Chapter 4

Chapter 4

The groom's part was reserved for last. After Shen Zihe swiftly distributed red envelopes and made his exit, all eyes turned to the other groomsman present.

Yao Xianqing, like Shen Zihe, had given out all his red envelopes, with the remainder going to You Nan, who was gazing at him with wide-eyed anticipation.

Yao Xianqing subtly sidestepped You Nan's direct gaze, his eyes drifting downward to the cat nestled in his friend's wife's arms.

With a flick of its tail and a lift of its plump little body, You Nan deftly tucked the red envelopes he had just received under the clever kitten, concealing them beneath its belly.

The entire sequence was executed with seamless grace, leaving everyone utterly dumbfounded.

Yao Xianqing was amused by the kitten's antics, a faint smile playing on his lips.

After distributing the red envelopes, he was tasked with performing ten push-ups.

The crowd instinctively parted, creating ample space for his movements.

Yao Xianqing lowered himself, his custom-tailored suit clinging to his form, accentuating the powerful contours of his physique. The muscles in his arms and back rippled, brimming with explosive strength.

His push-ups were executed with flawless precision, each repetition a perfect replica of the last, as if performed by a machine.

Yao Xianqing's features were subtly softened, yet his facial contours remained sharp, with a slight upward tilt to his eyes. He was a distinct contrast to his two friends.

A silent, captivating masculinity permeated the room. Even though his clothes remained impeccably neat, everyone found themselves blushing and their hearts quickening.

The entire room stared intently at him—some with envy, some with admiration, others with a touch of wistfulness. They counted aloud in unison, their voices punctuated by the hushed, excited, and slightly stifled "ahhh" sounds from blushing girls and boys.

After Yao Xianqing completed his ten push-ups and rose, it was Qi Yuwen's turn.

With the wedding's main character now taking center stage, the atmosphere surged to a new crescendo.

Qi Yuwen's challenge was to enumerate ten virtues of his bride.

Without a moment's hesitation, the man blurted out, "She's very beautiful, considerate, diligent, and responsible at work…"

Qi Yuwen rattled off a string of compliments without needing to pause for thought.

While this was a testament to his professional demeanor, the onlookers were unaware. They lavished him with praise, convinced he must adore his wife.

"Look! The groom didn't even need to rehearse—he must have thought about this countless times in his heart to articulate it so effortlessly!"

"When I got married, we had this challenge too, and my husband took ages to think of them all—he even needed hints! How infuriating! Comparing husbands just makes you want to discard yours!"

You Nan gazed directly at the handsome, towering man before him. When those eyes met his, they were incredibly tender.

If he hadn't known the plot, hadn't known this moment was a staged illusion, he might have genuinely believed the other man harbored feelings for him.

Seeing how exquisitely Qi Yuwen performed, with such convincing expressions and natural delivery, it was no wonder that even someone as discerning as Yao Xianqing hadn't initially perceived the man's true intentions.

After Qi Yuwen successfully completed the challenge, the crowd erupted in cheers. "Next! Next!"

The MC held up a small slip of paper. "The groom must now hold the bride and perform squats!"

"Ooh! Excellent!" Everyone was eager for the spectacle.

Qi Yuwen took a step forward and extended his hand to You Nan. Suddenly, You Nan's embrace felt lighter—007, not wanting to impede his performance, had already darted off with their secret stash of money.

You Nan, on his first day in the new department, was about to have "intimate contact" with the male lead. He was utterly stunned.

His lips parted slightly as he carefully drew a breath, striving to suppress his astonished expression.

As a mere extra, this was his first time acting opposite the lead.

You Nan placed his hand in Qi Yuwen's. The other's palm was scorching hot, and You Nan recoiled as if burned, instinctively trying to pull away. But he was unsuccessful.

His hand was held firmly, enveloped by the other's.

This was You Nan's first time being in such close proximity to a man. His face instantly flushed with embarrassment.

Qi Yuwen's affectionate expression remained unwavering, which only made You Nan appear more flustered.

As Qi Yuwen drew closer, bending down to embrace him, You Nan instinctively turned his face away as if fleeing, only to lock eyes with Yao Xianqing, who was observing him from the side.

It was utterly unexpected.

Startled by the other lead, You Nan immediately averted his gaze again.

Lifted into the air, with no escape, he could only press his face against Qi Yuwen's chest, hiding it from the view of others.

The corners of Yao Xianqing's lips still held a faint curve, but a glance into his eyes would reveal not the slightest hint of amusement.

Everyone present could clearly discern You Nan's affection for Qi Yuwen.

If Qi Yuwen had indeed married You Nan—who clearly adored him—solely due to their conversation, it was truly unconscionable.

They hoped Qi Yuwen would treat You Nan well and eventually come to love him as deeply as You Nan loved him.

Qi Yuwen held his wife, whom he did not love.

The warmth of the other's body and the clearly audible breathing near his ear caused his body to stiffen momentarily. Although the man quickly relaxed and regained his composure, his unusual reaction was immediately noticed by You Nan, nestled in his arms.

You Nan understood perfectly.

The male lead must be feeling guilty holding him in front of the male love interest! He must feel sorry for Yao Xianqing!

With the act already in full swing, You Nan gritted his teeth and proactively wrapped his arms around Qi Yuwen's neck, playing the part of a dutiful bride.

Qi Yuwen's arms were remarkably strong. As he squatted, his arms firmly supported You Nan's body, ensuring he wouldn't fall.

"One!"

"Two!"

The surrounding staff began counting excitedly once more.

You Nan was experiencing, for the first time, the "princess carry" typically reserved for the male love interest.

Qi Yuwen's chest was broad, and beneath his suit lay powerful muscles, exuding a strong sense of security.

As he was lifted and lowered, if not for a slight sensation of weightlessness, it was almost indistinguishable from standing on solid ground.

You Nan's ear pressed against Qi Yuwen's suit, listening to his heartbeat.

Thump, thump. Steady and regular. Not a hint of excitement.

You Nan acted intimately with Qi Yuwen, creating a perfect illusion of unrequited love finally realized.

Noticing the photographer's lens pointed at him, he offered a shy smile.

The younger man's eyes curved gently, appearing soft, obedient, gentle, and handsome.

Qi Yuwen's physical prowess left everyone around him in awe. This groom was remarkably strong and fit!

Men typically have heavier builds and weigh more than women.

They had certainly witnessed similar challenges at other weddings—some grooms could only manage four or five repetitions before struggling. But this groom held his male partner steadily in his arms from start to finish.

His hands were firm, his legs didn't waver, and his expression remained composed. Even after finishing, he wasn't out of breath and carefully placed his husband back on the bed.

Qi Yuwen gently set You Nan down, then knelt beside the bed on one knee. He was determined to project an image of utter devotion to his husband in front of everyone today.

The photographer nearby continued to click away tirelessly.

In the lens, this newlywed couple, with their striking looks, refined demeanor, and apparent deep affection, seemed perfectly matched.

After the ceremony, everyone in the room dispersed, leaving only Qi Yuwen and You Nan.

Qi Yuwen adjusted his tie and sat down beside You Nan. His tone softened as he spoke, "You must be tired today."

Qi Yuwen proactively took his hand once more, his eyes—eyes that could look at a dog with profound affection—fixed on You Nan. "My friends are all here. You haven't met them before. Let me take you downstairs to introduce you, and then we'll all go out for dinner when it's time."

You Nan knew no one else there besides Qi Yuwen.

He would follow Qi Yuwen's arrangements in everything, so he nodded in agreement.

You Nan retrieved the casual clothes Qi Yuwen had prepared for him earlier from the wardrobe and put them on.

Qi Yuwen had excellent taste in clothing—the outfit was well-fitted and stylish, accentuating You Nan's slender waist.

You Nan checked himself over, and seeing nothing inappropriate, he finally opened the door.

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