The 99th Divorce

“You look gorgeous!”

The makeup artist who dressed Ye Qianqian up was beaming. After fixing her phoenix-inspired coronet, she began to arrange her red robe.

The process of layering on multiple tiers of garments was troublesome.

Ye Qianqian couldn’t help thinking how Shen Zhilie would take off her layers of clothing on their wedding night – would he give up halfway and collapse?

Perhaps he wouldn’t have to peel them off layer by layer. He could just tear them off her in one swift motion. Either way, she wouldn’t be wearing the outfit again anyway.

The makeup artist noticed the strange smile on her face and chided, “What are you thinking about? A bride should pay attention to her image.”

“Ahem!”

Ye Qianqian’s face turned red.

Soon, the makeup artist was done fussing over her outfit. She admired her work from a distance and exclaimed, “This is beautiful. It’s gorgeous! Let me take some pictures.”

She picked up her mobile phone and captured a few photos.

She sent a copy of the photos to Ye Qianqian. She immediately shared the photos with her friends.

The bridesmaids and the bride’s girlfriends crowded the room.

The group included her colleagues, bosom buddies, and former classmates.

A few of her close artist friends were also present.

When the makeup artist led Ye Qianqian into the bridal room, everyone exclaimed in admiration.

“You look beautiful!”

“I thought the outfit the old lady had chosen for you would look very old-fashioned. This is way prettier than I had expected!”

“This is impressive. Is your headgear made of gold? Is it heavy?”

Everyone chuckled at the friendly teasing.

Ye Qianqian’s neck was aching. She clenched her teeth and barked, “Shut up!”

Both families lived far away from each other, so arrangements were made for Ye Qianqian to stay in another house for the time being.

Ye Zhenhua was in the house and entered the room upon hearing the commotion. “What’s going on here?” he asked, smiling.

As soon as he walked in, he was stunned by Ye Qianqian’s appearance.

His eyes lit up with amazement. He walked over to her and gushed, “Is that you, Qianqian? You’re almost unrecognizable!”

Ye Qianqian pouted. “I’ve always been this pretty. How could you not recognize me?”

Ye Youyou, who was sitting on the side, nudged Qianqian and laughed. “Come on, all it takes is a compliment for you to start acting all haughty with your nose in the air?”

“Exactly! Do you still care for your image or not?”

“Well, since you’re getting married today, I’ll let you have your moment.”

Ye Qianqian sat quietly on the bed, pretending she could not hear or see anything.

“Come, put on the jewelry.”

Fang Tongtong was carrying a tray full of gold ornaments.

“Wow!”

A collective gasp was audible at the scene.

“The family must be filthy rich!”

“This is jaw-dropping. Two, four, six, eight…”

“Eighteen golden bracelets. Amazing!”

Ye Qianqian stared at them and felt goosebumps all over her body. “Am I supposed to wear every one of them?”

“Of course,” Ye Zhenhua replied with absolute certainty. “What else did I buy them for if not to decorate you with? Put them on her.”

There were mischievous snickering and envious glances all around.

Ye Qianqian felt incredulous. She resigned to having the jewelry piled on her one after another.

In addition to the bracelets, a few strange-looking gold necklaces were hung around her neck.

“What is this? I’ve never seen other brides wearing this many pieces of jewelry on their wedding day!” Ye Qianqian was on the brink of a nervous breakdown. “They’re weighing me down. I…”

“Watch your mouth!” Ye Zhenhua reprimanded her. “You shouldn’t be complaining so much on your wedding day. Don’t curse yourself!”

Ye Qianqian blinked at him in despair. “It’s incredibly heavy!”

Her headgear alone seemed heavy enough to crush her.