They were having their banquet on the 7th floor of the Imperial Sky Hotel. After a simple lunch, Mu Lingshi and the rest went to the hotel to start preparing.

They did not invite many guests. The guest list consisted mostly of just close family and friends. Besides that, they did not overly promote their wedding and reporters were forbidden from entering the hall as well.

Mu Yuchen was wary of the paparazzi since everyone in the industry knew about it. Naturally, Mu Lingshi was aware as well.

"Manager Mu, is the lighting alright?"

Beside the stage in the wedding hall, Mu Lingshi was busy setting the mic up as she was talking to the staff working on the lighting.

Mu Lingshi raised her head and took a look. She glanced around to check and then nodded. "It's okay. Try going through the whole rundown. It'll be fine if it goes well."

"It's almost time now, Manager Mu. The guests will be seated in around half an hour. Elder CEO and the others are busy greeting the guests. Oh, Elder Madam wants you to give Chairman Mu a call."

"Manager Mu, the sound system is adjusted!"

"I'll go and take a look. Tell my grandparents that my brother is arriving soon. Don't worry."

Mu Lingshi then picked up her phone and called the Maple Residence.

When they received the call, Mu Yuchen and Xi Xiaye were on their way out. Li Si had been waiting for a long time and he became anxious when he got the call from Mu Lingshi.

"Master, Missus, Ms. Lingshi called. It's about time and we should really head out soon," Li Si said.

Mu Yuchen nodded as he adjusted his sleeve casually. "We can go now. Let Su Chen and the others know."

"Yes, Master!" Li Si replied and then moved aside to let them go first.

Several black luxurious cars were parked outside of the Maple Residence. Outside the door were eight bodyguards in black suits who bowed respectfully when the two of them walked out of the door.

Things had not really been peaceful lately. Ah Mo had arranged for several more bodyguards around Mu Yuchen and Xi Xiaye ever since the accident in City B. Although Mu Yuchen was not really happy with them following him around, it was necessary with such a huge occasion today.

Xi Xiaye could feel that something was going on and her chest felt strained.

"Hello, Master, Missus!"

After a round of greetings, they opened the car door for them. Li Si quickly called the groomsmen Su Chen and Zhou Zimo, informing them to meet at the Imperial Sky Hotel.

As Xi Xiaye sat down in the car, she sighed and ranted, "We'll be able to relax after the wedding banquet. We've been rushing this too much. It was initially set for November, but we've pushed it so much earlier now."

He smiled. "Things will settle down after this. We can have two days of break to rest up."

"Mmm, we should be focusing on the South River project after the wedding. I gave Vice President Zhang Lan a call the other day and the project is going well. The operations have begun and the budget for the musical fountain has been completed. I believe that will start very soon as well. I wonder if Vice President Qi Lei will still be in charge. Weren't you impressed by his talents in architecture?"

Xi Xiaye had not eased up at all during the break. She was still keeping up with the South River project, so she was mostly aware about what was going on.

"He's still in charge, but he's also in-charge of Yueying after Qi Kai bought over Yueying. We'll see how it goes. Alright, today is our big day. Put work aside and get this wedding done with me, alright?" He gently touched the golden comb on her hair as he put a jacket over her.

Xi Xiaye then nodded, adjusting his tie. "Mmm, we'll probably be really busy then. Grandfather has started to relay his authority. After the wedding, he wants me to get familiarized with Fuhua's work. With the South River project on hand as well as several other projects that I have, I'm afraid I can't oversee so many things."

"I'll delegate it to the others."

"How about the news about Chenye Movies and Television?"

Xi Xiaye did not forget that before they left City Z for their wedding, there was some negative news about Glory World removing themselves from Yueying and many higher-ups from Yueying joined Chenye Movies and Television. After that, it was overshadowed by Yue Lingsi's scandal, so she was not sure how things turned out.

"It's common for businesses to have competition. They're just trying to make a big fuss out of it. It's no big deal," Mu Yuchen comforted.

Xi Xiaye gave it some thought. She could not hold back her curiosity and asked in the end, "Do you think that Qi Kai being willing to take Yueying in as their subsidiary is illogical? Moreover, I think Yueying has no more potential value as of now." She remembered him mentioning that something interesting was about to unfold.

"I'm just conducting a test, my dear. Don't look down on Yueying. It can become an important trigger. If I'm not mistaken, Yueying might come back with a new face, but its internal structure will have huge changes. We're both amateurs in this field. Qi Kai is trying to walk the path of IP. They're already experienced in this field and our newfound company won't be able to fight them. Actually, some time ago when Father was still in power, he spoke to me before with some related personnel," Mu Yuchen said.

"Mmm? Father looked for you before? How come I had no idea about it?" Xi Xiaye looked at him in surprise.

"It's about work... They don't want Qi Kai to monopolize the market. There will be some important changes in the future. They aren't short-sighted fools and they'd need a new source of power as well. At least, a limit of some sort is needed to regulate them."

She raised her eyebrows and asked, "So, developing Movie City in City B is one of the objectives, isn't it?"

Mu Yuchen nodded and said calmly, "That's right. That's what we're trying to do. Have you forgotten that someone from the Yue family is in charge of the showbiz industry within the government? I don't need to continue further, do I?"

Xi Xiaye frowned. After a while, she understood his perspective, so she took a deep breath and agreed. "I don't really think about it that much. I thought Yueying..."

"You don't have to be involved, so you don't have to know that much. Just leave it to me and work on your South River project."

He had already delegated the work for her. A part of him was worried that she would be too tired while the other part of him did not want her to be involved in this conflict.

...

As they arrived at the Imperial Sky Hotel, the groomsmen, Su Chen and Zhou Zimo, arrived as well. Mu Lingshi and the bridesmaids were waiting at the entrance too. They went up together when they saw Mu Yuchen's car.

"Brother, Sister-in-law! You're finally here! We've been waiting!"

"Ah Chen! Xiaye!"

"Chen, Xiaye!"

"Chairman Mu, Director Xi, have a blessed marriage! May your hearts beat as one!"

The crowd gave them their wishes and blessings as they got out of the car. A colorful rain of confetti showered down from above. Many reporters who were isolated outside were trying to get in to take their best shot of the couple. Unfortunately for them, Li Si and the bodyguards blocked them and did not let them get any clear shots.

"Thank you!" Xi Xiaye thanked them with a smile. Mu Yuchen was holding onto her cold hands as they walked on the red carpet with their hands held tightly together, Su Chen, Zhou Zimo, and the bridesmaids were following right behind. Near the entrance of the hall, Mu Lingshi was already finished with the arrangements in the hall and was now greeting guests.

"Head right in. The guests are mostly here. We were just waiting for you two to arrive. Father and Mother are greeting the guests now. Grandmother's been really anxious." Mu Lingshi seemed very happy and excited at this moment as she tried to keep them up to speed.

When they arrived at the seventh floor via the lift, they could hear the merry music from afar, as well as the voices of people chatting happily. In front of the hall, the host was announcing the grand entrance of the newlyweds. Unanimously, the crowd then turned their heads and zoomed attention to the entrance.

The pair of newlyweds made their way towards the stage.

Mu Yuchen wore a dark silver suit, appearing very honorable and graceful. A rarely seen tenderness appeared on his face as he nodded politely to the cheering crowds on both sides. Xi Xiaye wore a beautiful and elegant white gown and she was smiling sweetly.

"Xi Xiaye, may happiness be yours!"

"Chairman Mu, Director Xi, may the two of your hearts beat as one and may your marriage be blessed!"

"So handsome and so beautiful, be happy!"

When they walked past Su Nan and her colleagues, their wishes were heard loud and clear amidst the thundering round of applause.

This was followed by a speech, the toast, and the bouquet toss.

While it was not as romantic as the party in the castle, Xi Xiaye was still thrilled that so many people witnessed her wedding. They made their rounds table by table for a toast. Even with the strong army of groomsmen and bridesmaids behind them, Xi Xiaye was starting to feel dizzy as her steps became unsteady. Mu Yuchen noticed her drunk state and quickly made her sit down.

Mu Yuchen got her a glass of warm water as he asked her, "Are you okay?"

Xi Xiaye took a deep breath before accepting the glass of water. She felt unwell with all the alcohol, but she then replied after sipping some water, "I'm alright. I drank a little too quickly just now, but I'll be fine in a moment."

"I'll get them to prepare some tea to replace the alcohol."

He smiled slyly. "No one will know you're not drinking alcohol. Su Chen and the others are very tolerant of alcohol, so they can take all of it."

"Then..."

"Xiaye!"

As Xi Xiaye was about to say something, a noxious voice suddenly reached them. She was stunned for a moment before raising her head to take a look. Qi Lei stared at her with an odd smile. His eyes were studying her from head to toe as if he did not see Mu Yuchen beside her. He walked over casually. "Mmm, you look really beautiful. Unfortunately, I thought that we'd make a good pair."

Qi Lei then glanced over at Mu Yuchen who did not show any emotions. Evidently, his tone hid some other intention.

Xi Xiaye frowned slightly as she looked at him on high alert. She grabbed Mu Yuchen's large hand, noticing that some people glanced over in doubt when they heard Qi Lei.

Many young girls were looking at Mu Yuchen and Qi Lei and started fantasizing. However, with Mu Yuchen married, they could only be envious of Xi Xiaye's blessings to be able to marry him, but Master Qi could still give them some hope!

Xi Xiaye noticed that Qi Lei came with ill intentions, but she was not sure what he had planned even as she looked into his eyes. He did not seem like he was trying to make a big fuss, so she tilted her head to one side and looked at Mu Yuchen uneasily.

However, Mu Yuchen appeared calm as he had a smile on his face. He said to Qi Lei quietly, "It seems that you have very a brilliant impression of my wife, Master Qi. You have to thank him for his compliments, my dear!"

"Thank you, Master Qi! I'm glad that you can attend our wedding!" Xi Xiaye went along with Mu Yuchen as she stood up.

"It's nothing considering our relationship! I actually felt sad when I knew you two were having your wedding today. The first woman to move my heart in ages is now married! Can you feel the jealousy in my tone?"

Qi Lei's smile was getting more and more obnoxious although he made it sound like a joke and shrugged as he looked at Xi Xiaye's beautiful little face. "I see this is your type. I think I'm pretty amazing as well. Why don't you reconsider now and choose again?"

When he said this, Xi Xiaye's expression darkened. She was about to refute when the man beside her spoke up casually, "Master Qi, there's no need to mess with Xiaye. We've been married for quite a long while now and her taste has improved quite a fair bit. Those who can't break away from lowly delights and aren't genuine wouldn't be so easily entertained. Nevertheless, thank you for attending our wedding banquet, Li Si!"

Mu Yuchen then called for Li Si who understood and immediately served Qi Lei a glass of drink.

Qi Lei smiled faintly and looked amusedly at Mu Yuchen. Then, he leisurely took the glass. "There's no need to be nervous, Master Mu. I'm a very sincere person. I'm personally very honored to be able to attend your wedding banquet with Xiaye. To commemorate this occasion, I've prepared a special gift for Xiaye."

When he finished his sentence, Yang Sheng immediately brought an elegant gift box from behind and opened it up. A beautiful splendor flickered with the dazzling shine of the lights. Upon one's gaze passing that dazzle, you could see a stalk of golden rose with diamonds embedded it lying inside. It looked quite similar to the rose that Mu Yuchen had won from the race. Undoubtedly, it was a gorgeous extravagance which bedazzled the eyes. Xi Xiaye was stunned by this sight.

Qi Lei was obviously very satisfied with Xi Xiaye's reaction. "What do you think? I'm especially giving it to you. Didn't you say you liked golden roses? This is my gift to you. Am I considered a great person now?"

When Qi Lei said this, he looked provocatively at Mu Yuchen who remained tranquil as always. His unfathomable eyes were dense with a gloom that was hard to pick up while his hand that held Xi Xiaye's tightened slightly too. He simply looked at Qi Lei in silence.

Xi Xiaye could obviously feel his unhappiness too. A smile immediately surfaced on her beautiful face and she took the gift quite frankly. "Thank you for this then, Master Qi. My Mr. Mu says that roses like this won't wither. As long as he likes it, so would I. He's always admired your skills in architecture. Once again, we're very happy that you could come, so thank you for your presence and for your thoughtful gift!"

Then, she closed the gift box and handed it to Li Si. She lifted her drink and handed another glass to Mu Yuchen. She raised her glass gracefully at Qi Lei. "Let's toast to you, and I hope that we'll be able to have a fantastic partnership in time to come!"

Xi Xiaye's words could calm the underlying storm. Neither did she humiliate Qi Lei, nor did she put Mu Yuchen in a tight spot.

Even Mu Yuchen looked a little shocked at her. Who would have thought that in such a situation, she could be quite a smooth talker?

Qi Lei smiled to himself. Suddenly, he did not know how to continue. He then chuckled drily, his gaze traveling back and forth between Mu Yuchen and Xi Xiaye. Then, his expression instantly returned to normal and he raised his glass.

He downed the glass at one go, and then suddenly walked up to Mu Yuchen, stopping by his side. He whispered something into his ear. Although Xi Xiaye could not hear him, she could obviously detect that Mu Yuchen's calm eyes had instantly darkened and his hand that held hers tightened again.

She could feel slight pain as she frowned and quickly looked up at him. At this second, Qi Lei sneered and shot Mu Yuchen a nasty look before setting his glass down on a table and turning around to leave.

Qi Lei had just vanished into the crowd when Su Chen walked up. His sharp eyes were fixated in the direction that Qi Lei had left while he asked with a sharp tone, "Why did he come? He looks like he's up to no good?"

Mu Yuchen set his glass aside, and casually touched the black cufflink on his sleeve. His handsome face curved with a tiny smile. "He came over to give me a word of advice. It looks like he's been having it pretty tough recently."

"Advice?" Su Chen frowned as he looked puzzledly at Mu Yuchen. "What advice?"

The corner of Mu Yuchen's lips curled up even more. He did not answer. Instead, his darkened gaze followed Qi Lei's figure as he moved further away until he could not see him any longer. Finally, he said calmly, "It's nothing."

"This fellow seems quite stubborn. In fact, he always looks like that, making his mother Wang Qin all worried. Wang Qin wants to prop him to be the CEO of Qi Kai, yet he looks quite calm and unhurried. I think that he's quite hard to read. Don't underestimate him despite his reputation as a sloppy heir," Su Chen voiced out his thoughts.

Mu Yuchen calmly retrieved his gaze. "The Qi family is like still waters that run deep. Every one of them is complicated."

"Okay, let's not talk about this for now. After the wedding banquet, we still have some things to discuss. How about this? Zimo and I will go over to your place tomorrow night."

Mu Yuchen nodded. "Mmm."

"You two go have a seat and rest first. You've drunk a lot. I'll go take a look at Grandfather Mu and the rest!" Su Chen assured before he patted Mu Yuchen on the shoulder, and then walked over to Mu Yinan and the rest.

Xi Xiaye handed her water to him as she asked softly, "Are you okay?"

He responded with a faint smile, "I'm fine. Have some food. don't starve yourself."

"Mmm, you eat some too."

Then, she pulled him back to their seats and took the bowl in front of them. She gracefully served him a bowl of soup and even grabbed some dishes for him. Of course, she got herself a bowl too.

When he saw her putting the bowl before him, the curve on his lips widened. He picked his spoon up and elegantly began to eat.

She lowered her head to drink too. Then, she looked up to see him focused on his meal, so she propped her head up on one hand and silently watched him. She brushed away the beautiful confetti from his shoulders.

Perhaps every girl was waiting to have such memorable love, whether it arrived or not.

She silently watched him for a long while, and suddenly all the images of her journey flashed in her mind. Whether it was endurance, perseverance, suffering, or sadness, all of those would become a part of the memories forever buried in her heart.

She had chased Han Yifeng for so many years, knowing that he did not love her. At first, she had thought about working hard to move him, to win his momentary pause, but you could not force someone to love you. Even if you managed to move the world, you would realize in the end that you could only move yourself, and that was all.

Now, this man that sat beside her was never someone she had thought of chasing, yet he had decided to protect her and be by her side as her husband.

Perhaps this was fate and luck when you let things be.