Chapter 104: For Her

This scene left everyone utterly captivated.

Xin’s mother felt a mixture of joy and sorrow as she watched her daughter marry. Marriage marked a transformation in her daughter’s status, signifying not only that she had grown up but also that she was leaving her parents to start a new family of her own.

Xin’s father wrapped an arm around his wife’s shoulder, offering comfort. “Today is a happy day. Don’t cry. What if Xin sees you crying and starts crying too?”

“I just can’t help it,” she replied. “It’s such a big moment—my daughter is getting married. How can I not be emotional?”

Xin’s father handed her a tissue to wipe her tears, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “Time flies. In the blink of an eye, Xin Gan is married—and she’s only twenty-four.”

“If Xin Gan has children one day, they must carry our family name to continue the Xin lineage,” said Xin’s mother earnestly.

Xin’s father shrugged it off. “No rush. We’ll see when the time comes.”

...

Xin Gan was too overwhelmed to even wipe away her tears. His kiss left her breathless and flustered in front of so many guests. When he pulled away slightly and looked down at her, she whispered softly, “My lipstick’s smudged. It’s all on your lips.”

She had carefully chosen a long-lasting, non-transfer lipstick, yet Cheng Jiu had eaten some of it away.

His lips bore the unmistakable mark of her lipstick. “Well, it’s still your lipstick,” he said with a grin.

Xin Gan’s eyes curved into a gentle smile, her cheeks flushed. “Lean down—I’ll wipe it for you.”

Onstage, the bride wiping lipstick off the groom was captured by photographers, prompting laughter from both families, especially Xin’s mother, who was deeply moved.

Giving away a daughter and taking a daughter-in-law were completely different emotional experiences.

Mrs. Cheng noticed Xin’s mother crying. She quickly went over, took her hand, and said, “We’re one family now. We will treat Xin Gan like our own daughter and never let her suffer, dear mother-in-law.”

Xin’s mother wept uncontrollably, beyond consolation from her husband.

The more Mrs. Cheng spoke, the more reluctant Xin’s mother felt to part with her daughter.

...

Cheng Hui was also happy, but she was still at odds with Mrs. Cheng. Even amidst the wedding, she refused to speak to her, standing beside Mr. Cheng instead. Her father tried to ease tensions and encourage reconciliation, but she pretended not to hear and was openly upset and hurt.

Tang Que hadn’t contacted her again, nor did she reach out to him. She felt she was insignificant, so why humiliate herself?

He Chuan kept a low profile, blending into the crowd. Spotting Cheng Hui’s slender figure beside Mr. Cheng, he immediately recognized her. After a brief glance, he looked away, saw Cheng Jiu and Xin Gan share a tender kiss, and quietly left without looking back.

Cheng Hui didn’t even know he had been there.

He Chuan’s driver waited by the roadside. When he returned to the car, the driver asked, “Mr. He, are we leaving now?”

“Let’s go.”

“Miss Tang came by earlier. I told her you were at the wedding, so she followed you in.”

He Chuan toyed with his phone, eyes narrowing. “Still inside?”

“Yes.”

The driver glanced in the rearview mirror at the man sitting quietly in the back seat, his dark eyes deep as the ocean.

...

A seaside breeze stirred as Cheng Jiu and Xin Gan finished their photos. They gathered with both families for a group shot. Afterward, Xin’s mother grasped Xin Gan’s hand, tears brimming. Looking her over, she said, “You look wonderful—worthy of being my daughter.”

Xin Gan felt tears rising again but recalled the host’s earlier words and held back. “Don’t cry, or I’ll start crying too.”

She had already touched up her makeup once after crying earlier.

Seeing her about to cry again, Cheng Jiu smiled tenderly and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Is marrying me so hard? You’ve been crying since earlier.”

Turning to Xin’s mother, he said earnestly, “Mom, don’t worry. You can trust me with Xin Gan. I won’t let her suffer.”

Xin’s mother nodded, embarrassed to continue crying. She patted Xin Gan’s hand and formally placed it in Cheng Jiu’s. “You two take good care of each other. Xin is young compared to you. If she makes mistakes, be patient and understanding. She’s a good girl with a kind temper. If anything comes up, communicate openly.”

Xin Gan nodded. “I understand.”

Cheng Jiu held her hand firmly, his demeanor serious.

Everyone then began the toasts. Friends of Cheng Jiu’s generation tried to get him to drink; after all, it was a wedding. He obliged but managed his liquor well. When anyone tried to pressure Xin Gan to drink, he swiftly intervened. She really couldn’t handle alcohol—at a previous gathering, a little had made her quite drunk, let alone now, with so many guests offering drinks.

The elders of both families entertained guests. Shen Ruxin, chatting with Xin Gan and Keke, looked around and asked, “Where’s He Chuan? This is Cheng Jiu and your wedding. He’s Cheng Jiu’s friend. Why didn’t he come?”

Xin Gan lifted her veil and clipped it back for the next photoshoot. “He did come, but left shortly after.”

“Why?”

Xin Gan wasn’t one for gossip and brushed it off casually. “He seemed busy—just showed up briefly and left.”

...

Keke stood in front of the long dessert table, eyes wide at the dazzling array. Her little hand poked her cheek, torn over which to choose.

Being short, she couldn’t reach the treats, so she fetched a chair to get a better look.

“Little one, what do you want to eat? Tell me, and I’ll get it for you,” said Tang Huaihuai.

Keke turned, frowned, and looked away silently.

“Is it the strawberry one you want?” Tang pointed at the desserts. “Or the mango? You have to tell me so I know what you like.”

Keke silently climbed down from the chair, pushed it away, clearly not interested in talking to her.

Tang raised an eyebrow but went over anyway, cutting a small piece of cake, then offered it with a tiny fork. “Here, try it.”

Keke glanced at the tempting piece but declined in a babyish voice, “Thank you, aunty, but I don’t want it. I can get it myself.”

Tang was irritated. “I’m your elder sister, not aunty. You called me the wrong thing.”

“No, you’re aunty. Aunty, thank you, but I can get cake by myself, no need for your help.”

Keke was precise and a bit disdainful of a strange lady’s over-eagerness to feed her. She wasn’t stupid—never ate food from strangers. Anyone she didn’t know was a stranger.

Tang Huaihuai said, “Hasn’t your dad taught you? Unmarried women are ‘sisters’; once married, they become ‘aunties.’”

Keke ignored her, thinking her annoying. She hopped down and ran off.

...

Shen Ruxin continued talking to Xin Gan about He Chuan. She sensed something was off and was about to ask more when Keke suddenly ran over, clinging to her leg and looking up with a scared, childish voice.

“Mommy, a strange lady tried to feed me cake. Keke was so scared.”

“Did you eat it?”

“No, no, Keke’s not stupid. She doesn’t eat strangers’ food.”

Shen Ruxin playfully scolded her. “Don’t run around so much.”

Keke pouted but didn’t argue.

Xin Gan fetched some candy from somewhere and slipped it into Keke’s little crossbody bag. “Are you hungry? Auntie will take you to eat something yummy, okay?”

Keke immediately nodded.

Shen Ruxin said, “Xin, please look after Keke. I need to make a call—something’s come up.”

“Okay.”

Xin Gan lifted her dress with one hand and held Keke’s hand with the other, heading back to the dessert table.

Keke looked around. “That lady’s gone. Auntie, I want the strawberry cake—the one with strawberries.”

“Alright, Auntie will cut a piece for you.” Xin Gan carefully cut a small slice. Keke happily took it and bit in, cream smudging her lips.

Xin Gan had no tissue to wipe Keke’s mouth and took her to find Xin’s mother.

Cheng Jiu returned from the toasts. Seeing him, Xin Gan smiled naturally.

His hand rested on her waist as he looked at Keke. “Keke, is the cake good?”

Keke wiped her mouth and grinned. “Yummy, uncle. I want more.”

Xin Gan said, “No, no too many sweets.”

Keke pouted. “Uncle, Keke’s hungry. Keke wants more.”

Cheng Jiu rubbed his nose, glancing sheepishly at Xin Gan. “No more. You have to listen to your auntie.”

Xin’s mother held Keke. “I’ll take her to get some fruit. You two sit down and rest.”

Cheng Jiu pulled out a chair, helped Xin Gan with her dress, and asked, “Tired?”

“No, how about you? You’ve had quite a bit to drink.”

“It’s okay. It’s a happy day.”

He had indeed drunk a fair amount but was still composed, his complexion normal except for slightly flushed ears and a warm face. Xin Gan touched his ear. “Your ear’s so hot.”

“That’s normal when you’ve had some drinks.”

“Don’t drink anymore.”

...

Cheng Jiu knelt on one knee, holding her fingers one by one. “It’s okay. Don’t worry. I’ve got this.”

Xin Gan stared at him and found him more handsome and manly than ever. From her angle, his thick eyebrows and slightly upturned eyes gave him a noble air. The more she looked, the more she liked him.

He caught her admiring gaze and smiled mischievously as he leaned closer. “What’s wrong? Staring at me like that.”

Up close, she caught the faint scent of his intoxicating breath—was it just her heightened sensitivity?

“You look good. You look really good.”

“That’s not a compliment for men.”

She asked seriously, “Then how should I say it?”

He pinched her earlobe until it turned pink and soft, then released it contentedly. “I’ll give you all the time you want tonight.”

She wasn’t afraid. “Anyway, the one who won’t get out of bed later won’t be me.”

He was speechless.

After all, if she wasn’t tired, he wasn’t afraid.

...

Today’s stars were Cheng Jiu and Xin Gan. Both families were busy entertaining guests, and even Mr. Cheng had no time for Cheng Hui. She wandered alone to a rocky outcrop with few people around.

To attend Cheng Jiu’s wedding, she had worn a white dress, carefully done up. Alone by the rocks, she took off her shoes, tied up the hem of her dress around her knees, and stepped barefoot onto the cool, slightly slippery stones. She liked the sensation—it was refreshing.

She stood there, gazing at the blue sea, wading into the water barefoot, suddenly feeling everything had lost meaning. Her deep love for Tang Que felt utterly pointless.

...

He Chuan tried to contact Tang Huaihuai but couldn’t reach her; her phone was out of service range. The seaside signal was poor, so this was normal.

His driver nervously asked, “Mr. He, should we leave now?”

He Chuan opened the car door. “Wait here for me.”

The driver agreed quickly.

By afternoon, the seaside wind picked up. Summer was here. He Chuan attended the wedding in a formal suit, worried about encountering Cheng Hui and suspicious of Tang Huaihuai’s intentions at the event.

His return was quiet and solo; no one was informed in advance. He booked his own flights.

But Tang Huaihuai had guessed he’d come to Cheng Jiu’s wedding, checked his flight info, and waited at the airport to intersect with him.

She thought He Chuan would attend openly and wanted to be his date, but he just showed up briefly and left, dashing her hopes to publicly reveal their relationship. He seemed to thwart her every step.

Forced things never turn out sweet—but Tang Huaihuai pushed on nonetheless.

He Chuan returned to the wedding and finally reached Tang Huaihuai’s phone. His voice was restrained as he asked, “Where are you?”

“You’re asking me?”

“Cut the nonsense.”

“He Chuan, why are you so anxious?”

His tone darkened. “Tang Huaihuai, my patience is limited.”

“I didn’t do anything. I just greeted an old acquaintance. Don’t think so badly of me. I’m not that bad.” Her voice held a trace of sadness. “He Chuan, you don’t trust me after all this time? Don’t I deserve your trust?”

“He Chuan, I know you have feelings for Cheng Hui. Your hurried attendance and quick exit at Cheng Jiu’s wedding was to avoid her, right? You left the country because of her, didn’t you?”

His expression changed. He laughed carelessly. “Tang Huaihuai, when did you get to guess my thoughts?”

...

Tang Huaihuai gained nothing with He Chuan but came to understand that Cheng Hui was his bottom line. If not for Cheng Hui, he wouldn’t be so anxious and angry. She didn’t quite grasp Cheng Hui’s allure that made He Chuan keep his distance.

Cheng Hui, seeing the time growing late, returned from the rocks only to run into Tang Huaihuai.

“Cheng Hui, do you have time to talk? Not as teacher and student, but as friends?”

She bent to put her shoes on, her face expressionless. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

This wasn’t school, so no need for formal titles. Besides, Tang Huaihuai had disliked her from the start, constantly checking on her attendance when others were ignored.

Over time, Cheng Hui grew to detest her, feeling it was personal revenge. She wasn’t often absent, but because she was Cheng Hui, she got singled out.

Tang Huaihuai was the counselor; whatever she said went. If she sabotaged grades, Cheng Hui wouldn’t know.

Thankfully, her first semester grades were low but unaffected.

At a school speech contest where Tang was a judge, the other judges gave normal scores; only Tang gave her a low one. Tang’s excuse sounded reasonable but wasn’t. Cheng Hui understood it was deliberate but didn’t want to make a fuss, so let it go. Of course, she didn’t make the finals.

Later, her roommates mentioned that Tang watched her closely, often showing up in the dorm despite students not required to stay overnight. The roommates noticed, and Cheng Hui wasn’t naive.

She ignored Tang and walked on. Tang calmly said, “Tang Que is ill. Don’t you care?”

Hearing the name, Cheng Hui stopped but refused to look back.

“Tang Que and I think there’s a misunderstanding between you two,” Tang turned and looked at her back. “I know you dated him before. He told me himself.”

Cheng Hui said nothing, clenching her fingers.

“I think you misunderstood him. He’s not what you think.”

She found it hard to say. Tang Que had only toyed with her. His true affection was always for Tang Yao. She was just a clown, endlessly played with. Yet she was stubborn, unable to forget him.

Tang approached, placing a hand on her shoulder gently. “Cheng Hui, I actually like you. You’re kind and good-natured—more suitable for Tang Que. Tang Yao isn’t a good girl. She’s too strong-willed, like him. They won’t last long. I can help you…”

Cheng Hui lowered her head, her shadow stretching long. She felt dazed. “What you say sounds ridiculous. I don’t want to be foolish anymore. Don’t say things like this again. If I keep being stupid, I’ll despise myself.”

This seemed more for herself than anyone else.

Cheng Hui wouldn’t risk it anymore.

Knowing when to stop is knowing how to protect oneself.

She understood this simple truth.

He Chuan arrived flustered and furious, but Cheng Hui was gone. Tang Huaihuai stood alone on the rocks, smiling with open arms. “You’re late. Cheng Hui’s already left.”

He Chuan glared at her fiercely.

Tang Huaihuai wasn’t afraid, still smiling. “Are you angry because of me or because of Cheng Hui?”

He sneered, “Tang Huaihuai, you don’t get to guess my thoughts. Even if Cheng Hui weren’t here today, I wouldn’t look at you. You’re not worthy to even hold my shoes. Get lost.”

...

As evening approached, the horizon glowed with an orange sunset, casting warm hues on the earth.

The photographer hurried Cheng Jiu and Xin Gan through a few more photo sets.

Cheng Hui returned, looking disheveled. Her white dress was dirt-streaked at the hem, her eyes red. She kept her head down, pretending to be absorbed in her phone.

Cheng Jiu and Xin Gan finished their shots and were wrapping up.

Xin Gan, exhausted from wearing the cumbersome wedding gown all day, wanted to change at a nearby hotel. Cheng Hui accompanied her.

Though her mood was low, she forced a cheerful front, but Xin Gan saw through it. When alone, Xin Gan asked softly, “Something’s wrong today. What happened?”

Cheng Hui’s voice was gentle, her eyes reddening. She quickly looked down. “Xin Xin, no, I’m fine, really.”

“There’s no one else here. You can tell me anything. I won’t tell anyone.”

Cheng Jiu looked up at that moment. Cheng Hui’s bottled-up emotions broke, and she sobbed, “I don’t know what to do. I’m really sad.”

Xin Gan gently hugged her shoulders, patting her back to soothe her.

Only at the hotel did Cheng Hui stop crying and calm down. Apologetically, she said, “I’m sorry. Today’s a good day, but I still cried.”

“It’s okay, Cheng Hui. This is nothing. Your brother’s not back yet. Go rest at my place first and talk when you’re ready.”

There was still more planned for the evening, with a banquet at the hotel.

Xin Gan changed into a simple, elegant dress. The makeup team quickly touched up her face.

Cheng Hui watched and suddenly asked, “Sister-in-law, what did my brother do to win your heart?”

With eyes closed, Xin Gan, having her eyebrows done, thought for a moment. “Nothing special. He always appeared without hesitation when I needed help most and stood in front of me.”

Whenever danger or difficulties arose, he was there, shielding her.

She wasn’t the type to always need help. Studying abroad in a foreign land, she handled problems herself, feeling scared and uneasy—until she met Cheng Jiu. In that moment, she seemed to drop all her armor, becoming soft and vulnerable. He risked everything for her, regardless of his own safety.

She couldn’t help but be moved. Even a hardened heart could be drawn to him.

Cheng Hui said, “My brother really likes you. If I were a boy, I’d like you too.”

Xin Gan chuckled softly.

After makeup was done, the stylist packed up and left, leaving just the two of them.

Xin Gan wore a simple, form-fitting dress with her hair naturally draped over her shoulders, looking gentle and elegant.

Cheng Hui’s gaze was enamored. “What I said is true. If I were a boy, I’d like you too.”

Xin Gan nudged her nose playfully, holding her hand. “Then can you tell me? What happened earlier?”

Cheng Hui shook her head. “Nothing. Just a broken heart. Suddenly feeling sentimental.”

...

Cheng Hui found a chance to call Tang Que. Tang Huaihuai had said he was ill. He answered, his voice indeed sounding sick.

Tang Que didn’t mock her but calmly asked, “What is it?”

“I ran into your sister. She said you’re sick. Are you alright?” Cheng Hui’s tone was steady.

Tang Que was surprised she called and asked, “I thought you wouldn’t.”

“Oh, just checking. If it’s sudden, sorry. I’ll hang up.”

A few minutes later, Tang Que called back. She hesitated, fingers trembling before answering. “What is it? More questions?”

“Tang Que,” he called hoarsely, “I’m sorry for what I said last time.”

Mentioning that made her expression falter. She bit her lip tightly. “It’s nothing. It’s all past. What you said made sense.”

“No sense. I just said it.”

“Okay, then it’s nothing.” She forced a tight smile.

He coughed. Nervously asked, “Are you really sick? Did you see a doctor?”

“No, I went home.”

“You should go to the hospital.”

“No. No use.”

His tone was bleak, almost defeated.

“Where’s your girlfriend?” Cheng Hui asked dryly. “If you’re unwell and alone, you should find her. It’s better to have company. Or at least tell your family.”

Tang Que laughed lightly; it sounded unlike him.

“Cheng Hui, I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

She blinked hard. “It’s okay. It’s not all your fault.” She had chosen to crash into him and willingly gave him chances to hurt her. She couldn’t blame others.

Even now, she excused him. Tang Que sighed, unsure what to say. Was she saintly not to hold grudges?

“Tang Yao’s here. I’ll hang up.”

“Okay, bye.” Her last “bye” was forced lightness. She hung up first, heart nearly suffocating.

Xin Gan went to the restroom. Cheng Hui waited in the corridor, grateful no one passed by; otherwise, she’d be laughed at like this.

She covered her mouth, afraid to make a sound.

On the other side, He Chuan leaned against the wall, holding an unlit cigarette. His gaze was unfocused, fixed on the elaborate carpet pattern. He didn’t know how long he’d stood there.

Hearing about Cheng Hui’s long call, he nearly rushed out to hold her tightly, but he restrained himself.

He had promised never to seek her out again, never to see her. But that didn’t stop him from secretly watching her, hiding in a corner, so humble.

At the evening banquet, Cheng Hui seemed distracted. Luckily, she kept her head down and went unnoticed.

Xin Gan, worried, gently tugged Cheng Jiu’s sleeve to tell him.

Cheng Jiu found a chance to ask Cheng Hui out to talk.

She kept her head down, showing only the dark back of her head.

Cheng Jiu lit a cigarette and said, “You’ve been off all day. Still upset about Tang Que?”

She replied, “His sister came to see me. She said he’s sick... I…”

“Want to visit him?”

“No... no.”

“Cheng Hui, love isn’t a necessity. You’re the only one hurting. If you keep this up, he won’t care. If he truly liked you, he’d have come to you. Only those who don’t care ignore everything about you.”

“I know. That’s why I’m trying. Trying…”

“Don’t be sad. What you need now is to study hard and live well. If you don’t love yourself, how can you love others? If you don’t love yourself, no one else will.”

It was rare for Cheng Jiu to say such things, especially about feelings.

Cheng Hui wiped her tears, looking heart-wrenching. Cheng Jiu sighed. He could help with anything but matters of the heart were up to her. Whether she could move on depended on herself. He had said all he could.

When she had cried enough and settled, he patted her head. “It’s okay. It’s no big deal.”

She wiped her tears and asked, “Why didn’t you get upset when you broke up? You dated so long. Don’t men cry?”

He laughed and flicked her forehead. “So nosy.”

“Then you never cried?”

He answered firmly, “No. Crying’s not for me. I’d bleed and give my life for her instead.”

He wouldn’t say this to Xin Gan. Only to comfort Cheng Hui.

She was stunned, silent for a long moment. Someone else had said something similar once, but she’d thought it a joke.

He added, “He Chuan went abroad.”

Cheng Hui didn’t know what expression to wear and said nothing.

He sighed, seeming to want to say more but stopped when he saw her face.

...

Past ten at night, cars gradually left the hotel entrance. He Chuan sat inside, silently smoking. The driver gripped the wheel nervously and hesitated before speaking.

“Mr. He...?”

He lazily glanced over. “Go.”

On the way, the driver asked, “Mr. He, back to the hotel?”

“No. To the He family.”

He meant only one He family—Madam He’s.

He had moved out early and only occasionally returned, partly because Cheng Hui often came to see him. If not for her, he would have left for good.

Now he was returning to discuss matters, such as He Cheng’s recent demand for part of the company shares. He was abroad then and said they would talk when he returned.

He Wei’s health had also deteriorated. He had been hospitalized recently. Madam He hadn’t said much, and He Chuan had tried to find out from the hospital. They gave no clear answers, possibly due to Madam He’s instructions not to disclose anything, even to He Chuan himself.

It seemed the hospital was connected to Madam He.

He Chuan was also here to deal with this.

...

Because He Wei suddenly fell ill, Madam He did not attend Cheng family’s wedding. She went to the hospital during the day and stayed home at night.

He Chuan returned to the He residence. Madam He was still awake, seemingly waiting.

“The busy man is finally back,” she said, sitting in the main seat of the living room. No one else was home.

He Chuan loosened his tie, sat on the sofa, lit a cigarette, and looked sharply at Madam He.

“The Cheng family wedding’s over? Everything went smoothly?”