Chapter 1

Why not come back now

Wang An'an looked at her with a calm gaze and a profound expression, expecting her to say something astonishing. To his surprise, she ended up saying such a thing, leaving him both amused and exasperated.

Xi Yu stood in this comfortable hotel room, looking around thoughtfully and sighed: "So you really are going to become the wife of a wealthy man."

"Quite good!" Xi Yu felt that this treatment exceeded her expectations, "This kind of room must be very expensive, right? You have spent quite a lot."

I see. It seems that your husband is quite wealthy.

Xi Rou looked at the charmingly smiling Xi Yu on the screen, and a phrase "Actually, I think you..." was already on the tip of her tongue, but in the end, she could not bring herself to say it

Wang An'an laughed and said, "How is it that a top student like you has been at MIT for so many years and has learned so many internet slang terms?"

It has indeed been a long time since we last met. The last meeting between the two was three and a half years ago when Qi Yu had just returned to the country. Although they had not seen each other for a long time, modern communication technology is highly developed, and the exchanges between the two good friends have never been few. During Qi Yu's years in the United States, they would contact each other almost periodically, discussing their recent situations over video calls. Even during the few months Qi Yu spent in Antarctica, she did not forget to use her precious satellite broadband to chat with her.

Don't be so polite, after all, you traveled thousands of miles to come back to be my bridesmaid

In July, the sunlight was brilliant, the heat was intense, and the heat waves rolled and surged in the atmosphere, scorching Qi Yu's skin. However, Qi Yu had no time to lament the terrifying heat island effect, as she was momentarily stunned by the brand new, gleaming imported Mercedes-Benz in front of her.

Yes, it is located in the banquet hall on the second floor

I see. The data I have observed also supports this point; in recent years, the emissions from automobile exhaust in the capital have hardly increased

The first image that emerges from the video is that of a round-faced little boy, seemingly around three or four years old

Although she does not know humility, she is truly adorable. She teases the children: "Auntie brought you a gift from America, do you want it?"

The little boy puffed out his chest and said, "Of course!"

What appeared in Qi Yu's line of sight was a magnificent high-rise building, its mirrored surface gleaming brightly, with not a speck of dust in sight. Just from its appearance, it was clear that this building was undoubtedly a landmark in the vicinity. As the car turned into the parking lot outside the building, Qi Yu finally saw the name of the establishment: "Oriental Hotel." Given its scale, it was evident that this hotel was likely a five-star establishment.

Wang An'an is a high school classmate of Qi Yu. She hails from a small county, and both of her parents are civil servants. After taking the college entrance examination, she was admitted to a prestigious law school in the capital. Unlike Qi Yu, she does not have a strong pursuit of academia. After completing her undergraduate studies, she stayed at the university for three years to pursue a master's degree in law. Upon graduating with her master's, she took the civil service examination and is now a junior civil servant in a national ministry. The work pressure is relatively light, but of course, the salary is not impressive. Fortunately, her workplace provides her with a dormitory; otherwise, she would likely struggle to make ends meet while living in the capital. Therefore, seeing the car in front of her, which is clearly beyond her financial means, it is no wonder that Qi Yu feels surprised.

Xi Yu looked up and saw a familiar figure rushing out of the crowd towards her—her high school classmate, her best friend to date, Wang An'an, who came over and gave her a warm embrace that could soften even steel.

Xi Yu joyfully reported the journey: "Sister, I arrived in the afternoon and have already checked into the hotel"

Yes, indeed, you are merely a decade behind

Long time no see

As for the matter of registration, I had not planned on it..." Qi Yu shook his head slightly, then changed the subject, "Let's not talk about that. Where is your wedding venue?

Xi Yu followed Wang An'an into the grand hall. She looked around at the resplendent hall and asked her friend, "Is this the place where you will hold your wedding?"

Xi Yu chuckled and handed her the suitcase: "In that case, my dear, come quickly and help me with the luggage"

Throughout their entire high school years, Xi Yu and Wang An'an were inseparable, their bond well-known to all. As an older sister, she naturally knew her younger sister's best friend quite well.

Wang Anan exchanged a few words with the hotel front desk, took a room key, and then, holding Xu Yu's hand, followed the waiter into the elevator to the twenty-fifth floor, where they opened a heavy wooden door. The hotel room was bright, with soft-colored decor, and had an area of about thirty to forty square meters, which was more than thirty percent larger than that of an average hotel room

I still don't know. The rehearsal is tomorrow, and the wedding ceremony is the day after tomorrow. Xu Yu said, I have booked a flight back to Nandu for the night after tomorrow

Xi Yu's father had been a high school teacher for many years, known for his serious and upright demeanor. Even when speaking to his daughter, he tended to be quite stern. According to social conventions, it is indeed expected that a student who has studied abroad for many years should return home first before anything else. However, Xi Yu had to make a domestic transfer on her way home, so she chose the most efficient and straightforward plan—attending a wedding during her layover in Beijing before returning home, thus achieving two objectives at once

Wang An'an lifted his chin slightly and pointed with a hint of pride at the building ahead, bathed in the glow of the setting sun

When Xu Yu was an undergraduate, her mother passed away due to illness. Two years later, Xu Guangyao remarried, marrying Fang Hui. Fang Hui has a gentle personality and is quite skilled in household chores. The two sisters have a very good impression of this stepmother and hold her in high regard

"Is this your car?" she asked

Xi Rou silently glanced at her sister on the other side of the screen and said, "Aren't you two supposed to talk about everything? How come you only just found out about this?"

In recent years, we have made significant efforts in traffic control, re-planning roads, and increasing public transportation, resulting in less congestion within the city. Wang An'an, as a staff member of the relevant ministry, confidently responded, "Moreover, it is not during peak hours now, so there is no congestion."

The little boy said in a childish voice: "Alright, alright, what is the gift?"

Xi Guangyao said: "Whether or not to bring a gift is not important, but one should return home first before going to be a bridesmaid."

With a brief shake of the camera, Qi Guangyao and Fang Hui quickly appeared on the other end of the video. Due to their frequent video chats, Qi Yu's connection with her family had never been interrupted for long periods. There was no sense of unfamiliarity in their conversation, and her family was well aware of everything about her. Qi Yu smiled as she reported to her father that she had safely returned to the country, also mentioning that she had brought gifts for him, and praised Fang Hui for looking increasingly youthful.

When Xi Yu smiled, her cheeks revealed those signature and charming dimples. Wang An'an extended her hand and, just like in the previous years, poked her little dimple with her fair fingers: "It is true that you are busy, but my dear bridesmaid has traveled thousands of miles back from the United States for me, so it is only right that I come to greet you to express our friendship"

It is evident that Qi Rou is also aware of her sister's character, and she skips over this topic, expressing her sentiments: "It seems that among your classmates from back then, An An has married the best."

It is only natural for her to be beautiful, excel in her studies, and marry well

Please send me the flight number, and I will come to the airport to pick you up with your brother-in-law.

After a long embrace lasting a minute, Wang An'an reluctantly released Qi Yu, revealing an extremely joyful smile.

It is not my car, and I can't even get a matching number for it. It belongs to my husband, and he is driving it for me now

He shouted, "Auntie is calling!"

"That is because my aunt has things to do." A pair of fair hands rested on the little boy's head, and Xi Rou smiled as she appeared on the other end of the video, "Xiao Yu, have you returned to the country already?"

The adorable smile of her three-year-old nephew instantly brightened Qi Yu's mood: "Xiao Yang seems to have grown a little taller again, becoming more and more handsome!"

Xi Yu is not familiar with the great capital; she is a hundred percent from Jianghuai Province. She completed her undergraduate studies at the School of Atmospheric Sciences at Nanjing University. After graduating from university, she received a response to her application and crossed the ocean to the United States, subsequently studying at MIT for a full five years. Her life circumstances have led to her limited knowledge, and this is only her third visit to the capital in her life. Since she comes here infrequently, everything she sees feels fresh to her, leading to many reflections.

Xi Guangyao did not truly intend to criticize his daughter; with a way out presented, he naturally followed suit. His expression softened somewhat as he and Fang Hui inquired about their daughter's journey along the way

Wang An'an tapped the steering wheel and said, "Theoretically speaking, it's not really his money; it's mainly his parents' money."

"It's nothing..." The sound of the door opening echoed, and Qi Rou turned to look at the door. "Oh, Dad and Aunt Fang are back from their walk. You can chat with them."

She didn't mention before that her husband is very wealthy, nor did I ask

"That's fine," said Qi Yu, "There's no need to be polite with my own sister. By the way, sister, I just found out that An An's husband is very wealthy, the kind of wealthy that is really wealthy."

Wang An'an patted her shoulder heavily and said, "Even if you happen to return to the country to attend the wedding, I would still be grateful."

Wang An'an placed Qi Yu's suitcase into the trunk, urged her to get into the car, and skillfully started the vehicle

Xi Yu smiled awkwardly and could only say: "Dad, this time my holiday is quite long, so I can stay at home a little longer"

Xi Yu is not at all the type to gossip; she does not care about her friends' choices in husbands, and such topics do not arise in their usual conversations. Wang An'an is also not the kind of person who likes to show off; even in front of her closest friends, she rarely discusses her own matters. Prior to this moment, they had hardly ever talked about Wang An'an's husband, and it is only now that she catches a glimpse of her friend's husband's financial strength

Alright, we have arrived

I am not that out of touch; I am also familiar with memes. Xu Yu immediately expressed her proficiency in internet language

Xu Yu, dragging her numb and swollen legs, pulled along her gray suitcase that had accompanied her for many years, and appeared at the international arrivals hall exit alongside countless travelers with vacant stares and hurried steps

Our research institute has access to all databases, where we can observe the remote sensing data monitored by most meteorological satellites in the United States

The American Empire is truly attentive to global surveillance..." Wang An'an remarked, "However, are there still some data that cannot be seen?"

Two long-lost old friends excitedly conversed as they left the arrival hall and arrived at the outdoor parking lot outside the airport

I originally wanted to have dinner with you, but I am really too busy... I still have to go meet a large group of relatives from my husband's side later, just thinking about it gives me a headache. Wang An'an looked apologetic, "You should rest well to adjust to the time difference, and come find you early tomorrow morning. The wedding rehearsal starts at 2 PM tomorrow, so you can enjoy a nice sleep-in!"

This is the room I booked for you said Wang An'an Is it acceptable

Guess what, your aunt will be back in a couple of days to give it to you

What? Xu Yu asked

Xi Yuming realized: "Oh, so your husband is a rich second generation?"

Xi Yu laughed heartily: "I told you that you don't need to come pick me up... The person who is about to become a bride should be very busy, right"

"You really are quite petty," Wang An'an continued to complain, "It seems that unless you obtain citizenship, there is no hope."

Wang An'an laughed and said: "Your Majesty, as you command!"

Xi Yu shrugged: "The confidential content will definitely not be shown to a foreigner like me"

Wang An'an was complaining about her friend as she made a turn while driving and got onto the main road. Having studied at a university in Beijing for seven years, along with two years of work experience, her familiarity with the city was completely unmatched by Qi Yu, an outsider. Therefore, while driving, she could also serve as a commentator, introducing the city to Qi Yu.

Fang Hui patted her husband and said, "Old Qi, isn't this quite good? We can avoid taking a flight this time."

Well, my return to the country is not solely because of your marriage

"I hope everything goes smoothly. How was An'an's wedding?" Qi Rou casually inquired about her sister's friend.

Wang An'an left the room in high heels, and Qi Yu, following Wang An'an's instructions, took the room card to the hotel restaurant to enjoy a rather delicious buffet—after all, the room included meals, so not eating would be a waste; after indulging in a feast at the restaurant, she took a shower, and noticing that it was past eight in the evening, she pulled out her computer and connected to the internet. Indeed, it lived up to its reputation as a five-star hotel, as the internet speed was quite satisfactory.

Isn't it said that the capital is the capital of traffic jams? It seems that the traffic is quite manageable, and the air quality doesn't appear to be as terrible as rumored

Those who are about to get married always have countless troublesome tasks to attend to, and with a profound understanding, Xi Yu smiled and waved her away, saying, "Go on with your busy work, bride."

Where did you see the data?

The journey of an international flight always leaves one feeling exceptionally fatigued. After curling up in the cramped seat of economy class for a full sixteen or seventeen hours, the plane, having crossed half the globe, gradually descends at the capital airport

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