As James finished his speech,
some of the women in the audience had already started crying.
Soft, elegant music played in the courtyard, petals floated gently through the air, and the setting sun bathed everything in a golden hue.
The sunlight hit James's suit, making him look like a hero bathed in a radiant, seven-colored glow.
A man who gave cars, houses, and was gentle and romantic...
And to top it off, he was handsome too.
What kind of god-tier boyfriend was this?
The women in the audience cried harder, some even sobbing audibly.
Especially the girl who had rehearsed with James earlier that afternoon.
Her eyes were red, her teeth biting down on the corner of a handkerchief, and her hands clenching it so tightly she almost tore it apart.
She wished she could storm the stage, kick the sobbing female lead off, and take her place in front of this incredible man.
On stage,
Tailsa couldn't stop crying. Her hands trembled as she tried to wipe away her tears, but the tissue she held was already soaked.
Her teary eyes stared at James, her heart a chaotic mess.
James gently took another tissue and stepped forward to wipe her tears.
"Baby, don't cry," he said softly.
Tailsa, still sniffling, managed to ask:
"Y-you... everything you just said... is it true?"
"It's all true. Trust me," James said firmly, his tone warm and reassuring.
Unable to hold back, Tailsa threw her arms around him and cried,
"Big brother, I like you too!"
[System Notification: Tailsa's affection +20]
[Current affection level: 99]
[Rebate received: 35.41 million RMB]
James frowned.
He wasn't satisfied with this result.
After all the effort he had put in, ending with just a 99 wasn't enough.
Clenching his teeth, he made a quick hand gesture behind his back toward Winnie Morgan.
Moments later, something was discreetly placed into his hand.
James gently pushed Tailsa away and smiled.
"I'm glad you like me too," he said softly, "but I want more than just 'like.'"
As soon as he finished speaking, the music changed.
The sound of "Here Comes the Bride" began to play.
The audience sat up straight, their eyes widening as they prepared for what they knew was coming next.
James slowly took out a small jewelry box.
Tailsa gasped, her face filled with disbelief as she seemed to realize what was about to happen.
In that moment, time seemed to slow to a crawl.
All other sounds faded away, leaving only the man in front of her.
With a gentle smile, James knelt down on one knee and opened the elegant red box.
Inside was a diamond ring, sparkling under the light.
"Don't be nervous," James said softly.
"I'm not trying to pressure you. I just thought today would be a good day to say... I love you. Will you marry me?"
His words pierced through her heart like Cupid's arrow.
Tailsa was overwhelmed.
The surprise had hit her like a tidal waveâstrong and fast, leaving her defenseless.
She couldn't resist.
She couldn't even process what was happening. She was utterly and completely swept away.
The way James looked at her, his eyes filled with gentle affection, melted her.
And even though a small, primal part of her sensed the danger of being so thoroughly captivated, her rational mind was helpless against his overwhelming charm.
When James slid the ring onto her finger, she gave in completely.
Somewhere in the depths of her memory, she recalled a saying:
If you love, love deeply.
All these years, she had never truly fallen for any man.
In college, boys had pursued her, but she always listened to her mother's advice and chose only wealthy suitors.
Even when some of them proposed, she never said yes.
It wasn't just because of their flawsâit was also because of her own uncertainty.
She wasn't sure if she could be a good wife or mother.
But then she met James.
The more she got to know him, the more his sincerity and charm won her over.
For the first time, she decided to be brave.
To truly love someone.
Even if it ended with her battered and bruised, stripped of everything, and cast back into the wild...
She wouldn't regret it.
"I will," she said softly, her voice trembling with emotion.
[System Notification: Tailsa's affection +10]
[Current affection level: 109]
[Congratulations! You've unlocked the Goddess-exclusive reward: Super Physique.]
[Super Physique: Your body's physical attributes are enhanced by a 5x multiplier.]
[Enhancements include regenerative speed, muscle strength, bone density, internal organ reinforcement, and more...]
In an instant, James felt as though his body had undergone a baptism, leaving him with an indescribable sense of exhilaration.
He could feel boundless strength coursing through him.
For a fleeting moment, he even believed he could take on ten men at once.
Still kneeling on one knee, James couldn't contain his excitement. He clenched his fist and slammed it down onto the stage.
"Bang!"
The not-so-thin stage floor cracked under the impact.
James didn't feel a thing.
Overwhelmed with emotion, tears welled up in his eyes.
Not only thatâhis vision became sharper than ever, and his hearing more acute.
He could even make out the whispers of the audience below.
"So handsome! I want to marry him too!"
"Damn, what kind of cheap stage is this? One punch and there's a hole!"
"This guy seems serious. Look at how emotional he is, even crying."
"They really are a perfect couple. Rich and beautifulânothing to criticize. It's so frustrating!"
"I wish I had such a pure and genuine love. I wouldn't even mind if we were poor."
"Hey, miss, can I get your WhatsApp? Let's see if we can have something real too."
"Sorry, you're not my type."
"..."
James, realizing no one was suspicious of his actions, let out a small sigh of relief.
He noticed Winnie Morgan approaching the wedding planner, ready to demand compensation. With a subtle glance, James signaled her to let it go.
Winnie hesitated but ultimately backed off.
That said, she made a mental note to use this as leverage to negotiate a discount with the wedding company later.
"If one punch can leave a hole, this stage is clearly shoddy work. What if someone got hurt?" she thought.
Meanwhile, Tailsa knelt down beside James, trying to stop what she thought was his self-destructive behavior.
"Honey, don't do this! I already said yes!" she pleaded.
"I'm just... excited, that's all," James said with a sheepish grin as he helped her to her feet.
"I'm excited too," she said softly, her face glowing with happiness.
"So, when are you going to marry me?"
With a house and car already in her possession, this was the last thing on her wishlist.
She knew a man like James, so exceptional, would always be surrounded by other women.
If she didn't have the title of "official wife," she wouldn't even stand a chance in the inevitable battles.
"Let's wait a bit," James said, making up an excuse on the spot. "I still have some things to handle outside. Once they're settled, we'll talk about it."
Now that he had unlocked Super Physique, James's confidence was soaring.
His attitude toward Tailsa also grew slightly more casual and detached.
Tailsa believed his explanation, noticing nothing off about his tone. She continued to beam with joy, wrapping her arms around his as they moved on to enjoy the rest of the celebration.
After fixing her makeup, the two followed the photographer's instructions and took several pictures on the stage.
Then Winnie Morgan directed the chefs to bring out grilled dishes and organized the feast.
A towering, person-sized cake was wheeled out by some of the female extras.
The crowd sat at elegantly arranged tables, clinking glasses and celebrating.
James and Tailsa, wine glasses in hand, graciously accepted wave after wave of congratulations from the guests.