But this made her uneasy. Despite overcoming her inner barriers, her fears surged again. Her hands holding the bouquet became damp with sweat. Just as she felt overwhelmed by anxiety, a loud commotion broke out, and the door was pushed open.
A woman in a black tight-fitting strapless dress stood in the doorway, her makeup unable to hide her jealousy. She swayed confidently, embodying the day’s main character.
It was Han Bing; Ou Xueman knew why she was here.
Ou Xueman signaled for those outside to close the door. This arrival distracted her from unnecessary speculation.
Han Bing had come to provoke her, but Ou Xueman would not be easily bullied. This woman would soon experience her true nature.
Suppressing her wounded feelings, she said, “It’s inevitable for a man to have a romantic history before marriage; it’s a physiological need.”
“You… you’re saying I’m just an object for his release?” Han Bing was enraged, raising her hand to slap Ou Xueman. But Ou Xueman was faster, and with a loud slap, her fingers marked Han Bing’s face.
Han Bing stared in shock, never expecting this usually quiet and timid person to strike her.
Ou Xueman gripped Han Bing’s chin tightly, saying fiercely, “Miss Han, regardless of your relationship with Xi Huang, remember this: today’s bride is me; I am his wife, and you are just one of his many women. You’re not qualified to step on my face.” She pointed to the door. “Get out.”
Intimidated, Han Bing covered her cheek and backed away, still threatening, “I’ll tell Xi Huang about your true nature, you shrew.”
Left alone, Ou Xueman slowly collapsed to the ground, her previous momentum gone, as if all her strength had been used in that slap. Tears slowly formed in her eyes, blurring her vision.
After an indeterminate time, a knock on the door came, and Tong Baichuan’s loving voice called, “Xuan Xuan, are you ready? Dad’s here to pick you up.”
Ou Xueman quickly wiped away her tears, touched up her makeup, cleared her throat, and replied, “Dad, I’m coming.”
She stood up, straightened her dress, and took several deep breaths. No matter what she would face in the future, she could only continue forward, even if it meant facing a thousand-foot abyss.
