Old Master Mu could understand why a father wouldn't want to marry off his daughter too early, especially since she was still a young girl in her early twenties. However, he had promised his dear friend that he would take good care of his granddaughter, and that was how the betrothal had come to be.
"I think we should seize the opportunity while Xingling is on summer break to hold the wedding. Let’s set the date for August 2nd."
That meal not only failed to change the Mu Family’s intent to keep the engagement, but it also completely ruined Shen Xingling’s efforts to salvage her image. And just like that, they had set the date.
Good heavens! I’m going to be ending my single life in less than a month!
The Shen Family remained silent throughout the entire ride home. Once they were back, Shen Xingling was the first to speak. "Mom, Dad, I’ll marry him."
Even though the mother and daughter usually spent their time bickering, Mother Shen couldn't help but feel worried about her daughter marrying a man she didn't know; she feared her daughter would inevitably suffer. Why should her precious daughter be forced to marry Mu Tingshen, a man seven years her senior, just because of a piece of paper?
"Xingling, if you don't want to marry him, you don't have to force yourself. Your father and I can go talk to Old Master Mu and call off the wedding. We can't let you be mistreated. Isn't that right, honey?"
Shen Qingwen draped an arm over Xia Lan’s shoulder and replied, "You're right, dear. Xingling, have you really thought this through?"
Shen Xingling understood the stakes. While the arrangement had been made by their grandfathers, her grandfather was now gone, and only Old Master Mu remained to push for the marriage. If they forced a cancellation, it would not only be a slap in the face to the Mu Family, but she also feared the Mu Family might retaliate against the Shen Corporation.
Touched by her parents' concern, Shen Xingling still knew she had to consider their position. "Mom, Dad, I’ve thought it over. Besides, with my personality, how could I ever let myself be mistreated?" she said, comforting them.
*Shen Xingling thought: I’ve heard Mu Tingshen isn't just handsome and fit! Most importantly, he can make money! If we have children later, their looks will be even better! Plus, I can just lay back and enjoy having plenty of spending money! Hahahaha!*
That evening, in the Mu Family study, Old Master Mu walked in with his cane. A man wearing black loungewear and silver-rimmed glasses perched on a high nose bridge was busy working at his desk. Even from a distance, one could feel his cold, aloof air.
Seeing his grandfather enter, Mu Tingshen called out "Grandpa" before returning his focus to his work.
Old Master Mu, still quite sturdy, walked over to the sofa and sat down. "Tingshen, the wedding is set for August 2nd," he stated. "The bride is from the Shen family; the girl’s name is Shen Xingling."
"As long as you’ve arranged it, Grandpa, I have no objections," Mu Tingshen replied.
"Good, good, good! You must treat her well. That girl is well-behaved and obedient; don't you dare bully her," Old Master Mu said, delighted that Mu Tingshen had agreed.
Because Mu Tingshen had been raised by his grandfather, he was naturally willing to do whatever made the old man happy. Furthermore, as far as Mu Tingshen was concerned, whether he married or not made little difference; it was just one more person in the house, and as long as his grandfather was happy, that was enough.
He had agreed to it quite casually. Years later, Mu Tingshen would be incredibly grateful for that "casual agreement"—it had given him the girl he would cherish for the rest of his life.
Grandpa Mu hurried back to his room to share the news with Grandma Mu. "Tingshen agreed! See, aren't I capable? I settled his marriage early, otherwise our precious grandson would have been a bachelor for life." *Wife, hurry up and praise me!*
Grandma Mu knew exactly what he was thinking. "Yes, yes, you're the capable one. You settled Tingshen’s big life event in one go. But tell me, our grandson isn't lacking, is he? Why is he so popular with the girls?"
Grandpa Mu nodded with satisfaction. "Their fate hadn't arrived until now."
Time flew, and the wedding day arrived as scheduled.
In the dressing room, Shen Xingling looked at herself in the mirror; after today, she would be someone’s wife. Naturally, her best friends, Han Xinyue and Jun Wanwan, were there as bridesmaids.
"Babe, I heard this wedding dress was commissioned by the Mu Family at a high price from a world-renowned designer abroad," Xinyue said, eyeing the gown.
"Xingxing, I’ve heard that so many socialites want to hire this designer for their dresses, but her schedule is always fully booked. A big shot is a big shot—one word from them and she’s working for you," Wanwan said, touching the dress with envious eyes.
The two friends could see that the Mu Family truly valued their friend—or perhaps they were just protecting the Mu Family's reputation. They hoped it was the former.
The three sisters chatted for a while. Mother Shen walked in and gave her daughter some earnest advice: "Xingling, once you're married, you need to temper your personality, but don't let anyone bully you." Though she knew her daughter wasn't one to be pushed around, she worried that once she was married into that family, she would be outnumbered and inevitably wronged.
"Ms. Xia Lan, how many times do I have to say it? Do I look like someone who’s easy to bully? It’s more likely that I’ll be the one bullying others," Shen Xingling said, comforting her mother.
"You silly girl, I’m just worried you’ll let yourself be wronged."
The time for the wedding arrived. Shen Xingling held her wedding dress in one hand and took her father's arm with the other. Looking at her father’s slightly reddened eyes, she recalled the life they had shared. A wave of bitterness surged in her heart, but she forced it down and smiled at him.
The doors opened, and the wedding spotlights shone on the father and daughter. Shen Xingling walked along the flower-strewn path, looking at the man in the high-end black suit standing ahead, waiting with a bouquet.
She walked forward, step by step. The man’s handsome face gradually came into focus. This was the first time, aside from photos, that she was seeing her husband—Mu Tingshen.
*Shen Xingling’s inner thoughts flared up again:*
*Oh my god! He’s even better-looking than his photos! The photos were total lies—he’s so much more handsome in person! Those broad shoulders and narrow waist! A perfect inverted triangle! He must be at least 184cm tall. Well, he matches my 165cm height well enough. Tee-hee!*
*Although I’m a sucker for looks, I absolutely cannot fall in love too quickly. Doesn't the internet say that whoever falls in love first loses? If I fall for him and he doesn't love me back... damn it, I’ll have lost so badly!*
*I have to follow the rule: if the enemy doesn't move, I don't move.*
Mu Tingshen said to Shen Qingwen, "Dad, I will take good care of Xingling."
Mu Tingshen reached out, and Father Shen placed Shen Xingling’s hand into his, patting their joined hands gently. Looking at Mu Tingshen, he said, "With those words, I can rest easy."
Shen Qingwen then stepped down from the stage. Mu Tingshen handed the bouquet to Shen Xingling, and she took it. After the emcee finished the opening remarks, he asked the groom:
"Mr. Mu Tingshen, do you take Ms. Shen Xingling to be your wife? From this day forward, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, through life and death, do you promise to cherish, respect, and protect her until the end of your life? Groom, do you?"
"I do!"