivious to the minor chaos, made a beeline for Wei Jiajia, who sat patiently on the bed.

“Jiajia, I’m here!”

Seeing her, so quietly radiant as she waited for him, Qiao Haoyu felt a surge of emotion. She was breathtakingly beautiful today, a vision he wanted to shield from the world.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” Wei Jiajia replied softly. In this life and the last, today was finally her wedding day—the day she married the man she loved.

With a swift, graceful movement, Qiao Haoyu swept Wei Jiajia into his arms and turned toward the door, carrying her out to begin their new life together.

At the back of the crowd, Xiang Dong watched the scene unfold, his brow furrowed. He had intended to carry his sister out himself—who would have thought that Qiao Haoyu would beat him to it?

The couple stepped outside, where Grandaunt and Aunt Fen waited.

Qiao Haoyu gently set Wei Jiajia down, and together they approached the older women.

“Auntie…” Wei Jiajia’s eyes welled up as she looked at them. In that moment, the reality of what was happening truly sank in—she was leaving the family that had always cherished her.

“Now that you’re married,” Great-aunt said, her hand reaching out to stroke Jiajia’s hair, “you and Haoyu must build a wonderful life together. I have faith in you both.” She still remembered the little girl who used to trail after her, begging for sweets.

Taking Wei Jiajia’s hand, she placed it in Qiao Haoyu’s. Her gaze was solemn as she looked at him. “I’m entrusting Jiajia to you. Treat her well, and never, ever let her down—or I won’t forgive you.” Her eyes held his, unwavering, waiting for his vow.

“Auntie, don’t worry,” Qiao Haoyu said, his voice firm and sincere. “I will protect her with my life, love her unconditionally, and remain faithful to her forever.” It was a promise he intended to keep for all his days.

“Good, good, good!” Grandaunt dabbed at the corners of her eyes. Turning to Wei Jiajia, whose tears were now threatening to spill over, she said, “Now, now, today is your wedding day—you can’t be crying like this! Seeing you so upset makes it even harder for me to let you go.”

Wei Jiajia quickly wiped her tears away and forced a smile, a gesture that tugged at Qiao Haoyu’s heartstrings, even as a soft chuckle escaped his lips.

Seeing her smile, the somber mood lifted considerably.

“You two should get going!” Aunt Fen said, glancing at her watch. “You still need to register your marriage, and if you’re late, Grandma Zhang will worry.”

With that, Qiao Haoyu lifted Wei Jiajia into his arms once more and carried her out the door. He gently placed her on his bicycle and pedaled quickly toward the marriage registration office.

Holding the marriage certificate in her hands, a document that felt both simple and profoundly significant, Wei Jiajia was overcome with emotion. This small booklet truly carried the weight of the era. She vowed to cherish it, a treasure to be proudly displayed to her grandchildren in her old age.

The thought brought a smile to her face.

Qiao Haoyu’s joy was even more palpable. His smile had barely left his face all day, and upon receiving the certificate, his expression became almost comically exuberant—he looked positively giddy.

When they returned to the Zhang family home, Great-aunt, Su Pan, and the others had already arrived. With Uncle Zhang, their official wedding witness, presiding, they held a ceremony that blended tradition with the spirit of the times.

After the ceremony, Wei Jiajia was escorted to the temporary bridal chamber, and the banquet began outside.

The lively celebration continued throughout the day, and by late afternoon, guests began to depart.

Wei Jiajia’s roommates had also booked their train tickets home. Their farewell was bittersweet, knowing it might be a long time before they saw each other again.

Wei Jiajia and Qiao Haoyu, now officially husband and wife, along with Su Pan and Yang Sisi, accompanied their friends to the train station and saw them off.

With Wei Jiajia’s departure for Beijing scheduled for the day after tomorrow, Yang Sisi decided to stay with Su Pan for the night before reporting to her own workplace. The four friends bid each other farewell at the train station.

When Wei Jiajia and Qiao Haoyu returned to the Zhang family home, they found it quiet and still. Everyone had already eaten and retired to their rooms.

It was clear the family had thoughtfully given them some privacy, not wanting to intrude on their first night as husband and wife.

Qiao Haoyu asked Wei Jiajia to wait in their room while he went to the kitchen to retrieve the meal Aunt Zhang had thoughtfully left for them.

After they finished eating, Qiao Haoyu insisted on doing the dishes, urging Wei Jiajia to freshen up first.

It was then that the significance of the evening truly dawned on her—tonight was their wedding night.

Trying to quell her nervousness, she went through her bedtime routine, then quickly slipped into bed, wrapping herself tightly in her blanket. Her mind, however, was racing with anticipation and a touch of trepidation.

After finishing the dishes, Qiao Haoyu paused in the courtyard to tidy up before returning to their room. He was greeted by the sight of a blanket-wrapped figure on the bed.

Chuckling softly at her shyness, he locked the door and walked over to the bed.

Hearing his footsteps approach, Wei Jiajia tensed, waiting until she felt the mattress dip beside her.

With a gentle flick of his wrist, Qiao Haoyu lifted the edge of the blanket and slipped inside, wrapping his arms around her from behind.

“What’s this?” he murmured, a playful chuckle in his voice. “On our wedding night, you’re just planning to sleep like this?” He felt her stiffen slightly in his embrace.

“Who said that?” she retorted, turning to face him with an attempt at composure. If not for the slight tremor in her voice and the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, she might have been entirely convincing.

Qiao Haoyu didn’t press the matter. He simply leaned in and kissed her.

A long, lingering kiss later, he finally broke away, drawing Wei Jiajia close and holding her gently as he regained his breath.

“Sleep now,” he murmured.

With her head resting against his chest, she felt his hand gently stroking her back in a slow, soothing rhythm.

Wei Jiajia: “…”

That was it?

It was over?

She lifted her head, staring at him in stunned disbelief.

Seeing the look on her face, Qiao Haoyu knew exactly what she was thinking. A chuckle rumbled in his chest. “I know what you’re thinking,” he said, “but we’re at Grandma’s house. You’ll have to wait a little longer. Once we’re back in Beijing, I’ll make it up to you.”

Wei Jiajia was taken aback by Qiao Haoyu’s shameless words, her face instantly burning. Indignant, she gave him a playful shove.

“You’re the one with those thoughts!” she huffed, turning her back to him.

“Alright, alright, my mistake,” Qiao Haoyu conceded quickly, seeing how flustered she was. “I’m the one thinking about it.”

“Well, you are,” she mumbled under her breath.

Qiao Haoyu chuckled softly. Holding her like this was a test of his willpower, but having the woman he loved in his arms, lying beside him on the same bed—knowing they would be together from this day forward—filled him with an overwhelming sense of happiness.

And so, they spent their wedding night wrapped in each other’s embrace.

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