Bai Yichen’s dark eyes settled on the enamel mug An xin handed him, filled to the brim with white liquor. He took the mug and glanced at her with a silent question in his eyes.

“Can you handle this?”

The sheer size of the mug was enough to make even him hesitate. If it was hard for him, how could this petite girl manage it?

An xin held her own mug casually and responded with a calm smile.

“With how enthusiastic my dear cousin and her boyfriend are, how could we possibly disappoint them?”

After all, this was her wedding day. No matter what, she couldn’t afford to lose face.

Bai Yichen shifted his gaze to Zhang Fan and An Ling’er, standing smugly nearby. Seizing the moment, An xin discreetly dropped two small white pills Bai Yinchen mug.

The pills dissolved instantly, unnoticed by anyone. These were none other than anti-alcohol tablets she had taken from her portable warehouse. Earlier, she had already swallowed her dose when she stood up, preparing for this exact scenario.

Meanwhile, Zhang Fan and An Ling’er shivered under Bai Yichen’s sharp, icy stare.

An Ling’er, despite her growing unease, forced herself to remain calm.

“How can an ordinary-looking man have such a piercing gaze? Just one look from him feels like being sliced apart by a blade,” she thought.

She tightened her grip on Zhang Fan’s trembling hand, exchanging a reassuring glance. With this, the pair managed to regain some composure.

Bai Yichen turned his attention back to An xin. Seeing her composed expression gave him an odd sense of peace. He lifted his mug, his tone playful.

“Very well. I’ll graciously accept this toast. Thank you for your heartfelt blessings, dear cousin and cousin-in-law.”

Zhang Fan’s forced smile twitched as he replied, dripping with insincerity.

“Of course, it’s our honor. We’re just here to celebrate your big day and show our support.”

Internally, though, he was gleeful.

“Go on, drink! Let’s see how you handle this liquor. By the time you’re done, you’ll be crawling to your bridal chamber,” he thought smugly.

An Ling’er chimed in eagerly.

“Exactly! We wish you both a lifetime of happiness and many children!”

An xin glanced at them, her smile faint but sharp, as if she saw right through their petty scheme. Then, turning to Bai Yichen, she declared confidently, “Since their kindness is so overwhelming, let’s not refuse. Cheers!”

Bai Yichen matched her smile with one of his own, warm and composed.

“To our happiness, then,” he replied.

Without further hesitation, the two intertwined their arms and lifted the mugs. In perfect synchronization, they began drinking.

With a few steady gulps, the high-proof liquor disappeared, leaving their mugs empty.

The Crowd: …Speechless.

The scene was undeniably striking: a handsome man and a beautiful woman, elegantly drinking a toast together. But for those who knew An xin, the surprise was palpable.

“Since when did that girl develop such a strong tolerance for alcohol?”

In moments, the two had drained their mugs. They set them down with ease, exchanging a brief, enigmatic glance.

An xin turned to the stunned Zhang Fan and An Ling’er, her voice light and polite.

“Good wine. Thanks, dear cousin-in-law!”

Zhang Fan: “…”

“Thanks?! What the hell? You’re supposed to be collapsing!”

An Ling’er: “…”

“What’s happening? They drank all that liquor, and they’re perfectly fine? Did I miss something in my past life? Since when was my cousin such a heavy drinker?”

Bai Yichen, too, set his mug down, his gaze flickering with curiosity. The usual burn of strong alcohol was noticeably absent.

“Why does this liquor feel so mild today? Could it be that my tolerance has improved, just like hers?”

He glanced at Anxin with intrigue. Marrying this woman was turning out to be far more interesting than he’d expected.

Pressing his tongue lightly against his back teeth, Bai Yichen smirked slightly and turned to Zhang Fan and An Ling’er, his tone tinged with mockery.

“Well, the toast is done. Can I take my bride now?”

He knew better than to let the alcohol settle in. It was better to leave before Zhang Fan and An Ling’er could conjure up more trouble.

An xin stayed silent, her sharp gaze resting on Zhang Fan and An Ling’er. Her meaning was clear:

“If you have any more tricks, play them now. Otherwise, I’m leaving.”

Zhang Fan and An Ling’er exchanged glances, their expressions stiff and sour. Finally, An Ling’er stepped forward, forcing a strained smile.

“Of course! Today is your big day, after all. Sister, you’d better hurry to the bridal chamber with Brother-in-law before you miss the auspicious hour.”

An xin: “…”

Oh, how I’d love to wipe that fake smile off your face—but now’s not the time.

Bai Yichen stepped forward and gently took Anxin’s hand, his voice softening.

“Let’s go, my bride. We wouldn’t want to delay any longer.”

For once, the typically brazen An xin blushed, turning her face away to hide her embarrassment.

“Damn it. Why does he have to sound so seductive when he talks? This man could make anyone weak at the knees with that voice,” she thought.

Quietly, she followed Bai Yichen out to the waiting jeep.

As they drove away, villagers—especially the older women—watched with a mix of envy and admiration. A bride leaving in a stylish jeep? That was rare and enviable.

Back at the Geological exploration’s Dormitory

The team had prepared everything for the wedding banquet.

As Bai Yichen helped An xin out of the jeep, a group of young men greeted them.

One of them, Tiger, couldn’t contain his excitement.

“No wonder this expedition went so smoothly! Turns out our big brother married such a beautiful wife. Looks like he’s got all the luck!”

Anxin, focused on getting out of the vehicle gracefully, didn’t process Huzi’s words right away.

Bai Yichen, however, shot Huzi a cold glare, sharp enough to make the man’s heart race.

Huzi realized his mistake too late.

“Crap. Did I just hint at something I shouldn’t have?!”

Bai Yichen had warned them to keep their business dealings discreet. They weren’t supposed to draw unnecessary attention, especially since Bai Yichen had been frugal with the bride price to save for their ventures. Otherwise, since my sister-in-law is so beautiful and charming, the bride price my brother gave would definitely be more.