Chapter 109: Chapter 109: The Wedding Begins, the Police Arrive

Today is the big day for Yun Nianzhou and Chen Zhaodi.

The Yun family booked over twenty tables at the largest state-run restaurant in Beijing—a grand affair, attended only by close friends and family.

Although Yun Runtong and his wife never cared much for their adopted son, they didn’t bother to nitpick over such trivial matters. Everything was arranged just as he wanted.

On the Gu side, only one table was prepared, and even as the wedding was about to start, it wasn’t full. Only Gu Yunchuan, Xia Shuhua, Xia Chun (holding her child), Xia Chun’s uncle and aunt, and Chen Zhaodi’s grandparents were present.

If she hadn’t worried about empty seats making things awkward, Chen Zhaodi wouldn’t have invited these poor relatives at all—she thought they were an embarrassment, showing up in such a fancy place still wearing patched clothes.

Gu Yunchuan wore a well-fitted Zhongshan suit, his hair slicked back, looking every bit the refined scoundrel.

Xia Shuhua’s face, thanks to timely care, was no longer swollen, though some bruising remained. She’d covered it with thick makeup, which looked rather odd.

Chen Zhaodi wore a bright red wedding dress today, her makeup—applied with cosmetics from the Friendship Store—was, in her mind, beautiful: two big red circles on her cheeks, reminiscent of a kindergarten performance, radiating “festivity.”

Yun Nianzhou arrived in a car to pick up the bride’s family, then took a tour of their new home, and finally headed to the state-run restaurant for the ceremony.

As the bride and groom stepped out of the car, they ran into Gu Qinghuan and Xu Huaian coming their way.

It really wasn’t intentional on Gu Qinghuan’s part—she just happened to arrive at that moment.

Gu Qinghuan was dressed simply yet elegantly in a black Hepburn-style dress, a white cashmere coat draped over her shoulders, her hair pulled back with a white jade hairpin, and a small black purse in hand.

Everything looked simple, yet not at all plain—she was stunning.

Especially her makeup: it looked as if she wore none, but the subtle touches made her features even more refined and beautiful. In an instant, she outshone Chen Zhaodi, whose heavy makeup looked garish by comparison.

Chen Zhaodi’s red wedding dress, next to Gu Qinghuan’s understated elegance, looked downright tacky.

Yet this was supposed to be the latest style in wedding dresses.

Gu Qinghuan had deliberately used her top-notch makeup skills today, giving herself the simplest, most natural look—so flawless it seemed she was born beautiful.

At first, Chen Zhaodi didn’t care, but following Yun Nianzhou’s gaze, she finally noticed the beautiful woman—and realized it was Gu Qinghuan. Her smile instantly froze.

That bitch! It’s my wedding day—what’s she doing dressing up like this?

And who’s the man with her? That country bumpkin she married? No, that can’t be.

Xu Huaian’s suit was custom-made by an old tailor to Gu Qinghuan’s specifications. It fit him perfectly, and with his slicked-back hair and unique aura, he looked every bit the young master of a wealthy family—even more so than Yun Nianzhou.

Yun Nianzhou was just under 1.8 meters tall, while Xu Huaian was a full 1.88.

Yun Nianzhou had a bit of a playboy air about him, while Xu Huaian exuded uprightness and calm, the kind of man you instinctively trust.

All this, of course, happened in just a brief moment as the four crossed paths.

Each had their own thoughts.

Gu Qinghuan was here to make a statement—and she’d won the first round, leaving her very satisfied.

Xu Huaian was just playing along with Gu Qinghuan’s little game; as long as she was happy, he was happy. He glanced at Yun Nianzhou—so this was Gu Qinghuan’s former fiancé? Something was off about his gaze. But thankfully, his taste was mediocre; by giving up the original Gu Qinghuan, Xu Huaian had picked up the world’s greatest treasure.

Even though he knew it was the original Gu Qinghuan who liked Yun Nianzhou, Xu Huaian couldn’t help feeling a little jealous—he didn’t want any man to have anything to do with Gu Qinghuan.

Yun Nianzhou also recognized Gu Qinghuan. In his memory, she’d always been serious and proper—beautiful, yes, but like a puppet on strings, bland and uninteresting.

But now, after not seeing her for a while, she seemed more mature, radiating a positive, sunny energy. Just a slight smile from her was captivating.

The moment he saw Xu Huaian, Yun Nianzhou felt instinctively overshadowed, unconsciously comparing himself to this man. For the first time in his life, he felt as if he’d met a lifelong rival—a deeply unsettling feeling.

Gu Qinghuan greeted them openly, waving, “Congratulations, you two.”

Chen Zhaodi suppressed her resentment, took Yun Nianzhou’s arm, and walked over with a smile. “Sister, aren’t you going to introduce us?”

Gu Qinghuan moved even closer to Xu Huaian, linking arms. “I thought it was obvious! This is my husband, Xu Huaian.”

Xu Huaian was delighted by Gu Qinghuan’s initiative, and in his good mood, even gave a rare smile—leaving Chen Zhaodi momentarily stunned.

He really was charming when he smiled.

But so what? He was still a country bumpkin. No matter how well he dressed, he was still a bumpkin.

“Sister, didn’t you say you married a country boy? Oh, sorry, did I say something wrong? Those outfits must have cost a lot, huh? Dad just gave you money—don’t spend it all just to keep up appearances. Life in the countryside isn’t easy, you know!”

Chen Zhaodi pretended to have misspoken, but was really trying to belittle them, her words dripping with sarcasm.

Yun Nianzhou had only just learned that Gu Qinghuan had married in the countryside, and felt a strange emotion, which he quickly suppressed.

“What’s wrong with country folk? The rice, vegetables, and fruit you eat—aren’t they all grown by country people? You really shouldn’t think like that, or you’ll end up being criticized in a public struggle session. How I live is none of your business. You should worry about yourself! Look at those two red patches on your face—what are they supposed to be?” Gu Qinghuan rolled her eyes and pulled Xu Huaian into the restaurant.

At the entrance, someone was recording gifts, but she pretended not to see. She was here to eat, drink, and watch the show—not to give Chen Zhaodi a single cent.

Chen Zhaodi was furious as she watched Gu Qinghuan walk away. In her mind, Gu Qinghuan should be groveling and begging for her charity by now.

Yet the “humble” country girl had stolen the spotlight from the future wealthy wife—no wonder Chen Zhaodi was upset.

“Don’t be angry, let’s go in too,” Yun Nianzhou comforted her. Honestly, he also found the two red circles on her cheeks a bit much.

Chen Zhaodi forced a smile and explained, “Brother Nianzhou, I’m really just worried about her. She’s never managed a household and spends whatever she has. I’m really concerned about how she’ll get by in the countryside!”

“I know you’re the kindest. It’s fine if she doesn’t appreciate it,” Yun Nianzhou replied.

“In the end, it’s my fault. That’s why she’s angry… Today’s wedding should have been yours. If I hadn’t taken you from her, she wouldn’t—” Chen Zhaodi started to play the victim.

Yun Nianzhou quickly stopped her. “Don’t think that way. It has nothing to do with you—it was all my decision. Luckily, I realized in time, or we would have missed out. This is the best arrangement fate could give us. Don’t overthink it—today is our wedding day. Be happy.”

“Okay, let’s go.” Chen Zhaodi cheered up at his words. No matter what, she’d won this man.

As the guests chatted and laughed, they saw Gu Qinghuan and Xu Huaian walk in together—such a striking couple.

Some distant relatives of the Yun family, who hadn’t met them before, even thought they were the bride and groom, congratulating Grandma Yun and Yun Runtong.

“Congratulations! Nianzhou really takes after the Yun family—so upright, just like Runtong. And the bride is beautiful—they’re a perfect match.”

“Exactly! Nianzhou looks more and more like his father. Like father, like son. Now that the boy’s married, Runtong can enjoy his grandchildren soon.”

…

A few relatives kept going.

Yun Runtong smiled awkwardly, saying nothing. These people could spin stories out of thin air—even about strangers.

Just as he was about to explain, Liang Zhiqiu laughed, “Runtong, honestly, he does look a bit like you when you were young—same aura, same straight posture. This kid must have been in the army, right?”

Xu Huaian accidentally met Liang Zhiqiu’s gaze and nodded politely. Liang Zhiqiu, for some reason, felt a spring breeze—what a fine young man.

At that moment, Yun Nianzhou entered with Chen Zhaodi, and the relatives realized their mistake, apologizing repeatedly.

Throughout the hall, Gu Qinghuan and Xu Huaian became the center of attention, even outshining the bride and groom.

Gu Qinghuan announced herself as a guest of the bride’s side and was seated at their table.

Their arrival finally filled the table.

Gu Yunchuan saw his daughter, now more beautiful than ever, her temperament reminiscent of Zhong Zijun. He realized she’d faked being pitiful that day—surprising, since she’d always been so proper. Now she was quick-witted.

He didn’t say much, focusing instead on Xu Huaian.

Xia Shuhua, recovering at home these past days, had realized her troubles were surely connected to this little wretch. Seeing Gu Qinghuan and her husband steal her daughter’s spotlight made her even more upset.

Gu Qinghuan sat down confidently and introduced, “Huaian, this is my father.”

As for Xia Shuhua, she ignored her completely, not to mention the other relatives.

“Dad! Nice to meet you. I’m Xu Huaian. Our marriage was rushed, and we didn’t have time to inform you. I hope you’ll forgive us. I’ll visit you properly another day.”

Xu Huaian stood, bowed slightly, and extended his hand, displaying impeccable manners.

Gu Yunchuan didn’t make things difficult, shaking his hand before letting go.

After all, this was the man his daughter would rely on for the rest of her life. He’d already let down his children enough and didn’t want to make things harder.

He’d expected Gu Qinghuan to marry some rough country fellow, but Xu Huaian was presentable and not at all shabby. He felt a bit better.

After this blow, he’d come to understand a lot, and his attitude toward Gu Qinghuan had visibly improved.

“Huanhuan, before you and Huaian leave, remember to come home for a visit. And bring Lanting too—he’s been wild long enough!”

Gu Qinghuan was surprised to see him so dispirited, acting the doting father.

“Sure!” she replied, wondering what tricks the old fox was up to.

With most guests arrived and the time right, the wedding ceremony officially began.

Although called a Western wedding, most of the process was Chinese. The officiant read the certificate, officially declaring the couple husband and wife.

Then the couple repeated vows, reciting some “red and expert” slogans.

And that was it.

Gu Qinghuan found the whole thing inauthentic. Shouldn’t a Western wedding at least ask, “For richer or poorer, do you take…?” Otherwise, what’s the point?

Xu Huaian, seeing her watching intently, thought she liked this kind of event. He leaned over and whispered, “Do you like this? Next time, we’ll have an even bigger, livelier one.”

As long as she liked it, he’d make it happen, no matter how hard.

Gu Qinghuan shook her head vigorously—she wasn’t interested in weddings, just here for the show.

And this mishmash of a ceremony was really nothing special.

Xu Huaian sighed inwardly. When would her heart of stone soften for him, even just a little? He’d seize any chance.

After the ceremony came the banquet. The food was quite good—the best Gu Qinghuan had seen since coming here (except for her own cooking).

Just as she was about to eat, a commotion broke out at the door.

“Who is Gu Yunchuan?”

A policeman in a peaked cap stood at the restaurant entrance, shouting.

Gu Yunchuan had a very bad feeling.

Xia Shuhua was so frightened her legs went weak, dropping her chopsticks and nearly sliding off her chair.

“Who is Gu Yunchuan?”

At the second call, he finally stood up, trembling.

“I am! Comrade, what’s the matter?”

The whole room fell silent, all eyes on them.

Chen Zhaodi was on the verge of collapse. Not only had her spotlight been stolen, now the police were here at her wedding.

Couldn’t this have waited a day?

“We just received a report that you falsified accounts and embezzled public funds—a large sum. Please come with us to cooperate with the investigation.”

The room erupted.

Falsifying accounts and embezzling public funds were serious crimes—potentially punishable by death.

The Yun family was a prominent one—who would have thought they’d marry into such trouble? What a disgrace.

Gu Qinghuan was also surprised—she hadn’t even made her move yet. Who’d done this good deed for her? Saved her the trouble.

Chen Zhaodi was stunned, spilling her wine without noticing.

How could this happen?

What would she do now? The Yun family would surely look down on her.

Why did this have to come out today, of all days? She’d waited so long for this day—now everything was ruined!

Xia Shuhua’s pants were soaked—having given birth at an older age, her pelvic floor was weak and she was prone to incontinence. This time, she was so scared she wet herself."