After replying to the message, Chu Shichen put down his phone and continued drinking his soup.
Mrs. Chu was sitting on the other side of the dining table. She was very happy to receive the Xiang family's wedding invitation. Ever since Chu Shichen became Xiang Mingzhang's secretary, the relationship between the two families has become closer over the past six months.
"Mingzhang's attitude is a weather vane," Mrs. Chu said. "If he shows goodwill, the attitudes of the rest of the Xiang family will be better."
Chu Shichen had some concerns. Last time in the hospital, Xiang Xingzhao's questions were inexplicable and strange. He was worried that some complications would arise during the meeting.
But the Xiang family took the initiative to invite him, and he and Xiang Rugang had met several times before, so it was not polite to refuse. Especially since Xiang Mingzhang sent him an extra message, he agreed.
Mrs. Chu was in high spirits and said, "I only have one day to prepare. I have to do my hair and treatments. I'm so nervous. What should I wear?"
Aunt Tang said, "Don't dress too exaggeratedly. It would be bad if you overshadow Mrs. Xiang at her son's wedding."
"I am naturally beautiful." Mrs. Chu said reluctantly, "Then I'll be simple. Mrs. Xiang is not easy to get along with, so there is no need to offend her."
Chu Shichen didn't have a deep impression of Xiang Mingzhang's aunt. Among the elders of the Xiang family, not counting the initial greetings, the only person he had spoken to was Xiang Mingzhang's mother.
The outline of Bai Yongti emerged in his mind. She was reclusive and quiet. She seemed to be from a different world from the Xiang family. Bai Yongti did not attend Xiang Xingzhao's birthday banquet. Chu Shichen asked, "Will Aunt Bai attend the wedding?"
"Probably not." Mrs. Chu said, "Just remind me, remember, don't ask about Mingzhang's parents, especially his father, in Xiang's house."
Chu Shichen used to abide by the boundaries, but now he wants to know more about Xiang Mingzhang: "Where is his father?"
Mrs. Chu said: "Xiang Long ran away when Xiang Mingzhang was less than ten years old and cut off all contact with the Xiang family. It is said that his whereabouts are unknown. Anyway, he has not returned for more than 20 years."
Chu Shichen asked in surprise: "What's the reason?"
"Who knows." Mrs. Chu sighed, "His wife and son are both one in a million, but Xiang Long actually abandoned them. Even if there is no love, it's a bit vulgar. With such a big family and a lot of money, everyone is trying to get ahead, but he is willing to give up everything."
Mrs. Chu's words were blunt but true. Aunt Tang was curious: "Did the Xiang family look for him?"
Mrs. Chu said, "Mr. Xiang must have looked for him, but it's hard to say for the other members of the Xiang family. One less person means one less competition."
The first time Chu Shichen inquired about Xiang Mingzhang's family affairs, he was very surprised. He remembered that Xiang Mingzhang had mentioned Xiang Long at the Chenpi Banquet. His tone was sad and his eyes were cold. I'm afraid the feelings between them cannot be summed up in a few words.
As an outsider, Chu Shichen had no intention of guessing too much. It was enough for him to know Xiang Mingzhang's pain points and weak spots.
On Sunday morning, Mrs. Chu dressed up carefully, wearing a simple dress, which was too monotonous, so she put on a set of colorful gemstone jewelry to enhance her complexion.
Chu Shihui doesn't like socializing, her work is hard, and she just sleeps at home.
Chu Shichen came down the stairs, wearing a classic black suit, very conservative, and was scolded by Mrs. Chu halfway.
The sun was high and the clouds were light, it was a good day. The gardens in Jingpu had just been trimmed. The guests got off the car at the gate of the villa area and walked on a long carpet through a lush outer garden.
The main road was lined with flower boxes filled with fresh roses. Arriving at the main entrance of the garden of the Xiang family mansion, Chu Shichen signed at the reception desk and presented a gift.
The host will give a gift in return, the ladies will receive bird's nest and perfume, and the men will receive cologne and cigars.
There were so many guests, many of whom were familiar faces, that Mrs. Chu went to socialize with them, twirling her skirt.
Chu Shichen was walking through the garden alone when he met someone who was Aunt Qian, who was in charge of the general affairs of the Xiang family.
Aunt Qian went to look for him and said, "Mr. Chu, Mr. Xiang asked me to pick you up."
"Thank you." Chu Shichen asked, "Where is Mr. Xiang?"
Aunt Qian led him and said, "Mr. Xiang is upstairs. I'll take you there."
The villa was carefully decorated, with countless rooms, and everywhere was filled with friends and relatives chatting and laughing. Chu Shichen followed Aunt Qian up to the third floor, where it suddenly became quiet.
Aunt Qian whispered bad things: "Mr. Xiang didn't take it seriously and got up late in the morning."
It turned out that Xiang Mingzhang was still in the bedroom. Chu Shichen had no intention of entering, but Aunt Qian knocked and opened the door.
There were four bedrooms in the suite. Xiang Mingzhang had just finished a shower and was only wearing a shirt and trousers. He came out of the cloakroom carrying his unworn clothes and threw them on the bed.
Today was a purely private occasion, so Xiang Mingzhang changed his address: "Shichen, come in."
Once the heavy door was closed, nothing could be heard except the sound of leather shoes stepping on the wooden floor. Chu Shichen was afraid of wrinkling his suit, so he stood and walked to a cabinet full of trophies.
This is the house where Xiang Mingzhang lived since he was a child, and all these trophies are Xiang Mingzhang’s spoils of war.
There was a pure gold trophy with the logo of Xiangyue Communications. Chu Shichen asked, "What is this award?"
Xiang Mingzhang said: "I started my own business in my sophomore year. It was a gift from my grandfather."
The base of the trophy is thicker than the regular ones, and is a solid round platform. Chu Shichen thought of the Peking opera "Golden Terrace", which ends with a prince ascending the throne. He said, "Your grandfather really loves you."
Xiang Mingzhang did not respond. As the groom's relatives all wore formal attire, he said, "Come here, help me tie the waist belt."
Chu Shichen walked closer, stretched out his hand and then retracted it, leaning lightly against the bedpost: "I'm a guest today, I'm not working."
Xiang Mingzhang made a "tsk" sound and took a corsage from the tray. It was a white lily of the valley, which was worn by male guests. He pinned it on Chu Shichen's lapel and said, "Dear guest, I will serve you now."
Chu Shichen said: "My mother said that I was dressed too plainly."
The pure black suit was conventional and inconspicuous in such an occasion, but when Xiang Mingzhang looked out the window toward the garden, he saw Chu Shichen standing out among the crowd of people who were dressed ostentatiously, standing out from the crowd with his figure and appearance.
But this crane didn't care much about the appearance, and didn't look in the mirror, but asked: "Are there any new developments in the selection team?"
"Not yet." Xiang Mingzhang said, "Pre-sales has been handed over to the sales department. Peng Xin is on standby at any time. Meng Tao is working as a nurse for Director She in the hospital."
As the saying goes, even if the deal fails, the friendship remains. Director She has just stepped down as the team leader, so Xiang Yue needs to be more proactive. Chu Shichen said, "By accompanying Director She, we can at least get some official news."
Xiang Mingzhang said: "That's what Meng Tao meant. The selection team has held meetings in the past two days, and the candidate for the technical team leader will be decided soon."
The two looked at each other, the test had come, this wedding was like a halftime break, to adjust their mood and relieve boredom.
With a "bang", a salute was fired downstairs, and the bride and groom arrived.
Xiang Mingzhang put on his suit and cufflinks slowly and leisurely. Chu Shichen thought he was really good at showing off and urged him, "Mr. Xiang, don't delay the auspicious time."
Xiang Mingzhang said: "You're already pregnant, why would you still mind these three to five minutes of superstition?"
Chu Shichen added: "Don't be so mean."
"I'm just telling the truth. None of the men with the last name Xiang are good people. They are all bastards."
"including you?"
Xiang Mingzhang's eyes were full of smiles, all focused on Chu Shichen: "I am not as good as Xiang Rugang. After all, he got the beauty, but he refused to help me tie a waist belt when I asked him to do so."
Chu Shichen walked out: "I'm afraid I'll accidentally strangle you."
Xiang Mingzhang fell behind and went up the stairs several times before reaching the first floor. The three halls, front, middle and back, were full of people, and the bride and groom were waiting anxiously.
There were too many people, and no one dared to move rashly for fear of frightening Xiang Xingzhao. Xiang Mingzhang came late, and Xiang Kun immediately said in a kind tone: "Mingzhang, you finally came down, push grandpa out."
The eldest aunt quickly added: "Mingzhang, thank you for your hard work."
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Xiang Mingzhang temporarily put away his wolf tail and smiled politely. A few minutes later, he pushed Xiang Xingzhao out of the infirmary and announced, "The newlyweds, prepare to perform the ceremony."
Xiang Xingzhao was in good spirits. When he arrived at the main living room, Xiang Mingzhang helped him sit in the middle of the sofa. He seemed not to understand that they were celebrating a wedding, and his serious look revealed the residual power of the past.
Xiang Ruguang held Miss Qin's hand and they both called out "Grandpa".
Xiang Kun said from the side: "Dad, Rugang is getting married today, your eldest grandson has started a family."
Xiang Xingzhao responded slowly: "Get married, Mingzhang...get married."
Xiang Mingzhang smoothed Xiang Xingzhao's shirt collar, showing his intimacy: "Grandpa, it's not me who's getting married."
Uncle Qi prepared a red envelope for Xiang Xingzhao to take. The newlyweds offered tea. Xiang Xingzhao tremblingly raised the red envelope and stuffed it into Xiang Mingzhang's arms: "Here you go, dear."
The hall was filled with relatives and friends, both direct and side branches, surrounding them in three layers. Everyone could do nothing but laugh at Xiang Xingzhao's reaction that he only recognized Xiang Mingzhang.
Chu Shichen stood in a corner, relying on his tall stature to glimpse some subtle expressions, embarrassment, patience, and unwillingness, which were hidden in the sweet newlywed atmosphere and became insignificant.
After the greetings, they took photos. The first one was a family portrait. Only Xiang Mingzhang was present without his parents. He was truly a loner.
Chu Shichen quietly left the villa. The garden was still bustling. He went to the hotel in the evening. The kitchen prepared meals for the guests.
There were a lot of children, and there were amusement facilities on the lawn. Chu Shichen stopped aside and eavesdropped on the children's conversation.
He had attended many wedding banquets in the past, but in that era, all joy was like clouds floating in the sky, very light and very dreamy. One never knew when a bolt of lightning would strike and destroy the brief peace and tranquility.
Chu Shichen asked: "Is there anything wrong?"
The little boy said, "Can you get me a cupcake?"
Chu Shichen took one for him and saw Xiang Mingzhang approaching from not far away. Before he could speak, the little boy called out, "Uncle Ming."
Xiang Mingzhang asked condescendingly: "Did you say thank you?"
The little boy was called Daniel. He was Xiang Huan’s grandson and the child of Xiang Mingzhang’s cousin. He lived overseas with his parents. He thanked Chu Shichen and lowered his head to eat the cake.
Xiang Mingzhang thought he was in the way and said, "Go find another kid to play with."
Daniel said, "Uncle, take me to the activity room to play chess."
Xiang Mingzhang said: "There are too many people at home today, and there is no room in the activity room."
Daniel said, as a matter of course, "Get rid of them."
Chu Shichen couldn't help but be surprised: "So domineering."
Daniel said, “I learned it from my uncle.”
Xiang Mingzhang said in annoyance: "Little foreign devil, learn something good."
Chu Shichen was amused by the nephew and uncle who had a bad relationship. He just felt it was boring, so he said, "I want to play too."
Xiang Mingzhang accompanied Chu Shichen back to the villa, and Daniel followed behind. There was a set of crystal chess in the study on the second floor. The two adults accommodated the child and sat on the carpet to play chess.
Chu Shichen was holding the white chess pieces. Just when he was halfway through the move, Xiang Ruxu came up and called Xiang Mingzhang away.
Daniel was defeated without a single piece of armor left. Before the second round began, he asked, "Brother, can you let me win?"
Chu Shichen asked: "Why?"
Daniel twisted his little bow tie and said, "When you get married, I'll be your flower girl."
Chu Shichen couldn't help laughing. Being a flower boy, he got to eat cake and receive red envelopes. He probably learned this shrewdness of not wanting to suffer any loss from Xiang Mingzhang.
Before the second game was over, Daniel was about to lose again and muttered, "Why hasn't my uncle come back yet?"
Chu Shichen glanced at his watch. Xiang Mingzhang had been gone for half an hour. He probably couldn't get away from the socializing today, so he asked, "Do you still want to play?"
Daniel lost all his fighting spirit and got up quickly: "I'm going to seek revenge on my uncle."
Chu Shichen patted the creases on his trouser legs and looked up at the ceiling-high bookcase next to him. There were all kinds of Chinese and foreign classics. Before he could take a quick look, Daniel hurried back.
"My uncle is busy and won't come up."
Chu Shichen asked: "What is he doing?"
Daniel showed a naughty expression: "My uncle is dating the maid of honor, and everyone is surrounding them. It's so strange, why isn't the maid of honor with the best man?"
Chu Shichen explained: "Because the best man and bridesmaid are not married."
Daniel seemed to understand: "If the bridesmaid marries my uncle, she will become my aunt. Wow, it's so sudden."
Chu Shichen remained calm in front of the child: "Don't you want to play anymore?"
Daniel rushed over and kissed him as a goodbye kiss, then ran out again.
Chu Shichen was cleaning up the mess when he absentmindedly knocked over a chess piece. It was the White Queen, which fell on the chessboard and rolled from the queenside to the kingside.
At the club that day, Xiang Mingzhang refused to be the best man, saying that no matter what the bridesmaid's personality was, he had no interest in getting to know her.
So what is it now
Are you wavering, or just playing along
Chu Shichen took out his cell phone, hesitated for a moment, and dialed Xiang Mingzhang's number. After three rings, the call was connected.
"Hello, Shichen?"
It was so kind, but it was only in my ears, not beside me. Chu Shichen suddenly realized his greed. He was restrained and impulsive, tactful and calculating, and said, "When are we going to feed the hibiscus bird?"
Xiang Mingzhang said: "I can't leave."
Chu Shichen asked knowingly: "Why?"
Xiang Mingzhang replied: "I was chatting with someone."
Chu Shichen lowered his head and threw the gift beside the chessboard. He opened it and finally asked, "Can I smoke in the study?"
The phone was silent for a while, and Xiang Mingzhang said, "Okay."
After hanging up the phone, Xiang Mingzhang turned up the stairs to the second floor and was entangled in the reception room for a long time. There were many relatives visiting, and he didn't want to embarrass his cousin and his new sister-in-law.
Daniel, the little brat, was wandering back and forth. He guessed that Chu Shichen was left alone in the study, so he didn't care about anything else. As soon as he got away, a call for "accountability" came.
Xiang Mingzhang walked quickly to the study room. The door was ajar. He pushed it open and paused at the door.
Chu Shichen sat lazily on the brocade carpet, one of his long legs slightly bent, his bony ankle pressing down on a corner of the chessboard. Unlike usual, he straightened his back but bent a little, lowered his head and pulled out a cigar from the silver aluminum tube.
There were no scissors among the souvenirs, so Chu Shichen put the cigar straight into his mouth. With his snow-white teeth, he bit off the cigar head accurately, spit it out lightly, and at the same time pulled out a long-stemmed match. The whole set of movements was neat and skillful.
The study was protected from light, so it was a little dark without the lights on. When a match was struck, a cluster of flames instantly illuminated Chu Shichen's proud face.
After lighting the cigar, Chu Shichen shook his wrist and the fire went out. He held the black cigar to his lips and took a puff. His other hand dropped down and he picked up a crystal chess piece.
When Xiang Mingzhang recovered and walked in, Chu Shichen raised his eyes lightly and exhaled a thin mist.
Xiang Mingzhang stared at him for a long time and asked, "Do you smoke cigars?"
Chu Shichen said nonchalantly: "It's just swallowing and spitting, what's the problem?"
Xiang Mingzhang said: "I've never seen you smoke before."
Chu Shichen admitted: "I only want to smoke when I feel unhappy."
"Really?" Xiang Mingzhang stepped onto the carpet and walked closer. "It's our Xiang family's big day. Why aren't you happy?"
Chu Shichen looked up and replied, "Because you neglected me."
Xiang Mingzhang stretched out his hand to him: "Then let's go feed the Hibiscus Bird now."
Chu Shichen refused: "My legs are numb from sitting, I don't want to move."
Xiang Mingzhang bent down, hugged Chu Shichen's waist and legs, and picked him up from the carpet.
His body suddenly flew into the air, and Chu Shichen hugged Xiang Mingzhang's neck in panic, almost dropping the cigar between his fingers.
The door of the study was wide open. Chu Shichen was so nervous that he forgot to pretend: "Put me down."
Xiang Mingzhang said: "No."
Chu Shichen asked: "What do you want to do?"
Xiang Mingzhang carried Chu Shichen to the couch where he was reading, put him down steadily, and then knelt down on one knee to hold him up beside him, almost within reach, blocking Chu Shichen's way.
The cigar smelled burnt. Xiang Mingzhang asked, "I heard it's a famous brand. How does it taste?"
Chu Shichen leaned against the round pillow and said, "Not bad."
Xiang Mingzhang said: "Let me have a taste."
Chu Shichen had never shared a cigar with anyone before. He was trapped on the couch, unable to resist, so he raised his hand and put the cigar to Xiang Mingzhang's lips.
Xiang Mingzhang turned his head away: "It's too spicy, I want a second-hand one."
Chu Shichen was slightly stunned, staring at the corridor outside the door, listening to the laughter outside the window. He held the cigar in his mouth and took a sip, then took it away. The smoke was lingering, and Xiang Mingzhang couldn't wait to kiss him.
(End of this chapter)