On January 30, 2026, the military granted Norman leave. Due to his outstanding performance and substantial income, he had successfully purchased a unit in a private residential complex in Hong Kong. That same day, following the global broadcast of the Timing Police interview, Norman was exceptionally promoted to Deputy Commander of the New Time Police Force—the youngest senior commander in history—for his outstanding achievements. Though Norman had successfully controlled his emotions and restrained his monstrous strength, that very power was also influenced by compassion. Back then, to rescue a family of four trapped in rubble, he had lifted the debris with his bare hands and hurled it at the Timing Thieves thief.
After the news report aired, the Chief Executive expressed pride and wished to award Norman the Grand Bauhinia Medal. However, Norman declined, writing to the Chief Executive that he sought neither fame nor fortune. Unfortunately, old classmates he hadn't contacted in ages began seeking him out. Norman had no desire to engage with them, knowing they only wanted to climb the social ladder using him and would stab him in the back at the slightest disagreement. He certainly didn't want to invite them to his wedding.
The next morning, Norman rose early and dressed meticulously. He placed the ring into an exquisite ring box—a wedding band from a prestigious brand, the most beautiful and costly design available. Norman arranged to meet Cordelia at New York's iconic landmark, Times Square. Amidst the bustling plaza, they shared a moment: “True love endures beyond mere daily encounters.” Norman suddenly knelt down, ensuring no crows or other birds flew overhead. He opened the ring box and said, “Cordelia, we've weathered many storms together. The time is right. Will you marry me?” Yanbing stepped forward, embraced Norman, and replied, “I will!” They promptly completed the marriage registration in the United States. Norman was confident that as long as they followed the proper procedures to register with the Hong Kong government, their marriage would be legally recognized, which brought him considerable peace of mind. After all, they had been together for some time, and both knew each other's true selves. In fact, they planned to cohabit before marriage to avoid any discrepancies between pre-marital and post-marital personalities that could lead to marital discord. Then, Norman had another worry...
It turned out Norman was fretting over the venue and arrangements for their wedding ceremony. He had considered holding it at a fantasy theme park in Florida or California, but the travel expenses were exorbitant. Not having a ceremony would disappoint his grandparents. After all, they were both 90 years old and hoped to see their grandson marry. His maternal grandparents shared this wish. This concern weighed on Norman like an invisible boulder. Though he possessed the strength to move rubble, the pressure felt heavier than any stone he could lift with his bare hands. His high income could easily cover the park's venue fees, but subjecting nonagenarians, unable to endure long journeys, to a flight lasting over ten hours carried too great a risk. The fatal cases of “economy class syndrome” he'd heard about in his youth lingered in his mind. He even explored chartering a private jet, but the doctor bluntly stated that long-haul flights for elders of such advanced age were ultimately too hazardous. This concern weighed heavier than any rubble he'd ever lifted with his bare hands. As for those old classmates he didn't wish to invite, if they learned the event was overseas, they'd likely fabricate excuses to gatecrash, adding more trouble to his clinging. Norman planned to hold the event in Hong Kong. Some military comrades couldn't attend, but even if they couldn't be present, they could send blessings via video call when needed.
After returning to Hong Kong, Norman sought help from his childhood best friend, Demetria. She suggested they first visit a bridal shop to find suitable wedding gowns, promising to handle the venue arrangements. Her brother, Dario, a social media expert, would assist Norman in setting up an extremely strict privacy list, ensuring none of those old classmates could see any wedding-related updates.
So the three headed to a nearby bridal shop. While Demetria was helping Cordelia choose a gown, a remark pierced Norman’s heart. The saleswoman whispered: “That woman is so fat, yet she's picking out a wedding dress. She doesn't deserve one...” In truth, Cordelia had a larger frame, which could create the visual illusion of a sturdier build. But body shaming was utterly unforgivable. Norman restrained his superhuman strength, for it was never meant to harm others. He swiftly and discreetly recorded the saleswoman's subsequent prejudiced remarks on his phone. Then, taking a deep breath, he approached Demetria and Cordelia. His tone was calm yet unquestionable as he said to Demetria, "Tell Cordelia we don't like the style of wedding dresses here. They don't suit her. Let's go to another shop.“ Though skeptical, Demetria decided to go along: ”Oh, right! I also think this place's designs are a bit ordinary—they don't match Cordelia's elegance! Come on, I know a better one."
After leaving the bridal shop, the group was heading to another bridal store. Norman sent the recording along with the salesperson's employee ID information to the manager of that bridal shop, attaching a brief message: “The professionalism and character of your staff are truly shocking. My fiancée's beauty and worth far exceed superficial body standards. This experience has left us deeply dissatisfied. We will not set foot in your store again and hope you will provide your employees with the necessary training to prevent more couples from enduring such disrespectful treatment.”
After sending the message, Norman put away his phone, gently took Cordelia's hand, and looked at her with sincere and tender eyes. “I'm sorry you had to endure that humiliation,” he said. “Your beauty has never depended on conforming to anyone's standards. You are you. We will find the most perfect wedding dress—one truly worthy of you.”
Norman's actions contained no shouting or violence, yet they radiated strength—the unwavering resolve to defend what he cherished and confront injustice. In his own quiet way, he handled the external hostility, then poured double the tenderness and affirmation onto the person he loved most deeply. Because loving someone doesn't mean solving injustice with violence.
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and then Add to home screen.