"Really! Is it true? Mom, where did you get the money?"

Hearing this, Dai Yingyue stammered uncharacteristically. After all, this money had come at the expense of her daughter.

"You... don't... don't ask. The money's here, that's what matters. Hurry up and get Manman out of the car!"

"Okay!" Zheng He didn't dwell on the source of the money after hearing his mother's words. In his view, having the money was all that mattered.

He took the envelope over to the car. "Manman! The money's here! We can get out of the car now, right?" he said, handing the envelope to Kong Man as if presenting a priceless treasure.

Kong Man took the envelope, a flash of surprise in her eyes. Well now, they actually managed to scrape the money together. Looks like I'll have to keep up the act.

Putting the money away, she put on an alluring expression. "Xiao He, I knew you cared about me the most. Come on, carry me out of the car."

Zheng He's face beamed as Kong Man leaned onto his back. Truth be told, if she hadn't met Xia Liang, she might have actually considered marrying someone who would go this far for her. But now, her personal net worth was more than what Zheng He's entire family could scrape together. On top of that, they had offended *that* person. And they think things will end well? Just let me get upstairs to deliver the final blow!

Zheng He carried Kong Man up the stairs. After they stepped over the ceremonial fire basin, they finally reached the living room. According to Shangluo City custom, they had to visit the groom's home first, as Zheng He's father had passed away. After all the hassle, the group rushed off to the hotel without delay. Xia Liang and his two companions naturally followed close behind.

The wedding ceremony officially began at the hotel. As pleasant music filled the air, Xia Liang, Luu Qi, and Xi Yiqian blended into the crowd. For their gift, they had written down a contribution of 100 milliliters. The person recording the gift amounts was stunned for a good while—100 milliliters for a table of three.

Unexpectedly, Zheng Jin had also shown up. Dai Yingyue had likely invited her in an attempt to mend their relationship, but judging by the utterly dead and resigned look on her face, she no longer cared.

Onstage, a male host in a suit and tie held a microphone.

"Respected friends and distinguished guests, good afternoon! The sun is shining, songs fill the air, and laughter abounds. On this day blessed with spring's vitality and great fortune, we gather here at the Jingdu Boutique Hotel. In this festive hall, surrounded by flowers, we will hold the wedding feast for Mr. Zheng He and Miss Kong Man."

Surprisingly, the other host was none other than Kong Man's best friend. She also picked up a microphone.

"As Kong Man's best friend, I am truly honored that she has entrusted me with the important duty of being the emcee for today's celebration."

It had to be said, the two were perfectly in sync. As soon as she finished, the male host continued, "First, on behalf of the newlyweds, I would like to extend our warmest welcome and sincerest gratitude to all the guests, family, and friends here today! I hope everyone has a fantastic time and leaves with wonderful memories. And now, friends, let us turn our eyes to the gate of happiness and begin the countdown to this blissful moment."

"5!"

"4!"

"3!"

"2!"

"1!"

As the countdown finished, they both announced in unison, "I now declare the grand wedding ceremony of the happy couple officially begins!"

Music swelled as the hall doors swung open, and spotlights illuminated Kong Man and Zheng He as they walked in and stood beside the hosts.

As one of the bridesmaids, the co-host noticed that Kong Man's eyes weren't on the groom at all. Instead, her gaze swept across the audience below. The friend, Han Yu, had no idea what Kong Man was searching for. Could it be? Is Kong Man hoping her first love will show up and crash the wedding?

Though her mind was racing with such thoughts, the ceremony had to proceed. Han Yu picked up her microphone and began reading from a card. "A decade of fate brings two to the same boat; a century of fate brings them to share a pillow. Life is a flower, and love is its honey. When love comes to fruition and a man and a woman legally become husband and wife, the most moving chapter of one's life begins."

As Han Yu switched cards, the male host quickly filled the pause. "Look! Clad in a pristine white wedding gown, holding a beautiful bouquet, and bathed in sweet happiness, our couple approaches! Heart to heart and hand in hand, they walk toward us to the solemn wedding march. Friends, let us wholeheartedly bless them, pray for them, and cheer for them! For their perfect union, let us give them another round of enthusiastic applause to wish them a beautiful future!"

Warm applause immediately erupted.

Xia Liang propped his chin on his hand, watching the stage and wondering at which point Kong Man planned to make her move. Then again, are they even going to serve the food? If not, wasn't my 100-milliliter gift a total waste?

While Xia Liang was lost in thought, the hosts on stage began introducing the couple.

Han Yu smiled and said, "Now, let me briefly introduce our bride and groom. This elegant and graceful lady on my left is none other than our beautiful bride, Ms. Kong Man! Please step forward so everyone can get a good look. Our bride isn't just beautiful; she is also gentle, wise, and poised. Her beauty rivals that of the Fairy Ladies, and her talent surpasses the magnificent phoenix!"

At this blatant praise, Xia Liang nodded in agreement. No kidding, she's really talented. Her acting and deception skills are top-notch.

After Han Yu finished, the male host, not to be outdone, chimed in. "Now that we've introduced the bride, let's look at the groom! This beaming and ecstatic young man standing beside her is our groom, Mr. Zheng He! Step forward, son, let everyone see you. Look at our groom—he's handsome too! Dashing and dignified, with bold brows and a commanding presence. They are truly a match made in heaven, a pair destined by fate. May their love blossom and endure for all time!"

To be honest, this effusive praise made many in the audience chuckle. Zheng He wasn't particularly short, and next to Kong Man, he was normally a tad taller. Today, however, was different. Kong Man was wearing high heels, a detail that had gone unnoticed while she was in the car or on the road. But now, standing on stage, she was a good half a head taller than Zheng He.

The contrast between the grand praise and the actual sight was unintentionally comical.

This, of course, was deliberately orchestrated by Kong Man. She was doing her utmost to please that one important spectator. If I can make him happy and he gives me a little extra, I'll have hit the jackpot.

And it was working. Xia Liang was thoroughly enjoying the show. He was already considering giving the hardworking Kong Man a bonus; now it all depended on the finale.

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