Chapter 33: Let Us Take a Trip to Su City

There was a happy occasion at home, but he wasn’t invited.
She returned to Su City, but didn’t bring him along.
He felt like a secret kept in the shadows, a hidden spouse.

Jing Zhuo took a deep breath, set down his phone, and recited a mantra of tranquility, yet he could not find his peace. He didn’t dare search online, nor did he dare message his group of friends. He was terrified of receiving the same mocking refrain: "Your wife doesn't want you anymore~"

By the next day, while on a business trip to Lin City, Jing Zhuo remained listless and somber.

Chen Feng, while driving, reported the itinerary: "Mr. Jing, last week’s travel schedule has been moved to this week. In three days, we have an appointment with Mr. Song of Universe Technology in Su City to conduct a site visit at their drone headquarters."

The group had recently launched a new business venture involving S-class projects in drones and robotics, and Jing Zhuo was very optimistic about the prospects of these two industries. Chen Feng had therefore been more diligent in his briefings.

"Su City?" Jing Zhuo asked.
"Yes."
"The founder of Universe Technology is named Song?"
"That’s correct."
"Can we move that forward by three days? We’re going to Su City." Jing Zhuo commanded.

Chen Feng hesitated: "That might not be possible. Mr. Song said he’s unavailable for the next three days; he has to attend his niece’s wedding."

"Then that makes it all the more reason to go." Jing Zhuo issued the order. "Book the tickets. We’re heading to the airport as soon as the meeting ends."

Chen Feng: "?"
Why was the boss crashing someone else’s niece's wedding?
Without any familial ties or connections, intruding on a wedding halfway across the country was incredibly presumptuous! But a hired hand has no right to rebel.

Three hours later, under the boss’s untimely, tactless, and forceful demand, Chen Feng sat in the airport’s VIP lounge, calling Mr. Song of Universe Technology.

"Hello, Mr. Song. This is Chen Feng from White Crane Group. Out of high regard for Universe Technology, our Mr. Jing will be staying in Su City for the next three days to visit your drone headquarters."

On the other end, Song Shiqian repeated: "My schedule is packed for the next three days. Can we push it back by two days? I’ll come to pick you up personally then."

"We are already at the airport and will depart in thirty minutes." Chen Feng spoke as if he hadn't heard the refusal, smiling innocently. "Mr. Song, thank you for your personal reception."

Song Shiqian on the other end was silent for a long while before squeezing a few words through his teeth: "Fine. Come, then."

As dusk fell, Chen Feng and Jing Zhuo walked out of Su City Airport and met with Song Shiqian, who had come to greet them personally. Because this was a key partnership, Song Shiqian fulfilled his role as host, arranging for them to stay at a five-star hotel with car service provided.

Inside the stretched business sedan, Chen Feng smiled and handed over a gift box. "I heard Mr. Song’s niece is getting married tomorrow. Our boss specifically prepared a gift from the capital, along with a generous red envelope, to express his well wishes."

Song Shiqian was quite surprised. He hadn't expected someone from the capital to be so particular about etiquette. "In that case, I thank Mr. Jing on behalf of the bride."

Jing Zhuo spoke politely: "You’re welcome. To be able to attend a wedding in Su City and share in the joy is my good fortune."

Song Shiqian: "..."
Judging by that, he really did intend to attend the wedding. Going in circles like this, Song had assumed Jing Zhuo was trying to deliberately make things difficult for Universe Technology.

—

At 4:00 AM, the Song villa was already bustling.

Song Xi followed everyone else in rising early, helping to decorate the staircase and the venue with red silk ribbons, even laying out festive red carpets outside the courtyard. Outside the entire villa, one floral arch after another had been erected.

In the bride's room, her cousin was dressed in a traditional bright red bridal gown, surrounded by makeup artists working on her look. Song Xi stayed by her side, helping to organize the intricate tassel hairpins.

"Xiao Xi, there’s not even a two-year age gap between us. You need to hurry up, too. Otherwise, in a couple of years, your skin will wrinkle, and even makeup won't look good." Her cousin looked at herself in the mirror, clearly unsatisfied.

"That's not true, cousin. You’re clearly young and beautiful, full of collagen." Song Xi complimented her. "Besides, this is an era where everyone blooms in their own way; beauty anxiety isn't in fashion."

"You’re just good at flattering people."

The cousin took her hand and whispered, "I heard quite a few young elites are coming to the wedding today. Because the wedding features drone and robotic sci-fi designs, many of my uncle's partners will be here. You should keep an eye out, and if you see someone you like, go for it."

Song Xi hadn't told anyone in the Song family about her three-year relationship. Therefore, they all still believed she was single since birth. She didn't want to reveal that she had already registered her marriage on the day of the wedding, so she kept her mouth shut, playing the part of the oblivious, smiling girl.

"Sister Xi, the auspicious time has come! Let’s go set off the firecrackers!"

A little one burst in from outside—it was the second uncle’s youngest daughter, Sui Sui. She was five years old, lively and sharp. Being young and adorable, she was the little darling of the Song family.

"Alright, let’s go set off the firecrackers." Song Xi pinched her little cheek, covered the girl’s ears, and headed downstairs.

Early in the morning, the long wedding motorcade arrived. Amidst the lively atmosphere of the bride-price procession, they boarded the cars and headed to the outdoor wedding venue.

The Song family had a certain reputation in Su City, and many guests were in attendance. In the center of the lawn stood several robots, and a formation of drones hovered in the sky. The wedding was themed around technology, designed personally by her uncle, Song Shiqian.

Song Xi was playing with the robots on the lawn with the little girl when, suddenly, a drone wobbled over, stirring up a chilling gust of wind. She reflexively stepped back to dodge it, but the high heels she was wearing were too tall. She lost her balance and began to tumble toward the ground.

A hand suddenly appeared at her waist, pulling her back.

Caught off guard, Song Xi collided with a solid, firm chest, and a faint scent of cedarwood filled her nose.

This scent...

Song Xi reflexively looked up, meeting a pair of cold, deep black eyes.

The