The next morning, He Su Ye was rudely awakened by a call from Qiu Tian. “Get over to Li Jie’s place, quick! You’ve got to see this—does he look like someone who could actually marry Su Mei-mei in that outfit?”
In the background, Li Jie’s exasperated voice called out, “I’m dashing and charming, a modern-day Pan An! Why does this suit make me look so awful?”
But Qiu Tian, immune to his jokes, continued teasing mercilessly. “Are you sure you want to get married wearing that turtle shell? Should we top it off with a green hat?”
(A “green hat” is a Chinese idiom symbolizing a man being cuckolded.)
Feeling exasperated himself, He Su Ye immediately grabbed a taxi to Li Jie’s place. Sure enough, the groom looked like a mess, while Qiu Tian had gone all out, dressing himself in something so shiny that he resembled a walking spotlight.
“You look like a goldfish,” He Su Ye said, sighing.
Eventually, they settled on a simple, classic suit. He Su Ye raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you try these on beforehand? Why the last-minute mess?”
Qiu Tian shrugged. “I told him to, but he wouldn’t cooperate.”
Li Jie sighed even louder. “My mom suddenly brought in all these clothes. I was under so much pressure!”
When the three of them finally emerged dressed and ready, the Li family was left speechless. The young women of the family practically gawked. “Wow, these three could star in a youth idol drama.”
* * *
The sun was just rising, casting a soft, clean light. The air carried faint traces of moisture and the fragrance of plants.
In the courtyard, Qiu Tian, ever irreverent, leaned on He Su Ye’s shoulder and whispered, “Pointy Corner, do you think Xi Fan will swoon when she sees you?”
He Su Ye’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly pulled Qiu Tian off him. “Stop talking nonsense. Focus on being a good groomsman and don’t stir up trouble.”
But Qiu Tian wasn’t done. With his head still resting on He Su Ye’s shoulder, he grinned. “Why haven’t you confessed to her yet? Do it! Quickly!”
He Su Ye gave a small, helpless smile. “Qiu Tian, I used to keep goldfish as a kid. I loved them so much. When it was my turn to feed them, I’d sprinkle just a little food, and they’d gobble it up. Then one day, I poured in an entire packet. The fish ate everything—and ended up dying from overeating. It’s the same now. I can’t impose my will on her without considering her feelings.
“Besides,” his voice lowered, “things are messy right now. It’s not the right time. She still has unresolved issues. And…” He paused. “I’m greedy. I don’t just want her to like me a little—I want her to give me her whole heart.”
Qiu Tian sighed. “I’ll be happy the day Fang Ke Xin stops staring at you all the time. She seems pretty hostile toward Shen Xi Fan.”
He Su Ye chuckled. “That’s your problem. Keep your own people in check and lock your doors.”
When he finally arrived at Su Shan’s house, he realized that the one who might end up spellbound wasn’t Shen Xi Fan, but himself.
She was wearing a pale pink dress paired with crystal accessories and matching high heels. Her hair was softly curled, and she wore only light makeup. Holding a tray of snacks and candies, she beamed at them as they entered. “The bride-snatchers are here!”
Qiu Tian whistled and grinned mischievously. “We’re not here for the bride—we’re here to snatch the bridesmaid!”
A faint blush spread across her face, delicate as the peach blossoms of April. Her porcelain neck was fair and smooth, her radiant charm glimmering in her eyes and the corners of her lips, as dazzling as sunlight.
He couldn’t quite describe how he felt. His throat tightened, and he instinctively turned his face away, yet his eyes couldn’t help but stray back toward her.
From inside the room, Su Shan called out, “Xi Fan, I’m so nervous and scared! Can I not get married?”
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