Chapter 53

Ye Leyao lay on the sofa and let out a long sigh, completely unaware that the entire family’s eyes were on him.

Cui Fan was getting married in place of her sister, and then what?

Hurry up and tell us!

Mama Huo quickly looked at Papa Huo.

Papa Huo scratched his head, thought for a few seconds, and blurted out, “Xiao Yao, since she’s your elementary school classmate’s sister, why don’t you come with me? It would be a good opportunity to reconnect with your classmate.”

Hmm, after saying this, Papa Huo felt a bit guilty.

But Ye Leyao was already planning to go, so he nodded without hesitation and said, “Okay.”

Then he chuckled inwardly: [But I won’t tell Papa Huo that I’m not really familiar with Cui Fan; I’m just going to watch the drama unfold!]

The Huo family looked at each other.

Yeah, they were also interested in watching the drama.

So, what’s the story?

Everyone quietly waited.

After finishing a game, Ye Leyao exited the game interface, opened his phone’s notes, quickly scanned through them, and then nodded repeatedly.

[Just as I thought, I didn’t remember wrong!]

[It seems Cui Fan and Cui Shu are pretty pitiful, having parents like that!]

Mama Huo turned her head to look at Papa Huo.

As expected, the problem was with the parents!

[The Cui family was originally a scholarly family, but it wasn’t until Cui Fan’s father’s generation that they started a business. Unfortunately, Father Cui didn’t have much business acumen. Although the company initially developed well, it’s now on the brink of collapse. To keep the company running, the couple sought a lot of investments and even took out significant loans from the bank.]

[Even so, the company’s current crisis hasn’t been alleviated, so the couple thought of having Cui Shu marry into wealth to secure investments…]

Ye Leyao frowned slightly, deeply disdainful of the Cui parents’ actions.

[It’s clearly the parents’ incompetence; why drag their daughter into this?]

The rest of the Huo family felt equally uncomfortable.

Arranged marriages in wealthy families are common, but most of them are based on mutual benefits, bringing advantages to both families’ businesses—not just one.

But the Cui family was different; they were only after the investment. This meant that as long as they got the money, they didn’t care about anything else, least of all their daughter’s happiness.

How is this different from selling their daughter for money?

[I have to say, Cui Shu is too obedient. When her parents first told her about the arranged marriage, she didn’t object but agreed directly!]

Mama Huo immediately frowned.

That’s odd. Weren’t there rumors recently that Cui Shu was against the marriage?

What’s going on?

Just then, Ye Leyao continued:

[When Cui Shu nodded, her parents eagerly went to the Zhong family to discuss the marriage. Although the Zhong family’s business prospects weren’t any better than the Cui family’s, they had old money! Plus, the Zhong family’s son was also at the age to marry, so the two families hit it off.]

[Under the matchmaking of both parents, Cui Shu soon met Zhong Ziwei. Initially, Cui Shu actually had a good impression of him. But as she spent more time with Zhong Ziwei, she discovered that he was not the gentleman he appeared to be; he was a complete playboy!]

Everyone in the same social circle had heard of Zhong Ziwei’s reputation.

Hmm…

In high school, Zhong Ziwei liked to hang out in bars, and after coming of age, he spent his days indulging in luxury, changing girlfriends as frequently as his clothes—

In short, he wasn’t a suitable match.

Papa and Mama Huo didn’t know as much as Huo Yan, but they had heard some things.

[After discovering Zhong Ziwei’s true nature, Cui Shu no longer wanted to marry him. She asked her parents to cancel the marriage, but by then, the Zhong family had already given the betrothal gifts. How could her parents agree to return the money?]

The whole family understood now.

Cui Shu had considered sacrificing her marriage to save her family’s company, but only if Zhong Ziwei was a good match.

A playboy who only indulged in pleasures was not someone Cui Shu would entrust her happiness to, which is why she rebelled against her family.

Could it be that Cui Fan is marrying in place of her sister because Cui Shu’s rebellion failed?

Ye Leyao flipped through his notes faster and faster, his frown deepening as he read.

Suddenly, Ye Leyao shouted in his heart:

[These parents of the Cui family are inhumane! Just because Cui Shu didn’t want to marry Zhong Ziwei, they not only restricted her freedom but also forced her into Zhong Ziwei’s bed!]

What?

The Huo family’s eyes widened.

Are they really Cui Shu’s parents?

What kind of parents would send their daughter to someone’s bed for money?

It’s simply inhuman!

Mama Huo was furious upon hearing this. Did they report it to the police?

Any non-consensual sexual act can be reported as rape!

Then Ye Leyao said:

[Ah, fortunately, Cui Fan arrived in time, not only beating up Zhong Ziwei but also giving his father a black eye, hahaha.]

The Huo family collectively sighed in relief.

As long as Cui Shu wasn’t harmed.

But the behavior of Cui’s parents was utterly despicable!

Papa Huo suddenly turned to look at Huo Jing.

Wasn’t the Cui family recently discussing a partnership with their company?

Huo Jing nodded.

He would instruct his people to quickly decline the Cui family’s offer.

He didn’t dare to cooperate with a company with such low morals.

[After that, Cui Shu completely lost faith in her parents, but with her freedom restricted, she couldn’t escape. Even Cui Fan was punished afterward.]

[So, the siblings conspired, leading to this marriage substitution!]

The family understood the reason for Cui Fan’s substitution.

But they were still curious—Cui Fan is a man; how did he manage to marry in place of his sister?

Wouldn’t he be exposed at the wedding?

Ye Leyao clearly knew the details; his eyes were shining as he sat on the sofa.

But at this moment, he stopped muttering to himself and instead said excitedly:

[Great, great! I can’t wait to attend the wedding! Hurry up and come, tomorrow!]

Thinking of this, Ye Leyao suddenly put down his phone and asked Papa Huo, “Papa Huo, are we going directly to the wedding tomorrow, or can we go to the bride’s place to see?”

Papa Huo looked at Mama Huo.

Usually, when attending weddings, they went straight to the wedding venue.

Visiting the bride’s place was possible, but it was usually done by the relatives of both families, and their family wasn’t related to the Cui family.

But since Ye Leyao mentioned it—

Mama Huo’s eyes lit up, and she smiled, “You want to see the bride’s place?”

Ye Leyao nodded repeatedly.

[The bride swap happens at the bride’s place; I can’t miss it!]

Mama Huo smiled slightly.

As expected!

She knew there must be some drama at the scene.

So Mama Huo said directly, “Alright, since Cui Fan is your classmate, let your dad call later and ask. If it’s okay, we’ll go to the bride’s place first tomorrow.”

The Cui family wanted to collaborate with the Huo Group, so Papa Huo’s call wouldn’t be rejected.

Ye Leyao smiled happily and said, “Okay!”

The rest of the Huo family also smiled, sharing the same thought as Ye Leyao:

Tomorrow, hurry up and come!

…

The next day, excited about watching the drama unfold, Ye Leyao got up immediately when his alarm rang in the morning.

After washing up and opening his door, he saw Huo Yan standing outside, about to knock.

Ye Leyao was surprised, “Huh? Second brother, what are you doing here?”

Huo Yan replied, “Of course, I’m here to wake you up. Aren’t we going to the wedding?”

Ye Leyao was even more puzzled, “But didn’t you say yesterday that you weren’t going?”

Huo Yan remained expressionless, “I changed my mind; is that not allowed?”

Ye Leyao blinked, not dwelling on it, but sighed.

[Alright, alright, after all, my second brother is at that age.]

Now it was Huo Yan’s turn to be puzzled.

What age?@@novelbin@@

Then he heard Ye Leyao muttering to himself:

[Wait a minute, second brother is only in his twenties; he can’t be entering a midlife crisis already, right?]

Huo Yan: “…”

Thank you, Ye Leyao!

When the two went downstairs and saw Huo Jing in a suit sitting upright, Ye Leyao was even more surprised.

“Big brother, you…”

[Wearing a suit, it can’t be for a meeting, right?]

Without blinking, Huo Jing calmly said, “The company meeting was canceled. Since I have time today, I decided to attend the wedding.”

Ye Leyao nodded.

[Hmm, workaholic big brother not going to work, that’s really convenient!]

Huo Yan lowered his head to hide the smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Huo Jing pretended not to hear Ye Leyao’s sarcasm.

He just wanted to watch the drama; work was always there, but drama wasn’t!

Not long after, Mama Huo and Papa Huo, all dressed up, also came downstairs.

“All set, let’s go!” Mama Huo said with a smile.

An hour later, the five members of the Huo family arrived at the Cui family’s villa on time.

After getting out of the car, they noticed that the wedding decorations outside the Cui villa were all in traditional Chinese style.

Could it be that today’s wedding is a traditional Chinese one?

Father and Mother Cui had been waiting at the door since early morning. When they saw the Huo family getting out of the car, they quickly came forward to greet them. The two were also dressed in Hanfu.

Ye Leyao looked them up and down.

[They’re dressed decently enough, but they certainly don’t behave like decent people!]

Well said!

The Huo family suppressed their smiles and began exchanging pleasantries with Father and Mother Cui.

After a few words, Father and Mother Cui led the Huo family inside.

The further they walked, the more traditional Chinese decorations they saw.

Mama Huo couldn’t hold back and asked, “Is today’s wedding a traditional Chinese one?”

Father and Mother Cui exchanged a smile at her words.

Mother Cui, feeling proud, smiled and said, “Yes, as you may know, both our families come from scholarly backgrounds, and our parents all love traditional culture. Our daughter is the same, so she said she wanted her wedding to be a traditional Chinese one. So today’s wedding is following the rituals from the Han dynasty!”

Mama Huo nodded, “I see.”

Ye Leyao secretly pursed his lips.

[It’s certainly traditional—so traditional that they’ve preserved even the “fine tradition” of selling daughters for wealth from ancient times.]

Huo Yan: “Ahem…”

He almost couldn’t hold back his laughter!

Ye Leyao’s remarks were so on point!

Papa and Mama Huo also struggled to keep from laughing.

Fortunately, Father and Mother Cui didn’t notice the changes in the Huo family’s expressions and continued warmly inviting them inside for tea.

Ye Leyao didn’t want to sit there, but he couldn’t think of an excuse to leave just yet.

Just then, Father Cui spoke up, “I heard that your Leyao and our Cui Fan were classmates, right?”

Mama Huo nodded, “Yes, Leyao mentioned yesterday that he and Cui Fan were elementary school classmates.”

“How about I have Cui Fan show Leyao around the house?” Father Cui offered enthusiastically.

Ye Leyao quickly nodded, “Sure, I’d love that! I haven’t seen him in a long time.”

Father Cui picked up his phone to make a call.

A moment later, they heard footsteps approaching.

Ye Leyao turned his head to look, and his eyes instantly lit up, his tone a bit excited.

[Even though I really haven’t seen Cui Fan in a long time, he didn’t look this fat in the photos he posted on his social media! Could he have already put on that wedding outfit that’s identical to his sister’s underneath?]

The Huo family also looked over.

Cui Fan wasn’t very tall, about half a head shorter than Ye Leyao, probably only around 175 cm. He was wearing a red Hanfu-style outfit for men. His face didn’t have much fat, but his body seemed somewhat bloated, looking rather mismatched. It was indeed possible that he was wearing two layers of clothing!

So, had Cui Fan started getting ready this early?

When Cui Fan saw Ye Leyao, his expression paused slightly before he put on a smile and greeted him, “I was just wondering which old classmate was coming, and it turns out to be Ye Leyao. It’s been a while.”

Ye Leyao smiled, “Yeah, it has been a while.”

[After all, we haven’t seen each other much since graduating from elementary school.]

After politely greeting everyone present, Cui Fan turned to Ye Leyao and said, “Shall we go? I’ll show you around.”

Ye Leyao quickly stood up and said, “Sure.”

Huo Yan watched the two walk away, his expression becoming a bit forlorn.

If Cui Fan had already put on his wedding outfit, it meant he was getting ready!

Wouldn’t Ye Leyao be heading straight to the ceremony too?

He wanted to go with Ye Leyao as well!

When would they be able to leave?

Mama Huo signaled Huo Yan with her eyes to be patient.

Look, Leyao wasn’t in a hurry just now, so there must still be some time before anything happens. It’s okay for them to wait a bit here!

No need to rush.

Following Cui Fan out of the reception hall, Ye Leyao was hesitating about how to ask where the main hall for the wedding ceremony would be when he suddenly heard Cui Fan say, “You can walk around by yourself for a bit; I don’t have time to show you around right now.”

Ye Leyao was momentarily stunned but quickly agreed, “Ah, okay.”

After all, Ye Leyao and Cui Fan weren’t very close, and since the Zhong family would be coming to pick up the bride soon, Cui Fan was undoubtedly busy. Ye Leyao didn’t want to waste his time.

However, Cui Fan seemed a bit surprised at how readily Ye Leyao agreed.

After a few seconds, when Cui Fan still hadn’t left, Ye Leyao asked in confusion, “Aren’t you busy?”

Cui Fan was silent for a moment, then finally said, “My parents have been trying to collaborate with your family recently, haven’t they?”

Ye Leyao wasn’t involved in business matters, but from Father and Mother Cui’s attitude toward his parents, he guessed, “Maybe.”

A flash of coldness crossed Cui Fan’s eyes, and then he said, “Then you’d better persuade your parents to reconsider and avoid collaborating with our family if possible.”

Ye Leyao looked at Cui Fan in surprise.

After saying that, Cui Fan didn’t pay any more attention to him and turned to go up the stairs to the second floor.

It wasn’t until Cui Fan’s figure disappeared that Ye Leyao couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

[Telling us not to collaborate with the Cui family, so Cui Fan has already been planning to bring down the Cui family, hasn’t he?]

[I love watching someone sacrifice everything for justice!]

Ye Leyao noted the direction Cui Fan had left and then wandered around the house alone. After confirming that Cui Fan was ready, he returned.

[It’s almost time; I’m ready to join the fun!]

[This staircase leads to the second floor, but Cui Fan probably didn’t go straight into Cui Shu’s room, did he?]

Ye Leyao walked up the stairs but didn’t stop on the second floor. Instead, he went directly to the large rooftop terrace of the villa. There was no one on the rooftop, just a large swimming pool, which seemed ordinary enough. However, on the inner side of the swimming pool, close to the villa, there was a thick rope as wide as a baby’s arm tied to the pool ladder. The rope extended to a window on the second floor.

Ye Leyao’s lips curled into a smile.

[So, this is how Cui Fan got inside!]

At the same time, in the reception hall.

Father Cui said, “It’s almost time for the Zhong family to come and pick up the bride. I’ll go upstairs to check on the children. Do you want to come with me?”

Mama Huo immediately nodded, “Sure, we’d love to see the bride too!”

So the group headed to the second floor.

Although the Cui family was having a traditional Chinese wedding, it was still modern times, so there weren’t as many strict rules as in ancient times. Not only did the Huo family want to see the bride, but many of the Cui family’s relatives were also gathered in the bridal chamber, eager to join the fun.

Ye Leyao arrived early, but he didn’t go in. He just stood by the window in the corridor, enjoying the breeze.

When he saw Father and Mother Huo’s group coming up, his eyes lit up, and he quickly waved to them.

Father Cui noticed Ye Leyao and instinctively asked, “Why are you alone, Leyao? Where’s Cui Fan?”

Ye Leyao smiled, “I told him I wanted to walk around by myself, so he left.”

[How could I disturb Cui Fan? He’s got important things to do!]

The Huo family couldn’t help but smile.

Well done!

Father Cui didn’t ask further upon hearing this and smiled as he led the Huo family to the bridal chamber.

Only then did Ye Leyao follow them inside.

Cui Shu’s bridal chamber was large, and the room was filled with noisy relatives and children, making it quite lively.

Cui Shu, dressed in her bridal gown, sat quietly at the dressing table, her eyes slightly downcast, as if she didn’t hear the commotion around her.

Ye Leyao quickly scanned the room, and his eyes lit up.

[Those two bridesmaids must be the bodyguards watching over Cui Shu!]

The Huo family looked at the bridesmaids simultaneously.

The two bridesmaids stood on either side of Cui Shu, looking unremarkable, but that was precisely the problem.

Although girls from wealthy families are taught etiquette from a young age, no girl stands like they’re doing military drills, right?

It was her wedding day, yet Cui Shu’s parents were still keeping such a close watch on her.

No wonder Cui Fan had the idea of marrying in his sister’s place.

They were even more intrigued now.

So how exactly did Cui Fan and Cui Shu switch places?

Although the siblings seem to be of similar height, Cui Fan is 175 cm while Cui Shu is just over 170 cm. Isn’t there a risk of being exposed?

To avoid alerting the bodyguards, the Huo family glanced briefly and quickly looked away.

Father Cui stepped forward, intending to call Cui Shu to greet the Huo family. But Cui Shu remained seated with her head bowed, as if she hadn’t heard Father Cui.

Father Cui’s face immediately darkened.

Mother Cui also grew cold, walking straight over to her and lowering her voice, “Cui Shu, why are you putting on such a long face? Don’t push me to anger on such a joyous day!”

Ye Leyao frowned and thought:

[She’s about to get angry? If you see your daughter turning into your son at the wedding, you’ll probably go crazy!]

Mama Huo covered her mouth and, after finishing her laugh, gently spoke, “Oh, look at what you’re saying. Which girl doesn’t want to be happy on her wedding day? They say marriage is the most important matter, and since it’s Xia Shu’s first wedding, she must be feeling a bit anxious.”

Papa Huo added, “Yes, greeting the guests isn’t a big deal. The Zhong family will be coming soon to pick up the bride. It’s better to let the child stay quiet for a while.”

With Papa and Mama Huo saying this, Father and Mother Cui had no choice but to smile and agree.

Mama Huo continued, “Alright, you two don’t need to accompany us anymore. We’ve seen the bride, and we’ll be heading to the Zhong family soon. You two go ahead and get ready.”

Father and Mother Cui, indeed having other matters to attend to and needing to welcome the Zhong family, nodded and bade farewell before going downstairs.

At that moment, a horn sounded from downstairs.

Ye Leyao went to the window to look.

[The Zhong family has arrived!]

Once they left, Cui Shu finally raised her head to look around the room and then stood up.

Ye Leyao’s eyes immediately lit up.

[Time to make a move!]

The Huo family also turned to look.

Cui Shu tilted her head toward the two bodyguard bridesmaids beside her and said, “I’m going to the restroom.”

One of the bodyguard bridesmaids said, “I’ll go with you.”

Cui Shu pulled at the corner of her mouth, picked up the veil on the table, and walked toward the restroom.

The Huo family was a bit bewildered.

Is the switch starting now?

Wait a moment.

How will they switch?

In a flash, the Huo family suddenly recalled Ye Leyao’s earlier thought:

[So, Cui Fan must have used that rope to get inside!]

The Huo family’s pupils contracted.

So Cui Fan must have already been hiding in the restroom in Cui Shu’s room?

Wait, hold on—

Cui Shu standing up doesn’t seem like the 170 cm height from just moments ago.

Ye Leyao’s excited voice rang out again:

[High heels, good, good, good. I wonder if the “Cui Shu” coming out will still be wearing high heels?]

The Huo family’s eyes widened.

They finally noticed Cui Shu’s feet.

Everyone’s lips curled into smiles.

Very good; they were starting to look forward to it.

Cui Shu reached the restroom door, and the bodyguards didn’t follow her in but stood outside.

About five minutes later, “Cui Shu” pushed open the restroom door. She was wearing the same red Hanfu as before, but the veil that was previously in her hands was now on her head.

The bodyguards looked at the veil on “her” head, momentarily stunned: “Why are you…”

A cold voice answered, “Everyone’s here, so if I don’t cover up now, when will I?”

The voice sounded indifferent and a bit husky, but it had no relation to a male voice; it was clearly a female tone.

So it’s really a switch?

The Huo family was puzzled.

Then they heard Ye Leyao covering his mouth and laughing.

[The real voice, truly impressive!]

[These two bodyguards were assigned to watch Cui Shu, so they don’t know much about her and even less about Cui Fan! After all, Cui Fan has been learning voice acting since middle school!]

[Not to mention mimicking his sister’s voice, he can imitate anyone!]

The Huo family then realized.

No wonder the switch went so smoothly!

Since “Cui Shu” had said so, the bodyguards couldn’t say much and followed “her” to the dressing table.

The Huo family watched intently as “Cui Shu” moved, and as she moved, her shoes were naturally revealed.

Before entering, she was wearing high heels, but now they were red flat shoes.

Clever!

What a trick to swap sister for brother!

The Huo family’s eyes were full of admiration.

They originally thought the switch would occur at the wedding venue, not realizing that Cui Fan had such boldness to make the switch before the wedding even started.

Ye Leyao was even more excited:

[Ahhhh, Zhong Ziwei is coming up!]