The day of Raelle and Shui Xian's wedding finally came.
The grand estate of the Xiang family was transformed into a scene straight out of a dream, bathed in vibrant red and gold, with an air of festivity that hung thick in the evening breeze. Red lanterns swayed gently above, lighting the courtyard in a warm glow, each one a symbol of prosperity and happiness for the new couple. Rows of lanterns stretched across the estate grounds, casting their soft light on the lush greenery and ancient stone pathways, while delicate red silk banners fluttered in the wind, adorned with traditional Chinese characters for love, joy, and longevity.
A Western-style castle was given a complete makeover. The elements of East and West met so brilliantly that it made people feel like they were walking into a fairytale.
"You are the last one to arrive," said Mu Chenyan when she looked at Song Xin'ai.
"I was invited as a guest, not as a family. I should know my limits," answered Song Xin'ai in a mellow voice. Once could not tell that she was dissatisfied with this situation. Maybe she really wasn't. After all, Song Xin'ai wasn't one to make a scene over such small matters.
"Guests have also arrived last night," informed Mu Chenyan. "No one came on the day of the wedding like you. Do you think we won't have a guest room for you to stay in?"
Song Xin'ai shook her head, "I know how kind the Xiang family is and I have no doubt about your hospitality too. But I'd still like to keep my distance when I can. I wouldn't wanna get wishful expectations."
"Mom, you are here!"
Song Xin'ai looked at Xiang Wai who was smiling so brightly that it surprised her. It seemed like Xiang family was a good place for Xiang Wai to bring back her real temperament which was less violent and twisted but more mischievous and lively.
"You are looking beautiful, Wai!"
Xiang Wai looked down at the gown she was wearing and took the compliment with no burden. She also thought she was looking beautiful today. And for once, she was envious of Raelle's long hair too. She loved her short hair as they made her look heroic but they weren't a perfect match with her gown. Anyway, her face value could uplift anything. So, she could ignore her short hair too.
"Why are you so late?" questioned Xiang Wai as she held her mother's arm.
Song Xin'ai first looked at Xiang Wai's fingers wrapped around her arm and then looked up at her face before answering, "I'm right on time."
"Technically, you are late," insisted Xiang Wai. "But I won't say much to you about that. Would you like to see Raelle? How about I take you to her?"
Without even waiting for Song Xin'ai's answer, Xiang Wai dragged her away. "Wai, I'll meet Raelle later."
Xiang Wai stopped when they arrived in a corner where no one else was. She looked around to confirm that no one was around before looking at Song Xin'ai seriously.
Xiang Wai nodded in agreement and said, "Come, I'll take you to Raelle for real this time."
Song Xin'ai patted her hand saying, "There is really no need for that. I'll meet her later."
"Then I'll take to you Ge," suggested Xiang Wai. "You at least would want to see your grandson, right? It's not like you can meet him every other day."
This time, Song Xin'ai didn't refuse and agreed with her. She followed Xiang Wai to go and find her son and grandson as she did not think it was appropriate for her to look for Raelle right now.
On the other hand, Mu Chenyan looked in the direction Xiang Wai dragged Song Xin'ai and rubbed her chin, "Isn't Raelle's bedroom on that side?"
"Can't you tell that Wai was making an excuse?" asked Xia Zhao.
"But is there a need for that between us? What is it that can't be told to me? Also, why would I even mind even if she did have some secrets with her mother?"
"Let her be."
Mu Chenyan nodded her head, "I should really focus on the wedding as there is so much to do. I tried to remove so many unnecessary rituals, then why are there still so many things to do? Would my Elle be able to do it all patiently while wearing that heavy gown? I can only pray that she doesn't lose her patience."
"You can't doubt Raelle's patience."
"Yes, I can't. But I should still pray for everything to go well. It's my first time organizing such a wedding. I don't know what kind of a job I did."
"You did great," Xia Zhao put his hands on her shoulders.
"Raelle is already mad about sleeping apart from Xian these days. I should go and check what plans these fools have made for the bride picking ceremony. I hope they won't make things difficult for Xian or Raelle might smash their heads."
Xia Zhao chuckled softly, "You also got fooled, Yanzi. I did not expect that."
"Huh?"
"Raelle had been sleeping with Xian these days. She jumped down the window every night to look for him. You really underestimated your niece in this matter." Xia Zhao was someone with astute senses. And he was also someone who slept the shortest time in this place. He had seen Raelle going back to her room early in the morning on the very first day she did it. But he didn't tell this to anyone as he didn't think there was a need to do that at all.
"What?!" Mu Chenyan was shocked beyond belief right now.