Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 869 - 870: Attending Wang Xiaoqiang’s Wedding

Chapter 869: Chapter 870: Attending Wang Xiaoqiang’s Wedding

In the next few days, both the Su family and the Sun family were exceptionally busy, as the recent big win brought unprecedented benefits.

Digesting these rewards was certainly not something that could be done in a short time, everyone was busy, but everyone was also very happy.

Song Xiaodong, however, rushed back to Tiannan. Wang Xiaoqiang, this guy, surprisingly found a girlfriend without making a sound, and they are getting married in the next couple of days.

As childhood friends who grew up together, Song Xiaodong, of course, had to come back to celebrate.

This time, his family was very busy, so he could only come back alone.

By the time he arrived in Tiannan, it was already after five in the afternoon. Song Xiaodong went straight to the hotel, where Wang Xiaoqiang was currently hosting some early-arriving friends and relatives.

"Dongzi, you really made it back." Wang Xiaoqiang warmly greeted Song Xiaodong as he saw him.

"Xiaoqiang, you sly dog, snagging a wife so quickly. Come on, let me check out your bride." Song Xiaodong was utterly candid in front of Wang Xiaoqiang, and since no one here knew him, he didn’t need to have many reservations.

"Hehe, just married the right one when I found her," Wang Xiaoqiang laughed smugly, saying, "She won’t come over tonight, you can see her at the wedding tomorrow."

Song Xiaodong shrugged, looking disappointed, "Alright, I guess I’ll just have to wait until tomorrow then."

Li Gang came over, his body jiggling with fat, intending to hug Song Xiaodong but hesitated as he approached. Song Xiaodong noticed his hesitation and opened his arms to embrace him, then patted him on the back twice, saying, "Wow, buddy, you seem to have put on even more weight."

Li Gang relaxed, laughing, "Can’t help it, I gain weight even from drinking water, can’t seem to lose it."

Wang Xiaoqiang smirked, "You’re pulling my leg, if you went a day without meat, you’d die of craving."

Li Gang laughed as well, "No way around it, born to crave, better to be fat than dead if I don’t eat meat."

After joking around for a bit, someone called Wang Xiaoqiang over. Song Xiaodong immediately said, "Xiaoqiang, go do your thing, I’ll be fine with Gangzi here."

Wang Xiaoqiang apologized, "There are too many relatives and friends today, I won’t be able to keep you company, don’t be mad at me."

Song Xiaodong replied, "Anyone could pick a problem with you, but would I? Just holler if you need anything."

Wang Xiaoqiang squeezed Song Xiaodong’s arm, then turned and walked away. For someone like Song Xiaodong to attend his wedding and to say such things, he truly was a lifetime brother.

Li Gang led Song Xiaodong to a table, filled with people from Song Xiaodong’s high school. Although they weren’t in the same class, they were acquainted enough to strike up a conversation.

Everyone here was ordinary, no one was putting on airs, so Song Xiaodong casually mentioned that he was just working, to avoid being viewed differently.

"How’s Xiaoqiang’s wife?" Song Xiaodong chatted with Li Gang.

Li Gang frowned and then smirked, saying, "She’s okay, I guess."

"Okay, I guess? You don’t seem very optimistic, do you?" Song Xiaodong immediately picked up the undertone in Li Gang’s voice.

Li Gang lowered his voice, explaining, "Well, this woman is quite mercenary. Before the wedding, she pressured Wang Xiaoqiang to fork up a lot of money, practically draining all his finances. Moreover, she obviously looks down on Wang Xiaoqiang, bossing him around quite a bit. I really can’t stand it, but somehow, Wang Xiaoqiang is just smitten with her and insists on marrying her."

Song Xiaodong frowned slightly and said, "Don’t you think it’s a bit one-sided?"

Li Gang snorted, "Xiaoqiang’s parents haven’t stopped complaining to me, but Xiaoqiang got hurt the last time he was in a relationship. Now, he has finally found someone to marry, so he’s just gritting his teeth and wants to get the wedding done."

Song Xiaodong said in a deep voice, "With such a thing happening, why didn’t you tell me earlier?"

Li Gang responded, "You’re so busy, I was afraid to disturb you. Besides, Xiaoqiang is happy with it. Even though I tried persuading him multiple times, it was no use."

Song Xiaodong shook his head, "At this point, it’s not good for us to say anything more. If they can live well, then let them be. If not, we’ll see. Gangzi, you can’t do this in the future. Don’t forget, I’m always your brother. If you guys have any troubles, I will definitely help you."

Li Gang nodded repeatedly, "Alright, next time I find a girlfriend, I’ll definitely have you check her out for me."

Song Xiaodong patted Li Gang’s shoulder, "No problem."

After finishing the meal, Song Xiaodong and Li Gang didn’t join others in fun and checked into the hotel. Soon, Wang Xiaoqiang also came to their room, but he looked upset.

"What’s wrong?" Song Xiaodong asked.

Wang Xiaoqiang bit his lip and said, "Dongzi, could you... lend me some money?"

Song Xiaodong readily responded, "Of course, what’s mine is yours. How much do you need?"

Wang Xiaoqiang said, "Just now my mother-in-law mentioned that there’s a custom where during the marriage procession, we must give the bride’s family a red envelope containing ten thousand and one yuan, as it signifies ’one in ten thousand’. I haven’t prepared this money, so I need to borrow it from you."

"It’s only ten thousand yuan, that’s nothing. I’ve prepared a red envelope for you, I’ll give it to you now." Song Xiaodong said, and immediately took out his phone to get Wang Xiaoqiang’s bank details.

"Thank you, Dongzi, I will pay you back as soon as possible."

"What pay back? I said it’s a red envelope." Song Xiaodong smiled and said, "Just consider it a little emergency fund, if it’s not enough, let me know later."

Wang Xiaoqiang looked very grateful, "Then I won’t say more, I’m going to withdraw the money and prepare."

After Wang Xiaoqiang left, Li Gang smirked and said, "You see? That woman’s family is just trying to squeeze money out of Xiaoqiang, so disgusting."

Song Xiaodong chuckled, "Well, it’s part of the customs. Moreover, it’s also the family’s way of trying to secure a bit more for their daughter, to help the young couple have a better life."

After a brief chat, Wang Xiaoqiang’s phone call suddenly came through, "Dongzi, you transferred the wrong amount, you added an extra zero."

Song Xiaodong laughed, "No mistake, it’s for you."

"Ah! This... this is too much." Wang Xiaoqiang stammered, startled.

"Why be formal with me, get on with your errands."

Song Xiaodong had initially wanted to give Wang Xiaoqiang a bit more, but he thought that would be too flashy and might pressure him, so he settled for giving a red envelope of a hundred thousand yuan, a sum large enough to startle Wang Xiaoqiang.