Chapter 171 - Even After Death

Feng Xuan was in love with her dress. It was a mermaid type that stuck to her like a second skin. The lower part of her body was completely covered but the upper looked like they had ran out of fabric for it.

There was a deep slope on her chest, ending just below her bosoms. Another on her back that plunged until her waist. Her shoulders were bare and the swirling straps hugged her bicep. But that was not the end of it. There were cuts on the sides of her dress, showing her skin and the curves itself. 

Feng Xuan twirled in front of her husband. "It's magnificent, isn't it?"

Qing Chen nodded with a small smile. "You might give the old ones a heart attack."

"May they rest in peace, then." She hooked her arm around his. She smelled like flowers dipped in a golden lake. "You look good tonight."

"Oh really? It doesn't look like I had been wearing the same clothes over the past few months?"

She ran her hands over the lapels of his dark blue coat. "It's a nice color on you." She leaned closer to him and whispered, "It'll also look nice on our bedroom floor."

Qing Chen burst out laughing. "Do you need water? You seem so thirsty."

Feng Xuan playfully slapped his arm. "Oh, Chen," she sighed. "Knowing you, you'd probably rip this dress once we step inside our house. But since it's so expensive, I will have to do the honors and remove it myself to keep it away from the trashcan."

"Seems like I got myself a free striptease tonight."

"Keep talking like that and it might not be the only thing that you'll get tonight."

He only chuckled, then under his breath, he was already silently praying to keep the raging emotions in him at bay. He turned his attention on Feng Xuan's back. Her hair was carefully curled and ended at the middle of her torso. The black and red tattoo on her spine was the center of attention tonight.

"Is it heavy?" he asked when his eyes drifted down on the sparkly beads stitched on the lower garment. 

"I can barely move and breathe in this dress, but f.u.c.k it." It felt like she was only taking half-breaths. She was honestly thinking around what time she would pass out. "I hope I make it until the fireworks."

"Speaking of, it's almost around time to socialize," said Qing Chen, looking at his watch. "Do you need to… uhm, touch up?"

"I am perfect," she said with a smug look on her face. "But fine, I'll take the restroom."

Qing Chen signalled to one of the event managers and told him that they should start ushering the guests to the rooftop.

"Your wife looks amazing," said Wuming with a champagne glass in his hand. He had been keeping distance from them as he was not really supposed to be here. It would be too much of a risk to take. Basically, he looked almost like Qing Chen and it would not take a genius to know that they were brothers if they were spotted together. "Is it just a coincidence or her dress was the color of dried blood?"

Qing Chen looked at the restroom where his wife disappeared to. "I think she's just trying to be herself. I would not be even surprised if that's her favorite color. After all, it makes her laugh the most."

"No, Chen," Wuming patted his back. "I think you've already dethroned it. She was looking really happy ever since she's back. And on that note, why don't you make this the perfect night?" Wuming pulled out something out of his coat pocket and handed the velvet box. "It's from grandmother."

"I can't take that," he answered. "It's hers."

"Well, she's now giving it to Feng Xuan. She's the new Mrs. Qing. It comes with it."

**

When most of the guests were already out of the function room, Feng Xuan reappeared with an uncomfortable look on her face. "I think I should just go barefoot," she said. "It's not like people will see my feet."

"Before that, my grandmother sent you a present." He opened the lid and showed her the gleaming diamonds above the silk. "I think it would match your dress."

"Why is she sending me jewelry?"

"Seeing that you're the new Mrs. Qing, you have to look the part. And who else would she give her jewelries to?" Qing Chen took the necklace out the case and clasped it on Feng Xuan.

It was like a drop of shimmering water that ended on her sternum. "Please remind me that I'll have to send her something," she said and straightened up. "Let's get this show started."

**

Since the media were only allowed on the red carpet on the top floor, they didn't know that Feng Xuan was in the building and was already with her husband. The moment they had stepped off the elevator, almost everyone pointed their cameras to them as they walk. Ignoring most of the people who were already getting their pictures taken.

It was the same experience as the other times she had walked on the carpet. Qing Chen had let her go first and by the end of the line they would be together for more pictures. She had twirled and spun at the marks, the reporters calling her name and she ignored and gave them what they want at the same time.

About dozens of microphones were pushed to their faces as reporters asked for questions along the lines of "when did you two got back together?" "is it true that you separated over the last few months?" "what can we expect from you next?"

Qing Chen waved a hand to shoo them away but Feng Xuan stood her ground and clutched his elbow. "I don't know where that stupid rumor began. But my husband and I will be together, even after death."