Chapter 103: The Wedding

Getting up, washing up, and going downstairs, Cheng Jiu was already awake, drinking tea in the living room with Xin’s father. Cheng Jiu happened to be seated facing the staircase, and it was Xin’s father who saw Xin Gan come down and called her to have breakfast.

Cheng Jiu glanced back at her, a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

Seeing that smile, Xin Gan felt a bit embarrassed and quickly averted her eyes, pretending to act casual as she went to eat.

By now, it was almost ten o’clock. No one had woken her, and everyone had already finished breakfast, including Cheng Jiu.

Cheng Jiu, after talking with Xin’s father, came to look for Xin Gan.

As she sipped her soy milk, she caught a glimpse of him entering and nearly choked, coughing as she hurriedly set down her cup.

Cheng Jiu sat opposite her and said, “In such a hurry? Take your time; no one’s rushing you.”

Xin Gan felt awkward. “Why didn’t you wake me up?”

Cheng Jiu wore an expression as if saying, “How can you ask that?” He loosened his shirt collar to reveal the nail marks on his chest. “I didn’t realize you had such a bad morning temper.”

She seemed to recall and became even more embarrassed. “I didn’t mean to…”

Cheng Jiu straightened his collar again. “What about last night? That wasn’t intentional either?”

The night before, Cheng Jiu had helped her bathe, but she wasn’t cooperative, clinging to him and refusing to let go. Knowing she was disoriented, he endured it without making a move, finished helping her, and then took a cold shower himself.

Xin Gan shrank her neck and changed the subject. “No work today?”

“Weekend. No work.”

His work schedule was steady; if it wasn’t the weekend, he might still be at her place.

He had stayed with her until the early dawn before leaving to sleep in the room his mother had the maid prepare.

After finishing breakfast leisurely, Cheng Jiu asked her plans for the day. She hesitated, then asked, “What about you? Any plans?”

“Yes.”

Xin Gan took care to dress up a bit and told Xin’s father in the living room before stepping out with Cheng Jiu.

He took her to a bridal shop to try on wedding dresses.

Cheng Jiu handled all the wedding arrangements. When Xin Gan wanted to be involved, he firmly stopped her, insisting he would take care of everything. Even the wedding dress was specially designed by a designer introduced through Cheng Jiu’s connections. Naturally, it was expensive, but he had some savings.

Xin Gan changed into a wedding gown and stood before the mirror. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“Tell you what?”

“About the wedding dress… it seems costly. Cheng Jiu…” Her voice was low, careful not to let the store manager overhear.

Cheng Jiu replied, “It’s not that expensive.”

“Don’t lie to me. That designer is pricey. I’ve seen his work before.”

“Don’t worry about money. I’ll handle that.”

Still uneasy, after trying several dresses, Cheng Jiu asked which she liked. She chose a relatively cheaper one, but Cheng Jiu said: “That one doesn’t suit you well. Don’t you prefer the V-neck, waist-cinched dress?”

The one Cheng Jiu recommended was the most expensive.

Even the store manager agreed she looked best in the V-neck, waist-fitted dress, as she had a slim waist.

Xin Gan shook her head, worried about the cost, and declined. “No, it’s too tight. What if I gain weight later?”

“That’s fine. We can adjust the waist later with professional tailors.”

Seeing her concern, Cheng Jiu directly settled on that gown with the manager.

After leaving the bridal shop, Xin Gan held his hand gently and said, “Actually, I have some savings too. I want to give it to you first. A wedding is something for both of us; I want to contribute.”

Cheng Jiu tugged the corner of his mouth. “So you didn’t want that dress because you thought I was short on money?”

“…” Xin Gan didn’t know how to respond when money came up around men.

“Don’t underestimate me. I’m not that poor. My salary isn’t high, but that’s not my main source of income. Do you think I’ve wasted all these years?”

She hurried to explain, “That’s not what I meant. I also want to…”

“Xin Gan, you don’t need to worry about this. Leave it to me. If I couldn’t afford it, I wouldn’t have married you.”

The dowry and bride price negotiations between the Cheng and Xin families were handled by elders; both Cheng Jiu and Xin Gan didn’t intervene. Since the elders agreed, they had no objections. Cheng Jiu took care of the wedding details, and the guest list was decided by the elders. Xin Gan felt she had little participation in their wedding.

Fearing Cheng Jiu was under too much pressure, she handed him her card, saying, “There’s some money left in it. It’s not much, but it’s my intention.”

She didn’t want Cheng Jiu to bear all the expenses alone; she wished to help.

The money in that card was her own savings, earned little by little over the years without asking family for financial support.

Cheng Jiu had never taken her card. He looked at her intently for a long moment before saying, “Keep the money yourself. You don’t need to give it to me.”

Xin Gan insisted, “Marriage is a matter for two people, Cheng Jiu. Don’t be polite with me; I want to contribute. Otherwise, it feels unfair that I’m not giving anything to our marriage.”

Cheng Jiu said, “It’s not about fairness. I just want to treat you wholeheartedly. I can support you. Use your money for yourself, not me. Now, be good and put the card away.”

He was resolute. No matter what she said, he refused to take her card.

Eventually, Cheng Jiu ordered the dress that suited her best. She liked it too, but the price made her want to save him some money.

After trying on the dress, Cheng Jiu drove her back to her studio.

Xin Gan busied herself upon returning, and Cheng Jiu stayed for a while before leaving to Cheng’s home after receiving a call from Cheng Hui.

Cheng Hui was forced to call Cheng Jiu, desperate.

Her voice was hoarse and filled with anguish on the phone, so Cheng Jiu rushed back without asking questions.

The atmosphere at the Cheng household was unusually heavy and oppressive. When Cheng Jiu entered, the maid quietly informed him, “After you left, Madam and Cheng Hui had a fierce argument. They’re still fighting in the room. Please go upstairs quickly. We dare not intervene, and we were even driven out when we tried.”

The maid was just a servant and had no authority to speak. Madam was too angry for even the staff to approach.

Cheng Hui stood barefoot at the door, no longer crying but with red eyes, clearly upset by Madam’s anger. She had cried enough the night before and had no tears left now.

Seeing Cheng Jiu, she instinctively threw herself at him. “Brother, Mom’s gone too far this time. She didn’t treat me like a person. She said I should break up with my boyfriend just like that. Why? I’m a person, not an object.”

Cheng Jiu gently stroked her cheek and asked, “What happened?”

Cheng Hui said, “Mom forbids me from dating and wants me to break up with my boyfriend. I refuse, so she won’t let me leave the house. Brother, please help me. How can she do this?”

Cheng Jiu calmly said, “Go put on your shoes in the room.”

Cheng Hui obediently did as told and came out after putting her shoes on.

“Go wash your face. No tears allowed.”

Again, Cheng Hui obeyed, afraid to disobey Cheng Jiu.

When she came out after washing her face, Cheng Jiu looked her over and said, “Now you can tell me everything from the beginning.”

…

Madam Cheng was fuming, sitting in the study’s recliner. Cheng Jiu brought her a glass of water. She looked up at him and sighed, “Cheng Hui’s matters are none of your concern. I’m not afraid of her. She thinks she’s independent now and can do as she pleases.”

Cheng Jiu pulled over a chair and sat beside her, hands resting on his knees. “Can you tell me what’s going on with the Tang family? Why can’t Cheng Hui date Tang Jingli’s son?”

Madam Cheng’s expression darkened, clearly hiding some secrets she was unwilling to share. “There’s no reason. I said no, so no. I absolutely won’t allow it.”

“That’s unreasonable. From what I know, the boy Cheng Hui is dating was her classmate in high school and a good student.”

“No matter who he is, if he’s Tang Jingli’s son, then no. I don’t agree. Don’t argue with me. I won’t change my mind.” Madam Cheng’s emotions were intense. “I’ll say it again: don’t interfere in Cheng Hui’s affairs. The whole Tang family is no good.”

Cheng Jiu tried to calm her for a long time. “Cheng Hui isn’t a child anymore. It’s normal for someone her age to date. If you interfere so strongly without a proper reason, I wouldn’t accept it either.”

Madam Cheng thought for a long time, then spoke with finality, “Cheng Jiu, just focus on your wedding. Don’t get distracted. If Cheng Hui refuses to break up, this won’t end.”

…

Cheng Hui received a call from Tang Que, her feelings complicated—both happy and hopeless. He still cared about her, even took the initiative to call, but she was devastated because last night he was with Tang Yao. Late at night, together—they must have done adult things.

It was a cruel irony: her joy was meaningless to him.

Perhaps Tang Que was only playing with her.

Still, she couldn’t help but soften and answered the call.

Tang Que’s voice was as charming as ever, but to her, it sounded mocking.

“You called me last night?” Tang Que asked calmly, without panic as if nothing had happened.

“Yes.”

“Everyone knows?”

He didn’t hide it, openly admitting it, making it impossible to find fault.

Cheng Hui took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice. “Don’t you want to explain anything to me?”

Tang Que chuckled lightly. “Explain what? She came to me. I was drinking, couldn’t resist. You know, I just broke up with her not long ago. It’s hard to forget.”

“Tang Que, are you sure you mean that?”

“If you’re unhappy, you can break up with me. I’ll go back to her and won’t contact you again.”

Cheng Hui laughed bitterly, tongue-tied, unable to say a word.

Tang Que pressed, “It’s your choice. Give me a clear answer.”

“Tang Que, did you say this to Tang Yao too? How did you become like this?”

“I’ve always been like this. You’re just naive. Cheng Hui, I don’t like pure women. I like ones more wild—Tang Yao is like that. If you want to be with me but keep rejecting me, I’m a man and have needs. If you’re unwilling, I don’t want to be with you.”

“So, Tang Yao agrees?”

“What do you think?”

Cheng Hui completely broke down. She never expected the man she cared for to be like this. Every word was a sting.

Tang Que was truly toying with her. If it weren’t for Tang Huaihuai’s situation, he wouldn’t even give Cheng Hui a chance. Now Tang Yao was angry; he had to appease her by saying these things to Cheng Hui.

Cheng Hui finally mustered the courage to hang up, holding back tears.

When Cheng Jiu knocked on the door and came in, she had red eyes but said nothing.

He patted her shoulder, trying to comfort her, but she shook her head. “I’m fine, brother. Don’t worry about me.”

She couldn’t always rely on others to comfort her. Apart from He Chuan and Cheng Jiu, she had to grow up on her own.

“Don’t think too much. Let’s go out for some fresh air. Want to come?”

Without Cheng Jiu, Cheng Hui felt she couldn’t leave the house for a while. She had never seen her mother so angry before and was curious why her mother hated Tang Jingli and his son so much.

Cheng Jiu took her to the seaside. The weather was mild, the sea breeze gentle, and the beach nearly deserted.

Blowing the sea air helped Cheng Hui distract herself and feel better. She didn’t want to go home, wanting instead to stay at Cheng Jiu’s place. Cheng Jiu agreed and took her to his city residence.

“Brother, is Xin Xin staying at your place tonight?”

Cheng Jiu handed her a spare key. “Why? Embarrassed to stay here?”

“No, it’s just I don’t want to disturb you two. I’m such a glaring third wheel…”

Cheng Jiu threw her some cat food. “Enough talk. Go feed the cats.”

Cheng Hui suddenly remembered the three cats he had previously asked him to care for and hurried off with the bag of food.

Having something to do at least diverted her thoughts from Tang Que, improving her mood.

In the following days, Tang Que vanished, never contacting her again. She lacked the strength to reach out either, feeling foolish for liking such a scoundrel.

With Cheng Jiu standing firm at home, Madam Cheng never came to look for her again.

This time, thankfully, Cheng Jiu was there; otherwise, she didn’t know what she would have done.

…

Days passed quickly until the day of Cheng Jiu and Xin Gan’s wedding.

The closer it came, the more restless Xin Gan felt, uneasy.

She was to have a wedding, and Shen Ruxin’s family would surely attend. Keke would be the flower girl—the only one there.

Early in the morning, a makeup team came to the Xin household to do Xin Gan’s makeup. Before dawn, she had already gotten up, put on her wedding dress, and started the makeup process.

A line of wedding cars was parked outside the Xin residence, with Cheng Jiu’s car leading. He hadn’t fussed over appearances, simply using his regular car to fetch his bride.

The car wasn’t expensive but respectable.

The Xin family had no demands and knew the Cheng family’s background well enough not to require such showmanship.

Cheng Jiu’s deep affection for Xin Gan was recognized by both families. If they didn’t care, they wouldn’t put such importance on this wedding.

The hardest to see Xin Gan off was Xin’s mother. She had just returned recently, and now her daughter was about to marry and leave again. Fortunately, it was nearby, in the same city, so they could visit often.

He Chuan also returned for the wedding, bringing a generous gift. But having promised not to see Cheng Hui again, he didn’t appear openly, instead sitting inside one of the wedding cars to avoid running into her.

A red carpet was laid out at the Xin residence. Surrounded by relatives and friends, Xin Gan descended the stairs and walked along the carpet. Cheng Jiu stood at the end holding a bouquet, waiting for a long time. When he saw Xin Gan, his smile bloomed uncontrollably. She was more radiant and beautiful than ever, and his eyes could not leave her.

Xin Gan dared not look at him, lowering her gaze, but resolutely placed her hand in his.

Cheng Jiu squeezed her hand tightly, bending down to kiss it reverently. Like their graduation oath, he regarded her as his faith to protect, willing to give his life for her.

Their wedding was held by the seaside—not extravagant, but sincere. Xin Gan didn’t want to waste money, inviting only close family and friends to witness their union.

Several of Cheng Jiu’s father’s friends attended, including Cheng Jiu’s direct superior, who briefly appeared and left quickly to avoid any misunderstanding.

Even the wedding rings were chosen by Cheng Jiu alone, never telling Xin Gan. Like the proposal, he knelt on one knee and slipped the ring onto her finger. With her veil and a face full of joy, even onlookers could feel their happiness and love.

Instead of reciting the vows prepared by the host, Cheng Jiu spoke his own words to Xin Gan: “The first time I saw you was that summer vacation when you had just turned seventeen. At that time, I was blind and didn’t think our paths would cross. But later, I was truly won over.”

Xin Gan smiled, almost tearful.

The guests applauded warmly, amused by his humor.

“From the moment you entered my heart, you became part of me, a piece of flesh on my chest, my belief. Xin Gan, I love you with my life.”

Xin Gan felt a prickling at her nose, tears welling up. She didn’t want to cry, afraid the makeup would smudge, but the tears came despite her will. Cheng Jiu had just placed the ring firmly on her ring finger—the moment that symbolized they would never part for a lifetime.

“Don’t cry all your tears now, bride. You’ll need more later,” the host teased through the microphone.

He Chuan, standing outside the crowd, heard the comment and smiled softly.

Xin Gan took the ring and slipped it onto Cheng Jiu’s finger. At that instant, Cheng Jiu lifted her veil and kissed her tenderly, full of deep affection.