Hearing this, the members of the Fu Family exchanged glances, their eyes filled with surprise.
The surrounding crowd grew even more envious upon hearing these words.
The way they looked at Si's Father now carried a hint of flattery.
When Lin Sisi stepped out, she immediately noticed the sudden warmth in the gazes of those around her.
She was puzzled, but before she could react, people had already crowded around her.
"Sisi, you look absolutely stunning today!"
"So your family knows Director Li’s family? Why didn’t you tell us sooner?"
"I heard Director Li’s son is the captain of the police bureau’s task force. Do you know him?"
"Of course she does! What kind of question is that? I even saw officers from the Public Security Bureau visiting the Si Family before. At the time, I was confused, but now it makes sense—they must have been paying a visit!"
These were all young people from the military compound, around Lin Sisi’s age. Since the Fu and Si Families were uniting through marriage, even if they weren’t directly related, it would be impolite for neighbors not to attend.
So quite a few had come to join in the excitement.
Previously, these people had looked down on Lin Sisi.
Back when Si Nian was still in the compound, her beauty and academic excellence had set an impossible standard, and everyone else had been compared to her.
The Si Family hadn’t left a good impression on them.
After Si Nian left, they thought they’d finally have a chance to compete for Fu Yang’s attention.
But instead of calling off the engagement, the two families had quickly moved forward with wedding plans.
Losing to Si Nian was something they could grudgingly accept—after all, she was beautiful and brilliant.
But Lin Sisi? A girl from the countryside—what right did she have to become the Fu Family’s daughter-in-law?
Before today, they had even treated her with hostility.
Their original plan was to ignore her and leave her standing alone in awkward silence.
But then they heard the news—her family was connected to Director Li.
Director Li was rumored to come from a prestigious family, with vast connections and influential acquaintances.
His son, despite his youth, was already the captain of the police bureau’s task force.
Back in his military days, he had been just as outstanding as Fu Yang.
And he was undeniably handsome—still unmarried, much to his family’s frustration.
The young captain, however, was wholly devoted to serving his country.
He was passionate about his work, indifferent to romance, and showed no interest in settling down.
Elusive and rarely seen, his reputation was nonetheless formidable.
Among the young women, his status was no less than Fu Yang’s.
Many had secretly admired him, but none had ever gotten close.
Now that they knew Lin Sisi had ties to Director Li’s family, their attitudes shifted instantly.
Those who had once ignored her now flocked to her side with enthusiasm.
Even the proudest and most high-status girls in the compound were suddenly eager to befriend her.
Lin Sisi finally understood the reason for their sudden warmth.
Her father had mentioned inviting Director Li, but she hadn’t thought much of it.
Who knew Director Li’s name carried such weight? Even the Fu Family members, who had previously nitpicked at her, were now fawning over her.
She supposed she had Si Nian and Zhou Yueshen to thank—they had unwittingly done her a favor.
Lin Sisi lifted her chin slightly and said, "Yes, we’re acquainted."
During her last visit to the Zhou Family for the wedding, her father had introduced her to several important figures—so technically, they were acquainted.
Her vague response only fueled their curiosity.
"Did Captain Li really visit your home? What does he look like? Is he handsome?"
Lin Sisi nodded.
Captain Li had indeed come to her house—but not for a social call.
He had been investigating the disappearance of three thousand yuan.
After asking a few questions, he had left and never returned.
At the time, Lin Sisi had been too nervous to even register his appearance.
All she remembered was his stern expression and sharp attention to detail.
If not for her experience from a past life, she might have slipped up under his scrutiny.
Seeing her nod, the girls grew even more excited, their faces flushing as they begged her to introduce them.
Lin Sisi considered it.
If Director Li was attending her wedding, he must be open to building a relationship with her family.
She had been struggling to win over the people in the military compound—now, the opportunity had fallen into her lap.
"Of course," she said sweetly. "But Captain Li is very busy. I can’t promise when he’ll be free. How about this—when the time is right, I’ll let you know."
The girls were overjoyed, showering her with gratitude.
They clung to her arm as if they were long-lost sisters.
Lin Sisi couldn’t believe her luck.
Winning them over had been far easier than she expected.
The frustration of having a modest wedding vanished in an instant.
Nearby, Fu Yang stood in his suit, surrounded by a few male peers.
"Not bad, your fiancée," one remarked. "I thought a country girl would struggle here, but she’s holding her own."
"Right? Even Miss Wang—who’s always been too proud to acknowledge even Si Nian—is sucking up to her now. Seems like this marriage won’t be a total loss for you."
"And I just heard—the Si Family knows Director Li? You never mentioned that."
"Si’s Father even said Chief Zhang from the North China District and Boss Wang from the department store are coming. Damn, you’ve been keeping secrets!"
"I’ve been to the Si Family before, but I never saw Director Li around."
"Seems like they only connected with the Li Family after Lin Sisi came back. I remember seeing Captain Li at their place a while ago—I wondered what that was about."
"Hey, do you think Lin Sisi already knew Director Li before she returned? Maybe that’s how the families got acquainted."
The group debated among themselves.
Growing up in the same compound, they had all envied Fu Yang when the most beautiful girl, Si Nian, had been infatuated with him.
After she was replaced by Lin Sisi, they had felt it was a shame.
But now, it seemed Lin Sisi wasn’t as simple as they’d assumed.
Though she wasn’t as stunning as Si Nian, if Director Li himself was attending her wedding, this marriage could actually benefit Fu Yang’s career.
Fu Yang took a drag from his cigarette, frowning slightly.
He had grown up with Si Nian and known the Si Family for over twenty years.
Yet he had never heard of any connection between them and Director Li.
Could Lin Sisi’s return really have brought these new connections?
If so, perhaps she wasn’t entirely without merit.
……
Outside the compound gate, Si Nian and Zhou Yueshen arrived late, carrying bags of gifts.
A car pulled up beside them, and a couple stepped out.
The two groups crossed paths at the entrance.
Si Nian had just walked over when she heard the other party’s haughty tone: "Do you know who I am? I’m Zhang Cuimei’s younger sister. You know Zhang Cuimei, right? She’s related by marriage to Chief Zhang."
Hearing the name, Si Nian glanced over.
Sure enough, it was the same eccentric woman they had encountered at the police station when transferring their household registration last time—Zhang Cuimei’s younger sister, Zhang Xiaoyun.
Of course, today was Lin Sisi’s wedding, and as Zhang Cuimei’s sister, Zhang Xiaoyun would naturally attend.
Just as Si Nian averted her gaze, Zhang Xiaoyun, who had been walking ahead with her nose in the air, seemed to sense something and turned around.
When she saw Si Nian, she froze for a moment before immediately screeching, "What are you doing here?"
Si Nian’s lips twitched. "What’s it to you?"
Zhang Xiaoyun choked. "How is it not my business? You’re not even part of the Si family anymore, yet you dare show up here? Do you think this is a place just anyone can come? Oh, I get it—you must have heard that Lin Sisi is marrying Fu Yang today, so you’re here to make trouble, aren’t you?"
Her husband also noticed Si Nian and seemed genuinely surprised. "Si Nian? Didn’t you marry some country bumpkin? What are you doing here?"
Si Nian replied impatiently, "Obviously, I’m here for Lin Sisi’s wedding."
"You? Here for the wedding? More like here to ruin it!" Zhang Xiaoyun sneered.
Si Nian rolled her eyes. "Do people who come to cause trouble usually bring their husband and daughter along? If you have a problem with it, go ask my adoptive parents—they’re the ones who invited us."
Only then did Zhang Xiaoyun and her husband notice the tall man standing behind Si Nian. He had a lean, muscular build, sharp features, and a high-end watch wrapped around his wrist, veins faintly visible beneath his skin. In one hand, he carried shopping bags, and in the other, he held a little girl’s hand.
The little girl was fair-skinned, adorable, and currently nibbling her fingers while staring at them in confusion.
Had they not already heard about Si Nian’s circumstances from Zhang Cuimei, they might have mistaken the two for wealthy city folk.
The stunned couple quickly snapped out of it.
Zhang Xiaoyun’s eyes flicked to the bags Zhou Yueshen was holding—clothes and small toys. Her lips curled in disdain.
Typical country folk. While others brought fine liquor, premium cigarettes, and luxurious bedding as gifts, these two showed up with cheap clothes and toys.
How laughable.
"You’re dressed decently enough, but these gifts? Utterly embarrassing. How could you even think of presenting such trash? Aren’t you afraid of being mocked?"
"I don’t know what my sister was thinking, inviting you here. Doesn’t she care about losing face?"
Zhang Xiaoyun continued her relentless taunting.
Her sister’s family had always been well-off, which already grated on her. Now, seeing Si Nian—once so proud—reduced to this state, she couldn’t resist rubbing it in.
"Alright, enough," her husband finally cut in, embarrassed by her loud voice. "Let’s go inside. The banquet’s about to start."
He wasn’t defending Si Nian out of pity—he just didn’t want to waste time.
From his wife, he’d heard that the Si family had even invited Director Li. Both he and his wife worked in government offices and desperately needed connections like Director Li.
That’s why they’d dressed up today and brought expensive gifts—to network.
Who had time to deal with Si Nian, who no longer held any value?
Unlike his wife, though, he wasn’t so blatant.
With a gentlemanly tone, he said, "Nian, you can’t get in, can you? This is a military compound, after all. Should I put in a word with the guards for you?"
He feigned concern.
Outsiders weren’t allowed into the military compound without permission, but as Zhang Cuimei’s relatives, they were exempt.
But Si Nian and her country husband had no ties here anymore. They’d never get in on their own.
Even if they’d been invited, the Si family hadn’t come to greet them—probably just empty politeness. Yet these two had taken it seriously and actually showed up.
And with such pitiful gifts, no wonder his wife was mocking them.
But then again, country folk wouldn’t understand their customs.
Si Nian’s lips twitched at his words.
These two really were made for each other.
"No need. You go ahead."
Zhang Xiaoyun’s husband took her refusal as stubborn pride and sighed. "Ah, kid, don’t blame your parents for not coming to get you. They’re just busy with the wedding today—must’ve forgotten."
Si Nian replied flatly, "Oh."
Her expression remained blank, showing no trace of humiliation. Her indifference irked him.
He was being kind, yet she acted so cold. Who did she think she was fooling?
Everyone knew exactly what kind of situation she was in now.
Fine. No good deed goes unpunished.
His face darkened as he adjusted his suit. "Suit yourself. We’ll go ahead then."
Zhang Xiaoyun smirked, elbowing her husband. "Why bother with her?"
With a disdainful snort, she linked arms with him and strutted inside.
Her mocking laughter drifted back: "Maybe my sister will remember them after the banquet—hahaha!"
Just as her laughter rang out, a familiar voice called from behind.
"Don’t worry, we’ll make it in time for the meal. No need to fret on our behalf."
Si Nian and Zhou Yueshen walked past them.
Zhang Xiaoyun’s grin froze. She whipped around, staring at the guards, then back at the couple.
"How did you get in?"
Her face twisted. She’d just been certain they’d be turned away, yet here they were, strolling in like it was nothing.
Her husband’s expression soured too.
Remembering his earlier condescension, his face burned with humiliation.
Si Nian had played him—she could enter all along but pretended otherwise, making him look like a fool!
Before Si Nian could respond, Zhang Xiaoyun muttered, "Oh, I get it. My sister must’ve informed the guards in advance. That’s the only way trash like you could get in. Hmph, nothing to brag about."
Si Nian sighed. "I never said it was. You two have been the ones monologuing this whole time."
"Look at you, acting all high and mighty! You’re only here because of my sister and brother-in-law’s connections. Otherwise, someone like you would never set foot in a place like this! You should be grateful!"
"Whatever. It’s not like you’ll ever get another chance like this."
Zhang Xiaoyun consoled herself with that thought, her smugness returning.
But before she could revel in it, someone rushed over, calling out cheerfully, "You’re finally here!"
Zhang Xiaoyun blinked, turning toward the voice.
It was the Fu family’s most pampered young lady—Fu Qianqian?
