Married to My Bro 15-16

Chapter 15

As the wedding day approached, Yang Yue and Fu Shu were busy with preparations. Fortunately, finding a venue wasn’t a problem. The wedding would be held at Lu Xun’s family’s sprawling estate in the suburbs, large enough to host a concert, let alone a wedding. With the mothers handling everything, Liang Xusheng found himself with nothing to do.

Three days before the wedding, the two families had dinner at Fu Shu’s house. Liang Xusheng finally saw Lu Xun, who had been busy with work.

Standing on the balcony after dinner, Liang Xusheng leaned on the railing. “It’s all happening so fast,” he said, thinking about the upcoming wedding. He turned to Lu Xun. “Are you nervous?”

Lu Xun looked at him. “Are you nervous?”

Liang Xusheng chuckled, covering his mouth with his hand. “I’m not nervous about the wedding. I’m just worried my parents will break my legs if they find out the truth.”

Lu Xun ruffled his hair reassuringly. “Don’t worry.” There was no chance of their secret being revealed. They were both tight-lipped, and there was no opportunity for exposure.

“I never imagined our wedding would be like this,” Liang Xusheng said.

“Regretting it?” Lu Xun asked casually.

“Of course not,” Liang Xusheng replied. “Marrying my best friend isn’t so bad, is it?” He turned to Lu Xun, his expression serious. “Please take care of me, Mr. CEO.” He held out his fist.

Lu Xun bumped his fist against his. “Likewise.”

“I got you a wedding gift,” Liang Xusheng said, lowering his hand. “But you can’t see it until the wedding day.”

“Me too,” Lu Xun said, his expression calm.

Liang Xusheng’s eyes lit up. “What is it?”

“You’ll have to wait and see,” Lu Xun replied.

“Is it a big surprise? Something I’ll like?”

“Mm,” Lu Xun confirmed.

Liang Xusheng punched him playfully on the shoulder. “You’re the best.”

Inside, their parents were chatting happily, discussing the wedding.

A few days later, cars streamed through the gates of Lu Xun’s family estate. The drive to the main house, a European-style castle, offered scenic views of the sprawling grounds. The castle was surrounded by flowers and a circular fountain. Guests arrived, and Fu Shu, Liang Jing, Yang Yue, and Lu Zhang, dressed formally, greeted them warmly.

Lulu, arriving in a taxi, was awestruck by the grandeur of the estate. Is this real life? Even TV dramas aren’t this extravagant!, she thought.

“What’s going on here?” the taxi driver asked. “Is there an event?”

“My friend’s wedding,” Lulu replied, her jaw dropping.

As she stepped out of the taxi and gazed up at the towering castle, she was speechless. Whose wedding is this? Isn’t this supposed to be a fake marriage? Fake marriages are this elaborate now?

“Lulu? Is that you?” Fu Shu, dressed in a beautiful qipao, approached her.

“Auntie!” Lulu quickly composed herself. Being Liang Xusheng’s best friend, she was equally adept at sweet-talking. “You look so beautiful today! I would have thought you were the bride!”

Fu Shu beamed, introducing Lulu to Liang Jing as Xusheng’s friend. Lulu greeted him politely.

Fu Shu linked arms with Lulu and led her inside. “Call Xusheng. He’s greeting guests too. Make yourself at home. Don’t be shy.”

Lulu, feeling like she had stumbled into a palace, cautiously entered the even more opulent interior, her eyes wide with amazement. She found Liang Xusheng and pulled him aside. “Dude! Isn’t this a fake marriage? Why such a grand production?”

Liang Xusheng, looking dashing in his suit, smiled. “First time ever.” He explained, “With our families’ backgrounds, a low-key wedding is impossible.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to jinx it,” Lulu said quickly. “But what if you find true love later?” Was he going to have another extravagant wedding?

“Don’t worry about the future,” Liang Xusheng replied. “I’m not going to ruin today for an uncertain tomorrow.”

Lulu gave him a thumbs-up.

“Come on, let me introduce you to my friends,” Liang Xusheng said, putting his arm around her shoulders. “Lu Xun’s here too.”

The estate buzzed with activity as guests arrived throughout the day. The wedding was unconventional; there was no traditional procession to fetch the bride. The couple and their parents simply greeted guests at the main house. A large banquet hall on the sixth floor hosted over twenty tables for lunch, and more guests were expected in the evening.

Lulu sat with Liang Xusheng and his friends, Lu Xun beside Liang Xusheng.

“Where’s my gift?” Liang Xusheng asked Lu Xun, leaning closer to be heard over the noise.

“Later, at the ceremony,” Lu Xun replied. “Where’s mine?”

“Later too,” Liang Xusheng said, and they exchanged smiles.

Lulu, watching them, had her doubts. Best friends? Really?

After lunch, Lulu followed Liang Xusheng to his room to change. While a makeup artist fussed over his outfit, Lulu waited. When they were alone, she finally asked, “Feather-sensei, are you and Lu Xun really just friends?”

Liang Xusheng, adjusting his collar, looked at her, surprised. “What else would we be? Do I seem straight? Does Lu Xun seem straight?”

“You two don’t seem very straight when you’re together,” Lulu admitted.

Liang Xusheng laughed. “We’ve known each other since we were in diapers! We’re so platonic that if he stood naked in front of me, I’d just ask him if he’s cold.”

Lulu nodded, understanding. “You’re very ‘pure’ indeed.”

“Let’s go,” Liang Xusheng said, checking his watch. “The ceremony’s about to start.”

The ceremony was held in a large garden behind the main house, decorated by Yang Yue. Liang Xusheng knew the general layout, but as he walked into the garden with Lulu and their friends, he stopped, stunned. A display of life-size anime character standees stood at the entrance.

Lulu gasped. Anime standees? Even Doraemon?

Inside the garden, more anime-themed decorations adorned the space. Lulu even spotted limited-edition Rewind merchandise on the dessert table, designs she had never seen before.

“Liang Xusheng picked the theme, right?” a friend asked. “It’s so unique!”

Liang Xusheng was touched and surprised. He had assumed Yang Yue had chosen the decorations. Was this Lu Xun’s doing? He looked at Lu Xun, who seemed calm. “Do you like it?” Lu Xun asked, meeting his gaze.

“Isn’t this a bit much?” Liang Xusheng asked, wondering if this was his wedding gift. There were important guests present, not just their friends. “How did you convince your mom?” The wedding looked like an anime convention.

“As long as you like it,” Lu Xun replied simply.

Liang Xusheng was not only pleased but also deeply moved. He knew Lu Xun must have put in a lot of effort. He couldn’t help himself; he hugged Lu Xun tightly. “Thank you,” he whispered.

His friends cheered, and the photographers captured the moment.

Lu Xun placed his hand on Liang Xusheng’s waist. “Our wedding is a special occasion. It should be memorable and make you happy.”

The hug lingered.

Liang Xusheng punched him lightly on the shoulder. “You’re really treating me like your wife.”

Lu Xun smiled, his eyes full of affection, a look captured by the cameras.

Lulu, filming the scene with her phone, was envious. Is this really a fake marriage? Who goes to this extent for a fake marriage?

Chapter 16

The photoshoot began after the hug, capturing the newlyweds and their wedding party amidst the unique anime-themed decorations. Liang Xusheng, treating it like a couple’s photoshoot, cooperated fully, even during the intimate poses.

“I can’t wait to see these photos,” he said, laughing. “I’m going to cringe so hard.”

Lu Xun, gazing into his eyes as instructed by the photographer, replied calmly, “They’re not for us to see anyway.”

“You’ll cringe too,” Liang Xusheng muttered.

“Put your arm around his waist,” the photographer called out.

Lu Xun immediately put his arm around Liang Xusheng’s waist, pulling him close.

Liang Xusheng: “…” Holy shit.

Lu Xun smiled. “I think you’ll be the one cringing.”

Liang Xusheng shuddered. “I’m getting goosebumps.”

“You didn’t seem to mind hugging me earlier,” Lu Xun teased.

“Hurry up, hurry up,” Liang Xusheng muttered, fidgeting. “I’m getting hives.”

After the photoshoot, as they were about to change for the ceremony, Liang Xusheng saw Lulu staring at the Rewind standees.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

Lulu pointed at the center standee. “There are only eleven main characters in Rewind. Who’s this?”

Liang Xusheng smiled slightly. “A scrapped character. His name was Liang Yu.”

“He looks familiar,” Lulu said, studying the standee.

Liang Xusheng just smiled and excused himself to change.

As soon as he left, Lulu realized who Liang Yu resembled: Liang Xusheng! She stared at the standee, then at the direction Liang Xusheng had gone, amazed. Xunsheng actually had a character based on Liang Xusheng, even though it was never used in the game. She took out her phone to take a picture. Fake marriage? With this elaborate wedding, the anime decorations, and this unused character… you two are totally in love!, she thought.

Soon, the ceremony began. Liang Xusheng and Lu Xun, looking like a perfect couple, walked down the aisle towards the stage, exchanging vows in front of their friends and family.

“For richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health…” Liang Xusheng said, his gaze fixed on Lu Xun.

“I will love you, cherish you, respect you, and accept you…” Lu Xun replied, his eyes locked on Liang Xusheng’s.

The audience watched in silence, Yang Yue and Fu Shu wiping away tears.

Only Lu Xun knew that his hands and chest were trembling as he spoke his vows. He felt dizzy, his vision blurring, only Liang Xusheng’s face and eyes in focus. He wondered if it was nerves, but it felt like something more.

This strange feeling intensified when a bridesmaid brought out the rings. As Liang Xusheng took a ring and slid it onto Lu Xun’s finger, he whispered, “Here’s your gift. I spent a long time choosing it.”

Lu Xun’s gaze shifted from the silver ring to Liang Xusheng’s face, a warmth spreading through his chest and limbs.

When it was his turn to put the ring on Liang Xusheng’s finger, his hand trembled visibly.

Liang Xusheng looked up at him, surprised. The audience chuckled. “The groom is a bit nervous,” the officiant commented.

“What’s wrong?” Liang Xusheng whispered.

Lu Xun steadied his hand and placed the ring on Liang Xusheng’s finger.

Applause erupted, music swelled, balloons were released, and doves flew overhead.

“Nothing,” Lu Xun finally said.

Liang Xusheng smiled, looking up at the doves and balloons. “It’s beautiful,” he said.

Lu Xun gazed at him intently.

Lulu, filming the scene, thought, This is not how “bros” look at each other! They’re totally in love!

Later that evening, the wedding banquet began. Liang Xusheng and Lu Xun, in new outfits, made their rounds with their parents, toasting the guests.

When they reached Lu Xun’s company’s table, Liang Xusheng specifically toasted Liu Mo and Zhao Bin, the new planner. As they walked away, he leaned closer to Lu Xun. “You’re so magnanimous, inviting him too.”

“Everyone from the company is here,” Lu Xun replied.

“Just wait,” Liang Xusheng said, his eyes glinting. “I’ll deal with him later.”

True to his word, after the toasts, Liang Xusheng, accompanied by two groomsmen, went back to Xunsheng’s table.

“Mr. Zhao, Mr. Zhao,” he said, holding a glass of water. He poured Zhao Bin a glass of baijiu and proceeded to make him drink three shots in a row, until his face was red.

He then toasted Liu Mo with baijiu and his own water. Liu Mo, knowing Liang Xusheng well, understood the implied warning. He stood up and whispered in Liang Xusheng’s ear, “I’m on Mr. Lu’s side, always.”

“Drink then,” Liang Xusheng said, smiling. “Actions speak louder than words.” Liu Mo downed his drink, his face also turning red.

“Did they offend you?” a groomsman asked as they walked away.

“If they had offended me, they wouldn’t be here,” Liang Xusheng scoffed. “I’m not that forgiving.” He scanned the room. “Where’s Lu Xun?”

“Over there,” a groomsman pointed. “Drinking.”

Seeing who Lu Xun was drinking with, Liang Xusheng hurried over. “Oh no,” he muttered.

“Who is it?” the groomsman asked.

“My uncle,” Liang Xusheng replied.

Lu Xun had just finished a shot of baijiu, and his uncle was about to refill his glass. Liang Xusheng quickly intervened. “Stop, stop! He’s going to get drunk!”

His uncle and the other relatives at the table laughed. “It’s tradition for the groom to drink,” his uncle said.

“No more,” Liang Xusheng insisted, taking Lu Xun’s glass. “Drink it yourself. Don’t get my husband drunk.”

“Protective, aren’t we?” his uncle chuckled.

“Auntie, control your husband!” Liang Xusheng said to his aunt. “Why does my husband have to be forced to drink by yours?”

Everyone roared with laughter.

Liang Xusheng expertly deflected the pressure, while Lu Xun stood beside him, a slight smile on his lips.

Later, fireworks lit up the sky. Everyone gathered on the terrace to watch.

Liang Xusheng and Lu Xun stood together, gazing up at the colorful display. Lu Xun, turning to look at Liang Xusheng, found himself captivated by the way the fireworks illuminated his face. Perhaps slightly drunk, he stared at him, mesmerized.

Liang Xusheng turned and met his gaze. “Beautiful,” he said, smiling.

Fireworks exploded overhead.

Lu Xun saw only Liang Xusheng, his face bathed in the light and shadows of the fireworks, as if nothing else existed.

Liang Xusheng, feeling sentimental, looked back at Lu Xun. “I feel like we should do something special at such a meaningful and romantic moment,” he said.

“Mm?” Lu Xun responded.

What should we do?, Liang Xusheng wondered.

More fireworks exploded.

Perhaps emboldened by the alcohol, Liang Xusheng cupped Lu Xun’s face in his hands. Lu Xun looked down at him, his eyes dark in the night.

Liang Xusheng leaned in, whispering, “This seems appropriate,” and kissed him softly.

Lu Xun’s heart pounded along with the exploding fireworks.

Liang Xusheng pulled back, smiling. “Sorry, I’m a bit drunk,” he said. “The atmosphere, the moment, the fireworks… it just felt right.”

Before he could turn back to the fireworks, Lu Xun pulled him closer and kissed him again, this time without hesitation.

Fireworks exploded above them, brilliant and dazzling.