Bewilderment covered the expressions of Li Xue. She tried to process the reason behind Feng Yi Lan’s statement but however she thought she couldn’t figure out one. Furthermore, given the serious tone that Feng Yi Lan has used earlier, she didn’t think this was some kind of joke that she could simply shrug off.

“LanLan, can you tell me what happened? If I can help you solve it, wouldn’t we be able to save my big day? I mean although this came as a surprise, I am still looking forward to it. I don’t want it to get postponed.” Li Xue spoke, trying her best to ease the situation while giving a near to no hesitation smile. 

Feng Yi Lan turned to glare at her brother for one last time as if accusing him for all her miseries before turning to reject Li Xue’s suggestion out straight. But the moment her determined eyes turned to her friend, her puppy pair of amber melted away all her strictness. Feng Yi Lan resigned with a sigh and spoke, “Dear, please don’t give me that gaze. I, myself, don’t want to cancel your big day. But it seems I have no other choice but to suggest that. All credit goes to your dear devil husband. Even in my condition like this, he offers me no pity.” 

She said and pressing her lips in a thin line, Li Xue turned to give a questioning brow raise to Feng Shufen. It seemed like a riddle that had vague hints provided. Li Xue gave a small look to Sister Margaret and the latter, understanding the cue, came forward to take the little one in her arms. 

“Thank you, Sister Margaret. Please help him to his cot upstairs. He is already asleep and I don’t want his sleep to be disturbed by us.” Li Xue said, and nodding to her politely, the old lady soon took the little master up to the room.

While Li Xue turned back towards Yi Lan. Walking up to her, she helped her to the seat, before sitting beside her. “LanLan, you can make his complaints to me. I won’t mind siding with you against him if required, but given your situation, don’t take stress. I don’t want my nephew or niece to suffer.” 

She cupped her hand into hers and soon Feng Yi Lan reciprocated by placing another hand over hers. But then soon a guilt flashed in Feng Yi Lan’s eyes and before Li Xue could ask, she admitted on her own, apoligizing for her lack. “I am sorry, dear. I really wanted to make your day special but given how the situation has turned out I can’t.” 

There was a resignation in her tone that made Li Xue frown. Jutting her brows, she asked, “What is that for? Yi Lan, tell me properly.”  𝚗𝑜𝒱𝓮𝓵xt.𝓬𝗈𝗆

Feng Yi Lan closed her eyes in disappointment and then continued from where she had stopped, “Li Xue, remember I had told you that I will bring you the best wedding gown. But given the unannounced dates, I wasn’t able to make that happen. I tried my best to pull all my strings. From the day I got the information, I have been continuously calling all the best ones in our field, but none of them are ready to consider taking the order at such short notice. They are all scared that they wouldn’t be able to stand up to the mark. Now, tell me how would a bride walk down the aisle with a wedding gown?” 

She said, almost holding back her cries.  Li Xue understood from where all that guilt was coming. She paused for a moment before giving an optimistic smile.  Patting the back of Feng Yi Lan’s hands, she said, “That’s just a minor problem, Yi Lan. Isn’t it just a wedding gown? I can wear any of them available in the market. I am sure there must be many styles available in the exquisite stores.” 

She said and Feng Yi Lan looked back at her as if she had grown three head. She couldn’t believe how a girl could be so casual about her wedding gown. 

“Are you even in sane mind, Li Xue? How can you be so laid back about it? It’s nothing but your wedding gown. Remember all the plans and designs you had for it back when we discussed it during our uni days. You can’t be serious about going with any piece available piece in the market.” 

In actuality, Li Xue was not casual about it. She even dreamt of a beautiful piece made just for her special day. But just to get one of her easy dreams fulfilled, she can’t let go of the big day itself. Even though she was legally married to Feng Shufen, a grand wedding with him was the other biggest dream she had in her life. So just for getting the best gown, she can’t bring herself to hold herself for attaining her biggest dream. 

Shaking her head, Li Xue smiled, “It’s okay, Yi Lan. It’s not as serious as you think. Also, I am not just the only woman going to those stores. Exquisite stores also have high end designs. Although they are not custom made or hand designed, they are still the pieces that most of the ladies from high society desire. I am sure we will be able to find something really suitable. Also, wearing customized wedding gowns should not be the only option. I am a model appreciated by the nation. Anything that I would wear will become suitable for the day.” 

She said but Feng Yi Lan still was not ready to accept it. “Are you serious, girl. You are not some high society socialites but the Crown Princess of the country. Do you think just any gown from those stores will suit your title? Come on, you can’t take such a big risk for my brother. Just postpone the wedding for a two more months and I will help yu fix the best deal with it.” 

She said giving another pointed gaze at Feng Shufen. Although Feng Shufen was silent all this while, the continuous accusations were getting on his nerves. The wedding gown was not exactly the problem, he could fix it in no time. But the idea of getting the wedding postponed was pricking his nerves. He tried to hold on to his best but in the end, he wasn’t able to control it. 

“If you are not capable enough, accept your incapability. Don’t try to push your blames on other.” He said and Feng Yi Lan flaring emotions surged. 

Standing up at once, she asked, folding her arms over her chest, “What do you mean? Have you not the once to drop the surprise bomb? And tell me who will be ready to prepare a wedding gown for a personality lik Li Xue in such a short notice?” 

Feng Shufen’s lips on one corner lifted up and he chuckled sarcastically. “Surprise bomb and short notice? You better recheck the facts. You have been informed about the schedule way before. Haven’t you?” 

“I …” Feng Yi Lan didn’t remember. Was she informed? 

Feng Shufen didn’t give her the chance to think about it but rather refreshed her memory. You were already told that the wedding will come after the coronation ceremony. Even though the exact dates weren’t provided, you were given enough time to make the arrangements.” 

“Yes, b-but things take time and …” Feng Yi Lan thought to justify but from her side Li Xue stood up to stand on her side. 

“That’s okay. Since things are already like this, dwelling on something that’s unnecessary won’t help. I already said that I will …” Before Li Xue could again propose wearing the available style, Feng Yi Lan refused her. 

“Compromising won’t be an option. I will make the arrangements. She said it right; you have duty and responsibility to hold the reputation of two great titles. Instead adjusting in the situation, make the situation and people adjust according to you.” 

He said and before Li Xue could speak anything, his fingers moved to dial Gao Fan’s number, which soon got connected. “Gao Fan, arrange the team of designers worthy and capable enough to design the best wedding gown of the century.” 

Saying that he disconnected the call and Li Xue stared at him speechlessly. She wanted to deny it but then again, she also anticipated getting the best of all.