novelraw Chapter 216 : Public Declaration of Love
Chapter 216 : Public Declaration of Love
Through collective efforts, the citizens of the Free Federation welcomed the peace and prosperity they longed for.
In this equal nation, everyone had the opportunity to strive for a better life through their own efforts.
The Empress brought hope and the power of choice to the people, not enslavement and control.
Although the Free Federation was not a utopia without troubles, with many imperfections and inequalities, it didn't diminish the gratitude of those living on this land.
As their own lives improved, the people's desire for the Empress's happiness grew even stronger.
On this day, Gu Junwan was invited by the Federation's Second Television Station to deliver blessings to all citizens.
Typically, such events would be held during the New Year transition.
However, the Free Federation's situation had been turbulent in recent years, so the Empress hadn't appeared to offer New Year's greetings for the past two celebrations.
Of course, without those turbulent times, Shen Han wouldn't have had the chance to deepen her relationship with her wife during those two New Year's Eves.
In any case, this interview was a stage summary of the past two years for the Empress.
The program would be broadcast live, and the Second Television Station had been heavily promoting it online a week in advance.
They planned to capitalize on this rare opportunity to enhance their brand value.
To cater to the vast young demographic, they even slipped in a question about the Empress's love life in the interview outline.
The interview outline would be reviewed in advance by Xu Zhao.
That most intriguing question wasn't crossed out, and the entire Second Television Station was buzzing with excitement, counting down the days to the interview.
……
Shen Han had long since returned to her duties, constantly revolving around Gu Junwan, as happy as a dog frolicking after its owner.
Naturally, the guard team members wouldn't be absent for the Empress's outing.
When the entourage escorted Gu Junwan into the studio, there were still 10 minutes before the live broadcast began.
Final equipment checks were underway, and a composed middle-aged host was respectfully discussing the interview with the Empress.
Taking advantage of this moment, Shen Han secretly pulled Ning Xi outside.
The two walked to a quiet corner without cameras, and Shen Han immediately began questioning: "How's the ring situation? It's not ready yet?"
Ning Xi looked around, ensuring no one was paying attention to them, before smiling and saying, "Custom gemstone rings take at least 15 days. It's for your proposal to the Empress, we can't be careless."
Hearing this, Shen Han somewhat sheepishly adjusted her cap brim: "That's true, good work takes time. I understand the logic, I'm just a bit impatient."
Ning Xi smiled, pursing her lips, and sneakily took out a high-quality small box from her pocket.
She pushed the box forward, lowering her voice: "Knowing you're anxious, I got a call this morning and had it delivered directly."
"I wanted to give it to you in Peace Palace, but couldn't find the right opportunity earlier. Quick, see if you're satisfied?"
Seeing the white box presented before her, Shen Han's eyes sparkled so brightly they almost burst forth.
But just as she took the box and prepared to open it, a staff member rushed over.
The live broadcast was about to begin, urging them to return quickly.
Time was tight, so Shen Han couldn't even take a glance at the ring she had been dreaming about for days.
She carefully put away the box and returned to the studio with Ning Xi.
It was now the midday news slot, and citizens with a habit of watching news had already turned on their televisions or networks for routine viewing.
The younger generation, who didn't usually have this habit, were even earlier, waiting before their tablets and phones to admire the Empress's magnificent beauty.
Although the Empress's image often appeared in the news, most of the time, the camera would only linger on her for a few seconds before switching.
This live broadcast was different.
The Empress would face the camera and speak for several minutes, followed by an interview segment.
When Gu Junwan, dressed in a dark green suit dress, appeared on screen, she sparked waves of heated discussion before even speaking.
"Wuwuwu! Empress, you're killing me! That aura, even Alphas would go weak-kneed!"
"The Empress's golden eyes are so beautiful and cool! Even through the screen, I feel like I'm seeing an entire sea of stars!"
"Ahhh! Someone hold me back, I'm about to have my soul sucked away by this stellar vortex!"
"We're all Omegas, why can the Empress wear a suit with such an air of abstinence while still being so feminine?"
Gu Junwan, of course, couldn't hear the public's discussions about her.
At this moment, she was seated elegantly before the camera, unhurriedly delivering her speech.
Her voice was melodious and pleasant, like a cool spring on a scorching summer day, giving people a sense of delight.
Her enunciation was clear, her pronunciation perfect, possessing a flawless timbre that even the most critical ears would find enjoyable.
Gu Junwan before the camera was graceful and composed, her unflappable demeanor making it difficult for anyone to look away once they saw her.
In reality, however, her inner state wasn't as calm as it appeared on the surface.
Gu Junwan planned to publicly announce her romantic relationship with Shen Han today, in front of millions of Federation citizens!
She had long prepared her words, and now the timing, location, and people were all ready.
But the Empress, who could usually remain unfazed even if a mountain collapsed before her, now felt noticeably nervous and flustered.
Though her eyes focused on the camera, her peripheral vision could see her Alpha's silhouette.
The thought of confessing her love in front of so many people made her heart race uncontrollably.
The speech quickly came to an end, but the Empress didn't leave.
Staff members came forward to remove the podium and replace it with interview sofas.
The host invited the Empress to be seated again, moving on to the next segment.
There weren't many interview questions, mostly topics related to people's livelihoods and economic development.
Gu Junwan spoke eloquently, intellectual and elegant, seemingly radiating light from her entire being.
After discussing serious topics, the host, wearing a friendly smile, asked, "Your Majesty, do you ever browse entertainment platforms online during your leisure time?"
"I believe all citizens of the Free Federation, like myself, are very curious and concerned about your love life. Could you share something about this with everyone?"
These words not only instantly stirred up everyone watching on screen.
All the guard team members in the studio also perked up their ears.
Not many people knew about that interview outline.
Not just ordinary guard members, even Shen Han was unaware.
Now, hearing the host throw out such a question during the live interview, how could Shen Han remain calm?
She gazed intently at her wife, her eyes filled with hope.
They had been together for nearly two years, but their romantic relationship had always been kept secret.
Shen Han truly didn't care much about titles or status; just being with Gu Junwan was enough to satisfy her.
However, if she could receive Gu Junwan's public acknowledgment and favor, that would certainly be her dream come true.
At this moment, Shen Han unconsciously held her breath, afraid of missing even a single word.
Gu Junwan's beautiful eyes blinked slightly as she parted her red lips: "I have someone I like. She came to my side when I needed her most, shielding me from wind and rain, clearing thorns from my path."
"Some might think she has a bit of a temper sometimes, but I believe that's because she's given all her patience and gentleness to me."
At this point, the emotions of millions of viewers in front of the screen exploded with excitement.
The Second Television Station reacted very quickly.
They turned another camera towards Shen Han standing erect in the corner of the studio and activated split-screen mode, simultaneously broadcasting the current states of the Empress and the latter.
Shen Han paid no attention to the commotion around her. At this moment, her gaze and heart were focused solely on Gu Junwan.
Gu Junwan continued: "She's like the sun, dispelling gloom and darkness with her own radiance, always bringing light and hope to those around her."
"Though she's still a young woman herself, she repeatedly takes on heavy burdens."
"Her arm has been broken in battle, her eyes temporarily blinded during a mission. Her body bears countless scars, but when facing difficulties and dangers, she's never shown retreat."
After a slight pause, Gu Junwan turned her head towards Shen Han in the distance: "She is my Alpha, and everyone's hero."
"Shen Han, are you willing to be my partner, to spend a lifetime with me?"
After Gu Junwan's words fell, the entire world seemed to fall silent.
Shen Han's eyes brimmed with hot tears, her heart pounding like a drum.
She removed the military cap from her head and began walking towards the stage.
Seeing this, the host originally seated beside the Empress quickly left his position.
In his hurried movement, he even tripped on the carpet, nearly falling.
None of the millions of citizens paid attention to the host's embarrassment.
Many people's eyes were also filled with moisture. They had been eagerly consuming gossip about the Empress online, but after hearing Gu Junwan's words, they finally understood what Shen Han had sacrificed in this process.
While feeling heartache, the public also felt deeply gratified.
It turned out that in places they couldn't see, Captain Shen was truly guarding the Empress with her life.
In the frame, Shen Han, dressed in full military uniform, finally reached Gu Junwan's side.
Only now did people notice that not only were the colors of their outfits the same today, but the styles were also very similar.
Gu Junwan had now stood up from her seat.
The two stood facing each other, giving everyone a sense of perfect match.
Under Gu Junwan's doting gaze, Shen Han suddenly knelt on one knee.
She took out a small white box from her pocket, opened it, and carefully presented it to the other.
"Will you marry me, my Empress?"
This time, it was Gu Junwan's turn to be stunned.
She lowered her gaze to the pair of rings set with exquisite cat's eye gems in the Alpha's palm, the corners of her eyes moistening slightly.
With her discerning eye, she could naturally see the extraordinary quality of those gems.
She hadn't told Shen Han in advance about her decision to publicly announce their relationship today.
It was meant to be a surprise for her.
Unexpectedly, her Alpha had brought rings with her and suddenly proposed in front of everyone!
"I do."
When the familiar voice full of joy fell from above, Shen Han finally took out one of the rings with trembling hands, grasped the other's delicate fingers, and slipped it onto the Omega's slender ring finger.
After putting on the other ring herself, Shen Han stood up.
She wept with joy, extending her arms to embrace Gu Junwan.
The citizens watching the live broadcast in front of their screens erupted once more.
This image of the Empress and her guard captain embracing before the camera was eternally etched in everyone's memory, dubbed the embrace of the century.