Fatal Desire

Chapter 38 The caring little cotton-padded jacket

Jiang Liangqun talked on and on about his beloved daughter, how lively and intelligent she was, and how much she worried him, finally concluding with: "No matter how much she grows up, a daughter will always be her father's warm little cotton-padded jacket."

Zhao Yansen neither confirmed nor denied the allegations.

Song Xi is not a sweet and considerate daughter.

She's like Li Xunhuan, the Flying Dagger, stabbing him every few days.

*
In early spring, as the weather warms up, a crabapple tree grows in the courtyard. New branches and leaves sprout, and clusters of pink and white flower buds bloom in full glory.

Jiang Shangxue and Meng Boyu's wedding was held in a star-rated hotel. Song Xi had been to this hotel before, but today the hall was completely renovated. The crystal chandeliers overhead were dazzling, the red carpet with embroidered phoenix and peony patterns was laid out, and lilies and roses were neatly decorated, making it both luxurious and simple.

When she arrived, about 80% of the guests had already arrived, and most of her acquaintances were with the bride and groom, arriving a few steps later.

Meng Weixian was an exception; he came out specifically to greet Song Xi, and upon seeing her, he immediately bowed deeply.

"President Xi, thank goodness you're here! Sister Qin and President Shang are both busy. If it weren't for you, I would have had to face the painful reality of my ex-girlfriend becoming my sister-in-law all by myself today."

Meng Weixian spoke from the bottom of his heart; he was almost in tears.

Song Xi didn't understand his behavior: "If you don't want to be a groomsman, can't you just say so? They're not going to hold a knife to your throat and force you to be a groomsman, are they?"

If Zhao Yansen gets married, she would rather die than be a bridesmaid... she wouldn't even attend the wedding.

"That won't do!" Meng Weixian said in a low voice. "I've already said that I'm free from the pain of heartbreak. If I refuse, wouldn't I be contradicting myself?"

"He's so obsessed with saving face that he suffers for it." - Song Xi's assessment.

"Stop chatting, let's go, I'll take you to see the groom." Meng Weixian, like a best friend to Song Xi, enthusiastically told her, "There are a lot of handsome guys over there, all of them top-notch, maybe there's one you like."

Song Xi and Jiang Shangxue were high school classmates, so logically she should go see the bride. But then she thought that Meng Weixian, as the bride's ex-boyfriend, taking her to the bride's dressing room was suspicious of a wedding robbery.

So, Song Xi accompanied Meng Weixian to the groom's dressing room.

Several men were gathered outside, smoking and chatting, joking about something. They all stopped talking as soon as they saw Song Xi.

They all smiled as they looked at her and Meng Weixian, some with gentle elegance, others with fiery passion.

Most of the people Song Xi didn't recognize, so he nodded politely.

Inside, someone was talking about something when a burst of laughter came from inside, creating a lively atmosphere.

Stepping inside, one is greeted by a group of distinguished men, all dressed in suits and with upright postures, who are all sons of powerful and wealthy families in Beijing.

Meng Weixian entered first, and Chi Wang saw him and stood up and laughed heartily: "Second Brother Meng, it's been a long time since I've seen you dressed like a human being."

One of the brothers immediately retorted with a laugh: "Young Master Chi, what are you saying? If Wei Xian didn't look like a human before, did he look like a ghost?"

Just as Chi Wang was about to retort, he suddenly noticed Song Xi behind Meng Weixian and immediately beamed with joy: "Angel sister, it's been a long time! Do you still remember your brother Wang?"

As soon as he landed, everyone in the room turned their attention to Song Xi, including Zhao Yansen, who was lounging on a single sofa, and Zhou Ji'an, who was in a wheelchair.

Song Xi smiled and said, "With Chi Wang's handsome appearance, it's hard not to remember him."

Chi Wang has a very refined mixed-race appearance, with deep-set eyes and blue pupils that are like sapphires, making him very eye-catching. His skin is not cool white, but more like milky white, exuding a clear and youthful charm.

Zhao Yansen didn't react much, but simply leaned back on the sofa and silently observed Song Xi.

She didn't wear the dress he had chosen for her; instead, she picked out a fishtail skirt and elegant high heels, which made her legs appear even straighter and slimmer. Her makeup was light, and her jewelry was simple and sophisticated, clearly indicating that she didn't want to overdo it and worry about overshadowing her.

It is simple and elegant, yet has a bright and cheerful style.

"Young Master Chi, how many good sisters have you recognized today?" Some people who didn't understand laughed and joked.

"Go to hell." Chi Wang kicked him. "This is Brother Sen's sister, Song Xi. She studied in the United States and only came back recently."

All eyes turned to Zhao Yansen. "What are you doing? What are you doing?" Meng Weixian shouted. "You're all acting like you've never seen your little sister before. Our Xi Zong isn't here to find a brother."

After saying that, he nudged Song Xi's arm: "My brother isn't here, how about we go get something to eat first?"

Song Xi looked around and, not seeing Meng Boyu, nodded, politely greeted the people inside, and then took her leave.

After Song Xi and Meng Weixian left, Chi Wang kicked the young master next to him again. The young master dodged to the side and said, "Hey, you can't hit me!"

Chi Wang walked over and sat to Zhao Yansen's left, asking Zhou Ji'an, "Has my sister become even more beautiful since I last saw her?"

“How would I know?” Zhou Ji’an said. “I saw her the day before yesterday.”

"Look at what you're saying, so I'm the only one who can't see my sister!" Chi Wang retorted, his competitive spirit rising. "No way, from now on I'll call my sister out to play every few days, I refuse to believe I can't see her!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yansen lazily glanced over.

Chi Wang immediately snapped to attention and chuckled, "I definitely need to inform you beforehand before I call her out."

Zhou Ji'an laughed and scolded, "Is that all the ambition you have?"

“What’s the use of being successful if you can’t even find a wife?” Meng Weixian retorted righteously to Song Xi in the auditorium.

Attending the same wedding as his ex-girlfriend and becoming family is another kind of fulfillment.

Song Xi showed no mercy, stabbing him in the heart: "So whether you're successful or not, you'll never be able to find a wife."

Meng Weixian clutched his heart, deeply hurt: "President Xi, you've really hit me where it hurts!"

"Alright, stop acting like a play with me." Song Xi glanced at the time and reminded him, "The wedding is about to start, you, as the best man, should get down to business."

"OK, Mr. Xi, don't rush to leave. I can't handle this alone."

"Yes, I won't leave until the banquet is over."

After Meng Weixian left, many people approached Song Xi to chat, but she handled the situation with composure and showed no signs of stage fright.

The wedding emcee said a few words into the microphone, then the wedding march began, the golden doors opened, and the red carpet leading to the altar was illuminated.

Standing behind Meng Boyu, Meng Weixian watched as Jiang Shangxue, dressed in a white wedding gown, walked towards him step by step, led by her father. Meng Weixian suddenly had the illusion that Jiang Shangxue was walking towards him, that this was their wedding.

Song Xi looked up and saw Jiang Shangxue's bridesmaid, and was taken aback for a second.

The bridesmaid's face looked somewhat familiar.

The photo was one she had seen not long ago.

Li Shuyi from the Li family.

She might become her sister-in-law.

Song Xi was surprised to see Li Shuyi here. She was somewhat dazed. The bride and groom read their vows, exchanged rings, hugged and kissed... She didn't pay attention. She just felt that the enthusiastic applause was like a flood, slowly eroding her consciousness.

Jiang Shangxue took the bouquet from Li Shuyi and, with her back to the group of unmarried girls, prepared to throw it.

Seeing this, Song Xi prepared to avoid this place of trouble, but unexpectedly a fierce-looking man was standing behind her. When she turned around, she almost bumped into his chest.

At the same time, the bouquet formed a beautiful parabola in the air and flew straight towards Song Xi's head.

Zhao Yansen looked at the person in front of him and instinctively caught the bouquet to prevent it from hurting her.

The ribbons of the bouquet fluttered down, gently brushing against Song Xi's head. She looked up and unexpectedly met Zhao Yansen's gaze.

"elder brother?"

(End of this chapter)