Chapter 25: Wedding Dilemma 2
The next day came, and from the moment I opened my eyes, I had no time to even breathe. I was running from one place to another, my hair sticking to my forehead with sweat. I never imagined I would end up planning my own wedding in another world, yet here I was, organizing every little detail with my own two hands.
"Lin Xu, where should the red clothes go?" Yan Mei called out, holding a folded bundle.
I turned and pointed to the far corner. "Over there, on the table by the wall. It’ll be easier to find when we start decorating tomorrow morning."
"And where should I place the plates?" Fuhan asked as he carried a heavy stack.
"On the two big tables. The bowls should go on the smaller ones," I replied, wiping the sweat off my forehead.
He nodded and moved quickly, his steps steady. I had to admit, despite his stiff expression, he worked like someone used to being efficient.
They weren’t the only ones helping. Bao Bao and Yiling were bustling about, their little arms carrying small baskets of peanuts and dried fruits, running back and forth between the kitchen and the yard. They giggled as they worked, their laughter blending with Yan Mei’s voice as she scolded them gently for trying to sneak some of the nuts into their mouths.
As for me, I was in charge of cooking. I had already decided I wasn’t going to waste money hiring someone else when I could do it myself. The smell of chopped scallions, dried fish, and fresh broth filled the air as I prepared what I could in advance.
But even as I worked, my mind wandered. I hadn’t seen Yuen or Mo Ying since dinner yesterday. That worried me more than I wanted to admit.
"Yiling, where is your brother?" I asked, turning toward her.
"Mama," she said, wiping her flour-dusted hands on her apron, "Yuen and Brother Ying went out with some baskets... probably to get some things for the wedding."
With that, she dashed back into the kitchen to continue mixing the dough. I sighed, unable to stop my heart from tightening.
Just then, the sound of footsteps reached me. When I turned, there they were, Yuen and Mo Ying, each carrying a basket that looked far heavier than it should.
"What’s all this?" I asked, walking over in confusion. "What did you two get?"
Mo Ying set down his basket with a calm smile. "There’s no wedding without clothes. So, I took Yuen with me, and we went ahead to get some new sets... including your wedding dress."
He handed me a delicate wooden box. My hands trembled slightly as I opened it, revealing a carefully folded garment of silk the color of fresh snow, embroidered faintly with silver thread.
"How is it? Is it to your taste, Mama? Brother Ying picked it himself," Yuen said eagerly, his bright eyes sparkling as Mo Ying patted his head.
"I—it’s... umm, it’s alright, I guess..." I mumbled, swallowing the lump in my throat. "I’ll try it on later. You two, just go help out. Your lunch is inside, so don’t forget to eat."
I clutched the box and made my way inside the house.
In my room, I placed the box gently on the bed along with the rest of the clothes, then sank down beside them, rubbing my temples. The house was buzzing with noise outside,the clattering of pots, Yan Mei’s steady instructions, and the creaking of the old fence that had long been falling apart.
I had finally hired Old Man Hu, the village carpenter, to fix it this morning. The poor man had been hammering and sawing for hours, his thin arms surprisingly strong as he nailed new wooden planks into place.
I glanced out the window for a moment. The yard that once looked broken and neglected was slowly being transformed into a space ready to welcome guests.
The tables were being covered with red cloth, children were hanging little paper ornaments, and Yan Mei was arranging lanterns to be lit in the evening. Even the fence, now half-mended, stood straighter than before, as if sharing my determination to hold this family together.
Yet, despite all this bustling joy, my heart was uneasy.
The wedding would take place tomorrow at noon, and everything seemed to be going too smoothly, so smooth it gave me chills.
I knew people like Aunt Lu. She wouldn’t rest until she had played every card in her hand.
I had to be ready.
Clutching the box with my wedding dress, I whispered softly, "Susu."
A gentle chime rang as she appeared before me.
[Yes, Host. I am here. What do you need?]
I exhaled, pressing my lips together. "Tomorrow is my wedding day... but my heart keeps telling me that something is going to go wrong. Is there any feature you can give me to know what will happen in advance?"
[Host, there is indeed a function called Future Events. With it, I can reveal tomorrow’s key incidents. But... this feature requires payment.]
My fingers tightened around the pouch hidden in my sleeve. "...How much?"
[To view tomorrow’s wedding events in detail, the cost is fifty taels.]
Fifty taels. It was painful, but not knowing was worse. "I’ll pay it."
[Transaction confirmed. 50 taels deducted. Please wait... calculating...]
The glowing screen appeared before my eyes, words forming slowly.
[Tomorrow, danger will occur in secret. While you are changing into your wedding dress, Lu Fei will enter under the pretense of helping you. She will attempt to drug you. If successful, you will be left vulnerable.]
My eyes widened, my stomach twisting in dread. "Drug me...?"
[Yes, Host. The effect will weaken your strength and leave you barely conscious. At that moment, Big Man Lou will arrive. His intention will be to take advantage of your weakened state. Aunt Lu would then attract the guest and everyone present in search of you and thus revealing your affair with Big Man Lou, causing your reputation to be ruined and your marriage with Mo Ying to be cancelled. This is the plan set in motion.]
My breath hitched, and I pressed a hand over my chest, forcing the panic down. "So that’s what they’re planning... to ruin me completely."
Susu’s tone softened ever so slightly, like a friend offering comfort.
[Host, do not despair. Knowing this in advance means you have the power to prevent it. Whether you act openly or in secret, you can turn this scheme back on them. But remember: hesitation may cost you everything.]
I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply. "...Thank you, Susu."
[You’re welcome, Host. Protect yourself well. Tomorrow may be your greatest trial... but it may also be your greatest victory.]
The glowing text faded away, leaving me alone with the silence of the room.
I slowly looked back at the wedding dress. If Aunt Lu and her disgusting family thought they could destroy me, then they were sorely mistaken. Tomorrow, I would be ready.