Chapter 33: The wedding anniversary (3)

Liu Jinhai and Huian stood at the podium.

All the guests greeted them with loud claps.

He then took the mike. Everybody became silent.

“Thank you all for making it to our celebration tonight. I would like to dedicate a few words to my wife.”

He faced her and said, “Today is a very special day for us. It’s been two years and it may not be such a long time but every moment we shared will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for chasing after the stubborn me.” He smiled and caressed her cheek.

Huian had tears of joy. She took the mike from him and said, “Jinhai, you are the whole world to me. I promise I will work hard to become the best wife just like how you are the best husband to me and celebrate with you for many more years to come till our hair greys out.”

Everyone gave a loud cheer.

“Wow. What a sweet couple they are!”

“When will I find my Mr. Handsome?”

Nana just looked at them.

Jinhai then said, “Alright everybody.” Everybody became silent once again.

He held out his hand and asked, “May I have the honor to dance with my wife?”

She took his hand and smiled, “Sure husband.”

They got to the center and a romantic song started playing in the background.

They matched each other’s steps perfectly in sync and danced beautifully.

All the single girls envied them.

After the first dance of the couple was over, everybody else took the cue.

All the men came onto the stage to dance with their female companions.

Many came to ask Suyin for a dance. But she rejected it. She wanted Jianyu to ask her for a dance. She knew it was difficult, given the circumstances. But there were so many high profile guests who knew about their relationship. And they didn’t know about their breakup.

There were rumors and whispers about their possible break up, but since Chen family had tightly lipped all the news sources, they could only give up their theories.

So she thought that in view of all the guests still considering them as a couple, Jianyu would have to ask her out as a boyfriend.

Madam Tang said, “I’m sure Jianyu would definitely come to ask you. Your break up was never publicized. And you take that chance to get closer to him and clear up all your differences. Okay?”

“Yes, mom.”

So she eagerly waited.

—

Mother Chen waited for Chen Jianyu to take the cue as well. But he just stood there like an idiot.

She was exasperated. When will he learn?

She then took the matter in her own hands. “Jianyu, Nana, why don’t you both to go for a dance?”

They widened their eyes.

“Mom!”

“Sorry, Aunt Chen. I don’t know how to dance.”, Nana quickly said.

“Oh, it’s actually very easy. Jianyu will teach you. Don’t worry.” She signaled him with her eyes.

He signaled back. Mom. Leave us alone okay? Why don’t you dance with the old man? See, you are not giving him the chance to ask you out. Just look at how lonely he is standing over there. Focus on him.

You don’t tell me what and what not to focus on young man. You go and dance with her. I will handle my husband. She glared.

Nana broke them from their silent mind to mind talk.

“Aunt I’m not even dressed properly. How can I go?”, she tried to give another excuse.

“Nobody will dare to talk when you are with Jianyu.”

After her relentless persistence, Jianyu had to give up.

He held out his hand and said, “May I have the honor?”

Nana was really really nervous. She had never danced in a public event. What if she embarrasses herself or even worse, Chen Jianyu?

“Don’t worry. Just follow my lead, okay?”

“O-okay.” She took his hand and went with him.

—

Suyin was dumbfounded.

W-what? Did he ask HER?

Madam Tang whispered angrily, “What’s happening? Who is that girl? How dare she dance with him? And she hasn’t even worn a proper dress! She cannot be from our class.”

Suyin clenched her fists.

Mo Ya interrupted, “Suyin, she is the same girl we saw with Chen Jianyu that day. Outside the hotel. Do you remember? Have they gotten so close already?”

“Girl? Which girl? Do you know her? When did this happen?”, Madam Tang asked in a panic.

Suyin gritted her teeth. She glared at Nana.

“Calm down mom. We cannot do anything now. But the guests will. Just wait.”

She realized that everyone will start questioning her presence. Moreover, she was not even dressed properly. People will know that she does not have any influential background. Only someone who is trying to climb up the ladder.

She smirked.

—

As soon as they got on stage, everybody looked at Jianyu’s partner. And were stunned.

“Hey! Who is that girl?”

“She is…so beautiful!”

“Why is she with Chen Jianyu? Wait, isn’t he with Tang Suyin?”

“So, the rumors were true! They have broken up. That’s such big news!”

“She looks so good even with those plain clothes.”

All the men who had come with their dates also couldn’t believe their eyes. That Chen Jianyu. He is such a lucky man!