The hall erupted in thunderous applause.
Chen Jinzhao craned his neck, scanning the stage for a silhouette that had once haunted his dreams.
It was her, as expected.
Despite being mentally prepared, seeing Xu Nianqing’s figure shattered the last sliver of hope in Chen Jinzhao’s heart.
Everything was already decided.
On the stage.
Xu Nianqing, adorned in an exquisite wedding gown, basked in the spotlight.
Beside her stood Ning Fei, the young master of Ningjiang Real Estate. They looked like a perfect match. A bitter smile creased Chen Jinzhao’s face. With such a talented man and beautiful woman, what right did he, a mere ‘monster,’ have to interfere?
When it’s time to let go, one should not cling.
On the massive screen behind the stage, their meticulously shot wedding photos played, stirring a sourness in Chen Jinzhao’s heart.
He lowered his head dejectedly, trying to distract himself.
The cheers gradually subsided as the master of ceremonies on stage began to speak.
He first turned his attention to Ning Fei.
“Mr. Ning Fei.”
“Do you take Miss Xu Nianqing to be your wife? Will you honor her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, forsaking all others, to be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?” The MC’s resonant voice echoed in every corner of the banquet hall, eliciting further cheers and playful jeers from the guests.
At this moment.
Ning Fei was basking in triumph.
This was another turning point in his life, and after today, he was destined to reach new heights.
In response to the MC’s solemn words, Ning Fei smiled at Xu Nianqing, who looked like a celestial being descended to earth. “I do. Whether she is poor or rich, I will be devoted to her and cherish her for all my days.”
Thunderous applause erupted from the audience.
Chen Jinzhao finally raised his head, telling himself he should look forward.
Today was Xu Nianqing’s joyous occasion; he should offer her his sincerest blessings. Why torment himself?
His gaze landed on the stage, and his eyes met Xu Nianqing’s.
Xu Nianqing’s delicate body trembled violently, her gaze turning vacant.
He…
How did he get here?
Her heart was in turmoil.
Could Chen Jinzhao have come to take her away?
If so, she was willing to abandon everything and elope with him.
At the time, she had dared not defy her father’s wishes, causing her and Chen Jinzhao to miss their chance. If she couldn’t end up with Chen Jinzhao in the end, it would be the greatest regret of her life.
And now, he was here.
Ning Fei was the first to notice Xu Nianqing’s unusual demeanor. He followed her gaze towards the crowd and immediately saw Chen Jinzhao sitting beside Yu Mengzhi.
Damn it!
What was this scoundrel doing here?
Was he here to crash the wedding?
Ning Fei suppressed his anger and coughed lightly, signaling Xu Nianqing not to go too far.
A flicker of panic crossed Xu Nianqing’s eyes, realizing her private thoughts had been seen through. This only fueled her distraction and wild thoughts.
The MC, oblivious to the subtle shift, continued with the wedding vows.
“Miss Xu Nianqing.”
“Do you take Mr. Ning Fei to be your husband? Will you honor him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, forsaking all others, to be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?”
Ning Fei forced a smile, his eyes warning Xu Nianqing not to cause trouble at such a moment.
Otherwise.
He would become the laughingstock of Jiangnan Province.
Xu Nianqing’s thoughts became increasingly chaotic. The MC also sensed something was amiss and repeated the question.
The crowd below stirred again.
“Say yes!”
“Say yes!”
“Say yes!”
“…”
A wave of sorrow washed over Xu Nianqing.
Memories of her youthful romance flooded her mind, the happiest and most blissful period of her life.
Back then.
The still-childish Chen Jinzhao had made grand promises of a magnificent wedding for her. Xu Nianqing always told him he was too naive, but Chen Jinzhao didn’t know how much Xu Nianqing had also dreamt of such a day.
She knew, however, that she was not in control and could not easily make promises.
The grand wedding was now before her eyes. According to Ning Fei, the entire affair had cost a staggering ten million yuan. Wasn't this exactly what Xu Nianqing and Chen Jinzhao had once longed for?
Alas—
The man before her was not him.
A profound sadness enveloped Xu Nianqing, and tears streamed down her face, blurring her vision.
Ning Fei’s face turned ashen, but he could only maintain a strained smile, fabricating a plausible excuse for Xu Nianqing’s tears. “She might be overwhelmed with joy. I hope everyone doesn’t put too much pressure on her.”
The unsuspecting guests took his words at face value.
Ning Fei attempted to pull Xu Nianqing into his embrace, intending to whisper threatening words in her ear.
Unexpectedly, Xu Nianqing resisted him fiercely, pushing him away!
Everyone was taken aback. It was evident to all that the atmosphere had subtly shifted. Some sensible individuals were already taking out their phones, capturing this dramatic moment.
“Nianqing, you…” Ning Fei suppressed his fury, unwilling to let outsiders see the cracks.
Below the stage.
Chen Jinzhao’s fists were clenched.
Xu Nianqing’s eyes, fixed on him, were filled with sorrow and a hint of pleading, which pained Chen Jinzhao immensely.
She wasn’t doing this willingly!
If Yu Mengzhi hadn’t been sitting beside him, he would have already stormed the stage to stop the wedding.
Yu Mengzhi noticed his distress, and a strange emotion stirred within her. She wondered why her thoughts were racing. Chen Jinzhao’s every move seemed to captivate her attention.
“What are you waiting for?” Yu Mengzhi asked Chen Jinzhao.
Chen Jinzhao jolted, looking at Yu Mengzhi in surprise. Yu Mengzhi spoke with a neutral expression, “We are merely in an employer-employee relationship. If you wish to do something, go ahead and do it.”
“To have no regrets.”
“Ms. Yu, you…” Chen Jinzhao calmed down instead.
Yu Mengzhi sighed, looking into Chen Jinzhao’s eyes. “Actually, you still have feelings for her, don’t you? The Ning family is quite influential. If you want to fight for her, I will support you.”
This statement.
Not only surprised Chen Jinzhao, but even Yu Wendong frowned.
On stage.
Xu Nianqing continued to weep, dropping the bouquet of flowers. She mustered her courage and declared, “I, I do not wish to marry Ning Fei. The person I love, the person I like, is not Ning Fei.”
Her words struck everyone like thunder.
No one had anticipated such a turn of events. They stood stunned, like statues. With tears in her eyes, Xu Nianqing said to Ning Fei, “Ning Fei, I’m sorry, I don’t want to marry you.”
Xu Mingzhi sighed in frustration, yet felt helpless.
Xu Nianqing's actions had thoroughly offended the Ning family, leaving no room for negotiation. All he could do was clean up the mess for his daughter.
Ning Fei’s face was ashen, his rage boiling over.
This woman, whom he had desired for so long, had humiliated him in such a manner. How could he possibly face the upper circles of Jiangnan again?
The grand wedding had become a joke.
Ning Fei could no longer contain the fury in his chest. He slapped Xu Nianqing across the face.
“Bitch!”