Chapter 427

While these people sighed with emotion, those families who had originally felt somewhat resentful finally accepted it. After all, even if they were to exhaust everything, they wouldn’t be able to gather such a large betrothal gift.
After Su Xiaoxiao and Jiang Yexun finished serving tea to Aunt Guo, Aunt Guo gave Su Xiaoxiao a big red envelope. The two of them stood in front of a photograph of a high-ranking official in the living room, holding hands as they pledged vows of loyalty to each other. Only then did the wedding banquet truly begin.
Although six tables had been prepared, with the crowd attracted by the sight, two more tables had to be added on the spot due to the extra people who had come to join in the fun. Fortunately, Aunt Guo, worried that there wouldn’t be enough food, had specially prepared extra yesterday, so they weren’t embarrassed by any lack.
The tables and chairs had been borrowed from the neighbors next door. They had prepared quite a bit of alcohol, and Jiang Yexun led Su Xiaoxiao around, toasting one table at a time.
Seeing the slight blush on his little wife’s cheeks, he asked worriedly, “Are you really okay with drinking? How about just drinking water instead? We already have it prepared.”
They had anticipated Xiaoxiao might get drunk, so yesterday they’d filled empty liquor bottles with cold boiled water.
But Su Xiaoxiao simply giggled and shook her head. “No way! This is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, so it’s fine if I get drunk. What matters is having fun!”

Jiang Yexun was about to try persuading her again but was lightly pushed by her.
“Alright, let’s quickly finish toasting these tables, and then it’ll be just us,” she whispered in that soft, sweet voice that felt like a feather brushing against his heart.
Thinking of the time they would have together afterward, he felt his whole body heat up with anticipation.
“Brother Ye, I’ll toast to you! Wishing you and sister-in-law eternal happiness together.” He Xingzhi lifted his glass, saying some auspicious words, then drained his cup in one gulp.

Jiang Yexun smiled and drank in response, while Su Xiaoxiao only took a tiny sip. After all, the cup contained strong white liquor, and she wasn’t looking to have a wedding night she couldn’t remember.
After finishing that toast, someone else quickly came up.
“Xiaoxiao, wishing you and your husband many happy children!”
“Thank you, Aunt Chen,” Su Xiaoxiao replied obediently and took another small sip.
One by one, they toasted around the tables. Although they were only small sips, there were simply too many people. It wasn’t long before Su Xiaoxiao, who rarely drank, started to feel tipsy. Even Jiang Yexun, who usually drank like water in the mountains, had a slight flush on his face.
When they finally finished the rounds, Jiang Yexun almost couldn’t wait to escort Su Xiaoxiao to the red-decorated room.
Sitting on the bright red bedspread, she tilted her head, gazing somewhat dazedly at Jiang Yexun. Her misty, hazy eyes stirred something intense within him, making his chest rise and fall.
“Are you drunk? Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?” He crouched in front of her, reaching out to adjust a stray lock of her bangs.
Su Xiaoxiao reached out and poked Jiang Yexun’s cheek. “Hmph, I’m not uncomfortable! My alcohol tolerance is amazing.”
“Mmm, my Xiaoxiao can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk,” Jiang Yexun took her hand, kissed it lightly, coaxing her.
The next second, the little bride slipped off the bed and wrapped her arms around his neck, rubbing her cheek against his.
Jiang Yexun was already full of thoughts going in all sorts of directions. Being snuggled like this only made his emotions even harder to control.
“Be good, let go for a moment, and I’ll fetch some water to wash your face,” he murmured gently, coaxing her as if she were a child.
Su Xiaoxiao didn’t quite understand his words, but she did catch the phrase “let go,” so she hugged him even tighter.
“No! You’re mine! We have to be together forever and ever!”
“Of course. I’m just fetching some water to freshen you up. I’ll be right back with you, okay? Then we can lie down, and I’ll hold you however you want.” Jiang Yexun continued to coax.
Su Xiaoxiao tilted her head and thought for a moment, finally letting go reluctantly. “Fine, but you said so—I get to do whatever I want!”
“Absolutely,” Jiang Yexun promised solemnly, then hurried off to the bathroom with a basin and a towel.