Heart Stealer

With the successful conclusion of the wedding ceremony, the atmosphere in the venue gradually changed from solemn to cheerful, with the lively sounds of the banquet rising one after another.

Xiao Tuobang brought Qiuxue with him, and their smiles were like the spring sun, warm and bright.

Holding wine glasses, they flitted among the guests like dancing butterflies.

Every time they arrived at a table, they were warmly welcomed and blessed, and the overwhelming sound seemed like a hymn to their happiness.

When they came to the old captain's table, Xiao Tuobang's face showed deep respect.

His eyes were full of gratitude and admiration, as if he was telling his mentor about his own growth and transformation.

He solemnly introduced Qiu Xue, "This is my mentor, and the one who guided me in my seafaring career. Next to him is my respected mentor's wife, and my fellow seniors who are like brothers to me."

Qiu Xue bowed politely to every elder. Her manners were gentle and graceful, like a blooming flower, exuding charming fragrance.

Her smile is like the first ray of sunshine in the morning, soft and warm, which makes people feel good about her.

The old captain and his apprentices raised their glasses and wished the newlyweds a happy marriage and a baby soon.

The fine wine in the glass seemed to be infected by the joyful atmosphere, shining with the light of happiness.

Just as Xiao Tuobang and Qiu Xue turned to go to the next table, tears welled up in the corners of the master's wife's eyes.

The tears were like the twinkling stars in the night sky, faint yet so dazzling.

She quietly wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, her voice choked with sobs: "If Sufang were still here, the one standing next to Xiao Tuobang today should be our daughter."

Upon hearing this, the old captain sighed deeply, and the sigh seemed to be the echo of time, heavy and long.

The wrinkles on his face seemed to deepen a lot at this moment, as if carrying the sadness and regrets of the past.

He gently patted his wife's shoulder and comforted her, "Let's not talk about the past anymore. We shouldn't let sadness overshadow today's joy. We should wish Tuobang to find his happiness."

The master's wife nodded and tried hard to force a smile.

However, the sadness in her eyes was difficult to hide completely; it surged in her heart like an undercurrent.

In the distance, Xiao Tuobang and Qiu Xue were moving among the guests. Their happiness seemed to invisibly infect everyone, making this special day even more memorable.

After toasting the guests, Xiao Tuobang saw a hint of fatigue in Qiuxue's smile.

Although her smile was still bright, a few strands of hair on her forehead were slightly wet with sweat.

Xiao Tuobang considerately wiped the sweat off Qiu Xue's face. The busy and tense day was not easy for Qiu Xue.

He gently held Qiuxue's hand and said distressedly, "Dear, I see you are tired too. Let's go home and rest for a while."

Qiu Xue raised her head, a trace of gratitude flashed in her eyes. She nodded and responded, "Well, I am a little tired, but I am really happy today."

The two left the bustling banquet hall hand in hand and returned to Xiao Tuobang's warm home.

As soon as he entered the door, Xiao Tuobang couldn't wait to hug Qiuxue in his arms.

They looked at each other lovingly, then kissed passionately.

After a long moment, Xiao Tuobang reluctantly let go of Qiu Xue, his eyes filled with love and concern. "Wife, I have to go back and entertain the guests. We can't let them think we're being rude. Just stay home and have a good rest, okay?"

Qiuxue nodded gently, her voice gentle and considerate: "Tuobang, go ahead, I'll be fine. Just remember not to drink too much."

Xiao Tuobang smiled and agreed: "Don't worry, I will pay attention."

After saying that, he placed another gentle kiss on Qiu Xue's forehead.

Then he turned around and left the house, walking towards the Mingyue Hotel.

Qiu Xue stood at the door, watching Xiao Tuobang's figure gradually go away until he disappeared at the corner of the street.

She closed the door gently and went upstairs to her and Xiao Tuobang's wedding room.

She lay on the comfortable big bed and gently closed her eyes.

Qiu Xue stayed up almost all night last night preparing for the wedding.

Fatigue came over her like a tide, and Qiu Xue fell into a deep sleep almost lying flat on the bed.

About an hour later, around four in the afternoon.

Qiu Xue woke up from her dream. She went downstairs and looked around, only to find that the house was empty.

Qiu Xue simply washed and dressed herself and prepared to go out for some fresh air.

As soon as she reached the gate, she noticed a middle-aged man in his forties wandering outside.

He looked a little anxious.

"Excuse me, is this Mr. Xiao Tuobang's home?" The middle-aged man saw Qiu Xue coming out and immediately stepped forward to ask.

"Yes, this is Xiao Tuobang's home. What do you want to talk to him about?" Qiu Xue answered politely with a smile.

The middle-aged man took out a thick cowhide envelope from his arms and handed it to Qiu Xue: "Miss, please help me pass this letter to Mr. Xiao Tuobang."

Qiu Xue took the envelope and nodded. "Okay, I'll pass it on to him. Uncle, would you like to come in and have a cup of tea before leaving?"

The middle-aged man waved his hand with an apologetic smile on his face: "No, miss, I have other things to deal with. Thank you again, and I wish you a happy marriage." After that, he turned and left in a hurry.

After seeing the middle-aged fisherman off, Qiu Xue went into the house with the envelope.

Coming to the living room, she casually placed the envelope on the coffee table in front of the sofa.

Qiu Xue sat on the sofa, watching TV while waiting for Xiao Tuobang and others to come back.

Qiu Xue sat on the sofa bored, and she remembered the envelope she had thrown on the coffee table.

She picked up the envelope curiously and looked at it carefully.

The envelope looked a little old, and there was even a crack at the seal, as if it had not been glued properly.

Qiu Xue turned over the envelope and saw the words written on the front in blue ballpoint pen.

The handwriting was beautiful and neat, and one could tell at a glance that it was written by a girl.

Qiu Xue was full of doubts: Who wrote the letter to Xiao Tuobang?

Qiu Xue held the envelope, and curiosity made her unable to help but open it.

She carefully took out the letter inside.

The handwriting on the letter was clear and powerful. She quickly browsed the contents of the letter and saw that it read:

Brother Tuobang:

Hello there.

Time flies, and it has been more than two years since we last saw each other.

During that sea trial, Senior Brother Wu Xin tried to molest me on the boat.

In order to protect myself, I had to choose an extreme method - jumping into the sea to escape.

I was struggling to survive in the vast ocean. Just when I was almost in despair, I was fortunately rescued by a kind old fisherman couple.

They took me to a small island far away from the hustle and bustle.

Although I have been living in a foreign country for two years, my longing for you has not diminished at all.

Recently, a fishing boat that happened to pass by was taking shelter from the typhoon on the island. They came from a port near the town of Platycodon.

With full of hope, I begged them to take me back to Platycodon Town.

The fishermen told me that their boats were too simple and not suitable for long-distance voyages in the face of unpredictable sea waves.

They advised me to wait for a more suitable opportunity to return home on a large ship.

Here, I hurriedly wrote this letter and entrusted these fishermen to take it back, just to let you know that I am safe.

Please don't worry about me, and don't make my parents sad because of missing them too much.

I will wait patiently until the day I can return to you safely.

I hope all is well with you.

素芳

At the end of the letter, the date is July 25th.

After Qiu Xue finished reading the letter, a complex emotion surged in her heart.

She knew that Zhang Sufang was Xiao Tuobang's junior sister, and had also heard the story of her unfortunate disappearance.

Now that she knows Zhang Sufang is still alive, she feels both surprised and a little unspeakable worry.

Qiu Xue was immersed in the shock brought by the letter, when suddenly, familiar voices of conversation were heard outside the door.

She quickly stuffed the letter under the sofa cushions and tried to look natural.

The door opened, and her parents-in-law and her parents walked into the living room together. They all had satisfied smiles on their faces, as if they were covered by a layer of warm sunshine.

Qiu Xue immediately stood up and enthusiastically poured them hot tea.

Her movements are light and graceful, like a dancing butterfly.

"Come, Dad, Mom, have some tea!" Qiu Xue smiled, holding the teacup in both hands and gently placed it in front of them.

Her sweet smile is like a flower blooming in spring, exuding charming fragrance.

Everyone sat around on the sofa in the living room, chatting and laughing, and the topic naturally revolved around the joy of the wedding and future plans.

Father Xiao said, "Both our families are very happy with Tuobang and Qiuxue's marriage."

Qiu Rongyao picked up the teacup, took a sip, and the smile on his face became brighter, as if the tea was the sweetest nectar in the world.

He put down his teacup and agreed, "Yes, as parents, we are also very happy that the children can be together."

Mother Xiao took over the conversation and said, "We also hope that they can be happy and live together forever."

Mrs. Qiu nodded and said, "Yes, seeing how loving they are, his father and I feel relieved!"

Qiuxue sat obediently in a corner of the sofa, quietly listening to the conversation between her parents and in-laws.

When the topic suddenly turned to herself, she couldn't help but lower her head shyly, and a faint blush appeared on her cheeks.

The parents of both sides chatted happily, and their laughter kept echoing in the living room, like a cheerful melody that made people intoxicated.

Happy times are always short-lived.

Soon, Qiu Rongyao and his wife noticed that the hands of the wall clock had pointed to six o'clock.

They realized that it was getting late and they had to set off for home to make full preparations for the return ceremony tomorrow.

Qiu Rongyao and Mrs. Qiu stood up to say goodbye to their in-laws. Before leaving, they pulled Qiu Xue aside and gave her earnest advice.

Mrs. Qiu's eyes were filled with reluctance. She held Qiu Xue's hand tightly and said softly, "Qiu Xue, since you've married me, you must abide by the rules of being a wife and take good care of your husband and children."

"Mom, don't worry, I will." Qiu Xue nodded slightly.

Qiu Rongyao was relieved to see that his daughter had become much more well-behaved after her marriage. "Qiu Xue, it's getting late. We should go back. Tomorrow, your sister Qiu Feng will come to take you back home. We'll be waiting for you at home."

Qiu Xue nodded. She walked her parents to the gate and watched them leave.