"The workload isn’t much, after all, I’m pregnant, and Shiheng doesn’t want me to overexert myself." Zhuang Jie Ning gently caressed her flat belly, revealing a sweet smile.
Pan Ni and Bai Wending both had a look in their eyes that was intriguing and subtly shifting. They both smiled and spoke one after the other.
"Miss Zhuang is really blessed. Now that you are pregnant, it’s truly a double joy."
"Yes, if I had known earlier, I would have prepared a big gift for Miss Zhuang."
"There’s no need for a big gift. I’m already grateful that you could attend my wedding today!"
Zhuang Jie Ning intentionally steered the conversation toward Bian Yue, and with a smile, she looked at the silent Bian Yue and spoke softly, "Bian Yue, it’s been almost half a year since you and Shen Jinci got married, right? Don’t you have plans to have children?"
"No." Bian Yue’s response was blunt. She chuckled, her smile colder than before, "Today is your wedding with Li Sihe. There’s no need to bring the topic to me, right?"
"Your words sound as if I’m trying to make conversation on purpose. Bian Yue, I’m just concerned about you!" As Zhuang Jie Ning spoke, she tried to reach out and grasp Bian Yue’s wrist.
Bian Yue frowned and gently but firmly wriggled away, her tone slightly cold, "Zhuang Jie Ning, are there many things you need me to state outright before you feel content?"
Zhuang Jie Ning’s face showed embarrassment, slowly lowering her hand, she chuckled lightly and said with a chilling tone, "I don’t understand what you mean by that."
"What I mean is, enough is enough. You should know that my attendance at this wedding today is not for the sake of the Li Family, but solely for Li Sihe’s sake. You don’t have to flaunt your so-called happiness to me; I don’t care."
After speaking, Bian Yue looked coldly at Zhuang Jie Ning, her tone completely indifferent, "Miss Zhuang, happy wedding, I’ll be leaving first."
"Bian Yue! What do you mean by that?" Zhuang Jie Ning couldn’t save her face, and amid the probing glances of Pan Ni and Bai Wending, she forcefully held back her anger and chuckled, "Since you’re leaving, I won’t see you out. Bian Yue, there will be days ahead, I believe we will have the chance to meet again."
Bian Yue acted as if Zhuang Jie Ning did not exist, her gaze moved past Zhuang Jie Ning and looked towards Li Sihe, who was talking with others not far away. After pondering for a moment, she walked towards him.
Li Sihe had just noticed the commotion here with Bian Yue. He knew that stepping forward would only make the situation uglier, so he stayed here talking with everyone, drawing attention.
But now, Bian Yue was walking towards him.
Li Sihe tightened the grip on his wine glass, for a moment, his memory and the current scene were seamless, not a single discrepancy.
Bian Yue stood still in front of Li Sihe, her voice even, "Happy wedding, I have some things to take care of and will be leaving first. Li Sihe, take care of yourself."
Li Sihe’s smile deepened, even more genuine than when he was on the stage. His peach blossom eyes expressed warmth as he looked at Bian Yue and said, "I know you came today for my sake. Thank you. I’ll have Bai Xu take you home."
Bian Yue nodded, "Shen Zhaoli has been drinking. Could you ask Assistant Bai to drop him off on the way?"
"Of course," replied Li Sihe.
After he spoke, he signaled Bai Xu with his eyes to take Bian Yue away.
With mixed emotions, Bai Xu gazed at Li Sihe’s unperturbed face. After hesitation, he finally approached Bian Yue and said softly, "Miss Bian, please follow me."
Zhuang Jie Ning watched from a distance the two chatting amiably and discreetly tightened her grip on the cup in her hand.
It’s okay, Zhuang Jie Ning, it’s okay.
Li Shiheng doesn’t have much time left; once this period is over, you’ll be the one calling the shots in the Li Family!
Thinking this, Zhuang Jie Ning’s expression softened, and she continued to smile and chat with everyone.
Meanwhile, Li Shiheng watched Bian Yue about to leave and paused before calling out to her, "Bian Yue."
Bian Yue stopped in her tracks, turned around to look at him, her eyes filled with inquiry, "What’s wrong?"
Li Shiheng shook his head, his gaze warm and gentle.
He said, "It’s nothing. Have a safe trip, goodbye."
Bian Yue nodded, and this time, as she walked away, she didn’t look back.
It seemed that Li Shiheng casually withdrew his gaze, turned to the crowd, and said with a smile, "I’ve known Bian Yue for so many years, I already see her as family."
"Understood!" Someone laughed and said, "Mr. Li and Miss Bian are naturally just like family."
Li Shiheng smiled and glanced over at Zhuang Jie Ning not far away, walking towards her.
Tang Yuwei and Li Tingmo stood in the distance, watching this scene with surprise on their faces.
"Shiheng is... going to find Zhuang Jie Ning?" Tang Yuwei said in astonishment, "How... how is this possible?"
"Now that they’re married, don’t you know your own son? What he values most is Feng Cheng’s future. He won’t create an unpleasant scene with Zhuang Jie Ning at an important event." Li Tingmo’s eyes shone with satisfaction as he looked towards Tang Yuwei and spoke softly, "Don’t worry, your son knows his limits."
Tang Yuwei frowned, held her tongue and watched the scene unfold, skeptical of Li Tingmo’s thoughts.
But now, she too was at a loss as to why Li Shiheng had taken the initiative to approach Zhuang Jie Ning.
From afar, Zhuang Jie Ning watched Li Shiheng walking toward her; a fleeting moment of discomfort crossed her face.
But quickly, she walked up to Li Shiheng, looped her arm through his, and coquettishly said with a natural tone, "What is it? Were you thinking of coming to see me?"
Li Shiheng caressed the back of Zhuang Jie Ning’s hand ever so gently and said softly, "Of course, I was thinking you might be overwhelmed on your own, so I came to keep you company."
Pan Ni laughed and covered her mouth, teasing, "Mr. Li and Miss Zhuang really do have such a great relationship!"
Zhuang Jie Ning also forced a smile, slowly saying, "Yes, our relationship has always been so good."
Li Shiheng’s eyes darkened, and as he looked at the smile on Zhuang Jie Ning’s face, he suddenly pulled her arm and embraced her in his arms.
The action was so conspicuous that everyone watched.
Zhuang Jie Ning, as if being skewered over a fire, still forced herself to smile and say, "What... what’s wrong?"
Li Shiheng spoke with deep affection, "Jie Ning, you’ve really worked hard during this time. I haven’t been well, and I’m very grateful for your help in taking care of my parents."
"It’s what I should do." Zhuang Jie Ning bit her lip and said with a smile, "Shiheng, I’m your wife, of course I’ll take care of your parents for you."