220: Chapter 220 Wedding

1:45 PM.

Li Xin walked out of the VIP lounge.

The corridor's air conditioning was strong, several degrees cooler than the outside temperature.

He walked slowly, gently tugging at his tie knot with his fingertips to adjust its position, and without letting go, he carefully smoothed it out.

The seats in the outdoor ceremony area were mostly filled with guests.

The sea breeze was gentle, blowing over with a faint salty scent of the ocean, mixed with the sweet fragrance of champagne roses, which was exceptionally pleasant.

Several photographers stood by the flower arch, their DSLRs all in position.

Some were crouching on the ground adjusting focus, while others stood on chairs, repeatedly framing shots of the main ceremony background.

Li Xin scanned the guest seating area with a calm gaze.

The first two rows were for family and friends of both parties, while the rows behind were filled with business figures and antique collectors.

He spotted Mr. Zhao sitting on the right, with Mr. Zhou wearing glasses sitting beside him, the two of them chatting quietly.

In the aisle seat, Chen Jingming was wearing a dark gray suit without a tie, his shirt collar unbuttoned by one, looking both casual and appropriate.

Under the flower arch, there was a thick layer of snow-white rose petals.

Stepping on them felt soft, with a slight bounce.

Just then, Luo Maifa walked out from the side passage.

He had changed into a suit jacket, with a small bouquet of white bellflowers pinned to his chest pocket, exquisite and elegant.

Compared to his nervousness in the early morning during the bride pickup, he was much more relaxed, though his brows were still slightly furrowed, clearly still mentally reviewing the wedding process.

"What time does it start?" Li Xin asked.

"Two o'clock sharp." Luo Maifa looked down at his wristwatch. "Twelve more minutes."

"Still nervous?"

"A little." Luo Maifa smiled faintly, the smile very light, and turned to ask back, "What about you?"

"What do I have to be nervous about?"

"You have to go on stage to deliver the rings later."

Li Xin didn't reply, raising his hand to gently pat his shoulder.

"Stand in your position, don't just stand here."

Luo Maifa nodded and turned to walk toward the main stage of the flower arch.

Two o'clock in the afternoon sharp.

The host walked onto the stage on time.

He was in his forties, wearing a white shirt and dark trousers, his voice steady, his speaking pace neither fast nor slow.

"Respected guests, the wedding ceremony for Mr. Luo Maifa and Ms. Su Wan officially begins."

The moment the words fell, the sea breeze suddenly picked up a bit.

The gauze curtains hanging from the flower arch were blown, fluttering up and then falling back into place.

The guests in the audience instantly quieted down; some put away their phones, some straightened their backs, their gazes focused on the center of the stage.

At the end of the aisle, Su Wan walked over slowly.

Li Xin stood at the back side of the flower arch, just enough to take in her figure.

The long wedding dress train dragged on the petal-covered ground.

As she walked, it stirred up a few fine white rose petals, which floated lightly with the wind and then slowly drifted down.

Her pace was steady; every step was firm.

She held the bouquet properly in front of her chest, the pure white flowers shimmering with delicate light in the sun.

Luo Maifa stood in front of the flower arch, motionless, quietly watching the bride walking closer step by step.

When Su Wan stood still in front of him, he subconsciously wiped his right hand lightly against the seam of his trousers before slowly reaching out to steadily take the fingertips she offered.

The host delivered his speech slowly, nothing more than the standard script for thanking guests and blessing the newlyweds.

The pace was calm, not deliberately emotional; every sentence was just right, neither dragging nor rushed.

Next was the couple's vow exchange.

Luo Maifa spoke first.

He pulled a neatly folded piece of paper from his pocket, glanced down at it, and then looked up, reciting the whole thing from memory, clearly having memorized it long ago.

"Su Wan. When we first met, you were working at the gallery. I went to see an exhibition and didn't know the way; it was you who took me through the whole thing. Later, I realized that no matter what happens in the future, the first person I want to find is always you."

He paused slightly, his voice deepening.

"I never believed in marriage before. But after being with you, I suddenly felt that trying to continue on this path is quite good. Trying to spend a lifetime together might be the best destination."

A few very light laughs sounded from the audience.

Su Wan stood quietly opposite him, switching hands to hold the bouquet steady.

The emotions in her eyes were plain and calm, neither laughing nor annoyed, just quietly looking at the person in front of her.

It was Su Wan's turn to vow.

She handed the bouquet to the bridesmaid beside her and took out a folded letter from the small pocket on the side of her wedding dress.

She looked down for a few seconds, then refolded it and put it back.

"Luo Maifa. My parents often say that when marrying someone, you should look at their character. Your friends all say you are loyal and righteous. But in my eyes, you are just you, no need for anyone to define you, no need for others to tell me whether you are good or not."

She paused, her tone plain and gentle.

"These words might not sound like a formal vow, but they are the truest thoughts in my heart."

The host paused slightly and spoke at the right moment: "The couple will now exchange rings."

Li Xin walked out steadily from the side, holding a dark wooden tray in his hands.

Two platinum wedding rings lay quietly on it, with the couple's wedding date engraved on the inside of the bands.

He held the tray steadily in front of the couple.

Luo Maifa picked up the woman's ring first and carefully put it on Su Wan's finger.

Immediately after, Su Wan picked up the man's ring and put it on for him.

Li Xin gently put down the tray, took two steps back, and returned to his original position on the side.

The sea breeze brushed past again, blowing the hem of his suit.

He didn't care at all, standing quietly in place.

The host read the final blessing.

Luo Maifa and Su Wan bowed slightly at the same time and exchanged a gentle, short kiss.

Applause erupted from the audience instantly.

Guests stood up to take photos one after another, the crisp sound of shutters mixing with the wind, lively for a moment before gradually settling down.

Then came the group photo session, which lasted for more than ten minutes.

All guests, the couple, and the groomsmen and bridesmaids took photos in front of the flower arch in batches.

Li Xin stood on the far right of the groomsmen group, half a body's distance from Luo Maifa beside him.

His posture was upright, a faint smile on his lips, looking steadily at the camera.

The photographer signaled, the countdown finished, and the shutter froze the frame.

Someone shouted for another one, and the shutter sound rang out again.

5:00 PM.

The outdoor ceremony ended, and the guests moved to the indoor wedding banquet hall on the 30th floor.

Li Xin walked back to the lounge and took off his suit jacket, hanging it up.

A thin layer of sweat had seeped through the back of his shirt, and the cold air from the AC swept over, bringing a faint chill.

He sat quietly on the sofa for a moment, lifted his hand to button his cuffs, rearranged his tie, and tidied himself up.

The 30th-floor wedding banquet hall had an excellent view.

A whole floor-to-ceiling glass window faced the entire bay.

The sky was not yet completely dark; the sea surface was covered in deep blue, and the shore was surrounded by the warm afterglow of the setting sun.

In the distance, layers of gray-purple twilight spread across the sea.

The banquet hall was spacious and grand, with forty-two dining tables arranged neatly in zones.

Near the stage were seats for family and friends, while the entire area by the window was reserved for business bosses and antique collectors.

The tables and chairs were all covered with unified dark tablecloths, paired with light gold tableware and pure white table flowers, looking Advanced and festive.

Li Xin walked into the banquet hall and glanced at the nameplates on the tables.

His seat was at the first table in the business zone.

Sitting at the same table were Mr. Zhao, Mr. Zhou, Mr. Zhang, and a few acquaintances he had seen at wine tasting events, with one or two he couldn't name.

Chen Jingming was already seated, looking down at his phone.

Seeing him walk over, he immediately put away the screen and gestured to the side.

"Sit here."

Li Xin sat down beside him.

A waiter came up to pour tea.

The Tieguanyin brewed from the white porcelain teapot had a clear and light soup color, an elegant aroma, and a warm, smooth taste that wasn't too heavy.

At 6:30 PM, the wedding banquet officially began.

The lights in the hall suddenly dimmed, the curtains were half-drawn, and the ceiling projected dynamic images of intertwined waves and starry skies, fully creating an atmosphere.

A minute later, the lights came on, and the newlyweds entered.

Luo Maifa and Su Wan walked through the applause and slowly reached the center of the stage.

The evening banquet host's style was more relaxed and casual than the afternoon outdoor ceremony, fitting the lively atmosphere of the night wedding banquet.

He briefly told the story of their love, and the big screen simultaneously played a short edited clip, recording all their photos from meeting, knowing each other, to staying together.

The background music was a classic old song, with a gentle melody and simple lyrics; it had no flowery language but was exceptionally healing.

Throughout the video, the couple stood quietly on the stage without speaking.

When the screen switched to a certain frame, Su Wan pursed her lips slightly and turned her head slightly toward Luo Maifa, her movements extremely light and quiet.

The short film ended, and the lights in the hall came on again.

Waiters served dishes in an orderly fashion.

The first course was an exquisite appetizer platter.

Chilled conch, honey-glazed barbecue pork, and crispy spring rolls were neatly arranged on long white porcelain plates, beautifully presented and with solid portions.

One hour after the banquet started, the toasting session arrived.

The couple had changed their attire.

Luo Maifa wore a dark gray suit, looking steady and grand; Su Wan wore a champagne-colored evening gown, looking gentle and elegant.

Holding wine glasses, they started from the main table and toasted table by table.

The groomsmen followed closely behind.

Wang Hao cleared the way in front, Li Xin was second, and Zhang Ming followed at the end, carrying a spare wine bottle.

The progress of toasting the family and friends' tables was very slow.

Every table had elders or childhood friends holding Luo Maifa to chat for a few sentences, every sentence being a sincere blessing.

The business and collector tables were much more concise.

Most just stood up to clink glasses, said a word of congratulations, and finished a table in one or two minutes.

When they toasted to Li Xin's table, Luo Maifa stopped in front of Mr. Zhao first.

Mr. Zhao stood up to clink glasses and said with a smile: "May you have a child soon."

Mr. Zhou also stood up.

When clinking glasses, he lowered his voice and said a few words.

The speaking pace was very light, and Li Xin didn't hear the content clearly.

Su Wan bowed slightly, her smile appropriate and composed.

When walking to Li Xin, Luo Maifa didn't have extra small talk and raised his glass first.

Li Xin picked up his teacup and stood up, clinking glasses gently.

"Thank you for your hard work today."

"It's okay." Luo Maifa responded in a low voice, "You've worked hard too."

After speaking, the two nodded to each other, and the couple continued toward the next table.

In the second half of the banquet, the venue was noisy, with people drinking and chatting.

Li Xin walked to the terrace alone to get some air.

The terrace was not large.

Besides him, there were only two people.

One was leaning on the railing smoking, the embers flickering in the night; one was standing in a corner on the phone.

The night breeze blowing on him was much cooler than during the day, carrying the moist water vapor from the seaside.

The entire night view of the bay spread out before his eyes.

The buildings on the opposite shore were illuminated, their outlines clear, like carefully outlined silhouettes.

Chen Jingming walked out of the banquet hall.

Seeing Li Xin in the corner, he didn't make a sound to disturb him, walked straight to his side, and stood still.

The two stood side by side in silence for a moment.

The noise inside was separated by a layer of glass, muffled and indistinct, leaving only a vague buzzing sound.

"This wedding today was done to Perfection." Chen Jingming broke the silence first.

"It was indeed done with heart." Li Xin replied calmly.

"Are you still going to the antique exchange meeting next week?"

"Yes, I have already received the invitation."

Chen Jingming nodded and added: "Arrive early then. Several senior collectors heard that you acquired a batch of India returned collections and specifically want to talk to you."

"Okay."

Chen Jingming didn't say more, stood quietly for half a minute, turned, pushed the door, and returned to the banquet hall.

The night breeze brushed again, blowing the shirt sleeves against his arms, then lifting them gently.

Li Xin finished the slightly cool tea in his cup, raised his hand to collect the cup, and also pushed the door to walk back into the lively banquet.

At 8:30 PM, the banquet was nearing its end.

Guests left one after another.

Some headed to the parking garage to get their cars, some waited at the elevator entrance, and some stopped to shake hands and say goodbye to friends.

Li Xin stood at the entrance of the banquet hall, shook hands with Mr. Zhao to say goodbye, and nodded slightly to Mr. Zhou.

Before leaving, Mr. Zhou stopped for an extra step and said: "Let's talk when we meet at the exchange meeting next week."

"Okay." Li Xin replied.

Luo Maifa and Su Wan stayed in the lounge on the side of the banquet hall.

When Li Xin pushed the door and entered, the two were lounging on the sofa, relaxing.

Su Wan had taken off her high heels, her bare feet on the dark carpet, shedding the fatigue of the whole day.

Luo Maifa's tie was loosely hanging at his collar, half-undone, looking a bit lazy.

"You must be exhausted." Li Xin sat on a single sofa nearby.

"It's okay, everything went very smoothly."

Luo Maifa leaned back on the sofa and let out a long breath.

"To be honest, I was secretly worried in the afternoon that someone would cause trouble.

I didn't expect it to be safe and sound the whole time, without any accidents."

"The guests you invited are all people who follow the rules."

"Thanks to Chen Jingming for helping to screen the list."

Luo Maifa said, "He said in advance that everyone attending this time is a serious person who does things properly and has good character."

A few people chatted and relaxed in the lounge.

Wang Hao stood leaning against the door frame without sitting down.

Qiang Zi curled up on the corner sofa, looking down at his phone, laughing softly from time to time.

Zhang Ming stood by the window, holding a water cup and taking small sips.

Yang Hong and Xiao Pang squeezed onto a sofa, huddled together chatting about interesting things.

Just past nine o'clock.

Li Xin got up to prepare to leave.

"You guys rest well, I'm going back first."

Luo Maifa wanted to get up to see him off but was pressed back down by his hand on his shoulder.

"Stay seated, no need to see me off."

Walking out of the banquet hall, Chen Hu was already waiting at the elevator entrance.

The two walked into the elevator together, and Chen Hu pressed the floor for the underground garage.

The elevator went down steadily, the car was silent, and only the floor indicator light jumped slowly cell by cell.

"The entire process of today's wedding went smoothly, with no sudden abnormalities or security risks."

"I know." Li Xin said calmly.

"The antique exchange meeting next Saturday at 2:00 PM will be held at the private clubhouse in the east of the city.

I will finish the double-layer security plan and hand it to you before Wednesday."

"No need to rush, just handle it on Monday."

The elevator arrived at the underground garage.

Li Xin got into the car and didn't start the vehicle to leave immediately.

The cold white light of the garage fell on the windshield, reflecting his blurred side profile, making it impossible to see the emotions in his eyes.

He raised his hand to slightly adjust the rearview mirror, shifted gears, and started the car.

The vehicle slowly drove out of the dim underground garage and merged into the night.