The day of Ma Teng and Mu Qing’s wedding had wonderful weather. The first ray of morning sunlight unknowingly penetrated the curtains and shone into Xiao Yufan’s bedroom, finally stopping on a vase, casting a colorful halo on its surface.
Xiao Yufan had told himself more than once that this was a joyous day for his two best friends, and he shouldn’t spoil this festive morning with negative emotions.
He took out a suit he considered very handsome from the wardrobe, used a hair dryer to style his hair fashionably, and only after confirming that there was no trace of melancholy on his face did Xiao Yufan prepare to leave the room to deliver his heartfelt blessings.
…
At noon, outside the Ring City Hotel, the wedding party waited for the bride’s arrival. Xiao Yufan, as the best man, also waited eagerly for Cheng Ying’s appearance, believing that, given Cheng Ying’s relationship with Mu Qing, she would surely be the bridesmaid.
However, the wedding convoy was delayed, and for Xiao Yufan, this was pure torture. He wished Cheng Ying would arrive sooner, ending the painful wait. After all, since meeting her was inevitable, better sooner than later. Perhaps after meeting, they could silently treat each other like strangers—this would be best…
Xiao Yufan slowly pushed his way out of the crowd, found a stone bench across from the hotel, and sat down, lighting a cigarette to ease his gloom. Ma Teng understood his inner turmoil and didn’t follow him.
At this moment, Xiao Yufan longed for a woman to be by his side so he wouldn’t feel so lonely. At least then he could smile genuinely while offering his blessings to Ma Teng and Mu Qing, and even smile while telling Cheng Ying that he was doing fine too.
Unconsciously, Xiao Yufan’s mind drifted to Yi Han Yu’s beautiful face. He didn’t know why he thought of her at this moment, but almost instinctively, he dialed her number.
After a short wait, the call connected, and Xiao Yufan paused before speaking, “Do you have time now?”
“Any particular reason?” Yu Yi Han replied, clearly still upset about Xiao Yufan’s teasing from the previous day, her tone guarded.
Xiao Yufan smiled, trying to ease Yu Yi Han’s guard before saying, “Actually, I just want to invite you for a meal…”
“Isn’t that unnecessary? We aren’t that close—you’re just a temporary tenant of mine!” Yu Yi Han seemed to refuse without hesitation. The fragile truce between them from a few days ago had once again collapsed due to yesterday’s incident.
“But it’s necessary! You not only gave me shelter but also covered my fine. No one else in Beijing has been this kind to me. If I don’t show my gratitude, I really might become the scoundrel you imagine me to be…”
Yu Yi Han was silent for a moment, and seizing the moment, Xiao Yufan continued, “Come on, I’ve already picked the place. Please give me a chance. Surely you won’t insist on seeing me as the scoundrel you imagine?”
“Where are we eating…” Another pause followed. Obviously, Yu Yi Han had been moved by Xiao Yufan’s “sincere” words and finally agreed.
“At the Ring City Hotel.”
“Got it. Wait for me, I’ll be there in ten minutes…” After hesitating briefly, Yu Yi Han accepted, her prompt agreement surprising Xiao Yufan. He couldn’t help but silently question himself: was it right to deceive Yu Yi Han like this?
Ten minutes later, Yu Yi Han arrived punctually at the Ring City Hotel. Xiao Yufan immediately approached her, wearing a cheeky grin that clearly showed his guilt.
“I was afraid you wouldn’t come, but you were right on time—exactly ten minutes!” Standing beside the flowerbed across from the hotel, Xiao Yufan spoke first.
“I’m not like certain people who don’t keep their word!” Yu Yi Han was as cold as ever, then added, “Can we go eat now?”
“Of course we can… but… we still need to wait for a few more people!” Xiao Yufan shamelessly replied, completely ignoring Yu Yi Han’s slightly changing expression.
“More people?”
Before Yu Yi Han could finish speaking, a wedding procession slowly came into view, and the area in front of the hotel became lively.
Without paying attention to Yu Yi Han, Xiao Yufan’s gaze uncontrollably locked onto the lead wedding car. He knew Cheng Ying, as the bridesmaid, would probably be inside. At this thought, his breathing quickened slightly.
Dressed in groom’s attire, Ma Teng walked toward the first wedding car and scooped Mu Qing into a princess carry. Cheers and applause erupted instantly, completely drowning out Xiao Yufan.
Amid the crowd, Xiao Yufan finally saw Cheng Ying stepping out of the car. She held a bouquet in her hand, and the purple gown she wore made her look like a princess. Sunlight poured onto her face, creating a sparkling glow.
Cheng Ying was still so beautiful. Under her delicate eyebrows, her eyes shone like bright moons, filled with flowing luster. Among all the women Xiao Yufan had known, Cheng Ying’s eyes were the most beautiful…
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