Chapter 325: Banquet

**Chapter 325: The Banquet**

Aside from the tables for relatives, the bride’s side also had many friends in attendance. Though not as many as the Lu family’s side, there were still quite a few.

People in the compound who knew Ye Xiaoxiao’s background were surprised to find out that she was connected to Song Guangjing and Zhou Ziran too.

“Did no one from the Hao or Xu families come?”

“I think Xu Jianli came, but the rest were probably too embarrassed to show up.”

“That makes sense. Still, it’s weird the Haos didn’t show up, since they raised the bride for more than ten years.”

“Weren’t they already estranged? They probably didn’t have the nerve to show up. When Yan Yan got married, she didn’t even invite her adoptive parents.”

“True. He Qiaoxiang is so petty—even if invited, she wouldn’t have come.”

One table was buzzing with whispers, clearly the gossip experts.

Not only had Xu Jianli attended, but even Duan Lei, who was usually stationed in the military, had gotten special leave just to attend.

For him, the news came as a bit of a surprise, but not entirely unexpected.

Though he was in the military, he still heard plenty about what was going on back at the compound.

As long as Xiao Xiao was happy, that’s all that mattered.

And most importantly, that jerk Xu Jianwen didn’t win.

Duan Lei asked Xu Jianli, “Why didn’t your brother come?”

Xu Jianli replied, “Because Sister Xiaoxiao didn’t invite him.”

And since the Lu family only invited close acquaintances, even if other family members wanted to join in, they had no chance.

Duan Lei didn’t even try to hide his grin. “Well done.”

Xu Jianli glared at him.

After a moment, Duan Lei added, “It’s better this way. Meeting would’ve been awkward anyway.”

That didn’t make Xu Jianli feel any better. Even if he knew his brother had it coming, he didn’t want outsiders laughing at them. He just scoffed and turned away.

By noon, the guests were settling in, and the banquet hall quieted down.

Once everyone arrived, the bride and groom made their entrance.

The guests couldn’t help staring—not only were the bride and groom gorgeous enough, but even their bridal party was full of lookers.

Ye Xiaoxiao walked down the aisle with Lu Hanchuan, then performed the tea ceremony for the elders.

First came the grandparents, followed by both sets of parents.

Everyone was pleased with the couple. The grandparents took the tea and happily gave their red envelopes.

“Good children, may you live happily together from now on.”

Grandma Ye looked at Ye Xiaoxiao warmly. Although this granddaughter hadn’t grown up by her side, she was a good girl.

She was fond of Xiao Xiao and naturally wished for her to have an even better life.

"Thank you, Grandma. We will."

Ye Xiaoxiao gave a sweet smile.

Lu Hanchuan’s grandfather on his mother’s side wasn’t there, while Grandpa Miao and Song Guangjing sat together for the tea ceremony.

The two elders couldn’t hide their joy and heaped blessings on them.

When Miao Cuifang accepted the tea, her emotions were mixed—happy yet a little sad.

A mother’s feelings when her daughter gets married are different from when her son brings home a bride.

"Xiao Xiao, come home often."

"Don’t worry, Mom. Xiaoxiao and I will visit often," Lu Hanchuan assured first.

Whether he meant it or not, it still brought some comfort to Miao Cuifang.

Ye Jianguo gave the couple red envelopes, looking stern though he was nervous inside.

He only relaxed a little once they took the envelopes.

Even in middle age, Ye Jianguo retained much of his youthful handsomeness and charisma and didn’t look out of place next to Lu Xingzhou.

Finally, they offered tea to the groom’s parents. Earlier, Yun Chengxiu had already given Xiaoxiao several pieces of jewelry as betrothal gifts.

After inspecting them, Ye Xiaoxiao thought it best to keep these items in a safe.

If a thief got hold of them, they’d be set for life.

Yun Chengxiu and Lu Xingzhou gave a few brief words of advice before falling silent.

As long as the couple was happy and safe, they had no other expectations.

Once the tea ceremony was over, Ye Xiaoxiao and Lu Hanchuan went to change clothes as the banquet dishes started coming out.

The parents from both sides mingled with the guests.

The older grandparents could head to their hotel rooms if they needed a break.

Lu Hanchuan was already changed, but Ye Xiaoxiao was still struggling out of her wedding dress.

"Need a hand...?"

After changing in another room, Lu Hanchuan went to Ye Xiaoxiao’s room.

At that moment, Xiao Xiao was only halfway out of her dress, revealing her fair, rounded shoulders. Lu Hanchuan’s eyes darkened.

"I need help."

Clueless, Xiao Xiao blinked up at him innocently.

As Lu Hanchuan stepped closer, wrapping an arm around her waist and leaning in for a kiss, she quickly raised a hand to cover his mouth.

"Change first."

There wasn’t time for that now.

Lu Hanchuan: "...Alright."

After changing into a different outfit, she redid her hair in a simple updo.

Ye Xiaoxiao was heading back to the banquet hall when Lu Hanchuan held her back.

"Wait a little longer. You're not tired?"

Ye Xiaoxiao looked up. "I'm not tired. Can't you handle it?"

Lu Hanchuan didn’t argue, just held her gaze steadily, hoping she’d stay this confident forever.

When the two returned hand in hand, the atmosphere at the banquet was already lively.

Ye Xiaoxiao met more people.

They first visited the elders' tables. Grandma Lu introduced her to her old friends, "This is our dear Xiao Xiao."

After the earlier debate and the arrival of several important guests, the previously gossipy ladies now looked at Xiao Xiao with warmth and kindness.

"Xiao Xiao, I heard you’re a doctor. If us old ladies ever have any health issues, we’ll come to you," one silver-haired lady said warmly.

Ye Xiaoxiao smiled. These ladies were all comfortably retired and could afford any hospital—this was probably just being polite.

What Xiao Xiao didn’t know was that the grandmas, aware she was Mr. Song’s apprentice, saw her in a special light. Their words weren’t just courtesy.

"Grandma, you look very healthy. As long as you get regular check-ups, you won’t have any issues."

Ye Xiaoxiao’s words really pleased the grandmas. Even if it was just reassurance, they were happy to hear it.

With many guests, they didn't have much time at each table.

Ye Xiaoxiao made sure to toast Zhou Ziran.

"Mr. Zhou, I didn’t expect you to come."

Zhou Ziran laughed heartily. "No need to stand on ceremony. My eyes were cured by you and your master—if anything, I’m the one who should be grateful."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Mr. Zhou, I was properly compensated. I wouldn’t dare call it a debt."

Zhou Ziran: "Well, I consider you family. It's only right that I come for a celebratory drink at your wedding."

This was clearly a joke—most people can't even get him to attend, and Ye Xiaoxiao wasn't about to refuse him.

Lu Hanchuan had met Zhou Ziran once or twice before, but only at conferences, never having a proper conversation.

He poured Zhou Ziran a full cup. "Mr. Zhou, let me toast you. Thank you for gracing us with your presence."

Zhou Ziran thought highly of Lu Hanchuan and downed his drink cheerfully.