Flash Marriage

Chapter 15: The Gu Family's About-Face

Every single car was a limited edition, every one boasting top-tier specifications.

The Gu family stared, eyes bulging in disbelief.

Gu Zhenzhen wore an expression of utter incredulity. She turned to the village chief. "Village Chief, are you sure you heard right? How could it possibly be for Gu Xixi?"

The village chief looked at Gu Zhenzhen with a knowing, almost amused expression. "I'm not so old and blind that I'd mistake a name!"

Grandmother Gu finally snapped out of her daze. She remembered Gu Xixi mentioning her marriage yesterday. Initially, like Gu Zhenzhen, she’d assumed it was just some nouveau riche. She never dreamed Gu Xixi’s in-laws would be this wealthy!

Grandma Gu suddenly grabbed Gu Xixi’s hand, her face wreathed in an unnervingly benevolent smile. "Yes, yes! Our Xixi is blessed too! Grandma had no idea you’d met such a wealthy boyfriend! You naughty girl, having a boyfriend out there and not telling your grandma, surprising me like this!"

Gu Xixi and her mother, who moments ago had been invisible targets for beatings, were instantly transformed into Grandma Gu’s most cherished daughter-in-law and granddaughter.

Gu Zhenzhen stood nearby, dripping with sour grapes. "Hmph! So what if he’s rich? What rich, handsome man would ever look at Gu Xixi? Ha! The only ones willing to marry you are probably old, ugly, short, and utterly repulsive bald uncles!"

Before Gu Zhenzhen could finish her spiteful remark, the driver of the leading Rolls-Royce stepped out. Dressed impeccably and radiating an air of competence, he respectfully opened the rear door.

If the driver looked this distinguished, what about the person inside?

The next moment, a long, impeccably tailored leg emerged into view.

Then, a face appeared – devilishly handsome, sculpted, and breathtakingly charismatic.

Yin Sichen stepped out of the car. The moment he lifted his gaze, a collective gasp swept through the crowd.

An aura of unparalleled nobility, an innate sense of regal authority emanating from his very bones, instantly silenced and awed everyone present.

Gu Xixi already knew how stunning Yin Sichen was, but it was no wonder everyone in the village stood frozen, dumbstruck.

Gu Zhenzhen’s face was a mask of shock and envy. "No! Impossible!" she stammered.

Gu Xixi’s mother was also stunned.

This man seemed to embody everything anyone could possibly desire: beauty, physique, vitality, immense wealth, power, and status.

Yin Sichen reached back into the car and assisted Madam Yin out. Together, they walked towards Grandma Gu. Behind them followed dozens of servants, each carrying an exquisite box.

Grandma Gu was completely flabbergasted. This spectacle was beyond anything she, or indeed anyone in the entire village, had ever witnessed!

Madam Yin’s sharp eyes had already taken in Gu Xixi. She noted how everyone else in the family was dressed smartly, while Gu Xixi and her mother wore the oldest clothes, their sleeves still rolled up, clearly fresh from manual labor.

A slight frown creased Madam Yin’s brow, but it smoothed away instantly. As she walked, she addressed Grandma Gu with a gracious smile, "Dear relative, I’ve brought my grandson today to formally propose marriage. We’ve brought some small gifts; I hope you won’t find them beneath you."

Yin Sichen greeted her politely. "Hello, Grandmother."

At his signal, the servants behind them opened their boxes, revealing the contents to Grandma Gu.

When Grandma Gu saw the boxes filled with ginseng, deer antler, sea cucumbers, and other precious tonics, and even a tea set crafted from pure gold, her eyes nearly popped out of her head.

Gu Zhenzhen’s prospective mother-in-law also stared, slack-jawed!

These items were worth tens of thousands of yuan each!

Compared to their paltry thirty thousand, just these tonics alone were worth hundreds of thousands!

The faces of Gu Zhenzhen’s in-laws, who had been flaunting their Santana 2000 and thirty thousand bride price mere moments ago, turned completely green.

Their car and bride price combined couldn’t even buy one emblem from these vehicles!

Grandma Gu’s mouth hung open for a long moment before she finally regained her composure. "Please, please come inside, Madam! Young Master!" she urged, ushering Madam Yin and Yin Sichen into the house.

Gu Xixi shot a puzzled glance at Yin Sichen. As he passed her, he reached out, his fingers gently closing around hers. He interlaced their fingers tightly, pulling her along beside him as they walked inside.

Gu Xixi stiffened, instinctively wanting to pull away from his closeness.

"Even if it's an act, make it convincing," Yin Sichen murmured, his voice low. "Considering how thoroughly I've bolstered your face today, don't let anyone see through it."

"Oh..." Gu Xixi murmured, realization dawning. She allowed him to lead her into the house, hand in hand.

Seeing Gu Xixi comply so readily, a flicker of amusement passed through Yin Sichen's eyes.

It was the first time the two had appeared before others in such an intimate pose. Gu Xixi felt distinctly awkward.

Yet, every time she tried to subtly withdraw her fingers, Yin Sichen would tighten his grip.

His fingers were smooth and strong – the kind many women would admire. But at this moment, Gu Xixi found no pleasure in the contact.

The situation had spiraled far beyond her control. She couldn't predict what outrageous demands her greedy grandmother might make now.