Saving the Heartthrob Frenemy-Chapter 673: Night before the wedding

Luo Muchen shook his head no. It had been so torturous not being able to talk to or see his boyfriend. He missed him so much but he had obediently waited.

"Someone sent it to me," he said and the three of them stared at the barrage of messages from the unknown sender. The images on the screen were a colourful testament to Qie Xieling’s extremely wild night. There were pictures of him dancing on the bar counter, his laughter almost audible through the still images.

Other pictures showed him triumphantly holding a giant stuffed bear he’d won at an arcade while wearing a red tutu, a gold crown, a face full of stickers from possibly a game they had played before and a sash proudly proclaiming ’Muchen’s Man’. His joy was infectious, and even Luo Shih couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight.

The messages continued with a video clip of him at a drag show, his voice slurred but enthusiastic as he sang along, the crowd cheering him on. His uncle and Dr Machu were also there enabling him.

Then came a snapshot of him, grinning ear to ear, showing off a fresh tattoo with a tear-stained face. He was literally being carried out of the tattoo parlour by Bo Ailun.

Another video was of him in a party bus, standing through the sunroof, the wind tousling his hair as he shouted greetings to the night.

The final video had him in a hotel room hugging a body pillow with Luo Muchen’s face and shirtless body. Bo Ailun tried to take it away from him but he was meant with an aggressive ’mine’.

Luo Muchen shook his head, laughter bubbling up. "He’s having a blast, and I can’t help but find it amusing," he admitted. He wasn’t stupid. He knew whoever sent him this thought he would be embarrassed but unfortunately, it only made him love his baby even more.

Luo Shih also felt the malicious intent the sender had. She was now curious to find out who was that stupid as to threaten his future son-in-law. As though confirming his suspicions the person sent another message asking if he was sure he wanted to marry such a person. They also wanted to post this and show GameX’s shareholders who was in line to inherit the business.

"I will have someone look into it," said Hei Xiwen as he placed a hand on Luo Muchen’s shoulder.

"And I will let Qie Ranzhe know about it," chimed in Luo Shih and it didn’t take long before they caught the culprit. That’s because she brought herself to their doorstep.

The once peaceful golf game instantly turned dramatic. Mrs Lee and her daughter showed themselves while the three of them were having lunch in the private room. Lee Ya and her mother had been brought to the country club to apologise to Luo Muchen and Luo Shih. Lee Ya’s grandfather was affected by the Lee family’s bankruptcy and even received discipline from the higher-ups. With the political climate right now no one was to offend Luo Shih but her mother couldn’t stand bowing to Luo Shih. She would rather die than ask for forgiveness. She had attained those pictures and videos through great difficulty.

In her eyes, Qie Xieling was shameful and embarrassing. If she had that kind of in-law she would cancel that engagement immediately but what she didn’t foresee was that Luo Muchen was unfazed and so was Luo Shih.

Seeing this she sneered. "It seems you love money more than your reputation. Your Luo ancestors must be rolling in their graves. You would rather bring this shameless bitch—," she said before she was struck so hard in the face by Luo Shih. She was especially heavy handed making the woman see dark spots.

Lee Ya had considerably calmed down and couldn’t help but reprimand her mother. When her lifestyle was threatened she became even more sensible but her crazy mother who had deep resentment of the woman her husband couldn’t stop thinking about had lost her mind. After years of being compared to Luo Shih, her heart had long grown dark with hatred.

In the end, she was left in a miserable state and dragged back to her maternal home in a sorry state. Luo Shih sent a message to her family letting them know that they must restrain her otherwise they shouldn’t blame her for taking this further.

***

Qie Xieling had no idea that his wild night had stirred up trouble. He was too preoccupied these past days. He only managed to get a break the night before the wedding.

As the sun dipped low, casting a warm glow over the Qie family estate, the air was buzzing with the excitement of the upcoming wedding.

Red lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, and the scent of fresh peonies filled the gardens. Inside, the atmosphere was just as busy, with family members and hired staff darting about, adding the final touches to the lavish decorations.

Amid the chaos, Qie Xieling was sitting outside with a silk barber cape draped over him. His grandma was skillfully snipping away at his hair. Her hands were steady and her eye sharp not missing a single stray hair.

"Are you serious?" Qie Ranzhe examined the ink on the side of Qie Xieling’s neck. "You can’t get tattoos while you are drunk?"

Qie Xieling’s cheeks flushed a shade that rivalled the red of the wedding banners. "I planned on getting it before. I just didn’t get the time," he mumbled, avoiding his father’s gaze.

Laughter erupted from the corner of the patio where the rest of the family were gathered, teasing remarks flying as freely as the petals in the garden. Qie Ranzhe glared at the two culprits who were with him that night.

"Don’t look at me. Your son is as stubborn as you. It was pointless to talk him out of it," said Machu raising his hands in surrender.

Bo Ailun, ever the instigator, brandished his phone like a trophy. "I have all the evidence right here. Who wants to see it," he declared.

"Aha no one wants to see that," said Qie Xieling trying to get up and grab Bo Ailun’s phone but his grandma pressed him down.

"Do you want me to cut your ear? Stay still," she said and Qie Xieling could only sulk.

Several heads peered over to see. Bo Ailun scrolled through the photos of that fateful night which was hilarious to look at.

Qie Xieling reached for a glass of champagne but his nana’s hand was swift, slapping his away. "Not a drop," she scolded, her voice firm but loving. "Your skin must be flawless for Mu Mu tomorrow."

Qie Xieling, "..."

He sighed, resigning himself to a night of sobriety.