Chapter 7

Chapter 7

"I've already sent out all the invitations, and you're telling me we're having a Chinese-style wedding? Nan Shuyi, you're twenty-seven—can't you stop being so stubborn?"

After the meeting ended, Nan Anru learned only that evening that Nan Shuyi was switching from a Western wedding to a Chinese one.

He blew up instantly: "Why didn't you say something before you made up your mind?"

Nan Shuyi sat in the back seat of the car and shot back, "I've never been married, so how was I supposed to know? Besides, it's my wedding—can't I do it my way?"

Nan Anru wanted to pop two of his emergency pills he always carried. This son of his was a debt from his past life, here to collect in this one.

Nan Anru said, "You're going to be the death of me sooner or later. Any other requests? Tell Assistant Liu all at once."

Nan Shuyi waved it off nonchalantly: "Oh, and no white at the wedding. I think it's unlucky."

For once, Nan Anru agreed with him: "Finally said something useful. I don't like all that Western white either—getting married with a bunch of white flowers, like a funeral. Tell Assistant Liu yourself about all this, and also ask for Yicen's thoughts."

Nan Shuyi didn't respond, but he didn't show any reluctance either. Nan Anru shot him a glare.

"For this week, you'll just follow me to meetings and learn from experienced people how to research markets and analyze project pros and cons."

"Oh."

Over here, Nan Shuyi was training in Guangzhou under the sweltering heat; similarly, in Lincheng, Jiang Yicen was busy with his own studies and his wedding preparations.

Ever since he had mentioned wanting a Chinese-style wedding to Nan Shuyi, Assistant Liu from the Nan family had personally come to ask for his opinions on the ceremony.

He Nuanqing didn't understand why they were switching at the time—she had already ordered her outfit for the wedding.

Assistant Liu was very diplomatic: "Mrs. Jiang, it's like this—our Master Nan thinks a Chinese-style wedding is better. A wedding should be what the couple likes."

He Nuanqing didn't dare object: "That's how it should be. As long as the kids are happy with it."

Jiang Yicen was surprised by Nan Shuyi's thoughtful arrangement; the other man was protecting him in a roundabout way.

If he had told others that he himself wanted to switch to a Chinese wedding, all the previous preparations would have gone to waste, and the Jiang family would have blamed him. But with Nan Shuyi taking the lead, even if someone had objections, they wouldn't voice them openly.

A week passed in the blink of an eye. Nan Shuyi finished his business trip, but Nan Anru didn't let him off easy. After returning, Nan Anru placed Nan Shuyi in the group company, making him learn how to manage a business from the ground up, leaving him exhausted and dizzy.

According to their bet, after his wedding, he would be given two subsidiaries that had been losing money year after year to run—one was a chain restaurant, and the other was a heritage domestic cosmetics brand acquired three years ago.

In the twenty-seven years of Nan Shuyi's life, he was top-notch when it came to eating, drinking, and having fun—he even made a name for himself in stock trading, which was why he often ended up on hot searches. But he had never held a proper desk job. Now it was like taking a wild bull and forcing it to work like a draft animal.

Both sides had their own things to keep them busy. Jiang Yicen was afraid that too much contact with Nan Shuyi would expose the fact that he wasn't the real "Jiang Yicen," while Nan Shuyi had to stay late at the company every day, go home to sleep, and wake up and immediately head to work.

Before they knew it, there was only one week left until their wedding.

Assistant Liu contacted them more and more frequently. To better coordinate the wedding arrangements, he even created a WeChat group for Jiang Yicen, Nan Shuyi, and the wedding planner's contact person. But the two of them rarely replied in the group—one wasn't in the habit of checking WeChat, and the other had no time, so they only responded when necessary.

As the wedding date approached, news of the upcoming marriage between the Jiang and Nan families had already leaked. Jiang Gongming was often asked which child was marrying into the Nan family—some assumed it was his daughter, others thought it was one of his two older sons. Considering that outsiders only knew he frequently brought around his two sons from his ex-wife and had no idea he actually had a fourth son, he grew tired of explaining after being asked so many times. He decided he could no longer keep Jiang Yicen hidden. Coincidentally, there was a banquet coming up, so he decided to take Jiang Yicen along.

During his time living with the Jiang family, Jiang Yicen had also realized that the Jiangs were a typical patriarchal family that prioritized sons over daughters. Jiang Gongming's word was law—no one could contradict him. He was extremely feudal, even regressive in his thinking.

The Jiang family had four children. The first two were from his ex-wife; the third daughter was born from an affair Jiang Gongming had with his mistress. She was practically invisible in the Jiang household. Currently pursuing a PhD, she often stayed at school and never came home unless Jiang Gongming called for her.

Since arriving at the Jiang home, the only person Jiang Yicen hadn't met was her.

If it weren't for the fact that Nan Shuyi liked men, Jiang Gongming would probably use her for a marriage alliance.

At that moment, at the Jiang residence.

He Nuanqing wore a mink stole over a form-fitting qipao, adorned with a full set of jewelry worth millions—clearly a wealthy lady. Worried his outfit might not be formal enough, she was about to go up to the third floor to pick out clothes for Jiang Yicen when she saw him already coming downstairs.

He Nuanqing was taken aback. The word "handsome" didn't do his outfit justice. But she remembered that her son didn't like dull colors and never added a pocket square—he never had the patience to fold one.

Actually, Jiang Yicen hadn't overdone it today. He wore a black suit with a notch lapel and a subtly patterned black —like the kind you'd see online—paired with a silk-textured shirt in the same color scheme. Understated yet stylish.

He Nuanqing praised him sincerely: "You look exceptionally handsome today in a different way. But isn't the color a bit too somber?"

Jiang Yicen had his reasons: "No, for an elderly person's birthday, it's better to dress conservatively. It doesn't look flashy."

In the past, he had often been dragged by his eldest and second brothers to various banquets. Through regular exposure, he'd picked up his own sense of style from all those events. Even these casual outfits were ingrained in him, part of his daily life, without him having to think about it.

He Nuanqing sighed emotionally: "My son has grown up."

Today, they were attending Old Master Chen's 70th birthday banquet.

Jiang Gongming had been on a business trip two days ago, returned home yesterday afternoon, and stayed home today to rest. While He Nuanqing chatted about family matters, he was in good spirits.

Somehow, the conversation drifted to Old Master Chen.

Jiang Gongming commented: "To be honest, the Chen family has fallen. That big family is always at each other's throats—severe infighting, disorganized management."

He Nuanqing inquired: "So why are we still going? Many of the Chen family's products have already been discontinued, haven't they?"

Jiang Gongming replied: "Even a starved camel is bigger than a horse. Old Master Chen was a man of loyalty in his time—he helped many people when he was young. Because of his good character, everyone is willing to give him face."

He Nuanqing pressed: "So is there some hidden meaning behind throwing this birthday banquet?"

Jiang Gongming said: "Old Master Chen has a granddaughter who is about the same age as our eldest son. We'll check things out today. You should also talk to the girl and see what her character is like."

Regarding Jiang Gongming's son from his ex-wife, He Nuanqing didn't think it appropriate to say much. She only mentioned that she had met the Chen granddaughter before—a nice, quiet girl.

Jiang Yicen watched the streets while eavesdropping on the couple's casual chatter about wealthy businessmen's gossip. He needed to at least know what was going on tonight.

The banquet was held at the Lincheng Grand Hotel. Luxury cars lined up at the entrance, and white-gloved doormen welcomed the guests.

Jiang Yicen got out of the car with the couple, carrying the birthday gift Jiang Gongming was presenting to Old Master Chen—an antique vase. He didn't know the exact style; he had only overheard Jiang Gongming mention in the car that Old Master Chen liked collecting antiques.

When they arrived, Jiang Yiting was already waiting for them. The four of them entered together.

Old Master Chen was sprightly and vigorous, holding a cane topped with a tiger's head. Guests came forward one by one with gifts and congratulations. The scene was warm and lively.

Jiang Gongming led He Nuanqing and Jiang Yicen forward with a smile: "Uncle Chen, wishing you boundless happiness and good health!"

Old Master Chen remarked: "Young Jiang, you're here! Haven't seen you in a while. Been doing well?"

Jiang Gongming replied: "All thanks to you."

Old Master Chen looked at Jiang Yicen and Jiang Yiting behind him: "Are these your sons?"

Jiang Gongming smiled, saying: "This is my eldest son, Yiting, and this is my youngest son, Yicen, just back from studying in the U.S."

Everyone has a public face. Jiang Gongming tried hard to project a "loving father" image in front of outsiders.

Jiang Yiting, well-versed in social etiquette, immediately congratulated him.

Jiang Yicen, naturally composed, followed suit, offering his blessings and the gift: "Hello, Grandpa Chen. May your joy be as boundless as the eastern sea and your life as steady as the southern mountain."

Old Man Chen felt that his blessing couplet had more depth than others, and said, "Good, good, good. You're all such impressive young men."

The two sides exchanged pleasantries until the next guest arrived, and then Old Man Chen asked the younger folks to take them to their seats.

Before the banquet began, Jiang Gongming and his wife went to socialize. He left Jiang Yicen with Jiang Yiting, asking him to take Jiang Yicen to meet new friends.

Jiang Yiting knew what Jiang Gongming meant and said to Jiang Yicen, "Let's go, I'll introduce you to some friends."

When Jiang Yicen looked up, he saw the coldness in Jiang Yiting's eyes. The more he understood the Jiang family, the clearer it became that Jiang Yiting and Jiang Yifeng, because of Jiang Gongming's infidelity, had destroyed the happy family they once had. They disliked the third son, and also disliked the son born to the stepmother.

The banquet hall today had two connected floors: the downstairs was the dining area, and the upstairs was the entertainment area.

Jiang Yiting took Jiang Yicen upstairs. Along the way, Jiang Yiting greeted many young people who were standing around chatting or passing by, which showed that he was quite well-known.

"Brother Yiting, over here!"

Jiang Yiting walked over, and Jiang Yicen had no choice but to follow. There were many young people around, with various entertainment areas: some playing board games, some playing billiards, some playing bridge, and others sitting aside drinking tea and chatting. Jiang Yiting joined that group.

A curly-haired man curiously looked back and said, "Brother, where's Yifeng?"

Jiang Yiting: "He had something to do and didn't come."

The curly-haired man looked curiously at Jiang Yicen; his appearance was simply impossible to ignore.

Cao Ken jutted his chin toward him and asked, "And this is?"

Jiang Yiting said offhandedly, "Let me introduce my fourth brother, Jiang Yicen. He studied in the US and just got back."

Jiang Yicen smiled politely at everyone and said, "Hello, everyone."

Jiang Yiting did not introduce his friends to Jiang Yicen, but everyone knew his attitude toward this brother. Jiang Yicen didn't mind, after all, he was never really Jiang Yiting's brother anyway.

Women love gossip when they sit together, and men are just as bad. Everyone present knew about the engagement between the Jiang and Nan families and were also curious about the fourth son of the Jiang family who just returned.

As soon as Jiang Yicen sat down, Jiang Yiting took a call and left.

Cao Ken sat down next to Jiang Yicen and said, "Brother, do you know how to play Blackjack? Did you go to Alaska while studying in the US? Let's play a few rounds? There are exactly six people."

Jiang Yicen instantly realized they were putting him on the spot. Before he could refuse, Cao Ken ushered Jiang Yicen to the card table and made him sit down.

Jiang Yicen said, "I'm not very good at it."

Cao Ken said, "What's so hard about it? We'll teach you."

Jiang Yicen asked humbly, "What are the rules of Blackjack?"

He had been cramming up on modern stuff recently, but he never expected that the first social activity he'd put to use was gambling.

Cao Ken said, "Brother you really studied hard in the US, huh."

Jiang Yicen responded with a smile, not taking the bait. He wasn't the one who studied in the US.

Cao Ken briefly explained the rules, and Jiang Yicen nodded to show he understood. It was the same Blackjack he had played before.

Cao Ken loved playing cards and was really enthusiastic. "Come on, deal the cards!"

The game was lively, and a crowd gradually gathered around.

Nan Shuyi was sent by his father to congratulate Old Man Chen on his birthday. He had just arrived when Zhou Yi, who had come half an hour early, sidled over with a furtive look.

Zhou Yi grinned and nudged his shoulder. "Do you know why it's so lively over there?"

Nan Shuyi pushed him away impatiently. "Stay away from me, you reek of cigarettes. Isn't it just playing cards? What's so interesting? Haven't you been to Macau?"

Zhou Yi said, "It's different today. Go over and you'll see."

Nan Shuyi was already in a bad mood at work, dealing with a bunch of annoying things. He had barely managed to leave work early today, and having to attend the banquet made his mood even worse.

With a blank expression, he refused in a lazy tone, "I'm not going."

Zhou Yi said, "Your fiancé Jiang Yicen was just pulled to the card table by Cao Ken. It's quite lively."

As soon as Nan Shuyi heard that, he turned and walked toward the lively crowd, looking somewhat aggressive from behind.

Zhou Yi quickly caught up, saying, "Didn't you say you weren't going? Why are you running so fast?"