Chapter 100: The Wedding (Part 1)

Chapter 100: The Wedding (Part 1)

As spring melded into summer, the temperature was just right. Chen Bai found time to meet with Huo's mother, Zhang Ling, Aunt Zhang, and Huo Qing.

Huochuan had been abroad on business for some time and wasn't home, but Chen Bai still felt it inappropriate to visit their house. Thus, he arranged to meet Aunt Zhang and Huo Qing near the manor.

Due to her health and habits, Aunt Zhang disliked crowded places or tall buildings, so he simply chose to meet at the nearest park.

The car stopped by the roadside, and Zhang Ling was wheeled out by Huo Qing and the caregiver. Upon stepping out, she lifted her gaze and immediately spotted the person approaching with flowers in hand.

Wearing a hat with the brim pulled low, no mask, his smile was prominent. Though they hadn't seen each other for a while, his grin remained unchanged, lips rosy, eyes curved, and his complexion notably better than before.

Approaching quickly, Chen Moubai waved and greeted them with a smile. His grin prompted an unconscious smile from Zhang Ling, who raised her hand resting on the blanket.

Squatting down, the flower-bearer handed over the bouquet.

This time, it was a large bunch of sunflowers, brilliantly radiant, their petals even more striking under the sunlight. Accompanying the flowers was an invitation.

The invitation was elegant and refined, the words clearly showing ink marks, indicating they were handwritten. Huo Qing leaned over to look, her eyes involuntarily widening.

Chen Bai smiled and said, "If you're available then."

Although the sudden confession from the former God of Fortune was somewhat awkward, given the other party's character, he likely hadn't told them. If possible, he wanted to invite his friends.

Holding the sunflowers, Zhang Ling lowered her head, her fingers slowly caressing the cover of the invitation. The invitation featured intricate patterns, beautiful designs that filled every detail, even those easily overlooked.

Noticing her actions, Chen Bai's eyes curved as he said, "This was done by Old Xu and your uncle and aunt."

These items were too complex; it was said that they sought help from the company's design department. His responsibility was writing the words on the invitations.

Zhang Ling asked, "Can I open it now?"

Chen Bai said yes. So she opened it carefully, avoiding damaging the small decorations on top. Inside, the names of the newlyweds were written, along with a brief message expressing hope for their attendance, specifying the time and location.

Standing behind, Huo Qing glanced at the date and exclaimed, "Early next month?"

News of the previous proposal was so widespread that almost everyone knew about it, hanging on various platforms for a long time before gradually subsiding not long ago. She didn't expect wedding news to follow so soon.

Chen Bai replied, "So, we've chosen early next month."

After the award ceremony, returning home, they coordinated their work schedules, and the entire family picked a time. They found that only early next month was suitable, and after that, it would be next year.

Someone had waited for him too many times, and this time, he didn't want to make them wait any longer.

Taking another glance at the invitation, Zhang Ling assured she would attend.

Chen Bai smiled. After finishing the main matter, he put his mask back on before anyone noticed.

It was a weekday morning, and the park was relatively empty. They strolled around, coincidentally seeing the summer flowers already blooming in the garden.

As they walked, Chen Bai showed his two friends photos and videos of Chen Yiwan on his phone.

Because his photography skills never met Chen Yiwan's approval, ever since seeing his own photos on his phone, Young Master Wan would always run away hastily whenever he tried to take a photo, leaving his phone mostly filled with pictures and videos kindly sent by others.

The puppy sprinted across vast lawns, dashing through the house with its giant shark toy, full of boundless energy.

He said, "On the day of early next month, it will also be there. Let it play with you then."

Zhang Ling smiled at the puppy and agreed.

As the temperature rose close to noon, making it unsuitable to stay outdoors for long, Chen Bai escorted Zhang Ling, who wasn't in the best health, back to the car.

Like many times before when Aunt Zhang watched him leave by car from the doorway, this time he stood outside the car, watching Aunt Zhang depart, with Huo Qing waving through the window.

The car left, retracing its path, stirring up leaves that twirled in the air before settling again.

Watching the vehicle disappear from sight, his phone rang in his hand. Chen Bai answered, "Aunt... is it already mealtime?"

The person on the other end spoke, and holding the phone, he turned and walked back, smiling. "Alright, I'll be home soon."

In the car.

Until the figure standing by the roadside vanished from sight, Zhang Ling finally looked away, glancing at the flowers still in her arms. "He looks much better in spirit."

Huo Qing nodded. "Indeed."

It was often said that the greater one's fame, the more work and stress they faced, leading to a more serious demeanor. But this person was different. As fans would say, he was now more energetic than ever, sometimes media shots of him getting out of a car could only capture a blur, as he'd suddenly dash off, even outrunning dogs, completely defying aging.

Upon reflection, it was indeed due to the current fiancé's efforts, pampering him a bit too well.

Lowering her head to the already opened invitation, Zhang Ling gently traced the black ink marks. "I thought one day we could become a family."

Yet, that bustling New Year was celebrated only once.

"Ma'am, weren't you on the wrong path from the start?" Huo Qing patted her shoulder. "My brother doesn't seem like marriage material."

She softly suggested, "Instead of placing your hopes on him, why not strive to become a godmother?"

During holidays, you could send small gifts, occasionally go out to play together, without worrying about a sudden rupture in the relationship. It was much better than pinning expectations on someone else.

Though it was a casual remark, without jest, the person in the wheelchair's eyes flickered.

Her thoughts expanded instantly.

Huo Qing pondered carefully and continued, "Let's not tell my brother about receiving the invitation."

While she always supported Neighbor Brother and Second Brother Bai, her biological brother was still her brother. She felt her brother's heart couldn't withstand another blow.

With him currently overseas, expected to stay for another two months, it was indeed better not to mention it.

The weather on the first day of the month was splendid.

Considering that most of the guests were in City A, the wedding venue was also chosen there, in the outskirts.

Departing from the manor house to the venue, preparations had begun long ago at the estate. From the outside in and top to bottom, everything was festively decorated. Even the family dog had to wear a red bow tie.

In reality, one of the parties involved stayed up late the night before, having never been married before and being overly curious. His mind was buzzing with activity, and he played flying chess until three in the morning before finally falling asleep, unable to rise in the morning.

Ms. Jiang, Mr. Xu, and Little Brother Xu took Chen Yiwan ahead to check out the venue, leaving the task of waking someone up to the other soon-to-be newlywed.

From the moment he was dug out of his warm bed until he finished washing up and changed into his clothes, Chen Moubai remained in a dreamlike state. He even reached out habitually for his puppy, only to find nothing but air, which finally brought him some clarity.

Sunk into the backrest pillows, when he truly opened his eyes, instead of seeing his puppy, he saw a familiar face right in front of him.

Bowing his head to carefully fasten the last button, Xu Sinian slightly lifted his gaze, catching sight of the unfocused light gray irises. In a low voice, he said, "Get up for a moment; I'll tie your tie."

Though his brain wasn't fully awake, Chen Moubai cooperated by getting up, sitting up straight, supporting himself with both hands on either side of the bed, tilting his neck backward, causing his loose strands of hair to follow suit.

The bright red tie passed through the collar of the pure white shirt, ultimately forming a neat knot at the center of the neckline.

Once coaxed out of bed, there was no going back to lying down. After the tie came the jacket, which was kindly put on him by the considerate Mr. Xu, the renowned actor.

Professional matters were left to professionals, so his unruly hair was eventually tamed by Sister Jing, the stylist, who came specifically to help.

The small team got everything ready just before departure, with the agent also arriving to watch the stylist's efforts. With a glance at the person sitting in the chair, she could tell that he had pulled another all-nighter.

The habitual night owl sat with half-open eyes but still had the energy to compliment her: "Sister Qian looks stunning today."

The agent was usually an emotionless work machine, applying only light makeup for important occasions as a sign of respect. Today, with her curled hair, red lips, and long evening gown, paired with large golden hoop earrings, she looked like a different person compared to usual.

His praise was effective but not excessive. The agent chuckled before continuing to scrutinize his messy hair.

After the early riser with a bird's nest on his head was tidied up, he regained his human appearance. The bright red tie enhanced his complexion, prompting the agent to take an extra photo, satisfied as she put away her phone.

Having eaten breakfast together, they set off.

Perhaps due to sitting next to a great European monarch, Chen, who always encountered red lights when crossing the road and traffic jams when in a car, traveled down a road without any congestion for the first time. This was no less surprising than the fact that he was getting married today.

The agent and a few others followed in the car behind, while the vehicle contained only him and his boyfriend whom he was about to marry. There was a sense of urgency, but not much. Feeling that his luck was unusually good today, he pulled out his phone. "Wanna play a round?"

Thus, on their way to get married, the couple played a game of flying chess.

Flying chess was fun and interesting. Rarely did the notorious clumsy hand fail to secure the last place, and he solemnly declared it the best little game in the world. He was still admiring screenshots of his non-last-place achievements when the vehicle slowly pulled over to the side of the road, and he realized they had arrived.

His reliable flying chess teammate had now transformed back into his fiancé, extending a hand downward. "Ready to get out."

Chen Bai grasped the hand in front of him.

With one hand held, he disembarked smoothly this time.

Stepping out steadily, when he raised his eyes again, he blinked.

The wind blowing from the side forest revealed a sea of flowers stretching to where the eye couldn't see.

Not the flowers stripped of their stems and leaves found in bouquets, but countless flowers rooted in the ground, their branches and leaves spreading in the wind, forming a colorful sea of blooms. White steps extended upward, hidden among them.

Xu Sinian led the way up the white steps, holding the person's hand.

Starting from the first bouquet sent, every bouquet delivered added a new patch of flowers here. One by one, year after year, accumulating until now, this place had finally taken on this appearance.

Facing the breeze, ascending the white steps, the constant warmth from the hand beside him, Chen Bai saw the crowd standing on the lawn beyond the sea of flowers amidst fluttering petals.

Most were familiar faces, all looking over, and applause echoed through the wind. Following the steps was flat ground, leading to a red velvet carpet.

Stepping onto the carpet, amidst the clamor, as they walked through the crowd, he recognized the faces of those standing on either side.

The landlord, who had brought along his great-grandson to play, firmly held the leash, waving at him. The director of his first drama clapped, while a series of buddies huddled together, snapping photos with their phones.

He suspected these buddies weren't taking flattering pictures but rather capturing odd angles.

Amidst the sound of shutter clicks, the wedding march began to play.

This melody, which he had played for someone else during his part-time job long ago, was now being used for himself.

A professional host friend, who had skillfully claimed the role of emcee, stood at the end of the red carpet. Not far from him, Ms. Jiang and Mr. Xu, who had already arrived, waited quietly, their faces naturally breaking into smiles as they looked over.

Chen Bai quickened his pace, his face suddenly lighting up with a smile, as if the surrounding air had become brighter.

All attention fell on this side. On the other side of the red carpet, shouldering a significant responsibility, Xu Lang led the fluffy white ball, placing the basket containing the velvet box in the puppy's mouth. Patting the equally responsible puppy's head and stroking its big white ears, he said, "Don't veer off course later; if you drop it, you'll have to change your name to Chen Three Billion and One, or Chen Three Zero One, how unappealing."

Although "ten thousand" didn't sound particularly appealing either.

Smelling the familiar scent and seeing the familiar figure, the puppy lunged forward upon landing, almost pulling him along. It wasn't until the emcee uttered the words "Chen Yiwan" that he finally dared to let go.

With a whoosh, Chen Yiwan shot forward, his furry paws stepping on the carpet as he ran straight ahead, his jelly-like ears swinging back and forth in the air.

No matter where or when, regardless of who was around, it would always run towards that one person without hesitation.

Turning around and standing still, Chen Bai watched as the white cannonball charged towards him.

From the initial sickly yellow pup limping and sniffing at him, to the small, white mess running towards him, to the current fluffy cannonball carrying the flower basket, he turned around and bent over to receive the impact of the projectile.

He received it, but not entirely, as he stumbled backward, then was steadied by the man beside him.

The wedding rings delivered, the mission accomplished, Chen Yiwan was petted profusely, transforming directly into a furry seal, performing the disappearing ear trick. Then, enticed by toys from the grandparents nearby, he ran off to fetch them.

Amidst applause and piano melodies, Zhang Ling sat in the front row, watching the two on stage exchange wedding rings and kiss. Chen Moubai couldn't help but laugh when he caught his breath during their kiss, reaching around the other's neck to laugh heartily as it ended.

The man holding him steady, preventing his restless movements, was tall and looked dependable. His eyes lowered as he laughed along, his gaze fixated on the person in his arms.

A well-matched pair, their affection direct and passionate. The other guests laughed along, recording the scene fervently with their phones.

After the ceremony came the toast, where the newlyweds stood together throughout. One held a glass of wine while the other, using fruit juice as a substitute, chatted for long periods with acquaintances. The one with the juice leaned back, resting against the person beside him, his eyes curved in a smile.

Following the seating order, the two making the rounds approached.

The man wearing a matching red tie loomed even more imposingly as he drew closer. Erbai took a seat next to her, introducing her as a good friend, someone close and kind.

Bending down to meet her eye level, the man greeted her warmly. She didn't drink alcohol, so she clinked glasses with them both, using water instead, saying, "Congratulations."

The one holding the juice introduced Huo Qing next, saying, "This is a friend I've known for many years, named Huo Qing."

Huo Qing, when broken down, meant 'rainy, good day, clear.' Xu Sinian remembered seeing the name from the live stream and nodded in greeting.

It wasn't the time for lengthy conversation, nor did they dare to delve into other topics, so Huo Qing simply said, "Congratulations!" Her voice was loud and clear.

Those two simple words, but delivered with such volume and clarity. Both of them smiled, and those around them laughed too, praising the young girl for her vibrant energy.

She had inadvertently set a peculiar precedent; those who followed congratulated them louder than the last, only returning to a normal volume when they moved on to the next group.

One such group included a man also seated in a wheelchair, who appeared unwell but still drank wine. After taking a sip, he was handed a glass of juice by Erbai before he could take a second, turning it into a juice-to-juice toast.

Zhang Ling recognized him as Yang Shu, the only son of the Yang family. They hadn't interacted since, but she heard from friends who occasionally dropped by for a game of cards that he had settled down after returning home last time, taking over the family business. He seemed gentle, yet shrewd, often declining invitations to events that didn't benefit the company due to his health, and certainly wouldn't be seen at ordinary weddings.

Yet here he was, having his wine replaced with juice.

She watched as Yang Shu watched the couple depart for another location, lowering his head to take another sip of juice.

This wedding wasn't a traditional affair, lacking the usual elaborate rituals. It was simple, with the newlyweds mingling with guests after lunch, each enjoying themselves.

Chen Moubai kept his word, bringing Chen Yiwan along to play with them. The puppy followed him, incredibly outgoing, rubbing against anyone he met, seeking out the more familiar Yang Shu for another toy after rubbing against him.

In the afternoon, Chen Yiwan, the landlord's eldest grandson, and a group of celebrities, directors, and tycoons played to their hearts' content. At the end, one of them randomly chose a lucky spectator to sleep on, lying down comfortably.

As evening approached, everyone moved indoors. A few companions joined a self-proclaimed unlucky hand, who claimed to have an incredible stroke of luck today, in playing a real-life version of the board game "Flying Chess." Others curiously watched.

Initially still wearing his jacket, halfway through the game, the unlucky hand shed it, donning just a shirt with rolled-up sleeves, sitting upright and focused. In the later stages, he accepted fruit and snacks offered by Ms. Jiang and Mr. Xu to replenish his energy, as if participating in the grand finals of a competitive gaming tournament.

The morning's emcee transformed into a professional commentator, using a water bottle as a makeshift microphone to passionately narrate the action.

The result of his seriousness was that his companions showed no mercy, perhaps because it was his wedding day, ruthlessly stomping on his chess pieces, sending them back to the starting point.

Each time he was stomped on, laughter erupted around him. Clearly, among all the friends he had invited, there wasn't a single ally; he was left to fight alone.

Fighting alone, he secured the last place.

Watching as the other three companions' planes reached the finish line, while he still had two planes yet to take off, Chen Moubai closed and opened his eyes, falling straight back onto his only true flying chess teammate. With his last breath, he let out a sigh, tears of sorrow welling up.

It didn't resemble a wedding reception; it felt like a gathering of high school students, a year older and dressed more maturely, staying over at a friend's house.

Zhang Ling sat behind the crowd, watching as they laughed and played, smiling along.

Huo Qing stood to the side, snapping photos, objectively stating, "Second Brother Bai would look even more like a high school student if he acted now."

Zhang Ling's gaze shifted to the person at the center of the crowd, her heart finally at ease.

Living in an environment filled with love, time couldn't change his appearance.

With a support system behind him, always there to embrace and support, he could be freer, reclaiming the childishness and capriciousness lost during forced growth.

No longer alone, he had found his own family.