Chapter 1 The Call for Marriage
In late May, looking north to the southern city, the soft clear light swept over the winding mountains and spilled into the gurgling spring brook that flowed eastward.
The Wen family at the foot of the mountain was busy.
In the white-walled and tiled courtyard built on the mountain with a wide quadrangle, there was an urgent voice, “Slow down, the imported crystal vase, don’t touch it and break it.”
“Peonies at the door, roses in the house, don’t mix up the colors.”
Workers traveled back and forth, transporting flowers to the villa one pot at a time, cool white roses and delicate peonies dotted the small four-sided courtyard.
Wen Shuyu returned from outside and saw the housekeeper, Uncle Song, directing, “Uncle Song, why is it so grand this year?”
Uncle Song smiled back, “30th anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. pay more attention.”
It is rare to see such a big battle, Wen father and mother are usually extraordinarily low-key, where will be so high-profile.
But think about it, the 30th anniversary, high-profile once can not hurt.
Wen Shuyu did not think much, holding a pile of information into the house. Stepping into the first floor of the hall, startled, the layout of the whole change.
The leather sofas that Wen’s mother loved on weekdays have been moved to the corner, and the curtain wall is covered with velvet red roses, with the number 30 in the center.
The shadow of the past is completely gone.
Compared to a meal and a gift in previous years, this year is indeed on the heart, Wen Shuyu walked and sighed, “Dad is really heart.”
Wen mother, draped in a light blue silk suede shawl, came down from the rotating staircase, swept Wen Shuyu from top to bottom, and sighed extremely softly.
Why are you dressed so sloppily today.
Medium-length hair casually pinned up with a scrunchie, black pants legs stained with mud spots, shirt cuffs rubbed with some kind of stain, Wen mother frowned tightly, “Fishy, quickly go upstairs to change, dress nicely and remember to put on makeup.”
Wen Shuyu pulled up Wen mother’s arm, talked and laughed, “You and dad’s anniversary, I am the little green leaf, dress up what.”
Bean-sized beads of sweat on her forehead slid down her temples, and her bangs were stained.
The sweat beads on the forehead slide down the temples, bangs stained in the temples, Wen mother more and more distressed, pick up a paper towel to wipe away, “Let you do not go to take the case of legal aid, thankless, but do not listen to the morning and busy to meet with the parties, you see sunshine yo.”
The original fair skin became red, sweat stains remain on the face, like a mottled kitten.
Since practicing as a lawyer and coming into contact with legal aid cases, Wen’s mother’s words of letting her change her job continued one after another.
Wen Shuyu’s ears were calloused from listening to it, and he hurriedly digressed, “Mom, I’m going to take a shower and change my clothes, and I promise to dress up beautifully and not lose the face of the Wen family.”
Wen mother helplessly said, “You ah, every time you talk about this matter, just play dumb.”
Being mercilessly demolished, Wen Shuyu gags, “Which is true, mom, don’t worry, I know in my heart, my clothes are sweaty and my hair is oily, it’s hard to die, go take a shower first.”
“Go, go.” Wen mother waved her hand.
Getting permission, Wen Shuyu quickly fled the first floor hall, in case Dad came out, the nagging would be doubled.
Wen Shuyu placed the thick pile of information on the table and collapsed directly onto the bed, mentally exhausted and fretting over the case.
A divorce case, the man’s domestic violence, the woman appealed for divorce, but the court rejected the divorce claim.
There is an injury report, there are witnesses, how can it be so difficult to get a divorce?
Wen Shuyu closed his eyes to think about the way to break the situation, rolled over but fell asleep, “Judge, according to the evidence, witnesses confessed, we apply for the dissolution of marriage with immediate effect.”
After a speech, the judge knocked down the gavel, “The court declares that the parties’ relationship has not broken down, and rejects the plaintiff’s claim.”
Frightened Wen Shuyu steeply opened his eyes, to ptsd, do a dream dream is debated in court, the focus is again dismissed.
Can do all do, as if into a dead end, try their best but not willing.
Now mom and dad’s anniversary is more important, as the only daughter of the Wen family, can not lose face, Wen Shuyu rolled over and sat up, open the closet to find a dress.
Two to three times a week back to the old house, hundreds of square feet of checkroom, rows and rows of unrecognizable new dresses, I do not know when Wen mother added these.
Different colors and styles, fishtail, floral, A word …… everything, Wen Shuyu looked at the eyes, and finally picked a long aqua blue dress.
The skirt had almost no decoration, a one-line collar, and a simple cut.
Around her neck she wore an ordinary less than one carat diamond necklace, low-key and generous.
Wen Shuyu came out of the room, Wen mother wrinkled her eyebrows, so many clothes in the closet, but chose this one, “Baby, this one is too plain, change the one in the innermost part of the closet that is newly arrived, the one of the lotus root pink mermaid ji, and the necklace should be changed, forget it, I’ll be with you.”
Bright atmospheric looks, wearing a plain long dress, is really a waste.
“Good, I listen to dear old mom.” Wen Shuyu wrapped her arms around Wen mother’s neck and began to pamper herself.
The anniversary of the parents’ anniversary, what the mother superior adult said was what she said.
Wen Shuyu was like a Barbie doll, letting Mother Wen dress up as she took out the pink diamond set from the safe.
Made of 11 top quality pink diamonds as the main diamonds, set with a circle of white diamonds as the secondary diamonds, extremely gentle and luxurious.
It was her 18th birthday gift, Wen father and mother from the auction house auction back, only worn that one time.
The jewelry in the bottom of the box are taken out, so grand, today in the end who is the protagonist ah?
Wen Shuyu can’t sit still, “Mom, mom, I wear white Midsummer Night’s Dream can.”
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is placed on the upper level of the safe, it is not difficult to find.
Spiritual design, extreme craftsmanship, look carefully, but it is composed of different shapes of flowers, the necklace is instantly vivid.
The same series of earrings plus bracelet, eliminating the need for tedious matching.
Wen mother stepped back, “It’s okay, the pink diamond ring to wear, or people think our family is broke.”
“Good.” All the people who came are shrewd people, a little bit of negligence can not have.
Wen Shuyu began to ignore these details, was too well protected by her parents, a lot of things by their own nature.
Wen mother helped her plate hair, inevitably rambling, “the oldest not small people, when to find a partner? Your father and I are also old, I hope to see you early to start a family.”
In addition to work is to get married, the cliché of the two topics.
Wen Shuyu smiled, “Let nature take its course.”
Wen mother’s voice accelerated, “Let nature take its course, let nature take its course, just don’t look for it, will it still fall in front of you ah, no matter, tomorrow start to go on a blind date, really can’t, go to the marriage, your father and I will give you a choice.”
In the opinion of Wen Shuyu, there is no difference between a marriage and a blind date, a blind date is at least a choice, “Mom, I choose a blind date.”
Soldiers come to block, water comes to cover the earth.
Wen mother smiled and said, “You have another choice, and Huai Xu married.”
Again this annoying name, Wen Shuyu signaled to stop, and said angrily, “Mom, even if Jiang Huaixu, I’ll die alone and not marry him.”
Wen mother: “poo poo poo, what are you talking about, and then people Huai Xu how good, to have looks, to have height, to have a family history, to have a family history, to have a career, which point makes you hate.”
Since childhood, people around me like Jiang Huaixu, hate all the good words to him, “Yes, he is good everywhere, just one point is not good, I don’t like him.”
I don’t like him.” Whenever Jiang Huaixu was mentioned, both mother and daughter were unhappy.
At six o’clock in the evening, the guests arrived one after another, and the first to arrive was Jiang Huaixu’s family in the next block.
The two villas were less than 30 meters away from each other.
Wen Shuyu took on the job of welcoming the guests and politely greeted them, “Good evening Uncle Jiang, Aunt Jun, how are you Jiang Huaixu, Aunt Jun is getting prettier and prettier.”
Jiang mother smiled back, “Fish is really good at talking, you’re also pretty today, aren’t you, Huai Sequence.”
Since she was a child, the people who were a little bit closer to her called her Fishy, including Jiang Huaixu’s mom and dad.
Especially Jiang Huaixu’s mom, she treated Wen Shuyu as her own daughter.
Orange afterglow reflected in the pink fish tail glittering, Wen Shuyu hair coiled up to reveal a slender neck, knit brows and smile dynamic full, like a bright mermaid.
Dozens of translucent net diamonds inlaid butterfly earrings rippling in the neck side, scattered dazzling light, such as her people.
Jiang Huaixu scrutinized with her afterglow, her surface was without ripples, “Yes.”
The elders were happy to tie her and Jiang Huaixu together, wanting to add to their family’s wishes, the two children all understood.
At the time of summer, the sun set late, Wen Shuyu greeted Jiang father and mother into the house.
Jiang Huaixu politely greeted: “Uncle Wen, Aunt Lin, good evening.”
Wen mother and Jiang mother are bosom friends, friendship from the teenage period has continued to the present.
Not sisters are like sisters, Jiang Huaixu and Wen Shuyu called each other aunt, and it was hard to change their names over the years.
Wen mother laughed and said, “Huai Xu also came ah, long time no see.”
Not being polite, the last time they met was during the New Year.
Jiang Huaixu politely replied, “The previous period is relatively busy, Aunt Lin, to send you and uncle’s gift, go on a business trip happened to see a set of purple sand pot tea set, hope to smile.”
Handed over a beautifully packaged gift bag.
Wen mother smiled and took it, “Have a heart.”
Their couple does not have any special hobbies, only in the tea tasting and tea sets on the willingness to spend time, spend energy, extraordinarily prefer to collect tea sets.
The guests arrived one after another, exchanging pleasantries with father and mother Wen.
Jiang Huaixu turned his head to look at the door, Wen Shuyu alone had to record and greet, wearing high heels, constantly sitting down, getting up, occasionally rubbing her calves, “Uncle Wen, Aunt Lin, Dad, Mom, I’m going out to help Fishy.”
Jiang mother nodded, “Go ahead.”
The Wen family wasn’t considered a top-tier prestigious family, but it could be ranked in South City, with an intricate network of relationships.
There were quite a few people who came to congratulate them in the business world and among their relatives.
Wen Shuyu was busy greeting guests when she suddenly felt an extra person next to her, familiar with the fragrance of bamboo and wood.
It was Jiang Huaixu.
Standing on the outside, shielding her from the last ray of orange afterglow that was about to dissipate.
Wen Shuyu tilted her head and looked up, and suddenly froze.
The man at her side was wearing a white shirt and black pants, with no unnecessary colors, and a slender and straight posture.
Standing upright, he was as gentle as jade in his hands and feet.
Angular face, star eyes and sword eyebrows, high nose and thin lips.
The light orange evening sunlight poured over his noble face, neutralizing the cold temperament and adding a softness.
The back of the hand meridians raised, bone clear fingers clean and sharp, shirt cuffs slightly rolled up, revealing the cold white wrist, and the left hand on the red hand rope in stark contrast.
Hand rope, if Wen Shuyu did not remember wrong, wearing more than ten years.
Having known each other for 26 years, the familiarity engraved in his bones ignored his superior skin and bone appearance.
A gust of evening wind whisked past, pulling Wen Shuyu’s thoughts back from Jiang Huaixu, only asking him, “How did you get out?”
Jiang Huaixu faintly returned, “Too bored inside, came outside to get some air.”
“Oh.” Wen Shuyu went to busy himself with the matter at hand.
The two people standing in the doorway, one wearing a white shirt and black suit pants, and one wearing a pink dress, were like the newlyweds welcoming the guests to their wedding.
Those who didn’t know thought it was an appreciation banquet for their wedding.
Mother Wen suddenly sighed with emotion, “Actually, Fishy and Huai Xu are quite a good match.
”
She loves Jiang Huaixu from the bottom of her heart and wants him to be her son-in-law, but she can’t force her feelings.
Jiang mother didn’t think so and sighed slightly, “It’s a pity that Yuyu doesn’t like Huai Xu, our family doesn’t have this fortune.”
Wen Shuyu does not like Jiang Huai sequence of things both parents are very clear, into the cause, but do not quite understand, obviously as a child especially good.
The same year, the same month, the same day born two children, together on their birthdays, waiting for each other on, off school, night are not willing to separate.
In the past, they even joked that they would be betrothed to each other.
Suddenly one day, Wen Shuyu came back and did not allow them to mention Jiang Huaixu in front of her.
More than that, they are not allowed to praise Jiang Huaixu. No matter how much Wen mother asked, Wen Shuyu did not open her mouth.
It has always been more like Wen Shuyu’s one-sided hate, Jiang Huaixu as when she was a child to take care of her.
Only in the past two years has the relationship eased, but it is clear that Wen Shuyu has grown with age and knows the ways of the world.
Wen mother stared at the two children’s backs, “Our family doesn’t have one either, we can’t be in-laws.”
The dinner party was in full swing, the elders were exchanging pleasantries and socializing, while the juniors gathered to have fun.
Looking up from the first floor, there were two girls sprawled on the railing of the second floor, Wen Shuyu and her best friend Shen Ruoying.
Shen Ruoying found out the unthinkable, “Bao, your mom gave you a blind date, no wonder you are dressed so well today.”
Wen Shuyu in the eyes of people who are not familiar with her is capricious but well-behaved, however, those who are familiar with her know that in actuality, she is well-behaved.
Wen Shuyu drifted off, “I said why are there so many boys today.”
Just now at the entrance, she felt that something was wrong, how come every family brought boys over.
Dare I say that her parents had brought all the unmarried youths of marriageable age from the entire South City, where is it a wedding anniversary, it is clearly for her to throw an embroidered ball to recruit a bride.
Shen Ruoying pointed from left to right, “Gu family’s second son, 28 years old, has had more girlfriends than you have on both hands.”
“The eldest son of the Fang family, year 30, there is a white moonlight, obsessed with wanting to marry, the family has always disagreed, is gaming.”
“Song family’s youngest son, year 26, mom’s treasure man a.”
Wen Shuyu: “……”
Shen Ruoying “tsk” shook his head, “the rest of each, are not very good, uncle and aunt are also riveted, the whole South City unmarried young talent are here, but look down, and you have a similar age, suitable family, good character is still unmarried, only Jianghuai sequence. ”
How come it’s Jiang Huaixu again? Wen Shuyu had two big heads, “Stop, you know I hate him the most.”
Other people are not clear, Shen Ruoying clear between their faults, “is not when you go to school and you are evenly matched well, often and you fight for the first, as to remember so many years, you will not be like him right, from love to hate, hate than love long.”
Wen Shuyu frowned, “more than this, there are other reasons, say you know who I like.”
Shen Ruoying laughed and said, “Then you for Lu Yunheng, so good years wasted ah, do not want to taste the taste of men?”
The topic between girlfriends always revolves around large scale.
Shen Ruoying has always felt pity, in terms of looks, Wen Shuyu is bright and beautiful, in terms of figure, tall, slim and charming curves, and as a result, she is single so far.
Hearing Lu Yunheng’s name stirred up Wen Shuyu’s memories of distant characters in the depths of her memory.
Wen Shuyu thought a lot, shook her hand to dispel the rumor, “I didn’t do it for him, it’s just that there’s no suitable one around.”
Shen Ruoying looked downstairs at Jiang Huaixu, appearing out of place in a crowd of gentlemen, his temperament is too clean, “You can consider Jiang Huaixu’s, his appearance is outstanding, his character, his family history is known, he doesn’t have any male-female relationship, this kind of superb man is too rare.”
Extremely rare? Wen Shuyu couldn’t help but look downstairs.
Brow arch bone long, long body, all simple white shirt, only wear a cold meaning.
Crane in the crowd.
A word immediately popped up in his mind, indifferent and detached, not that he could not melt into the banquet, but he did not want to melt into it.
Jiang Huaixu downstairs seemed to have a sense and raised his eyes to look in her direction, and their eyes met in the air.
Wen Shuyu was like a thief caught in the act, avoiding this stern gaze, and turned to poking fun at Shen Ruoying, “You like him so much, back out of the marriage with Meng Xinhao, and let your uncle and aunt go and talk to you about marriage.”
Shen Ruoying stepped back, “I don’t want it, I can’t handle it, or you two are more compatible, a talented man and a beautiful woman, a natural pair, and save time on birthdays.”
Wen Shuyu chased after him, “I don’t want it either, I hate him.”
Once they turned around and saw Jiang Huaixu, the two girls silenced their voices and pretended that nothing had happened.
Jiang Huaixu came up from downstairs, just heard the last sentence, don’t need to think all know that it is said that he, colorful and brushed past.
“He heard it.” Shen Ruoying whispered.
Wen Shuyu does not care, “Hear hear, he is not unaware.”
The words fell, right into Jiang Huaixu’s eyes, acting excessively calm.
There is a girl behind Jiang Huaixu, Shen Ruoying pulled Wen Shuyu, “Yo Yo Yo, Fu Qingzhi hasn’t given up yet, she’s been chasing after him since we graduated.”
Fu Qingzhi, Wen Shuyu is especially familiar with her high school classmate, the most favored daughter of the Fu family, the arrogant little princess, and she is not too much to deal with.
To be precise, it is Fu Qingzhi who looks at Wen Shuyu less favorable, only because Jiang Huaixu is often entrusted by her parents to take care of her a little more.
Wen Shuyu wished from the bottom of her heart, “I hope she succeeds quickly.”
This way the elders of the two families will no longer randomly order lovebirds.
Transferring a small episode, Wen Shuyu went to serve a glass of champagne to sip, lifting the hem of her skirt and stepping on her thin high heels, she accidentally broke her foot.
When she was about to fall, Jiang Huaixu was quick to hold Wen Shuyu, “Be careful.”
The temperature of his palm traveled through the thin fabric to Wen Shuyu’s waist, like being electrocuted by static electricity.
The air suddenly stagnated, the water molecules were like frozen, the eyes met again, too close a distance, the breath seemed to be intertwined, the two people’s ear tips crawled with a touch of red, coincidentally glancing over their faces.
Time quietly lengthened, Jiang Huaixu did not let go of the intention, bamboo wood fragrance makes Wen Shuyu dizzy, “Jiang Huaixu, almost ah.”
Wen Shuyu pointed to the hand at her waist, the palms of those ten long, bony fingers were holding her up.
Jiang Huaixu put away his palms and held them in vain, saying carelessly, “Hey, at least I saved you, not even a thank you.”
Wen Shuyu straightened down her skirt and gave a fake smile, “I thank you.”
Shen Ruoying was quietly high on CP on the side, silently watching the two people’s bickering, Jiang Huaixu would only show a little bit of impropriety when facing Wen Shuyu.
The feeling of finding sugar in the glass dregs was so good.
The guests gradually left, Shen Ruoying’s fiancé came to pick her up and left first, leaving Jiang Huaixu’s family.
Wen mother looked at the second floor and shouted, “Fish, you and Huaixu quickly come down.”
Wen Shuyu shouted back, “Coming.”
Without guests, Wen Shuyu removed her taut back, took off her high heels and heavy gown, and changed into comfortable cotton pajamas.
Back to the most comfortable look.
Wen mother opened the door, “Is there anyone you see eye to eye?”
Wen Shuyu ran over to hold Wen mother’s arm, the old method of pampering, “No, this is not to buy cabbage, just look at the appearance on the line.”
The reason for the work, contact too many divorce lawsuits, not afraid of marriage, but not easy to step into marriage.
Mother Jiang turned her head and asked, “Where is Huai Xu?” Tonight, there were not only the sons of the public, but also the daughters of various families.
No one was going to escape the marriage rush.
The two were grilled about their academic performance like when they were children, only now it was marriage.
Jiang Huaixu’s voice was flat, “Yes.”