The Abyss

The wedding proceeded as planned, with the reception held in the grand hall on the first floor of the Lu residence. A long golden table was added, covered with a semi-transparent tablecloth, adorned with baskets of flowers and gourmet food. Musicians played lively dance tunes, and many guests surrounded Zuo Shaoqin, dressed in an extravagant wedding gown, her face beaming with joy from a distance. Dong Qin sat on the steps, a plate of gourmet French foie gras in hand. She wondered how many of the people congratulating were genuinely happy? Earlier, two young women had passed by, muttering something. Were they envious? Or just maliciously cursing? A woman in her thirties, even if still beautiful, could not compete with the natural charm of teenage girls. Youth was such a perfect asset. The two gossiping women circled back, holding wine glasses and chatting at the foot of the stairs, unaware of Dong Qin sitting around the corner. “I heard that woman used to be with many men, and just days ago, she brought over a child she had with one of them! I can’t fathom what Lu Jinghao is thinking, taking in a woman with baggage!” “Shh! Keep it down!” The other woman glanced around to ensure no one was listening, then continued, “She’s quite capable, now marrying into wealth, set for life, and even giving Lu Jinghao a son! You’re naive; this isn’t just a wedding, it’s Lu Jinghao showing off. And that woman’s tactics are impressive; I heard the ‘baggage’ is actually a teenage girl… Humph, when the old can’t do it, let the young step in, that’s the game!” “Such things happen? That’s disgusting!” Dong Qin listened to their shocked whispers below, taking a slow bite of her foie gras.