The holidays ended in the blink of an eye, and Xu Yanxia was as busy as ever after returning to Rong City.
The first store they opened in collaboration with Meyer was already under renovation. The main construction was expected to be completed before the end of the year, and the dishes were already in development.
As the flagship store of the new brand, specifically designed to elevate the company's overall brand image, she didn't dare to be the slightest bit careless.
When her mother-in-law, Mrs. Shen, called, she had just finished inspecting the site in person and returned to her car.
"Xiaoxia," Mrs. Shen asked, "Have you been busy lately? Have you gone to try on your dresses?"
Xu Yanxia replied, "I've already tried them on. Don't worry, Mom, the dresses fit perfectly. I just brought them back yesterday."
Compared to their engagement last time, their wedding was much more important. Therefore, Mrs. Shen had specially hired several domestic and international designers to custom-make no less than ten outfits for her all at once.
There was a traditional Chinese bridal gown for the door games, a wedding dress for the ceremony, several evening gowns for toasting at the lunch and dinner banquets, and even everyday clothes for her first visit back to her maiden home after the wedding.
Xu Yanxia also took the opportunity to tell her mother-in-law, "By the way, Mom, my... biological mother also ordered two dresses for me. I plan to change into them during the toasts."
Although some time had passed since the beginning and her mindset was much more peaceful than before, forgive her for still not being able to say the word "Mom" to her out loud.
"No problem," her mother-in-law said with a relaxed smile. "Just match them however you see fit."
She then asked, "Will Madam Tang be coming?"
Xu Yanxia hummed in agreement. "She will be with my grandparents and aunt, sending me off from Cuiyun Manor."
Cuiyun Manor was the location of the two villas her biological mother had given her and her brother last time.
Out of consideration for the Lu family's relatives and friends, their wedding was still being held in Rong City. They would host appreciation banquets in Qing City and Qi City later.
Truthfully, Xu Yanxia still had a knot in her heart and didn't really want to invite her biological mother.
But her aunt told her that her grandparents still very much hoped her biological mother could attend.
For one, it was to support her. After all, their wedding was highly anticipated and would likely make the social news. Having a mother present was better than having her aunt or uncle stand in for her parents.
Furthermore, her biological mother had already made an appearance at their engagement dinner. Many of the Lu family's friends knew about their situation. If she didn't show up this time, who knew what kind of rumors and speculation it would spark.
So, after taking everything into consideration, she agreed to her biological mother's request.
Hearing her out, her mother-in-law wasn't too surprised. She simply said gently, "You are a steady and wise child. We absolutely support you. Don't feel burdened, it's fine. Your father and I will just make sure to prepare for her reception."
She then instructed, "Although work is important, don't overwork yourself. Especially as a girl, you must treat yourself better."
"I know," Xu Yanxia smiled. "Thank you, Mom."
After chatting with Mrs. Shen for a few more minutes, she hung up the phone.
She let out a soft breath. That's right, treat herself better.
She started the car and drove all the way to her small two-bedroom apartment.
With the wedding approaching, Lu Jingming had gone on another business trip. Tomorrow and the day after, her grandparents, aunt, cousin, and other relatives from her hometown would gradually arrive.
Taking advantage of being home alone tonight, she wanted to eat her favorite meal, take a hot bath, and enjoy a good movie.
Having a lover by your side is a happy thing, but alone time is also beautiful.
...
The remaining days passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was their wedding day.
Unlike the ice and snow of the north, Rong City in mid-January still had green trees, blue skies, and pleasant temperatures.
Just like their engagement, today's wedding was still in a traditional Chinese style.
When Lu Jingming and his groomsmen arrived at Xu Yanxia's villa in Cuiyun Manor, Suisui, Xiaoxian, and Bajin had already formed a solid barrier in front of the villa's main gate.
He had to break through them one by one to see his little silly baby—no, his incredibly smart, invincibly beautiful, and uniquely beloved wife of this lifetime.
Of course, this couldn't stump him. After all, he had just observed his brother-in-law's wedding two weeks ago, so he knew the drill.
First up was the tacit understanding test.
He had to answer questions to see if he knew his bride well.
"First question," Suisui said. "President Lu, what is our captain's favorite milk tea flavor?"
"Rose Green Grape? Longjing Milk Green? Or Osmanthus Oolong?"
As soon as she finished speaking, Third Brother Lu, Lu Jingyao, immediately frowned in deep thought on his brother's behalf.
After all, the three flavors mentioned were all very delicious; even he found it hard to choose.
Who knew his brother would answer without hesitation, "None of the above, because our Xiaxia's favorite is an unsweetened coconut latte."
"Darn it, he didn't fall for the trap!"
Suisui feigned anger and immediately called Bajin over to continue questioning him. "Second question, President Lu, what is our captain's most hated food?"
She was about to read the options when Lu Jingming spoke crisply, "As an excellent chef, she believes any natural food is beautiful. Except for one thing: highly processed foods with excessive additives!"
"BINGO! That's correct!!!"
Bajin smiled and handed him over to Xiaoxian.
Xiaoxian asked, "President Lu, when our captain stays up late, is she usually scrolling through videos? Binge-watching shows? Or chatting with friends?"
Lu Jingming smiled with helpless doting and said, "If she stays up late, it's only for one thing: work."
"Perfect!!!"
The teammates immediately applauded for him and cleared the way to the villa's main gate, saying, "Congratulations, President Lu! You may enter and see the bride!!!"
The groomsmen, led by Lu Jingyao, cheered and immediately surrounded Lu Jingming as they walked inside.
Unfortunately, they celebrated a bit too early. When they followed the groom all the way to the master bedroom where the bride was, Yuan Xiaoyue, Ye Shu, and a few other bridesmaids were still blocking the door.
"Big Brother Lu," Yuan Xiaoyue cleared her throat and said, "Before I officially call you brother-in-law, you still have to answer a few questions for us. Only if your answers satisfy my sister one hundred percent can you go in and see her."
"No problem!"
Lu Jingming smiled and agreed readily. He took a quick glance into the room, where Xu Yanxia's silhouette could be seen sitting on the wedding bed in a red dress, and said loudly, "Whatever you want to ask, bring it on!"
"Alright!"
Yuan Xiaoyue cleared her throat and immediately asked the first question, "If you and my sister get into a fight and give each other the cold shoulder in the future, what will you do?"
Lu Jingming smiled and immediately said, "This question is redundant. We will absolutely never fight and give each other the cold shoulder in the future! Whenever we have differences of opinion, we will communicate first."
"And what if there are still disagreements after communicating?"
Ye Shu immediately followed up.
Lu Jingming answered without a second's hesitation, Then I'll listen to my wife!
A chorus of wows instantly erupted around him. Yuan Xiaoyue quickly turned her head with a smile and called into the room, Sis, are you satisfied with this answer?
Satisfied.
Xu Yanxia's voice, laced with laughter, drifted out from the room.
It tickled Lu Jingming's heart.
According to tradition, they weren't allowed to see each other for three days before the wedding. As it happened, he had been on a business trip in Jingbei three days prior, attending an important annual conference for the business and technology sectors. So, all in all, it had been at least a week since he last saw her.
He wished he could just rush right in front of her this very instant.
However, the trials were not over yet.
His cousin Yuan Xiaoyue asked him another question, Then after you marry my sister, who will do the chores? When you have kids, who will take care of the baby? And when the baby goes to school in the future, who will help with the homework?!!
Everyone was speechless.
Well, just hearing this question, it was obvious that some married person with deep life experience had helped them come up with it.
I will do the chores, I will take care of the baby, and I will help with the homework.
Lu Jingming smiled radiantly. No matter how many kids we have, I won't turn away from any of it.
Ooooh...
A chorus of teasing laughter rippled through the bridesmaids.
Yuan Xiaoyue smiled and called inside again, Sis, are you satisfied this time?
Satisfied.
The amusement in Xu Yanxia's voice was becoming increasingly impossible to hide.
Which only made Lu Jingming even more eager.
Fortunately, the two beauties guarding the door stepped aside for him and said, Your answers have satisfied the bride, so you may go in. But please, Groom, you must remember your answers today and put them into action in the future!
I definitely will.
After Lu Jingming said this, he smiled and led his groomsmen into the room.
Immediately after, he saw her—Xu Yanxia, wearing a traditional bright red Chinese wedding dress, sitting on the bed.
His heart instantly skipped a beat.
As the sayings go, bright eyes and white teeth, radiant with every glance, bones of jade and skin of ice, a beautiful head and delicate eyebrows...
Suddenly, all those idioms he had previously only seen in novels and dictionaries flooded his mind all at once.
Yet, it felt as though none of them were enough to describe the beauty of the person right in front of him.
The one and only beloved wife of his life was indeed this beautiful.
So beautiful that it just made him want to smile like a fool.
However, before he could step forward and say a single word to her, someone suddenly rushed out from the side, smiling at him with a hint of smugness, There's still one last trial, brother!
You have to pass this one before you can take our Baby Xia away!
???
Lu Jingming and his younger brother, Lu Jingyao, behind him were both stunned, looking in utter disbelief at Lu Jingxi, who had suddenly appeared wearing a bridesmaid's dress.
Wait, why are you here?!!
