Chapter 716: Pursuing Before Confessing
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
After three rounds of toasts, the wedding banquet was in full swing. The newlyweds on stage had completed their ceremony and began toasting at each table. It was now the turn of the table where Gu Zi and her friends were seated. Jin Long, as the best man, was naturally part of the toasting team, with the lively Gong Xin trailing behind him.
Lin Hun raised his glass, downing it in one go as a sign of respect. “Thank you all for attending Gui Hua and my wedding banquet,” he began, “especially Gu Zi and Brother Shen. From now on, I too will be a family man. I will work even harder to provide Gui Hua with a happy home, and always learn from Brother Shen!”
Gui Hua’s cheeks flushed a rosy hue. Whether it was from the numerous toasts she had already partaken in or from Lin Hun’s words, she appeared somewhat shy. She too raised her glass and drank, her modest demeanor attracting more than a few glances.
“I toast to all of you, and to my joyous wedding,” she said. “I won’t say much more. I will be a good wife to Lin Hun and live a good life with him. I am overjoyed today because it is a day of triple happiness. After this toast, I must drink another with Aunt Yang, to celebrate her reunion with her daughter and to congratulate Yang Zhen on becoming a teacher. It truly brings honor to Aunt Yang!”
After finishing her toast, Gui Hua took the glass offered by Jin Long, the best man, and immediately drank another with Aunt Yang. Jin Long, taking his role as best man seriously, was all smiles. The crowd couldn’t help but notice him and the petite woman behind him.
Gu Zi, observing all this, couldn’t resist teasing, “I heard from Su Shen that this is Brother Jin Long’s first time as a best man. Is it customary for the best man to bring a family member?”
Jin Long was taken aback by this comment, but the woman behind him stepped forward, addressing Gu Zi, “Gu Zi, you’ve really changed. You’re even making jokes now. I get along well with Brother Jin Long and came to help him. What do you mean by ‘bringing a family member’? I clearly came with you.”
Gu Zi raised an eyebrow, looking at her good friend Gong Xin. She decided to keep the truth to herself. After all, Gong Xin was a single woman, and her teasing could make Gong Xin uncomfortable. Gu Zi stood up and pulled Gong Xin aside, changing the subject.
“Let me finish,” she said. “Can’t you be considered my family? Come, sit with me here. Take Su Li’s place and have something to eat. Weren’t you craving braised pork? I saved several large pieces for you at our table. It’s perfect timing, Su Li left to play with Su Le after eating. I’d be happy to have you keep me company.”
As she spoke, Gu Zi placed the bowl of braised pork she had saved in front of Gong Xin. She asked the serving lady for a new set of chopsticks and bowl, ensuring Gong Xin stayed to eat.
Gong Xin could only obediently eat the pork. Comforted by the braised pork, she didn’t feel upset. She was once again able to enjoy the braised pork from Sister Hua’s Gourmet Shop, which she had been longing for. She felt truly blessed.
Meanwhile, Jin Long continued to accompany the bride and groom to toast at other tables. Without Gong Xin by his side, his smile faded significantly. He occasionally glanced towards where Gong Xin was seated, and as the toasting continued, he became increasingly disoriented.
Even Lin Hun noticed something was off. “Brother Jin Long,” he said, “if you’re drunk, you should rest. You almost spilled wine on my uncle’s head.”
Gui Hua had been watching the whole time and understood the situation clearly. She thought that if she could facilitate a match at her own wedding, it would be a wonderful thing. She pulled Jin Long aside and asked in a low voice, “What did that city girl say to you? You’ve been smiling the whole time. It’s too obvious. Share it with me, will you?”
Gui Hua remembered that ever since Gong Xin had come to thank Jin Long, he had been grinning like a fool. She feared his face might freeze in that expression.
Jin Long, a tall man, rarely showed such shyness. But despite his embarrassment, he didn’t hide anything. Like a young boy experiencing his first love, he bashfully said, “Gui Hua, Gong Xin just told me that I look handsome and elegant in my best man’s attire. Do you think she would accept me if I confessed my feelings to her?”
Upon hearing this, Gui Hua burst into laughter. “You’re so clueless,” she said. “Who confesses their feelings right away? You might scare the girl. You need to pursue her first. Confess your feelings when the time is right. That way, you won’t wrong her. In any case, you need to let her get to know you first…”
Jin Long listened attentively, finding her advice very reasonable. Just as he was about to ask how to proceed next, Lin Hun interrupted their whispering. With a sour expression, Lin Hun pulled his bride back to his side. “What are you two up to? Are we still toasting?”