Chapter 34: Chapter 34 He Demands a French Kiss

    The next day.

    Driver Lao Chen took care of Huo Xingzhou’s discharge procedures, and the two headed straight to the photography studio.

    Qiao Xi curiously followed Huo Xingzhou into the lobby, where photos were hung all around the walls, including family portraits, individual shots, and wedding photos. After passing through the wooden corridor, they arrived at the photo studio.

    As soon as Du Juan and Huo Sijiao saw them, they came over: “There you are. We’ve already communicated everything with the photographer.”

    Qiao Xi looked at them, completely clueless.

    “Xingzhou, you didn’t tell her, did you?” Du Juan reproached.

    ...

    Huo Xingzhou turned to Qiao Xi and said, “We’re here to take a family portrait.”

    Huo Sijiao covered her mouth and chuckled: “It’s not just that. The family portrait is just one part; the main thing is to make up for you and sister-in-law’s wedding photos. Mom and I have been picking out wedding dresses here for most of the day.”

    Wedding photos?

    Qiao Xi’s cheeks flushed a shade of red.

    Huo Xingzhou hadn’t been aware of this beforehand either.

    “They didn’t tell me; it wasn’t meant to trick you into coming,” he explained to Qiao Xi, worried she’d get the wrong idea.

    Huo Sijiao took Qiao Xi by the hand, “Sister-in-law, don’t be shy. Quick, go try on the wedding dress. Let Dad take brother to try on his suit.”

    “Let’s go.”

    Three women surrounded her and escorted her to the makeup room, which was already filled with the latest wedding gowns, a veritable paradise for any woman.

    “That French style one is gorgeous, luxurious and elegant. Its large hem and waist design will highlight sister-in-law’s good figure.”

    “I think the mermaid dress is also quite nice.”

    After looking around, Du Juan said, “Why not shoot them all, and add on a traditional Chinese phoenix crown outfit too? Start with the French one, then the mermaid, and finally, the traditional Chinese outfit.”

    “This...this is too much,” Qiao Xi softly refused, but her objection was overruled by mother and daughter.

    “A person only gets married once in their life! Sister-in-law, my mom took photos in ten different wedding gowns when she got married!”

    She was pushed into the dressing room, and the makeup artist considerately helped her into a strapless French satin wedding dress. Qiao Xi covered her chest, her neck flushing red.

    She had never worn such revealing clothing before.

    “Please sit, I’ll do your makeup,” the makeup artist said with a smile.

    Qiao Xi was like a marionette, closing her eyes when told, bowing her head when instructed. She remained tense throughout, letting the makeup artist work her magic.

    Two hours later, her makeup was finally done.

    “You truly are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen,” the makeup artist remarked.

    Qiao Xi thought she probably said that to every client.

    “Bear with it.”

    The man’s eyes twinkled with laughter, “Come.”

    He pulled Qiao Xi’s hand, wrapping it around his waist. Qiao Xi approached him nervously, slowly bowing her head to touch his forehead.

    Their high noses were against each other; the sweet breath was like an orchid, clashing with the most primal pounding inside her body.

    At such a close distance, they were just a few centimeters apart from their lips touching.

    “Great! Hold that! Bride, tighten your grip, don’t be shy!” the photographer circled them looking for the best angle and light.

    Beautiful, dreamy.

    Huo Sijiao, holding back her excited shouts, frantically took several photos with her phone and posted them to her circle of friends.

    Her brother and sister-in-law were just the perfect match.

    “After the last pose, we’ll change into another wedding dress,” the photographer said, satisfied while looking at the raw images in the camera. The handsome man and beautiful woman looked good no matter how he shot them.

    The photography assistant brought a basket of fresh petals and spread them on the carpet, asking Qiao Xi to sit directly on it, then arranged her dress.

    “Because the groom has special conditions, we need the bride to sit down for the shot. Be more casual with the pose.”

    “Groom, move in closer.”

    The photographer aimed at them, composing the shot.

    “In a moment, the bride will turn her head slightly, and the groom will lean in to kiss the bride.”

    A kiss!

    Qiao Xi’s eyes widened in shock.

    No one told her there would be kissing in the wedding photos, especially in front of so many people.

    “Petals ready, reflector ready!” commanded the photographer. The assistant started sprinkling rose petals.

    Huo Xingzhou leaned over, drawing slowly closer.

    Qiao Xi stiffened, nearly unable to move.

    “Qiao Xi, bear with it. It’ll be over soon, this is what our parents wished for,” his voice was firm, but it could not hide the mischief in his heart.

    Qiao Xi felt a kiss as light as a feather land on her forehead.

    “Stop!”

    The photographer was somewhat dissatisfied, “A French kiss! Make it lingering, more intense! This you don’t need me to teach, you should know how to do it. Kissing the forehead like this is too bland, no passion to remember later on.”

    You’re already married, what’s there to be shy about!

    “Wow!”

    Huo Sijiao’s eyes glittered, full of anticipation.

    Qiao Xi was close to fainting, her eyes red like a little rabbit, almost crying.

    “Mr. Huo, I... I can’t do this.”