Compared to him, her former sense of superiority was nothing.
She was like a true ugly duckling, while Gong Zhi Jing was the swan.
If their fates had not intertwined.
She would simply be an ordinary child raised in the countryside, and Gong Zhi Jing would be a young lady accustomed to a life of luxury since childhood.
With a powerful background and a wealthy family, they were worlds apart.
"Everyone, have some tea and fruits," Gong Zhi Jing gestured to everyone, then began the day's business.
Ling Jun Ye said solemnly, "Yu Chen and Zhi Jing have already registered their marriage and have a child. The rest is just the ceremony; I haven't prepared anything superficial."
Hearing this, others might have changed their expressions.
But Gong Ye, having seen much of the world, maintained a composed demeanor, awaiting Ling Jun Ye's further words.
He knew the Ling family wouldn't be foolish enough to offend him unnecessarily, and his confidence stemmed from his own considerable strength.
"All assets under Yu Chen's name, including shares in Teng Kong Group, have been transferred to Zhi Jing. From now on, between husband and wife, there will be no distinction of 'yours' or 'mine'."
As for the extent of Ling Yu Chen's assets, it went without saying.
In terms of sincerity, the Ling family had certainly shown it.
Whether it was prenuptial assets, postnuptial assets, or joint marital property, it no longer mattered.
Since the two were together, they had decided to be together for life.
Ling Yu Chen hadn't told Gong Zhi Jing any of this.
Gong Zhi Jing looked bewildered but was inwardly shocked. This meant she was now the wealthiest person in Country L.
Gong Ye's smile deepened.
With this, what else could he worry about regarding Gong Zhi Jing's future?
However, the betrothal was a significant matter, requiring the traditional three matchmakers and six presentations, not one of which could be omitted.
Three matchmakers.
These referred to the matchmaker from the groom's side, the matchmaker from the bride's side, and a mediator.
In contemporary society, marriages were no longer arranged, so the matchmakers were chosen by the parties involved.
Typically, these were the maternal uncles of both the bride and groom.
Six presentations.
The first was Nà Cǎi, which was the proposal of marriage.
With the passage of time, many customs and rules had changed, so this step was often omitted.
The second was Wèn Míng, which involved exchanging birth dates and casting horoscopes to ascertain compatibility and predict marital fortune.
Belief in it varied; some believed, others did not.
The third was Nà Jí, simply put, it meant the engagement was largely settled, and wedding arrangements could be discussed.
The fourth was Nà Zhèng and Guò Dà Lǐ, which was the formal betrothal gift exchange.
The fifth was Qǐng Qī.
Choosing the wedding date.
Finally, there was Qīn Yíng.
Although not as elaborate as in ancient times, the essential rituals had to be observed.
There would certainly be no disagreement regarding the betrothal gifts and dowry.
Neither the Ling nor the Gong families lacked these.
Next was to select auspicious dates for the engagement banquet and the wedding.
Having reached the stage of discussing marriage, the engagement banquet could actually be skipped.
Ling Jun Ye looked at Gong Ye and proposed, "Brother-in-law, everything for the two children has fallen into place. Why not directly select the wedding date?"
Gong Ye had no objections and naturally agreed.
Generally, wedding dates were preferably on even numbers.
Gong Ye scrolled through his phone calendar several times, finally settling on August 14th. This date was still far enough away to allow ample time for wedding preparations.
They were discussing important matters.
The others sat quietly, not daring to disturb or interject.
Compared to Li Bo Wen's betrothal visit to the Wen family, the Ling and Gong families' arrangements appeared much simpler, yet they were no less significant or solemn.
Once the wedding date was set, everything was settled.
As it was still early before noon, Gong Zhi Jing asked Jiang Ze Xi, Li Bo Wen, and the others to explore the surroundings.
Then, she and Wen Xuan Xuan and Qiao Xin Yue huddled together to whisper.
Xia Wan Fu and Su Yin Wan clearly couldn't join their conversation, so they followed Jiang Ze Xi and Situ Jun to wander around the Gong family courtyard.
Unlike the old residence in the old city, the Gong family's courtyard had a unique charm.
Lush greenery was meticulously pruned, and the fountain flowed gracefully, accompanied by the fragrance of flowers.
The architecture from the last century had a distinct flavor, with aged colors that spoke of stories from the past.
Xia Wan Fu naturally found herself walking alongside Su Yin Wan.
However, their personalities were vastly different.
One was gentle and reserved, exuding an aura of scholarly refinement.
The other was alluring and captivating, brimming with charisma, her every move exuding a bold assertiveness.
Therefore, they had little to talk about, but it wasn't awkward.
Situ Jun slung an arm around Jiang Ze Xi's shoulder and teased, "You're looking a bit pale. Haven't been practicing restraint lately!"
Although his words were meant as a joke, there was still underlying concern in his tone.
Jiang Ze Xi's complexion was indeed not good, with dark circles under his eyes.
He had been quite bothered by the matter of having a child.
Facing the subtle expectations from his parents and grandmother, and the occasional mention of children by Xia Wan Fu.
He hadn't slept well for days.
"Scram, you idiot!"
Jiang Ze Xi threw a punch at Situ Jun.
Situ Jun, with quick reflexes, anticipated his move and agilely dodged.
"Damn it, I'm showing concern, and you treat me so heartlessly!"
Jiang Ze Xi couldn't be bothered, he was already annoyed.
Situ Jun dropped his flippant demeanor and asked seriously, "No joking, I'm asking sincerely, what's wrong?"
After all, his own wife was settled, a major worry resolved; what else could be troubling him?
Jiang Ze Xi ignored him and instead asked Li Bo Wen,
"I heard your wife is pregnant, and with triplets. Aren't you panicking?"
Li Bo Wen nodded with a grave expression, "I am panicked. But man proposes, God disposes. Since it's happened, we'll take it as it comes."
Jiang Ze Xi knitted his brows, clearly not having received the answer he wanted.
But he couldn't bring himself to ask Li Bo Wen, "Aren't you worried about the risks of childbirth?"
Only Xia Wan Fu understood his thoughts, and she sighed with resignation.
In the past, she had desperately craved Jiang Ze Xi's attention and love.
Now that she had it, she felt somewhat suffocated.
He was too obsessive and stubborn, his concern bordering on madness.
What man would choose not to have children simply out of fear of his wife experiencing complications during pregnancy?
Although childbirth did carry risks, modern medicine had advanced to the point where these risks were almost negligible.
The somber mood of the couple cast a shadow over the others.
Situ Jun was contemplating why Su Yin Wan was so reluctant to visit his parents' home, unable to figure out the reason.
As for Su Yin Wan, she was insecurely thinking that she would certainly not win the favor of Situ Jun's parents.
And Li Bo Wen, his mind was filled with Wen Xuan Xuan, and he remained worried.
"Forget it, I'll go back to take care of my pregnant wife! You guys continue your walk."
With that, he turned and left.
The remaining four, each lost in their own thoughts, wandered silently in the backyard.