First, then, love.

Xishan Fenglin is no ordinary garden hotel.

It is a top-tier private club with a very strong background in the city, built on a hillside.

It is surrounded by century-old maple trees and is not open to the public. It only receives a select group of people.

"We've booked the entire place; not even birds can get in," Shen Minghua said domineeringly. "There's an island in the middle of the lake over there, with a completely glass water stage built on it, surrounded by Ecuadorian white roses—elegant and sophisticated."

Lin Shufen, who was listening nearby, kept swallowing hard.

"Minghua, how much does it cost per table if you book the whole place?" Lin Shufen couldn't help but ask.

Shen Minghua smiled, his tone as relaxed as if he were discussing the price of a bowl of wontons.

"The dishes are set at a standard of 100,000 per table, and the drinks are paid separately. We have invited a Michelin three-star French team to fly over and cook, a fusion of Chinese and Western styles."

One hundred thousand per table.

Twenty tables would cost two million.

This only includes the meal, not the drinks, venue, and decorations.

Lin Shufen gasped, covering her mouth tightly to keep from making a sound.

Two million for a meal.

This was still considered a "low-key family dinner".

If you don't keep a low profile...

The He family is capable of causing chaos and upheaval.

"You don't need to worry about the money, I'll take care of it all." Shen Minghua waved his hand grandly. "Find the number one wedding planning team in the country. I'll have them produce the design drawings tomorrow and send them to Yao Yao for review. If she's not satisfied, we'll redo it until she is."

Shu Yao nodded. "Thank you, Mom."

That thank you.

She spoke from the heart.

Shen Minghua was genuinely showering her with money and truly listened to her advice.

This seemingly mismatched marriage between wealthy families was cleverly resolved.

This avoided political risks.

It satisfied the old Qian family's sense of history and pride.

This accommodated Shu Jianguo's pride and integrity.

It also gave Shuyao the ultimate enjoyment and comfort.

All parties were satisfied, and everyone was happy.

"The venue and specifications are set; now let's talk about the timing." Mr. He tapped the table.

"This matter needs careful preparation; slow and steady wins the race." Father He looked at He Zheng, "What's your opinion?"

He Zheng was casually picking at a piece of watermelon in the fruit plate with a toothpick in hand.

When his name was called, he looked up.

His gaze swept over Shu Yao's suit jacket, which was tightly wrapped around her body.

"Next spring, around March or April," he said, his voice steady and decisive.

"Why so late? Can't it be at the end of the year?" Lin Shufen asked anxiously.

I finally managed to snag a rich and handsome husband.

Long nights bring many dreams.

She couldn't wait to have the wedding tomorrow.

He Zheng put down the toothpick in his hand and wiped his hands with a tissue.

"It's too cold at the end of the year, let's do an outdoor event in winter." He glanced at Shu Yao.

His tone carried a self-righteous disdain.

"She's sensitive to the cold; she gets goosebumps as soon as the wind blows. If she wears a backless wedding dress and stands on the platform in the cold, she'll get sick, and I'll have to take care of her all day, making her drink ginger soup and give her cold medicine. It's such a hassle."

This is a completely straight man's statement.

They have no sense of romance whatsoever, and they've mistaken thoughtfulness for being afraid of trouble.

Shu Yao was so angry that her teeth itched, and she pinched his thigh hard again under the table.

He Zheng frowned slightly, his muscles tensed instantly, becoming as hard as iron, impossible to squeeze.

He reached under the table and grabbed her misbehaving hand.

His warm palms enveloped her icy fingers, pressing them firmly against his thighs to prevent her from moving.

On the surface, he remained calm and continued speaking to the elders.

"Next spring, when the weather is warm and the grass is green, it will be perfect for an outdoor event. Custom-made wedding dresses also take time, about six months."

Upon hearing this, Shen Minghua felt it made sense.

"Yes, Lao He, our son is right this time. Haute couture from Paris takes a long time to arrive; it won't be ready for at least six months. Let's set it for next spring, and pick a good date in March."

Mr. He nodded in agreement.

"Okay, let's go with this schedule. What do you guys think, Lao Shu?"

Shu Jianguo, feeling the effects of the alcohol, leaned back in his chair and waved his hands repeatedly.

"We have no objection to what your in-laws say; we'll follow your arrangements."

The matter has been settled.

The atmosphere in the private room completely relaxed.

Shen Minghua picked up his teacup.

"Come, let's have a family gathering and drink tea instead of wine. Wishing the two children a smooth wedding and a happy and fulfilling marriage."

Everyone raised their glasses.

The six porcelain cups clinked together in mid-air, producing a crisp and melodious tinkling sound.

Shu Yao held the cup in one hand, while He Zheng held her other hand firmly on his leg.

She took a sip of tea, the warm tea flowing down her throat and into her stomach, feeling comforting and cozy.

She put down her teacup and glanced at the people at the table out of the corner of her eye.

Shu Jianguo's eyes were blurry with drunkenness, but a long-lost smile graced his face.

He spent his entire life being extremely cautious in officialdom.

This meal today.

The He family gave him the respect due to a scholar, and he could finally hold his head high.

Lin Shufen and Shen Minghua were huddled together, researching which brand of skincare products had the best anti-wrinkle effect. The two had become best friends who felt like they had known each other for a long time.

There was no pressure from wealthy families, no mother-in-law/daughter-in-law conflicts, and no dramatic checks thrown in your face.

All we have is the most straightforward mutual respect.

Shu Yao turned her gaze and it landed on He Zheng beside her.

He was looking down as he took the empty teacup in front of her and filled it with hot water from the kettle.

The movements were natural and practiced, as if they had done them hundreds or thousands of times.

Under the table.

He held her hand tightly, his large hand never letting go.

The man's body heat flowed through their intertwined skin, sending shivers down her spine.

Shu Yao suddenly felt...

What Qiaoqiao said before was actually wrong.

This is more than just a simple marriage of convenience, a marriage where the spouse is essentially a deadbeat.

What the He family offered was far more valuable than money; it was genuine protection and respect.

She made a risky decision in exchange for a very secure rear area.

Interests and feelings were perfectly balanced.