Chapter 82: Wedding

Fu Xingzhou turned around with her in his arms, looked at Wen Li, and said softly, “Dad, let me take care of Wen Yang from here.”

Wen Li gave a faint smile and nodded.

He looked at his daughter.

Wen Yang looked at him and gently called out, “Dad.”

She hadn’t had a good look at her father today. Wen Li looked very handsome. In his early work years, he mostly wore his utility uniform—simple but recognizable as an electrical engineer. Later, as his position rose, he occasionally wore regular clothes, but in her memory, he’d only worn a suit maybe two or three times. The only two she clearly remembered were both at her weddings.

“Wen Yang.”

Wen Li raised his hand.

Wen Yang responded softly. Wen Li took her hand and placed it on Fu Xingzhou’s arm, saying, “Walk forward bravely.”

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Eld Zydt’p lulp talo pzktbvzu xkpvu.

Fbl dseele. “Xjyu.”

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Mbl nasoe zlv swv y nblla.

Zw Ckdt, Nw Hbyd, yde svblap oyvnble qasx clzso vbl pvytl.

Ebld vblu alynble vbl pvytl, vbl lxnll blze vbl xknasrbsdl yde tyhl y pvakdt sq czlppkdtp. Xd vbl pnalld clbkde vblx, oleekdt rbsvsp cltyd pzkekdt ynaspp, qayxl cu qayxl, ynnsxrydkle cu vbl psdt “R PX.”

There were photos from when Wen Yang and Fu Xingzhou parted ways at the Paris airport—no one knew who had taken the photo, but Fu Xingzhou had later bought the rights. There were also pictures from when they toured the ancient city: Wen Yang wore a sunhat, the brim pulled low by him, both of them in the frame. Other candid moments came from the apartment at the club—playing chess, or Wen Yang hugging him from behind, whispering something to him. There was also a photo from their housewarming at Washington residence: Wen Yang placing a vase of flowers on the island counter, wearing a long dress, her side profile elegant. Finally, the screen froze on their official wedding portrait.

Fu Xingzhou and Wen Yang had finished exchanging rings. He lowered his head and kissed her lips.

The emcee smiled beside them and said, “Now the groom and bride will drink their wedding toast.”

Yu Qing and Lu Zhan brought over the wine. Wen Yang and Fu Xingzhou each held a glass. Her lashes were longer today, and as they intertwined arms and looked into each other’s eyes, they each took a gentle sip.

The emcee said, “Drinking this cup symbolizes that from this moment on, you are one. May you have a long and harmonious marriage, sharing both joys and hardships, supporting one another through life.”

Wen Yang was a little thirsty to begin with. The cold wine felt refreshing, and she instinctively took another sip.

Fu Xingzhou swallowed the wine, then gently took her glass and passed it to Lu Zhan. Wen Yang tugged at his sleeve. Understanding her intent, he whispered, “You can’t drink too much of this.”

Lu Zhan handed over a glass of juice. Wen Yang took it and finished it in one go—it felt amazing.

The emcee smiled and continued with the next segment.

Parents’ speeches.

Both sets of parents had prepared notes, but in the end, neither stuck to them completely—they improvised. Today, Qiu Pei looked absolutely stunning. Standing on stage, no one could tell her true age. Holding the mic, she smiled and said:

“The emcee said it well—supporting each other through life. I think falling in love is easy, but staying together is hard. And because it’s hard, it’s all the more precious.”

“I hope Fu Xingzhou and Wen Yang can walk hand in hand for life, growing old together.”

As she said this, she looked at Fu Xingzhou and Wen Yang. As a mother, this was her dearest hope. She hadn’t achieved this herself, so she wished more than anything that her son and daughter-in-law would live their lives without regret—together until the end.

Wen Yang smiled gently at Qiu Pei.

Fu Xingzhou met his mother’s gaze. He didn’t speak, but he understood her completely. He gave a small nod.

Qiu Pei smiled, looked away, and said, “Since I’m already on stage, I’ll sing a song for everyone—and dedicate it to my son and daughter-in-law.”

She began singing:

“He will be your groom, from now on your lifelong partner, His everything will be closely tied to yours— Blessings and hardships alike, you will share together. She will be your bride, entrusted to you with great care, You must cherish her doubly with your life— In sorrow and joy, share everything. It must be a very special fate, That brings two people to become a family… He loves you a little more, You return that love a little more, Seek out the possibilities of happiness— From now on, you are no longer alone, Always thinking of each other, The more you give, the more complete love becomes.”

Qiu Pei’s voice was beautiful, and her singing was lovely.

Many people in the room were moved.

Wen Yang looked at Qiu Pei and thought she truly was a radiant mother. She didn’t say anything to Fu Xingzhou—just quietly tightened her grip on his arm.

And he tightened his grip on her hand.

Thank you, Mom.

We’ll do our best.

When the song ended, Wen Yang hugged Qiu Pei, and Qiu Pei gently patted her head.

Then Wen Yang’s own parents came onstage. Most of what needed to be said had already been said, but Zhu Yun looked at her daughter and gave a few final words of advice. She said:

“True growth is having experienced pain and still having the courage to love and embrace the sunlight.”

“Yangyang, you’ve done really well.”

Wen Yang pressed her lips together and nodded to Zhu Yun.

Zhu Yun gave her a hug. “My daughter is amazing.”

Wen Yang responded with a quiet “Mm.”

Then came the bouquet toss.

Wen Yang stood at the center of the stage with a small bouquet in hand. Behind her were dozens of single guests. Fu Bin and Old Seven were elbowing each other, each determined to push the other off the stage. Lu Zhan stood nearby with his arms crossed, clearly uninterested. Yu Qing was being dragged by Tao Li, half resisting and half going along.

Thump—

The bouquet flew through the air and landed directly in Lu Zhan’s arms.

Lu Zhan was stunned.

What the hell?

Yu Qing was also stunned. The bouquet had a ribbon tied in a bow, and when it landed, the bow came loose and fell into Yu Qing’s hand. Even Fu Bin, who had still been pushing, stopped and craned his neck to see.

“Whoa, what’s going on with you two, huh?”

Lu Zhan, holding the bouquet minus the ribbon, gave Fu Bin a kick. “Don’t talk nonsense.”

Yu Qing, holding the bow, was blushing all over. But the ribbon was so pretty, holding it felt like holding a flower. Tao Li let out a dramatic “Ohhh” and gave Lu Zhan a look. Yu Qing quickly covered Tao Li’s eyes.

Tao Li pried her hand away. “Okay, okay, I get it.”

She then looked toward Xu Xu in the audience.

Wen Yang turned and saw this. Smiling, she took the microphone and said:

“I hope the next one is you.”

She said this while looking right at Yu Qing.

Yu Qing caught her gaze and mouthed “No, no, no.”

Wen Yang just smiled faintly.

Then Fu Xingzhou led her down the steps—they were going to change into their toasting outfits.

The toasting process was long. There were so many guests that she’d specifically chosen a more convenient dress for this segment. Relatives from Nanan, Fu Xingzhou’s relatives, Fu Linyuan from Beijing, the CEO of Fu Heng Group and his wife Chen Jing, and Fu Yan and his wife Wen Nanxi from Yanxu Smart Tech were all present. Wen Nanxi looked at Wen Yang and smiled. They hadn’t seen each other in years, and although both had changed, they still recognized each other instantly.

At the tables with Nanan relatives—

Several aunts and cousins grabbed Wen Yang’s hand and said, “You look absolutely stunning today.”

The wedding was beautifully arranged.

Some of them had attended her first wedding, so naturally there would be comparisons. In the end, they believed it showed Zhu Yun had raised her daughter well—so capable, so admirable.

Wen Yang smiled and replied, “You all look wonderful too, very beautiful today.”

“Oh, we’re old now. Wen Yang, you must take care of yourself.”

“I will.”

The aunts sneaked a few more glances at Fu Xingzhou. His sleeves were rolled up as he clinked glasses with a few of Wen Yang’s uncles. He had a dignified presence but never seemed arrogant—and most importantly, he was very handsome.

So young, too.

That was the biggest surprise.

When they first heard he was the CEO of Qingzhou Group, they thought he’d at least be middle-aged. Who would’ve thought he’d be this young and attractive?

Fu Xingzhou listened as Wen Yang’s uncles offered their blessings. He smiled faintly and said:

“We will. Thank you.”

After a full round of toasting, Wen Yang had drunk quite a bit—mostly herbal tea. Fu Xingzhou, however, had been drinking real alcohol. Near the end, he was reaching his limit. The crowd was just too big. Fu Bin, Old Seven, Lu Zhan, Fu Yan, and Jiang Yue all stepped in to help him take the heat. Zhou Shiyuan also gathered a group of friends to drink.

Everyone was trying to take the pressure off the bride and groom.

Meanwhile—

The results of the “Flower House” competition were announced.

Yunchi Studio placed in the top three. They came in first place, although there was a special prize awarded to a different entry. After voting by city-level judges, it was decided that while the special prize winner had a very creative design, it included impractical and unrealistic concepts—too futuristic and not in line with the current tone of development in Nancheng. So they decided to adopt the first-place design by Yunchi.

Wen Yang and Yu Qing didn’t see the announcement until late at night.

Receiving that kind of news on a day like today—felt like a double blessing.

Yu Qing was thrilled.

After the banquet, she dragged the others to a second round of celebration. Wen Yang was too exhausted and went home to Washington residence with Fu Xingzhou. Fu Bin—ever the prankster—tried to follow them for the traditional bridal chamber teasing, but Fu Linyuan yanked him back by the collar.

Fu Xingzhou nodded politely to his cousin.

He wrapped his arm around Wen Yang and helped her into the car.

Fu Bin still shouted at the departing car, “Boss…!!”

The black sedan drove away, leaving him heartlessly behind.

The Washington residence had been ready for half a month. Family members had visited during the wedding prep, but Wen Yang and Fu Xingzhou hadn’t stayed there yet.

Tonight was their official move-in.

The door closed.

Inside, the room was filled with a light scent of sandalwood and fresh flowers. Bright, dewy blooms sat on the kitchen island. Wen Yang kicked off her high heels and walked in barefoot, then flopped onto the sofa.

A deep gray sofa. She was still wearing the red toasting dress that accentuated her graceful figure.

Fu Xingzhou poured her a glass of water at the island and brought it over. He had also drunk quite a bit. He loosened his collar. Wen Yang sat up and sipped the water. Fu Xingzhou lowered his eyes and watched her drink. A few seconds later, she placed the glass on the side table.

He leaned down and kissed her lips.

The taste of alcohol lingered—rich, yet sweet.

Wen Yang tilted her head and returned the kiss. The heavy dress felt cumbersome, and she reached to undo it. Soon she stood up, and he pulled her into his arms, one hand wrapped around her slender waist.

After a while, Wen Yang collapsed onto the sofa. Fu Xingzhou leaned over and kissed her.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, her body trembling slightly. Their eyes met. Fu Xingzhou kissed her forehead and pressed her waist, drawing closer, inch by inch.

Wen Yang’s fingernails dug harshly across his shoulders, leaving red marks.

Their wedding night.

In this beautifully decorated new home, the night was filled with love and intimacy. There was no way Fu Bin could interrupt. Even though Fu Xingzhou had drunk quite a bit, he remained clear-headed.

Wen Yang, however, was exhausted. She buried her face into his neck, nearly unconscious. But after a few rounds of rest and kisses from him—she was awake again.

Late at night.

The bride, dressed in a soft nightgown, curled up in his arms, sound asleep.

Fu Xingzhou gently wiped the sweat from her neck, turned off the light, pulled her closer into his embrace, and fell asleep too.

—

There was still a lot to do the next day.

They had to meet with relatives who stayed overnight and those who came from afar. They also needed to return to the old house for a meal with the matriarch. Meanwhile, Wen Yang and Yu Qing went to collect their award for the Flower Room design competition.

The special prize went to a newly established studio.

The second prize went to a well-established studio.

Liu Yu’s studio, Yunran, placed fourth, making it a backup choice. Liu Yu had just missed the top three by one spot. After receiving the award, Yu Qing smiled and said, “No wonder they wanted us to drop out of the competition.”

Wen Yang put an arm around her shoulder and said, “It’s okay.”

Yu Qing hummed in agreement.

The style of the studio that won the special prize was indeed very avant-garde. Wen Yang and Yu Qing had seen their work and were amazed by their creativity. It reminded them that there’s always someone better out there, and one must keep learning to continue improving. Still, they had been quite lucky—having their submission selected by the city helped bring recognition to their studio.

After receiving the award with Yu Qing,

Wen Yang and Fu Xingzhou went to the old house for a meal. Afterward, they returned to Huafu. Wen Yang had been running around all day and took a quick shower. When she came out, she received a file from Yu Zhan.

It was about company shares—she needed to review and sign it.

Wen Yang, still drying her long hair, looked at the chat window and typed:

Wen Yang: “Who recommended you for the promotion?”

Yu Zhan: “President Fu.”

Wen Yang: “Why did Cheng Yanyu suddenly want to step down?”

Yu Zhan saw that she called him Cheng Yanyu—a shift from her past terms like “my husband,” “Yanyu,” or teasingly “your President Cheng.” Over the past year, her attitude had clearly changed.

Yu Zhan: “President Cheng’s mother is in poor health. He wants to spend time with her, so President Fu agreed.”

Wen Yang: “Is that so?”

Yu Zhan: “That’s pretty much it.”

Wen Yang: “Hmm.”

She was about to put her phone down when another message came in from Yu Zhan:

Yu Zhan: “Actually, President Fu wasn’t willing to…”

Then, he deleted the message.

Wen Yang stared at it.

Yu Zhan’s words carried weight. Based on what she knew of Cheng Yanyu, he wouldn’t just walk away from Yiyan at this time. The company was still growing. He had mentioned wanting to travel the country, but that was something for after he lost the drive to push himself. Now, he wasn’t even thirty—stepping down seemed… off.

The timing was very precise.

Wen Yang got out of bed, walked to the living room, and sat on the couch while combing her hair. She peeked at Fu Xingzhou, who was reading on his tablet. Seeing his wife suddenly lean over, he lifted his eyes calmly.

Wen Yang blinked and softly asked, “Did Cheng Yanyu leaving Yiyan have something to do with Kaixin?”

Fu Xingzhou raised his eyes to look at her. “You figured it out?”

Wen Yang thought for a moment.

Yu Zhan hadn’t said everything, but she had a sense of it. So she nodded. “Did it have something to do with you?”

Fu Xingzhou put aside his tablet, rested his hand on his knee, and gently brushed aside her damp bangs. “And what if it did?”

Wen Yang blinked again and asked softly, “Why?”

Fu Xingzhou pinched the tip of her nose. “Why do you think?”

Wen Yang looked at him but didn’t answer. Her eyes shimmered with curiosity.

Fu Xingzhou’s voice was gentle. “I wish I had met you when I was twenty.”

“If I’d met you earlier, there wouldn’t have been so many years of emptiness.”

There wouldn’t have been anything to do with Cheng Yanyu either.

Hearing his words, Wen Yang’s lips curved into a gentle smile. She understood what he meant. She said, “Even now, I still love you very much.”

Fu Xingzhou’s gaze deepened. “So do I.”

He thought for a moment and said, “Yu Zhan told you, didn’t he?”

Wen Yang was surprised by how sharp he was. She asked, “You knew?”

“You think he didn’t tell you on purpose? He even retracted the message.”

Fu Xingzhou glanced at her phone and said, “A gesture of loyalty.”

“Rather than letting you find out from someone else in the future, better to tell you himself.”

Wen Yang was taken aback.

Yu Zhan really wasn’t someone to be underestimated.

With just a small push, he helped her and Fu Xingzhou open up emotionally. She got to understand what was in Fu Xingzhou’s heart—and their relationship naturally deepened.

---

Sansukini: I kinda feel sorry for Cheng Yanyu for losing the company he founded.

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