Chapter Eighteen: How Could I Be Without You!

As soon as Xia Yuan entered, he drew the attention of everyone present. Behind him followed a group of people dressed in matching, exquisite uniforms, exuding an air of sophistication and authority.

“I recognize those uniforms—they’re from the Jade Pavilion of the Xia family!”
“And they’re all high-level elites!”
Those with discernment immediately exclaimed.

Every individual accompanying Xia Yuan was an important figure who had attended international conferences. Yet now, they appeared here together with him. Such a display was unprecedented in Jiang City—there was hardly anyone who could match it.

Zhao Jiacheng, who had been making toasts to guests at various tables, was struck by a mix of surprise and delight. He hurriedly set down his wine glass, ignoring Jiang Zheng by his side, and strode quickly over to Xia Yuan.

“Master Xia, what brings you here?”
All the members of the Zhao family abandoned their seats and rushed over, worried they might miss the opportunity to associate themselves with Xia Yuan. Even the usually composed Uncle Zhao Guoli seemed uneasy, unable to mask his nervousness in front of this young prodigy.

It wasn’t that they hadn’t invited the Xia family to the wedding banquet.
The truth was, the entire Zhao family put together was simply not qualified.
A newly wealthy Zhao family, with assets just over ten million, was no more than a speck of dust before the world-renowned Xia family.
On ordinary days, they wouldn’t even register in the Xia family’s eyes.

So, it was no wonder the Zhao family was so agitated upon seeing Xia Yuan.

“Master Xia, you are truly a remarkable young man—we’ve long admired your reputation!”
“Your presence at our humble banquet brings glory and honor to the Zhao family!”

The Zhaos rushed to flatter him.

Xia Yuan gently waved his hand and replied with a smile, “I’m here today simply to offer my best wishes to the newlyweds.”

He nodded to Zhao Jiacheng.
“I must say, I envy you greatly. To win the hand of such a lovely lady—perhaps this marriage will lift the Zhao family to new heights, perhaps even among the city’s elite.”

“We are grateful for your kind words, truly grateful,” the Zhao family members replied, grinning so broadly their eyes nearly disappeared.
This was recognition from the Xia family, something countless prominent families could only dream of.

Only Zhang Man, standing aside, felt uneasy and corrected him cautiously, “That’s a bit of an exaggeration. Perhaps you don’t know, Master Xia, but this girl is the one who sought out Zhao Jiacheng, not the other way around. Her family is just working-class, with not even a million in assets. How could she possibly help the Zhao family rise so high?”

Xia Yuan raised his brows, his gaze meaningful. “Is that so?”

Hearing this, Zhao Jiacheng’s mood turned restless, anxiety gnawing at him. He inwardly cursed his aunt for her tactlessness.

A dozen days ago, when Zhao Jiacheng went to the Jiang family to arrange the engagement, he had gone alone, accompanied only by a few classmates and friends.
After witnessing Qin Mu’s prowess, the experience lingered in his mind.
He’d asked Jiang Zheng about it, but she always refused to discuss Qin Mu. Perhaps there was some irreconcilable conflict between them, and they might never speak again.

To avoid any complications at the wedding, Zhao Jiacheng hadn’t told his family that Jiang Zheng had a brother who might be of considerable status and influence.

“Is it time for the nuptial wine?” Jiang Zheng dared not raise her voice, so she quietly lifted the hem of her wedding dress and slowly walked to stand behind Zhao Jiacheng, speaking humbly.

But her words only fueled Zhao Jiacheng’s anger.

“What’s gotten into you today?”
“Nuptial wine can be drunk at any time—why now, of all moments?”
“When I was talking to my old classmates, you interrupted. Now I’m speaking with Master Xia, and you still have no sense of timing.”
“Go sit aside for now. Whatever you want to say can wait.”

He vented all his frustration on Jiang Zheng. If he didn’t discipline her now, she might one day exploit her brother Qin Mu’s influence to suppress him.
Besides, at this moment, cultivating a rapport with the Xia family was paramount.
Even the slightest favor from them could propel the Zhao family to greater fortune.

“Master Xia, my wife comes from humble beginnings and is unaccustomed to grand occasions. Please don’t take offense.”
“Now, where were we?”

Having reprimanded Jiang Zheng, Zhao Jiacheng turned back, forcing a smile.

The other Zhao family members nodded approvingly. Over the years, Zhao Jiacheng had been groomed well; even facing someone of Xia Yuan’s standing, he maintained his composure, neither servile nor overbearing.

However, at this display of sincerity, Xia Yuan’s smile vanished, and he replied coldly, “There’s nothing more to discuss.”

“How could that be? If possible, we’d still hope to share a meal with you, Master Xia, to become friends,” Zhao Jiacheng blurted, panic rising as he couldn’t fathom why Xia Yuan had suddenly turned cold.

Xia Yuan ignored him, snorted in disdain, and unceremoniously pushed past the Zhao family.

“I am here on official business this time.”

The Zhao family stared in confusion. Hadn’t he just said he was here to congratulate the newlyweds?
It was only now, in a belated realization, that they understood—why would the illustrious Xia family congratulate the likes of them?
In terms of wealth or status, the Zhao family was worlds apart from the Xias.

Xia Yuan strode forward to a corner table, where Jiang Zheng sat alone, out of place among the guests. Under everyone’s gaze, he bowed slightly.

“Miss Jiang, as the Executive Director of the Jade Pavilion, it is my honor to attend your wedding. On behalf of all our staff, I offer you our sincerest congratulations and wish you a blissful marriage.”

“Th-thank you,” Jiang Zheng stammered, momentarily stunned. She had been feeling down, but upon hearing Xia Yuan’s words, she hurriedly rose to express her gratitude, still unsure what was happening.

“Congratulations on your marriage, Miss Jiang!”
The elite members of the Jade Pavilion echoed in unison. Each then produced a gift they had prepared, setting them one after another on Jiang Zheng’s table.

Instantly—
Each gift drew gasps from the crowd.
Every item was exquisitely crafted, luxurious jewelry and ornaments that couldn’t be purchased even with wealth at the Jade Pavilion!

Many of the women present bit their lips in envy, wishing their own partners could be so considerate.

The Zhao family was utterly dumbstruck. The gifts from the Jade Pavilion nearly filled the entire table, overshadowing those from every other guest.

They had always prided themselves on being worldly, but had never seen such a grand spectacle.

“This is too generous—I can’t accept these,” Jiang Zheng protested, waving her hands. She might not know the exact value of each piece, but she could tell they were all extravagantly expensive, far beyond what she could accept.

“No, these are just small tokens from me as a friend. You must accept them, Miss Jiang. The real gift is yet to come.”

At the mention of certain words, Jiang Zheng froze.
But before she could inquire, Xia Yuan continued:

“At the request of my dear friend, Mr. Qin, I present to you the Heart of the Ocean as a wedding gift, symbolizing our blessings.”

A collective gasp erupted—everyone stood up, questioning their own ears.

Then, Xia Yuan handed the elegantly wrapped Heart of the Ocean to Jiang Zheng.

The entire room was shaken to its core!

The Heart of the Ocean, which the Jade Pavilion had recently announced as being specially gifted, now appeared here!

“It’s really the Heart of the Ocean!”
“That ten-billion-dollar Heart of the Ocean! Wasn’t it supposed to be presented to someone else? How did Jiang Zheng receive it?”
“My God! Who could have sent it?!”

The appearance of the Heart of the Ocean instantly ignited the crowd.
The whole hall was abuzz with heated discussion.

But regardless of how noisy the scene, none of it had anything to do with Jiang Zheng at that moment.

All that echoed in her mind was Xia Yuan’s statement:
At the request of my dear friend, Mr. Qin.

Qin…

Qin Mu!

Jiang Zheng could no longer contain herself. Instantly, tears streamed down her face—she was speechless, yet her eyes brimmed with joy and excitement.

The figure in that photograph—it was him!
He had been selecting a wedding gift for her!
That boy who had always protected her, right from the start, had never once forgotten her.

“My brother… why didn’t he come?” Jiang Zheng wiped the tears from her eyes and asked softly.

Xia Yuan shook his head helplessly. He had spoken to Qin Mu, but Qin Mu had only worn a troubled expression, thought for a long time, and finally shook his head and refused.

“That’s something you may need to ask him yourself,” Xia Yuan suggested gently.

Jiang Zheng smiled, her heart full, and nodded deeply.

The most important person in my life, the one who cherishes me most—
On my wedding day,
How could you not be here?