Chapter 136: Gu Liang’s Engagement (3)
As they reached the Shans, Shan Zitong moved forward respectfully and said, "Good evening, Master and Madame Gu."
Master Gu extended his hand for a handshake and said, "We will be family, so you can call us uncle and aunt... So, these are your parents?"
Shan Zitong replied, "Yes, this is my mom and dad. Mom, Dad, meet Gu Liang’s parents."
Master Shan shook Master Gu’s hand and said, "Nice to finally meet you, Master Gu. My son only speaks well of you, and you have a beautiful wife."
Master Gu, his ego fueled, responded, "Gu Liang surely takes after her. I guess your son has good taste too."
Madame Shan walked closer to Madame Gu and said, "Nice to finally meet the woman who will be my son’s mother-in-law."
Madame Gu’s face betrayed a mix of anger, fear, and irritation. She forced a smile when she noticed her husband waiting for her to respond and said, "Nice meeting you, Madame Shan."
Madame Shan asked, "Where is your daughter?"
Master Gu replied, "You will see her soon, but I think we need to start the ceremony now."
Master Shan looked around for a minute, then suddenly said, "Hmm, okay, we can start."
The Shans took their seats, and soon the program director announced the start of the ceremony, indicating that everyone should be seated. After ensuring that everyone was in their places, the program director declared, "Now let us all be prepared for the start of this beautiful engagement ceremony."
Soft music filled the room, creating a serene ambiance. Suddenly, the sound of clicking heels echoed in the air. All eyes turned toward the entrance to see who had arrived. Madame Gu, however, caught everyone’s attention with her stunned expression, and her reaction did not go unnoticed by Master Shan and Madame Shan.
As the mysterious figure approached, Madame Gu’s eyes widened, and she seemed on the verge of fainting. Master Shan and Madame Shan exchanged a knowing look, seemingly enjoying Madame Gu’s shocked and fearful expression. The room fell silent, the only sound being the echoing footsteps of the newcomer.
The mysterious figure emerged into view, revealing a woman of striking elegance and poise. She wore a dazzling gown, and her presence exuded confidence. Madame Gu, still recovering from her initial shock, forced a strained smile, trying to maintain composure.
Sun Lixia leaned toward Li Chen in a hushed tone and remarked, "See, I told you she likes to make an entrance."
Li Chen, intrigued, inquired, "Is there history between her and Madame Gu?"
Sun Lixia responded cryptically, "A long history. I’ll tell you someday. Just watch the show and enjoy it, son."
As everyone continued to discuss Li Yanyan, who chose to wear black at such a joyous event, she cleared her throat and apologized, "Sorry I am late; traffic was bad. I will take my seat; you can continue."
The program director, sensing the anticipation in the room, turned to look at Master Gu, who signaled for him to proceed.
The engagement ceremony continued, with the spotlight on Li Yanyan, the woman in black. Whispers and speculations circulated among the guests, adding an air of mystery to the occasion.
The grand hall was adorned with scarlet hues and the rich scent of incense as the traditional Chinese engagement ceremony of Shan Zitong and Gu Liang unfolded. The air was thick with anticipation, and the exchange of betrothal gifts had set the stage for a ceremony steeped in centuries of tradition.
In the midst of the ornate setting, Shan Zitong and Gu Liang stood together, ready to embark on a new Chapter of their lives. The room buzzed with conversations, whispers of elders exchanging tales of the significance of each ritual.
Master Gu, bearing a tray laden with symbolic gifts, presented it to Master Shan, signifying the formal request for his son’s hand in marriage. The atmosphere held its breath as Master Shan accepted the gifts, acknowledging the union with a nod steeped in gravitas.
As the room transitioned into the proposal tea ceremony, the couple, flanked by their parents, knelt to offer fragrant tea to their elders. The clinking of porcelain against silver echoed through the hall as they received blessings and well-wishes, a solemn exchange that bound two families together.
The exchange of rings followed, each delicate band a promise of everlasting love. Gu Liang slid the ring onto Shan Zitong’s finger, sealing their commitment, while she reciprocated the gesture, symbolizing unity and mutual respect.
Amidst the joyful clinks of wine glasses, Shan Zitong and Gu Liang offered toasts, expressing gratitude to their parents. The room erupted in applause as the elders reciprocated with heartfelt blessings, their words weaving a tapestry of wisdom for the newly engaged couple.
In a corner of the hall, Li Yanyan, clad mysteriously in black, observed the proceedings with keen interest, her presence a subtle reminder of untold histories. Sun Lixia, sensing the intrigue, exchanged knowing glances with Li Chen, hinting at stories yet to be unveiled.
The atmosphere lightened as the couple, now officially engaged, joined their families in a banquet that symbolized the union of not just two individuals but two families.
After the formal proceedings, Gu Liang gracefully slipped into a Western dress – a pristine white gown paired with striking red heels. Arm in arm with Shan Zitong, they strolled around the hall, exchanging pleasantries with the guests who had gathered to celebrate their engagement. As they approached the table where Li Chen and Li Yanyan were seated, a subtle tension lingered.
Gu Liang leaned towards Shan Zitong and whispered, "I don’t want to greet him."
Shan Zitong replied, "We have to; it’s tradition."
Gu Liang, her voice laced with a hint of disdain, addressed Li Chen, "I’m sure you’re glad your sugar mama could get you here, aren’t you?"
Unexpected laughter burst from Sun Lixia, who sat beside Li Chen. "Since you’re now engaged to the man you love, why are you worried about who is with Li Chen? Because your voice tells me you are jealous, honey."
Gu Liang retorted, "Jealous? I can never be jealous. I don’t care who he is with."
Sun Lixia, relishing the banter, turned her attention to Shan Zitong and remarked, "It would be a pity if this fine young man also fell into my hands because you were too stupid."
Shan Zitong, maintaining his composure, replied, "Let’s greet more guests; my parents also want to formally meet you."
Gu Liang couldn’t resist adding, "Heard that? He has parents, rich parents, not a poor orphan like you."
Li Chen, displaying a good sense of humor, smiled and said, "Good for him."
Gu Liang and Shan Zitong left, and Li Chen collectively sighed and said, "Mom, do you really have to continue with the act?"
Sun Lixia, with a mischievous gleam in her eyes, responded, "Of course. It will be more fun when they find out the truth if we prolong it, don’t you think?"
Li Chen, unfazed by the theatrics, simply laughed and continued sipping his juice, enjoying the lively dynamics of the engagement celebration.
As Shan Zitong and Gu Liang reached the table where Li Yanyan was seated, Gu Liang couldn’t help but whisper, "Do you know that woman?"
Shan Zitong, feeling his heart racing, replied, "No, why?"
"She creeps me out, and why is she wearing black? It’s an engagement, not a funeral," Gu Liang expressed her unease.
"Keep your voice down; you don’t want to offend guests now, do we?" Shan Zitong cautioned, trying to maintain composure.
Gu Liang forced a smile and approached Li Yanyan respectfully. Li Yanyan, with a small smile on her face, greeted them, "A beautiful young couple indeed. Congratulations. I have a gift for you."
Li Yanyan reached for her bag, took out a small, beautifully wrapped box, and handed it to Gu Liang. "I don’t know if you’ll like it, but it’s beautiful, I can say that."
Gu Liang, now feeling a bit at ease, accepted the box with a smile, saying, "Thank you, ma’am."
Li Yanyan then turned her attention to Shan Zitong and said, "I couldn’t get you a gift, but I am sure you will like what I will send to you later."
Shan Zitong, despite feeling scared out of his wits, managed to respond, "Okay, thank you, ma’am."
Gu Liang, sensing the need to conclude the encounter, said, "We have to go; I hope you enjoy your night."
Li Yanyan simply nodded and replied, "Of course," as the engaged couple gracefully moved away, leaving Li Yanyan at her table, her mysterious aura adding an intriguing layer to the evening’s festivities.
Madame Gu observed the exchange between Gu Liang and Li Yanyan from a distance, her anxiety palpable. She stood there, hidden in the shadows, unable to contain her fear. The knot in her stomach tightened as she wished she could drag Gu Liang away from that mysterious woman. Every fiber of her being screamed with the urge to intervene, to shield her daughter from what seemed like an impending storm.
Fists clenched and teeth gritted, Madame Gu fought the overwhelming sense of foreboding. She knew that any sudden interference would only raise suspicion. So, she remained in the shadows, a silent witness to a conversation that seemed to stretch on longer than comfort allowed.
Deep down, Madame Gu couldn’t shake off the feeling that this encounter was not going to end well for her daughter. Gu Liang’s stubbornness, the very trait that often left Madame Gu exasperated, now fueled her concerns. She had seen that look of determination in Gu Liang’s eyes before, and it usually led to unexpected twists.
With a heavy heart, Madame Gu braced herself for the unknown, all the while wishing for the strength to face whatever consequences this engagement ceremony might bring to their doorstep.
