The banquet finally came to an end. Huo Feng, Lu Yue Ning, and Huo Yan stayed back at the Lu residence since it was late to drive home.
The once lively hall was now quiet, and the faint scent of wine and perfume still lingered in the air. Yue Ning loosened her hairpins as she stepped out to the balcony, the night breeze brushing softly against her skin. She took a deep breath allowing the air to fill her.
Everything had gone smoothly—or at least, that’s what it looked like on the surface. Yet, her heart wasn’t calm. Song Kai’s words still echoed in her mind, carrying a danger she couldn’t quite ignore.
Behind her, she heard the faint sound of footsteps. Then, Huo Feng’s familiar voice followed.
"You’re still thinking about what happened earlier, aren’t you?"
Yue Ning turned to meet his gaze, her expression conflicted. "You saw him too, didn’t you? This is the first appearance he is making with you around."
He nodded slowly. "Song Kai... I didn’t expect to see him there." His tone grew darker and colder. "It seems he finally gained courage to step out."
Yue Ning sighed. Song Kai’s presence was increasingly tumultuous, and it spelt only one thing... danger.
"You don’t have to worry," Huo Feng pulled her into his arms. "Song Kai won’t be able to harm you or Huo Yan."
"But it is not me I’m worried about," Yue Ning whispered, burying herself into his embrace. "I am worried about you." She confessed.
Huo Feng tightened his arms around her, feeling touched by her words. "You don’t have to worry. He won’t be able to hurt me. He didn’t do it in the past, he won’t do it now."
Yue Ning exhaled, hoping his words were true. She couldn’t shake off the terrible feeling she felt within her, and the system’s constant reminder did nothing to calm her.
------------------------
A few days later, it was Yun Li’s and He Yuchen’s wedding ceremony.
Yue Ning had gone early to Yun’s residence. She was the maid of honor, she dared not slack off.
"You have no idea how happy I am with you by my side." Yun Li held her hands, relief surging through her as she held Yue Ning’s hands, leading her to her room.
"I couldn’t miss it for the world. I promised you, didn’t I?" Yue Ning chuckled softly.
Yun Li smiled brightly. On their way up the stairs, they bumped into Mother Yun whose smile brightened on seeing Yue Ning.
"Xiao Ning, Yun Li told me you will be her Maid of Honour. I am glad it is you."
"I am glad Lili considered me to be her Maid of Honour. I promise to do my best." Yue Ning vowed, unwavering determination flickering in her eyes.
Mother Yun smiled satisfactorily. Yue Ning and Yun Li were good friends. It was only right this arrangement happened.
"Come, let’s go." Yun Li tugged at her sleeves. "I have prepared a gown according to your size. You didn’t put on weight, did you?"
"I didn’t," Yue Ning laughed as they reached the room.
The room was filled with dresses, stylists, and makeup artists.
Immediately she took her seat, the system’s familiar chime sounded in her mind. She sat up straight instantly.
"Lili, I want to use the bathroom," Yue Ning spoke up.
Yun Li who had already taken her seat and the makeup artists were already working on her face, pointed to the adjoining door.
Yue Ning smiled, thanked her and walked to the bathroom. Once in the bathroom, she whispered, "command."
The white holographic panel appeared, floating in front of her. The mission bar gleamed red, and she clicked on it.
[Mission: Find out what Madam He is up to]
[Duration: Must be completed during this wedding]
[Reward: Would be revealed after the mission is completed]
Yue Ning parted her lips in surprise. Truly, the missions became tougher as time went on.
"I am Yun Li’s Maid of Honor, how can I get this done?" She exhaled, working around the fancy bathroom.
’You have to find away.’ The system answered mechanically. ’The safety of your best friend lies in this mission.’ Read full story at 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩⁂𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢⁂𝔫𝔢𝔱
Yue Ning stared at the glowing panel until it dissolved into thin air. The safety of your best friend... Her pulse quickened. Just what was Madam He planning at a wedding that should have been pure happiness although it was a marriage of convenience?
She washed her hands and splashed a bit of cool water on her face, forcing her breathing to steady. By the time she stepped out, the room was bustling again. The stylists moving around with brushes, dresses swaying, the scent of perfume thick in the air.
"Yue Ning, come here!" Yun Li called, smiling from her seat. "They’ll start your makeup next."
"Coming," Yue Ning replied softly, pushing all thoughts of the mission to the back of her mind... at least for now.
Soon, she was seated beside her friend, letting the stylists work their magic. Her hair was elegantly swept up, jeweled pins glittered under the light; her gown shimmered faintly with every movement.
From the outside, she looked calm, poised, graceful, and the perfect maid of honor. But inside, the system’s words kept echoing.
When the last stroke of lipstick was applied, Yun Li turned toward her with a grin. "You look stunning. You might steal my spotlight."
Yue Ning chuckled. "No one can outshine the bride."
Mother Yun entered then, her face glowing with pride. "Ah, my beautiful girls. Today will be perfect." She adjusted a flower on Yun Li’s hair and then looked at Yue Ning with approval. "You too, Xiao Ning. Thank you for being here."
Yue Ning bowed her head slightly. "It’s an honor, Auntie Yun."
For a moment, everything felt peaceful—almost too peaceful. That was when her chest tightened again, a flicker of unease tightening her breath.
"I’ll just step out to make a quick call to Huo Feng," Yue Ning said with a reassuring smile. "I’ll be right back."
Yun Li nodded, distracted by her veil. "Don’t take long, okay? The photographer’s on his way."
With that, Yue Ning quietly left the room. The hallway outside was calmer, lined with red lanterns and fresh peonies. The soft hum of servants preparing downstairs drifted faintly through the air.
As she walked further down, a sharp, low voice caught her attention... Madam He’s. Yue Ning slowed her steps, instinctively moving closer to the corridor wall.
"Everything must go exactly as I instructed," Madam He said, her tone smooth but commanding. "No one especially the Yun family should suspect a thing until the ceremony begins."