They arrived at the Meng Family Old Mansion before long. Built a century ago, the independent estate sits atop Azure Dragon Mountain. Time has lent the mansion a sense of grandeur, and its black architecture commands an air of solemn respect.
Meng Huaijin and Fu Wenying entered the mansion together to offer tea to their elders. The most venerable member of the Meng clan, Elder Meng’s older brother, personally entered Fu Wenying’s name into the family genealogy.
Once the time arrived, they headed to the wedding venue. Yufu Haoting, a hotel under the Meng family’s banner, is the finest in Yancheng. The wedding of Meng Huaijin and Fu Wenying was to be held in the banquet hall on the top floor.
Elder Meng, accompanied by Meng Yunheng and Lin Zhiyun, stood in the banquet hall to receive guests. All guest rooms and banquet halls in the entire building had ceased operations two days prior, and long-term residents had been relocated to other hotels. Today, the hotel served their wedding alone.
The guests in attendance included celebrities and tycoons from across the country, international business magnates, old nobility, political figures, and esteemed intellectuals. Even mayors from several regions had rushed to attend. Meng Huaijin had been determined to host a grand affair, and he had succeeded in creating a spectacle that moved every circle of society.
Security for the wedding was handled by the Meng family’s own private team; only those with invitations were permitted entry. This demonstrated the immense importance the Meng family placed on the occasion, effectively silencing those who had claimed the wedding was merely a loveless union of wealth.
Upon arrival, Meng Huaijin and his party went directly to the VIP lounge. He changed into a black tailcoat tuxedo with a black cummerbund and a deep crimson collar, which highlighted his peerless good looks. The suit was trimmed with gold thread, radiating an air of supreme nobility.
As Fu Wenying watched Meng Huaijin’s tall, elegant figure, she thought of the Meng Huaijin from her past life. He had looked just like this then, but she had been too young to fully appreciate him; now, she wanted to take it all in. Under her gaze, the tips of Meng Huaijin’s ears turned slightly red.
Once dressed, Meng Huaijin was called away by his parents to greet the guests outside. Before leaving, he said to Fu Wenying, "Your two good friends have arrived. I’ll have them come over to keep you company. Change into your dress first—I’ll be waiting for you at the ceremony."
"Wenying, this wedding dress..." Su Yan stared at the gown as if she couldn't take her eyes off it.
The dress was a cascading sea of ethereal tulle, adorned with intricate soft-satin roses and inlaid gemstones. Every white accent was embroidered with silver thread, and the jewels had been commissioned by Meng Huaijin at great expense from overseas specifically to embellish the gown. Coupled with the design by Keimel, it shimmered with a gorgeous, elegant charm that was truly breathtaking.
As attendants helped Fu Wenying into the dress, it seemed to glow with a pure, luminous light. These adornments upon the bride seemed born with an aristocratic aura, faintly conveying an air of unshakeable pride and sanctity.
Xu Ying teased, "A dress like this couldn't have been made in just three or four months. Could our Young Master Meng have been planning this for a long time?"
Fu Wenying covered her mouth and laughed, "Stop teasing me, you two. The ceremony is about to start—you should head over first."
Fu Yixing and Zhou Lanzhi had also arrived at the venue.
As the wedding began, Fu Wenying walked into the grand hall and joined her father. Miraculously, the entire venue fell silent. All eyes were fixed on the bride, the luxurious gown perfectly showcased by her presence.
Fu Yixing said softly, "My daughter is truly beautiful."
Fu Wenying took her father’s arm and walked toward Meng Huaijin. When she came to a stop, Meng Huaijin turned around for the first look. His figure stiffened; his eyes were filled entirely with her. A deep, profound love spilled from behind his gold-rimmed glasses, and his eyes grew slightly red.
When her father placed her hand into Meng Huaijin’s, Fu Wenying’s hand was ice-cold. As it touched Meng Huaijin’s, the warmth of his palm prompted her to tighten her grip on his hand, and he squeezed back.
In that moment, he gave her a profound sense of peace.