Chapter 57: A Lifetime Together, Many Happy Children

As if indulging in self-inflicted torment, Jiang Chuan stayed despite the overwhelming pain in his heart.

The festive atmosphere was lively, and guests teased the groom and bride, insisting that Xu Muzhou sing for everyone. In the end, it was Xiao Qingru who saved him from this.

It was then that everyone learned that Xiao Qingru was not only an excellent dancer but also a wonderful singer. The audience applauded enthusiastically, and Xu’s parents couldn’t have looked prouder. This daughter in law was indeed a treasure! Their son truly lucked out!

Xu Muzhou gazed at Xiao Qingru as if she were a hidden gem, smiling to himself. He had a lifetime to discover all her facets. Being with her, he would gladly do anything.

Everyone could see the deep love between the couple, and many marveled at the mysterious ways of fate. After all, no one would have imagined Xiao Qingru marrying anyone else back when she was still interested in Jiang Chuan.

Watching from their table, Jiang’s parents expressed regret. Xiao Qingru was a respectful, considerate young woman, but alas, it just wasn’t their fate.

Seeing Xu’s parents sitting with Xiao’s family, they recognized that Xu’s family a working class family had gained a connection that might change their fortunes.

The wedding proceeded smoothly. As Du Wanqiu thought of her own disrupted wedding, she couldn’t help but feel bitter. If it hadn’t been for the Zhang family’s meddling, her ceremony would have been just as grand.

She glanced at Jiang Chuan, noticing his dazed expression, and her resentment grew. She’d tried several times to get close to him, but he showed no reaction and even accused her of being disloyal. “We’re married, but that doesn’t mean we need to share a bed,” he had told her. Humiliated and angry, she was not willing to live an empty marriage!

Why couldn’t he just let Xiao Qingru go? She was married to someone else now! Whether he kept thinking about her was pointless because she was already the daughter in law of the Xu family!

Feeling people’s judgmental stares, Du Wanqiu felt incredibly uneasy. She tugged at Jiang Chuan’s sleeve. “Ah Chuan, people are watching you.”

His thoughts were jolted back to reality. Clenching his fists under the table, he realized he couldn’t bring trouble to Qingru. The last thing she’d want was to be the subject of gossip. Suppressing his grief, he lowered his gaze. From now on, he had lost the right to even openly look at her.

Xu Muzhou caught Jiang Chuan’s gaze briefly and thought, If you didn’t cherish her, you have no right to be upset now. Why pretend to care?

“Xu, from now on, we entrust Qingru to you,” said Xu’s mother.

Xu Muzhou beamed. “Mom, I’ll make sure Qingru and I live happily.”

“We believe in you.”

Friends and family took turns offering blessings, and the reception officially began. As the bride and groom, Xu Muzhou and Xiao Qingru needed to visit each table to offer toasts.

Eventually, they reached the Jiang family table. Xiao Qingru, surprisingly, felt no trace of the old resentment she thought she’d feel.

Jiang’s parents stood and raised their glasses. “Congratulations, Qingru. We wish you and Comrade Xu a lifetime of happiness and many children.”

“Thank you.”

“Comrade Xu, make sure you treat Qingru we’ll all be keeping an eye on you,” they added.

“I will.” Xu Muzhou clinked glasses with them. Loving one’s wife should be second nature to a married man, he thought. If a man can’t cherish his own family, how can he claim to be responsible, or even competent at his job?

Jiang Chuan clinked glasses with Xu Muzhou too, hoping Qingru would find happiness. But as for offering his blessing, he just couldn’t bring himself to say it aloud.

Du Wanqiu sat on her chair, her eyes flicking between the couple, thinking bitterly, They’re flaunting their happiness on purpose, aren’t they? Xiao Qingru once loved Jiang Chuan, but I stole him away! She lost, yet she still acts smug!

Xu Muzhou must be clueless, she thought scornfully. Xiao Qingru and Jiang Chuan’s relationship was no secret, and yet he still married her. Surely it’s because of her family’s influence and status!

Once they’d exchanged pleasantries, Xiao Qingru and Xu Muzhou moved on to the next table. Today was too joyous to be spoiled by a few people’s negativity.

“Can you fix your expression?” Du Wanqiu’s mother in law chided. “You’re being embarrassing.”

“Mom, could you give me a little respect?”

“Everyone here knows what happened between you and Xiao Qingru. You don’t need to hide it.”

“Exactly,” another person agreed. “Today’s her wedding day. Pulling a sour face here is inappropriate.”

“Let’s be honest, it was your own fault. Now she’s moved on and isn’t holding it against you. Why act like you’re the wronged one?”

“Du, that attitude needs work,” added someone else. “Listen to your mother in law, drop the pettiness, and don’t drag down Jiang Chuan.”

Although the Jiang family didn’t want to air dirty laundry in public, Du Wanqiu’s behavior left Jiang’s mother feeling strangely vindicated. If it weren’t for her, today’s wedding would be for Jiang Chuan and Qingru!

She glared at Du Wanqiu. If they weren’t in public, she would’ve given her a piece of her mind right then and there.

Jiang Chuan’s face darkened as he noticed Du Wanqiu’s isolation. He felt a pang of sympathy. “I have to go. Let’s go together.”

Relieved, Du Wanqiu hurriedly stood to follow him, grateful that he still cared about her.

“Are we that scary?” a guest quipped. “She could at least say goodbye to her mother in law.”

“Yes,” another chimed in. “Ignoring us is one thing, but you’re her in laws. She should at least respect you.”

Du Wanqiu’s hasty exit left a poor impression on Jiang’s mother, who now saw her as disrespectful. Jiang’s father spoke up. “Let the young ones handle their own lives. If we interfere, they’ll only resent us.”

“Exactly. Children are grown now. Let them deal with their own choices.”

The commotion caught Xiao’s mother’s attention. If they didn’t want to enjoy the reception, they shouldn’t have come. Their lives are chaotic enough, it only proves how wrong Jiang Chuan’s choice was.

This thought lifted her mood instantly. Better days are surely ahead.