108: Chapter 108 A Grand Wedding

The parking lot of the Mihua Grand Hotel was already filled with all kinds of luxury cars.

The Rolls-Royce Silver Angel hood ornaments shimmered in the sunlight, the Bentley Flying Lady sculptures stood proud and haughty, and the red bodies of Ferraris looked like balls of burning flame—

These top-tier luxury cars, rarely seen on ordinary days, were currently lined up like common taxis, waiting for attendants to guide them to parking spots.

As each car stopped, one or two glamorous figures would step out.

There were high-ranking government officials in custom suits with parliamentary badges pinned to their chests, elegant Zaibatsu heads wearing gold-rimmed glasses, and refined socialites carrying designer bags with exquisite makeup.

Most of them wore reserved smiles, but their pace involuntarily quickened, and their eyes frequently darted toward the armed soldiers surrounding the hotel, hiding an irrepressible surprise.

"This scale... it's even more exaggerated than the Emperor's birthday banquet, isn't it?"

The wife of a certain congressman clutched her husband's arm, her voice trembling. "The guns those soldiers are holding... they're real, right?"

"Don't talk nonsense!"

Her husband scolded her, though he couldn't help but steal a few more glances. "To have the 'Reaper Mercenary Group' as guards, Lin Long's background is likely even more powerful than the Prime Minister's."

As they spoke, a stretch Lincoln slowly approached, the Ooka Family crest emblazoned on its side. The door opened, and Ooka Momiji stepped out wearing a wine-red dress, followed by her personal bodyguard.

Momiji's gaze immediately fell upon those armed soldiers.

Although she was a university student, she had seen many grand scenes under her family's influence, yet the display before her still made her eyes widen slightly.

"Young Lady, look at the badges on their arms."

The bodyguard reminded her in a low voice, pointing to the soldiers' sleeves—embroidered there was a silver skull with red gems set in the eye sockets, exuding a grim murderous aura.

"This is..." Momiji frowned.

"The Reaper Mercenary Group."

The bodyguard lowered his voice even further. "The top mercenary company in Europe, bar none. It's said their fees are calculated by the minute; being able to hire a single squad is already considered a massive favor, but at least a battalion has arrived now..."

Momiji sucked in a breath of cold air. She finally understood why her father had repeatedly warned her to "watch her words and actions" before coming.

This Lin Long could not only keep the Suzuki Family firmly in the Prime Minister's seat but also mobilize armed forces that even the Ooka Family could not hope to match; he was certainly no ordinary man.

"It seems the Suzuki Family has truly landed a massive benefactor this time."

A complex smile played at the corners of Momiji's mouth. "Let's go. Let's head inside and watch this show unfold."

Inside the hotel lobby, the atmosphere was already bustling with people.

The light from the crystal chandeliers spilled over everyone, reflecting the elegance of the crowd and the clinking of glasses.

Waiters moved through the crowd with trays, the champagne glasses on them making crisp sounds that intertwined with the guests' whispers, creating the unique clamor of high society.

Every single person here was at the very pinnacle of the nation's social pyramid.

The Minister of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry was discussing next year's energy policy with the chairman of the Mitsui Zaibatsu, letting out hearty laughs from time to time; Chief of Police Hakuba of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department held a wine glass, chatting about public security issues with several men who looked like generals; even the usually reclusive Imperial Family had sent a Prince as a representative, who was currently speaking in low tones with Suzuki Shiro.

"Truly a gathering where 'none among the guests are commoners',"

Mouri Kogoro muttered indistinctly, his mouth stuffed with lobster as he held a large plate. "This caviar is even more authentic than the stuff I ate in Ginza last time!"

The police officers beside him wanted to advise him to show some restraint, but he glared them back with a sharp look:

"What's there to be afraid of? Sonoko is getting married. What's wrong with me, her (self-proclaimed) 'future father-in-law', having a bit to eat and drink?" As he spoke, he picked up a bottle of '82 Lafite and gulped down two mouthfuls.

Conan was being dragged around the lobby by the three "little troublemakers"—Ayumi, Mitsuhiko, and Genta.

"Conan, look at that uncle's medal! It's so cool!" Mitsuhiko pointed at a foreigner in military uniform, his eyes sparkling.

"Is that a general from the U.S.?"

Ayumi tilted her head. "Why would he come to participate in Sister Sonoko's wedding?"

Conan rolled his eyes and complained silently: Do you guys think this is just an ordinary wedding? This is clearly a grand display of power.

His gaze swept through the crowd, finally landing on several corners—the people there appeared to be chatting, but their eyes were constantly scanning the surroundings with vigilance, and whispers came from their earpieces from time to time. They were clearly hidden guards arranged by Lin Long.

"Hey, don't run around blindly, there are too many people here."

Conan tried to hold back his three companions, but Genta shook him off: "Conan is such a coward! Let's go see the bride's dressing room!"

The three little ones slipped through the crowd like loaches, running toward the elevator. Conan sighed helplessly and could only follow them.

In the bride's dressing room, however, it was a different scene entirely.

Suzuki Sonoko was wearing a pure white wedding dress, its skirt inlaid with thousands of tiny diamonds that shimmered with a dreamlike light under the lamps.

She sat before the vanity mirror as a top-tier stylist handled her hair, her face wearing a bashfulness she had never shown before.

"Sonoko, you look truly beautiful today."

Mouri Ran, wearing a pale pink bridesmaid dress, praised her sincerely. "I really didn't expect you to get married so soon."

"What do you mean by 'so soon'?"

Sonoko gave her a mock-reproachful glare, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Mr. Lin Long and I have known each other for so long; our feelings were already in place. On the other hand, Ran, when will you..."

"Sonoko!"

Mouri Ran's face instantly turned bright red as she reached out to cover Sonoko's mouth. "Don't talk nonsense!"

The two girls laughed and played together, the skirt of the wedding dress sweeping across the carpet and kicking up fine bits of lint.

"In all seriousness,"

Sonoko suddenly stopped joking, her expression turning serious.

"Mr. Lin Long... he's actually not as cold as he looks. He remembers what I like to eat, and he appears immediately whenever I'm in trouble. Although he's very overbearing sometimes, still..."

She lowered her head, a sweet smile touching her lips. "I feel very much at peace."

Mouri Ran felt a warmth in her heart as she looked at her friend's happy face. "It's wonderful to find the right person."

Just then, a commotion came from outside the door. Conan Ran in panting, followed by the three excited little ones.

"Sister Sonoko! You're so pretty!"

Ayumi lunged to the bedside, her eyes sparkling as she stared at the wedding dress. "This is the most beautiful dress I've ever seen!"

"Conan, look at Sister Sonoko's crown! It's made of diamonds, isn't it?" Mitsuhiko pointed at the headpiece on Sonoko's head, his face full of envy.

Sonoko was amused by them and reached out to pat Ayumi's head. "When you grow up, you'll wear a beautiful wedding dress like this too."

Conan leaned against the doorframe, looking at the heartwarming scene before him, and suddenly felt a strange sensation. This Suzuki Sonoko, who was always so loud and boisterous, was actually so gentle after putting on a wedding dress.

And that mysterious Lin Long indeed hid an imperceptible softness in his eyes whenever Sonoko was mentioned.

Perhaps this marriage, which seemed full of interest-based exchanges, also contained a fair share of sincerity.

A sudden commotion erupted in the lobby.

The guests surged toward the entrance, and even the ministers and Zaibatsu heads who were in the middle of conversations stopped talking, their faces showing respectful expressions.

"They're here! The people from the U.S. Department of Defense are here!" someone whispered in shock.

General White walked in with several foreigners in military uniforms. Leading them was a man with four-star general insignia on his shoulders, his expression solemn and naturally authoritative.

The several people following him were also two-star and three-star generals, each possessing a powerful aura.

"It's Admiral Marcus!"

Chief of Police Hakuba sucked in a breath of cold air. "The Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet! Why would he come?"

"Not just him—look at the person beside him, that's a strategic advisor from The Pentagon!"

Chairman Mitsui's voice was tinged with shock. "This lineup is comparable to a small-scale military visit!"

Suzuki Shiro and Suzuki Tomoko hurried forward to greet them, their faces masked with warm smiles. "Admiral Marcus, welcome, welcome! Your presence truly brings honor to our humble abode!"

Admiral Marcus merely gave a faint nod, his gaze passing over them to search for someone in the crowd.

It wasn't until he saw Lin Long not far away that the sternness on his face softened slightly, and he took the initiative to walk over.

"Mr. Lin, congratulations." Marcus extended his hand, his tone actually carrying a hint of imperceptible respect.

This scene left everyone present stunned.

A four-star general of the United States was actually being so polite to a Japanese businessman? Just how great was Lin Long's influence?

Lin Long shook his hand, his smile indifferent. "Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Admiral Marcus."

"It is only right."

Marcus smiled. "The President specifically asked me to pass on a message: he wishes you a happy marriage."

The President?!

A chorus of gasps rang out from the crowd. Even the President of the United States knew about this wedding? And specifically sent congratulations?

Suzuki Shiro stood to the side, his smile a bit stiff.

He only now realized that this son-in-law of his was likely even more mysterious and powerful than he had imagined.

Those previous speculations about "Lin Long having connections in the U.S." were simply child's play.

General White stepped in at the right time to smooth things over: "Alright, the wedding is about to begin. Let's take our seats first."

The guests finally snapped out of their daze and returned to their seats, the looks they directed at Lin Long now filled with even more awe.

The wedding ceremony began amidst the melodious ringing of bells.

When Lin Long, dressed in a white suit, led Suzuki Sonoko in her wedding dress down the red carpet, the entire venue erupted in thunderous applause.

The priest's solemn vows echoed in the hall. At the moment the two exchanged rings, brilliant fireworks suddenly bloomed in the sky, reflecting the searchlights of helicopters in a display of breathtaking beauty.

Conan stood at the back of the crowd, watching the two people on stage smiling at each other. He suddenly felt that perhaps such an ending wasn't bad. At least Sonoko had found her own happiness.

After the ceremony ended, Lin Long and Suzuki Sonoko changed into more comfortable formal wear and began to toast each table.

First, they went to the Imperial representative and exchanged a few pleasantries; next were the Cabinet Ministers, each of whom offered auspicious words with a respectful attitude; then came the heads of the major Zaibatsu. When Ooka Momiji raised her glass, she gave Lin Long a complex look before finally saying "congratulations."

When they reached Admiral Marcus's table, General White suddenly stood up and said with a smile:

"Mr. Lin, Prime Minister Suzuki, we in the United States have prepared a small gift for this wedding."

As he spoke, he took out a gold-stamped document and a map from his briefcase and spread them on the table.

"This is a small island located in the central Pacific, with an area of about 50 square kilometers. It possesses a natural deep-water port and rich mineral resources."

White pointed to a red dot on the map, his tone solemn. "With the approval of The Pentagon, we have decided to grant the permanent ownership of this island to Mr. Lin as a wedding gift."

The crowd erupted!

An island?! An island with a natural port and mineral resources? The United States was actually giving away an island as a gift?!

Suzuki Shiro's eyes went wide.

He had been the head of a Zaibatsu for so many years and had seen countless rare treasures, yet he had never imagined someone would give an island as a wedding present.

This could no longer be described as merely "wealthy"; this was the crushing weight of absolute power!

Admiral Marcus looked at Lin Long with a gentle smile. "Mr. Lin, the location of this island is very important. I hope you can make good use of it."

Lin Long picked up the document and looked at it; it bore the dual seals of the U.S. Department of Defense and Congress, giving it legal force. He looked up at Marcus and gave a faint nod. "Thank the President for me."

His casual tone made it seem as if he had merely received an ordinary gift.

This calm and collected demeanor left those present even more speechless.

To have a U.S. Admiral personally deliver a gift and to calmly accept an entire island—just what was Lin Long's true identity?

Only Lin Long himself knew that this island was merely the U.S. President's "oath of allegiance."

Over the past year, the number of high-ranking U.S. officials he had secretly converted was as high as 50. This included not only congressmen but also high-level figures from all sectors, such as the FBI, CIA, DEA, and even the Tax Bureau and the military. Together, they formed a massive force capable of even manipulating the President.

That was why the U.S. side had sent such a massive gift for Lin Long's wedding.

But he did not expose this, merely raising his glass: "Thank you all for your generous gifts. Sonoko and I toast to everyone."

"Cheers!"

Wine glasses throughout the hall clinked together, making a crisp sound that seemed to play the most magnificent movement for this wedding of the century.

The banquet continued until late into the night.

The guests began to take their leave one after another. As each person left, they would specifically walk up to Lin Long to hand him their business card and offer pleasantries like "feel free to call on me at any time."

They all knew clearly in their hearts that establishing a relationship with Lin Long was more important than securing any project.

Mouri Kogoro was dead drunk and was being supported by Conan and Mouri Ran as they walked out, still mumbling, "Good wine... another glass..."

The three little ones—Ayumi, Mitsuhiko, and Genta—had long since fallen asleep on the sofa, cake crumbs still stuck to their faces.

Suzuki Shiro and Suzuki Tomoko saw off the last batch of guests and stood at the hotel entrance, watching the fireworks gradually disperse in the night sky, weary but satisfied smiles on their faces.

"It's over," Suzuki Tomoko said softly.

"Yes, it's over."

Suzuki Shiro sighed, his tone complex. "But it seems like something new has begun."

In the distance, Lin Long held Suzuki Sonoko's hand as they stood by the boarding stairs of a helicopter. Sonoko leaned against his shoulder, her face carrying an intoxicating flush.

"Where are we going?" Sonoko asked, looking up.

"To see our island."

Lin Long said with a smile, pointing toward the sky. "The plane is ready; we leave tonight."

Sonoko's eyes lit up, and she nodded vigorously.

The aircraft slowly ascended, flying in the direction of the Pacific Ocean.

In the cabin, Lin Long looked at the fast-asleep Sonoko in his arms, then at the brilliant starry sky outside the window, a gentle smile playing at the corners of his mouth.