After Being Forced Into Marriage, I Became Very Successful - Chapter 19

19:

Tonight’s event felt less like a wedding banquet and more like a showcase of the Xia family’s vast network and resources. The interactive moments for the couple on stage were minimal, and if not for that accidental kiss, they might have remained restrained all evening.

Fortunately, most of the guests below were Xia family’s associates and elders, responding with enthusiastic applause rather than excessive heckling, except for the occasional outburst from younger attendees.

The kiss startled both Jiang Yan and Xia Yining, but the lively atmosphere below snapped them back to reality. Years of etiquette training ensured they knew how to respond gracefully in such settings. Despite the shock in their eyes, they suppressed any overreactions upon parting, appearing only shy to onlookers, with no signs of discomfort.

The seasoned emcee, sensing the peak of the atmosphere, handed the apple to Jiang Yan with a playful remark: “This apple has served its purpose. Let the couple keep it as a memento.”

Jiang Yan felt a twinge of resentment, tempted to eat the apple. If it hadn’t slipped, she wouldn’t have ended up kissing Xia Yining in front of everyone. Unlike the original Jiang Yan, she wasn’t thrilled—she was more upset, as it was her first kiss in this world.

And just like that, it went to Xia Yining.

She stole a glance at the woman beside her. Xia Yining seemed unfazed, maintaining a faint smile. Unless you noticed the slight stiffness at the corners of her lips, you wouldn’t realize she was forcing herself to hold it together.

They’d hugged and kissed, and the large screen looped their wedding photos. Both were beautiful, a feast for the eyes, each image radiating artistic charm. But when the photo taken in front of the South Island glacier appeared, it caused a stir.

It wasn’t just the soft, harmonious beauty, it showcased a resilient strength, a delicate yet unyielding spirit. Against the backdrop of nature’s extreme landscape, they appeared as partners supporting and relying on each other, exuding warmth and trust.

This glimpse of their marriage’s beauty and warmth made many marvel. Their union, a trailblazer in same-s3x marriages, softened the stance of some hesitant elite families.

If the Xia family could embrace such a union, other prominent families might find it harder to dismiss as unconventional. Every change needs a pioneer, and Xia Yining was that trailblazer.

As the banquet officially began, the dishes, crafted by renowned chefs, were of award-worthy caliber. But the guests, accustomed to such luxury, merely praised them as “good.”

The main table included members of the Xia and Jiang families, along with a few heavyweight guests. Jiang Chaohan, who rarely had access to such figures, seized the chance to chat, thanks to his in-laws’ influence.

As the meal neared its end, crab shell pastries and scallion pancakes were served as side dishes. Though iconic Haicheng snacks, they weren’t banquet staples, so each guest received a small portion, not presented as a main dish.

Xia’s mother introduced them with a smile: “These were specially arranged by Xiao Jiang, crafted by a master chef. They brought back memories of old Haicheng. Try them and see if they capture that nostalgic flavor.”

At her prompting, the guests picked up their chopsticks. Most reactions were secondary; the opinions of the rarely-seen, influential elders mattered most. These connections were built by the previous Xia generation, and for Xia Langyan, maintaining them was key, with further progress being challenging.

Jian Minyu studied the crab shell pastry carefully before taking a slow bite. Xia’s mother watched and waited nervously for his verdict. He didn’t speak but took a second bite.

That was a sign of approval, it suited his taste.

His actions spoke louder than words. Seeing this, others followed suit. After tasting the crab shell pastries and scallion pancakes, someone couldn’t help but exclaim.

“I thought these snacks were just to add flair to the banquet, but they’re the highlight. I enjoyed every dish tonight, but these made me reluctant to finish.”

Such praise might sound like flattery from others, but coming from Xu Liyong, a successor of one of old Haicheng’s four great families, it was genuine. Respected in both political and business circles, his words carried weight.

A close friend of Xia Langyan, Xu never spoke falsely or flattered unnecessarily.

Xia’s mother was overjoyed and didn’t miss the chance to highlight Jiang Yan, hoping to leave a good impression with these influential figures.

She smiled at Jiang Yan, who had just changed and returned to the table with Xia Yining. “I’d long had this idea but couldn’t find the right person. Thanks to Xiao Jiang’s dedication, we found that authentic old Haicheng flavor.”

Xu Liyong’s gaze deepened, a faint smile directed at Jiang Yan, and even Jian Minyu glanced at her.

“Langyan, you’ve found a fine match for Ningning. I didn’t know much about Jiang Yan before, but her performance tonight is impressive,” Xu said.

Jiang Chaohan’s smile nearly faltered, wishing he could shout that Jiang Yan was his daughter. But the focus remained on the Xia family. Even when Jiang Yan was mentioned, she was seen as part of their circle, leaving the Jiangs’ on the sidelines, unable to truly join the conversation.

Xia Yining glanced at Jiang Yan several times, unsure if she was upset by the Jiang family’s marginalization or nervous about the praise, hoping to offer a hint. But Jiang Yan didn’t respond.

She suddenly recalled the moment on stage when Jiang Yan’s soft encouragement had calmed her, only for their lips to meet the next second. It wasn’t intentional, but it undeniably took her first kiss, leaving a small grudge in Xia Yining’s heart.

Logic told her it was an unavoidable part of the wedding, but its suddenness left her reeling.

Lost in thought, she didn’t notice someone approaching until she felt an arm around her waist. Startled, she instinctively moved to pull away, but Jiang Yan’s voice came through: “Are you tired?”

Xia Yining snapped back, facing the person nearly nose-to-nose with her, and said stiffly, “I’m fine.”

“Mom mentioned you earlier, but you didn’t react at all.”

Xia’s mother had glanced over several times without a response, growing concerned. Jiang Yan, noticing her worry, asked on her behalf.

She wouldn’t have boldly embraced Xia Yining if not for fear she’d make a scene.

To her surprise, Xia Yining, now in a qipao, had a waist so soft and warm it was… hard to let go.

“I was lost in thought. What did Mom say?”

“Nothing major, just that someone asked about our plans after the wedding.”

Xia Yining’s brow furrowed. She had plans for after the marriage, but they didn’t involve Jiang Yan. Jiang Yan only needed to play her role and work steadily at Xia Corporation.

“But Mom handled it, so no need to worry.”

Their hushed conversation looked like intimate whispering to others.

Xu Liyong, perhaps delighted by the food, grew more talkative.

“The young couple seems close. You can truly rest easy now, Langyan. My kid mentioned this before, and I told her not to copy everything Ningning does. Looks like I was too hasty in my judgment.”

Xia Langyan knew the words were half-sincere, half for show, genuine joy for Xia Yining mixed with support for the Xia family’s image. Same-s3x marriage wasn’t something everyone dared to try, and the Xia’s faced significant pressure, with plenty of gossip behind their backs. Xia Langyan never spoke of it, but he was well aware.

Yan Zi poked at the crab shell pastry with her chopsticks, scoffing, “Why did Second Aunt suddenly decide to add these to the banquet? This will be a laughingstock by tomorrow.”

She never ate such “lowly” foods, preferring delicate Western pastries during her acting days. Greasy, rustic street food wasn’t her taste.

Some guests initially shared her skepticism but as guests, they kept quiet. Yan Zi’s constant chatter annoyed Xia Chenxu to no end.

“Eat it or don’t. Why are you so talkative tonight?” He wasn’t fond of these snacks either but wouldn’t say so.

“I’m worried for your family. Second Uncle runs Xia Corporation now, but a split is inevitable. Wealth can be divided, but not the family’s reputation. If people laugh, it’s the whole Xia family they’re mocking.”

Xia Chenxu bit into a scallion pancake and paused. The crisp, thin crust carried a subtle onion oil aroma, its warmth enhancing the flavor. The pancake was clearly crafted with care, not doughy or hard, distinct from what was sold outside.

“Try it before you judge.”

Yan Zi, reluctant, eyed the crab shell pastry she’d poked into disarray. “No way. It looks unappetizing.”

But with other guests eating, her refusal stood out awkwardly. Xia Chenxu ignored her, savoring his pancake. Seeing her usually picky husband eat with relish, Yan Zi wavered.

“Is it really that good?”

Xia Chenxu gave her a cool glance, saying nothing.

She hesitantly picked the smallest piece from the broken pastry and chewed slowly.

The moment it hit her tongue, her eyes widened, her mind screaming in shock.

After finishing, she found it too little to savor fully, so she grabbed the largest piece and stuffed it in her mouth. This time, she tasted the essence but still wanted more.

Her eyes locked onto Xia Chenxu’s pastry. “Honey, can I have your crab shell pastry?”

“What?”

“I’ll trade you my scallion pancake. Look, I haven’t touched it.”

Xia Chenxu preferred the pancake and was tempted by the offer. But he forgot his wife was a shrewd bargainer, she took his pastry and kept half her pancake.

“I haven’t tried it yet. You wouldn’t take it all, right?”

Her pitiful look made it hard to refuse.

The limited portions of these snacks became the evening’s unforgettable highlight. Xia’s mother, ever thoughtful, prepared extra for Xu Liyong and others to take home, a privilege reserved for old Haicheng’s elite.

Seeing their praise for Boss Qian’s craft, Jiang Yan grew more determined to prevent the Li family from acquiring the old shops.

As the banquet drew to a close, Jiang Yan joined Xia Langyan and his wife to see Jian Minyu off. Before leaving, Jian Minyu gave Jiang Yan a meaningful look and said to Xia Langyan, “Nurture Xiao Jiang well. This young lady has a good eye.”