Chapter 99: Zhang Xiluo’s Suitor

Jiang Xueting was blunt. With just a few words, she brought the young girl to tears. Her companions looked equally grim, wanting to protect her but not daring to intervene.

"People like you are truly pathetic. You refuse to watch such clear evidence in the video and instead listen to the one-sided words of that 'home-wrecker' Zhou. Do you really think you’re righteous angels? It’s laughable!"

Zhang Xiluo pulled her back and shook her head. "Forget it. They're just young girls; it's not worth arguing with them."

They were merely a group of naive girls who had yet to be hardened by the world, and it was understandable that they had been deceived by Zhou Yao.

"Delete the photos." Xu Xinyi handed the phone back to the girl, watching until she complied before letting it go.

Zhang Xiluo smiled faintly, lifting a hand to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "If you must take pictures, don't photograph my profile. My side profile isn't flattering."

The girl froze, then lowered her head in shame. Zhang Xiluo ignored them further and continued her meal with Jiang Xueting and the others. Before long, the girls felt uncomfortable and slunk away.

"Luoluo, are you just going to let that 'home-wrecker' continue to smear your reputation?" Jiang Xueting noticed several new posts on her phone where Zhou Yao was slandering Zhang Xiluo from every possible angle.

Xu Xinyi was equally irritated. "This Zhou Yao is like a cockroach that refuses to die. Doesn't Li Mingye care at all? If this continues, isn't he afraid something real will happen?"

"I don't know what Li Mingye is thinking. But don't worry, I have it under control. Zhou Yao's situation will be resolved soon." Zhang Xiluo signaled for them to finish their meal.

During this period, Zhang Xiluo and Jiang Xueting had been inseparable, and her spirits had been steadily improving. The day before Jiang Xueting’s wedding, Zhang Xiluo and Xu Xinyi moved into her home, as Jiang Xueting insisted on giving Zhang Xiluo a surprise.

Zhang Xiluo was certainly surprised, though not particularly delighted. Jiang Xueting had invited their high school classmate, Han Yuchao. He had harbored a secret crush on Zhang Xiluo since high school; while she was busy chasing Li Mingye, he had been busy chasing her. When news of Zhang Xiluo’s marriage to Li Mingye broke, he had gone abroad alone and they hadn't crossed paths since.

"Luoluo, long time no see." Han Yuchao hadn't changed much; he was still as bright and handsome as ever.

"Long time no see." Zhang Xiluo shook his hand, then found herself at a loss for words.

The atmosphere grew awkward. Searching for an excuse to escape to her room, Zhang Xiluo said, "Um, I just remembered there are some wedding decorations I haven't put up yet. I'll go take care of that."

"I'll help you." Han Yuchao followed her. Zhang Xiluo was speechless, unable to find a reason to shake him off. She had nothing to do, just looking for a pretext to leave, and now that things were awkward, she kept her head down and pretended to look at her phone.

"Luoluo, I came back this time for you. Xueting told me you're divorced." Han Yuchao got straight to the point. He looked at her with burning intensity; his love for her had not faded in the slightest.

She didn't have a deep impression of him, having only heard about him through Jiang Xueting and Xu Xinyi. Back when her eyes and heart were entirely fixed on Li Mingye, she had never noticed what Han Yuchao was doing for her. Sitting face-to-face with him now, she felt completely out of her depth. "Um, regarding us, I..."

"I know you don't love me. I've known that for years." Han Yuchao looked up at her. "You don't need to rush to reject me. My feelings for you are my own business. You don't need to feel burdened, and you don't need to respond."

"Han Yuchao, I really need you to understand: don't waste your time and energy on me. My own ending is proof enough of why." Thinking of her previous life and the trials of this one, Zhang Xiluo couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy. She had spent two lifetimes loving Li Mingye, and it hadn't bought her a happy ending. She wasn't as cold-blooded as Li Mingye, but she wouldn't choose to be with Han Yuchao just because of his persistence.

"I know what I'm doing. You don't need to feel pressured. Just treat me like an ordinary friend." Han Yuchao smiled at her, trying his best to put her at ease. Zhang Xiluo nodded slightly, deciding not to dwell on the subject further.

"Let's go out. There’s still work to be done," Han Yuchao said, rising to accompany her.

Seeing them emerge, Jiang Xueting and Xu Xinyi exchanged knowing, mischievous glances. They pulled Zhang Xiluo aside to help prepare candies and ribbons, while Han Yuchao went out to the courtyard to help decorate with Jiang Xueting's brother.

"Luoluo, he’s a good guy. You should consider it." Xu Xinyi spoke from the heart; she wanted to see Zhang Xiluo with someone who would cherish and protect her. She had stayed in touch with Han Yuchao and felt he was an excellent candidate.

"I can't ruin his life," Zhang Xiluo interrupted, handing her a candy box. "Let’s pack these up, or we won't get any sleep."

They worked until deep into the night, and before long, they were roused again. Jiang Xueting needed to have her makeup done, and Zhang Xiluo and Xu Xinyi stayed to keep her company. The bridal makeup was elaborate; Jiang Xueting kept nodding off, and Zhang Xiluo had to wake her several times.

"Xueting, finish your makeup before you sleep, or you’ll have to keep getting it touched up."

"Luoluo, I'm so tired," Jiang Xueting groaned, on the verge of tears. "Can we skip the makeup? I’m naturally beautiful; let’s just go with a fresh face."

"A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. You have to be the most beautiful bride," Zhang Xiluo insisted, and Jiang Xueting begrudgingly nodded. Once the makeup was finished, she finally collapsed onto the bed for a nap.

Zhang Xiluo and Xu Xinyi applied light bridesmaid makeup and sat by Jiang Xueting, waiting for Zhao Chengyi. At the break of dawn, the groom’s wedding procession arrived. Firecrackers erupted at the gate, followed by endless cheers and applause. Zhang Xiluo stood up and walked to the window to look outside.

Zhao Chengyi was being blocked by Jiang Xueting's brothers; he had to pass through a gauntlet of challenges to enter, and she and Xu Xinyi were the final obstacle. This wedding was so lively, a stark contrast to her own, which had been empty and hollow. She remembered riding to the hotel alone, and after the ring exchange, being sent straight back to the villa. She had spent five hours on her makeup back then, hoping to show Li Mingye her most beautiful side, only for him to never even look her way.

"Is he in yet?" Jiang Xueting woke up and asked.

"Don't rush, he'll be here any second." Zhang Xiluo walked back. "Our dear Miss Xueting, do you want us to let him in quickly, or should we make him suffer for a while longer?"

Jiang Xueting covered her mouth and giggled, her face radiating a happiness that made others envious. "Let him in, don't scare my husband away, hahaha!"

As she spoke, someone knocked on the door.

"Wife, I've come to get you."

"Getting the wife is fine, but show us the red envelopes first." Zhang Xiluo and Xu Xinyi blocked the door. Zhang Xiluo reached out, but her hand was suddenly gripped and pulled outward with force.

Then, the group outside pushed with all their might, bursting through the door. Zhang Xiluo was shoved aside and nearly fell, but someone caught her and pulled her into their arms.