Fated Love With the Billionaire
Chapter 149 Marriage and Gifts

Chapter 149: Chapter 149 Marriage and Gifts

丁媛’s face was as cold as ice, her eyebrows and eyes clear and distant. When she saw Cheng Xiangheng, she neither showed disgust nor friendliness, merely lowering her gaze slightly, standing at a distance just far enough to maintain a sense of unfamiliarity with Cheng Xiangheng.

"You’re here."

"Mm."

They greeted each other like strangers. Cheng Xiangheng looked at her, and Ding Yuan responded with a faint voice, devoid of any smile. Approaching her felt like walking into the depths of winter, and Cheng Xiangheng instantly lost his patience.

Back then, Ding Yuan had loved him passionately, but now she had turned cold as ice. Over the years, they had grown accustomed to this way of interacting. Ding Yuan had transformed from a woman he doted on to someone who was spoiled, and eventually to someone he had once pampered.

Their relationship had evolved from being distant in terms of physical space to emotional estrangement.

Although so many years had passed, not seeing each other was fine, but meeting brought back many past memories.

Ding Yuan’s mind also reminisced about the past. Cheng Xiangheng, such a proud man, had never lost his mind over a relationship, not even when they were together. In the end, it was always she who gave in. Over time, her concessions seemed to become the natural order of things.

When a woman becomes immersed in a relationship where she loses herself, her worth diminishes.

Thus, a woman should never be too humble in love, for humility only leads to being hurt.

In contrast, Cheng Xiangheng still maintained his high and mighty attitude. Ding Yuan knew what he was thinking, believing that someone who ate his food, drank his drinks, and spent his money was still ungrateful.

The atmosphere between them was too heavy and oppressive. Cheng Qiaobei lowered his voice to remind them,

"Today is my big day. Just for once, please act presentably and harmoniously for me."

Ding Yuan’s eyelashes quivered lightly, her gaze shifted to Cheng Qiaobei. Over the years, she indeed had not been a competent mother. She did not give him much affection when he was young and let him grow freely as he got older. A child who neither acted spoiled, complained, nor made demands in front of her was making his first request today. No matter how much she hated Cheng Xiangheng, she would help him have a perfect wedding.

Cheng Xiangheng, with a businesslike attitude, said sternly, "I have no problem. You should ask her."

Ding Yuan resisted the urge to glare at him, saying, "Son, today is your special day. We’ll do as you say."

Cheng Qiaobei sensed the change in Ding Yuan’s attitude and felt grateful, "Since you both agree, please start smiling from this moment, especially in front of Chen Ningxi’s parents."

Mentioning Chen Ningxi’s family, Cheng Xiangheng thought of the unyielding Chen Weichuan, a trace of displeasure flashed across his brow.

Cheng Qiaobei saw it all and said with significant meaning, "Dad, putting on a good show today is what you promised me. Don’t forget."

I promised you, and I am fulfilling it. So, you must also do your part. If not, you will be breaking your word.

Cheng Xiangheng snorted inwardly. This kid was hinting at him.

After a brief silence, he changed to a gentle expression, "The guests have arrived. It’s time for us to perform."

Ding Yuan really hated his hypocritical demeanor, yet she smiled, "We are both good at this, so let’s not be polite."

After speaking, Ding Yuan swayed her waist and walked ahead, the hem of her cheongsam dancing lightly with her steps, leaving behind an elegant and graceful silhouette.

The two of them received family and friends in the hall, and Cheng Qiaobei went with a few friends to greet people at the door. The wedding was scheduled for 9:08 in the morning. As the number of guests attending the wedding increased, Cheng Qiaobei beckoned Wei Lai over and whispered a few words in her ear. Wei Lai quickly ran to the kitchen to coordinate adding tables.

Taking advantage of the gap as guests were entering the wedding venue, Cheng Xiangheng glanced at the person beside him and said, "All these years, you haven’t changed."

Ding Yuan couldn’t be bothered to reply to him, "Neither have you."

Cheng Xiangheng, "You’re still as beautiful as ever."

Ding Yuan, "You’re still as shameless as ever."

Cheng Xiangheng chuckled, "Calling me shameless now, but what were you thinking back then? You even gave me such a big son."

Ding Yuan’s face turned white with anger, and she turned away, looking like she was smiling, but only Cheng Xiangheng heard her say,

"Who hasn’t been blind when they were young, encountering a scumbag."

Cheng Xiangheng’s smile gradually faded, "Being with a married man is not much better, is it?"

Unexpectedly, Ding Yuan wasn’t provoked, instead covering her mouth with an even gentler smile, "But I dumped him, hmph!"

Ding Yuan turned and walked away, heading towards Cheng Qiaobei.

As the time for the wedding approached, two friends remained in the hall to continue receiving guests while everyone else returned to the wedding venue.

Cheng Qiaobei stood on the stage, looking at the closed door at the end of the red carpet, knowing Chen Ningxi would appear from there.

At this time, the father and daughter behind the door were a bit nervous, even though they both often spoke at meetings due to work; today felt different.

The wedding music began, and the emcee inside the door started to lead the proceedings. Chen Ningxi took a deep breath, glancing at her father beside her.

Feeling Chen Ningxi’s gaze, Chen Weichuan turned around, took his daughter’s hand, placed it on his arm, and gently patted it, saying,

"It’s okay, Dad is here."

"..." Chen Ningxi’s eyes instantly turned red.

From childhood until now, she had been held to strict standards, with her parents as her role models. She had never shown vulnerability. No matter what, she had to persist and be strong because her father was Chen Weichuan, and she couldn’t embarrass him.

Chen Ningxi sniffed as the door slowly opened, and a beam of spotlight shot through. She saw Cheng Qiaobei standing at the other end of the red carpet.

She walked towards him step by step, until they stood face to face and Chen Weichuan reluctantly handed his daughter’s hand to Cheng Qiaobei.

Chen Weichuan, holding back the emotion surging in his chest, said, "I entrust Ning Xi to you, treat her well."

Cheng Qiaobei took Chen Ningxi’s hand, "Don’t worry, Dad, I will treat her well."

While reciting the wedding vows, Chen Ningxi stood before everyone, dressed in a pure white wedding gown, holding a bouquet of flowers, her face beaming with happiness. She gazed affectionately at Cheng Qiaobei and said,

"Mr. Cheng, when I say ’I do,’ it means I will be devoted to this marriage to the end. Whether now or in the future, I will always love you. I will cherish the ordinary and precious moments between us, whether they are the trivialities of life or its sweetness. When we grow old, these will become memories I can’t forget.

We have been through a lot in the past, but because of those experiences, I am full of hope for the future. I am not afraid of time nor challenges. Life won’t always be smooth, but just thinking about spending the rest of it with you makes me incredibly excited.

So, thank you for coming, not too late," she smiled, tears in her eyes, "...and thank you for loving me."

Cheng Qiaobei helped wipe away the tears at the corners of her eyes, unable to stop tears from welling up in his own eyes.

Chen Ningxi remembered a saying: don’t reach out for marriage or gifts; only someone who understands you deserves your lifetime.