The abandoned daughter of the Lu family turns around and marries a celibate tycoon.

Lu Xiran turned around and saw that Ling Xue had walked over at some point.

Ling Xue had already changed into the gown that her personal designer had rushed to make overnight, meticulously crafted with exquisite details. The gown wasn't the traditional bridesmaid pink or light blue, but rather a lustrous, pearl-white satin—a color that was infinitely close to the bride's wedding dress, yet subtly distinct. The cut was extremely fitted, perfectly outlining her slender yet toned figure honed by years of training. The neckline design subtly revealed an elegant curve, and the high waistline made her legs appear even longer.

Her long hair wasn't styled into a traditional bun, but rather gathered in a seemingly casual yet meticulously styled arc. A few carefully curled strands cascaded down her fair, slender neck and collarbone, swaying gently with her movements. Her makeup was a natural, "no-makeup" look, which accentuated her features to the fullest. Her eyelashes were perfectly defined, and her lips were a soft, watery red. Bathed in the suite's soft lighting, she seemed to radiate a glowing aura.

Ling Xue looked at Lu Xiran with a smile, her eyes clear as a spring, carrying just the right amount of concern and doubt. The morning light shone through the gauze curtains onto her pearl-white satin dress, creating a soft, almost holy halo. In that instant, Lu Xiran felt as if she were the one who was about to walk down the aisle today.

Lu Xiran was startled by her own sudden thought, and quickly blinked to shake off the inexplicable unease.

"Miss Ling," Lu Xiran composed herself, still frowning as she gazed at the empty corridor, "when you came here just now...did you see anyone else? Or heard anyone talking?"

Ling Xue followed her gaze and glanced down the corridor, then gently shook her head, her smile still warm: "No. Did you hear me wrong? You're probably a little nervous today and prone to overthinking." Ling Xue stepped forward and naturally reached out to gently tidy Lu Xiran's slightly disheveled hair, which had become messy from turning around in a hurry. Her movements were gentle. "Go back quickly, the makeup artist is waiting. You're the star today, you need to look your best."

Her tone was so natural and considerate, and her eyes were so innocent that they dispelled most of Lu Xiran's doubts.

Yes, I guess I was too nervous and misheard.

"I think so." Lu Xiran smiled sheepishly, glanced at the corridor again, and then returned to the vanity mirror.

Ling Xue stood behind her, watching Lu Xiran's profile in the mirror as she closed her eyes again to let the makeup artist apply her makeup. The corners of her mouth maintained a perfect smile, but a very faint, almost imperceptible depth flashed in her eyes.

Ling Xue turned around and gave a barely perceptible nod to her assistant who was waiting beside her. The assistant immediately and quietly left the room, gently closing the door to completely isolate any possible traces or sounds from outside.

Inside the suite, the warm and busy atmosphere of wedding preparations was restored.

Jin Qiqi dragged two oversized suitcases into the suite. When she saw Ling Xue, who was already dressed up, she paused almost imperceptibly. Jin Qiqi's usual fan excitement was gone. Her gaze lingered on Ling Xue's pearl-white satin dress for two seconds, and her brows furrowed slightly.

This outfit... is so well-thought-out.

The colors, sheen, cut, and even the ethereal quality are all very close to the standard of a bride, yet they cleverly fit on the line of a bridesmaid.

Although Ling Xue is a superstar and used to being the center of attention in any situation, today is Ranran's wedding after all. Jin Qiqi's heart tightened involuntarily, and her gaze towards Ling Xue became less affectionate and more subtly scrutinizing.

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the suite door, which was then pushed open.

Gu Yanshen walked in, dressed in a well-tailored morning suit, his posture upright, his brows and eyes carrying a hint of solemnity before an upcoming ceremony, but even more so a calm, undeniable possessiveness and tenderness. His gaze immediately locked onto Lu Xiran in front of the dressing table, as if everyone and everything else in the room did not exist.

He walked straight over, gently embraced her from behind, his chin naturally brushing against the top of her head, then turned his head and placed a light kiss on her cheek, which had just been adorned with foundation.

"Oh dear, Mr. Gu!" the makeup artist exclaimed softly, half-jokingly and half-seriously, "Be careful not to smudge your foundation, it'll be a hassle to touch up your makeup later."

Jin Qiqi was used to the "dog food" scenes that she was already too familiar with this week, and simply stood aside with her arms crossed.

Ling Xue sat on the sofa, her back straight, her smile still impeccable, but the knuckles of her fingers holding the water glass were slightly white from the force. She watched Gu Yanshen displaying intimacy with Lu Xiran as if no one else was around, and saw that his usually deep and cold eyes now only reflected Lu Xiran's image. The bitterness and jealousy surging in her heart almost broke through her perfect mask.

"Are you hungry? Do you want to eat something first? Today's schedule is long, you might be very tired." Gu Yanshen asked Lu Xiran in a low voice, his fingertips brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"No, I don't think so," Lu Xiran smiled sweetly at him in the mirror, "I won't be able to fit into the dress later."

"If it doesn't fit, we'll alter it." Gu Yanshen answered matter-of-factly, his gaze tracing her eyebrows and eyes in the mirror. "Besides, you're so thin, it's okay for you to eat a little more."

His tone carried a unique, undeniable doting affection.

As he spoke, his peripheral vision finally caught sight of the sofa. When he saw who was sitting there, Gu Yanshen's arm around Lu Xiran's waist and shoulder stiffened almost imperceptibly. Then, his originally gentle profile suddenly tightened, his brows furrowed, and his eyes darkened in an instant.

Lu Xiran sensed the change in his aura, turned around following his gaze, saw Ling Xue, and introduced her with a smile, "By the way, Uncle, I didn't have a chance to tell you before. My original bridesmaid couldn't come because of severe morning sickness, but Miss Ling is very kind and agreed to be my bridesmaid!"

Gu Yanshen didn't reply immediately. His gaze briefly met Ling Xue's in mid-air. Ling Xue met his gaze, and her usually smiling eyes were now churning with extremely complex emotions—a sharp jealousy, a hint of secret smugness as if a plan had succeeded, and even a hint of...almost a provocative expectation, as if asking: Surprised? Unexpected?

There was a momentary stagnation in the air.

"What's wrong?" Lu Xiran looked at Gu Yanshen's suddenly cold profile with a puzzled expression.

"...It's nothing." Gu Yanshen almost immediately suppressed all his outward emotions, his voice returning to calm. He released his arm around Lu Xiran, straightened his body, and adjusted his cuffs, his movements still elegant. "You get ready, I have some things to confirm outside."

"Go ahead and do your work, I'll stay here with Ranran," Jin Qiqi immediately replied.

Gu Yanshen simply nodded, turned around and strode out of the suite, closing the door behind him.