Chapter Twenty-One: The Super Wedding (5)

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The Prodigal Son Without Pop-up Windows
Chapter Twenty-One: The Grand Wedding (5)
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Will grasped Xiao Tianci's hand tightly, smiling as he congratulated him, "Mr. Xiao, I'm very glad to attend your wedding and witness the great love between you and your wife."

Xiao Tianci, too, behaved with utmost gentlemanly grace, saying, "Hehe... Mr. Will, it is an immense honor to have you here at the wedding. Our relationship predestines us as future partners. To work with you is my greatest joy."

Games—different games have different rules. Xiao Tianci never imagined that the way these top figures played was so unique. Though he hadn't truly begun to play, what he'd seen and learned already left him deeply shaken.

The number of people who know about the Xiao family isn't small; among those present, none are unaware. Yet there’s no need for anyone to say it aloud. It’s as if there's a tacit understanding between them all. Xiao Tianci found it strange, thinking to himself, "This is remarkable. No wonder Will has been at the top of the world for so many years, moving with ease and without a hint of embarrassment. It must have much to do with this mutual acquiescence."

With these thoughts, Xiao Tianci quickly stopped himself, inwardly telling himself, "Why worry about things that don't concern me? Let them do as they please. I'll live my own life." Perhaps it was due to his mother’s lifelong teachings—decades spent instilling such values—but though Xiao Tianci worked hard, he held a relaxed attitude toward money, never feeling as if he could earn too little.

The two exchanged a few polite remarks. In occasions like this, it's best to say a few words to express closeness—not too deep, not too shallow. Only a fool would try to discuss business with the groom at such a time. Afterwards, he met with Mei Hua Holdings' Chief Executive Zhou Ao, the European Division President Otney, and several others.

Zhou Ao and Otney—Xiao Tianci often saw them in financial magazines or international news. Zhou Ao was the highest-ranking Chinese executive in Mei Hua Holdings, and Chief Director Lin Jian had mentioned that the Zhou family and the Xiao family were old friends.

Zhou Ao represented his family in Mei Hua's executive ranks. Previously, their family and the Xiao family were among the few great families, each vying for supremacy. Only in the past twenty years had the Xiao family surpassed the others to become the strongest. All of this was thanks to Mei Hua, and the Zhou family was lucky to have the largest stake among the families.

With this relationship, their conversation felt much closer. After greeting everyone and expressing that there would soon be an opportunity to sit and talk in detail, Xiao Tianci introduced the bride.

Seeing that the time was nearly right, Chief Director Lin Jian stepped forward, saying, "Sir, madam, it's time to cut the cake."

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Xiao Tianci heard this and hurriedly replied, "Hehe... Look at me, I'm so absent-minded. Please excuse me, everyone. We're all family here, so feel free to enjoy yourselves. We'll talk more another day."

Everyone quickly made way for him, urging him to attend to his duties. Promises to meet in a few days were exchanged, and Xiao Tianci, together with Tian Ni, walked toward the special crane.

Watching Xiao Tianci’s departing figure, Will sipped his wine and sighed with a smile, "The descendants of the Xiao family are truly extraordinary! Mr. Xiao is a brilliant young man."

A few nodded in agreement. Though everyone present knew Will wasn't truly the world's richest man, his power was formidable and his network complex. Even a false emperor wears the imperial robe; he's not someone ordinary people can compare to.

Otney, tall, stout, his belly like a general's drum ready to burst, snorted, "Hmph... What does a kid know? Got rich and wants to get married, making such a fuss. I say, he'll be nothing but a prodigal son in the future."

Will gently admonished, "How can you say that? The Xiao family’s descendants are certainly extraordinary. Besides, the Xiao family doesn’t mind spending a little money."

Zhou Ao, standing nearby, said nothing, smiling as he watched them perform their double act. For those unaware, it might pass unnoticed, but Zhou Ao knew all too well: Otney was Will's weapon, Will’s dog; when Will added fuel, Otney barked; when Will spoke, Otney bit.

Though the Xiao family held the dominant position, the other powers weren't weak. Xiao Lin, the family head, never ran a dictatorship despite his supremacy, instead letting Will and Zhou Ao, the second and third largest shareholders, manage affairs. Of course, Xiao Lin had his own standards and methods, setting fundamental rules that could never be breached.

Only with such structure could a massive multinational like Mei Hua Holdings continue to thrive. While Xiao Lin was around, not even nations dared take action lightly. Zhou Ao looked at those who came today—how many were here truly for the wedding? Glancing at Will beside him, it seemed some were already impatient.

Xiao Tianci and Tian Ni rode the special crane to the top of the towering cake, nearly ten meters high. At the very peak were two child-sized hearts, each pierced by an arrow.

Each layer of the cake was adorned with various patterns and motifs—wishes for lifelong harmony, growing old together, bearing noble children, and other auspicious blessings. The crane ascended slowly, layer by layer, Xiao Tianci holding Tian Ni’s hand as they gazed together.

Not a single girl is immune to longing. Though most of the time Tian Ni focused on her career, striving for achievement, during sleepless school nights she too had dreamed of a prince on a white horse, imagined herself in a wedding dress, pictured her own wedding. Yet even as a daughter of a wealthy family, she had never envisioned anything as grand as today.

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Thinking of her white horse prince, she suddenly recalled a conversation with Xiao Tianci. Back then, the two were like brothers, and somehow the topic arose. Xiao Tianci had casually remarked, "A prince on a white horse? Well, not necessarily. Maybe the one riding is Tang Seng, you know? Even those with wings flying in the sky might not be angels." Then, with a nasal tone, he had said, "Mom says that's a birdman..."

"Hehe..." Remembering Xiao Tianci’s expression at that moment, Tian Ni couldn’t help but laugh.

Xiao Tianci saw Tian Ni laughing and, feeling her joy, laughed as well, though he was a bit puzzled inside. Could it be that Tian Ni liked the huge cake? If so, perhaps he should have them make more in the future...

When they reached the top, each took a piece and fed it to the other, as thunderous applause erupted below.

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After the wedding, the Prodigal Son will step into the high court... Normally, Pingfanxin doesn’t like explanations, but enjoys interacting with readers. Since reviews are fixed, I'll address some questions at the end of future updates. Hope everyone continues to support and vote next week for Pingfanxin’s ranking. As for the book, rest assured—Pingfanxin has completed six VIP novels already. Good or bad aside, all are finished works.

As for pace, maintaining this steady rhythm is essential—everyone’s support is key, so just wait and see. One update here is faster than six elsewhere...

Let me give you a little hint: Xiao Tianci will soon discover that what he inherits is not just wealth, but trouble. Not only that, this unimaginable inheritance, compared to the troubles, is like a match in winter—though it burns, it cannot warm. What should he do...

Doubt from his beloved, plotting from enemies, spies, terrorists (not the usual kind—read on and you’ll understand), threats, temptations, recruitment, corruption...

Strongly recommending my brother’s medical novel: Chronicle of the Defiant Healer.