Chapter 580 - 381: The Wedding (Part 3)

If he accepted all these dry shares, he’d have to step in whenever these people faced problems. Wouldn’t that make him the fire chief?

So many ends to clean up, he’d never be able to manage them all.

Why bring so much work upon himself for no reason?

He accepted Hu Huanhuan’s shares because of Shen Ping’s connection; Hu Huanhuan was someone he had to look after anyway.

What do other firms have to do with him?

The news that Duan Rong declined the dry shares from major firms, accepting only those from Huaying Building, quickly spread through the rumor mill in Xianggu County.

The County Magistrate, Guo Xiangbao, invited Hu Huanhuan, the manager of Huaying Building, to the County Government Office and surprisingly returned the 20% dry shares he had previously extorted from Hu Huanhuan.

Guo Xiangbao, with a grin on his face, said, "See, Manager Hu, since you have a connection with Lord Duan, why didn’t you mention it earlier? Isn’t this just like a flood washing into the Dragon King Temple?"

This matter also quickly spread among the various powers in Xianggu County. Everyone slapped their thighs in regret; if only Lord Duan had accepted their shares initially, they would have gotten back the part extorted by Guo Xiangbao. They could have gained a big backer for nothing.

No way, they must have offered too little to Lord Duan back then? How about five shares?

During that period, visitors flocked to see Duan Rong.

Duan Rong had no choice but to hole up indoors, leaving Xiao Yu and Zhu Xiaoqi to handle the wedding shopping.

It was nearly May. In just over half a month, it would be their auspicious wedding day.

Xiao Yu had written all the wedding invitations for family and friends and checked them multiple times to ensure nobody was left out. This was critically important; missing just one invite would be a social faux pas. It was even more crucial than the wedding itself.

After the invitations were sent out, preparations for the wedding intensified.

In recent days, Yang Zhen also returned from his escort trips, and Duan Rong handed over all matters of the Escort Agency to Yang Zhen, dedicating himself entirely to the wedding preparations with Xiao Yu.

Yang Zhen only took two trips but had already bonded with the escort team, earning a good reputation.

On the nineteenth of May, Duan Rong and Xiao Yu’s wedding!

The entire Yuan Shun Escort Agency was bustling with drumbeats all day. The street in front had been decorated with lanterns and streamers days in advance.

Besides the relatives from Duan Rong and Xiao Yu’s side, representatives from all major powers in Xianggu County attended the wedding.

Even the estranged relatives of Duan Rong from long ago showed up in person, bringing generous gifts on the gift list.

After all, it was his joyful day today, and it’s said one shouldn’t hit a smiling face. Although these relatives hadn’t been in touch since his father’s death, it would be inappropriate to turn them away now.

County Magistrate Guo Xiangbao naturally attended as well, and Duan Rong specifically seated him at the head table.

Ximen Kankan, Shen Mizi, and Liu Shushan also traveled from Prefecture City to congratulate them.

Duan Rong stood outside, welcoming guests.

Xiao Yu, meanwhile, stayed in the red-draped bridal chamber, sitting alone with her head covered. Only Zhu Xiaoqi stood guard outside the door.

Hearing the noisy commotion outside, Xiao Yu called for Zhu Xiaoqi and instructed her, "Go take a look in the front, make sure he’s not drinking too much."

Zhu Xiaoqi replied, "How can there be a day like this without drinking? Let the groom drink."

Xiao Yu lifted her head covering in a rush, "Are you going or not?"

Zhu Xiaoqi let out a startled cry, quickly covering her back and said, "I’m going. The head covering shouldn’t be lifted carelessly."

Zhu Xiaoqi went to the front and found Ximen Kankan hugging a wine jar, challenging Duan Rong to a drinking contest.

Ximen Kankan, hiccupping, said, "If you don’t drink, I’ll take Liu Shushan now and snatch away the bride."

Duan Rong, with a flushed face, sat there drunkenly saying, "Go ahead, I can’t drink anymore!"

All the guests at the nearby tables were completely intoxicated, slumped in various positions.

Ximen Kankan shouted, "Alright! Don’t regret it later!" As he spoke and turned towards the back, he took only two steps before stumbling, nearly falling over, saved only by grabbing onto someone.

Zhu Xiaoqi, caught by Ximen Kankan’s wine breath, pushed him away and scolded, "Can’t even walk steadily, and you’re talking about snatching brides?"

Duan Rong watched as Zhu Xiaoqi pushed Ximen Kankan to the ground, sprawled awkwardly, and let out a sinister chuckle.

Duan Rong was known for his exceptional drinking ability, seldom getting drunk even after a thousand cups. Ximen Kankan and the others tried to ensure Duan Rong drank until he was drunk but ended up getting themselves incapacitated.

Duan Rong had indeed drunk a lot, but they were all knocked out drunk too. It was like killing eight hundred enemies while losing a thousand of their own.

Zhu Xiaoqi helped Duan Rong up, laughing, while looking over the drunken guests and instructed a few servants to take good care of them. Then she supported Duan Rong towards Xiao Yu’s room.