Chapter 654 - 652: Seriously Injured?

Just as they had finally managed to calm down a bit, Su Li dropped another bombshell.

"Little Mo skipped grades in elementary school and middle school, and he’s planning to skip a grade in high school, too. He’s starting his first year of high school abroad this year as an exchange student."

Li Li and her classmate: "..."

Tang Mo sat quietly to the side, not saying much. He pressed his lips together in a smile, his cheeks flushing slightly.

Being praised like that by Su Li made him a little embarrassed, but he also felt a small thrill of happiness and pride.

Li Li spoke for her classmate. "Going abroad so young—does he speak a foreign language?"

Su Li didn’t hesitate. "Of course. He’s fluent. And he speaks more than one. As for how many, I’d better not say, lest you think I’m showing off."

Li Li: "..." ’And this isn’t showing off?’

’But... she has every right to show off!’

If she had a son like that, she’d show him off too. She’d talk about him all day long and never get tired of it.

After a moment, Li Li let out a breath. "Su Li, you’re usually so low-key. But bringing Little Mo today feels so... high-profile."

’So high-profile you could fly to the moon.’

Su Li huffed. "I try to be low-key, but I can’t. You all asked, so of course I had to answer."

Li Li and her classmate exchanged a smile and decided to ignore Su Li, seizing the chance to talk to the little genius instead.

"Little Mo, can you shake your auntie’s hand? I want some of your brilliance to rub off on me."

"Me too, I want to as well."

Li Li’s request was even more over-the-top.

"Me too! Can I come see Little Mo more often in the future? Especially when I’m pregnant. Maybe if I look at Little Mo enough, I’ll give birth to a little genius too, or at least a smart kid."

"You’re something else. Talking about being pregnant before you’re even married. Have you no shame?"

The group burst into playful laughter.

Before graduation, you might not think much of your classmates, but after graduating, you realize just how precious they are.

The bonds of friendship between classmates weren’t complicated by other things, unlike with colleagues. You could be on good terms with coworkers, but it was always hard to truly open your heart to them.

In most cases, the people who become your lifelong friends are the ones you made back in school.

Whether from elementary, middle, high school, or college—they were usually classmates.

At this reunion after several months, enjoying a pleasant coffee break, everyone was very relaxed.

The female classmates who came were very interested in the wedding and asked Su Li many questions.

Su Li answered what she could, and eventually, the topic turned to the restaurant.

"...I heard that ordinary people can’t get in there. Are there any special rules or things we need to know when we go?"

They were journalists, after all. They couldn’t afford to embarrass themselves and were already planning to wear their best outfits.

"There are no special rules. A car will come to pick us up. Just gather at my place around that time, and we’ll go to the groom’s house together. After that, we’ll head to the restaurant. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from there, not far at all."

Su Li explained the details to them. "My family’s hometown isn’t here, so we won’t be holding a separate banquet at home. Everything will be done together."

"Of course, you can also just go directly to the restaurant if that’s more convenient for you. Either way is fine."

This was a combination of old and new wedding traditions.

In the past, wedding banquets were mostly held at home, both at the bride’s and the groom’s. The idea of going to a restaurant didn’t really exist. But in recent years, many people have started holding them at restaurants.

Su Li and Wu Sheng were no exception.

The main reason was that their homes didn’t have enough space, and it would be too hectic. It was better to just book a restaurant. The food quality was guaranteed, and it looked more impressive to outsiders.

But even though they were eating at a restaurant, the traditional procedures couldn’t be skipped.

The groom picking up the bride and the ceremonial bows at the auspicious time were both essential.

According to the old customs, after the bows, the bride was to be escorted to the bridal chamber. The groom would then entertain the guests and drink with them. When he had had enough, he would return to lift the bride’s veil and drink the nuptial wine.

In between, there would usually be the ’nao dongfang,’ or wedding night games, after which the couple would finally be left to themselves.

However, they couldn’t follow the old rules completely. Su Li couldn’t just sit in the bridal room for hours waiting for Wu Sheng; she had to go out and toast the guests too.

So, the result of their discussion was this: they would complete the ceremonial bows, the escort to the bridal chamber, the lifting of the veil, and the drinking of the nuptial wine all at once. Then, Su Li would join in toasting the guests and eating.

After everything, they would return together.

Close friends and family would typically go to the bride’s or groom’s house first. More casual acquaintances would just go directly to the restaurant for the meal. After eating, they wouldn’t follow the couple back to the groom’s house for more drinks and conversation.

It all depended on what was most convenient.

After hearing Su Li’s explanation, her classmates all said they would go to her house.

And that went without saying for Li Li—she was the bridesmaid.

They chatted about this and that, gossiped about their colleagues, and complained a little. Time flew by, and soon it was afternoon.

They had originally planned to have dinner together, but it didn’t work out as everyone had things to do.

With no other choice, Su Li said her goodbyes first.

Seeing that it was still early, Su Li decided to buy groceries and take them home before picking up Tang Mo.

While Su Li was chatting with her friends, Tang Mo had gotten bored. So, partway through the get-together, he had decided to go to Mu Haoye’s house first.

He knew the way, and it wasn’t far. Tang Mo was growing up and had walked there by himself many times. After giving him a series of reminders, Su Li let him go on his own.

Su Li planned to head back to her neighborhood first. She was just about to go to the market to buy groceries when she saw a man in a work uniform running toward her from the entrance.

"Ma’am, the boss is injured..."

He was wearing the work uniform Su Li recognized. He was tall and burly, a big guy with monolids, his face etched with grief and anxiety.

A buzzing sound filled Su Li’s ears. "What? What did you say?"

’Why were the words she never wanted to hear again in her life being spoken now, without any warning?’

Su Li’s face went deathly pale, her expression one of utter disbelief.

The burly man stopped in front of Su Li. "The chief sent me to get you. We couldn’t reach your phone, so I’ve been waiting here."

Su Li’s legs gave out, and she nearly collapsed. She took two steps forward, leaning against a nearby tree for support as she asked in a hoarse voice.

"Where is Wu Sheng? Where is he hurt? How bad is it?"

She had been out all afternoon. That brick phone was just too heavy, so she’d left it at home, thinking nothing would happen. Who could have imagined...

’It shouldn’t have happened. Wu Sheng shouldn’t have gotten hurt. Even if he went to work today, it was just to hand off his duties before his wedding leave. Why would he get injured?’

The questions tumbled out of Su Li’s mouth one after another.

"Why was he injured? How could he get hurt? Our wedding is in a few days, how could this happen... Where is he?"

The man, unable to get a word in due to Su Li’s nonstop questions, finally managed to answer.

"The boss is at the hospital. I don’t know the specifics of his condition. I was sent to bring you there."

This must be what it felt like to fall from heaven into hell.

Su Li’s mind was in turmoil. Her thoughts were filled with the image of Wu Sheng’s previous injury, and her body trembled uncontrollably.

"Go. Let’s go. We have to go now."

She used the tree to push herself upright.

The man hovered nearby, his hands outstretched nervously as he watched her, quickly guiding her toward a car.

"Ma’am, the car is this way."