After Being Cheated, I Had a Flash Marriage with My Ex's Aunt - Chapter 27

In the days leading up to the banquet, Li Sui kept a close eye on Mimi’s situation. While the story of a child being maliciously swapped at birth sounded like something out of a sensationalist movie, Li Sui knew all too well that human malice could drive people to do unthinkable things.

Mimi had been sending her updates, though she kept the finer details to herself. Li Sui didn’t want to pry too hard during such a delicate time, so she simply messaged Mimi to remind her that no matter what happened, they were friends for life.

“Mimi can handle herself,” Li Sui muttered, patting her cheeks to snap out of it. She couldn’t let herself spiral into worst-case scenarios before anything had even happened.

Tonight, she was accompanying Shuyi to her niece’s engagement banquet, and the nerves were starting to kick in. She knew the guest list would be a “Who’s Who” of Gan-Du’s elite. She was determined not to let Shuyi down.

Shuyi emerged from the dressing room in her evening wear and found Li Sui sitting at the vanity, eyes closed, patiently letting the makeup artist work. Shuyi slowed her breathing, her gaze softening as she walked over.

“I’m all ready,” Shuyi whispered. “Sui Sui, what do you think?”

Li Sui opened her eyes and looked up. Shuyi was wearing the asymmetrical white suit dress Li Sui had picked out. Her makeup was flawless, and her long dark hair was swept into an elegant updo. She looked radiant—a perfect blend of mature softness and high-society grace.

Li Sui’s eyes lit up with genuine delight. A thought struck her, and she turned to the makeup artist. “Once I’m done, could you take a few photos of us together?”

“Of course,” the artist replied with a smile.

Shuyi felt a surge of quiet anticipation. She had intentionally chosen to match with Li Sui tonight; it was a rare opportunity to show the world—and each other—how well they fit together.

Once Li Sui was ready and in her matching black gown, they posed for a few shots. Li Sui scrolled through the photos on the digital camera, looking pleased. “So,” she asked casually, “are we going alone, or meeting your sisters there?”

“My eldest sister is tied up with work, but my second sister, Zhixue, will be there,” Shuyi said, her gaze lingering on the gloss on Li Sui’s lips. Her voice was light, almost nonchalant. “We’ll just show our faces and head out. I’ve already planned the rest of our evening.”

Li Sui arched an eyebrow. “Oh? What kind of plans?”

Shuyi reached out, her hand naturally settling on Li Sui’s slender waist. She offered a low, mysterious chuckle. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

On the way to the banquet, Shuyi was buried in her laptop, finishing up some last-minute files. Not wanting to disturb her, Li Sui busied herself with her phone.

She finally got a detailed reply from Mimi. Mimi explained that she had met with Su Youlan and visited the Su matriarch in the hospital. The meeting had gone better than expected; there was none of the hostility she had feared. Mimi had made it clear that she wouldn’t be moving into the Su estate immediately and would continue to live with her adoptive mothers—a condition the Su family had accepted.

The two families had officially met, and the matriarch was already planning a grand “welcome home” banquet. Mimi was still hesitant; she wanted to see how the Su family intended to handle Su Tan before she made her final decision.

Mimi: [Aside from the drama, it’s a strange feeling… knowing there were people out there looking for me all this time. They actually wanted me back.]

Mimi: [Sticker: Happy Hamster Dancing]

Li Sui smiled. Behind the playful sticker, she could sense Mimi was truly happy. Finding out you weren’t actually abandoned by your parents was a powerful thing.

She noticed Shuyi had closed her laptop. “Sister Shuyi,” Li Sui asked, “do you think Mimi will eventually go back to them?”

Shuyi thought for a moment, a faint smile on her lips. “I believe so. There’s no downside to recognizing her heritage. Knowing her family is alive and wants her… that’s a good thing.”

“I think so, too,” Li Sui agreed. “Mimi told me her adoptive mothers are incredibly supportive. Her grandmother is already planning the party and invited us.”

Shuyi’s eyes flickered with a hidden emotion. “Good. We’ll go together.”

****

The Grand Hotel

The Su family’s flagship hotel was a sea of lights and gold. The engagement banquet for the Su heiress and the eldest Liang daughter was the event of the season.

A sleek, high-end sports car pulled up to the entrance. The valets, recognizing the Bai family license plate, rushed forward to open the door. The surrounding guests watched with bated breath. The drama of Bai Zhixue and Liang Jun’s marriage and divorce was legendary in these circles; everyone was dying to see who the Bai family would send today.

Bai Zhixue stepped out, looking stunning in a one-shoulder ruffled gown, her red lips and voluminous waves making her look like a blooming peony. She didn’t look a day over thirty.

“Is that the second Bai daughter?”

“She looks incredible. I need the name of her aesthetician.”

“Is she the only one coming?”

The whispers followed her as she walked gracefully into the hall. Zhixue ignored them all, two bodyguards trailing behind her.

Just as the crowd began to settle, another car representing the Bai family arrived.

Li Sui looked out the window at the throngs of people and frowned. “It’s so crowded,” she muttered. She’d been to weddings before, but the scale of this was something else.

Shuyi opened the door from the outside, refusing the valet’s help. She reached into the car, her voice a soft, warm anchor. “Sui Sui, we’re here. Watch your step.”

Li Sui placed her hand in Shuyi’s and stepped out onto the red carpet.

The crowd went silent. Rumors of the youngest Bai daughter’s marriage had been circulating for weeks, but the family hadn’t made an official announcement. Seeing Shuyi—who usually avoided family events and the spotlight—appearing so publicly with such a beautiful woman confirmed everything.

As they entered the lobby, they were immediately swarmed by people looking to curry favor. Shuyi remained polite but distant, introducing Li Sui simply: “This is my wife, Li Sui.”

Inside the ballroom, Liang Xiaona was helping her mother greet guests. Her phone buzzed, and she checked the message. A smirk touched her lips. “Mom, the Bai family is here.”

Liang Jun didn’t look up. “Which ones?”

“Auntie Zhixue and… my little aunt, Shuyi.”

Liang Jun looked up, surprised. “Shuyi actually came?”

“Yeah,” Xiaona said, a predatory glint in her eye. She had personally delivered that invitation to Shuyi’s office, hoping to leverage the connection for a project. “They’re in the foyer. I’ll go welcome them.”

Xiaona hurried toward the entrance. She scanned the crowd and spotted a familiar silhouette. Her heart nearly stopped, her face turning pale as if she’d seen a ghost.

A few yards away, Li Sui felt a cold, malicious gaze on her back. She turned around and froze.

Why is this “bad luck charm” everywhere? Li Sui wondered. Is she stalking me?

Xiaona stared at Li Sui, her jaw dropping. Li Sui was dressed to the nines, her hair and makeup flawless. She looked breathtaking—far more beautiful than she had ever looked during their two years together. Why didn’t she ever dress like this for me? Xiaona’s panic flared. She assumed Li Sui was there to cause a scene. She marched over, looking ready to drag her out. “You! What are you doing here? Don’t tell me you came here to crash my engagement?!”

Li Sui dodged her reaching hand, her eyes turning icy. “Touch me again and see what happens.”

She hadn’t even remembered what day Xiaona’s party was. She certainly wasn’t there for her.

Shuyi, who had stepped away for a moment to grab a wrap from Secretary Li, returned and stepped between them. “Sui Sui.”

Shuyi draped the wrap over Li Sui’s shoulders, a small, knowing smile on her lips. She looked at Xiaona and gave her a formal, regal introduction. “Sui Sui, let me introduce you. This is Xiaona, my eldest niece. We’re here for her engagement to the Su heiress.”

Li Sui’s breath hitched. Her world felt like it was spinning.

Niece?

The “cheating piece of trash” ex-girlfriend… is Shuyi’s niece?

How is this even possible?

Before Xiaona could process the shock, Shuyi reached out and gave her niece a patronizing pat on the head.

Shuyi interlaced her fingers with Li Sui’s, her gaze settling on Xiaona. The smile on her lips didn’t reach her eyes. Her voice was lazy, carrying the heavy weight of her family authority.

“Don’t just stand there, Xiaona,” Shuyi said. “This is my wife, Li Sui. She’s your aunt now. Say hello.”

Xiaona’s voice was trapped in her throat. Her eyes were wide with disbelief.

Li Sui… is Shuyi’s wife?

In that split second, Liang Xiaona’s mind raced through at least eighteen different scenarios, a nameless fire erupting in her chest.

Li Sui had the nerve to call her a cheater? Then what about Li Sui and Bai Shuyi—when did they start hooking up?

Bai Shuyi didn’t miss the resentment burning in Xiaona’s eyes. She drew out her words in a low, chilling threat: “What’s the matter? You seem dissatisfied with my partner?”

Xiaona’s lips trembled, but the words stuck in her throat. Noticing the growing crowd of onlookers and knowing she couldn’t afford to ruin today’s ceremony, she swallowed the humiliation. After a long, agonizing silence, she took a deep breath and squeezed out the words: “…Hello, Auntie.”

Li Sui realized that Su Tan was indeed the woman Xiaona was marrying. Seeing Xiaona in such a subservient position, Li Sui curled her lips into a faint, icy smirk and offered her “blessing”: “Happy engagement, dear niece.”

Xiaona’s face went pale instantly. A wave of indescribable shame and bizarre irony washed over her.

Bai Shuyi didn’t want to waste another second on Xiaona. Her attention shifted back to Li Sui, a soft smile touching her lips. “Let’s go inside.”

“Okay.” Li Sui’s grin widened, the cunning smile of someone who had finally tasted sweet revenge.

Xiaona felt her heart twist. She stood there, frozen, watching them walk away. She was losing her mind. Just now, Li Sui hadn’t given her a single second look. They had been so close once. How could Li Sui be like this? She had truly thought Li Sui was there to cause a scene, to sabotage her happiness…

Inside the main ballroom, staff members quickly ushered Shuyi and Li Sui to their pre-arranged seats. The banquet was about to begin. The entire hall was a festival of lights and gold—red “Double Happiness” characters, gift boxes, silk fans, and tiered cakes decorated every corner. The sense of ceremony was overwhelming.

Under the brilliant chandeliers, soft music drifted through the air. Many of the younger guests weren’t sitting yet; they clustered in small groups, sipping wine and chatting animatedly.

Li Sui finally got a clear look at the welcome signage and the massive LED screen on the stage. Bold red characters announced:

[Engagement Banquet: Su Tan x Liang Xiaona]

Li Sui grumbled internally. If she had known sooner that these two were the protagonists of the night, she wouldn’t have felt so awkward. Suddenly, a serious question occurred to her.

A few days ago, Shuyi had asked her if her ex-girlfriend would send a wedding invitation. Does she know about me and Xiaona?

Li Sui glanced at Shuyi, her mind racing with suspicion. She asked in a low whisper, “You… did you already know?”

Shuyi looked at her with an air of nonchalant curiosity. “Know what?”

Li Sui scrutinized her face. “That Liang Xiaona is my ex-girlfriend. Did you know that all along?”

Shuyi gave her a strange look. “No wonder you were so cold to her just now.”

Li Sui froze. “So you really didn’t know beforehand?”

Shuyi met her gaze, hiding her emotions perfectly behind an impenetrable mask. “I know now.” She reached for a pitcher on the table to pour a drink.

Seeing that Shuyi didn’t seem to be lying, Li Sui wondered if she was just being too sensitive. The irritation in her heart dissipated, replaced by a new confusion. Why was Shuyi so calm?

“Doesn’t it… bother you?” Li Sui bit her lip, her voice softening. “Knowing I used to date her?”

Shuyi handed her the glass, a slight smirk playing on her lips. “It just shows she has bad taste—picking up a sesame seed and throwing away a watermelon. Strictly speaking, she has no blood relation to the Bai family. The title ‘niece’ is purely a formality.”

Li Sui blinked and scanned the room, but she didn’t see Bai Zhixue anywhere. Is she not here yet?

“Sorry, I misunderstood you,” Li Sui whispered into Shuyi’s ear. “I was just shocked. If I’d known it was her wedding, I wouldn’t have let her enjoy it this much.”

She felt unprepared; she didn’t even have the proper mindset for sabotage. Xiaona wanted Su Tan for her status as the Su family heiress, but that status was a lie. Mimi was the real one. What a bombshell.

Shuyi chuckled softly. “Drink some juice. Relax your throat.”

Li Sui took a big gulp, her mind already racing toward the “melon” that was about to drop. She wondered where Mimi was. If the Su family was holding a party for the fake heiress, why wasn’t the real one here? The “Homecoming Banquet” the Su family would eventually throw for Mimi was bound to be even grander than this.

“There’s going to be a show soon,” Shuyi murmured, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. “I just heard a rumor that the Su matriarch might announce Li Mimi’s identity tonight.”

“In the middle of this?!” Li Sui was stunned. She knew Xiaona had been looking forward to this night for months. Even though she didn’t want to follow her ex, her social media was full of “spies” trying to show her how in love the couple was. She couldn’t wait to see Xiaona’s face when the truth came out.

Li Sui felt a surge of secret joy. It looked like she wouldn’t even have to lift a finger to punish Xiaona—the truth alone would be enough to break her. As she smiled, she looked at Shuyi. Since they’d met, everything seemed to go her way.

Meanwhile, Liang Jun noticed Xiaona hadn’t returned to the ballroom. She asked Liang Xiaotang to cover the guests and went looking for her, eventually finding her in the lounge.

“What is wrong with you?” Liang Jun began, but stopped when she saw how haggard Xiaona looked. “Are you feeling unwell?”

Xiaona’s mind was a mess. She had a sudden, desperate urge to find Li Sui and demand the truth. How did she end up with Shuyi? It can’t be a fake marriage just to spite me, can it? Her logic told her Li Sui wouldn’t do that, and Shuyi wasn’t the type to be used as a pawn, but she hoped against hope that it was a lie.

Has Li Sui really moved on?

Liang Jun pressed a bottle of water and a pungent smelling-salt pill into her hand. “Sweetheart, eat this. You need to wake up.”

Xiaona’s voice was dry. “Mom… am I making the right choice, marrying Su Tan?”

Liang Jun sighed and smoothed out Xiaona’s dress. “Don’t talk nonsense. It’s your big day. Su Tan loves you; don’t let her hear that. I know you’re tired, but hold your head up. There are so many important people here; you cannot lose face.”

“Mom… you don’t understand what I’m trying to say.”

“I do, I’m your mother.” Liang Jun urged her to take the pill. “Get up. Everyone is waiting for you. Don’t let them make a joke of us.”

Xiaona let out a cold, internal laugh. “Why did you divorce Auntie Zhixue?”

The divorce two years ago had been sudden and shocking. People said they drifted apart, but they had been head-over-heels once. Xiaona had always been curious, but the topic was forbidden.

Liang Jun froze for a second, her voice hardening. “That is not for you to know. My marriage was an outlier. I only want to see the beautiful side of yours. Don’t let my past make you doubt your future.”

Liang Jun then dropped a piece of news that made Xiaona’s heart skip. “I just heard from the Su family—the matriarch is going to announce a major joy tonight. Everyone thinks she’s going to name Su Tan the heir to the Su Group and transfer 5% of the shares to her name. As her partner, you’ll benefit too. Work hard, Xiaona. My future and your sister’s depend on you.”

Xiaona felt a jolt. This was the “joy” her mother lived for. Liang Jun had high standards for everything—grades, career, status. She had adopted the sisters from a rural area because she saw their potential. They were like high-end pets to her; their clothes, their speech, and their choices all had to follow her design. If Xiaona ruined this marriage, she and her sister would be erased from Gan-Du and sent back to the life they came from.

She couldn’t rebel yet. After a long silence, she whispered, “I understand.” She crunched the pill and swallowed.

In the dressing room, news that Bai Shuyi had brought a wife to the party had already spread through the hotel. Everyone was buzzing.

When Su Tan saw the video her bodyguard sent her, she was floored. It was a one-minute clip of Shuyi sitting next to Li Sui, peeling an orange for her and pouring her a drink, her eyes full of nothing but adoration.

Shuyi’s wife is Li Sui? Liang Xiaona’s ex?

It took Su Tan a while to process it, but she quickly rationalized it. To her, Li Sui was just a social climber who moved from Xiaona to an even bigger prize. But at the same time, she felt a wave of relief. If Li Sui was married to Xiaona’s aunt, there was no chance of them getting back together.

When Xiaona walked in, Su Tan was smiling at her phone. “Aren’t you upset?” Su Tan asked, her smile wide. “I just found out Li Sui hooked up with your aunt.”

“That’s in the past,” Xiaona said, her face a perfect mask of calm. She walked over and cupped Su Tan’s face. “Don’t be jealous, baby. Today is about us. Don’t waste your thoughts on people who don’t matter.”

Su Tan looked at her, biting her lip. “Then tell me… who’s prettier? Me or Li Sui?”

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