The convoy set off early in the morning. Although Guo Xuyang did not attend Xu Dahai’s bachelor party, the other few seemed to be in low spirits, indicating they had likely indulged.
The journey was smooth, and in less than three hours, they arrived at Xu Lili’s home.
Xu Lili had also bought a villa in the provincial capital and brought her parents to live with her there.
The villa, though not as grand as Guo Xuyang’s King’s Villa, was similar in size to the one by the artificial lake, with its own private courtyard.
She had many relatives and friends, but few were of her age; most were children.
“Give us red envelopes, no red envelopes, no entry,” a group of twelve or thirteen-year-old boys shouted from behind the closed living room door.
“One for each, everyone gets one,” Guo Xuyang said, slipping four red envelopes through the gap in the door.
These envelopes had been prepared in advance, each containing a crisp banknote.
Having received the red envelopes, the children became more agreeable and let everyone in.
Upon reaching Xu Lili’s bridal chamber, a group of bridesmaids blocked the door.
“If you wish to pass this way, leave your tribute,” a girl in her early twenties announced loudly.
“How many people?” Guo Xuyang inquired.
“Eight.”
“Eight? Impossible,” Guo Xuyang clearly disbelieved.
“Yes, eight. Hand it over quickly,” the girl extended her hand.
“Eight it is,” Guo Xuyang first gave four, then passed over another four.
He had noticed only four bridesmaids inside when he glanced earlier, but since they asked for eight, he would give them eight. It was a joyous occasion, and giving a little extra wouldn't hurt.
Fortunately, the bridesmaids kept their word and opened the door after accepting the red envelopes.
Xu Dahai, holding a bouquet of flowers, knelt before Xu Lili’s bed.
“My dearest, I’ve come to take you home.”
As Xu Lili took the flowers, Pi Xiaoqian pressed both their faces together.
Well, after a series of performances and photo sessions, the lively celebration eventually dispersed.
At 7:18 AM, the wedding cars departed precisely on time.
After all, there was still a three-hour journey ahead.
The Xu family mansion was bustling with activity that day.
Xu Dahai and Xu Lili were exhausted by the time everything was done.
However, Guo Xuyang did not feel tired.
Tong Xin also arrived from Kyoto, just in time to attend Xu Dahai’s wedding.
Accompanying Tong Xin were Xiao Yu, Lin Ziqi, Gao Lihua, and Jiang Wu Xi, among others. Li Si did not join them; as Xu Dahai’s cousin, she was naturally seated with the relatives.
Xu Xiaoyu was also not with these individuals. Her presence was very discreet; only Xiao Lu, Li Minyu, and a few others knew about her relationship with Guo Xuyang.
The next morning, Guo Xuyang accompanied Xu Dahai back to the provincial capital.
Xu Lili was to return to the provincial capital on the second day of her marriage, so she, along with Pi Xiaoqian and a few others, joined Xu Dahai’s convoy.
However, he did not visit Xu Lili’s home again.
It was considered improper for them to tag along when the groom was visiting the bride’s family as a distinguished guest on the second day.
Tong Xin and Jiang Wu Xi also returned with them.
“Mom, we’re going out for a bit in a couple of days,” Guo Xuyang said to Wu Shangqing, bringing Tong Xin and Jiang Wu Xi to the King’s Villa.
“Going out? Where? And for what?”
“A girl is pregnant and wants a wedding,” Guo Xuyang said, scratching his head.
“Who?” Wu Shangqing asked, looking at Tong Xin.
“It’s not Tong Xin. You met her last time you were with Tong Xin. It’s someone I met when I took Li Minyu out last time. Unbeknownst to me, she got pregnant and insisted on having my child.”
“When will you stop worrying us?” Wu Shangqing chided. “What’s her situation? Can she come here?”
“She’s American, but she’s from our Shanghai. Born in America. She’s attending university there now.”
“You mean you want me to go over and look after your child?”
“No. She wants a wedding, and I promised her. I need you and Dad to go out for this.”
“So we’re just tools, going there to meet the other party and then coming back?”
“I bought a manor over there where they make wine. If you and Dad want to stay there, you can,” Guo Xuyang said.
“Tell me honestly, how many more girls like this are there?” Wu Shangqing was clearly a little upset.
“No more, really no more. Mom, don’t worry, this is absolutely the last one.”
“Now, besides Da Bao, Xiao Bao, and Niu Niu, these few children, it seems the others are also about ready to give birth. Soon, we won’t just have a football team, but two will be more than enough.”
“Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted? Don’t worry, we’ll establish our own dedicated Guo family team in the future.”
“National team? You really dare to dream.”
“One must have aspirations in life, shouldn’t they?” Guo Xuyang chuckled.
“You’ll need to go and inform Xiao Xi and her sister about this,” Wu Shangqing said after some thought.
“I will do that.”
“Are you sure this is the last one?”
“The last one. I have quite a few women around me, and I won’t be holding any more weddings from now on.
Where are your and Dad’s ID cards? I’ll have someone help you get passports. We’ll be leaving the day after tomorrow or the day after that.”
“Just the three of us? What about the others?”
“Everyone else is busy with their own affairs. That family has some influence, and they might be difficult to deal with.”
“More powerful than Xiao Xi’s family?”
“I can’t say for sure. Anyway, they have a lot of money. They are from the Xu family in Shanghai. She’s the only girl in their branch.” Guo Xuyang said.
“You won’t get beaten, will you? Does her family know about your situation?”
“I don’t think so. I’m not sure about that either.”
“Sigh, you’re not getting any younger. Please don’t make us worry about you all the time.”
“I understand, Mom. This is the last one, absolutely the last one.”
“The last what?” Li Minxi said, pushing the door open as she entered.
“Your Dad and I are planning to go to America for some business,” Guo Xuyang said.
“Last year, while you and your sister were on a mission, you met a girl, and it turned out she’s pregnant.”
“Is it your child?” Li Minxi grasped the key point.
“Yes. My child. I met her yesterday at Xu Dahai’s wedding, and she demanded that I hold a wedding ceremony with her.”
“Where is she?”
“She’s in Shanghai.”
“Why didn’t you bring her here?”
“She doesn’t want her family to know about my situation,” Guo Xuyang said.
“Wouldn’t her family need to know if you’re marrying her?”
“She rarely comes back.”
“You said she came back for Xu Dahai’s wedding, what’s her relationship with Xu Dahai?”
“She’s the granddaughter of Xu Dahai’s third uncle, her name is Xu Xiaoyu.”
“You’re quite something, not even letting Xu Dahai’s own niece off the hook.”
“It’s not like that. I didn’t know she was Xu Dahai’s niece back then.”