In the hotel's luxurious banquet hall, the grand wedding of Sun Zhewen and Li Zhiyan was underway. The banquet hall resembled a magnificent palace, with glittering crystal chandeliers like stars adorning the high ceiling, emitting a dreamy and enchanting light. Golden wall lamps lined the walls, complementing the thick red carpet on the floor, creating a noble and warm atmosphere.
The banquet hall was resplendent, filled with prominent figures from all walks of life. The ladies were dressed in elegant evening gowns, with silk, lace, and jewels shimmering under the lights. Their makeup was exquisite, their smiles graceful, and their every gesture exuded a noble charm. The men wore well-tailored suits, carefully chosen ties, and polished shoes. They held champagne glasses, chatting in small groups, occasionally bursting into hearty laughter.
Colleagues from the Fengyun Group attended in their finest attire, the men in suits, the women in flowing gowns. Their faces were filled with excitement and anticipation, their eyes reflecting respect and congratulations for General Manager Li Zhiyan, as well as curiosity and scrutiny towards the grand wedding. Figures from both the government and the business world also came to celebrate for Li Zhiyan, the general manager of Fengyun Group, curious about who Sun Zhewen was. With worldly smiles, they moved through the crowd, their eyes keenly capturing every opportunity that might bring benefits.
Liu Qingfeng, the chairman of the Fengyun Group, was beaming with joy, enthusiastically giving his congratulatory speech: "Today is the big day for Sun Zhewen and Li Zhiyan. May you walk through every beautiful tomorrow hand in hand, and jointly create a happy future!" His voice was loud and magnetic, echoing through the banquet hall. His eyes held a special kind of concern, and when his gaze lingered on Sun Zhewen and Li Zhiyan, it seemed to hide a secret that only the three of them could understand. However, everyone else present was moved by his enthusiastic words and applauded, sending their sincerest blessings to the newlyweds.
Liu Jing stood to the side, wearing a pink off-the-shoulder evening gown, the edges of the skirt inlaid with tiny crystals that sparkled brilliantly. Her makeup was exquisite, her long hair elegantly pulled back, with a few strands falling beside her fair neck, adding a touch of charm. Her lips curled slightly, and a hint of barely perceptible mockery flashed in her eyes, secretly laughing that Sun Zhewen was being cuckolded, unaware that Sun Zhewen was actually aware of everything.
"This wedding is really lively today, who would have thought that Sun Zhewen would marry Li Zhiyan?" Liu Jing murmured to herself, her eyes constantly scanning the crowd, looking for something.
Chen Qingyan stood in the crowd, wearing a simple black, figure-hugging evening gown, with a sparkling diamond brooch adorning the neckline. Her makeup was understated yet exquisite, but her eyes were filled with complex emotions. Her gaze was fixed on Sun Zhewen and Li Zhiyan on stage, and jealousy surged within her. After all, Sun Zhewen was the man she had introduced to her cousin, Li Zhiyan, and now he was marrying her. Although she knew very well that this was a fake marriage, Chen Qingyan's face instantly became extremely ugly when the emcee on site asked Sun Zhewen to call Li Zhiyan "wife." Her lips trembled slightly, and her hands clenched the hem of her skirt tightly, almost unable to control herself from rushing onto the stage to expose everything. But in the end, she swallowed the bitterness in her heart, forced a smile, and offered her blessings with a slightly trembling voice.
"Cousin, I wish you a happy marriage." Chen Qingyan's voice was soft, but every word seemed to be squeezed out from the bottom of her heart.
"Thank you, cousin," Li Zhiyan replied with a smile, her eyes flickering.
At this moment, Sun Zhewen's parents were seated at the head table on the stage. Father Sun was wearing a dark gray suit with a white shirt and a deep red tie, making him appear energetic and vigorous. Mother Sun wore a purplish-red cheongsam embroidered with exquisite peony patterns. She wore a string of lustrous pearl necklaces, and her hair was neatly combed back, appearing dignified and elegant. Sitting together, they resembled a couple who had weathered many storms yet remained lovingly devoted.
In the banquet hall, the lights were dazzling, and guests gathered in small groups, their conversations rising and falling. Li Zhiyan respectfully held a cup of tea, sweetly saying, "Dad, Mom, please have some tea." Her voice was clear and melodious, and a happy smile bloomed on her face, like a flower blossoming in the spring, radiant and charming. Father Sun and Mother Sun took the teacups, their faces filled with smiles of contentment.
Mother Sun took Li Zhiyan's hand and said affectionately, "Zhiyan, from now on, we are family. You must live a good life." Her eyes were filled with love and anticipation, and her fingers gently caressed the back of Li Zhiyan's hand, conveying warmth. Li Zhiyan nodded obediently, "Mom, don't worry." Her gaze was firm and clear, as if making a solemn promise to Mother Sun.
The guests below the stage applauded, praising the newlyweds' filial piety and sweetness. The applause echoed like a tide, surging through the banquet hall. However, behind this seemingly harmonious and perfect scene, everyone harbored their own thoughts.
Sun Zhewen stood to the side, a hint of barely perceptible tension on his face. He occasionally glanced at Li Zhiyan, as if confirming whether her every move was appropriate. Li Zhiyan sensed his gaze and turned to give him a reassuring smile, as if saying, "Don't worry, everything is fine."
Sun Zhewen appeared calm, his face always displaying a proper smile. That smile was like a mask, concealing his inner helplessness and bitterness. His eyes would occasionally flash with a hint of confusion and disappointment; only at those unguarded moments could one catch the pain hidden deep within. He knew that this marriage was just a show, meant to conceal the child Li Zhiyan was carrying. This secret was like a heavy stone, pressing on his heart, making it hard for him to breathe.
Li Zhiyan appeared supremely happy on the surface, her smile as radiant as the sun, her eyes sparkling with joy. Every movement, every expression was just right, as if she were immersed in the sweetness of a new marriage. However, deep in her heart, she felt lost about her situation. She knew that her relationship with Sun Zhewen would not last long; this fake marriage was only a temporary haven. She didn't know what the future held for her and her child – endless accusations and ridicule, or loneliness and hardship? She was afraid to face the unknown, yet had to pretend to be strong, playing her role in this false wedding.
The wedding was underway, and Sun Zhewen and Li Zhiyan began to make their rounds, toasting each table. Arm in arm, they moved gracefully through the banquet hall. At each table, they were met with well wishes and compliments.
"Congratulations on your marriage, may your love last forever!"
"May your life be filled with sunshine and laughter!"
They forced smiles, responding to the guests' blessings. Sun Zhewen's smile seemed a bit stiff, his eyes occasionally darting around, as if he were trying to avoid something. Li Zhiyan, on the other hand, worked hard to maintain her smile, her voice clear as she thanked the guests for their well wishes.
When they toasted the colleagues from Fengyun Group, everyone offered their congratulations, hoping that their marriage would bring more good fortune to the company.
"President Li, we hope that you and Mr. Sun will bring new breakthroughs and development to the company after your marriage!"
"Mr. Sun, you must support our President Li well in the future!"
Sun Zhewen nodded slightly, raising his glass, and said, "Thank you for your well wishes, we will do our best." Li Zhiyan responded with a smile, "Thank you all, we believe we won't disappoint you."