Chapter 199 - 199: 197: Grand Wedding (3) Moved on the Eve of the Wedding
Chapter 199 - 199: 197: Grand Wedding (3) Moved on the Eve of the Wedding
Song Zhizhi hadn’t expected that simply taking pictures could be such an exhausting task.
She and Ji Baijian kept being told to strike various poses by the photographer.
From indoors to outdoors.
From dawn till dusk.
By the time it finally ended, Song Zhizhi felt her facial muscles were all rigid from smiling.
At 10 PM, they all went out for dinner together.
At the Four Seasons Hotel in Jin City.
Ji Baijian, Song Zhizhi, Ji Baixin, and Luo Xiaolang all sat at one table.
Aside from Luo Xiaolang, the other three all ordered steak.
Luo Xiaolang was always a vegetarian.
The steaks were served.
Ji Baijian elegantly picked up his knife and fork, ready to dine.
Song Zhizhi stopped him, “Don’t move, let me do it.”
Ji Baijian’s eyebrows slightly furrowed.
Song Zhizhi had already taken his knife and fork, cut the steak into small pieces, then handed the fork back to Ji Baijian, “You can eat now.”
A faint smile spread across Ji Baijian’s mouth.
Ji Baixin watched the interaction between them.
She did not know when, but her brother had genuinely started to like Song Zhizhi.
This fondness was so obvious.
She had always thought that her brother would not like anyone, because he was too perfect, be it in terms of looks or his own capabilities. She felt like no one was a match for him. She thought Song Zhizhi wasn’t good enough too before. However, she realized that whether someone is compatible or not is not determined by external standards, but by the emotional connection between two people.
At this moment, she thought that her brother and Song Zhizhi were a perfect match.
The sweet happiness they exuded in their interactions couldn’t fool anyone.
Good.
Ji Baijian was finally taken by someone.
Otherwise, her father might have a fit.
At the quiet dining table, everyone was eating their own dinner.
Luo Xiaolang usually ate very quickly.
She polished off her food in a few bites, then wiped the corners of her mouth, “I’m going to the restroom.”
Song Zhizhi nodded.
Luo Xiaolang went to the restroom.
She usually didn’t have to use the restroom often since she didn’t drink much water. She didn’t like to drink water because she didn’t want to waste time going to the restroom. In short, the less personal time a bodyguard has, the more competent they are.
After using the restroom, Luo Xiaolang came out to wash her hands.
At that moment, she bumped into Ji Baixin also entering the restroom.
Luo Xiaolang never took the initiative to greet people, whether or not they are familiar, except for people, she truly admired.
In her life, there were only two kinds of people.
The first kind, ordinary people.
The second kind, her idols.
Wei Ziming was her idol, so she was enthusiastic only toward him.
Luo Xiaolang washed her hands and was ready to leave.
Unexpectedly, Ji Baixin stopped her, “Xiaolang.”
Luo Xiaolang turned her head.
She was somewhat surprised.
She had always thought Ji Baixin wouldn’t take the initiative to talk, like herself.
And she, like herself, did not like Yin Qin very much.
But Song Zhizhi mentioned before that Yin Qin is fond of Ji Baixin, even if she couldn’t see it.
Luo Xiaolang still stopped in her tracks, “What’s up?”
“You’re not dating Yin Qin, are you?” Ji Baixin asked straightforwardly.
“Dating?” Luo Xiaolang frowned.
Ji Baixin knew Luo Xiaolang’s background and had a rough idea that she might not understand what she meant.
“It’s nothing.” Ji Baixin said, “I was just asking.”
“I’m not close with Yin Qin.” Luo Xiaolang declared.
Luo Xiaolang’s understanding of dating was just ordinary interaction.
And she was indeed unfamiliar with Yin Qin, and in fact, she found Yin Qin quite annoying. She didn’t really understand why he kept appearing in front of her and often times, he irritated her.
“I understand.” Ji Baixin seemed to smile a little.
Luo Xiaolang didn’t seem to have seen Ji Baixin smile much.
Ji Baixin’s smile was quite gentle.
She said, “If you don’t need anything else, I’ll leave first.”
Because Song Zhizhi was outside.
Her duty was to protect her.
In places that weren’t absolutely safe, she couldn’t let Song Zhizhi out of her sight for too long.
Luo Xiaolang turned to leave.
Suddenly, Ji Baixin spoke again, “Xiaolang, Yin Qin is actually a good person.”
Luo Xiaolang didn’t know whether Yin Qin is good or not, what did it have to do with her?
What baffled her even more was that Ji Baixin seemed to dislike Yin Qin a lot, didn’t she?
Why did she suddenly say that Yin Qin was a good person now?
She gave up trying to figure it out.
She felt that the people in the city were too complicated.
At Wulin Temple, their speech was always straightforward and didn’t require much pondering. You just had to take their words at face value.
But here, she felt that understanding a lot of conversations was tiresome.
So most of the time, she basically didn’t listen to what others were saying, and even if she did, she couldn’t really understand.
She walked out of the restroom at a brisk pace.
Ji Baixin watched Luo Xiaolang’s retreating figure.
She suddenly felt a pang of guilt.
There was clearly nothing going on between Luo Xiaolang and Yin Qin, yet she found herself hoping that Yin Qin would find another woman soon… She was indeed being selfish, very selfish.
Luo Xiaolang returned to the restaurant.
She didn’t go back over there but instead stood off to the side, watching Song Zhizhi.
Song Zhizhi and Ji Baijian had already finished eating.
The two were talking.
Song Zhizhi asked, “After we get married, are we moving out to live on our own?”
“Mm.” Ji Baijian nodded as he wiped the corner of his mouth.
“Then…what about Xiaolang?” Song Zhizhi asked.
“Of course, she will come with you.” Ji Baijian responded without hesitation.
‘Won’t you find that inconvenient?”
“A bit,” Ji Baijian replied.
“Then, are there any apartments suitable for Xiaolang to live alone around our new house?”
“I’ll arrange for it.”
Song Zhizhi laughed.
Seeing her smile, Ji Baijian also offered a slight smile, “I will fulfill your wish to live separately with me.”
“Ji Baijian!” Song Zhizhi exclaimed, angry.
She felt her cheeks burning.
Why did every simple sentence of hers always end up sounding so ambiguous when interpreted by Ji Baijian?
Wasn’t Ji Baijian supposed to be as pure as a sheet of paper?
Clearly, he was an experienced man, an old hand at this! ‘When will you take leave?” Ji Baijian changed the topic.
“Hmm?”
“Marriage leave.”
“Oh, we’re only getting married next Sunday. I plan to start my leave from the Monday after next.”
“Good,” Ji Baijian nodded.
“Are we going out after our wedding?”
“I only have fifteen days.”
“That’s enough,” Ji Baijian said, “I’ve only arranged for 7 days. I have a major project afterwards that needs my personal attention.”
“Oh,” Song Zhizhi nodded.
She knew that Ji Baijian must be very busy.
Having just taken over such a large group from Jihong, he likely had much to familiarize himself with, learn, and implement.
“It’S getting late, I’ll drive you home.” Ji Baijian stood up. At this moment, Ji Baixin also came out of the restroom.
The four of them left the restaurant.
“Xiaolang and I can go home on our own, you should go home with Baixin. You’re still injured; you should rest early,” Song Zhizhi said.
Ji Baijian did not refuse.
Song Zhizhi felt a slight sense of disappointment.
Sometimes, she felt that Ji Baijian was incredibly attentive to her, but at other times, she found him to be incredibly aloof.
Ji Baijian was always out of her control.
The elevator arrived at the hotel entrance.
The doorman had already parked their cars at the entrance.
Song Zhizhi followed Luo Xiaolang, preparing to get into the car.
Ji Baijian suddenly grabbed her hand.
Song Zhizhi looked at him.
All she heard Ji Baijian say was, “You two, turn your heads.”
Naturally, he was referring to Ji Baixin and Luo Xiaolang.
Ji Baixin was left speechless.
Her brother, who was always so disciplined that it frightened people, would also publicly do such a thing.
She didn’t mention the last proposal, as that was a natural part of the process. This time, it was clear that he couldn’t keep his hands to himself.
She didn’t know how long it took.
In any case, Ji Baixin felt that she had waited quite a while before her brother finally turned and headed towards their car.
Song Zhizhi’s face was completely flushed at that moment.
Ji Baijian, this guy, was too sweet, sickeningly so.
Song Zhizhi, with her heartbeat racing, returned to the car and sat in the back seat, unable to calm down for a long time.
Luo Xiaolang drove off quietly.
The car was very quiet.
Luo Xiaolang rarely initiated conversation. But at this moment, he suddenly spoke up, “Ji Baixin told me today that she thinks Yin Qin is not bad.”
“Hmm?” Still engrossed in that…sweetness from earlier, Song Zhizhi’s face turned even redder when Luo Xiaolang suddenly started to speak.
She had been continuously flirted with by Ji Baijian recently.
Whether intentional or not, she even felt that his restraint was a form of charm.
It wasn’t supposed to be like this before.
And between her and Ji Baijian, she was supposed to be the one in control, for she was the only one who knew about their past intimacy.
She silently adjusted her breathing to calm herself down and responded, “Ji Baixin said Yin Qin was not bad?”
“Yes,” Luo Xiaolang nodded, “I just don’t understand it. If she thinks he’s good, why does she always quarrel with him?”
“What do you think of Yin Qin?” Instead of answering, Song Zhizhi counter-asked.
“Nothing special,” Luo Xiaolang replied bluntly.
Song Zhizhi also guessed it.
In Luo Xiaolang’s view, only Wei Ziming maybe able to do something about it.
She said, “Ji Baixin probably hopes that Yin Qin finds happiness on his own. And besides you, Yin Qin doesn’t have any other female friends, so she selfishly hopes something might happen between you
“Yin Qin and I aren’t friends, I think he’s too weak,” Luo Xiaolang said bluntly.
Song Zhizhi wondered if Yin Qin heard this, his wig would probably be blown off in a huff again.
She was really surprised, how did Yin Qin suddenly become bald, and very smooth at that, too ridiculous to look at.
Later she heard that Yin Qin’s hair was cut off to bandage his head injury, and he even shaved the rest of his head for uniform regrowth. To not let people notice, he wore a wig. Who could have known, who could have expected such a big embarrassment.
She even saw Ji Baixin laugh at the moment.
When Yin Qin left in a breakdown, Ji Baixin’s laughter was unhidden.
She thought Ji Baixin wasn’t as indifferent to Yin Qin as she appeared to be.
Hearing Luo Xiaolang’s words now, she realized she was overthinking.
She felt Ji Baixin may not really hate Yin Qin. After so many years, she must have felt the kindness Yin Qin showed her, and gradually, a lot of hatred would slowly fade as he never actually succeeded in breaking Ji Baixin and her loved one. Baixin should not continue holding a grudge over what Yin Qin did in the past.
Her cold treatment and refusal to give Yin Qin a chance is just because she didn’t like him and didn’t want to give him hope.
Song Zhizhi sighed, these two probably wouldn’t end up together.
The car parked steadily in the courtyard of the Song Family.
Song Zhizhi and Luo Xiaolang returned home.
When they got back, the house was already quiet.
Song Zhizhi carefully walked back to her room with Luo Xiaolang.
Just as they were approaching their room door, they saw someone standing there.
Song Zhizhi smiled at the corner of her mouth, “Brother Ziming.”
“Hmm.” Wei Ziming nodded. “Are you still awake at such a late hour?”
“I was waiting for Xiaolang.”
“Oh.” Song Zhizhi nodded, “Then you two have a chat, I’m going to bed.”
“Hmm.”
Wei Ziming watched as Song Zhizhi went back to her room.
“Master, did you need me for something?” Luo Xiaolang asked, somewhat surprised.
“Come to my room with me.” Wei Ziming walked ahead.
Luo Xiaolang followed Wei Ziming’s steps and entered his room.
In the room, Wei Ziming asked Luo Xiaolang, “Is there anything unusual about Ji Baijian?”
“No.” Luo Xiaolang hardly thought before answering, “Other than being really skilled, he hasn’t done anything harmful to Song Zhizhi. They seem happy together.”
Wei Ziming was somewhat silent.
Luo Xiaolang watched him, “Master, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Wei Ziming seemed very calm, he calmly said, “Song Zhizhi is about to marry Ji Baijian.
Song Zhizhi will be moving out of the Song family mansion.”
“Oh, I’ll follow Song Zhizhi. She said we’ll either live together, or I’ll be living in the closest vicinity to her.”
“Ultimately, I can’t help but worry.” Wei Ziming said bluntly.
“Master, you might be worrying too much. I think Ji Baijian’s feelings for Song Zhizhi are genuine.”
“Do you understand the human heart?” Wei Ziming asked.
Luo Xiaolang gritted her teeth.
Indeed, she did not know. What she saw was always the surface.
“Isn’t Nie Wenzhi kind to this family?” Wei Ziming looked at Luo Xiaolang.
Luo Xiaolang nodded, “Yes.”
In her eyes, Nie Wenzhi indeed looked like a good person, but he did such atrocious things secretly.
“So, Xiaolang, you are still young, oblivious to what the outside world really is, you can’t just judge by the surface.”
“I understand, Master.”
“Here’s a micro camera.” Wei Ziming took out a very small electronic gadget.
Luo Xiaolang was confused.
Wei Ziming handed it to Luo Xiaolang, “Take it.”
“Should I wear it?” Luo Xiaolang looking at the pea-sized gadget, asked.
“No, find the right chance, and put it on Yin Qin.”
‘Who?” Luo Xiaolang wondered if Wei Ziming made a mistake.
“Yin Qin.” Wei Ziming repeated.
“Why should I put it on him?” Luo Xiaolang was even more puzzled.
“Given my understanding of Ji Baijian, he might not let you get close, and even if you do, he would easily discover it. So there’s no need taking such a risk.” Wei Ziming said.
“Putting it on Song Zhizhi would also not be much of use. If Ji Baijian harbors some ill intentions, he won’t disclose them in front of Song Zhizhi.”
Luo Xiaolang was a bit confused.
“Only Yin Qin. Ji Baijian and Yin Qin have a close relationship. I suspect they have the same intentions in many situations. If Ji Baijian really means Zhizhi harm, we would learn about it at the earliest.” Said Wei Ziming, his reasoning seemed quite accurate.
However, Luo Xiaolang didn’t quite agree, she said, “Is it okay to monitor someone who is completely unrelated in this way?”
“Xiaolang, there are many things you don’t understand, but everything I do is without malice.”
Luo Xiaolang bit her lip. “You just need to do what I ask you to.”
“Okay.” Luo Xiaolang nodded.
She generally obeyed her master’s orders unquestioningly.
“It’s late, go back and rest.”
“Okay.”
Luo Xiaolang exited the room with the gadget.
Wei Ziming watched Luo Xiaolang’s retreating figure.
They might not have spoken before her return but from now, he would absolutely not let Song Zhizhi suffer the slightest harm.
Time, it really flies by.
They selected their wedding photos on Wednesday, and by Saturday, it was already here.
At this moment, the wedding of the Ji and Song families was already creating quite a stir.
Tomorrow, they would really be married.
Song Zhizhi hardly dared believe it.
At night, she lay in bed, unable to sleep.
The mere thought of marrying Ji Baijian felt unreal to her.
From then on, she would truly live under the same roof with Ji Baijian, sleep in the same bed…
She tossed and turned in bed.
Suddenly, there was knocking at the door.
Song Zhizhi was alerted.
She then opened the door.
Unexpectedly, it was her younger brother.
Song Zhidao was still in school, but because of her wedding, he had come home for the weekend.
“Are you asleep?” Song Zhidao asked.
“No, not yet.” Song Zhizhi replied, “Is there something you need?”
“Oh, I just wanted to come in and chat. I don’t know if we’ll have such opportunities again in the future.” Song Zhidao said in a soft tone.
The lightness of his tone made Song Zhizhi suddenly feel melancholic.
She opened the door further to allow Song Zhidao in.
The two sat on Song Zhizhi’s balcony.
Song Zhidao said, “In fact, I don’t have a deep impression of our mother.” Song Zhizhi nodded.
After all, their mother had passed away when Song Zhidao was very young.
Song Zhidao said, “In my memory, only Auntie and you are left.” Song Zhizhi pursed her lips.
Nie Wenzhi had really had a great impact on their family!
Remembering all that she had done, she still clenched her teeth in resentment.
“Let’s not talk about Auntie. Right now, for me, other than hatred, I have nothing else. Without
Auntie, the most important woman in my life is only you.” Song Zhidao looked directly at his sister.
Song Zhizhi felt a ripple in her heart.
Her brother was not good at expressing his feelings.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that their sibling relationship wasn’t good.
She said, “Zhidao…”
“I don’t oppose your marriage. I’m not that immature.” Song Zhidao said, “I just feel a bit unwilling to part.”
“Yeah,” Song Zhizhi understood.
Even though she and her brother had always lived luxuriously as the children of a wealthy family, neither of them had developed the bad habits of high society.
“Actually, Ji Baijian is quite nice.” Song Zhidao said, “I feel reassured knowing he will take care of you.”
“Don’t worry. I will also take care of myself.”
“Sis, I don’t know what to give you as a wedding gift.” Song Zhidao looked at her. Song Zhizhi smiled, “To me, your well wishes are more important than anything else.”
At that moment, Song Zhidao still took out a small, small gift box.
Song Zhizhi was surprised.
Song Zhidao placed the gift box in front of his sister and handed it to her.
Song Zhizhi took it.
Then slowly, she opened it.
Inside was a bracelet.
A bracelet made of crystal beads.
Song Zhidao said, “It’s not expensive. I made it myself in a small workshop during my time abroad. The owner said that in their locality, light blue symbolizes kinship.”
Song Zhizhi laughed.
While laughing, her eyes welled up with tears.
She put it on her wrist. The size was just right.
At that moment, she thought of their childhood together.
When their mother had suddenly passed away.
Zhidao, in his dependency years, only craved for his mom. At that time, their father was at a loss with Zhidao who didn’t want anything or anyone except his mom.
At that time, it had been Song Zhizhi who was always there to play with Song Zhidao.
Hugging him when she herself was still just a little girl.
Fortunately, Song Zhidao really loved his sister. With her company, he was less agitated.
For a long, long period in her memory, the two siblings shared the same bed, with Song Zhidao always holding onto her arm tightly while they slept.
She could still remember Song Zhidao’s innocent eyes when they were children, as he looked at her with a fear of separation. She could still remember the small strength of Song Zhidao’s embrace. It all felt so, so unforgettable.
Once,
They had been each other’s lifelines.
Some say the closest blood relationship in the world is not with one’s parents but with one’s siblings.
Only one’s siblings have the same blood flowing through their veins.
Tears.
They fell onto the bracelet.
“Sis.” Song Zhidao looked at her.
Song Zhizhi managed a smile.
She was genuinely moved by her brother, even this small, small gesture.
Kinship, it truly touched her heart.
What she used to take for granted, she now cherished so, so dearly.
She was really afraid…
Afraid that it might disappear in the blink of an eye!