Chapter 54

The members of the Huo family all turned their heads toward the staircase in unison. Not long after Ye Leyao finished speaking, a burst of lively laughter could be heard.

Father and Mother Cui, accompanied by Zhong Ziwei and followed by a group of people, were walking up the stairs, chatting and laughing.

Ye Leyao’s gaze first landed on Zhong Ziwei. After sizing him up for a moment, he silently mused to himself:

[I have to say, Zhong Ziwei really does look like a scumbag.]

The Huo family members all nodded in agreement.

Especially noticing Zhong Ziwei’s dark circles that even concealer couldn’t cover, it was clear that he was quite adept at “time management.”

Zhong Ziwei scanned the guests and, upon seeing Huo Yan, was momentarily stunned before raising an eyebrow and smiling, “Well, well, what brings our Second Young Master Huo here today?”

Huo Yan had always disliked Zhong Ziwei and his group of friends, who enjoyed indulging in debauchery, so whenever they ran into each other, a few jabs were inevitable.

Huo Yan’s expression remained unchanged, and he even offered a faint smile, “I had nothing else going on today, so I thought I’d come and see the excitement.”

He wasn’t lying. The whole Huo family was here precisely to witness the spectacle involving Zhong Ziwei later on.@@novelbin@@

Huo Yan was genuinely looking forward to it!

The members of the Huo family couldn’t help but smile at his words.

However, Zhong Ziwei didn’t seem to grasp the deeper meaning behind their smiles. Although he indeed didn’t get along with Huo Yan, considering the presence of their elders, he knew to restrain himself and said, “Well, enjoy the show. I’ll leave you to it.”

With that, he walked into the bridal chamber, surrounded by the crowd.

According to custom, the bride’s younger brother should carry her to the car next.

But at this critical moment, Father and Mother Cui suddenly realized that they couldn’t find any trace of Cui Fan anywhere in the house.

Where had Cui Fan gone?

Zhong Ziwei was still in the room, laughing and talking with others, while Father Cui anxiously stepped outside with his phone to make a call.

Unfortunately, the call was destined to go unanswered.

Ye Leyao watched Father Cui’s anxious figure and found it amusing.

[Why bother looking? Cui Fan is right in the bridal chamber!]

[He’s right under your nose, and you can’t even recognize your own son?]

The corners of the Huo family members’ mouths all curled up.

The others didn’t know what they were laughing about and simply assumed that the Huo family also approved of this marriage between the two families.

Father Cui searched around outside but returned to the bridal chamber empty-handed, clutching his phone in a rush, “I… I couldn’t find him…”

Mother Cui frowned but, with so many of the groom’s relatives present, held back her anger and instead spoke in a complaining tone, “That child, so inconsiderate! At this time, has he gone off to play again? Maybe we should let Xiao Shu’s cousin…”

At this point, Zhong Ziwei interrupted, “No need. I’ll carry Xiao Shu myself.”

Father and Mother Cui exchanged glances.

Father Cui said, “Well, since it’s a traditional-style wedding anyway, we don’t need to follow every old custom to the end!”

Mother Cui quickly smiled to smooth things over, “Exactly, thank you for taking care of this, Ziwei.”

They had waited so long for this day and couldn’t afford any more mishaps!

But Father and Mother Cui probably never imagined that the mishap had already occurred, and from now on, events would be beyond their control.

It was perfectly fine for the groom to carry the bride to the carriage, so after Father and Mother Cui nodded, all eyes turned to Zhong Ziwei.

And Zhong Ziwei himself had been looking forward to this moment for a long time!

This was a great opportunity to get close to Cui Shu!

From the first time he met Cui Shu, Zhong Ziwei had taken a liking to her.

Unfortunately, Cui Shu was different from the other girls Zhong Ziwei had known. Even after confirming their relationship, she still wouldn’t let him touch her.

Zhong Ziwei had never encountered a traditional “good girl” like Cui Shu before. He found it novel and was willing to play along.

At the time, Zhong Ziwei thought that since the Cui family was eager to see them married, as long as they got engaged… wouldn’t Cui Shu eventually have to comply?

But what Zhong Ziwei hadn’t expected was that his past indulgences and black history had been discovered by Cui Shu.

As a result, Cui Shu not only caused a ruckus in the Cui family but even made a scene in front of Zhong Ziwei’s parents.

Feeling disgraced, Zhong’s parents wanted to call off the engagement on the spot.

But before they could say anything, Zhong Ziwei interrupted them.

If Zhong Ziwei had only been somewhat interested in Cui Shu before, now his interest had skyrocketed to 100%.

The more Cui Shu resisted, the stronger Zhong Ziwei’s desire to conquer her became.

He was determined to have Cui Shu.

So, despite his parents’ opposition, Zhong Ziwei insisted on marrying Cui Shu.

And since the Cui family had always wanted the two to get married, they did everything they could to make it happen.

A while ago, Cui Shu was so upset that no matter how much their parents urged her, she refused to go to the registry office to get the marriage license with Zhong Ziwei.

As the situation was about to reach a stalemate, it was Zhong Ziwei who made the first concession.

In Zhong Ziwei’s mind, what was a marriage certificate but just a piece of paper?

Once he and Cui Shu had consummated their marriage, wouldn’t Cui Shu be the one begging him then?

Just the thought of that scene excited Zhong Ziwei.

Today was their wedding day, and tonight—

Zhong Ziwei looked at the person in front of him, dressed in elaborate wedding attire, and barely suppressed the desire in his eyes. He swallowed hard before saying, “Xiao Shu, shall I carry you?”

The person under the red veil took a full two seconds before slightly nodding.

Zhong Ziwei’s face lit up with joy, and he immediately crouched down in front of “Cui Shu,” saying, “Come on, hop on! Today I’ll carry my bride back home!”

Upon hearing this, the crowd couldn’t help but start clapping and cheering.

Only Ye Leyao looked ahead with concern.

Huo Yan, who had been watching Ye Leyao’s expressions, was momentarily stunned.

Why that expression?

Before he could start speculating if there was more to the story, Ye Leyao remarked with deep emotion:

[I wonder if Zhong Ziwei has as much stamina as Lu Bo.]

Why bring up Lu Bo all of a sudden?

The Huo family had all watched Ye Leyao’s variety show livestream, so they were naturally familiar with Lu Bo.

But it was a pity that, apart from Huo Yan, none of them had been there in person to witness the drama. Could there be more that wasn’t shown on the livestream?

With this in mind, Father Huo, Mother Huo, and Huo Jing all turned their heads to look at Huo Yan in unison.

Huo Yan: “…”

Why are you looking at me?

Didn’t I already share all the juicy details in the family chat, aside from those about Ye Leyao?

Then they heard Ye Leyao stifle a laugh:

[Hahaha, as expected, all rotten cucumbers are equally weak!]

Ye Leyao was really good at coming up with comparisons.

Zhong Ziwei was walking forward, trembling with every step, while his thighs kept shaking uncontrollably. Didn’t he look just like someone with Parkinson’s disease?

As he passed by, Huo Yan kindly suggested, “Why not take the elevator?”

Zhong Ziwei’s eyes lit up, “Yes, the elevator… Where is it?”

Everyone present was struggling to keep their composure, but out of respect for the hosts, they held back their laughter.

“This way, Ziwei, this way!”

Mother and Father Cui led the way, and the group moved on.

At this moment, Father Huo spoke up, “Alright, we should head to the banquet hall as well.”

After all, the real excitement would be at the banquet, and they couldn’t afford to miss it.

Ye Leyao nodded as well, “Alright, let’s go!”

As the group descended the stairs, they happened to see Zhong Ziwei carrying “Cui Shu” as they emerged from the elevator.

Zhong Ziwei was already sweating profusely, and after taking a couple of steps, he had to stop and rest, “Hold on… I’m a bit tired. Let me catch my breath.”

“Cui Shu” was also very considerate, “Are you sure you’re okay? I can walk by myself if you’d like. It’s no trouble for me to walk a few steps.”

The one thing a man hates most is being asked by a woman if he’s up to the task.

Zhong Ziwei gritted his teeth and took another step forward, “Of course I’m fine! But Xiao Shu… have you gained some weight recently?”

“Cui Shu” snorted coldly, “Locked up at home every day, what do you think?”

Zhong Ziwei felt a bit guilty and said no more.

Father and Mother Cui were puzzled, though—hadn’t Cui Shu barely eaten recently?

Or could it be that… Zhong Ziwei was just too weak to carry even Cui Shu?

Except for Cui Shu’s parents, no one knew the difficulties behind this marriage. So even though they found it strange, no one said a word.

Father Cui even walked over to support Zhong Ziwei, letting him lean on him to help ease the burden.

It wasn’t until they saw Zhong Ziwei shakily load Cui Fan into the car that the family finally withdrew their gazes and closed the car window.

The driver started the car, and they headed to the wedding banquet site ahead of the wedding procession.

There was no traffic, so the family arrived before the wedding car.

As soon as Ye Leyao got out of the car, his eyes scanned the banquet hall.

[According to logic, Cui Shu should have arrived by now, right?]

The members of the Huo family were taken aback by Ye Leyao’s muttering.

Cui Shu finally managed to escape from surveillance, so shouldn’t she be running away as quickly as possible at this point?

Then, as they thought more about it, they realized something was off. No, Cui Fan was still inside!

Even though they knew Cui Fan was likely safe, Cui Fan was still Cui Shu’s only brother, the only one in the family willing to go through fire and water for her. How could Cui Shu possibly leave Cui Fan behind and just run away?

The members of the Huo family, now understanding this, were no longer in a hurry. They could just wait for Ye Leyao to deliver the good news!

At the same time, Qin Yao, on the other side of the banquet hall, frowned slightly.

Cui Shu?

If he remembered correctly, Cui Shu was one of the main characters in this wedding, right?

But he hadn’t seen the wedding car arrive yet.

Suddenly, Qin Yao’s eyelid twitched. Ye Leyao wasn’t the type to enjoy being in the spotlight, and if he had come to join in on the fun…

Did that mean there was more drama at this wedding?

Qin Yao suddenly lost interest in making small talk with his business partners. He needed to find Ye Leyao right away.

Just as Qin Yao was about to pinpoint Ye Leyao’s location, he heard Ye Leyao’s voice.

[Hey? President Qin is here too?]

Qin Yao turned around and saw Ye Leyao standing behind him.

He immediately smiled and waved at Ye Leyao, “Just arrived?”

Since Qin Yao had already seen him, Ye Leyao couldn’t pretend he hadn’t. He was just about to step forward and greet him when he noticed a small-statured waiter quickly running past them.

Ye Leyao’s eyes suddenly lit up.

[It’s Cui Shu! She really did arrive first!]

[Hey, and behind her… She even found herself a bodyguard!]

[Hahaha, good, good! Now there’s no need to worry about them getting bullied!]

Ye Leyao looked excitedly at Cui Shu’s retreating figure, so much so that he didn’t even notice when Qin Yao approached him.

Qin Yao also glanced in the direction Ye Leyao was looking, memorized the waiter’s physique, and then quickly looked away.

“Where’s your seat?” Qin Yao asked.

In principle, except for the main family members, guests at a wedding banquet can sit anywhere they like.

But at a grand wedding like this, not only are the seating arrangements meticulously organized, but the number of guests is also predetermined.

Ye Leyao pointed to a table and said, “I’m sitting with my parents.”

Qin Yao nodded; his seat was at the table next to theirs. “Let’s head over then. It’s about time; the wedding car should be arriving soon.”

No sooner had Qin Yao finished speaking than a celebratory cannon shot rang out outside, followed by music filling the hall. The guests became excited and rushed toward the entrance of the banquet hall.

“Let’s go.”

As the crowd surged forward, Qin Yao reached out to grab Ye Leyao’s arm to prevent him from being jostled. However, as another guest moved towards him, Qin Yao shifted slightly to the side, and his outstretched hand ended up grabbing Ye Leyao’s hand instead of his arm.

Ye Leyao was completely caught off guard.

[Uh, why is President Qin holding my hand?]

Qin Yao: “…”

Would Ye Leyao believe him if he said it wasn’t intentional?

Qin Yao opened his mouth to explain, but before he could, Ye Leyao pulled him forward. “Come on, President Qin, what are you standing there for?”

Now it was Qin Yao’s turn to be stunned.

So Ye Leyao didn’t find it strange that Qin Yao was holding his hand?

Isn’t Ye Leyao supposed to like guys?

Could it be—

Qin Yao’s eyelid twitched.

The boy’s fingers were slightly cool, naturally curling up in Qin Yao’s palm. His thumb rested on Qin Yao’s hand, gently rubbing it a couple of times.

Then Ye Leyao exclaimed in surprise,

[Wow, who would’ve thought President Qin’s hand would be so soft and smooth, even smoother than mine!]

Qin Yao: “!!!”

Not far away, the Huo family: “…”

Huo Yan almost felt like his eyes were going to shoot fire.

No, Qin Yao, why are you holding his little brother’s hand?

Huo Jing looked even more serious, “Xiao Yao is at the age where he could start dating, but isn’t Qin Yao a bit too old?”

Papa Huo: “…”

Mama Huo rolled her eyes, “Aren’t you thinking a bit too far ahead? I saw it just now; they held hands by accident!”

“Besides, didn’t you hear Xiao Yao’s last comment?” Mama Huo’s voice was very low as she said this.

Now it was the brothers’ turn to be silent.

True, it was just an accident, and Ye Leyao was still… well.

They were the ones who should be apologizing!

It seems they really need to have a good talk with their little brother about keeping a safe distance, even from familiar men!

Qin Yao also snapped back to reality at this moment and quickly pulled his hand back.

Ye Leyao looked back in confusion.

[Hmm? Not holding hands anymore?]

Qin Yao took a deep breath and explained, “I was just worried about getting separated, but now that everyone’s gone to watch the excitement, we don’t have to worry about that anymore.”

Ye Leyao replied, “Alright.”

If you listen carefully, his tone even seemed a bit disappointed.

Then he heard him muttering in his mind,

[I’ve never really held hands with anyone before. I wonder if other guys’ hands are like President Qin’s?]

[It felt pretty nice, though.]

[Alright then, I’ll try holding someone else’s hand next time.]

Qin Yao: “…”

The entire Huo family: “…”

Huo Yan covered his face.

No, Ye Leyao, do you realize how dangerous your thoughts are?

Huo Jing was full of concern, “Maybe we should arrange some dating lessons for Xiao Yao in a while?”

Papa Huo said, “Doesn’t the second one have dating experience?”

Mama Huo looked disdainful: “Forget it; his experience is just getting scammed for money and emotions.”

The Huo family collectively sighed heavily, all looking a bit worried.

But at this moment, Ye Leyao’s attention was already elsewhere. The sound of firecrackers outside the door fired a few more times, and Ye Leyao craned his neck to see, noticing Zhong Ziwei and “Cui Shu” being ushered in by other guests.

[It’s starting, it’s starting! Let’s hurry back.]

The Huo and Qin families, being distinguished guests, had their seats arranged at the very front.

Seeing Ye Leyao approach, Mama Huo waved at him: “Xiao Yao, come sit over here.”

Ye Leyao walked over, and just as he sat down, he heard the emcee announce loudly, “The bride and groom are entering!”

The room immediately erupted into thunderous applause.

After the applause subsided, the emcee began the congratulatory speech.

On stage, a few seats had already been prepared.

The elders from both families took their places on stage, ready to receive tea from the newlyweds after the ceremony.

At this moment, all attention was on the two newlyweds, and Ye Leyao was no exception. However, he observed more closely than others.

Ye Leyao immediately noticed the beads of sweat rolling down Zhong Ziwei’s forehead, leaving traces as they fell. Even his makeup at the temples had started to smudge. Not only that, although Zhong Ziwei’s walking seemed normal, his hand hanging at the side was trembling slightly!

[Hahaha, it seems he still hasn’t recovered from carrying Cui Fan down the stairs earlier!]

[Alright, alright, I admit it now. Zhong Ziwei is even more frail than Lu Bo! At least Lu Bo had the strength to struggle after being pinned down by Sister Xin!]

The Huo family all had smiles on their faces.

Isn’t that the truth?

But then again, both of them are equally terrible, and neither is nobler than the other.

As the newlyweds took the stage, the room was filled with thunderous applause.

After a while, the emcee’s voice rang out again, signaling the start of the wedding ceremony.

[Here it comes! The most exciting part is about to begin!]

Unlike Western-style weddings, the emcee wouldn’t ask the couple if they’re willing to marry; the first ritual is the newlyweds bowing to the heavens and the earth.

The emcee’s voice rang out loudly, “First bow, to heaven and earth!”

Zhong Ziwei turned to bow towards the outside of the banquet hall. After bowing, he straightened up and turned back around.

But just as he turned, he suddenly felt something was off.

It seemed like “Cui Shu,” standing next to him, hadn’t bowed?

The guests, who had a clearer view than Zhong Ziwei, saw that “Cui Shu” didn’t just fail to bow—he hadn’t moved at all.

For a moment, many guests were confused.

“What’s going on?”

“Could the rumors from a while back be true?”

“What rumors?”

“You didn’t hear? There was talk about the Cui family’s daughter being forced into this marriage with Zhong’s family, even though she didn’t want to.”

“So, even now, she hasn’t given in?”

“I also heard they haven’t even registered the marriage yet. And if she had given in, why didn’t she move just now?”

When the wealthy chat about gossip, they aren’t much different from ordinary people. When the conversation gets exciting, their voices start getting louder.

Qin Yao, who was listening, understood the gist of the situation.

But remembering the servant he had seen earlier with Ye Leyao, Qin Yao was puzzled.

If that servant was Cui Shu, then who is this standing on stage now?

Qin Yao glanced at Ye Leyao.

At this moment, Ye Leyao’s eyes were practically sparkling, unblinkingly focused on the stage.

Qin Yao’s gaze lingered on his face for a moment, then quickly and discreetly shifted away.

Just then, Ye Leyao’s voice sounded in his head again:

[Hahaha, the emcee must be panicking by now, screaming for help inside!]

It’s more than that!

The emcee was truly breaking out in a cold sweat.

Looking at the unmoving “bride” in front of him, the emcee even started to doubt whether his voice had been too quiet, so he called out again, “First bow, to heaven and earth!”

This time, Zhong Ziwei didn’t immediately turn and bow. Instead, he reached out to tug at “Cui Shu’s” arm, trying to pull her into a bow with him.

But as soon as his hand grasped “Cui Shu’s” hand, he felt something was wrong.

Before his romantic escapades were discovered by Cui Shu, he had held her hand before.

Why did Cui Shu’s hand feel like a man’s hand now?

“Have you had enough touching?” A cold male voice rang out.

Zhong Ziwei’s pupils dilated in shock. He pointed at the person in front of him in disbelief: “You… you… Cui Shu, why does your voice sound like a man’s?!”

As he spoke, he reached out to lift the veil, but Cui Fan moved faster. With one hand, he lifted his own veil, and with the other, he formed a tight fist.

There was a crisp sound as Zhong Ziwei’s head was punched to the side, and blood immediately began to drip from his nose. Stunned, he staggered back a step. When he saw the person in front of him clearly, his face filled with horror: “You… you are…”

“Who the hell cares who I am, you filthy toad!”

Before Zhong Ziwei could react, Cui Fan grabbed his arm, twisted it back, and, with a graceful over-the-shoulder throw, slammed him onto the ground.

With a dull thud, the entire banquet hall fell completely silent.

What just happened?!

Only Ye Leyao was bursting with excitement inside:

[That veil lift and over-the-shoulder throw was so cool!]

[But Zhong Ziwei’s expression was truly priceless! A real-life transformation—sister turned into brother, must’ve scared him senseless!]