Due to the incident involving Xia Linfeng, Xia Wanfu's reputation had plummeted.
The entire internet was flooded with criticism, and the Jiang family was also subjected to cyberbullying, which significantly impacted the business of the Jiang Group.
This outcome was unexpected for Xia Wanfu.
These were the lingering effects of a critical blow delivered by Gong Ye some time ago.
Never test a nation's patriotic spirit, or you will suffer a tragic end; Xia Linfeng is the best example of this.
The storm of online fury did not, for the moment, affect the warmth of the engagement ceremony.
After the proposal, Xia Wanfu and Jiang Zexi, amidst the blessings of the guests, joyfully completed the subsequent ceremonies.
Jiang Shixun and Zhou Yuqing led the guests downstairs, arranging them to their seats one by one.
The venue was decorated in a solemn and elegant, predominantly Chinese style.
Once everyone was seated, the host began to speak with great enthusiasm.
"First, let us welcome the bride and groom with the warmest applause. Bound by a marriage certificate, united in wedlock, with a formal proposal and a proper wedding, we shall in the most traditional and solemn manner, pledge their lifelong commitment..."
The first step was the writing of the marriage contract.
Marriage contracts were traditionally written by esteemed elders who enjoyed harmonious marriages, had many descendants, and were highly respected.
Under the watchful eyes of all present, an elder from the Jiang family took up his brush and penned the couple's marriage contract.
The contract began: "The Xia family has a daughter, Xia Wanfu, whom we sincerely seek to marry. The two families unite, forming a bond, forging an eternal union..."
The elder's calligraphy was vigorous and strong, with a proud and dignified spirit. The strokes danced on the paper, showcasing his profound skill.
After it was completed, the marriage contract was hung on a rack at the back.
Next was the listing of the gifts.
The Jiang family's betrothal gifts: ninety-nine million, nine hundred and ninety-nine thousand and ninety, a set of five golds and one diamond, an additional villa as a bridal home, and a luxury car.
The Xia family's return gifts: all betrothal gifts were returned, not a single cent was kept.
The Jiang family was not short of money; these were merely symbolic gestures, but they also showed Xia Wanfu the utmost importance they placed on her.
"Next, we invite the parents of both sides to the stage to deliver their speeches."
Jiang Shixun and Zhou Yuqing ascended the stage one after another. Facing the numerous guests, their faces were beaming with joy and happiness.
Following them was Han Wenjuan, who appeared a little nervous but maintained an outward composure.
Jiang Shixun took the microphone and said with a broad smile, "Esteemed guests, friends, and family, thank you all for coming to attend our children's engagement ceremony..."
Han Wenjuan maintained her smile, scanning the influential figures seated below, the business magnates she could never have met before.
Suddenly, her gaze fixed, and her smile faltered. She saw a familiar yet unfamiliar face.
Gong Zhijing smiled faintly, nodded slightly at her, her expression extremely natural, her posture casually languid.
At this moment, her heart was incredibly calm. She calmly withdrew her gaze and took a sip of the juice in front of her.
Han Wenjuan, however, was not as composed. Her eyes involuntarily kept drifting towards Gong Zhijing.
She was now elegant and noble, radiant and extraordinary, a stark contrast to her previous self.
Her beauty and demeanor were perfectly showcased, as if she was born for this.
"Next, please, the bride's mother, for her speech."
The host continued according to custom, but Han Wenjuan hadn't heard him at all.
He had to repeat himself.
"Next, please, the bride's mother, for her speech."
Han Wenjuan still did not respond, and murmurs began to ripple through the audience.
Given the prior incident, people already had a poor impression of Han Wenjuan, and this further diminished any respect they might have had.
Xia Wanfu's smile gradually faded, her heart filled with anxiety.
At such a critical moment, why was her mother faltering?
Jiang Zexi sensed her unease and gently took her hand, offering silent reassurance.
The host smoothly smoothed things over, "It seems Mother is too overjoyed, so much so that she's momentarily lost for words."
He took the microphone from Zhou Yuqing and personally handed it to Han Wenjuan.
Only then did Han Wenjuan regain her senses.
She quickly collected herself and completed the rest of the ceremony.
Those on stage breathed a collective sigh of relief, thankful that no further mishaps occurred.
With the engagement ceremony concluded, it was time for the banquet.
However, the faces of the Jiang family members did not relax; instead, they grew increasingly solemn.
They had considered the consequences of announcing the engagement ceremony; Xia Wanfu's identity would eventually be revealed.
And the young mistress of the Jiang family could not remain hidden forever.
Rather than being secretive and evasive, it was better to be upfront.
Therefore, the earth-shattering comments and discussions online were within their expectations.
Yet, even though they had already discussed countermeasures, resolving the situation after it unfolded was not as simple as expected.
Before any storm, all one could do was wait. The most pressing matter now was to ensure the engagement ceremony concluded perfectly.
After the banquet began, it was time for toasts.
Jiang Zexi, leading Xia Wanfu, went from table to table, offering toasts to everyone.
Meanwhile, Jiang Shixun and Zhou Yuqing had to entertain the elders of higher generations.
The couple had gone to great lengths for this engagement banquet.
If it were before, they might have harbored some dissatisfaction with Xia Wanfu's background, feeling she wasn't worthy of their son.
However, after Xia Wanfu's car accident, they deeply understood one principle.
If it was truly for their son's well-being, they should not interfere with any of his decisions. Otherwise, it would be like stabbing him in the heart.
Not only would they not achieve what they desired, but they would also lose their son.
Jiang Zexi was genuinely happy today. He had no other thoughts at the moment and didn't want to consider any consequences.
He just wanted to complete the engagement ceremony; whatever cataclysmic event occurred, it could wait until after the engagement.
He led Xia Wanfu, like a perfectly matched couple, through the guests, offering toasts one by one.
He also shielded Xia Wanfu from all the drinks.
Upon reaching Ling Yucheng's table, his smile became even more sincere and radiant.
Without further ado, they downed the wine in their cups in one go, as did Situ Jun and Ling Yucheng.
Xia Wanfu looked at Gong Zhijing, her emotions fluctuating.
"I am very happy that you could come."
Gong Zhijing smiled gently and offered her congratulations, "Congratulations. I wish you happiness, fulfillment, peace, and joy for the rest of your life."
"Thank you."
Xia Wanfu's voice trembled as she said this. She had cried so many times today, each instance touching her deeply.
Gong Zhijing's feelings were complex. She knew Xia Wanfu had completely changed, and their relationship had eased.
But for her to treat her as a sister, family, best friend, or even a friend was impossible.
Some things, once they happen, are destined to be indelible.
Nevertheless, she still intended to help her one last time.
Today's engagement banquet was being watched by countless eyes and cameras, and the Jiang family was about to be plunged into a maelstrom of public opinion.
This outcome was sealed the moment the awarding ceremony began to air.
Gong Zhijing stepped forward and gave Xia Wanfu a hug.
The sisters embraced tightly, and to anyone watching, it looked like a display of deep sisterly affection.