C7 What Is Happiness?

A girl's sweet voice, tinged with a hint of coquettishness, reached her ears, and Ning Jingshu's face instantly lit up with joy.

She gazed at the pure and charming Fu Jianing, smiling as she took her hand. "Jianing, you're here today as well."

"Of course, it's Mr. Qingli's wedding day. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Jianing's face radiated a mix of innocence and sophistication as she subtly steered the conversation toward Fu Yunyi. "By the way, where's my sister?"

Ning Jingshu was already somewhat irritated, and the mention of Fu Yunyi only added to her annoyance.

"Who knows where that undisciplined girl has run off to? It's usually not a big deal, but today of all days—Mr. Qingli's wedding—she's causing a delay!"

Ning Jingshu vented her frustration before sighing with a hint of regret, "It's just a shame that it's not you marrying into the Shen family. You're so well-behaved and adorable!"

Despite being blood-related sisters, Jianing stood out with her beauty and grace.

In contrast, Fu Yunyi had nothing but a seductive look, lacking the poise expected of a young lady.

The thought of such a woman joining her family gave Ning Jingshu a headache, and she furrowed her brows in dismay.

Overhearing Mrs. Shen's compliments, Fu Jianing concealed her delight and playfully suggested, "If Auntie doesn't find me too boisterous, she could consider me her goddaughter. I would love to keep you company often!"

"That would be absolutely wonderful..."

With a discreet smile, Jianing watched the happiness spread across Ning Jingshu's face, feeling a surge of triumph.

So what if she married Mr. Qingli? Fu Yunyi, aren't you still unpopular?

As long as she could win over Auntie, who would become Mrs. Shen in the future was entirely up to her.

In the midst of their conversation, two figures in pure white burst through the door, their hands intertwined, looking like a perfect match.

Jianing's radiant face immediately fell.

Fu Guoyi called out urgently to the master of ceremonies, "The bride and groom have arrived. Let's start the ceremony now!"

Despite her reluctance to welcome the new bride, Ning Jingshu composed herself, tidied her hair, and went to assist the patriarch to his seat in the VIP section.

After adjusting the layers of her gown, Fu Yunyi exhaled deeply and stood at the end of the aisle on the red carpet.

Her crystal high heels crunched softly on the carpet strewn with rose petals, releasing a sweet fragrance into the air.

Suddenly, the solemn and touching wedding march began to play from the piano, enveloping the entire venue.

Following the steps rehearsed earlier, she gently linked her arm with her father's, feeling none of the usual bride's reluctance or bitterness. Instead, she felt a sense of relief at the prospect of leaving her family home.

"Our beautiful bride and her father now stand together at the end of the red carpet. After this journey, lovers will be united in matrimony."

The emcee's voice resonated in her ears as Fu Yunyi lifted her gaze to the tall, lean figure of the man opposite her. Her face flickered with a moment of bewilderment.

Lovers united in matrimony?

She gazed at Shen Qingli, whose handsome features were tinged with a slight, mischievous smile. Could she still find happiness in this life?

Perhaps her happiness had already been sacrificed by her father in this arranged marriage.

The media held their breath, cameras quietly capturing the moment as Fu Yunyi, arm in arm with her father, gracefully walked toward Shen Qingli.

In the audience, Fu Jianing gripped her dress, her eyes burning with resentment as she glared at the bride.

Old Master Shen, on the other hand, was brimming with satisfaction, his aged face creased into a tender smile.

Amidst the mix of envious, displeased, and congratulatory gazes from the crowd, Fu Guoyi led his daughter to the groom and personally placed Fu Yunyi's hand in Shen Qingli's.

"Qingli, I entrust my daughter to you at this moment. Please... take good care of her."

With a defiant grin, Shen Qingli took her hand and retorted with a cold laugh, "Rest assured, I will treat her far better than you ever did, Father."

Confused by the man's sudden animosity, Fu Guoyi withdrew his hand awkwardly.

The emcee, with a smile, continued, "Now, we invite the groom and bride to exchange their wedding rings."

The maid of honor presented them with two velvet boxes. Inside, two matching wedding bands lay quietly.

Fu Yunyi glanced down at the rings. Their design was simple and tasteful, yet they failed to win her heart.

"Once you wear this, you will officially be Mrs. Shen," Shen Qingli said as he picked up the ring, his beautiful eyes narrowing slightly. "From this day forward, both your heart and your soul will be bound to me."

Fu Yunyi initially thought the man was joking, but she hadn't anticipated that from the moment he spoke those words, she would truly find herself unable to break free from his hold.

"Whatever."

Her marital fate wasn't hers to control, so what was the point in contemplating a future?

She watched silently as Shen Qingli lifted her hand, the wedding ring sliding methodically onto her delicate ring finger.

Suddenly remembering something, Fu Yunyi whispered a caution, "If we're supposed to kiss later, just pretend, okay? Don't actually kiss me."

"Don't worry, my wife."