The Marriage Drum of the Flower Festival

Jiangnan's annual Flower Festival is a lively affair. Stalls line the streets, offering marriage drums and blessings, and visitors throw flower balls at the drums to pray for a good match. Standing beside the throwing platform, Shen Yu spots Ji Zhimo quietly admiring the scenery in the crowd. He raises his hand and tosses a flower ball, hitting the marriage drum right in front of her. Its clear ring echoes through the air, giving the two a chance to strike up a conversation. Looking at him, Ji Zhimo asks softly, "Aren't you afraid you'll miss?" Shen Yu keeps his eyes fixed on her and replies with gentle confidence, "It was never the marriage drum I was aiming at. It was you." His words stir the young woman's heart. Warm and considerate, Shen Yu looks after Ji Zhimo in every way and accepts all the hurt and worries she has carried from the past. They spend time together enjoying the spring and admiring the blossoms. Their feelings gradually grow, and once they have honestly confessed their love, they visit each other's elders in turn, arrange their engagement, and hold their wedding. Their married life is peaceful and warm, filled with everyday comforts. Ji Zhimo soon becomes pregnant and, after taking careful care of herself, safely gives birth to a sweet little girl. The whole family gathers to choose a name for her.