Chapter 17: You’re Dragging Me Down With You

“No matter how many times you ask, my answer will never change—I will not marry her...” His sharp, sinister gaze swept swiftly through the crowd before lingering for a few seconds on Tong Xiaoman’s smiling face. A cold smirk curled his lips as he said, “I already have someone I like.”

The bride trembled at his words, tears welling uncontrollably from her eyes. Such a blow was unbearable for anyone; she was truly the most unfortunate bride.

“What did you say?” Nalan Tian erupted in fury.

Nalan Che’s tall, upright figure suddenly strode toward Tong Xiaoman.

She blinked, a sudden ominous premonition rising in her heart. Please, no—it couldn’t be what she feared.

As his imposing silhouette stood before her, her heart skipped two beats.

Abruptly, he reached out, gripping her waist and yanking her forcefully from her seat.

“Hey, buddy, are you mistaken? Even if you don’t want to get married, you can’t just drag someone else in as a scapegoat,” she protested inwardly.

After all, this man was the formidable head of the Di Sha Group. Tong Xiaoman struggled hard, trying to break free from his grasp, but his strength far exceeded her expectations. She pondered whether a fierce fight was inevitable.

“This cufflink was shot by you, wasn’t it? If you’re going to save someone, see it through to the end—don’t quit halfway.” Nalan Che opened his rough palm, calloused from years of martial arts and firearms training, revealing an exquisitely crafted cufflink—the very one she had just fired.

“You know I saved you, yet you’re dragging me into this mess,” Tong Xiaoman felt tears welling up. How could he behave like this? Tomorrow’s headlines would surely be about her—the inexplicable troublemaker ruining someone else’s wedding. She felt so wronged; she shouldn’t have meddled in this matter. He was far too cunning.

With a powerful arm, Nalan Che pulled her tightly into his embrace, then suddenly bent down and kissed her rosy lips as she grumbled angrily.

The fresh, intoxicating scent of the man instantly overwhelmed the air around her.

Unbelievable gasps echoed throughout the hall.

That wretched man—he actually kissed her in front of all these people! Tong Xiaoman’s anger surged uncontrollably. She kicked at his lower body and flailed her hands.

She was a wild and untamed spirit.

Nalan Che, long-armed and long-legged, used his physical advantage to easily block her attacks, holding her tightly in his arms so she could not move. To onlookers, it seemed like nothing more than an affectionate couple embracing intimately.

But in truth, she was utterly furious. The bride was supposed to be the heroine of the day, yet here she was stealing the spotlight. She vowed silently that she would not let him off.

Overwhelmed by the shock, the bride finally could bear no more. With a soft whimper, surrounded by bridesmaids and friends, she fainted. The scene instantly erupted into chaos.

The elderly patriarch, unable to control the turmoil, trembled like a leaf in the autumn wind, speechless.

“Everyone, don’t misunderstand. There’s no scandal between me and this man... he’s framing me... umph...” Tong Xiaoman tried to explain, but before she could finish, his large palm covered her mouth, and he boldly carried her away from the hall.

As they were about to leave, Nalan Tian shouted furiously, “Stop them!”

Outside, the Di Sha Group’s forces, stationed nearby, immediately responded to the chief elder’s command. They moved swiftly to block their path.