It Started With a Kiss: Leng Shao's Beloved Wife

Cinderella's dream of marrying into a wealthy family

In front of the luxurious dressing mirror, Wu Xinyan stared at her unfamiliar reflection, a mixture of emotions welling up in her heart. Her exquisite makeup couldn't mask the loneliness in her eyes. This family marriage, more like a carefully orchestrated deal, had thrust her into the spotlight.

"Oh, isn't this the eldest daughter of our Wu family? Why are you dressed so poorly? People who don't know would think that the Luo family has treated you harshly." A sarcastic voice came from the door. Wu Xinyan didn't need to turn around to know that the person who was speaking was her half-sister, Wu Xue.

Wu Xinyan clenched her fists, suppressing her rage as she responded coldly, "I'm here simply to do what I'm supposed to do, unlike some people who just buzz around like flies." Wu Xue had come to laugh at her, dressed in designer clothes and acting so arrogantly. She glanced disdainfully at the room. The shabby furniture and faded curtains were a stark contrast to Wu Xinyan's couture wedding gown, adding to the irony.

"Oh, you're still stubborn. Don't think that you can become a phoenix by marrying into the Luo family. You are just a substitute. Don't ever think of getting Luo Yichen's love!" Wu Xue smiled complacently, as if she had foreseen Wu Xinyan's miserable future.

Wu Xinyan took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil in her heart. She told herself that she couldn't be affected by Wu Xue's provocation. All she had to do was show her best self at the wedding and prove to everyone that she, Wu Xinyan, was no substitute for anyone, let alone an ant to be trampled on.

At that moment, the door opened again, and an elegant, intellectual woman walked in. She was Sister Liu, the chief stylist Luo Yichen had assigned to Wu Xinyan. "Xinyan, ignore her. It's almost time. Let's get started," Sister Liu said, handing Wu Xinyan a cup of warm honey water and soothing her softly.

Under Sister Liu's deft hands, Wu Xinyan's already delicate features were even more vibrant and captivating. She donned a pristine white wedding gown, the light, veil shrouding her like a mist, like a fairy who had strayed into the mortal world. Her coolness tinged with a hint of allure, a look that captivated the gaze.

"Perfect!" Sister Liu couldn't help but exclaim in admiration as she looked at her masterpiece. Even the usually sharp-tongued Wu Xue had to admit that Wu Xinyan was indeed dazzling at this moment.

However, Wu Xinyan did not show any joy. She looked at herself in the mirror with a firm and clear gaze, as if she was ready to face all challenges.

"Let's go." She said softly, with a barely perceptible tremor in her tone. She walked slowly towards the door with graceful steps. What would be waiting for her?

The resplendent hall was filled with the delicate fragrance of lilies, and every detail exemplified the opulence and grandeur of this century's wedding. Wu Xinyan stood tall and proud at the start of the red carpet, replaying Sister Liu's instructions in her mind as she struggled to contain the nervousness surging within her.

"Relax, just treat it like a normal fashion show." Luo Yichen's deep voice, with a subtle hint of tenderness, reached Wu Xinyan's ears. She tilted her head in surprise. This was the first time Luo Yichen had spoken to her, and his brief words gave her immense encouragement.

The rehearsal officially began. To the melodious wedding march, Wu Xinyan walked steadily towards the other end of the red carpet, step by step. There stood the man she was about to entrust her life to, and the key to her future life.

Mrs. Luo, who was sitting in the audience, observed Wu Xinyan's every move with sharp eyes. From the moment she walked in, this seasoned business woman was full of curiosity about her.

"This child is quite courageous." Old Mrs. Luo turned to the butler Li beside her and whispered with a hint of admiration in her tone.

Housekeeper Li had been with Old Madam Luo for many years, so he naturally understood the meaning of her words. He nodded slightly and replied, "Master's vision is always correct."

The wedding rehearsal was proceeding smoothly, but a furtive figure in the crowd caught the attention of Butler Li. He recognized it as Zhang Qiang, a gossip reporter who often appeared in the entertainment pages and was famous for digging up the secrets of celebrities.

"Reporter Zhang, how come you have time to come here?" Butler Li walked up to Zhang Qiang calmly and asked with a forced smile.

Zhang Qiang was about to step forward to interview Wu Xinyan, but was stopped by Butler Li. He rolled his eyes and said with a smile, "Butler Li, you know that wealthy weddings are always the focus of media attention. I'm just here to join in the fun."

Of course, Butler Li would not believe his words. He knew that Zhang Qiang must be trying to dig out some explosive news from Wu Xinyan in order to increase the sales of his newspaper.

"Reporter Zhang, today is a big day for the Luo family, don't you think..." As Butler Li said this, he took out a check from his pocket and calmly put it into Zhang Qiang's hand.

Zhang Qiang looked at the check in his hand, his smile grew even brighter, he nodded in understanding, turned around and blended into the crowd.

Butler Li watched Zhang Qiang's departing back, a glint in his eyes. He knew this wedding wasn't as peaceful as it appeared; undercurrents were brewing... Just then, Butler Li noticed Wu Xue, who hadn't been seen before, stealthily making her way toward the bridal lounge, clutching a delicate little box. His heart skipped a beat, and a sense of foreboding washed over him...

Butler Li stepped forward quickly and stopped Wu Xue, still with a polite smile on his face: "Miss Wu, what are you doing..."

Wu Xue was startled by the sudden appearance of Butler Li, but she quickly calmed down and raised the box in her hand: "Oh, this is the wedding gift I prepared for Xinyan. I specially sent it to her as a surprise."

Butler Li was a shrewd man, so he naturally wouldn't easily believe Wu Xue's lies. He took the box calmly, but the feeling in his hand startled him—the box was light and had a slightly sticky feel.

"Ms. Wu, let me deliver this gift. You know, the bride cannot meet anyone before the wedding." Butler Li said in a firm tone and took the box from Wu Xue's hand without giving her a chance to refuse.

A trace of resentment flashed across Wu Xue's eyes, but she quickly changed into a pitiful expression: "Butler Li, what do you mean by this? Even I, as a sister, can't care about my sister?"

Butler Li remained unmoved, still smiling politely. "Miss Wu, you're too kind. We all see your concern for the bride. But the wedding is just around the corner, so it's best not to make things complicated." He ignored Wu Xue's excuses and turned to the servants behind him, "Send this box to my room."

As she watched Butler Li leave, the smile on Wu Xue's face gradually faded, replaced by undisguised malice and resentment. How could she accept that her carefully prepared "gift" was snatched away by Butler Li?

Elsewhere, Wu Xinyan returned to the lounge after rehearsal, eager to share her feelings with Luo Yichen. However, what awaited her was Luo Yichen's cold, indifferent back. He simply said, "Go to bed early today," and walked away.

Wu Xinyan watched Luo Yichen's departing figure, a bitter feeling welling up in her heart. Was this the marriage life they were about to begin? It was filled with calculation and indifference, without a trace of warmth.

She remembered how Wu Xue had mocked her in every way at the Wu family's old house today, and even said things like, "You are just a pawn abandoned by the family. What qualifications do you have to marry into the Luo family?"

"I must prove to everyone that I can do it!" Wu Xinyan clenched her fists and swore secretly in her heart.

As night fell and the lights came on, the entire Luo family villa was shrouded in a festive atmosphere.

Wu Xinyan sat alone in front of the dressing table, looking at the unfamiliar self in the mirror, feeling mixed emotions... She picked up a lipstick and gently painted it on her lips, practicing smiling over and over again.

She looked in the mirror, wearing a pure white wedding dress that highlighted her exquisite figure. Under her delicate makeup, her clear eyes twinkled with stars. However, a hint of sadness could not be concealed.

"Dong dong dong..."

There was a knock on the door, and stylist Liu pushed it open and walked in. Looking at Wu Xinyan's appearance, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, and then she said with a smile: "Ms. Wu, you are so beautiful! Mr. Luo will definitely be fascinated when he sees you."

Wu Xinyan forced a smile, but her tone was bitter: "Really? I hope so."

Stylist Liu seemed to sense her emotions. He walked over, patted her shoulder gently, and said softly, "Ms. Wu, don't be nervous. This is the happiest day of your life. You should be happy."

Happy? Wu Xinyan smiled inwardly. To her, this marriage was more like a deal, a game played by a wealthy family. And she was just a pawn pushed to the front.

"It's almost time, let's go downstairs." Stylist Liu looked at the time and reminded softly.

Wu Xinyan took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner anxiety, stood up and followed Stylist Liu out of the room.

Downstairs, guests gathered, clinking glasses, and the atmosphere was bustling. However, all this had nothing to do with Wu Xinyan. She was like an outsider, isolated from the hustle and bustle.

"Miss Wu, are you ready?" Butler Li walked forward and asked respectfully.

Wu Xinyan nodded slightly and handed her hand to Butler Li.

"Let's go." Butler Li led her towards the door of the banquet hall.

As the door slowly opened, everyone's eyes were focused on Wu Xinyan.

Under the spotlight, she was breathtakingly beautiful, like a fairy who had strayed into the mortal world.

However, someone in the crowd showed a malicious look...