Chapter 340: Fu Yujun & Guan Han [Final]
Wen Shuxian and Cui Jiaran were also roped in to help out with tasks they could manage.
Two days before the wedding, the entire mansion was fully decorated, adorned with red silk ribbons everywhere, radiating joy. Walking through the estate, one's face would glow with a rosy hue under the festive atmosphere.
Guan Han mostly had work colleagues and few close friends, so aside from her younger sister, Guan He, there were no other candidates for bridesmaids. Qin Yinong volunteered herself to serve as the second bridesmaid.
To ensure the wedding ceremony proceeded smoothly, Guan Han, under Fu Yujun's family arrangements, stayed temporarily at a local friend's residence—a quaint, traditional courtyard that had been specially vacated for the wedding.
This courtyard was separated from the Fu family ancestral home by a river, connected by a bridge. Willow trees draped over both banks, and the shimmering surface of the lake created a uniquely beautiful scene.
The bridge railings were already tied with red silk ribbons in advance, and the stone lions on either side looked charmingly naive.
Fu Yujun, accompanied by the wedding host, described the wedding day scenario to Tang Ruoyao: the bridal sedan chair would depart from the Fu residence, cross the river to fetch the bride, and go through a series of traditional wedding rituals... and so on. Suddenly, Tang Ruoyao sighed.
Fu Yujun asked nervously, "What's wrong? Is there something that needs improvement?"
Tang Ruoyao shook her head and smiled, "No, I'm just feeling a little envious."
"Envious of what? Didn't you get married a long time ago?"
"Just a passing feeling." Tang Ruoyao waved her hand dismissively. She wouldn't mention that although Qin Yinong's wedding had been grand enough, Fu Yujun's arrangements seemed to surpass it.
But then again, she had married early.
Early marriage meant early enjoyment. Now, with a loving wife and daughter, and a harmonious family, there was truly nothing for her to envy. It was merely a fleeting thought that vanished as quickly as it came.
With one day left until the wedding, Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao each stayed with their respective friends.
At eight in the evening, Qin Yinong was in Guan Han's room. Guan He, facing both her boss and her sister, couldn't bear the pressure and excused herself under some pretext. Qin Yinong sat across from Guan Han, who remained silent with her eyes lowered, and gently asked, "How are you feeling?"
Guan Han glanced at the fiery red wedding gown hanging on the floor-standing clothes rack in the corner but said nothing, though the corners of her lips curled up slightly.
Qin Yinong chuckled and said, "You two are quite well-suited in your roles for this wedding. Fu Yujun always greets everyone with a smile, and tomorrow, she'll be beaming with joy, adding to the festive atmosphere. But if it were you, with that serious expression, the guests might think you're unhappy."
Guan Han lowered her voice, "Qin Jie..."
Aside from Fu Yujun being a local and thus more familiar with the wedding customs, there was indeed some consideration given to their personalities. Fu Yujun also preferred that Guan Han not have to force smiles in front of a crowd of strangers, making it a win-win situation.
Qin Yinong sighed with emotion, "Daughters grow up and leave home so quickly. In the blink of an eye, you're getting married."
Guan Han didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
She was only three or four years younger than Qin Yinong, who had been married for nearly a decade—making Guan Han's marriage relatively late. However...
Guan Han lowered her gaze and said softly, "I never thought I would get married either."
Qin Yinong empathized deeply, "Who didn't feel that way?"
Looking back now, the past ten years felt like a dream. Fortunately, neither of them had missed the one they loved, and both had found their destined happiness.
After a long silence, Guan Han shifted in her seat, reached for the cup on the table, and held it in her hands, turning it slowly. She let out a soft sigh and said, "Qin Jie, I think... I'm a little nervous."
Qin Yinong said with the tone of someone who had been through it all, "That's normal. The night before my wedding, I was so excited I barely slept. Just hang in there—the ceremony isn't until this afternoon."
Guan Han replied, "Then..."
Qin Yinong suggested, "Since we can't sleep anyway, why don't we chat for a while?"
"About what?"
"About your love story. What were you two doing all those years you were tangled up with each other?" Qin Yinong said earnestly. "In return, I'll tell you mine."
Guan Han thought to herself, I already know your story. After all, she had once been an incredibly meticulous and versatile assistant, as well as an avid fan of their relationship. Although she no longer had time to obsess over their dynamic after focusing on her own romance, Qin Yinong still held an extraordinary and admirable image in her mind.
So, even though Guan Han felt something was a bit off, she honestly shared the twists and turns of their relationship with Qin Yinong—though she skipped the part about writing fanfiction, as it was too private to mention.
Qin Yinong rested her chin in her hand, listening intently.
When Tang Ruoyao came to pick her up late at night, Qin Yinong was still reluctant to leave and made plans to continue the conversation another time.
Guan Han replied, "...Alright."
Tang Ruoyao stayed with Qin Yinong in Guan Han's courtyard. Hand in hand, the two strolled under the moonlight, stepping over the shadows cast by the tree branches as they walked step by step, eventually disappearing into a room at the far end.
Compared to Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao's wedding, which had only invited close friends and family, Fu Yujun and Guan Han's celebration was on a much larger scale. Both worked in the film industry and had built connections over more than a decade in the business. The number of guests from the entertainment world alone was substantial. A red carpet stretched from the entrance all the way down the street, crowded with attendees.
From the aerial camera's perspective, the ancestral home with its white walls and dark tiles was bustling with people rushing about, greeting and mingling, everyone busy and constantly on the move.
Fortunately, Fu Yujun had made thorough preparations in advance, so despite the busyness, everything proceeded smoothly without chaos.
Guan Han was in the house across the river, having her hair styled and makeup done. Compared to the lively clamor on the other side, this area was much quieter, though the silence was tinged with a palpable sense of tension.
Qin Yinong was the one styling her hair. She wasn't quite sure why this task had fallen to her, but since it had been decided somewhat arbitrarily, she thought, 'Well, I might as well do it.'
According to Chinese tradition, the person who combs the bride's hair should be someone living a happy and fulfilling life, as their blessings and good fortune are believed to be passed on to the bride for luck. Initially, they had considered finding an elderly, respected woman with gray hair—symbolizing many children, grandchildren, and a long, blessed life. But later, they realized this didn't align with modern realities. Looking around, Qin Yinong seemed to be the happiest among them. Moreover, since they were both in same-s3x relationships, the blessings felt more personally meaningful.
Guan Han's family was also in the bridal chamber—her father, mother, and Guan He. After Qin Yinong finished reciting the blessings, everyone was surprisingly not too sentimental.
After Fu Yujun and Guan Han got together, Fu Yujun often visited Guan Han's family home. She called Guan's parents more frequently than Guan Han did herself, always thinking of them when she came across something nice and sending gifts in abundance. At first, Guan's parents were reserved and politely asked Guan Han to return the favors on their behalf. But as the gifts kept coming, they eventually grew accustomed to accepting them with ease.
Over the years, Fu Yujun had become like another daughter to them—even more well-behaved and sensible than their own two. They didn't feel like they were marrying off a daughter at all; she had long been family.
If there was any worry, it was only about the one-in-a-million chance: Fu Yujun suddenly calling off the wedding.
But that was impossible.
The children were getting married, and everyone was overjoyed.
Fu Yujun's parents were happy too. After all these years alone, their daughter had finally found her place. As long as she had a companion for the rest of her life, that was enough.
He Wanqing, being more emotional, nestled into her husband's arms as soon as she saw Fu Yujun in her wedding makeup, dabbing her tears with a handkerchief.
Tang Ruoyao was busy entertaining guests but glanced out of the corner of her eye at Tang Fei, who was holding Qin Jiayan, and felt reassured.
Tang Fei had just graduated from university and had already received an offer from MIT in the U.S. He would be leaving later in the year to study molecular biology. His features had matured significantly since he started college—his face was refined but not effeminate, carrying an air of quiet elegance. Dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, the subtle determination in his expression gave him an indescribable masculine charm.
Tang Fei attracted the attention of many women and even some men at the event, but the faint smile on his lips held a touch of aloofness—polite yet distant, much like Tang Ruoyao.
Coupled with the three- or four-year-old girl in his arms, most people hesitated to approach.
So young and already a father—what a shame.
Tang Ruoyao looked around and waved Tang Fei over.
Tang Fei walked over, his 188 cm height making him slightly bow his head when facing Tang Ruoyao. His voice was warm and mellow as he said, "Sis."
Tang Ruoyao casually pinched the cheek of Qin Jiayan in his arms, prompting the little girl to pout and ask to be held. Tang Ruoyao kissed her tiny hand and asked Tang Fei, "Where's Ningning?"
Tang Fei replied, "I haven't seen her."
Noticing another distinguished guest arriving, Tang Ruoyao swallowed her follow-up question and said quickly, "Let me know if you see her."
"Okay."
Tang Fei carried the chubby toddler to a quieter spot, set Qin Jiayan down, and rubbed his arm with a laugh. "Have you gotten heavier recently?" Even he found her heavy—no wonder the rest of the family could no longer lift her.
Qin Jiayan covered her eyes and said in a sweet, childish voice, "No, Uncle."
Tang Fei moved her hands to cover her ears instead and said, "You're covering the wrong part. This is how you 'bury your head in the sand.'"
Qin Jiayan blinked.
Tang Fei asked, "Are they covered properly?"
Qin Jiayan nodded vigorously.
Tang Fei said, "Uncle needs to make a call."
Qin Jiayan was very well-behaved. Unable to hear what he was saying, she looked confused.
Tang Fei smiled, took his phone out of his trouser pocket, and dialed Qin Jianing. He said succinctly, "Your mom's looking for you. Get here fast."
Qin Jianing replied, "Can't rush it. I'm in S City. Stall for me a bit longer—just say I went outside to play because it was too noisy."
Tang Fei asked, "Why did you go so far?"
Qin Jianing said, "I'll tell you later."
Tang Fei retorted, "Is that any way to talk to your uncle? No respect." He ruffled Qin Jiayan's little head, thinking how much more adorable younger kids were.
Qin Jianing laughed, "You're so young—I'm afraid calling you 'uncle' will make you feel old! Gotta go, love you!"
......
Ji Yunyao was on a business trip in S City, less than two hours' drive from Fu Yujun's hometown. Fu Yujun had sent her a wedding invitation, and though Ji Yunyao prepared an extravagant gift, she didn't attend in person.
In just a few short years, Ji Yunyao had fully taken over the colossal Ji family empire, and her methods grew increasingly ruthless. People in the business world secretly referred to her as the "Female King of Hell." While her business domain expanded, her personal life became more reclusive over the years. Apart from being at the company or negotiating deals, she was rarely seen anywhere else.
She was like a machine that had begun to decay before it even grew old, burying herself deeper and deeper into the Ji family mansion day by day, much like her grandfather had.
Her life was likely destined to continue this way.
Wrapped in a bathrobe, Ji Yunyao pulled open the bedside drawer to retrieve a lighter for a cigarette but discovered a Rubik's cube tucked away in the corner.
It stirred memories of this villa in her mind.
Over a decade ago, she had brought Qin Yinong and her family to visit Disney in S City and stayed here temporarily. The house was no longer as new as it once was, but she now preferred older things.
They say people only start feeling nostalgic when they grow old. A faint trace of reminiscence flickered in Ji Yunyao's eyes as she reached for the cube. It was new, without even a speck of dust on it.
When had it been placed there?
As for who had done it, no one else would dare to act so recklessly except her.
Ji Yunyao put the cube back, too lazy to bother with it.
Unexpectedly, a knock sounded at the bedroom door.
The house was filled with surveillance cameras, and Ji Yunyao saw the hallway footage on her bedroom computer screen.
Standing at the door was a graceful fifteen-year-old girl.
Even through the camera, the girl's striking resemblance to her mother was unmistakable.
Ji Yunyao: "..."
How had this little rascal slipped in unnoticed? Wasn't she supposed to be attending Fu Yujun's wedding a hundred kilometers away?
Qin Jianing looked up at the camera with a sweet, clear laugh.
"Big Sister Ji, are you in there?"
......
At two in the afternoon, Tang Ruoyao saw Wen Shuxian rush in, bustling with energy, and whisper in her ear, "Ji Yunyao is here!"
Tang Ruoyao responded with a questioning hum, "Why would she come?"
Wen Shuxian giggled, "It's all thanks to your daughter. Let me tell you, your Ningning is just too impressive. She actually walked in arm-in-arm with Ji Yunyao. The last person who dared to touch her hand—well, the grass on their grave is already three feet high."
Tang Ruoyao thought to herself that it was an exaggeration. Ji Yunyao was just particular about cleanliness and had grown increasingly aloof, leading to such rumors. Normal social interactions always involved handshakes.
When Qin Jianing was little, she not only held Ji Yunyao's hand but even kissed her on the lips.
Tang Ruoyao nodded and said, "Got it. I'll go greet her."
Wen Shuxian leaned in closer, lowering her voice further, "Ningning is practically half a member of the Ji family, right? Ji Yunyao has no heirs—do you think she might groom her as a successor? If that happens, don't forget me when you rise to glory!"
The conversation was getting more and more absurd. Tang Ruoyao waved her off and said, "Jiaran is with Lao Fu. Go help out there."
Wen Shuxian replied cheerfully, "Sure thing!"
She headed in the opposite direction from Tang Ruoyao, her young, handsome, half-French boyfriend slowing his steps to give Tang Ruoyao a shy nod, which she returned.
Tang Ruoyao went to receive Ji Yunyao, successfully becoming the first person aside from Qin Jianing—who remained linked arm-in-arm with her—to step within a two-meter radius of Ji Yunyao. Ji Yunyao gave a slight nod but said nothing.
Tang Ruoyao said, "Welcome to the wedding."
Ji Yunyao said calmly, "I've delivered the person, so I should head back now."
Tang Ruoyao: "???" She glanced at Qin Jianing, who was almost as tall as her now.
Qin Jianing: "Mom, I'll explain this to you later." She grabbed Ji Yunyao's arm as she tried to pull away, holding it tightly and said, "Since you're already here, stay for a meal. The wedding wine was personally buried by Grandpa Fu and has been stored for over thirty years."
Tang Ruoyao added, "If there's no urgent matter, please stay."
Ji Yunyao's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly as she replied, "Alright."
Qin Jianing nudged Ji Yunyao inside, turning back quickly to say, "Mom, I'll take care of entertaining Sister Ji. I'm taking her to the backyard. Call me if you need anything."
Tang Ruoyao stared blankly at their retreating figures for a moment before snapping out of it and continuing to greet distinguished guests at the entrance.
3:00 PM.
Guests had gathered at the ancestral home, while neighbors along the river opened their doors to watch the excitement, their gazes unanimously drawn to the courtyard adorned with red silk ribbons and, across the distant river, the white walls and blue-tiled roofs partially obscured by weeping willows, along with the heavy wooden gate.
The grand courtyard gates swung open, and an eight-person palanquin, carried steadily by bearers dressed in red silk attire, emerged.
[The wedding procession has set off]
Qin Yinong received Tang Ruoyao's message and relayed it to Guan Han inside the room.
Guan He held the phoenix crown, ready to place it on her sister's head, while Guan Han clutched a red apple, bowing her head.
Qin Yinong: "No rush, it'll take a while for them to arrive."
About ten minutes later, the sound of music and celebration drifted from the front courtyard.
Qin Yinong and Guan He worked together to place the glittering phoenix crown on Guan Han's head. Before covering her with the red veil, Qin Yinong took a moment to study Guan Han's appearance and remarked, "When you're escorted to the bridal chamber later, Fu Yujun won't be able to take her eyes off you."
Guan Han tightened her grip on the apple and sighed helplessly, "Sister Qin..."
Qin Yinong: "Hahahaha."
She lowered the red veil and instructed, "Get ready to board the palanquin. Don't speak later."
Guan Han nodded.
The wedding procession's matron of honor arrived. After the band played for a while outside, the matron called out cheerfully, "The groom's party is here, open the door!"
Qin Yinong replied through the crack in the door, "Lin Ruohan, why is it you again?"
Lin Ruohan said, "Can't help it, I have experience! Your wife recommended me. Professional wedding matron, guaranteed authentic."
She skillfully slid red envelopes under the slightly ajar door, scattering them generously.
Her toddler daughter, supported by Ren Xingyue, also tossed in a red envelope, giggling happily.
Qin Yinong pursed her lips, and Guan He collected the red envelopes. Qin Yinong then opened the main door.
The wedding palanquin departed from the bride's home, winding along the riverside streets. The trees lining the road were decorated with festive red ribbons. From the aerial camera's perspective, the procession stretched for miles along the river, a magnificent and grand sight.
Colorful fireworks burst in the sky as the palanquin came to a stop on the red carpet.
Three arrows were shot, the bride stepped over a saddle and crossed a fire pan.
The auspicious hour arrived, and the wedding ceremony commenced.
"First bow to heaven and earth—"
"Kowtow once, again, and a third time."
"Second bow to the parents—"
"Bride and groom bow to each other—"
"Escort to the bridal chamber—"
Fu Yujun straightened up, her hands already sweaty from gripping the colorful silk ball and ribbons. She took two steps closer to Guan Han, grasped her hand, and while no one was paying attention, leaned in eagerly to whisper in her ear, "You look absolutely beautiful today."
Guan Han: "..."
She gently squeezed Fu Yujun's fingers in response.
Fu Yujun's heart fluttered, and she kissed her through the wedding veil.
Wen Shuxian exclaimed, "I saw that! The bride sneaked a kiss from the bride!"
Cui Jiaran pretended to cover her mouth while loudly saying, "How can it be sneaking a kiss when it's your own wife?"
With the red veil covering Guan Han's face, it was impossible to see her expression, but Fu Yujun's face visibly flushed bright red. She cast a pleading glance toward Tang Ruoyao, who chimed in with Cui Jiaran, saying, "Exactly."
What a bunch of troublemaking friends.
Fu Yujun and Guan Han were escorted to the bridal chamber, followed by their mischievous friends eager to witness the fun.
When it came time to lift the veil, Fu Yujun followed Qin Yinong's example from her own wedding and cleared the room of everyone. No one knew exactly what happened, but by the time the formal wedding ceremony resumed, both their lipsticks were smudged.
Fu Yujun's cheeks were flushed, glowing even more radiantly than the most vibrant rouge.
They drank the ceremonial nuptial wine, exchanged locks of hair as a symbol of union, and joined hands—completing the formal wedding rites.
The guests gradually withdrew from the bridal chamber and returned to the main hall at the front courtyard, waiting for the newlyweds to pay their respects before joining the banquet.
After the couple served tea and formally addressed their elders, they retreated once more. The front courtyard buzzed with preparations for the feast. Jars of Nü'er Hong, buried under the trees for over thirty years, were opened one after another, filling the entire courtyard with the rich aroma of wine.
The melody of "A Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" began to play live.
With a strike of the gong, the master of ceremonies announced clearly, "Let the banquet begin!"
Qin Yinong, Tang Ruoyao, Cui Jiaran and her family, Wen Shuxian and her boyfriend, Lin Ruohan, Ren Xingyue, and their child, along with Tang Fei, were all seated at one table. Extra chairs were squeezed in, making it crowded but lively. Qin Jiayan sat at another table with her grandfather Han Yuping and grandmother Liang Shu. Han Yuping held her on his lap, feeding her bite by bite.
Han Yuping brought the chopsticks to her mouth, saying, "Ah—"
Qin Jiayan opened her mouth wide to eat, cheeks puffing as she smiled at her grandparents.
Han Yuping grinned from ear to ear.
His old friend Lin Guo'an watched enviously beside them, "My grandson is so mischievous—I'd have to chase him for miles just to feed him a meal."
Han Yuping said proudly, "It's because I taught her well."
Lin Guo'an narrowed his eyes and scoffed, "Always patting yourself on the back."
Qin Jiayan piped up in her childish voice, "Grandpa Lin, you can feed me!"
Lin Guo'an beamed with delight, "Oh, our little Jiayan sure knows how to talk! How can you be so well-behaved? Tell me what you want, Grandpa Lin will buy it for you."
Qin Jiayan shook her head, "Jiayan doesn't want anything. I just wish Grandpa Lin good health."
Lin Guo'an was nearly moved to tears.
Comparing grandchildren only makes a grandfather sigh.
Tang Ruoyao glanced at the empty seat beside her and asked, "Where has Ningning gone?"
Qin Yinong looked around but didn't see her and suggested, "Why don't you call her?" Noticing Tang Ruoyao's worried expression, she reassured her gently, "It'll be fine. Everyone here is family."
Tang Ruoyao forced a slight smile but didn't mention the unease she had felt earlier that afternoon. She dialed a number.
Qin Jianing replied, "I'm on my way back."
In less than two minutes, Tang Ruoyao spotted Qin Jianing in her line of sight, followed closely by Ji Yunyao.
Qin Yinong finally found a moment to catch up with Ji Yunyao. She gestured for an extra chair to be placed beside her and said, "Sit here."
Ji Yunyao's lips twitched slightly, but she didn't refuse.
Qin Jianing sat on her other side.
Qin Yinong adjusted the bowl and chopsticks for her and asked casually, "How have you been lately?"
Ji Yunyao replied softly, "Pretty good."
"I've learned a couple of new dishes. Would you like to come over and try them sometime?"
"Let me check my schedule."
"Let me know before you come, or tell Tang Ruoyao. Ningning is fine too. Jia'er is too young, all she remembers is eating."
Ji Yunyao's lips curved almost imperceptibly.
"Mm."
Qin Yinong wanted to say more but was interrupted by the master of ceremonies' booming announcement: "The newlyweds propose a toast—"
The guide wore a red waistband and held a red tray, followed by Fu Yujun and Guan Han in fiery red wedding dresses, walking side by side hand in hand.
Everyone present raised their glasses with smiles of blessing on their faces.
The amber-hued wine reflected the starry sky above, while the lights beneath the night stretched from the courtyard into the endless distance. The weeping willows by the riverbank gently swayed their branches, bidding a soft farewell to every passerby who chanced upon this courtyard.
No matter when, as people come and go, laughter and joy can always be heard from within. Someone might lean against the doorframe, waving to you with a smile and asking, "How have you been lately?"
—The End
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