Qi Chenglin broke into a sweat, and since Ruan Danchen was practically sticking to his face, she could see the beads of sweat dripping from his forehead. Feeling guilty, she wiped it for him. "Just hang on there."

Qi Chenglin lifted Ruan Danchen up and entered the elevator.

Ruan Danchen saw that the elevator was empty because everyone was waiting for the next step. She said, "How about you put me down for a while? No one's going to see anyway."

"That won't do." Qi Chenglin hoisted her higher and chose not to let go. "When receiving the bride, she can never touch the ground."

The man was quite insistent when it came to tradition.

"Then lean back. Lean me against the wall so you won't be so tired," Ruan Danchen suggested.

He agreed to it and did as told. It was quite comfortable actually.

When Qi Chenglin carried her out, firecrackers began crackling loudly, with kids running over from all directions to see the bride.

From afar, Chang Zhiyuan watched as Ruan Danchen was carried on Qi Chenglin's back. He felt an unspeakable sorrow in his heart.

Ruan Danchen was his sister's daughter, but he could not openly watch her get married and participate in the wedding. He looked on as Ruan Danchen smiled happily on Qi Chenglin's back.

Behind them were the Ruan family, who were all smiling equally happily.

The old Ruan couple got into the car with the help of Chen Minxia and Ruan Keshan. Ruan Zeer diligently held Ruan Danchen's dress from behind, and the entire family was bursting with happiness. They felt a sense of harmony with the unification of the two people.

Chang Zhiyuan wiped his face and felt that the scene in front of him was just too eye-piercing.

"Big Sister, I'm sorry… I let my niece…I let my niece suffer." Chang Zhiyuan covered his face. His chest hurt and he felt a bitter taste at the back of his throat.

"Big Sister, don't worry. She's living a good life now. She's married to a good man. In the past…she suffered a lot, but from now onward, your little brother will definitely protect her. I'm sorry, Big Sister…I'm sorry…"

…

Qi Chenglin carried Ruan Danchen up the car, but saw Qi Youxuan sitting opposite him in a child-safe seat. The boy wore a suit. His hairdo was very suave too.

A wine-red bowtie was fastened on the collar of his crisp-white dress shirt, making him look especially reinvigorated. A pocket square, folded in a three-peak fold, was placed in the outer breast pocket of his suit.

He had ample panache to his look.

The little boy did not undo his seatbelt, so when he leaned over, he dragged the seatbelt along with him and reached out to Ruan Danchen. "MOM!"

Ruan Danchen had makeup on her face, so kissing him was not an option. She leaned over to hug him before placing him back down on her seat. "Why are you here? Why didn't you follow Great-Grandma to the manor?"

"Lil' Sis wants to be with you, so I have to be with you too," the little boy wiggled excitedly in his seat. "I… I also want to follow you throughout the whole process."

Ruan Danchen shuffled inside so Qi Chenglin could come in and sit too. She then asked Qi Youxuan, "If you were at the manor, you would've been able to sleep more, wouldn't you? Aren't you sleepy after waking up so early to head out with Dad?"

"I slept a while during the journey," said the little boy. "I'm full of energy right now!"

"Are you hungry? Have you eaten breakfast yet?" Ruan Danchen asked again. She had forgotten her wedding jitters with him by her side.

"I had a bowl of noodles." The little boy patted his own tummy. "I'll wait for lunch."

Ruan Danchen chatted with the boy until they reached the manor. After picking up the Qi family, they headed to Dynasty.

Chang Zhiyuan waited at Dynasty's entrance and looked inside without paying any mind to the odd gazes.

Dynasty was particularly crowded that day. The Qi family booked the entire place because of Qi Chenglin and Ruan Danchen's wedding, so they were not open for business. In spite of them, the sheer amount of people far outdid their regular clientele.

Other than the wedding cars, most of the great families were in attendance too, which meant that plenty of rich cars stopped at the entrance for the guests to disembark, after which their drivers would then drive off. The car behind would then do the exact same thing, one after the other in an endless stream.

Passers-by were inevitably halted in their footsteps. As they watched the bustling scene and discussed it, they finally realized which family threw such a grand event.

In the midst of all the hustle and bustle, Chang Zhiyuan stood by the side of the road opposite Dynasty and watched on.

When the cars lessened, he looked at his watch. The wedding was about to start.

Chang Zhiyuan sighed, seeing a member of Dynasty's staff walk over from up ahead. Chang Zhiyuan did not think that the attendant was looking for him, so he did not react. He simply glanced at the attendant and paid no further attention.

To his surprise, the attendant stopped in front of him.

Chang Zhiyuan was shocked, but it did not show much in his expression. The attendant then politely said, "Mr. Chang, Young Master Lin invites you in."

At that point, Chang Zhiyuan could no longer maintain his composure. "Invite me? It's…"

Was it because Qi Chenglin loathed him so much that he did not even let him watch secretly from the entrance?

Chang Zhiyuan's feelings turned apprehensive almost immediately.

The attendant did not say much, but remarked, "I don't know exactly, but Young Master Lin told me to invite you in."

Chang Zhiyuan's mind went blank. Completely at loss for words, he simply followed the attendant across the road and into Dynasty.

As they walked, he saw quite the crowd in Dynasty, with a few who just arrived at the entrance and were invited in by Dynasty's staff. They were personally escorted in the hall, since—like any other high-rated hotel—a simple direction card was placed at a very inconspicuous place. Guests would be hunting for it as if they were in a wild goose chase.

Invitees to a Qi family wedding were people of high-status, naturally. Even if they were not on the same level as the Qi family, it was not as if any Tom, Dick, and Harry could come in. One such example was Xia Zishan, who was simply regarded as a parvenu in the eyes of the Qi family.

If she had a good relationship with Ruan Danchen, the Qi family would not feel it beneath them to invite her, as she was Ruan Danchen's ex-classmate from high school.

However, she had previously made snarky remarks to Ruan Danchen. Even if she really did her best to be thick-faced and showed up, she would not be allowed in.

Xia Zishan's parents had earlier found out that Xia Ziashan and Ruan Danchen were high school classmates. The parents were very eager to participate, and unlike normal families that shied away from weddings, they relished giving the large sum of money in exchange for a spot.

Nevertheless, the Xia family's status meant that they would not receive an invitation from the Qi family even if Xia Zishan had not offended Ruan Danchen.

Mr. Xia was not aware of his daughter's asinine actions. When he remembered that Xia Zishan was classmates with Ruan Danchen in high school, he ran happily over to Xia Zishan and persuaded her to get closer with Ruan Danchen in order to get an invitation. They would all then be able to meet with those of the upper-class.

They did not even need to know everyone at the wedding. It was good enough that they could interact with those who were at the same table with them.

Xia Zishan dodged it, as she knew Ruan Danchen would not give her an invitation. The Qi family might not even agree to it if Ruan Danchen were to award them an invitation.

She simply agreed noncommittally, and after a few days, she went to Mr. Xia and said that Ruan Danchen did not invite them. She said that she was not really close with Ruan Danchen, and the tables were full. It was impossible to add any more chairs to any of the tables.

Mr. Xia did not let it go that easily. He tried looking for people, but in the end, it still ended in failure. It was only then that he gave up.

Although Chen Libai's family had some status, it was not enough for them to be invited to such a wedding. Chen Libai left an impression on Qi Chenglin, as the former liked Ruan Danchen in the past and really wanted something he could not get. Along the way, he also treated Qi Chenglin as a useless person, so Qi Chenglin thought it best to allow Chen Libai to gain a broader perspective. Qi Chenglin made it a point to tell the Grandmother Qi and Guan Liya to give the Chen family an invitation. That would kill off whatever intentions Chen Libai had, and it would make him feel ashamed of his own inferiority, ensuring that he would no longer dare to look at Ruan Danchen ever again.

The Chen family had no idea of their son's anguish, so they happily brought their children over.

Chang Zhiyuan saw plenty of familiar faces when he walked over. Most of them were shocked to see him. They all thought to themselves, 'Didn't Grandmother Chang and that dishonest grandson Chang Jianan offend the Qi family rather terribly? Why is Chang Zhiyuan still attending the wedding?

'What is up with the Qi family and the Chang family? Could it be that they did not have a true falling-out and their relationship has already recovered?

'If that were the case, then why was Chang Zhiyuan the sole attendee?

'What attitude were they going to give the Chang family in the future?'

The Qi family's unclear stance was a torment!

Those who met with their peers discussed their future stance toward the Chang family.

Chang Zhiyuan heard the murmurings from all around him. Despite being unable to hear what was being said, he could easily divine the subject of those whispers. He smiled a self-mocking smile as he realised how low he had fallen.

"I think it's best we just keep an eye and watch the situation unfold!" someone offered. "It's only Chang Zhiyuan that came here, right? If the two families mended their relationship, it wouldn't be only him who is here. At least they'll let him bring his wife, am I right? Looking at Chang Zhiyuan, it doesn't seem like he was invited in the first place."

"I heard Qi Chenglin and Chang Zhoyuan had business dealings before. Their contract probably hasn't ended yet, so maybe they only allowed Chang Zhiyuan to come by himself. It must be because of their professional circumstances that he was invited."

After they discussed it among themselves, all of them calmly went over to find their respective seats.

Chang Zhiyuan followed the attendant into the hall. His first thought was that Qi Chenglin would place him in an unnoticeable corner. Being able to attend Ruan Danchen's wedding was already enough for Chang Zhiyuan, as he felt that it was a blessing from his elder sister. He was subsequently shocked to see the attendant bring him deeper into the venue, and the main table was practically within reach.

They finally stopped at the Ruan family's table.

As members of the Qi family and the Ruan family were plenty, two tables were dedicated to them.

The attendant pulled out a seat from the Ruan family's table and invited Chang Zhiyuan to take a seat.

"This…" Chang Zhiyuan's mind short-circuited. He had no idea that Qi Chenglin would invite him to sit at the main table.

In fact, if Ruan Danchen acknowledged him, he would rightly be sitting with the Ruan family, but he was not yet acknowledged, was he?

For Qi Chenglin to willingly give him so much respect, Chang Zhiyuan's eyes reddened and nearly teared up.

Grandmother Ruan watched him and said softly, "Come and sit."

Chang Zhiyuan nodded furiously and sat without a second thought. Despite his age, he turned childlike in front of the old Ruan couple—a far cry from the ruthless businessman he was.

"Old mister, old madam, you…" Chang Zhiyuan did not know how to face the Ruan family.

Truthfully speaking, he had never met the Ruan family before and was unable to understand their position. With Ruan Keyu, he was secretly watching them back then.

Grandmother Ruan smiled kindly, "We know you've been following us. You wanted to watch Ruan Danchen get married, didn't you?"

Chang Zhiyuan nodded honestly.

"Hehe, it's pitiful to see you out there like a little cabbage," Grandfather Ruan said in a tone that seemed to revel in misfortune. Not a single bit of pity could be heard from his tone.

The old man really took joy in tragedy as his family had already reunited with his granddaughter, while the other family had not acknowledged her yet.

His relish was more apparent as it was the Chang family; Grandfather Ruan really despised Grandmother Chang. Besides, Grandmother Chang was selfish. If not for her decision to keep the Ruan family in the dark about finding their granddaughter, they would not have raised someone else's child for nothing and be oblivious to the truth for so long.

Grandfather Ruan really wanted to say, 'BAH! This is karma!'

He still pitied Chang Zhiyuan, of course, but that did not do anything to diminish his rejoicing in the Chang family's misfortune!

Grandfather Ruan's words made the adult Chang Zhiyuan blush and look down.

Grandmother Ruan smiled and shot a glance at the ever-teasing Grandfather Ruan, before pointing at Ruan Zeer and speaking in a soft tone so Chang Zhiyuan would not be shocked. "This boy told us everything that happened that day. If you came here today, that means you believe Ruan Danchen is your niece?"

Those who did not know would think that Chang Zhiyuan's earnestness stemmed from his fragile heart.

"Although I don't know the specifics, I believe it," Chang Zhiyuan remarked solemnly. He looked at the entire Ruan family without any ill-will. "I didn't think it would be like this. Old mister, old madam, I… I believe not because I want to be in the Qi family's good books. I believe because of my elder sister. I'm a businessman, but when it comes to family matters, I don't have any hidden intentions. This is even more the case when it comes to my elder sister. She treated me better than my own mother did when we were children. I owe her a lot."

The Chang family's internal matters were not known to many outsiders. Grandmother Chang was a capable person—she fended off mistresses during her youth, fought off people who wanted to take advantage of her, and resisted her in-laws attempts to steal her family's assets.

Thirty percent of that stemmed from Grandmother Chang's own subjective thinking. She was constantly suspicious and always felt that someone was out to get her. She treated all three of her children very strictly too.

Chang Yuehuan had it slightly easier. Grandmother Chang believed that Chang Yuehuan would have to marry sooner or later because she was a woman, and therefore her education need not be too complete, lest she become too good for her future in-laws. With Chang Zhiyuan, Grandmother Chang wielded an iron fist. The kind of strictness she imposed made one's hair stand on end. Chang Zhiyuan suffered plenty of hardship when he was younger, and it was always Chang Yuehuan who had protected him.

As a result, Chang Zhiyuan never received motherly love from Grandmother Chang but he did feel it from his elder sister.

When his elder sister was still alive, she would rather suffer herself than watch him suffer.

If his elder sister was still alive, he believed that she would surely be like Chen Minxia, who—despite the lack of youth—was very kind and gentle in temperament!

Although Chang Zhiyuan was no child, the thought of his elder sister brought him back to his childhood. His eyes misted with tears and he pouted slightly, trying to hold them back.

"I believe you," Grandmother Ruan responded softly.

Chang Zhiyuan looked at Grandmother Ruan full of emotion. He was no dunderhead, and since the Ruan family knew about it already, he could roughly guess the intentions of the Ruan and Qi family, including that of Ruan Danchen.

Since it was a rare chance for him to meet the Ruan family, he might as well say what he wanted to say. "Old Mister, Old Madam, does…Ruan Danchen have no desire to acknowledge us?"

Although he had anticipated that and could understand it fully, Chang Zhiyuan's eyes still displayed emotions of pain.

Grandmother Ruan shook her head and said, "Danchen's not someone who holds grudges. She just has doubts in her heart. Is your family willing to believe her even when she doesn't have any evidence? What would your family think when she announces that she is their biological granddaughter? Moreover, your mother doesn't like her. That's common knowledge to everyone. Who's to say that she won't think Ruan Danchen was lying to her? Although I'm not that familiar with your mother, the things I heard about her from others…"

Grandmother Ruan felt it was improper to be calling Grandmother Chang an unreasonable woman. All she could say was, "If she does acknowledge Ruan Danchen as her granddaughter, would she sincerely treat her well? Perhaps your mother might not still like Ruan Danchen since she had always disliked her in the past. That probably wouldn't change just because of Danchen's status, would it?"

In that respect, precedent alone made Grandmother Chang's actions far too easy to read.

Even Chang Zhiyuan, her own son, might not be able to refute her.

Grandmother Ruan then said, "Ruan Danchen suffered too much all these years. If all that pain was piled onto a grown person, he or she might still be able to pull through with it. But she suffered since she was a young girl. Putting all that suffering on a child is just too pitiful. It breaks your heart. It wasn't easy for her to be reunited with her family today. And now that we have acknowledged her, we won't let Danchenallow her to be wronged. No one will be allowed to make her suffer, not even her own maternal grandmother.

"Your mother doesn't like her, and we won't let Ruan Danchen kindness be repaid with hostility, much less let a good child like her be insulted. If your side doesn't care for her, we'll do it. Her husband's family treats her like their own daughter, and with us, she won't need anyone who doesn't treat her kindly," Grandmother Ruan dropped all courteousness and spoke candidly to Chang Zhiyuan.

Grandmother Ruan was thoroughly exasperated after hearing from Qi Chenglin and Qi Youxuan about all the terrible things Ruan Danchen suffered at Grandmother Chang's hands. She had no intention of dealing with Grandmother Chang—a woman who knew not of how to differentiate good and bad—for the rest of her life.

"I understand," Chang Zhiyuan nodded and feeling dispirited.

He wanted to say a few good things about his own mother, but there was absolutely no reason that could justify him doing that. Grandmother Ruan was correct—Grandmother Chang was truly that terrible of a person.

Grandmother Chang had clearly treated Ruan Danchen terribly. Even if Ruan Danchen was acknowledged by the family, Grandmother Chang would still not allow her to make a public appearance as she felt her to be uneducated. She did not receive the upbringing of a true member of the Chang family and was therefore considered to be uneducated.

Chang Zhiyuan could already imagine what Grandmother Chang would say.

If Grandmother Chang really did believe it, she might not refuse to acknowledge Ruan Danchen. The biggest worry was that the old lady would 'teach' Ruan Danchen a lesson and mould Ruan Danchen into someone who fitted what she wanted.

After saying all that, Grandmother Ruan said softly, "Ruan Danchen can differentiate things well. She never lets those who treat her well be sad. Aren't you invited to the wedding today? Grandmother Chang's mindset is not something we care for. If she doesn't like Ruan Danchen, we have to reason to just go up to herno reason to interact with her. Why would we want that? It isn't logical for one to willingly put themselves in a sufferable situation, is it? Qi Chenglin said that you and your elder sister were on good terms last time, and that you truly wanted the best for your elder sister's child. That's the reason you're invited here today."