A few people chatted playfully for a while before Shen Chiyan arrived, dusty from his journey.
He wore a black suit today, but instead of his usual white shirt, it was a vibrant crimson shirt, no tie. Gone was the solemnity of his work persona, replaced by an air of casualness and rebelliousness.
He scanned the room upon entering, searching for someone. Many approached him with flattering words, but he coldly rejected them all.
It wasn't until he spotted Song Qinian that his eyes lit up, and he strode towards her with his long legs.
Song Qinian, dressed and adorned like a little princess descended from the heavens, captivated Shen Chiyan. He yearned to find a secluded corner to embrace her.
Shen Chiyan's dark eyes remained fixed on Song Qinian. Even with her thick skin, she couldn't help but feel a blush creep onto her cheeks. Couldn't he show a little restraint?
"Hey, Qinqin, Si Nian, do you guys feel a bit left out?"
Yu Si Nian smiled faintly but said nothing.
Shen Keqin sighed, a look of melancholy on her face, and chimed in, "Of course! You know, in the past, at any event, my brother's eyes were either on you or me. But now, we're probably just a blur to him, or even, dare I say, an eyesore. Ah..."
As soon as Shen Keqin finished speaking, Shen Chiyan tapped her head. "Even if you're a blur, you're the most beautiful one, aren't you?"
Shen Keqin pouted. "Who wants to be a blur? I'm clearly the most cool and awesome goddess in the universe."
Shen Chiyan mercilessly retorted, "If you don't change your grumpy temper, you might end up alone for the rest of your life!"
Hearing this, Shen Keqin became unhappy. Just as she was about to speak, Lin Qiutong, dressed exquisitely, approached the group.
Lin Qiutong wore a red trailing gown and had wavy hair with fiery red lips. She looked incredibly alluring.
Many gazes were drawn to her.
Upon seeing Lin Qiutong, Shen Keqin’s eyes nearly rolled to the heavens. Then, with a forced smile, she said, "Miss Lin, you look so beautiful today. Those who know would know you're here for your own sister's wedding, but others might think you're here to crash the party."
Lin Qiutong smiled radiantly, her gaze lingering on Shen Chiyan for a moment before settling calmly on Song Qinian. "Lan Xing personally chose this outfit for me and insisted I wear it. Besides, Lan Xing is so beautiful; she will be the most stunning bride today. No one can steal her spotlight."
She then shifted her tone. "Qinqin and Nian Nian are both very beautiful today. Quite a few people were asking about Nian Nian just now?"
Lin Qiutong's implied meaning was that Song Qinian's attire was attention-grabbing, and many had already noticed her.
Shen Chiyan, being so possessive, would surely fly into a rage upon hearing this.
However, much to Lin Qiutong's surprise, Shen Chiyan suddenly put his arm around Song Qinian's shoulders in full view of everyone, his gesture possessive and commanding, as if to declare that Song Qinian was his and no one else should covet her.
He then turned to Lin Qiutong and said calmly, "Qiqi is indeed beautiful and charming. It's normal for her to be admired. If those people can still discuss other women after seeing her, then I can only say that the aesthetics of this world have become warped!"
Lin Qiutong's expression immediately soured.
Shen Chiyan might have been stating a fact, but in Lin Qiutong's ears, it sounded like he was defending Song Qinian and attacking her.
Shen Keqin, standing nearby, covered her mouth, barely suppressing her laughter.
Never before had she felt so exhilarated!
Who knew Lin Qiutong would have a day like this!
Why was she pretending to be some manipulative green tea? Fortunately, her fifth brother's mind had returned to normal, and he wouldn't hurt his sister-in-law for Lin Qiutong anymore.
Song Qinian also saw through Lin Qiutong's intentions. She knew Lin Qiutong wouldn't give up so easily.
She had initially intended to maintain some distance from Shen Chiyan, but since Lin Qiutong insisted on provoking her, she would oblige!
So, she gestured to Shen Chiyan, "I'm a bit thirsty. I'd like some hot water."
Although Song Qinian had rarely refused Shen Chiyan's invitations in recent days, he could sense she wasn't truly happy. He didn't know what the problem was, but seeing Song Qinian actively express a need, he felt a surge of delight.
"Alright, let's sit over there, and I'll go get you some water."
Watching their retreating backs as they walked away hand in hand, and seeing Shen Chiyan constantly glancing at Song Qinian, doting on her, Lin Qiutong felt a pang of heartbreak.
Gong Yuqi and Yu Si Nian also found seats.
Shen Keqin looked at the furious and resentful Lin Qiutong and sneered, "Miss Lin, as you can see, my fifth brother and fifth sister-in-law are deeply in love. If you have any self-respect, you shouldn't keep trying to break them up."
Lin Qiutong looked at Shen Keqin with a blank expression. Previously, to get closer to Shen Chiyan, Lin Qiutong had tried to win Shen Keqin over.
However, Shen Keqin, perhaps under Song Qinian's influence, was now resolutely on Song Qinian's side.
"Oh, right... Today is the wedding day of Shen Qiwen and Lin Lanxing. One is your sister, and the other is your puppy love. I'm really curious to interview you about your feelings right now."
Lin Qiutong didn't want to make an enemy of Shen Keqin, so she forced a smile. "Qinqin, 'puppy love' is such an unpleasant term. Qiwen loves Lan Xing dearly, and he's about to become Lan Xing's husband. If others hear you say that, it could cause unnecessary misunderstandings. I hope you'll watch your words."
After speaking, Lin Qiutong left. Shen Keqin snorted, "What's with the peacock act? If you like being a homewrecker so much, you might end up fighting your own sister for a man in the future!"
Shen Chiyan's attentiveness to Song Qinian was meticulous.
Fifth Master Shen had never served anyone before in his life. Seeing him dote on a beautiful and sweet girl like this, everyone's jaw nearly dropped.
"It seems the rumors are true. Fifth Master Shen got married three years ago, and his wife is mute."
"Given how he is now, could it be false? When have you ever seen Fifth Master Shen pamper a woman like this?"
"But some people said Fifth Master Shen and Miss Lin were a couple. What's really going on?"
Everywhere Lin Qiutong passed, such whispers could be heard. She clenched her fists tightly, her eyes filled with resentment and unwillingness.
Song Qinian!
That damned woman!
She stole her Ah Yan, she stole everything!
She would never let her off the hook!
Her phone suddenly rang. It was Lin Lanxing. Lin Qiutong answered immediately. "Sister, where are you? I'm so nervous. Can you come and keep me company?"
"I know, I'm coming right over."
When Lin Qiutong entered the room, she saw Lin Lanxing in a pure white wedding dress and Shen Qiwen in a white suit.
Shen Qiwen's gaze flickered slightly when he saw Lin Qiutong, but she merely glanced at him indifferently before looking away.
She smiled and walked towards Lin Lanxing. "Today is your big wedding day. You should be happy and joyful. What's there to be nervous about?"