Free Web NovelChapter 415: Chapter 413: Wedding
"Gu’er, what do you think? Do I look pretty? Do you think Dingzi will like me like this?"
After her makeup was done, Marina looked at Gu’er and asked excitedly.
"You look beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Don’t worry, Dingzi will definitely love it."
Gu’er looked Marina over. Marina was a bit shorter than her, around 1.63 meters, but she had a nice figure. She was young, with lovely features and a sort of exotic beauty.
"Thank you. I think I look pretty, too. As long as Dingzi likes it, I’ll be happy."
Marina’s face was all smiles.
Gu’er’s lips curved into a smile as well. ’There really is a big difference between China and other countries,’ she thought. ’Back home, if you compliment someone on their looks, they’ll be modest and say, "No, not really," or "I’m just average." Their parents would be modest, too. But abroad, they just say thank you. They assume you’re being sincere and accept the compliment.’
Chen Fengjiao made breakfast, and the family ate. Of course, Marina ate very little; they were worried it would be inconvenient for her later, so they didn’t dare let her eat much.
After she changed into her dress, people started to arrive at the house.
Because everyone knew Marina was getting married from the Lin Family’s home, those who were on good terms with the Lin Family came to see the bride off.
Although Marina didn’t know most of these people, they were here to see her off and attend her wedding, so she was very happy, nodding and thanking everyone.
With her large belly, Gu’er didn’t have to entertain the guests. She kept Marina company, chatting and laughing. Time flew by, and when Gu’er heard the sound of firecrackers, she knew the groom’s party had arrived to pick up the bride.
Things weren’t as complicated back then as they would become later, with all the rules about giving red envelopes to open the door or giving the groom a hard time. Besides, the man getting married today was Dingzi. With that icy expression of his, not many people would dare to mess with him.
When Dingzi entered the room, Gu’er stared at him, a little stunned.
Dingzi was wearing a suit today, and his hair was neatly styled. He should have looked sharp, but for some reason, Gu’er found it a bit jarring. ’Maybe a suit just doesn’t go with his face,’ she thought. In any case, she found the sight very strange.
After looking at Dingzi, Gu’er’s eyes found Sun Jiaming. Seeing his gentle gaze fixed on her, Gu’er’s heart filled with sweetness.
Quite a few people were teasing Dingzi and Marina. Li Zhi and Sun Jiaming helped Dingzi out by passing around cigarettes and candy. It was a lively scene, and Gu’er just watched with a smile.
When Marina pulled Dingzi to kneel before Lin Shan and Chen Fengjiao, Dingzi froze for a moment as he heard Marina call them, "God-Dad," and "God-Mom."
Only then did Gu’er remember that they had been so caught up in their excitement yesterday that they’d forgotten to tell Dingzi that Marina had accepted her parents as her godfather and godmother.
Dingzi looked at Marina, then at Lin Shan and Chen Fengjiao. Understanding dawned on him, and he was filled with an indescribable gratitude. By doing this, Lin Shan had given Marina a home and family to belong to, so she wouldn’t be all alone and desolate.
"God-Dad, God-Mom."
Without a second thought, Dingzi followed Marina’s lead and called out to them as well, then kowtowed to Lin Shan and Chen Fengjiao.
Lin Shan nodded in satisfaction. He took out a red envelope—a gift for the change in address—and offered his blessings.
Chen Fengjiao gave Marina a set of gold jewelry, complete with a necklace, earrings, a ring, and a bracelet. Gu’er had told her to prepare it in advance. She also offered her blessings.
Marina and Dingzi thanked them and were helped back to their feet.
After Dingzi escorted Marina away, Gu’er waited for the Lin Family to see off the last of the guests. Then she, Lin Shan, and Chen Fengjiao tidied up a bit before taking a car straight to the restaurant.
By the time they arrived at the restaurant, quite a few people were already there. After a short wait, Sun Jiaming and Li Zhi came over; they were in charge of arrangements.
The two of them exchanged a few words with Lin Shan before hurrying off to get busy. Of course, Sun Jiaming couldn’t leave without giving Gu’er a couple of instructions, but since she was with her parents, he had nothing to worry about.
Once Dingzi, Marina, and their party arrived, the Sun Family—Cao Qiu, Sun Zhuzi, and Wei Hong—also showed up. They had brought Grandma Sun with them.
Seeing Grandma Sun arrive, Lin Shan quickly stood up and went over to help her to the head table. Grandma Dingzi was also delighted to see Lin Shan, and she and Grandma Sun each took one of his hands, peppering him with questions.
"Look at our mom and auntie. They see their in-law and treat him like their own son. They’re so affectionate. Not like with you, giving you the cold shoulder."
Cao Qiu said to Sun Zhuzi, feeling a little sour as she watched.
Sun Zhuzi chuckled but didn’t reply. ’The reason Mom’s cold to me is all your fault,’ he thought. ’You used to tell me not to talk to her and not to go back home. She’s holding a grudge, so of course she won’t be nice to me. Who can you blame?’
’As for Lin Shan, he’s a national cadre, but every time he visits, the first thing he does is hop onto the kang to chat with Mom and Auntie. He asks about everything—what they’re eating, what they’re wearing, how their health is. He’s so thorough. In front of the two old ladies, Lin Shan acts just like an ordinary junior, without a hint of arrogance. He’s always trying to make them happy. If they aren’t fond of him, who would they be fond of?’
But Sun Zhuzi would never say this out loud. He was afraid Cao Qiu would start a fight with him.
Seeing Sun Zhuzi’s reaction, Cao Qiu pursed her lips. She knew what her husband was like and didn’t press the matter.
After some more conversation, most of the guests had taken their seats. Grandma Dingzi looked over the tables and frowned slightly.
Why?
’It’s all that boy Li Zhi’s fault,’ she thought. ’They had reserved six tables today, each seating over ten people. But right now, only a little more than three tables were occupied. Two other tables were completely empty, and another had only two or three people. If no one else came, wouldn’t all the food go to waste? Besides, the empty tables are an eyesore. He said he was inviting people, but they haven’t shown up. Still, he meant well. I can’t blame him.’
’Oh, well,’ she mused. ’Today is my grandson’s big day. Worst case, we’ll just have everyone spread out a bit later. Fewer people per table means more food for everyone.’
"Zhi, didn’t you say you had friends coming? How come they’re not here yet?"
Grandma Sun had noticed her old friend’s concern and asked Li Zhi.
Grandma Dingzi quickly looked toward Li Zhi. She also wanted to know who on earth Li Zhi had invited. Were they not coming, or had they just not arrived yet?
"They should be here by now. Maybe they can’t find the place? I’ll go meet them. You two grannies just sit tight."
Li Zhi smiled and headed outside.
’Good, it’s not that no one’s coming, they just haven’t arrived yet.’ Grandma Dingzi was finally able to relax.
Gu’er’s lips curved into a slight smile as well. She had no idea who Li Zhi had invited either. She had asked once, but Li Zhi had been mysterious and didn’t say.
No one else paid it much mind. They were just here to show support; it didn’t matter who else came, as long as they added to the lively atmosphere.
Meanwhile, someone was getting ready to start the ceremony. Dingzi and Marina stood in the center, along with a middle-aged man who had been hired as the master of ceremonies. As everyone watched the center area, the MC was quietly speaking with Dingzi and Marina, telling them what to do. It was at that exact moment that Gu’er suddenly heard the sound of synchronized footsteps. The sound was crisp and powerful, each step seeming to land on her very heart. She whipped her head around to look at the entrance.
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Three updates today.
