Chapter 18: The Super Wedding (2)

Prodigal Son Without Pop-Ups — Chapter 18: The Grand Wedding (2)

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This wedding was unlike any ordinary one, especially with its immense scale and the attendance of so many prominent international figures, as well as the full involvement of the state. Because of this, aside from Tian Hao's immediate family, there were no other relatives from the bride's side present.

The news of the only heir and new head of the Xiao family getting married came so suddenly that it caught many off guard. However, among those who received invitations, few declined; no one dared to overlook the future sole master of the Xiao family. Even for a nation or a region’s economy, he wielded absolute influence. Most importantly, he still held in his hands what was truly most valuable in Meihua...

Xiao Tianci didn’t intervene much in the wedding arrangements, but the venue was his decision. Thus, within three days, a lavish, temporary, and beautiful modern wedding hall was erected on the broad plain at the foot of Xiao Tianci’s private hill. The entire ceremony would take place there. With such a sudden influx of flights, all military airports were opened, and many temporary landing pads were constructed. The aircraft of these distinguished guests were as varied as a grand showcase—some piloted gliders themselves, some arrived by seaplane from international waters, and some even came in fighter jets. However, due to domestic regulations, the one who flew a fighter jet was promptly escorted out of the airspace and had to obediently switch to a different plane to re-enter. Those coming from nearby mostly used helicopters; as for the cars after landing, there was no need to elaborate.

Preparing a wedding of this magnitude in just three days was an exceedingly tight schedule, but under the immense influence of the Xiao family, what was once impossible became reality.

The day finally arrived. Xiao Tianci wore a suit freshly air-shipped from France, and even Lin Jian, Xu Guowei, and the other chief aides behind him were dressed in meticulously designed and swiftly tailored attire. All colors and styles were chosen to highlight Xiao Tianci’s presence; every gesture and move of everyone revolved around him.

For a wedding of this kind, proper preparation would require at least half a year, as many things simply couldn’t be arranged in time otherwise. For example, there was no way to custom-make a wedding car within three days, so the organizing committee ultimately chose a giant airship as the main vehicle, escorted by twelve helicopters.

The wedding venue was actually very close to the Tian family’s residence, and the surrounding area had long since been sealed off and secured.

In front of the Tian family home, ample space had already been cleared for the giant airship to dock. The airship swayed slightly before coming to a steady halt. Xiao Tianci stepped out, his gaze falling on the familiar Tian family mansion. Once, he had stood before this mansion, imagining how he would overtake the Tian family at the fastest possible speed, but he had never expected it would happen so quickly, and in this manner.

A man’s confidence and strength come from his achievements; a woman’s confidence and strength come from her beauty—though equality is now advocated, this truth is undeniable.

Xiao Tianci drew a deep breath and strode inside. The wedding was a blend of Chinese and Western traditions, with elements kept or omitted as suited the circumstances. Tian Ni had long since been ready. At that moment, she appeared even more composed. With the expert touch of the finest stylists and makeup artists, she was now the most beautiful and radiant bride, about to wed.

In the mirror, Tian Ni saw herself clad in a stunning wedding gown, also custom-made in France. Tian Hao, excited and agitated, paced back and forth beside her. The information he’d gathered from Xu Guowei made him even more exhilarated—over twenty sets of wedding attire had been prepared for Tian Ni alone. The one designed by a renowned French designer, “White Mist Dream,” was worth as much as one hundred thousand US dollars. Gazing at the shimmering light on it, he was overjoyed.

Though the scene was luxurious, it lacked the festive and joyful atmosphere of an ordinary family’s wedding. When Xiao Tianci arrived in the grand hall, Tian Hao quickly brought Tian Ni down to meet him.

It was the most beautiful moment for a woman. Head held high, Tian Ni descended the stairs, her eyes fixed on Xiao Tianci, who gazed back at her without blinking. It was as though he watched a fairy descend from the heavens. Had he not spent the past few days with Chief Steward Lin Jian, greatly improving his self-control, Xiao Tianci feared tears would have overwhelmed him at that moment.

Holding her father’s hand, crystal and diamonds flashing white, the White Mist Dream seemed to lift her gently. Tian Ni looked like a true fairy shrouded in mist, her eyes seeking to pierce through the man who had once been her dear friend and was now her groom.

Tian Ni surveyed Xiao Tianci—today, he was indeed extraordinarily handsome and elegant, yet the distance between them felt so vast. She had never given much thought to their relationship, having always merely admired him. Did he truly love her? Had he, as he claimed, secretly adored her all this time?

The day had finally come. Standing there, Xiao Tianci knew they would need time to grow together. Many steps had been omitted from the ceremony, but he was confident that they would make up for them in the future. She was his woman now—nothing and no one could stand in the way.

Both hearts churned with emotion, unable to find calm, but the path was set. Tian Hao placed his daughter’s hand into Xiao Tianci’s.

The moment Xiao Tianci grasped Tian Ni’s hand, he felt her trembling. He held on tighter, his resolute gaze meeting hers. “Now that I’ve taken your hand, I will never let go for the rest of my life.”

Choosing to marry Xiao Tianci, her heart was naturally unsettled; she had always strived to prove herself through her own efforts. Now, she was to marry a man who, though not unfamiliar, was someone she had never imagined as her husband.

It was her own decision, and she held no grudges. Tian Ni was, after all, a woman. Even if she felt little for this marriage, at the most beautiful moment of her life—dressed in a stunning gown, adorned with diamonds and jewels, with a handsome groom and an unbelievable wedding—her heart could not possibly remain unmoved.

When Xiao Tianci’s strong hand gripped hers tightly, she felt an inexplicable emotion. And when he spoke, “Now that I’ve taken your hand, I will never let go for the rest of my life,” the tears that slid gently down strong Tian Ni’s cheeks were ones she herself could not tell were of sorrow or joy.

...

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