Yu Shihua agreed to help lend him 10 million and assist in setting a trap for Xia Ziyu but refused to mention the 20% shares. Why then tell Xia Xiaolan about it? Du Zhaohui truly couldn’t understand!

With Yu Shihua’s “reminder,” he began investigating. As a minor shareholder in Cheng Rong Group now, he had access to internal documents. Unfortunately, when his mother passed away, the group hadn’t gone public yet. After listing, the equity structure changed, and all previous records were gone. His investigation led to a lawyer, now in Canada! If there was any shared custody arrangement, this lawyer must have handled his mother’s “will.”

Yu Shihua departed quickly. Du Zhaohui walked slowly toward the venue – the ceremony was starting, and he needed to be present as the best man. Adjusting his suit, he spotted Xia Xiaolan in the crowd. She also wore a suit today – they were quite in sync!

Young Master He, barely grown and already chasing girls, kept clinging to Xia Xiaolan’s side. Hmph. Du Zhaohui wasn’t concerned – if Xia Xiaolan didn’t even like him, how could she fancy a child? What would be the point? She had no interest in raising children!

Glancing over, he saw Xia Ziyu’s pale face and felt immensely satisfied. Couldn’t let Xia Ziyu be too idle – had to find something to keep her busy. She was just a gilded bird – better to stay quietly in her cage than flutter before him showing off her feathers.

Then there was that old man, deliberately elevating Xia Ziyu to compete with him. Du Zhaohui didn’t care what paranoia the old man suffered from or whether he was testing him. He just wanted to destroy everything. The old man thought he could manipulate everyone, but Du Zhaohui would drag him down too!

When does a man grow old? Failing eyesight, weakening strength, muscle loss, falling teeth… all signs of aging. The old man loved finding young, fresh women – wasn’t it just to prove he still maintained a man’s most important ability? How accomplished he must feel, still able to get young women pregnant! But what if it wasn’t his child? Du Zhaohui sneered.

The ceremony began. The venue was decorated romantically. He Zhitong entered on her father’s arm, who handed her to Tang Yueyue. The officiant was a renowned HK host, exceptionally eloquent. The entire ceremony was both moving and dignified, showcasing true aristocratic elegance.

After the couple exchanged rings, guests raised their glasses to congratulate them – thousands of people creating a magnificent sight! Once the ceremony started, earlier chatter ceased, showing respect for the couple and the wedding.

Before the host called for the toast, each guest took champagne from passing servers. Xia Xiaolan picked up a glass from a tray.

He Shi’en tensed: “Don’t drink! Take mine if you must!”

Xia Xiaolan glanced at him, “Worried they spiked it? Thanks, but I wasn’t planning to drink anyway.” She’d just raise it for show. She wasn’t here for the food and drink – she wasn’t lacking a meal.

He Shi’en huffed, “Good that you know-” The host called for the toast. As he raised his glass, someone bumped him, causing him to spill champagne all over Xia Xiaolan.

He Shi’en froze completely. Xia Xiaolan was speechless, watching a server profusely apologize to them both. She muttered, “…truly unavoidable.”

She wore a women’s suit with a silk blouse underneath. Silk, while elegant and sophisticated, couldn’t handle water – even a drop would stain. A full glass of champagne was disastrous.

Her comment about it being unavoidable made He Shi’en flush red. He hadn’t expected this! Realizing others would act regardless of his presence, even using him… He Shi’en recalled his earlier proud promise to protect her and felt his face burn.

Yet Xia Xiaolan consoled him: “It’s fine, just need to change clothes.”

He Shi’en grabbed a server, “Get Lu Yunshi!”

Lu Yunshi was busy trying to catch the bridal bouquet. Looking up, Xia Xiaolan saw You Li already hurrying over.

You Li was becoming an increasingly capable secretary, always monitoring Xia Xiaolan’s movements.

“Chairman Xia, let me accompany you to the restroom. We have spare clothes in the car – I’ll have Zheng Feng bring them.”

Xia Xiaolan nodded, appreciating the discrete handling. Getting clothes dirty wasn’t embarrassing – just change and be done. She worried Lu Yunshi had more planned.

“He Shi’en, could you personally notify my driver? You Li and I will wait in the restroom. Getting Lu Yunshi won’t help – she won’t admit to this, and if she ‘kindly’ offers clothes, I wouldn’t dare wear them.”

He Shi’en, both ashamed and angry, nodded firmly. Among all these guests, he trusted only himself. And Xia Xiaolan – if he didn’t help her, wouldn’t she just be bullied?

He ran off to find Zheng Feng, full of heroic spirit. He’d tried offering his jacket to Xia Xiaolan, but she declined: “Hurry now, don’t create a bigger scene.”

Lu Yunshi had caught the bridal bouquet and was smiling happily. Watching Xia Xiaolan leave, her lips curled up. He Zhitong’s eyes held a warning, seemingly cautioning against going too far.

Lu Yunshi whispered in her ear: “Don’t worry, I won’t cause trouble on your wedding day. Just a small lesson – she won’t even be able to complain…”

He Zhitong didn’t bother asking about the “small lesson” – today was her big day, no time for such matters. Seeing her brother He Shi’en constantly following Xia Xiaolan also displeased her. She trusted Abby would handle things appropriately.

Xia Ziyu was delighted to see Xia Xiaolan doused with champagne. Her effort getting someone to leak information hadn’t been wasted – Xia Xiaolan dared attend the wedding, she deserved He Zhitong’s group’s pranks. Too bad He Zhitong wouldn’t risk ruining her own wedding – the harassment wouldn’t touch anything fundamental… Xia Ziyu felt disappointed.

“Mr. Du, I’ll touch up my makeup.” Xia Ziyu, eager to see Xia Xiaolan embarrassed, followed, lifting her dress.

Du Chengrong warned: “Remember your position – we’re guests. Don’t do anything suspicious.”

Another blow to Xia Ziyu. She wanted to ask about Liu Keying’s pregnancy but held back. She didn’t doubt Du Chengrong’s interest in Xia Xiaolan. After angering him earlier, he hadn’t answered her questions. She feared he truly wanted Xia Xiaolan to marry into the Du family – if Xia Xiaolan married Du Zhaohui, what chance would she have?

“Chairman Xia, there’s a rest area here.” You Li peeked in – it was a semi-open space. Semi-open wasn’t concerning – she could guard the entrance. Enclosed spaces were more worrying.

Xia Xiaolan thought similarly. “We’ll wait for Zheng Feng here. Have a seat.”

You Li shook her head, “I’ll stand guard at the door to keep others away. Chairman Xia, Young Master He spilling wine on you seemed odd – could something be wrong?”

Was He Shi’en deliberate? His acting would have to be incredible.

You Li’s words made Xia Xiaolan doubt, but she quickly dismissed it: “It wasn’t He Shi’en. He probably heard something – likely He Zhitong’s group planning to prank me. Don’t worry, they won’t escalate. Today is Tang Yueyue and He Zhitong’s wedding – any guest scandal would embarrass He Zhitong herself.”

What kind of deranged person would ruin their wedding? Normal women cherish their weddings, no one wants a do-over – everyone hopes their first marriage lasts forever.

To Xia Xiaolan, such pranks seemed pointless. Besides offending her without causing real harm, what was achieved?

Putting herself in their shoes with her commoner’s mindset, Xia Xiaolan still thought He Zhitong’s group had too much time – why waste it on her instead of shopping?

Outside, voices approached.

“Here, there’s a rest area here, quick, help him in!”

“Why is Young Master Qiu drunk?”

“The wine doesn’t intoxicate, the person does… did you see that one…”

The men’s laughter was lecherous. You Li’s hair stood on end with nervousness.

“Chairman Xia, shall we leave?”

So eerie – bad people.

Xia Xiaolan thought, “So that’s their plan – completely unoriginal!”

“No rush, give me my bag.”

Gripping the small taser inside, Xia Xiaolan felt more secure. Several sleazy men reached the door, the sleaziest one’s eyes full of ill intent.

“Miss Xia, right… shall we be friends?”