Chapter 135: Gu Liang’s Engagement (2)
The interior of the villa exuded an air of opulence and elegance, reflecting the grandeur of the Chinese traditional engagement ceremony. Rich red and gold hues dominated the decor, symbolizing prosperity, good fortune, and happiness.
Elaborate floral arrangements adorned the spacious hall, featuring lush arrangements of red peonies, symbolic of love and prosperity. Intricate Chinese lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting a warm and inviting glow. Traditional Chinese knots, meticulously crafted with red and gold silk threads, adorned the walls, symbolizing good luck and unity.
The focal point of the room was a beautifully adorned engagement stage, embellished with auspicious symbols and intricate carvings. Red silk curtains cascaded around the stage, creating an intimate atmosphere. The engagement table, positioned at the center, showcased traditional Chinese ceremonial items, including the double happiness character (囍), representing joy and marital bliss.
Guests were seated on elegant wooden chairs with red and gold cushions, arranged neatly around round tables covered in red silk tablecloths. Delicate porcelain tea sets and traditional wedding candies were carefully placed on each table, adding to the authenticity of the ceremony.
The overall ambiance exuded a sense of cultural richness and familial warmth, creating the perfect backdrop for the celebration of a traditional Chinese engagement.
As they settled at the table, Li Chen observed the lively crowd, a diverse mix of influential families adorned in extravagant attire. The chatter and laughter filled the air as guests exchanged pleasantries and congratulated each other on the joyous occasion.
Sun Lixia, sitting elegantly beside Li Chen, couldn’t help but scan the room, her eyes sharp and observant. She whispered to Li Chen, "Remember, blend in and enjoy the show. Tonight is not just about Gu Liang’s engagement; it’s about unveiling the hidden players in this elaborate game."
Li Chen nodded in understanding, fully aware that beneath the surface of this seemingly festive event, there were undercurrents of intrigue and hidden agendas. The engagement banquet was a stage, and each guest played a part in the unfolding drama.
As the room buzzed with excitement, Li Chen’s gaze wandered, and he caught sight of Gu Liang, the blushing bride-to-be, surrounded by well-wishers and admirers. He couldn’t help but marvel at the spectacle before him, recognizing the importance of the night in the Gu family’s intricate web of connections.
Sun Lixia, with a slight smile, said, "Enjoy the show, my son. Tonight may reveal more than we anticipate." The duo immersed themselves in the festivities, carefully navigating the complex social dynamics of the engagement ceremony.
As soon as Gu Liang’s eyes met Li Chen, a mixture of surprise and irritation flashed across her face. She furrowed her brows, stomped her feet in frustration, and swiftly made her way through the crowd, determined to find her father. Gu Liang’s elegant demeanor seemed momentarily disrupted by the unexpected presence of Li Chen at the engagement banquet.
Master Gu, her father, was engaged in conversation with a few business associates, discussing matters of importance. Noticing Gu Liang’s urgency, he excused himself from the gentlemen and turned his attention to his daughter.
One of the associates complimented, "You have a really beautiful daughter, Master Gu."
Master Gu nodded appreciatively, "She takes after her mother."
Gu Liang wasted no time and requested her father, "Can we talk in private, Dad?"
Smiling at the associates, Master Gu replied, "Excuse me, gentlemen." He then walked with Gu Liang to a quieter corner, sensing the gravity of the situation.
In this secluded space, away from prying eyes and curious ears, Gu Liang expressed her concern, "Dad, what is Li Chen doing here?"
Master Gu, equally surprised, inquired, "What? Where is he? Who let him in?"
Gu Liang shook her head in frustration, "I don’t know, but I don’t want to see him here."
Master Gu reassured her, "Don’t worry, I’ll get security to handle it. Don’t let it affect your mood. Your in-laws might arrive anytime; keep your emotions in check. I’ll talk to your brother about dealing with him."
Gu Liang sighed, acknowledging her father’s plan. "Tell him not to cause too much commotion, please."
Master Gu placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and assured her, "I know, honey. Your mother should be out entertaining the other ladies. I’ll make sure to handle this discreetly. You go back to the guests, and I’ll take care of it."
With a nod, Gu Liang returned to the main hall, instructing the maids to inform her mother about the situation. As she seamlessly rejoined the festivities, a trace of unease lingered in her eyes, uncertain of how Li Chen’s unexpected appearance would unfold.
Master Gu, with a stern expression, diligently sought out Gu Hua amidst the crowd. Once he located his son, he wasted no time and confronted him about Li Chen’s unexpected presence.
Master Gu inquired, "Tell me, why is Li Chen here? Aren’t you responsible for security?"
Gu Hua, maintaining a composed demeanor, responded, "Yes, Dad, I am responsible. However, he came with some older woman, and her invitation was legitimate. I had it checked, and she claimed Li Chen was her date."
Frowning slightly, Master Gu questioned further, "Who is that woman?"
Gu Hua admitted, "I don’t know; I have never seen her before. But her invitation came from the Shans."
Master Gu, growing annoyed, sighed, "Fine, but keep an eye on him. Make sure he doesn’t cause any trouble."
Gu Hua assured his father, "Don’t worry, Dad. I have two guards who have their eyes glued to him."
Master Gu, emphasizing the importance of the evening, warned, "Good. Nothing can go wrong tonight, do you understand?"
Gu Hua nodded, affirming his commitment, "I know, Dad. I’ll ensure everything goes smoothly."
Hu Yunxuan, observing the change in Gu Liang’s mood during their conversation with other girls from high-class society, couldn’t help but inquire about the reason behind it.
Hu Yunxuan asked, "What’s wrong, Gu Liang? It looks like your mood has changed."
One of the girls, with a hint of jealousy, chimed in, "Maybe the fiance has canceled."
Hu Yunxuan immediately shut her down, saying, "Shut up! He would never do that."
The girl quickly clarified, "I was just joking."
However, Gu Liang, unamused by the comment, retorted, "No, you’re not joking. You’re just jealous that I am better than you. I’ll be moving to Beijing soon, fulfilling your lifelong dream."
The girl dismissed the remark with a nonchalant "whatever" before walking away. Hu Yunxuan, trying to comfort Gu Liang, assured her not to mind the jealous girl’s comments and inquired about what was bothering her.
Gu Liang sighed, "Li Chen is here with his sugar mama."
Hu Yunxuan, expressing disbelief, exclaimed, "What? Let me go there and chase them out! That fool took your invite seriously. I’m sure his sugar mama bribed the guards to let them in."
Gu Liang, considering the situation, replied, "Wait, I don’t want to cause drama. My brother will handle it, okay?"
Shan Zitong made a grand entrance into the villa, dressed in an elegant combination of white and red. He wore a pristine white suit that exuded sophistication, paired with a red tie that added a touch of boldness to his ensemble. The black dress shoes completed his look, emphasizing his refined sense of style and confidence.
Beside Shan Zitong was his father, who donned a classic black suit, creating a stark contrast to his son’s attire. The suit was impeccably tailored, emphasizing the patriarch’s authoritative presence in the room.
Shan Zitong’s mother complemented the family’s stylish appearance in a beautiful white dress. The dress featured intricate details and a flowing silhouette, giving her an air of grace and elegance. Her red shoes added a pop of color, creating a coordinated and harmonious look with the family’s overall aesthetic.
The Shan family’s outfits not only reflected their affluent status but also showcased their keen fashion sense, making them stand out at the engagement banquet.
Madame Gu’s heart raced as she descended the stairs, and an unexpected wave of anxiety washed over her. The sight of two figures from her past triggered emotions she had buried deep within herself. She had intentionally chosen to forget that Chapter of her life, but it seemed that the past had resurfaced to haunt her once more.
Master Gu went to her and planted a small kiss on her cheek. He spoke with a warm tone, "My dear, come, let’s welcome our in-laws." Madame Gu managed to force a smile and replied, "Sure."
The Gu couple approached the Shans with a semblance of grace, but Madame Gu could feel her hands trembling, and perspiration formed on her back. In that moment, she wished she could turn back time and alter a few pivotal events. While Master Gu wore a genuine smile, Madame Gu struggled to maintain a facade, and the contrast between their expressions was stark.
Master Gu, excited and oblivious to the inner turmoil his wife was experiencing, eagerly looked forward to meeting his prospective in-laws. The anticipation of forming a connection with the Shans overshadowed any awareness of Madame Gu’s changing facial expressions, which oscillated between shades of green and red. Madame Gu, grappling with her past and the unexpected reunion, struggled to maintain composure in the face of the impending encounter.
