Chapter 104: The Men's Seat

The tables were divided into the groom’s side and the bride’s side. Seeing the table with a dozen seats reserved for the groom’s side that Xiaoli Bai had thoughtfully prepared for me, I couldn’t help but smile wryly. I hardly had any friends in Duhe City; I hadn’t even informed my parents. It wasn’t out of embarrassment over marrying into the family, but because this wedding was destined to be anything but peaceful. My parents were simple folk, and I didn’t want to drag them into any disputes.

I had already explained all this to Xiaoli Bai in advance, and she understood perfectly. She said that once everything settled down, we could hold a proper celebration back in the village. Despite this, she still reserved seats on the groom’s side for me, which touched me deeply.

The sun was nearly setting, and the evening glow painted the horizon with a festive red hue. Amidst this beautiful scene, one luxury car after another rolled into the Bai Ranhe villa. Not only were the cars impressive, but their license plates were mostly sequential numbers — clearly, all the prominent figures of Duhe City had arrived.

As the guests took their seats, I glanced over the arrangement, noticing something different from what I had expected. Naturally, the bride’s side was already filled. But on the groom’s side, people had also gradually started to fill the seats. I saw Lu Jiu had brought some scattered friends and they were seated together.

What caught my attention most was another table on my side that was completely full. The people there all wore rough linen jackets and straw hats, creating a stark contrast with the other guests. At the head of that table sat a man of about fifty or sixty, dressed in a sleek black suit without a straw hat, quietly sipping tea, seemingly indifferent to the curious glances he was attracting.

Who were these people, and why were they seated on the groom’s side?

“Heh, Bai, you really let these rustic fishermen sit in the groom’s section? This is a gathering of noble families, each with watches and bags worth tens of thousands. How can you trust these country folk not to steal from us?” Chen Yetian, accompanied by Chen Zhiqiang, strode through the main entrance. His gaze immediately landed on the fishermen’s table. Approaching Bai Ranhe, he delivered a sharp warning to me from the outset.

The noble families Bai Ranhe had invited began whispering among themselves after hearing Chen Yetian’s words. The expressions on these upper-class faces were full of disdain; some even clutched their bags tighter.

The fishermen’s table clearly heard Chen Yetian’s remarks, but none of them showed anger. Instead, smiles lingered on their faces. Their reaction made me suspect that Chen Yetian was about to run into trouble.

Bai Ranhe looked embarrassed. He couldn’t just expel this table publicly; that would make the Bai family appear petty. Instead, he summoned security to keep an eye on the group and prevent any disturbances.

From a distance, I heard Chen Yetian’s words and felt a pang of discomfort. Though I didn’t know the people at the groom’s table, guests were guests. Chen Yetian’s disparaging remarks were clearly meant for everyone present.

Chen Yetian, dressed in a pristine white Zhongshan suit, was invited to sit at the front main table. Beside him was an empty, highly important seat, reserved for someone unknown.

Noticing the vacant seat, Chen Yetian asked Bai Ranhe, “Brother Bai, is there still some big shot who hasn’t arrived yet?”

Bai Ranhe forced a smile and replied, “I invited the Yin Shushu from the Yellow River Estate, but she hasn’t responded. I don’t know if she’ll grace us with her presence.”

Chen Yetian nodded thoughtfully. “Yin Shushu is the most mysterious figure in both business and feng shui circles. I remember when the wealthiest man in the provincial capital invited her, she didn’t come. If she agrees to come here, Brother Bai, your business will soar like a dragon ascending.”

Bai Ranhe glanced toward the entrance. There were no more guests arriving. He gave an awkward chuckle. “I guess I won’t be able to get this esteemed guest either.”

After a moment’s thought, Chen Yetian said, “Alright, I’ll send a message to the Yellow River Estate and see if Yin Shushu can do me the favor of showing up.”

Bai Ranhe’s face brightened. “Thank you, Elder Chen. That would be a great help.”

They chatted as they took their seats. I then noticed Chen Zhiqiang also seated at the main table, though his place was slightly off-center. I studied him closely. Chen Zhiqiang had carefully chosen a sharp suit and styled his hair, looking quite dashing — as if he was ready to take over the spotlight from me at any moment.