The moment Erion’s group appeared at the gate from the Gothic villa, the atmosphere shifted instantly.

  A blend of plutocratic power and royal lineage radiated from them naturally — no need for ostentation, yet overwhelming enough to make everyone around them hold their breath. Perfectly tailored suits, relaxed postures, calm eyes long accustomed to authority and luxury — just stepping through the gate was enough to make the entire space feel as though it had been pressed down a notch.

  Even C?u D?ng and his wife faltered for a brief moment. His thoughts spun chaotically in an instant:

  – “My god… they’re all tycoons — elegant, high-class, even above our level. What a pity for my daughter, having to marry that drifting good-for-nothing.”

  The thought flashed by quickly. He immediately adjusted his expression, pulling his familiar social smile back into place:

  – “Thank you all for coming to attend our family’s important day. Please, come inside.”

  At the steps, Anh Tú and Anh ?ào were already standing by to receive guests. Anh Tú maintained his refined demeanor, the noble bearing of a high-ranking fae evident in every movement. He bowed first to Mr. Tín and Mrs. Nguy?t:

  – “Hello, Uncle and Auntie. Please come in.”

  Then he turned to Erion’s group, inclining his head slightly as he asked in a low voice:

  – “Hello. Ah… is Trúc Di?n not coming today?”

  Yin replied calmly:

  – “I heard that Trúc Di?n, Lita and Phong Túc will be going to the restaurant later.”

  Standing beside her husband, Anh ?ào tried her best to maintain the composed demeanor of a married woman, yet her gaze still couldn’t help drifting — first toward Erion, then to Din. The two men, both exuding the air of powerful elites, possessed a gravity of their own, drawing her eyes unconsciously, making her momentarily forget where she was.

  Charles cleared his throat softly, his deep voice firm enough to pull everyone back to reality:

  – “We should go inside quickly. The bride procession ritual still needs to be done.”

  C?u D?ng also noticed his daughter’s wandering gaze, but with so many distinguished guests present, he could only pretend not to see it and continue leading everyone inside.

  Inside the living room, the opulence was unmistakable — exactly what one would expect from a wealthy family. The spacious area was adorned with premium fresh flowers, soft ribbons cascading gently in fairytale hues. Crystal chandeliers reflected warm, gentle light, creating an atmosphere that was both luxurious and inviting.

  The ancestral altar, in particular, stood out brilliantly. Ornate floral lamps, carefully selected imported fruits arranged in full, balanced displays — every detail spoke of meticulous preparation and considerable financial strength. It was the unmistakable image of a tycoon family’s wedding.

  On the groom’s side, everyone couldn’t hide their amazement at C?u D?ng’s wealth, their eyes filled with awe. In contrast, Erion’s group remained completely unfazed. To them, this level of extravagance was merely familiar — still far from the true luxury they commanded in their own world.

  Mr. Tài, acting as the ceremonial guide, stepped forward into the center of the living room. He adjusted his vest collar, standing upright and dignified:

  – “Now, I invite the groom’s family to present the offerings. Please have one member of the tray-bearing team place the betel and areca tray and the wine set on the table.”

  At the signal, a young man stepped forward, carefully placing the betel-and-areca tray and the wine set neatly before the ancestral altar.

  Mr. Tín then stepped up, his voice slow but clear:

  – “Today is an auspicious day. Our family has brought six trays of offerings, including betel and areca, pastries, fruits, tea and wine, jewelry, and one roasted pig.”

  He opened each tray in turn. When he reached the jewelry tray, the moment the lid was lifted, golden light reflected brightly under the chandeliers. Inside were wedding necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and chains — all made of 24-karat gold — along with ten million in cash neatly placed in front as the betrothal offering.

  C?u D?ng and M? Linh exchanged a glance. Given their family background, the offerings were clearly not commensurate. A flicker of dissatisfaction crossed their eyes, but with matters already set and so many guests present, the couple could only remain silent, nod in acceptance, and continue playing the role of gracious in-laws on this important day.

  C?u D?ng signaled subtly with his eyes. M? Linh understood at once, gave a small nod, and stepped into the inner room. Moments later, she gently led Anh Th? out. The bride, dressed in a cream-white wedding áo Dài, walked forward slowly, her exquisitely made-up face reflecting both nervousness and radiant joy.

  Mr. Tài stood at the center of the room, his voice clear and steady:

  – “Now, the groom will come forward to receive the bride and present the bridal bouquet.”

  Huy stepped up, took Anh Th? from M? Linh’s hands, and offered her the fresh wedding bouquet. A faintly self-satisfied smile appeared on his face, though he maintained a properly respectful demeanor before the guests.

  Mr. Tài continued:

  – “Now, the two of you will greet both families and the honored guests.”

  Huy and Anh Th? bowed together. The gesture was simple yet ceremonially correct, performed under the watchful eyes of both families and the assembled guests.

  Mr. Tài opened a red paper-wrapped box. Inside was a pair of elaborately carved dragon-and-phoenix candles. He carefully lifted them out:

  – “Now, we invite the groom’s family to light the ceremonial candles.”

  On the groom’s side, only Mr. Tín stood forward. Professor Charles stepped up beside him, his tone calm:

  – “Then I’ll light the candles together with you, for the young couple.”

  Mr. Tín nodded. The two men lit the candles together and placed the dragon-and-phoenix pair neatly on the ancestral altar, their warm golden flames spreading softly throughout the room.

  Mr. Tài went on:

  – “Now, the couple will offer betel and areca to the ancestors and light incense in reverence, to ask for their witness and express gratitude.”

  C?u D?ng stood, lit the incense, and handed it to the bride and groom:

  – “After lighting the incense, bow to your ancestors so they may bless you.”

  Huy and Anh Th? received the incense, lit it together, and bowed before the ancestral altar. The room fell into a solemn hush for a brief moment.

  Next, Mrs. Nguy?t stood and opened the jewelry tray. Gently, she put earrings on Anh Th?, then the wedding necklace, chain, and bracelet. Each piece was given with the care and solemn affection of a mother-in-law.

  Finally, Huy and Anh Th? exchanged wedding rings. Professor Charles stepped forward and poured wine into the glasses. Mr. Tài instructed them:

  – “Now, please offer wine to both sets of parents and then drink the ceremonial shared cup.”

  The couple raised their glasses, offered wine to both families, and then drank the shared cup together, officially completing the ancestral rites.

  Mr. Tài announced clearly and courteously:

  – “The groom’s family will now prepare to escort the bride. Please proceed to the cars. The tray bearers will follow to help with a few items. Other guests may travel in their own vehicles or join the family of Mr. D?ng.”

  Everyone gradually moved toward the gate. Luxury cars prepared by Anh Tú were already parked outside. He stood out front, directing the drivers and reminding them of the route to avoid traffic.

  Anh Ph??ng and Anh ?ào carried Anh Th?’s personal belongings. Join and Mary helped the makeup artists bring the wedding gown, cosmetics, and shoes to the cars.

  On the Gothic villa side, the vehicles were even more impressive than those of C?u D?ng’s family — Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentleys, and Rolls-Royce Phantoms lined up along the curb. C?u D?ng grimaced slightly and whispered to his wife:

  – “My goodness, I feel completely outclassed.”

  M? Linh sighed softly:

  – “People like this… if they were our sons-in-law, what a shame it is.”

  Videographers and photographers continued capturing every moment of the bride and groom, while also panning their lenses across the lineup of supercars belonging to the guests.

  On Erion’s side, each person approached their car with an unhurried elegance. Their gazes, their strides, and even the way they opened car doors for the ladies all carried the refined standards of true aristocracy, drawing admiring looks from those nearby.

  Charles boarded a Bentley, sharing the ride with Erion. The doors closed, the engines started one by one, and thus the bridal procession officially set off toward the groom’s home.

  The bridal convoy slowly rolled away from the bride’s home, heading toward District 8 under the gentle morning sunlight. Along the wide boulevard, the deep, steady hum of supercar engines resonated in rhythm, blending with the distant sounds of traffic to form a vivid symphony in the heart of the city.

  Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentleys, and Rolls-Royces lined up in perfect formation, their gleaming bodies reflecting sunlight as they glided past rows of green trees and uneven city buildings. Each time the convoy passed, flashes of cold metallic light caught the eye, drawing stunned stares, double takes, and undisguised gasps of admiration.

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  On the sidewalks, passersby stopped to watch; some hurriedly pulled out their phones to record. The soft whir of video cameras and the rapid clicks of shutters mixed with excited chatter. Inside the cars, laughter and conversation filled the air — formal yet festive — carrying the unmistakable joy of a momentous day.

  To outsiders, this was no ordinary bridal procession. It looked more like a silent parade of the elite, restrained yet commanding, cutting through familiar Saigon streets and leaving behind an overwhelming afterimage that lingered in the mind.

  When the convoy turned into the narrow alley where Huy’s home was located, the scenery changed instantly. The cramped lane, houses packed tightly together, and tangled overhead power lines formed the familiar atmosphere of an old residential neighborhood. The luxury cars were forced to stop outside; one by one, the passengers stepped out, adjusted their attire, and walked in.

  Their arrival quickly set the entire alley abuzz. Neighbors poured out to line both sides, curious eyes glued to the high-end cars and the guests whose presence felt distinctly out of the ordinary. Whispered remarks spread nonstop.

  – “My goodness, whose wedding is this? It’s huge.”

  – “Everyone looks so sharp — are those people actors or models?”

  The moment Erion’s group appeared, they became the undeniable focal point. Their striking looks, composed demeanor, and aristocratic aura nearly eclipsed everything else around them — including the groom himself.

  Every step, every nod of greeting radiated a distant nobility, making the already narrow alley seem to shrink even further.

  On the bride’s side, C?u D?ng’s family stood out just as much when they appeared. From their attire to their manner, everything spoke of wealth and meticulous refinement. Nearby neighbors began whispering again, voices thick with astonishment:

  – “Huy really hit the jackpot, marrying the daughter of a steel and construction conglomerate.”

  – “Once he’s married, his life’s completely changed.”

  Those murmurs rippled through the small alley like an unseen current. Amid curious, admiring, and comparative gazes, the image of the groom walking beside his wealthy bride became the center of every thought — a marriage that bound not only two people, but also caused two vastly different worlds to collide in this very moment.

  Photographers and videographers moved ahead, filming as they went, capturing every detail. The bride and groom walked side by side at the front, followed by the tray bearers and guests. The sound of footsteps on concrete and voices calling out blended into the lively atmosphere of the special day.

  Upon reaching the house, Huy gently supported Anh Th? as they stepped inside. Mr. Tín, Mrs. Nguy?t, and the young men carrying the trays quickly attended to the guests. Hot tea, pastries, and roasted pumpkin seeds were set out on the tables. Though the single-story house was modest, it buzzed with laughter and conversation.

  After the bride and groom lit incense at the ancestral altar, the room fell into solemn silence for a brief moment. Wisps of incense smoke drifted upward, carrying prayers for peace and happiness for the young couple. Once the ritual ended, everyone sat down to enjoy tea and sweets, chatting warmly as the atmosphere grew more intimate.

  At that moment, a red-highlight-haired girl — one of Huy’s friends — noticed Trang. With her refined áo dài, poised posture, and calm yet noble gaze, Trang looked like a young lady from a wealthy household of bygone days.

  Gathering her courage, the girl approached:

  – “Miss Trang, could we take a photo with you?”

  Trang smiled gently. “Of course.”

  The designer quickly spoke up:

  – “Let’s all take a commemorative photo together.”

  C?u D?ng nodded in agreement. He paid little attention to the groom’s family, his gaze instead lingering on the tycoon-like businessmen in Erion’s group — the ones he truly wanted to capture in a shared photo.

  The photographer swiftly adjusted angles and lighting. Each shot was carefully composed: the bride and groom at the center, guests surrounding them, and behind it all, a small house filled with the unmistakable atmosphere of celebration.

  The camera shutter clicked again and again. And in that moment, everyone preserved a fragment of memory from this significant day — a day when contrasts of wealth and poverty, grandeur and simplicity, the mundane and the noble all coexisted within a single frame.

  Huy glanced sideways at Anh Th? walking beside him. The bride, wrapped in a creamy white wedding áo Dài, looked gentle and beautiful — the very image of a young lady raised in luxury. The corner of Huy’s lips lifted faintly.

  – “I’ve made my way into her family. Sooner or later, the assets will all be mine.”

  That thought filled him with even greater confidence. Years of endurance — of swallowing his pride, of being looked down upon — now seemed worth it.

  A man only needed to seize the right opportunity. Marrying into wealth was a kind of ability too. He deliberately slowed his pace by half a step, maintaining a composed, courteous demeanor in front of the guests. Deep inside, Huy was already sketching out his future: contracts, connections, streams of money that he believed would one day belong to him.

  Just a little more finesse. A little more calculation. And even that entire conglomerate… would not escape his grasp.

  Outwardly, he remained the polite groom — bowing to neighbors, greeting guests, responding to congratulations with a humble tone. Inwardly, however, his smug satisfaction had risen to the point where it was almost impossible to conceal.

  In that moment, standing in the narrow, crowded alley amid the restless gazes of onlookers, Huy felt as though he had stepped into a different world — one where the poverty and inferiority of his past would soon be left behind, replaced by power and wealth he believed he rightfully deserved.

  C?u D?ng, a seasoned old fox of the business world, missed nothing in that small house — not a glance, not a breath. Sitting leisurely with a sip of tea, he curled his lips into a half-smile, his gaze sweeping over Huy as though appraising a commodity:

  – “The day you become my son-in-law is the day you step into hell. Go ahead — be confident for today.”

  Beside him, M? Linh set her teacup down, her fingertips lightly tapping the rim. Her eyes were cold, sharp as thin blades:

  – “Wanting to eat without working for it? You’re not nearly capable enough to lay a hand on our assets.”

  Dì T? — played by Bách Di?n — needed only a single glance to take in the expressions of the couple. A cold chuckle rose in his mind:

  – “This venomous centipede is nearing its end. If you choose ambition, if you insist on climbing higher, then you must accept the price.”

  Din stood behind them, his expression calm, yet his thoughts already spiraling deep into the workings of karma:

  – “Only when this centipede crawls into your house… will karma truly begin.”

  Yin observed in silence, a thought passing through his mind like a cold wind:

  – “Greedy, scheming people… inevitably find their way to one another.”

  From another corner, Erion curved his lips into a smile that never reached his eyes:

  – “Everything is already in place. Now we just wait for the prey to walk into the trap.”

  Everyone maintained composed expressions, exchanging polite words as if no undercurrents existed. Yet the chill crawling up one’s spine was very real. Handshakes lingered a fraction too long, smiles failed to reach the eyes, gazes collided and quickly looked away — forming an invisible struggle for power right in the middle of a wedding celebration.

  In stark contrast, the other guests — neighbors, relatives, even the young tray bearers — laughed and chatted cheerfully. Children giggled, elders exchanged warm greetings, and congratulatory wishes echoed without pause. The wedding remained lively and joyous, but beneath it all, cold calculations quietly intertwined, reflecting each other like two sides of the same mirror.

  ***

  At the Th?o ?i?n villa, the late-afternoon sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. My stood before her wardrobe, her gaze lingering for a long moment before decisively pulling out an evening gown.

  The strapless dress, meticulously adorned with beads and crystals, flowed in an ombre gradient from a blazing orange to a vivid red. It hugged her curves perfectly, showcasing her fair skin and an air of unapologetic elegance. She laid the gown on the bed, then selected high heels, a designer handbag, and diamond jewelry — each piece radiating wealth and luxury without the slightest attempt to hide it.

  Her phone rang on the vanity table:

  – “Come pick me up early this afternoon, okay?” My answered, her voice soft yet brimming with confidence.

  On the other end, Tu?n was also getting ready:

  – “Of course we’ll go early. The guys over here are getting dressed too.”

  The doorbell rang. My glanced at her reflection and replied quickly:

  – “The makeup artist is here. I’ll call you when I’m done.”

  She hung up. Vú N?m led the makeup artist up to her room. My sat down in front of the large mirror, back straight, chin slightly raised, her gaze proud and cold:

  – “Just make sure I look stunning. I’ll give you a bonus.”

  The makeup artist opened his kit, arranging each cosmetic neatly on the table, his voice confident:

  – “Don’t worry, miss. I’ll turn you into the queen of tonight’s party.”

  In the mirror, the corner of My’s lips slowly lifted. A smile laced with ambition, pride, and absolute confidence — as if she were fully prepared to step onto a grand chessboard, where beauty and power would be weighed side by side.

  At Huy’s house, the bride procession ritual had come to an end. The atmosphere inside still carried lingering excitement, yet for some, tension simmered beneath the surface like thin ice that had yet to melt. Din adjusted his cuff, his voice polite but firm:

  – “We’ll take our leave now. We’ll see everyone again tonight at the restaurant.”

  C?u D?ng immediately stepped forward. In his eyes was a mix of respect and barely concealed envy:

  – “My family is truly grateful that everyone took the time to attend the bride procession. Please accept our sincere thanks.”

  Mr. Tín also offered a formal farewell:

  – “Thank you, everyone. We’ll see you again.”

  Erion looked straight at Huy. He clearly caught the immature glint of triumph flashing in the groom’s eyes. A faint sideways glance, paired with a thin smile:

  – “Wishing you a hundred years of happiness.”

  That low, cold voice carried none of the warmth of a true blessing. A faint red glimmer flickered briefly in Erion’s eyes like an invisible icy wind, sending a chill straight down Huy’s spine. He stammered, sweat beading at the back of his neck:

  – “Y-yes… thank you, Mr. Erion and everyone, for blessing my wife and me.”

  Standing beside him, Yin spoke softly, yet with a weight that could not be ignored:

  – “We haven’t forgotten what happened last time.”

  Outside, in front of the floral gate, the atmosphere was gentler. Two of Huy’s female friends, having finished taking photos, gathered their courage and spoke to Trang. Both bowed apologetically:

  – “We’re sorry, brother and sister. Last time… we didn’t want things to turn out that way. We hope you’ll forgive us.”

  Trang smiled lightly, her voice calm but edged with warning:

  – “It’s alright. Just don’t listen to others’ instigation anymore. Otherwise, you’ll end up bringing trouble upon yourselves.”

  Arian and H?ng Nhung were preparing to get into the car. Before leaving, Arian turned back, his gaze cold as a winter wind:

  – “Remember this well. The person you call a friend is no good at all.”

  H?u K?, who had already heard Trúc Di?n recount how Huy once had his friends secretly follow Erion’s group, did not hide his scrutiny:

  – “Look carefully. A true friend would never push you into danger.”

  The two young women bowed even deeper, genuinely awakened:

  – “We know we were wrong. Thank you for letting it go.”

  Nh? Phu glanced toward the house, where Huy was sweating profusely while standing before forces far beyond his comprehension. He added slowly:

  – “Tell the other guys too. Some people can be friends, but never give your whole heart. Or one day, you’ll be used… and sold out.”

  Meanwhile, the group of youngsters was in an entirely different world. They were striking poses and snapping photos in their men’s áo Dài, radiating youthful energy:

  – “Hey, come take a shot of me by the floral gate!” one of them shouted.

  – “Get the whole background! Stand here — this angle looks way better!” another exclaimed excitedly near the neighbor’s pink bougainvillea.

  Inside the house, the gentlemen were also beginning to prepare to leave. Huy, meanwhile, was nearly frozen stiff, standing face-to-face with figures belonging to a realm of power that felt almost cosmic.

  C?u D?ng and M? Linh had no idea what was truly going on. C?u D?ng frowned and called out loudly:

  – “Huy! What are you standing there frozen for? Go see the guests off!”

  Huy jolted, as if yanked out of a nightmare.

  – “Y-yes… yes, Dad.”

  M? Linh showed clear displeasure:

  – “When guests are leaving, you should at least say goodbye and thank them.”

  Mr. Tín, fully aware of the identities of those standing before them, quickly spoke up to cover for his son:

  – “Huy had to get up early today to prepare for the bride procession. He stayed up late last night too, so he’s a bit tired. I hope you’ll understand.”

  Din gave a slight nod. His expression was pleasant, yet a restrained killing intent lingered deep within his eyes:

  – “Then Mr. Huy should get some rest. We’ll take our leave now.”

  When Erion, Din, and Yin stepped out through the gate one by one, Huy finally let out a breath, as if he had just escaped an invisible trial.

  Just outside the gate, Erion walked over, smiling as he took Trang’s hand:

  – “Let’s go home. You look tired.”

  Din glanced at the youngsters still busy posing for photos, his voice dropping sharply:

  – “Move it. Now.”

  The whole group jumped, hurriedly stuffing their phones into their pockets. Yin scanned the area, frowning slightly:

  – “Where’s Chen? I haven’t seen him for a while.”

  H?ng Nhung looked off into the distance, toward the orchid trellis in front of the neighbor’s house:

  – “Over there.”

  There, ??i Ng?c was striking graceful poses in a soft silk S??n Xám, her figure flowing under the sunlight. Chen snapped photos, his face flushed, voice stammering:

  – “Miss ??i Ng?c… you look really beautiful on camera.”

  ??i Ng?c lowered her head slightly, her voice shy:

  – “It’s… just normal. If you think it looks good, then I’m happy.”

  Amid the lively laughter and chatter of the daytime wedding, unseen currents had quietly begun to form — foretelling that the banquet tonight would be anything but peaceful.