After Being Forced Into Marriage, I Became Very Successful - Chapter 18

18:

Xia Yining’s wedding was, of course, no ordinary affair, with the most exceptional teams hired for every detail. The styling crafted for her today was a subtle innovation on traditional bridal makeup, with intricately woven hair accessories that avoided looking overly mature while diverging from her usual clear and minimalist aesthetic.

However, the more distinctive the styling, the greater the need for precision in every detail. A single misstep could turn such a creative endeavor into a disaster born of unconventional choices.

Hearing Jiang Yan’s comment, Xia Yining carefully checked the mirror, confirming it was a spot she couldn’t see.

“I’m worried that if we have activities on stage later, a big movement might cause it to come loose.”

Her concern was reasonable, and Xia Yining called the stylist back.

The stylist inspected her thick, lustrous hair and added two hidden clips, smiling. “This should be foolproof now.”

Then, looking at Jiang Yan, who had been standing nearby, she added, “The styling is quite stable, so there’s no need to worry.”

“Good to know.”

After the stylist left, Jiang Yan helped Xia Yining stand, studying her for a moment before saying, “I was probably overthinking it earlier.”

“No, I know you just want everything to go smoothly today.”

Xia Yining, rarely warm and approachable, even smiled. Though it was likely just for show, it felt like a breath of spring air, lifting the mood.

Ye Chenchen called from the doorway, “It’s almost time. We should go.”

Compared to Xia Yining’s close-knit and impressive bridesmaid group, Jiang Yan’s side was noticeably small. The Jiang family had searched to find four suitable candidates from their relatives, but they paled in comparison to the other side when standing on stage.

That morning, they had completed the legal proceedings and signed the marriage certificate, officially becoming a couple in the eyes of the law. However, tonight’s banquet carried greater social weight, attended by influential figures from both the business and political spheres.

The Xia family was large, but to show respect for their in-laws, they gave half the main table to the Jiang’s. Jiang Yan’s mother hadn’t appeared publicly with Jiang Chaohan in ages, the last time being was at Grandfather Jiang’s birthday celebration.

The ceremony didn’t include the traditional moment of fathers handing over their daughters, as Xia Yining was clear about the practical significance of this wedding. She wasn’t a starry-eyed girl, yet she wanted to preserve some ceremonial moments for the future, for when she met someone she truly loved.

She didn’t have a strong yearning for true love, but the idea of giving all her beautiful memories to Jiang Yan in an arranged marriage left her reluctant. Surprisingly, when she suggested changes, Jiang Yan, who usually valued ceremony, didn’t object and agreed with a cheerful nod.

During the wedding preparations, Jiang Yan’s behavior had been different from before, easing Xia Yining’s previous resistance and anxiety about the banquet. Still, since Jiang Yan wasn’t someone she truly cared for, it was hard to muster the excitement and joy expected at a wedding.

Both remained calm and elegant, maintaining the refined restraint of elite heiresses, but this kept the banquet’s atmosphere subdued and reserved.

The emcee didn’t dare crack overly bold jokes, and the distinguished guests below wouldn’t stoop to heckling. Even if the couple on stage stood like wooden figures, the guests would give the Xia family a face, clapping and offering blessings on cue.

Xia Chenyong and his wife sat at the main table, while Xia Chenxu was relegated to a nearby table. Yan Zi leaned close to him, whispering complaints. “The Jiang’s barely have anyone, yet they insist on hogging the main table. So annoying.”

Xia Chenxu tilted his head, warning her, “Watch what you say tonight. If it gets back to Second Uncle, it will cause unnecessary trouble. Besides, it’s Ningning’s wedding, we have to give the Jiang family enough face no matter what.”

Yan Zi was reluctant but lowered her voice. “I really don’t get what Ningning’s thinking, actually going through with this marriage.” Until Xia Yining signed the certificate, Yan Zi had believed Jiang Yan was just an excuse.

She glanced at the couple on stage, who barely interacted, and sneered. “They don’t even seem that close. Not a single kiss at the wedding.”

Her own wedding with Xia Chenxu had been lively and unrestrained, so as someone experienced, she found the couple’s restraint excessive.

“If you want to enjoy the ceremony tonight, shut up now. If you feel like you’re suffocating without talking, then go home early.”

Xia Chenxu was in a bad mood and had no patience to soothe her. His sharp words left Yan Zi’s face flushed with anger, but with other Xia relatives nearby, she didn’t dare make a scene.

Under the table, she pinched Xia Chenxu, grumbling, “I’m feeling sorry for you, but you’re saying I’m wrong. It’s really not easy being a daughter-in-law of the Xia family.”

On stage, the emcee had nearly finished the formalities. Aside from an earlier hug, the couple hadn’t engaged in further intimate gestures. Though some segments had been adjusted, it was still a wedding, and skipping interactive games entirely wouldn’t do.

“This is a classic wedding activity. Let’s aim to nail it in one go!”

The emcee signaled the bridesmaids to bring up an apple. Ye Chenchen chose a medium-sized one, not too challenging.

Xia Yining was mentally prepared, but when the not-so-small apple appeared between her and Jiang Yan, she grew nervous and slightly uncomfortable.

They stood face-to-face, separated only by the apple, close enough to feel each other’s breath. Xia Yining instinctively wanted to step back.

Ye Chenchen stood behind her, ready to steady her if she got too caught up in the game and lost balance. But the game hadn’t even started, and her cousin was already unsteady.

Jiang Yan’s gaze stayed fixed on the apple, as if it were more captivating than Xia Yining’s face. She focused on keeping calm, strategizing how to coordinate with Xia Yining to bite the apple quickly and accurately.

The emcee wouldn’t dare make a spectacle, so as long as they worked together, they wouldn’t embarrass themselves publicly.

But that very coordination was their greatest challenge.

Xia Yining took a deep breath, stepped forward again, and glanced at Jiang Yan.

Jiang Yan returned her look with her usual calm, gentle smile.

“Don’t be nervous. We’ve got this.”

Her voice was soft, almost a whisper, but every word reached Xia Yining’s ears clearly. The irritation she felt moments ago seemed to dissipate, soothed by her partner’s encouragement and optimism, boosting her confidence for the upcoming activity.

Compared to other couples who faced more mischievous antics, their treatment was remarkably polite. The apple sat steady between them, waiting for them to lean in and bite.

But those few seconds of slowly drawing closer were enough to make them sweat. One of them held their breath, then swallowed unconsciously. As they got close enough to block out surrounding noise, their focus wavered.

Xia Yining saw Jiang Yan’s face inches away, close enough to make out the tiny pores beneath her makeup. Though nervous, Jiang Yan was steadier, her attention locked on the apple.

Focusing on the goal made success more attainable. To her, the apple was more compelling than Xia Yining’s breathtakingly beautiful face.

When Jiang Yan’s lips touched the apple, she couldn’t help but smile, success was just half a step away. Now she waited for Xia Yining to lean in and do the same.

But as Xia Yining moved closer, just as success seemed imminent, someone’s slight nudge made the apple shift mischievously, slipping away. Instead of the cool, firm fruit, Jiang Yan’s lips met her soft, warm ones.

Their lips pressed together, caught off guard and frozen in the moment. This prolonged the kiss unexpectedly. Thunderous applause erupted below, with some younger guests finally releasing their pent-up excitement, whistling softly.

Someone led the chant, “Kiss again! A real passionate one!”

The parents at the main table had mixed expressions. A same-s3x marriage, while legally recognized, wasn’t mainstream. In the public’s eyes, it didn’t feel as natural as traditional unions.

Seeing their daughters kiss publicly, the older generation struggled to accept it as easily as the younger crowd. But as refined people, they hid their reservations. Having agreed to the marriage, they had to accept the couple’s intimacy as equal to that of traditional couples.

A trace of relief flickered in Xia Yining’s mother. She had worried Jiang Yan was growing indifferent to Xia Yining and that her daughter’s lack of enthusiasm signaled regret.

But seeing Jiang Yan brave the summer heat to secure the crab shell pastries, convincing Boss Qian with sincerity, reassured her that Jiang Yan had won Xia Yining over with genuine effort.

For Xia Yining, who typically shunned close contact, to kiss Jiang Yan on stage showed she viewed her differently, despite her usual cool demeanor.

Watching the couple pull apart, their faces still tinged with shy embarrassment, Xia’s mother felt a pang of melancholy. Her cherished daughter was truly married.

Though she always felt Jiang Yan wasn’t her daughter’s ideal match, she couldn’t deny Xia Yining’s feelings. Marriage was a woman’s second chance at life, and as a non-domineering mother, she knew a forced union wouldn’t bring happiness.

Now, she hoped Jiang Yan and Xia Yining could make it work, at least sparing her daughter from the heartbreak. If the marriage ever faltered, she’d prefer Xia Yining be the one to walk away first.

Jiang Chaohan wore a satisfied smile, as if the kiss foreshadowed endless streams of funding. Everyone in Haicheng knew how much Xia Langyan doted on his daughter. Winning Xia Yining’s favor was like holding Xia Langyan’s weakness, his immediate debt concerns seemed resolved.

Jiang’s mother had been quiet all evening, while Jiang Daming was thrilled to reunite with her. But the sight of two women kissing made him feel a bit awkward.

Reactions varied among others. Yan Zi, a former C-list actress before marrying into the Xia family, was unfazed by such intimate scenes.

“Didn’t expect Ningning to be so bold when she lets loose,” she remarked.

Xia Chenxu ignored her, sipping his drink.

“If Xu Zhiyao saw this, would she storm the stage?”

“If you’re drunk, go home now!”

Yan Zi was unusually chatty tonight. Having been outshone by Xia Yining and even her sister-in-law in the Xia family for years, she resented being looked down on for her less-than-refined background as a minor celebrity.

Now, with Jiang Yan joining the family, someone would rank below her. Moving from last to second-to-last was a subtle but thrilling shift.