Today was the day that Zhang Mei and Li Chen went to fit their clothes for the wedding. The anticipation hung heavy in the air as they stepped into the bridal shop, ready to embark on this significant step towards their future together. Zhang Mei, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, ventured into trying on different gowns, each one a possibility for her special day.

Across the shop, Sun Lixia, Li Yanyan, and Mu Lingling waited eagerly, offering their support and opinions as Zhang Mei embarked on her dress fitting journey. Their presence provided both comfort and excitement amidst the bustling atmosphere of the bridal shop.

Meanwhile, Li Chen, accompanied by Xu Zhonhao and Zhu Fengrui, explored the options for his wedding attire. With a sense of purpose and determination, he sought out the perfect ensemble that would complement Zhang Mei’s gown and reflect his own style and personality.

As the day unfolded, the bridal shop buzzed with activity, filled with the anticipation of the upcoming wedding. Each fitting brought them one step closer to the momentous occasion that awaited them, weaving together the threads of their love and commitment.

With a triumphant smile, Zhang Mei finally found a gown that perfectly captured the essence of her beauty and the significance of the occasion. Sun Lixia couldn’t contain her admiration, exclaiming, "Wow, Zhang Mei, you look beautiful!" Zhang Mei blushed at the compliment, expressing her gratitude with a humble "Thanks, Aunt Lixia."

Sun Lixia, ever the affectionate matriarch, seized the moment to playfully tease, "You have to start calling me Mom now." Mu Lingling, equally playful, interjected, "You’re trying to take my place while I’m still living!" Their banter filled the room with warmth and laughter.

Li Yanyan, seizing the opportunity to join in the fun, encircled Zhang Mei, teasing, "Yep, Li Chen is a real Li. He has an eye for real beauty." Their laughter echoed in the air, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie.

As Li Chen, Zhu Fengrui, and Xu Zhonhao approached, Sun Lixia quickly sprang into action, realizing the need to protect the surprise. With a mix of humor and determination, she exclaimed, "No, Li Chen, you’re not supposed to see the dress yet!" Li Chen, ever playful, tried to coax his way into seeing it, but Li Yanyan and Sun Lixia stood firm, shielding Zhang Mei from view.

Zhu Fengrui and Xu Zhonhao, loyal to the rules of tradition, swiftly intervened, taking hold of Li Chen and dragging him away amidst his protests. Their playful banter and joyful camaraderie underscored the excitement and anticipation surrounding the upcoming wedding celebration.

Li Chen stood with Xu Zhonhao and Zhu Fengrui, observing the playful interaction between the women. Zhu Fengrui nodded knowingly, remarking, "It’s tradition, bro." Li Chen chuckled in agreement, acknowledging, "Yeah, yeah, I know."

Xu Zhonhao chimed in, reminding Li Chen of the imminent milestone, "In two weeks’ time, you’ll be a married man." Li Chen couldn’t resist a playful tease, remarking, "Hopefully a father soon," before turning the conversation to his companions’ romantic prospects. "You two should also consider marriage," he suggested.

Xu Zhonhao hesitated, citing the dangers of his profession, to which Li Chen countered, "At least you’ll have someone to fight to protect." Their banter was interrupted as the women approached, with Zhang Mei emerging in her final dress selection.

The shopkeeper assured them of the gown’s alterations, promising its delivery in three days. Zhang Mei expressed her gratitude, and Li Yanyan seized the moment to suggest lunch, recognizing the need to continue their discussions amidst the wedding preparations. As they made their way out, the anticipation and excitement for the upcoming nuptials filled the air.

In a secluded corner, Jiang Xiaolin, having spotted Li Chen’s presence at the bridal shop earlier, discreetly observed from outside. She had abandoned her friends to stand by the window, hidden by snow-covered trees. Despite the biting cold, she remained fixated, watching Zhang Mei try on gown after gown. Each smile on Zhang Mei’s face fueled Jiang Xiaolin’s simmering resentment. Why did this seemingly insignificant woman have to be the one marrying Li Chen? Jiang Xiaolin’s investigations had uncovered nothing remarkable about her.

Filled with a blend of anger and envy, Jiang Xiaolin couldn’t bear the sight any longer. With determination, she entered the bridal shop after the group had departed, engaging in hushed conversation with the shopkeeper. After about 30 minutes, she emerged, her smirk betraying a sense of satisfaction and triumph. In her mind, she had taken a step towards reclaiming what she believed was rightfully hers. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

In the restaurant, Li Yanyan finally decided to broach the sensitive topic that had been on her mind. "Mu Lingling, do you have any family members you’d like to invite?" she asked.

Zhang Mei and Mu Lingling exchanged a solemn glance before Mu Lingling let out a heavy sigh. "You see, my husband never had a good relationship with his brother," she began, her voice tinged with sadness. "And when my husband passed away, they took everything from us. It was just Zhang Mei and me, left with nothing."

Sun Lixia’s eyes widened in shock as Mu Lingling continued, addressing the tradition that required a father figure at the wedding. "But, Mom, Uncle Su will only cause problems," Zhang Mei interjected, her concern evident.

"I know, sweetie, but since you’ll also have a traditional wedding, he has to be there," Mu Lingling replied, her tone resigned.

Li Yanyan offered assistance, suggesting they accompany Mu Lingling to deliver the invitation. However, Mu Lingling declined, stating it wasn’t necessary.

Sun Lixia disagreed, asserting, "No, we will come with you. If he dares to do or say anything stupid..." Xu Zhonhao interrupted with a determined declaration. "I will make him regret the day he was born."

Zhang Mei expressed apprehension about her uncle’s shrewdness, but Sun Lixia remained unfazed. "I can be shrewd too," she declared confidently, signaling her unwavering support for Mu Lingling and Zhang Mei.

Understanding the significance of family on the wedding day, and recognizing that Zhang Mei needed to be at her father’s house when the groom and his men arrived, Mu Lingling made a decision. "Okay, then we can go tomorrow," she announced.

Sun Lixia expressed her eagerness to meet the man who had caused such turmoil. "Great, I would like to meet this good-for-nothing man who kicked his niece and brother’s wife out into the cold," she remarked sharply.

Zhang Mei felt a wave of worry wash over her, and she turned to look at Li Chen for support. Li Chen responded with a reassuring smile, gently rubbing her hand to calm her nerves and silently promising to stand by her side through whatever challenges lay ahead.

When they left, Li Yanyan and Zhu Fengrui drove to see Li Xinjie at the hospital, while the rest of the group headed home. Alone in Mu Lingling’s bedroom, Zhang Mei voiced her concerns. "Mom, are you sure about inviting Uncle Su to the wedding? You know how much of gold diggers they are, and once they notice that Li Chen is part of the Sun family, they might cause problems."

Mu Lingling listened carefully before responding. "Sweetie, according to tradition, your groom has to come and pick you up with his groomsmen at the auspicious hour on the day of the ceremony. We have been living in Li Chen’s villa, but we have to remember that we don’t have a place of our own. We have to go there."

Zhang Mei couldn’t hide her anxiety. "How will I face that family?"

Mu Lingling reached out to comfort her daughter. "Just a few days, and we will be done with them. And do you think Li Chen is someone who can be taken advantage of?"

Zhang Mei shook her head, and Mu Lingling smiled reassuringly. "Good. You have to trust your fiance in protecting both of you."

Zhang Mei nodded. "Okay, mom."

Mu Lingling sighed softly, her own apprehensions echoing her daughter’s concerns. Deep down, she didn’t want to see her husband’s brother either. The memories of their past injustices were still fresh, and the thought of facing them again was unsettling. However, she understood the importance of adhering to tradition to ensure that Zhang Mei’s marriage faced no future problems.

Despite her inner turmoil, Mu Lingling put on a brave face for her daughter. "We’ll get through this, Zhang Mei. Remember, traditions are meant to protect us and guide us through life’s challenges."

Zhang Mei nodded, finding solace in her mother’s words. "I trust you, Mom. We’ll face whatever comes together."

Mu Lingling smiled warmly, her maternal instinct kicking in. "That’s my girl. And remember, Li Chen will be by your side every step of the way."

With renewed determination, Mu Lingling and Zhang Mei embraced, ready to confront whatever obstacles lay ahead on their journey to Zhang Mei’s wedding day.

With a shared resolve, Mu Lingling and Zhang Mei embraced, ready to face the challenges ahead. Despite their apprehensions, they found strength in each other’s support. The looming specter of family conflict couldn’t dampen their determination to ensure a bright future for Zhang Mei’s marriage.