Chapter Twenty: The Ceremony Completed

Seeing the crowd below growing increasingly agitated, not only her own relatives but also Yuan Xiaoying’s colleagues from the police force, it was clear to all—her father was a high-ranking official at the provincial bureau, and this was the perfect opportunity to make a good impression in front of the leadership.

Immediately, someone rushed onto the stage, preparing to arrest Liu Jingye on charges of bigamy and fraud.

Liu Jingye was dumbfounded. Beside his leg stood a three- or four-year-old boy, innocent and oblivious, being used by others. No matter what measures he took, what could he possibly do to a child?

As the fury of the crowd threatened to ruin the sham wedding Yuan Xiaoying had reluctantly orchestrated, she was filled with anger, resentment, and helplessness.

Just as chaos was about to break out, a figure dashed onto the stage, swiftly scooping the child into her arms.

Liu Jingye turned his head and saw that it was the beautiful woman who had tricked him into treating her to dinner the night before.

Now, holding the child in her arms as he struggled to break free, she soothed him softly. The entire crowd fell silent once more.

With one arm around the boy and the other snatching the microphone, she smiled and said, “Everyone, please quiet down. Regarding this child, I must clarify: he is indeed the son of the groom, Liu Jingye!”

At her words, the roof of the hotel nearly lifted from the uproar; the bride’s family was furious and ready to smash bottles.

But the woman’s tone shifted as she continued, “However, don’t misunderstand. They share no blood relation. The child is an orphan, whom Liu Jingye kindly adopted more than a year ago. He treats him as his own, caring for him with tenderness and devotion. Their bond is deep and sincere.

As Liu Jingye’s neighbor, I have witnessed all his good deeds. This time, he didn’t tell the child about his marriage because the boy feared losing his father’s affection…”

At this point, her eyes grew moist, two tears sliding down her cheeks. Her voice was rich with emotion, so moving that even the child in her arms quieted down.

The restless crowd calmed as well, many blinking away tears, deeply moved.

She turned to Liu Jingye and said, “Liu Jingye, you are a good man, a person of great kindness and compassion…”

Then, she addressed the child, “Sweetheart, today is your father’s wedding, but this doesn’t mean he will love you any less. On the contrary, he’s bringing you a mother, so from now on, both your parents will cherish you, and you’ll receive double the love, okay?”

“Okay!” the child replied in a soft, childish voice, still dazed by her words.

Cradling the boy, she descended from the stage, and a thunderous applause erupted from the guests below—even Yuan Xiaoying was moved, almost believing the story herself.

The host, choking back emotion, announced, “Who would have thought our groom is such a compassionate man? Our beautiful bride is truly blessed; surely, the groom will bestow his deepest love upon his wife.”

“Now, let us continue with the ceremony. Groom, you may kiss your bride!”

Amid the enthusiastic applause, Liu Jingye and Yuan Xiaoying relaxed, drawing closer, their lips meeting in a passionate, lingering kiss, full of tenderness, accompanied by romantic music and the blessings of the crowd.

Cold fireworks blossomed around the stage, igniting the fervor of everyone present—guests, Liu Jingye, and Yuan Xiaoying alike.

Though the past few days had been brief, Yuan Xiaoying had endured immense pressure, stunned by the sudden betrayal. Now, with this kiss, she released all her pent-up emotions…

Liu Jingye, too, gave himself wholly to the moment. Neither noticed the man at the entrance, dressed in a suit and wearing dark glasses, who had appeared silently, his face cold and expressionless, gazing at them like a viper poised for a deadly strike.

……

Rushing for the charts, rushing for the charts… From the next chapter, each installment will be over two thousand words, with four updates daily until the new book rankings finish. Brothers, concentrate your firepower—let us sing “The Chrysanthemums Wither, Wounds All Over”—and blast our way to the top…