Chapter 1513: Handing Her Over to Shen Chi
"Of course, I was just joking." Xia Chuqing dismissed him, "President Xiao, don't be angry."
She didn't wish for him to have a hard time. Deep down, she wanted him to live well and be happy in the future.
Without waiting for him to respond, she added, "I'm heading to the makeup room, excuse me."
As she spoke, Xia Chuqing quickly ran off in her high heels.
Her heart raced as she ran, pounding uncontrollably. Despite not having seen him for a year, she realized she wasn't as composed as she thought she'd be.
Pushing open the door to the makeup room, Xia Chuqing immediately spotted Xu Chaomu who was in the middle of getting her makeup done.
"Wow! Chaomu, you're stunning!" Xia Chuqing exclaimed in awe, especially admiring the white wedding dress that complemented Xu Chaomu perfectly.
It had to be said—Xu Chaomu and Shen Chi truly looked like a match made in heaven.
Thinking about it, they'd known each other for two and a half years now.
"You'll look even more beautiful in a wedding dress one day," Xu Chaomu said. "When will you invite me to your wedding banquet?"
Xia Chuqing walked over to Xu Chaomu, bent over, and examined her up close.
"There's no rush. I'm still in school," Xia Chuqing replied.
"Earlier, I asked whether that guy was your boyfriend, but you didn't respond to me," Xu Chaomu said.
Xia Chuqing and Song Heng weren't actually dating—they had grown up together and later leaned on each other while living abroad, which made them appear like a couple to others.
Recalling her earlier encounter outside with Xiao Mo, Xia Chuqing simply decided to say, "He's my boyfriend."
"Did he come today?"
"No, he had exams, so I didn't bring him along."
"Is he good to you?" Xu Chaomu naturally referred to Song Heng.
"Yeah, he treats me well and takes good care of me in daily life," Xia Chuqing answered.
In truth, Song Heng had looked out for her since childhood—initially to get her to speak positively about him to his father. Over time, it simply became a habit.
Song Heng genuinely treated Xia Chuqing like a little sister. With just one phone call, he would come to her side no matter where he was.
"You sure moved fast," Xu Chaomu teased. "Our dear President Xiao still doesn't have a girlfriend!"
Xia Chuqing's relationship with Xiao Mo was something only Xu Chaomu knew. Others weren't particularly familiar with Xia Chuqing.
Yu Weiwei teased, "So, Chaomu, are you stressing over President Xiao's love life? Honestly, with how handsome he is, I'm sure plenty of people are chasing him. Maybe he's just too picky."
Xia Chuqing's heart skipped a beat. Yes, there were surely many people chasing him, and she was one of them.
Back in the day when she visited Shen Group, she couldn't ignore how countless unmarried women's eyes fell on him.
She was just the same—one of them.
Just as he rejected all of them, Xiao Mo rejected her too.
However, for Xu Chaomu's sake, he wasn't too harsh nor overly cutting when turning her down.
Shen Di laughed and said, "Are we seriously worried that President Xiao won't find someone he likes? Chaomu, you're overthinking it."
Xu Chaomu laughed lightly, "You're right, this isn't something I need to stress about."
Xia Chuqing wasn't keen on this topic, so she asked Xu Chaomu, "Chaomu, where are Xiaobao and Erbao? I miss them! Especially Erbao—I haven't even met him yet. I need to make sure they call me godmother, or they'll forget me."
"Let Weiwei take you to them; they're probably playing outside!" Xu Chaomu said.
"Alright!" Yu Weiwei agreed.
Yu Weiwei led Xia Chuqing to a small lawn behind the makeup room, where a large fountain stood in the center.
Xiaobao was dressed in a small suit, sporting a black bowtie, looking just like a little gentleman.
Meanwhile, Erbao was sitting in a stroller, with a caregiver attending to him.
"Xiaobao!" Xia Chuqing called out excitedly as she ran over.
Xiaobao was playing with the water. Hearing her voice, he turned his head, "Godmother!"
"Wow, you still recognize me." Xia Chuqing, wearing a different style today and not having seen Xiaobao for a year, had worried he might not remember her. "Looks like you're not just smart—you've got a great memory too."
"Because you've got a birthmark on your arm, godmother," Xiaobao blinked playfully.
Xia Chuqing bent down, tempted to plant a kiss on his cheek. Not only was he clever and had a good memory, but he was also observant!
Having such a little guy call her godmother made her feel so lucky.
The sound of water splashing from the fountain echoed around her as Xia Chuqing lifted Xiaobao in her arms.
After holding him for a few seconds, she set him back down. "Xiaobao, you've grown so much—godmother can't even carry you anymore. I'll go hold your little brother instead."
With that, Xia Chuqing walked over to Erbao's stroller and lifted him out.
Erbao, with his porcelain-like complexion, looked remarkably like Xiaobao—practically a carbon copy.
These two little ones had inherited the best features of their parents, adorably resembling little dolls.
"Eee, ah, ah..." Erbao joyfully waved his tiny hands.
"What are you saying?" Xia Chuqing teased.
"Eee, ah, maa..."
"Are you calling for mommy?" Xia Chuqing continued to tease.
She truly envied Xu Chaomu—having two adorable kids like this was such a dream!
She couldn't love them more!
After playing with the two little ones for a while, Xiaobao eagerly asked her, "Godmother, when is my parents' wedding starting? I'm so hungry."
"Hungry? I'll take you to get some food," Xia Chuqing offered.
"No, what if the wedding starts while I'm gone?" Xiaobao said seriously. "I want to wait right here."
"Are you really excited?" Xia Chuqing asked.
"Of course! Mommy looks amazing in her wedding dress! And Daddy—so handsome! I love seeing them stand together. Everyone says I'll grow up to be even more handsome than Daddy."
"Your dad's so handsome, your mom's so beautiful—there's no doubt you'll turn out handsome too," Xia Chuqing replied.
Xia Chuqing continued to chat casually with Xiaobao, realizing how enjoyable it was to converse with children.
Kids were simple and pure, especially ones like Xiaobao—obedient and well-behaved.
At 8:18, the wedding began as the ceremonial music started playing throughout the hall and grounds.
Guests took their seats in an orderly fashion, and some special photographers positioned themselves outside, setting up their cameras. For a moment, the interplay of light and shadow created a picturesque scene.
The flowers outside bloomed beautifully, attracting swarms of butterflies that fluttered to and fro.
Arches adorned with bouquets and multicolored balloons filled the sky.
As the appointed time arrived, the Priest's voice rang out, and Xu Chaomu, garbed in a pristine white wedding dress, walked toward Shen Chi.
Red rose petals sprinkled down from above—a vibrant, fiery red that was bold yet elegant.
The roses cascaded gracefully while all the lights focused on Xu Chaomu.
It was Bai Xuan, holding Xu Chaomu's hand, who escorted her onto the red carpet. His heart filled with complex emotions—he never imagined there'd come a day when he'd lead this daughter's hand and place it in Shen Chi's.
Shen Chi was steady and dependable—he would be Xu Chaomu's greatest support for life.
As for Bai Xuan, a father who hadn't fully fulfilled his role, he could finally be at ease, his heart carrying fewer regrets.