Chapter 94 Xiao Shen, Come Up and Perform

Shen Xian did not look up; after all, no one at this table knew anyone else.

But then, the woman beside him stood up, picked up the water kettle, and asked Shen Xian, “Would you like some water?”

Shen Xian finally raised his head and looked at her.

She seemed to be around thirty, her features gentle and serene, her manner soft and graceful as she offered Shen Xian water with the kettle in hand.

“Thank you,” Shen Xian replied politely, standing up and holding out his teacup.

The woman nodded, poured water for Shen Xian, and then turned to the next person. “Would you like some?”

Soon, she had poured a cup of water for everyone at the table, only serving herself last, then quietly sat sipping her tea. Her gaze occasionally drifted to the stage, her expression tranquil.

Many at the table sized her up.

Her hair was coiled up, revealing a slender, graceful neck. She wore light makeup, her features gentle yet exquisitely refined. Her top was a pale white fitted knit pullover, accentuating alluring curves. Below, a long, light-colored skirt and nude heels completed her look, revealing delicate, fair calves.

Suddenly, someone recognized her, stood up, and asked, “Lin Zhiyin, President Lin?”

The woman turned and smiled softly. “That’s me, and you are?”

“Oh, a pleasure to meet you. I’m the Vice President of Jiahe Film & TV. We met once at the previous Internet Summit.” The man stood and handed over his business card.

Shen Xian looked up, studying the woman before him.

So this was Lin Zhixia’s cousin.

The woman who made waves in the world of the internet.

Yet she didn’t seem like a stereotypical “iron lady” at all—her manner was gentle, her courtesy impeccable, her demeanor gracious.

She was nothing like Lin Zhixia.

Lin Zhixia, though not overbearing, always carried an air of superiority in her gaze; her innate pride was impossible to hide. She divided people into clear ranks, labeling everyone. The upper class was people like herself, the middle class were those who had business with her or depended on her favor, and the lower class—well, that was people like Shen Xian.

But Lin Zhiyin was different.

She treated everyone with warmth, her smile sincere.

“President Lin, what an honor!” Except for Shen Xian, the rest all stood to greet Lin Zhiyin, handing her their business cards.

Only Shen Xian remained seated.

Lin Zhiyin didn’t seem to mind. Noticing Shen Xian looking at her, she offered him a gentle smile and nodded.

Shen Xian nodded in return.

Thump, thump, thump.

Festive music filled the hall as the host took the stage.

Even the host was a male anchor from An Province TV, exuding professionalism in a perfectly tailored suit, his voice rich and magnetic: “Distinguished leaders, honored guests, good evening! Today is October 2nd, 2025, the fourteenth day of the eighth lunar month. I am delighted that on this special and beautiful day, we can gather here! A fine match, a perfect couple—their sacred day has come!”

“Let’s offer a warm round of applause to celebrate the newlyweds, Mr. Yao Feiyu and Miss Lü Simin!”

Thunderous applause erupted; everyone joined in.

“Now, let’s welcome the bride and groom to the stage with the warmest applause!”

Brilliant lights illuminated the stage as a young man in an elegant designer Zhongshan suit stepped up. He looked to be about twenty-six or twenty-seven, strikingly handsome, no less than any of today’s popular idols.

This was the eldest son of the Yao family, Yao Feiyu!

Soon after, escorted by a host of bridesmaids, a stunning woman in a white wedding gown glided onto the stage.

She was Lü Simin, heiress to Shengli Precision.

Yao Feiyu took the microphone: “Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend our wedding. Today, we’ll skip the usual proposals, retrospectives, ring exchanges, and parent tributes. We’ll go straight to the witness’s speech, then invite you all to enjoy the performances. Compared to the formalities, I believe everyone’s more interested in the shows or starting the banquet.”

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

Even Shen Xian joined in the applause.

This Yao Feiyu was quite interesting.

So many modern weddings are bogged down by overly sentimental, drawn-out rituals. Guests, starving, can hardly wait for the meal to begin. Most of the time, the MC’s words and the small performances go largely ignored by the audience.

Yao Feiyu understood this, so he streamlined the proceedings, moving straight to the wedding witness and the entertainment.

And the entertainment was no ordinary wedding fare—it was an all-star lineup.

Pop diva Zhou Wan, top singers Liu Ruyun and Chen Feng, veteran singer Liu Sheng, and classic star Yang Zhi, among others.

“Now, please welcome the wedding witness to the stage!” announced the host.

A man in his sixties walked up.

Shen Xian was stunned for a moment.

The wedding witness was none other than the renowned classical scholar, Xu Zijian.

Before his retirement, Xu Zijian had served as professor at leading universities’ classical literature departments, and later as president of a prestigious 211 university.

He was, without question, a top-ranking official.

The Yao family’s clout was evident—they’d invited a genuine dignitary as their wedding witness.

“The Yao family really is powerful, getting Xu Zijian as the witness!”

“Such a high-profile figure rarely makes public appearances!”

“Truly impressive!”

Don’t be fooled by Xu Zijian’s kindly old man persona with Shen Xian; in public, his authoritative presence was undeniable.

Taking the microphone, he said, “First, I’d like to thank Yao Feiyu for giving me this opportunity. I’m truly happy to be here today to witness the blessing of this couple, and to share in their joy.”

He could not have sounded more like an old-school cadre.

“I won’t say much more—let’s get to the wedding witness speech.”

Then, setting aside his notes, Xu Zijian delivered his words with classic elegance: “On this happy day, bound by the red thread, united as pearls and jade, may you join hands for years to come, your home fragrant with laurels and orchids—this is my witness!”

Just that one line.

Applause and gasps of admiration broke out.

No wonder he was a master of classical literature—even his wedding speech was so beautiful and archaic.

Xu Zijian finished, patted Yao Feiyu on the shoulder, and said, “Yao Feiyu, congratulations on your marriage!”

Just as he was about to leave the stage, Yao Feiyu suddenly stopped him. “Uncle Xu, my wife is especially fond of classical literature—she loved your speech. Could you say a few more lines?”

Lü Simin nodded eagerly, her eyes shining as she gazed at Xu Zijian.

Xu Zijian laughed heartily. “Very well, then. I’ll add another.”

“By rites and law, two families are joined in happy union. May poems praise your home, and may you enjoy a century of peace and harmony—this is my witness!”

“Wonderful!” Yao Feiyu and Lü Simin applauded enthusiastically, Lü Simin’s face flushed with excitement.

Xu Zijian was her idol.

“Professor Xu, another line, please!” Lü Simin implored, her voice melodious.

Xu Zijian smiled wryly. “You didn’t warn me to prepare so many! I’m afraid I can’t think of any more on the spot.”

Yao Feiyu laughed and didn’t press further.

“Wishing the newlyweds—” Xu Zijian was about to leave when his gaze drifted, and suddenly he spotted Shen Xian sitting in the dim corner.

Had Shen Xian been any closer, he might not have noticed, but being farsighted, Xu Zijian saw him immediately.

His eyes lit up. “Still want to hear more classic wedding words? I have someone in mind!”

With that, he beckoned to Shen Xian, “Little Shen, come up and give us a performance!”