Chapter Eighteen: I Am the Groom

Liu Jingye pulled out a set of exquisite suits, without any labels, that had been in the wardrobe for an unknown amount of time, yet remained perfectly uncreased. They were crafted by a top designer.

“Hey, handsome, congratulations on your wedding,” Liu Jingye said to his reflection in the mirror, forcing a bitter smile.

Yet, dressed in such a luxurious suit, riding a three-wheeled cart to the city's most upscale hotel to attend his own wedding—none of it seemed to fit together.

Normally, the groom would arrive in a luxury car, surrounded by friends and family, gloriously fetching the bride.

But because Liu Jingye had overslept, and Yuan Xiaoying had forgotten the date, the whole process was skipped, and they went straight to the hotel for the ceremony. It felt strangely like a second marriage.

When Liu Jingye arrived at the hotel parking lot’s men’s restroom, he saw all kinds of luxury cars parked, but Yuan Xiaoying was nowhere to be found. She didn’t answer his calls, and with noon fast approaching, the wedding was about to begin.

After smoking two cigarettes, Liu Jingye still hadn’t seen her. He suspected her family had discovered her sham wedding plan and forced her to cancel.

Regardless, since he was here, he figured he’d at least go inside and try to get a meal out of it.

But upon entering the hotel, he was at a loss. Yuan Xiaoying had only told him the wedding was in the lobby, but the first floor had a central hall and two side halls, all hosting weddings today, people coming and going.

“Which way should I go? There’s not even a floral sign at the entrance,” Liu Jingye muttered, scratching his head in confusion.

He thought about asking someone, but reconsidered—if the ceremony was still on, he’d have to go up on stage. If the guests saw the groom wandering around asking directions, it would surely give him away.

Helpless, he simply followed a woman dressed in a strikingly alluring outfit. Many women treat weddings as a stage, secretly vying with the bride for attention.

Liu Jingye wandered into a side hall, full of distinguished guests, none of whom he recognized—which wasn’t surprising, since he shouldn’t know any of them anyway.

He wanted to find Yuan Xiaoying for clarification, but looked around and couldn’t spot her. Suddenly, he glimpsed a beautiful figure on the stage, clad in a pure white wedding dress.

A champagne tower blocked his view, so he couldn’t see clearly, but Liu Jingye boldly walked over and stumbled onto the stage.

“Looks like I went to the wrong hall after all,” Liu Jingye smiled wryly—the bride was not Yuan Xiaoying.

He was about to turn and leave when suddenly the audience erupted into applause and cheers. The band played melodious music; everyone was clapping for him.

Clearly, the guests had mistaken him for the groom.

The bride on stage was stunned, the host below was stunned, and the real groom, just returning from the restroom, was equally shocked.

All because of the suit—at weddings, only the groom wears a suit and the bride a wedding dress; no matter how fierce the competition, no one else would be dressed the same.

Facing the enthusiastic guests, Liu Jingye was at a loss, while the real groom looked ready to pick a fight.

Suddenly, Liu Jingye caught sight of the waiters weaving through the crowd, wearing white shirts, black vests, bow ties—much like his own outfit.

Thinking quickly, he grabbed the microphone and, in a deep voice, addressed the crowd: “Ladies and gentlemen, attention please. There is a black Chery sedan outside blocking traffic, license plate XXX365. Would the owner kindly move it immediately. Thank you for your cooperation.”

The mood instantly cooled, everyone realizing their mistake, feeling frustrated.

Liu Jingye silently praised his own quick thinking, hurried off the stage, but was stopped by a portly man who asked anxiously, “Is my car blocking the way?”

He had made up both the car and the plate number, but to his surprise, he guessed right. Smiling, Liu Jingye said, “You’d better go move it.”

The man hurried away, and Liu Jingye slipped out behind him, only to run straight into Yuan Xiaoying.

She was once again dressed in a wedding gown, meticulously styled, dazzlingly beautiful—far surpassing the previous bride.

Seeing Liu Jingye, she grabbed his arm, anxious: “Where did you go? I thought you weren’t coming.”

“How could I not? You’ve got dirt on me, remember!” Liu Jingye replied with a wry smile. “Once I find your weak spot, I’ll turn the tables.”

“Enough nonsense, the ceremony is about to start,” Yuan Xiaoying didn’t have time to argue, dragging him toward the main hall.

The main hall was packed, with at least fifty tables. Yuan Xiaoying pointed to the stage, saying, “Go find the host in the red suit, just do as he says. I need to get ready. You have to stick with me through this.”

She pushed Liu Jingye firmly, and aside from sensing her urgency, he also felt a strong determination in her.

Her eyes were red, clearly from crying—probably because her parents opposed the fake wedding, but she insisted to avoid humiliating them.

Parents’ love is universal, and it’s rare to see such filial devotion. Liu Jingye decided to help her.

He walked to the stage, ignoring the various stares, when suddenly he heard an argument at a table nearby.

Turning, he saw a man with a boutonniere sneering at a group, saying, “You people are bold, eating and drinking here for free. Do you realize today, from provincial officials to city leaders, all the police chiefs and officers are present? You’ve really hit a nerve.”

Crashing weddings for a free meal is common nowadays, with so many guests from both families often unfamiliar with each other.

But these few were unlucky enough to be recognized. Looking up, Liu Jingye realized he knew them—they were the same group who’d been roughed up by Huang Chao’s men yesterday and had tricked him into buying dinner. Among them was the woman who’d been searching all over for Er Zhuzi; clearly she was the ringleader the men referred to.

They spent their days hustling, selling pirated goods—petty criminals. The man with the boutonniere was obviously a police officer who knew them well.

The group was mortified, having hoped for a free meal but now caught red-handed.

Just as they were at a loss, Liu Jingye stepped forward and said, “They’re my guests.”

The group froze. The officer looked puzzled and asked, “And who are you?”

Liu Jingye smiled, walked straight to the stage, and replied, “I’m the groom.”