The large entourage arrived at the new bridal chamber, and the originally spacious area instantly felt somewhat crowded.
Fortunately, there was plenty of ice in the new courtyard; otherwise, with so many people packed together, heat rash could have broken out in an instant.
Huo Qiyuan was not the protagonist today, so he walked at a steady pace just behind Leng Ren. However, his tall, straight posture and handsome features made him the center of attention wherever he went.
The moment they entered, Su Muqing’s eyes immediately fell on the most distinctive man.
A flush had appeared on his pale, handsome face, which, combined with his striking silver hair, lent the man, usually as cool and aloof as a celestial being, a touch of earthly charm.
Though he seemed to have a high tolerance for alcohol, he was visibly tipsy today, but his steps remained steady. Upon entering the bridal chamber, his gaze immediately found his little girl, masked, standing at the back of the crowd.
Following the others, Huo Qiyuan strode directly to Su Muqing’s side. The women around them, whether married or single, couldn’t help but blush and sneak glances at such a handsome and distinguished man.
They felt as if this man were a celestial being; even just walking past them, he exuded a refreshing coolness that, in the muggy weather, made them feel utterly refreshed, both in body and spirit. Such an experience was rare indeed.
Within the short distance Huo Qiyuan had walked, most of the young ladies in the bridal chamber had already lost their hearts.
Their gazes followed Huo Qiyuan’s movements, silently fantasizing. If they were fortunate enough to marry such a man, would they not become the happiest women in the world?
Ever since Huo Qiyuan had entered, Su Muqing’s eyes had been fixed on him, and she naturally noticed the starry-eyed glances from those young ladies. Being good-looking certainly made a difference; he was truly a bewitching man.
The phrase "disastrous to the nation" was not exclusive to women; when men attracted attention, they could be far more potent than women.
Huo Qiyuan naturally felt the gazes cast his way. He stood very close to Su Muqing.
Seeing that there was no gap between them, the young ladies quickly comforted themselves. The bridal chamber was already crowded, and they were from the same place, so it was natural for them to stand close; it didn’t mean they were...
But before the young ladies could finish their self-consolation, Huo Qiyuan’s next action felt like a bucket of cold water doused over them from head to toe.
Their hearts had gone completely cold!
Huo Qiyuan looked in the direction of the groom but reached out his hand, accurately taking Su Muqing’s small hand into his own cool, dry palm.
Suddenly, it felt as if a shattering sound echoed through the air, and the hearts of the many young ladies who had secretly fallen for him broke into a million pieces.
Since many young ladies had not attended the ceremony in the main hall, they were unaware of the fact that the couple sat in the honored seats to receive the bowing of the newlyweds.
But now, seeing their intimate hand-holding without regard for others, how could they not understand that their relationship was as close as they had feared?
Alas! It seemed that this celestial man was destined to be admired from afar, but never approached.
Fortunately, following the groom were four tall and handsome men. Although they were a far cry from the silver-haired man, they were still quite distinguished in the crowded bridal chamber.
They just weren't sure how to approach them without appearing too frivolous and lacking the reserve expected of ladies from prominent families.
It wasn't just the young ladies who were observing secretly; the married women with daughters were also discreetly appraising Leng Si and the others.
They knew Huo Qiyuan was out of the question, but if they worked harder, perhaps they could secure happiness for their daughters with the groom's brothers!
After all, the betrothal gifts sent by the Chen family's new son-in-law had left even those accustomed to fine things utterly astonished. Since they came from the same place, it was likely that the others wouldn't be far behind!
Seeing the groom stop after entering, the elders who had been accompanying them in the bridal chamber happily moved aside. Although the married women were eager to strike up a conversation with Leng Si and the others, the Chen family's affairs took precedence.
Once the Chen family's matters were settled, perhaps Madam Chen, in her good mood, might even help mediate. But if their haste were to disrupt the wedding of the Chen family's daughter and anger the Chen family and the groom, wouldn't it be a case of diminishing returns?
Unaware that he was already being viewed as a wingman by many, Leng Ren, at this moment, struggled to steady himself, walking step by step towards the bride.
He felt lightheaded and floaty, as if walking on cotton.
However, Leng Ren knew very well that this feeling was not entirely due to the alcohol; a significant part of it was his own uncontrollable excitement.
He was getting married! He was truly getting married!
The first time he saw Chen Wenyi, Leng Ren realized that in his thirty-odd years of life, he had for the first time felt the urge to care for a girl for a lifetime. At the time, he had misunderstood, and it had caused him some distress.
Perhaps he himself couldn't have imagined that love at first sight would happen to him one day. Fortunately, the other party was also very satisfied with him.
Originally, Leng Ren had some worries and anxieties about the age difference between them, as he was twice her age! But after Chen Wenyi personally reassured him, those lingering concerns vanished.
He would never forget how the young lady, with her big, blinking eyes, had looked at him and said in a cute, slightly coquettish tone:
"I just like older men; they say older people know how to cherish someone! So you must cherish me well from now on! If you dare to make me angry, I won't talk to you!" Her proud demeanor was utterly adorable!
Leng Ren, of course, didn't know that Chen Wenyi was also a transmigrator. And her twenty-eight years in her previous life had not been in vain; facing a straightforward man like Leng Ren, she knew exactly what tone, expression, and words to use to completely capture him.
In fact, Leng Ren, who was as pure as a blank sheet of paper in matters of love, was indeed completely captivated by Chen Wenyi.
He was grateful to fate for arranging this connection, which allowed him to meet Chen Wenyi, but he was even more grateful to Su Muqing.
If it weren't for her sudden whim to eat potato cakes, he wouldn't have taken a shortcut to get out of the crowd. He wouldn't have climbed onto the roof, wouldn't have been seen by Chen Wenyi, wouldn't have been kicked away the embroidered ball, and wouldn't have worried about the young lady's marriage prospects and picked up the ball to return it.
Leng Ren had always believed that everything was for the best. And Su Muqing was the key figure who facilitated all these wonderful arrangements!