Back To The 80s: President's Doted Wife Chapter 1626 - 1627: Bridesmaid Turncoat

In Guangcheng, it's customary for the bride to be collected before noon, with the wedding banquet scheduled for the evening. When both families reside locally, the bride is brought to the groom's home for a tea ceremony, after which she returns to her parents' residence for a brief visit. Celebrations with friends and relatives commence in the evening.

As the saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Since Ying Xiaoya's wedding is taking place in Guangcheng, the groom's arrival to fetch the bride is timed for close to noon.

Cheng Su, being the adoptive daughter of the Cheng family, was expected to be part of Cheng Yaozu’s contingent for the bride fetching. However, as Ying Xiaoya's closest friend, and now soon-to-be sister-in-law, she was persuaded by Ying Xiaoya's heartfelt pleas to join the wedding procession.

The Ying family home was abuzz with activity, filled with relatives offering their support, friends from Ying Xiaoya's circle, and former classmates, creating a lively atmosphere.

Cheng Su found herself in Ying Xiaoya’s private chambers. A professional makeup artist had already given her a flawless look, and she was now adorned in a stunning white wedding gown.

It being winter, her wedding dress featured a trendy, conservative design with short sleeves. The craftsmanship was impeccable, showcasing embroidered orchids on the skirt, accented with pearls delicately scattered, making for a breathtaking ensemble.

Her makeup perfectly complemented her complexion. Her long hair, elegantly pinned up, was crowned with a pearl headband. Two pearl hairpins secured her chignon, a simple yet graceful touch that lent her an air of dignified elegance, without sacrificing her inherent charm.

At this moment, Ying Xiaoya twisted her hands, her lips frequently met by her teeth—a clear indicator of her apprehension.

"Stop that," Cheng Su gently chided as Ying Xiaoya repeated the nervous habit. "My dear, you've reapplied your lipstick five times already. Bite again, and you'll need another touch-up, not to mention getting lipstick on your teeth."

Ying Xiaoya's cheeks flushed. "Susu, I'm so incredibly nervous."

"Breathe deeply, nice and slow," Cheng Su advised, a smile gracing her lips.

"I…"

"The groom has arrived to collect the bride!"

Just as Ying Xiaoya was about to speak, a shout echoed from outside. Soon after, Tong Li, a bridesmaid of Xiao Ya's and an employee at Joy Soon Loy's branch, entered the room with a beaming smile. "Sisters, let's go out and 'greet' them for the red envelopes! We're the second challenge. Have the shoes been hidden well?"

According to the bride-fetching tradition, the groom must overcome a series of challenges to reach the bride. However, he cannot take her away entirely just yet. The bride is meant to be missing one shoe, which the groom must then find and place on her foot to proceed. Tong Li, ever the playful instigator, danced around with Ying Xiaoya’s red shoe before mischievously tucking it into her bag.

Cheng Su watched the scene unfold, her eyes narrowed in amusement.

She assisted Ying Xiaoya with a final check, ensuring all necessary items were accounted for, ready for departure without any last-minute oversights.

Outside, Cheng Yaozu, fulfilling his role as groom, had navigated five distinct challenges and handed out a generous amount of red envelopes. He even feigned exhaustion, complaining of a headache at Ying Xiaoya’s door, a tactic intended to subtly pressure Xiao Ya. Without hesitation, she opened the door.

Tong Li let out a mock cry of accusation, but she had one more surprise up her sleeve. "You can't leave without finding the bride's shoe! Present a token of good fortune, and I'll reveal its whereabouts."

Cheng Yaozu gestured, and the groomsmen immediately began a thorough search, while Tong Li observed their fruitless efforts with a knowing smile.

A short while later, with the shoe still unfound, Cheng Yaozu lamented the potential delay in reaching the auspicious time and turned his attention to Cheng Su.

Cheng Su offered a smile and subtly glanced towards Tong Li. Cheng Yaozu followed her gaze to Tong Li's bag, quickly retrieved the missing shoe, and placed it on Ying Xiaoya's foot. "Thank you, little sister, for being our inside help," he expressed.

Tong Li and the other bridesmaids feigned outrage, branding Cheng Su a traitor and demanding a hefty sum in red envelopes before they would allow the couple to depart.