With one phone call, Wu Zhilun readily agreed. Even getting rather excited. He said no one had ever asked him to be best man before. Probably because he was too handsome that the groom would feel pressure.
Jia He was rendered speechless for a bit before obliging: “You’re right. With you as best man, I bet the bride would feel a lot of pressure too…” That side confidently continued: “Good point. I should discuss with Ah Ze first regarding your wedding. It’d still be better if I refrain from attending. Don’t want you feeling stressed.”
Her heart skipped a beat. She almost asked if Yi Wenze said anything to him before.
But she managed to swallow it back after some thought.
Luckily the weather was perfect on wedding day with glaring sunshine. The only downside was the bone-chilling cold of deep winter.
Jia He sat in the prep room looking at her own shockingly gorgeous made-up appearance. She very much wanted to lament: “If you got your face shaved into a pointy one, you could definitely act.” Qiao Qiao glared at her: “Can you not say what I least want to hear on the most exhilarating day of my life?” Jia He laughed: “I saw something on Weibo the other day that I really wanted to send you. ‘Usually the people closest to you who speak most harshly are also the ones who care about you most.’”
Qiao Qiao bared her teeth: “Then at best you’re number two. When it comes to viciousness, no one tops Xiao Yu.”
Jia He was in complete agreement. She walked over adjusting Qiao Qiao’s bridal gown nicely: “There are six flower boys later. Walk slower in case you trip. That’d be trouble.”
She only said it casually but Qiao Qiao instantly became paranoid. She started discussing with Jia He what to do if she did trip—even practicing elegant falling and getting up motions. Until the makeup artist couldn’t help laughing. Probably never saw such a silly bride before.
What Jia He didn’t expect was danger lurked everywhere.
When the priest announced they could exchange rings, the impeccably dressed best man on one side suddenly called out lightly: “Qiao Qiao.”
Qiao Qiao froze. The groom was utterly dumbfounded.
Under countless gazes, Wu Zhilun emotionally declared: “Actually I’ve always liked you. I agreed to be best man thinking I could sincerely bless you guys but I can’t do it after all,” he extended his hand out slowly, “you still have a chance to choose.”
The venue fell silent for a time. Even the priest’s eyes were wide probably only seeing stuff like this in movies. Never thought he’d hit the jackpot today.
One was a newly awarded director on the rise. The other was an idol-star red for over a decade.
Qiao Qiao’s life had completely upended on her own wedding day…
She was silent for quite a while seemingly actually considering it.
Sitting at the main table, Xiao Yu rather heartlessly looked at Jia He: “This was directed by you right?” Jia He exclaimed: “How’d you know?” Xiao Yu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “That good friend of Yi Wenze’s eh, he really dared to act. Although the lines were awful so you must not have been very invested writing them.” Jia He looked at her, defeated, just about to say something when Qiao Qiao already spoke.
First, she tenderly kissed the groom: “I’m sorry honey.”
Then deeply looked at Wu Zhilun. That gaze. It truly seemed like she would leave with him.
Who knew then she seemed to be unable to hold it in and laughed: “Go on. How much appearance fee did Jia He give you? I was prepared to act along with you originally. Unfortunately the best man in the world is right by my side with overwhelmingly greater appeal than you.”
Wu Zhilun scratched his nose reflexively: “Speaking of, she still hasn’t discussed appearance fees with me. Forget it. I quit the act.”
Hearing the two say this, everyone finally understood and laughter erupted among them.
Only then did Qiao Qiao turn to the groom whose complexion changed several times with a tender smile finishing her sentence: “Sorry honey. I happened to make some awful friends who scared you.” Cheng Hao tugged at his bowtie. His face still pale…
And so the grand wedding kicked off like this.
In the warm winter sunlight when Qiao Qiao placed her hand in the groom’s and started dancing—the opening dance she had dreamed of for over 20 years, she nearly burst into tears in that instant. Jia He empathized until her nose soured seeing Cheng Hao embrace her. Continuously whispering in her ear yet Qiao Qiao seemed to cry even more from his persuasion. Ultimately bawling uncontrollably, forgetting the dance moves completely.
For her dream of an perfect opening dance, Cheng Hao had nearly practiced an entire week. Everyone assumed he would be nervous into making mistakes but they didn’t expect him to only steadily embrace Qiao Qiao leading everyone skillfully into the opening dance.
Jia He propped her chin watching such a scene. She suddenly coveted it very much.
“Want to dance?” She suddenly heard a whisper by her ear.
She jumped, turning to meet Yi Wenze’s smile. Her heart raced even more: “Didn’t you say you wouldn’t make it in time?” Yi Wenze merely smiled: “Don’t want to dance?”
Jia He looked at him aggrieved: “I’m not good at dancing.”
Yet still inevitably she was pulled onto the floor by him. She watched him somewhat nervously. There were a lot of people here. Although many were acquaintances there were still many outsiders. This was the first time he was showing their relationship so openly to the the public.
After looking at him for too long he finally lowered his head to return her gaze: “It’s your friend’s wedding today. Do you want to be the star?”
Jia He didn’t react yet still watched him puzzledly. He moved closer: “I haven’t seen you in many days. If that’s what you want, I wouldn’t mind too much either.” This look from this angle… She teared up completely: “I’m the bridesmaid. Must be professional. Do not ruin the event… Qiao Qiao will slaughter me.”
The entire wedding lasted a full 12 hours. By the time everyone drank themselves tipsy, only then did Jia He tug Qiao Qiao saying: “I’m gonna get going first, can’t hold out any longer.” Qiao Qiao understood perfectly: “Go on. Afraid your Yi Wenze might get glared away by others?” Jia He whimpered not daring to say Yi Wenze actually took two back-to-back flights just to rush back here today. She feared he was too tired.
On the way back that night she immediately busied herself with cleaning up stuff ceaselessly.
From upstairs to downstairs she incessantly opened packages asking if it was fine before very carefully sealing them up again for packing and shipping. Yi Wenze sat at the bar drinking water watching her staring at him apprehensively. He beckoned her over: “No need to rush so much. Our flight tomorrow afternoon. We can tidy up in the morning.”
Only after he said so did she realize it was already midnight.
It was harsh on him after working all day then still keeping her company at Qiao Qiao’s for over ten hours… She walked over following his cup to take a sip of water. Softening her voice: “You must be exhausted right? Should sleep?” He slid her cup over mixing some hot water into it: “Don’t drink too much cold stuff in winter.”
She hmm-ed taking the cup to warm her palms. Closely tailing him upstairs.
Upon entering the bedroom she suddenly felt an unique mood. They had a fated meeting in Shanghai yet lived in Beijing. She was familiar with every room here yet somehow never his bedroom. Though she could easily guess his preferred layout and decorative colors with eyes closed. Barefoot, she held the glass cup savoring the bedroom fully satisfied. She intentionally sniffed loudly: “Seems to have a woman’s scent!”
Yi Wenze placated her: “One just left.”
She sipped from the rim very pleased putting the cup down on the desk. Then on her own initiative walked over to cup his face. Smiling she said: “Handsome, I stared at you a lot during the banquet just now.”
It was rare seeing her so elated. Yi Wenze guessed it was the influence from her good friend’s joyous occasion and very cooperatively placed an arm around her waist pulling her closer yet only looked at her. After some time, he finally softly said: “Flirting should be initiated by the man.”
After speaking, his faint smile successfully tripped her heartbeat into overdrive.
A method actor. Not one to casually provoke…
The next day it rained heavily.
Jia He gave Qiao Qiao a call while still organizing the final items: “You’re so lucky with yesterday’s perfect weather.” Qiao Qiao hmm-ed before asking after a while: “Do you know what today is?” Jia He shut the box: “Sunday.” That side fell silent for a bit on Qiao Qiao’s end before she resentfully said: “It’s the second day after my wedding! Second day after the honeymoon suite! Also known as the honeymoon period! Understand???”
Crap…
Jia He knew she was utterly infuriated over there. Just as she wanted to say something to quickly hang up, Qiao Qiao suddenly continued: “Forget it. I’ll forgive you since you were too elated about your afternoon flight. My lady bridesmaid. I sent you a great travel gift. Remember to wear sunglasses, mask, hat when you go to the airport…” She lowered her voice continuing, “Best if it’s a wide sunhat, the beach ones. Make sure it’s big enough.”
“…Isn’t that going overboard?” Yi Wenze’s schedule wasn’t exactly transparent either.
“It’s Weibo era now! Get it?”
Absolutely done for…
She hung up very apprehensively watching Yi Wenze come down the stairs. Shifting one step at a time toward him: “It’s over.” He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “What’s over?” Jia He anxiously latched onto his arm: “Later we have to enter the airport separately. Split into two cars from here.”
“Why?”
“Scared of reporters…” She obediently confessed, “Guests at yesterday’s wedding must have taken pictures with phones too uploading them on Weibo. I’m afraid following you would cause swarms blocking our path. Troubling you.”
He smiled: “You’ll need to get used to it.”
Get used to it?
Seeing him act as if it was no big deal, Jia He felt even more apprehensive. She was used to hiding behind the spotlight hoping everyone paid her no heed. Light and carefree. However… her originally nerve-wracking New Zealand trip already had her anxious just considering how to even leave the house now.
Yi Wenze watched how she looked at him wanting yet hesitating. He smoothed her hair: “It’s just this first time that people want to see what you look like. Bravely let them take pictures. It’ll become natural later on.”
The reasoning made sense but it wasn’t that simple… What followed next would be close scrutiny. Blurry candids titled Yi Wenze’s girlfriend’s sloppy outing outfit. Talks over how they haven’t been seen together in a long time with break up rumors… Just imagining it already overwhelmed her. No wonder many people chose to remain lowkey, each with benefits of course. With her personality, hiding was probably more suitable…
In the midst of her chaotic thoughts, Yi Wenze had already made the decision: “Wife, marrying a popular idol requires you to have some accountability. My fans are all very rational and would support you.”
Using his charms again… Jia He resignedly sighed inwardly.
Oh well, whatever. It was a blade coming or going anyway.
She clenched her teeth mumbling: “Who married who…”
His expression was indifferent with a meaningful smile: “Wasn’t your goal to ‘be kept secretly as a darling wife’? I’ve been awaiting you for several months now.” Jia He’s mouth hung open utterly wilted.
Don’t tell me… he wants me to propose…?
This huge doubt loomed overhead occupying her thoughts even at the airport still pondering his intentions. But remembering what he said some matters should be handled by him… Oh forget it. No more thinking. It was only the thrill from Qiao Qiao’s wedding. They weren’t even together a full year yet. Nowhere near time yet.
Before getting out of the car, she very seriously asked Ah Qing to hand over a mask.
Ah Qing’s eyes popped out seeing her: “Madam boss, what do you need that for? The moment you stand by Boss, you’re the youth drama’s female lead.” Jia He nearly choked and whispered: “Spare me. Hurry. Hand over anything that can cover my face.”
Yi Wenze gave her a look from the side with an amused tone: “Afraid others will say Yi Wenze’s fiance got cosmetic surgery and hasn’t recovered. Wearing mask to avoid cameras?”
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