Flash Marriage

Chapter 18: Lin Xiaoya Returns

As Yin Sichen’s words hung in the air, a profound sadness instantly clouded Gu Xixi’s eyes.

Yes, the significance of that photo lay entirely with its photographer—Zhao Zegang…

But everything was irreparably broken now.

Yin Sichen’s sharp gaze, lowered slightly, captured every nuance of the desolation in her eyes. For reasons he couldn't grasp, an unfamiliar pang of something stirred within him.

Madam Yin and Grandmother Gu swiftly settled on the wedding date. Given the rushed preparations, both families agreed against a grand ceremony. Instead, it would be a simple gathering of both families for a meal, followed by a small, private ceremony in a church.

Grandmother Gu couldn't care less about the scale of the wedding. Her sole focus was getting Gu Xixi married into the Yin family as quickly as possible, ensuring the baby was born, and securing that enormous bride price.

Under the arrangements of both families, the wedding was promptly scheduled.

True to its reputation, the Yin family’s wealth ensured everything was available instantly.

Despite the haste, the necessary formalities and grandeur were meticulously observed.

Gu Xixi took a deep, steadying breath. Dressed in an exquisite wedding gown, she sat alone in the church's dressing room.

The spacious room felt cavernous with only her presence.

She stared blankly at her reflection in the mirror. The face looking back was unfamiliar. Beneath the flawless makeup and adorned with tens of millions worth of jewels, was she still the same person?

Today, she would formally marry Yin Sichen, officially severing all ties to her past.

An inexplicable sense of unease churned within her, a premonition that something significant was about to happen.

In another dressing room, Yin Sichen stood before a mirror, adjusting his tie.

Today, Yin Sichen’s beauty was so arresting that even his male stylist found it hard to look away.

Assistant A entered swiftly. "President, Miss Dina has suddenly returned to the country. She's heading towards the church now. It appears deliberate."

"Finally deigns to return, does she?" Yin Sichen's lips curved into a sardonic smile. "She left without a word, then had the audacity to send me a 'gift'. Gifts given to Yin Sichen are not returned." He had once thought Dina was different. Now, she seemed no different from the rest.

"Then... should we intercept her?" Assistant A pressed. "Miss Dina did not receive an invitation."

"No. Let her come," Yin Sichen replied coolly, straightening his jacket. "It seems it's time to settle some things. Dragging it out serves no purpose." He turned to face his assistant. "Issue the order. It's time for that person to appear."

"Yes, President." Assistant A bowed and retreated immediately.

Dina stood outside the church, surveying the scene of refined opulence before her. A wave of bitter resentment washed over her: All of this should have been mine!

She had only intended Gu Xixi's first night as a gift for Yin Sichen. She never meant to hand Gu Xixi over to him entirely!

How could he marry Gu Xixi?

No! Absolutely not! Yin Sichen was her man! She, Dina, was the one who discarded men, never the one discarded!

Dina considered confronting Yin Sichen directly, but he was notoriously inaccessible. Without his permission, no one could get near him.

Instead of wasting effort trying to reach him, it would be far more effective to make Gu Xixi leave of her own accord!

Decision made, Dina turned sharply and strode purposefully towards the bride's dressing room.

Knock, knock, knock—

Someone entered without waiting for a response.

Gu Xixi turned around, her eyes widening in utter disbelief.

Standing before her was perhaps the last person she ever expected to see—Lin Xiaoya.

Towering at over 178cm, Lin Xiaoya had an imposing physical advantage. She covered the distance to Gu Xixi in a few strides. Before Gu Xixi could utter a word, Lin Xiaoya raised her hand and delivered a stinging, resounding slap!

Crack!

The sound was sharp and brutal. The speed was so fast Gu Xixi had no time to react.

Staggering from the blow, Gu Xixi nearly crashed onto the vanity table. Only by grabbing the chair armrest at the last second did she prevent her stomach from slamming into the hard edge.

Gu Xixi looked up, catching Lin Xiaoya’s vicious expression in the mirror. A shiver ran down her spine.

How is Lin Xiaoya here?

Before Gu Xixi could speak, Lin Xiaoya pointed an accusing finger, her face contorted with rage: "Gu Xixi! How could you abandon Zhao Zegang and marry Yin Sichen?! Where is your conscience?! Eaten by dogs?! How dare you marry Yin Sichen?! He is my boyfriend! You're marrying my boyfriend!"

Lin Xiaoya’s shrill voice pierced Gu Xixi’s eardrums, causing physical pain.

Finally snapping out of her shock, Gu Xixi whirled around to face Lin Xiaoya, suppressing the tremors running through her body. "Xiaoya! You're back just in time! I was going to ask you—why wasn't Zhao Zegang in Room 1216 at the Hilton?! Why was it Yin Sichen?! Where is Zegang?!"

Lin Xiaoya froze, momentarily stunned by the direct question. Her eyes darted quickly before she spat back, "How should I know you ended up in my boyfriend's room?! I clearly gave you the key card for Room 1210! You're the one who schemed to take my key card for Yin Sichen! Why would I ever give you my boyfriend's key card?! Gu Xixi, search your conscience! After all these years of how I treated you! How could you do this to me?!"