Chapter 5

She tapped the windowsill with the palm of her hand, the joints of her bracelet clashing together, producing a dull and muffled sound. It was only then that she remembered her concern that the gold might be too soft and become deformed from the tapping, so she hurriedly smoothed it out, ensuring it was intact before feeling at ease

Liang Yan removed her gloves and adjusted the clips in her bangs for her, smiling on her face, her voice lowered as she leaned closer to her ear and asked: "Are you planning to remarry?"

In a refined manner, it is understood that "In a marriage, it is essential to consider fate. When the fate is exhausted, if the separation is not too contentious, it is possible to remain friends after divorce."

The Western band played the wedding march as the groom and bride walked hand in hand down the red carpet, a perfect match of handsome man and beautiful woman. Nan Qin sat in the corner, smiling as she watched, and out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Yin Chu sitting diagonally behind her. She was very open and gave him a slight nod. Yin Chu returned the gesture, but after that, there was no further interaction.

Looking back now, it was merely an unrealistic romantic fantasy of youth. At that time, what did one understand about love? She just did not know if Nan Jia had told him that she herself was also filled with entanglements, beginning to intentionally avoid certain topics. Aside from the rituals for her father's life and death, they hardly interacted in daily life. As for the conflict with Liang Yan, she knew the root of it always lay with Yin Chu. Liang Yan was a peculiar person; he could be completely unrestrained himself, yet demanded that she behave like a pilgrim. He had a form of emotional cleanliness, unable to accept that she had once liked another man. Nan Qin did not understand; things were not as serious as he imagined. She had explained many times, yet he became increasingly aggressive. Eventually, she simply gave up; every argument felt like a slap in the face, and she could no longer tolerate his inexplicable rage. If the scabies were destined to fester, then let it fester completely; her marriage had become a matter of taking one step at a time.

Cars come and go downstairs, and those who come down are all strangers. Nan Qin is specifically responsible for observing, and after waiting for a long time, the flower car has not appeared, making her somewhat distracted. Leaning against the window frame, she fiddles with her bracelet, the intricate curves and the hollowed-out petals contrasting with her skin, indeed presenting a kind of exquisite beauty. She absentmindedly caresses it; having known Liang Yan for three years, she has always been passive. Yet even though this bracelet feels like a handcuff, she willingly wears it, never considering taking it off. She absentmindedly caresses it; having known Liang Yan for three years, she has always been passive. Yet even though this bracelet feels like a handcuff, she willingly wears it, never considering taking it off

Feeling melancholic, something came flying towards her and landed squarely in her arms. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be the bouquet from Deyin. The crowd was somewhat surprised, all eyes fixed on her. Nanqin felt extremely awkward; what was going on? Deyin had excellent marksmanship, how could his throwing skills be so poor? An already married woman receiving a bouquet, could it be that she was to have a second spring? She noticed Yinchun gazing at her with a smile, and she lowered her head, racking her brain to think of something to say to defuse the situation. At that moment, a pair of military boots entered her line of sight, and she heard a hearty laugh from above, "Deyin threw this bouquet quite well; if your second sister-in-law has good news soon, you will be the first to know."

So he arrived early, not showing himself, just to monitor her every move? Nan Qin felt disgusted; he was a person of high status and power, with a heavy sense of suspicion, always engaging in some underhanded dealings. Fortunately, she did not speak to Yin Chu privately, otherwise, it would surely have turned into an unforgettable old flame in his mouth. His movements were swift; before she had the chance to refute him, he grabbed her hand and headed towards the corridor.

Casually glancing down from the building, I happened to see a Wolseley car making a turn by the fountain. A person got out of the car, wearing glasses and a sharply tailored suit. With a physique as robust as a pine tree, it was immediately clear that it was Bai Yinchao.

The grand banquet has been delayed for some unknown reason, and it has yet to commence. Nan Qin is not particularly concerned; he simply waits with everyone else, murmuring, "Why hasn't the groom arrived yet!"

Nan Qin was teased to the point of embarrassment. He finally straightened his expression, turned his head to the right, and said, "Bai Yinchun is over there. Why not go greet him? It has been such a long time since we last met, and merely nodding would be rather cursory, wouldn't it?"

For a long time, whenever she thought of him, she felt as though there was a solid fortress behind her. The good marriage he provided was not just a union, but the foundation for her entire later life. She had always relied on him, and that had not changed even now. Sometimes when he was away for work, not returning home for ten days or half a month, her heart felt as if it had been hollowed out, though he was completely unaware of this. She had the body of an adult but the soul of a child, and since meeting him at the age of sixteen, she had never truly grown up. Sometimes when he was away for work, not returning home for ten days or half a month, her heart felt as if it had been hollowed out, though he was completely unaware of this. She had the body of an adult but the soul of a child, and since meeting him at the age of sixteen, she had never truly grown up.

The sun at two o'clock in the afternoon was quite strong, and the wedding dress of Deyin was dazzlingly white under the sunlight. Her bouquet was made of pink roses, dozens of which were gathered together to form a round ball, tied with a satin ribbon. She turned around holding it in her hands and loudly reminded, "I am ready, I am going to throw it!"

De Yin smiled slightly and said, "We are both equally matched, so let us not mock each other."

The grand banquet was delayed until now, as he was busy exchanging pleasantries with various guests. Nan Qin was pulled along by him and could not escape, her ears burning hot, unable to throw away the flowers in her hand, unsure of how to handle the situation.

The bride fidgeted, her wedding dress adorned with scattered diamonds wrinkled on both sides due to her nervousness. Nan Qin teased her, "You can handle a million soldiers, yet you cannot handle a single Jiang Shangqian"

This half hour was quite torturous, but it finally came to an end, and the patient people came back to life. Especially the unmarried young ladies, as the next segment was what they had been eagerly anticipating. Before the bride ascended the flower car, she would toss her bouquet, and it is said that whoever is fortunate enough to catch it will soon have good fortune, likely becoming the next bride. The girls attending the wedding banquet crowded together, chattering and clamoring, while Nan Qin no longer had the qualification to participate, merely smiling as she watched from the side

Regarding my memories of him, what stands out the most is his meticulousness and patience. At that time, she had just lost her father and had come to Yanzhou from Beijing with her sister. Nan Jia, unable to contain her impatience, went out dancing at a nightclub with friends right after they arrived. She was new to this place, left in an unfamiliar environment, completely unaware of the local customs, and it was Yin Chu who guided her through everything. Nan Qin had never traveled far and was very grateful for his many acts of kindness. Given that her father had just passed away, having a relative treat her well provided her with great comfort. At that time, Nan Jia would leave late and return early, and when she came back, she would just bury herself in sleep, leaving her with more time to spend with Yin Chu. As a young girl, she began to develop a vague affection for the opposite sex, and with such a gentle and handsome man by her side, her heart gradually became uncontrollable. She did not know how Yin Chu felt; all she knew was that she was caught in a secret crush. Unfortunately, this secret was discovered by Nan Jia, and she was tragically exiled. After going abroad, she then met Liang Yan.

Discussing divorce at a wedding seems inappropriate, and Nan Qin immediately put a stop to it, apologetically smiling at De Yin. De Yin, who received a Western education, did not care about such taboos; she was just a bit anxious because she could not seem to wear the pearl flower on her head properly. Nan Qin went over to help, while Ya Yan took her place at the window. Just as the hairpin was secured here, there was a commotion over there announcing the arrival of the groom's flower car

Nan Qin nodded and said, "I was not informed in advance; I only learned about it this morning when Liang Yan told me." She sighed and continued, "Why must there be a divorce? If my father were still alive, he would have certainly broken two of Nan Jia's bones at the mere mention of divorce."

Divorce and remarriage have become quite normal now; as long as one is happy and the family does not interfere, it is nothing extraordinary. There is no need to dwell on the past; if there is anything I can assist you with, feel free to seek me out. Liang Yan stood with his hands behind his back, the sunlight shining on the insignia of his grass-yellow uniform, the base richly embroidered with the triangular star, exuding a grandeur that commands respect. "Regardless, I am immensely grateful that you could attend my sister's wedding today. With so many guests, I may not be able to greet everyone properly; once the banquet begins, let us brothers share a drink and indulge until we are thoroughly intoxicated." The sunlight shone on the insignia of his grass-yellow uniform, the base richly embroidered with the triangular star, exuding a grandeur that commands respect. "Regardless, I am immensely grateful that you could attend my sister's wedding today. With so many guests, I may not be able to greet everyone properly; once the banquet begins, let us brothers share a drink and indulge until we are thoroughly intoxicated."

The arrival of the groom signifies the commencement of the wedding banquet. The bride, surrounded by her attendants, enters the hall, while Nan Qin finds a seat to witness the ceremony. Traditionally, when a daughter is married, the ceremony should take place in the church designated by the groom's family. However, due to the overwhelming influence of the Feng family and the Jiang family's emphasis on harmony, it was ultimately agreed upon to hold banquets on both sides. First, a Western-style wedding is conducted at the bride's venue, followed by a return to the groom's residence for the traditional rites of heaven and earth and the consummation of the marriage.

It is of little concern to draw a gun behind one's back; as long as everyone maintains a cordial facade, it reflects the gentlemanly demeanor expected from officials. If it were not for the ten months of entanglement with him, Nan Qin would truly believe that the relationship between the former brothers-in-law was quite good. Liang Yan's attitude was reserved yet appropriate, as he said: "I was quite shocked to hear about you and Nan Jia; how did it come to this?"

Yin Chuo is a cultured gentleman, and this question is rather difficult to answer. He adjusted his golden-rimmed glasses and shook his head, saying, "It's hard to explain."

In the garden, two banana trees have been planted. In spring, they begin to sprout new buds, and the curled large leaves stretch upwards, pointing straight towards the horizon. A gentle breeze arises, causing them to tremble together, the rustling sound accompanied by the distant waves of the sea, making one feel as if sitting at the bow of a boat, drifting aimlessly without a destination

Husbands do not care; others may murmur in their hearts, but on the surface, they must feign indifference. This minor disturbance will eventually be forgotten.

Yin Chuo came down the steps, appearing composed and not at all as if he had suffered a setback. In the business world, one inherently possesses two faces; one must always be dignified and gracious in public settings

He shrugged and said, "I have never had the habit of giving away my belongings. Even if they are unused and rotting away in the attic, they are still mine." Nan Qin stared even harder, and his smile grew wider, "Have I ever told you that when you look fierce, you resemble a vengeful spirit?"

They spoke, while Nan Qin simply listened quietly. It cannot be said that there was any discomfort; a slight sense of melancholy passed in the blink of an eye.

The officiant was a prominent figure in Yangzhou, a middle-aged man with a distinguished appearance. His speech was as lengthy as the hair at his temples that he used to cover the open space, almost reminiscent of a lament. "On this beautiful occasion, my brother is fortunate to be invited..." He spoke from current affairs to the situation, from the past to the future

Nan Qin was lost in thought, and Ya Yan followed her gaze downward, softly asking, "What is Second Sister-in-law looking at?" Upon seeing Bai Yinchu's figure, she let out a long sigh, "I heard that they have already divorced"

A building was set aside on the west side of the mansion to serve as a hall. The pastor, who is the bishop of the Catholic Church, had sent a car to pick up the guests early on. Nan Qin looked out the window and saw the red building across the street, which was Gothic in style, with pointed roofs and stained glass. It had been renovated for the wedding, surrounded by fresh flowers, and at first glance, it resembled a chocolate flower arrangement on a birthday cake.

Nan Qin glared at him angrily, "Are you planning to get a divorce?"

Everyone counted down in unison, and Nan Qin stood beside the large red pillar, lost in thought as she recalled her wedding day. Just a year ago, it seemed to be in the same spot, and at that time, she was filled with happiness. Now, she has become the frame of a decorative painting, suddenly overwhelmed by a sense of aging and the passage of time.