After the vows were exchanged, the host spoke as the applause died down, “Today, we have witnessed the union of Ms. Shen and Mr. Zhuang in marriage. May you two love each other more and more as the days pass by. May you two lead a blissful married life and forever stay true to each other. May you two spend the rest of your lives in health and happiness.”
The host paused to take a breather before continuing, “Now, may I invite the parents of the newlyweds onto the stage for a toast!”
Qin Ya was full of smiles as she ushered Sang Yu and Lin Xinyan towards the stage. “Hurry up! It’s your turn to be on the stage.”
Both Lin Xinyan and Sang Yu had chosen something red from their wardrobe to wear. After all, it was a day of celebration, and red was a prosperous and festive color.
Sang Yu wore a modest one-piece dress that went beyond her knees. A red carnation was pinned to her chest as she was the mother of the bride. Her hair was neatly tied up and it made her elegant as ever. She held Shen Peichuan’s hands as she went onto the stage.
Lin Xinyan eyed Zong Jinghao and noticed that he seemed to be distracted. She poked him.
Zong Jinghao clenched his hand around his wife’s. “I’ve already asked Peichuan to be in charge of the speech.”
At the moment, Zong Jinghao was bugged by the fact that his son Zong Yanchen was still missing.
Lin Xinyan knew he wasn’t in the state of mind to make a speech and didn’t make a fuss.
“Let’s go.” Zong Jinghao held her hands and helped her up.
Lin Xinyan wore a bright red cheongsam. There was a tasteful plate button at her collar. The intricate embroidery patterns on her cheongsam were traditional yet exquisite.
Even at this age, Lin Xinyan’s figure was still quite slim. She looked slightly more plump than before, but she was definitely not fat.
It was all owing to Zong Jinghao for taking good care of her.
On her black pumps that were just the right height, she strode onto the stage with Zong Jinghao.
The cheongsam was a costume that never got left behind in time. It had an exquisite grace that could make a woman stand out amongst the crowd yet appear humble at the same time.
Lin Xinyan carefully strode onto the stage, perfectly poised. There were a few lines on her aged face, but still, it didn’t obscure her charm.
She stood next to her son and smiled contentedly. She whispered to him, “Congratulations, my dear.”
Zhuang Jiawen merely grinned in response.
“Now, may we have the bride’s father to speak his toast!”
A staff passed the mic to Shen Peichuan. Instead of a suit, Shen Peichuan was in his police uniform, which made him look majestic.
He nodded at his daughter and his son-in-law. “From today onwards, the two of you are officially adults. In your journey together as wife and husband, I hope the two of you will always stick up for each other and support each other through the hard times. As your parent, I wish you all the love and happiness the world can offer. You have my blessings!”
As soon as he was done with his speech, rounds of applause broke out below the stage.
The host then cheerfully uttered a string of blessings for the newlyweds.
Now, the wedding was already halfway through. The only event left was the banquet.
Most of the tables were filled with Zhuang Jiawen’s friends and acquaintances. Many of his superiors at work also attended his wedding. A lot of them wanted to offer him a toast and it was soon apparent that Zhuang Jiawen was getting tipsy. He tried to reject some of them, but there were still a few rounds of drinking that he couldn’t turn down.
Zong Yanxi furrowed her brows at the sight of her drunken brother. “Oh god. Can he still make his way back after drinking that much?”
Tawan seemed understanding. “It’s a big day for him. Let him be.”
Zong Yanxi glowered at him.
“Did I say something wrong?” Tawan asked innocently.
Zong Yanxi marched ahead to drink on her brother’s behalf without answering Tawan. She snatched the glass of wine from his hand and raised her voice at the crowd, “Guys, don’t make my brother drink too much. Are you guys going to carry him to his room if he gets drunk?”
“Mr. Zhuang is amazing at drinking. He can still take a few gallons of wine!” someone shouted in response.
“He can still take a few gallons of wine?” Zong Yanxi then handed the guy a bottle of wine. “If you can finish this without getting tipsy, I will buy your words.”
The person fell silent.
“I’ll help him to finish this. The rest of y’all, don’t make him drink anymore. His wife will want him to be sober tonight.”
Zong Yanxi finished the glass of wine in one gulp. The crowd didn’t know what to make of themselves.
“Alright, alright. Let’s drink when we meet up again! You still have to get back to the bride later!”
Thus, Zhuang Jiawen was excused by the people at the table.
Alas, there were still many tables for him to visit.
Zong Yanxi was worried that his brother would be too drunk for whatever that ensued later in the night. Hence, she followed him around to drink on his behalf.
Meanwhile, Shen Xinyao fretted for Song Yanxi for covering Zhuang Jiawen. “You’re going to get drunk!”
“I’m fine. I can still drink more. If I’m not drunk, your husband will be!” Zong Yanxi’s face was already reddened from all the alcohol she downed. However, she still stuck to the mission she set out for.
Zhuang Jiawen didn’t stop her sister from drinking. He figured that it might even do her some good.
Let it all out, Yanxi! Time to vent your heart out!
Even though Zong Yanxi didn’t show it, she knew clearly that there was another reason she was drinking so much.
I’ll get drunk and have a good night’s sleep. Then, everything will be fine!
After the banquet, the crowd slowly left the scene. Although Zhuang Jiawen himself had nothing to worry about since everything had been arranged, he was concerned about his drunk sister.
“Let me take care of her,” Tawan proposed.
“It’s fine. I don’t need anyone to take care of me!” Zong Yanxi waved Tawan off. She sounded sober, but her body was swaying back and forth like a candle in the wind.
Tawan steadied her and told her earnestly, “You’re drunk, Yanxi.”
“No, I’m not!” She gave Tawan a reply that was familiar to most drunkards. She then turned to her brother. “Just leave. There’s nothing for you to worry about.”
