Chapter Seventeen: The Super Wedding (1)

Prodigal Son Without Barriers
Chapter Seventeen: The Grand Wedding (1)

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In fact, Xu Guowei had been pondering this matter. Though he was responsible for many things and his position was not insignificant, when compared to the chief steward of the Xiao family, it was simply not on the same level. The chief steward held an extremely high status within the Xiao family, and even the descendants of the family treated him with the utmost respect reserved for elders.

Now, as Xiao Tianci was to be married, such affairs fell squarely within the chief steward’s jurisdiction: he took the lead, while others awaited his arrangements. Yet, before the arrival of the young and beautiful chief steward Lin Jian, Xu Guowei harbored some resistance in his heart.

Thus, prior to Lin Jian’s arrival, Xu Guowei began to manage certain aspects of the wedding, and much had already been accomplished. Xiao Tianci was thoroughly satisfied, and Xu Guowei himself felt he had done admirably. Xiao Tianci was, of course, unaware of these inner workings, but as soon as Lin Jian stepped off the plane and Xu Guowei went to receive him, after hearing the situation, Lin Jian immediately formed a clear understanding in his mind.

At first, Xu Guowei was worried, but upon meeting Lin Jian, much of that anxiety melted away. It is often said that appearances deceive, and Lin Jian’s appearance could easily lead to misunderstandings. Few could associate him with his father, who had followed Xiao Lin for decades, braving life and death, navigating family strife and business wars, respected and dignified.

Indeed, after clasping Lin Jian’s hand and walking him in, Xu Guowei even thought to himself that Lin Jian might be better suited as an idol, entertaining the new family head, which would mean Xu Guowei himself would have to bear more burdens.

But with just a few words, Lin Jian snapped him back to reality; Xu Guowei realized that changes in position were not as easy as he had imagined. Standing there for a moment, shaking his head and chuckling wryly, Xu Guowei muttered, “Well, well, well...”

Though they occupied an entire floor of a high-end office building, the arrival of the Xiao family nearly filled it to capacity, and many had yet to arrive; otherwise, space would have been completely insufficient.

Outside, people bustled back and forth, busy yet orderly. The hallways and stairways leading to this floor, as well as the elevators, had all been sealed off.

As soon as the chief steward arrived, a team immediately took over the building’s security; none of the elevators were permitted to stop on Xiao Tianci’s floor unless specially controlled from the operations room.

Personnel for living arrangements and medical care followed, but unlike the usual chaos, these professionals were well-prepared, appearing only when needed, invisible otherwise.

Within a few hours, Xu Guowei felt as though he had returned to the days when Xiao Lin and Lin Jian’s father were present. Only now did he realize the true extent of the chief steward’s influence and power—far greater than he had ever imagined. He had never dared to think of it, but today he finally witnessed it firsthand.

With Lin Jian’s arrival, Xu Guowei worried that his previous actions might have made him seem like a challenger for authority. Yet, as he continued to interact with Lin Jian, the chief steward made no further remarks or moves. In fact, most of Xu Guowei’s suggestions and methods were acknowledged and approved.

Lin Jian immediately began high-level communications, and the invitation cards were sent out. Although it was known the Xiao family head was in S City, few expected the sole heir’s first act after inheriting the estate would be to marry.

Moreover, contrary to the Xiao family’s previous style, this wedding was to be a grand event, leaving their contacts bewildered and prompting a full-scale mobilization. Though “grand” was relative—mainly within their circle—the sudden influx of dignitaries, tycoons, kings, princes, and princesses from numerous countries required an explanation.

For these guests, it was simple: Mei Hua publicly announced a major economic summit in S City, inviting various prominent figures.

With this official reason, everything became easier: S City shifted into high alert, with soldiers posing as police and militia appearing on the streets, areas alternately opened or sealed off depending on the occasion. Roads were often closed due to the arrival of foreign dignitaries or other important persons.

Meanwhile, unaware media and commentators began discussing the anticipated impact of this unprecedented summit on S City’s economy, on the nation, and even on the world. Under the momentum of this summit, economic forecasts abounded.

A few obscure domestic and international media outlets questioned this sudden summit, offering analysis and comparisons, but their reports soon vanished without a trace. This was hardly surprising, given the era of information overload; the disappearance of a handful of minor stories was entirely normal.

The outside world’s rapid changes had no effect on two individuals: one was Tian Ni, accompanying her mother in the psychiatric hospital; the other, Xiao Tianci, endlessly signing documents.

Tian Ni’s mother had been transferred to a local hospital, but her condition was violent, so she received special care. Tian Ni stayed by her side daily, feeding her, talking to her though she listened to nothing, sharing her greatest childhood wish—to see her mother.

She recounted happy moments of her own growth to her mother, who was bound to the bed.

Meanwhile, Xiao Tianci’s hand grew numb from signing papers all day; only at night, returning to his residence, would he sit quietly atop the house, gazing at the forest below that his mother had planted, silently reflecting, thinking of how he would tell her that he was to marry, to start a family. As for his father, since he had already passed on, he would let him discuss matters with his mother.