Two hours later, Li Cheng entered the grand banquet hall with his guards flanking him like shadows. His presence commanded the room instantly. All chatter ceased. Heads turned. The rustle of gowns and gasps from the ladies filled the space as he walked in with regal grace, his sharp features and confident stride capturing every eye.
"Where have you been, my dear?" his mother asked, hurrying toward him, concern etched into her face. "The bride's family has been asking after you for over an hour. Everyone is here—except the bride—and they've all been waiting. Why are you late?"
"It's nothing serious, Mom," he replied smoothly. "Got caught in traffic. But I'm here now. Let's begin."
She eyed him suspiciously but let it go. "Fine. We don't have much time. Go on, take your place at the altar."
"Yes, Ma."
A few minutes later, the room settled as the MC stepped forward, microphone in hand.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please rise and welcome our radiant bride!"
The doors opened.
Xiotan stepped into view.
Time itself seemed to falter.
Gasps rippled through the hall. Conversations ceased. Cameras clicked in awe. The claps faded into reverent silence. She was stunning—gliding like royalty, her gown whispering secrets with each step. Chin high, gaze calm, Xiotan exuded grace and power. On either side of her were Jinxin and her mother, beaming with pride.
Li Cheng's breath hitched.
He had always known she was beautiful, but this… this was divine. She wasn't just a woman—she was a vision. A goddess carved from silk and fire. He stared, stunned.
Meanwhile, Xiotan's confidence shattered the moment she met his eyes.
"Jinxin," she whispered through clenched teeth, "who am I looking at? Oh my god—isn't that the guy I beat up the other day?"
Jinxin stiffened. "Yes. Yes, it is. Xiotan, we're so dead. I told you not to start that fight, but you never listen—"
"What do I do?" Xiotan hissed. "I shouldn't have touched him. He looks dangerous now. Jinxin, I'm not ready to die!"
"You have no choice! Just act like you don't know him. Keep smiling. Don't faint."
"Are you mad? Look at his face! He's smiling like the devil himself. I don't want to get married anymore—"
"You will marry him, Xiotan. Now pull yourself together and don't create a scandal!"
As Xiotan reached the altar, her hands trembled slightly. Li Cheng extended his hand, eyes glittering with wicked amusement.
She hesitated.
Then took it.
His touch was firm, confident, and deliberate. Their fingers locked, and she felt a chill run down her spine.
Standing face to face, she fought every urge to run. She could barely look him in the eye. His smile widened as he adjusted her veil, drinking in the sight of her delicate face beneath the silk.
"Well, well," he murmured, voice low enough only she could hear. "Surprise, surprise. Happy to see me?"
Her smile was frozen in place, but her glare cut like a blade. "Happy my foot," she muttered under her breath eyeing him.
Li Cheng chuckled. "Ah, there's that fire. You had such a sharp tongue before. What happened to all that bravado? Go on, beat me again. Show everyone how fearless you are."
"Don't tempt me," she hissed, her lips still smiling for the crowd. "I'll beat the hell out of you the moment this show ends. And you still owe me for that phone you smashed!"
"I look forward to it," he replied, eyes glinting with mischief.
The ceremony moved forward. Vows were exchanged with poised words and smiling faces that masked a storm beneath.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for—the kiss.
The hall held its breath.
Li Cheng leaned down, her breath caught in her throat. He was close—too close. Then his voice dropped like velvet against her ear.
"Listen, girl. I don't do kisses. So just play along."
Before she could respond, he placed his thumb gently over her lips, leaned in, and pressed his own lips against his thumb—angled just right to fool every watching eye. A swift, clever sleight of hand. To the crowd, it was perfect. A romantic kiss. But Xiotan barely registered the trick before he pulled back with a charming grin.
The guests cheered.
The cameras flashed.
Only the two of them knew the truth.
And neither of them was smiling on the inside.