At the Bình Chánh headquarters, lunch was served in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere.

  On the long ironwood table were familiar Vietnamese dishes, meticulously prepared by demon chefs with remarkable care.

  At the center sat a steamed snakehead fish cooked inside a young gourd. The pale green gourd had been neatly hollowed out, cradling thick cuts of snowy white fish still releasing steam. The vapor carried a gentle aroma of gourd, mingled with lemongrass, scallions, and a hint of ground pepper, creating a refreshing, light scent. When eaten wrapped in thin rice paper with fresh herbs and dipped lightly into fermented fish sauce, the fish’s natural sweetness spread across the palate without the slightest hint of greasiness.

  Beside it was a plate of golden, crispy fried seabass. The crunchy coating enclosed tender white flesh inside; with a gentle break, a sharp crack rang out, releasing the rich fragrance of butter and toasted breadcrumbs. Paired with a well-balanced sweet-and-sour sauce and a few slices of fresh lime, the richness became perfectly harmonious.

  Last came pan-roasted duck. Each piece had been seared just right, the skin glossy brown-gold as rendered fat released a deep, savory aroma. The meat inside was soft, juicy, and well-seasoned, served alongside cucumber and fresh herbs to balance the richness.

  Colorful glasses of tropical fruit soda were placed between the dishes, bubbles fizzing coolly as the light scents of passion fruit, blueberry, and pineapple drifted through the air.

  Demon King Satan picked up a steaming piece of snakehead fish from the gourd, his tone unhurried:

  – “Everyone, try this. The fish carries the light sweetness of the gourd, and it’s not oily at all.”

  The Grand Madam Advisor followed suit, nodding in satisfaction:

  – “We’re all getting on in years. Too much grease isn’t good for the body. Even Erion, who’s well over a thousand years old, should start cutting back on sugar.”

  Arian grimaced slightly and shrugged:

  – “Everyone here is at least several hundred years old — some over a thousand. If we don’t take care of ourselves, we’ll probably… fade out early.”

  Trúc Di?n, who had just taken a sip of blueberry soda, choked and coughed lightly:

  – “Cough… then I’d already be a great-great-ancestor, wouldn’t I?”

  The entire table burst into laughter, the atmosphere growing unusually light. At that moment, an agent entered and bowed respectfully:

  – “My Lord, the General, Princess Trang, and the others have arrived.”

  Still calmly picking up another piece of duck, Satan replied evenly:

  – “They’re back already? Call them in — and Charles too. Have them join us for lunch.”

  Before long, Erion’s group entered. Trang bowed politely:

  – “Blessings to you, Father. We brought some gifts from ?à L?t for you and everyone.”

  Satan’s gaze softened instantly, the corner of his lips lifting:

  – “No need for formalities, my daughter. Sit down and eat. Charles, sit here. I’d like a word with you.”

  The chefs swiftly brought out fresh servings. The little demons’ eyes lit up the moment they saw the food, swallowing hard in unison.

  Erion shot them a sharp look and growled:

  – “You lot are truly embarrassing me. Tomorrow at the wedding, Din, make sure you keep them under control.”

  Din nodded calmly:

  – “Rest assured, General. If they get out of line, I’ll use magic.”

  Charles turned to Satan, his voice steady:

  – “You should already be aware of both the positive and negative effects of Velvet Crave. Do you have a plan in mind?”

  Satan’s gaze fixed straight ahead, a calculating glint flashing within:

  – “Of course. But I’m still waiting for more intelligence from the Queen and the Consort. First, we need to identify the origin of the mastermind behind it all.”

  Saturday passed slowly and peacefully, like a wordless melody gently closing the old week.

  Night fell with a thin veil of mist, covering everything in a soft, quiet stillness. Then, as Sunday’s dawn gradually revealed itself, the wedding day of Anh Th? and Huy officially began — gentle as the turning of time itself, when the past steps back to make room for a new beginning.

  The weather that day was unexpectedly perfect. The sky was a deep, clear blue — high and pristine, as if freshly washed after the long night. The early sunlight was not harsh but tender, slipping through rooftops and resting on corners of the courtyard still damp with dew, like a silent blessing bestowed upon the couple on their most important morning.

  At C?u D?ng’s villa, everything had been prepared since early dawn. In the spacious grounds, tables and chairs were neatly arranged, tablecloths smoothed flat, crystal glasses gleaming as they reflected the sunlight. Imported fruits were artfully displayed on trays, their colors bright and inviting. Pastries and hot tea stood ready, a gentle fragrance drifting through the air.

  The design team was fully present, bringing along extra fresh flowers as backup. They made a careful round of the villa, checking every detail — from the grand gate woven with premium fresh flowers to the decorative pillars lining the walkway. Each floral arrangement was inspected closely, any bruised petal or wilting branch corrected immediately. No flaw was allowed to remain.

  In the kitchen, Anh Th?’s friends, dressed in light green áo dài, worked swiftly arranging tea and sweets for the guests. The atmosphere was lively yet orderly; everyone was keenly aware that today was a momentous occasion.

  M? Linh had already finished getting ready. She wore a jade-green áo Dài, the shimmering fabric adorned with intricate beadwork and crystals that caught the light with every step. Her makeup was immaculate, her hair perfectly styled. As she descended the stairs, her voice was firm yet gentle:

  – “Make sure everything is arranged properly, don’t let anything be missing. Today, all the guests are important. And ch? T?, please go change quickly — the groom’s side will be arriving soon.”

  Dì T?, currently played by Bách Di?n, replied at once in the natural voice of an older woman:

  – “I’ve already instructed the kids. I’ll go change right away. Thank you, madam.”

  In the living room, C?u D?ng looked sharp in an expensive tailored suit, every cut accentuating his dignified posture. He made a round of inspection while the decoration staff helped with small tasks. Looking up at the chandelier, still unlit, he spoke:

  – “Turn the lights on, kids. Tie the curtains neatly. I’ll give you an extra tip later.”

  The designer smiled confidently:

  – “Yes, thank you, sir. Please leave everything to us.”

  Then he pointed to the floor where a few scraps of paper remained:

  – “You guys, sweep this area clean. There must be no mistakes.”

  Upstairs in Anh Th?’s room, makeup artists and hairstylists were busy beautifying the three sisters. Anh Th? wore a cream-white wedding áo Dài made of premium silk, perfectly tailored to her figure. The bodice was adorned with delicate lace, each tiny crystal hand-sewn with meticulous care, catching the light softly with every movement — pure yet undeniably elegant. Her hair was styled in loose, airy waves, accented with small white baby’s breath flowers, creating an overall look that was both pristine and radiant.

  Anh ?ào and Anh Ph??ng were also receiving their final makeup touches — soft blush, carefully chosen lipstick shades harmonizing perfectly with the colors of their áo Dài.

  In the adjacent room, Join and Mary — two witches from Canada — were already prepared. Join, tall and striking, had ocean-blue eyes beneath neatly styled blond hair. He wore a deep blue-black áo dài paired with black trousers, highlighting his model-like physique and fair skin.

  Mary looked graceful in a pale yellow silk áo Dài, the fabric flowing softly with each step. Her gently curled hair was adorned with an elegant pearl clip.

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  Mary spun around in front of Join, smiling sweetly:

  – “What do you think?”

  Join smiled back, his gaze sincere:

  – “Of course you’re beautiful. This is also my first time wearing a Vietnamese áo dài.”

  Mary winked playfully:

  – “You look like a true gentleman.”

  In a space filled with light and fresh flowers, the wedding day was slowly approaching its most important moment, carrying with it excitement, pride, and the intertwined hopes of two families.

  At Huy’s family home, the atmosphere was just as lively. Everyone was busy, moving quickly yet carefully, maintaining the proper decorum of such an important day. The familiar house suddenly felt warmer and more solemn, as if wrapped in shared joy and anticipation.

  Mrs. Nguy?t appeared in a Hu?-style purple áo Dài made of traditional brocade, adorned with subtle woven patterns and paired with simple black trousers. Though not as glamorous or elaborate as her in-law’s attire, she radiated a gentle, refined Hu? elegance — calm, graceful, and deeply composed. Her hair was neatly tied up, accented with a simple yet elegant silver hairpin. Adjusting it slightly, she called out:

  – “Huy, hurry up, my child. Don’t be late for the bride pickup!”

  Mr. Tín, dressed in a tasteful brown suit — simple yet well-fitted and dignified — was carefully checking each ceremonial tray. He added a red cloth over the offerings, straightening every corner as if afraid to miss even the smallest detail.

  Huy’s friends had already gathered, all neatly dressed to carry the trays for the groom’s side.

  Mr. Tín spoke up, his voice firm with instruction:

  – “Be careful when carrying them. As for the wine and jewelry trays, I’ll handle those myself.”

  Huy stepped out, wearing a tailored black suit with a clean, refined cut that highlighted the groom’s calm and mature demeanor. In his hands was a fresh wedding bouquet, soft in color yet full of life. He looked at his parents and smiled:

  – “Shall we go now, Mom and Dad?”

  Mr. Tín nodded:

  – “Get ready, everyone. Remember to account for travel time too, just in case there’s traffic.”

  The entire group then walked out to the end of the alley, where a wedding car decorated with elegant floral arrangements was waiting, followed by a sixteen-seat minibus for relatives and friends. The groom’s procession boarded the vehicles in order. As the engines started, excitement mixed with nervous anticipation, marking the beginning of their journey to c?u D?ng’s villa to fetch the bride.

  Along the way, the bright red ceremonial trays stood out amid the flow of traffic, carrying with them blessings and the solemnity of both families. Inside the vehicles, the mood was lively yet respectful — everyone keenly aware that every passing moment was precious and unforgettable.

  ***

  Meanwhile, at the Gothic villa, everything was also ready. The little imps wore neatly tailored áo dài, their appearances suddenly polished, the usual mischief replaced by a rare seriousness. The gentlemen carried themselves with the refined air of elite tycoons, dressed in high-end suits with sharp tailoring, exuding calm confidence and quiet authority.

  Outside the gate, members of the Serpent Clan arrived one by one. H?u K? and L?p Thành wore elegant suits in subdued tones, their presence dignified and composed. Nh? Phu and ??i Ng?c radiated noble grace in fitted qipao dresses; the luxurious fabric accentuated their graceful silhouettes, blending classic elegance with subtle allure.

  Next came Arian and H?ng Nhung. She stood out in a baby-pink brocade áo Dài, the fresh color making her face glow. And he was striking in a navy-blue suit from a renowned fashion house, his demeanor calm yet unmistakably eye-catching amid the crowd.

  At Mr. Tài’s residence, preparations were also complete. Professor Charles appeared in a slate-gray áo dài with structured fabric, paired with simple black trousers — an understated yet refined ensemble. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly styled, giving him a composed, distinguished charm all his own.

  Seeing him, Mr. Tài burst out laughing:

  – “Professor, you look incredibly dashing. In that áo Dài, you look like a runway model!”

  Charles looked slightly embarrassed, smiling as he replied:

  – “It’s my first time wearing an áo Dài, but I think… it suits me quite well.”

  Amid flowing áo Dài, elegant suits, and radiant faces, everything seemed to be converging, quietly waiting for the moment when the groom’s procession would finally arrive — opening the most sacred chapter of the wedding day.

  Din stepped out in front of the gate, his face bright with a constant smile:

  – “Everyone, come inside and have some tea for a bit. The groom’s party hasn’t arrived yet.”

  H?u K? waved his hand casually:

  – “Nah, we’ll stand here for a while, then head over together. By the way, is Phong Túc coming?”

  Yin shrugged, a half-smile tugging at his lips:

  – “I think he has to. Bách Di?n is already playing the role of Fourth Aunt, and if Phong Túc shows up with that appearance of his, someone might faint on the spot.”

  Erion walked out from inside, adjusting his vest cuffs as he went. His voice was cool, laced with sarcasm:

  – “So that snake won’t be coming today, and instead we get that overly furry black cat.”

  L?p Thành laughed, glancing at Erion:

  – “Sometimes you get the combo, General.”

  Arian scanned the area, frowning slightly:

  – “And where’s the princess? She’s not coming?”

  Din immediately explained:

  – “Her Highness is getting ready. She’s almost done.”

  At that moment, Chen was hovering behind the crowd, his awkwardness painfully obvious. In his hands was a bouquet of hydrangeas in every shade imaginable, bought just yesterday in ?à L?t, along with several bags of local specialties. He spoke as if afraid someone might overhear, barely daring to breathe.

  – “I… I brought these for Miss ??i Ng?c. And some local specialties too.”

  Erion cast a sidelong glance at him, his gaze sharp as a blade:

  – “You look quite like a groom today.”

  Chen nearly jumped out of his skin, the bouquet almost slipping from his hands:

  – “I… I’m just giving flowers, General. Please don’t imagine things.”

  L?p Thành smiled, giving Chen a knowing look:

  – “No need to imagine. It’s right there in front of us. Who wouldn’t see it?”

  H?ng Nhung chimed in, her tone half-teasing, half-urging:

  – “Why are you still standing there? Go give her the flowers.”

  Seeing ??i Ng?c standing slightly off to the side, her cheeks faintly flushed, Nh? Phu gently nudged her toward Chen, grinning mischievously:

  – “You two can just express yourselves naturally. Everything’s already obvious, yet you’re still pretending.”

  Chen trembled like a leaf as he stood before her, both hands stiff as he held out the bouquet:

  – “I… I picked these myself. And I took really good care of them.”

  ??i Ng?c reached out with her slender, fair hands to accept the colorful hydrangeas. She smiled softly, a gentle smile that seemed to soften the entire atmosphere:

  – “They’re beautiful. I was just thinking of planting this kind on my balcony to enjoy.”

  Chen grew even more flustered, his words spilling out faster than usual:

  – “If you like them, I can help you plant them. I also take care of the garden at this villa.”

  Erion let out a long sigh, shooting a look so sharp it felt like a freight train passing by:

  – “How much care do you really take? It’s always me using my abilities to slow time down so the flowers last longer.”

  Chen scratched his head, thickening his skin just a little:

  – “General, at least let me save some face.”

  Erion slipped his hands into his pockets and stepped forward, glancing toward C?u D?ng’s villa. His voice turned icy:

  – “Saving face? I won’t comment. But what I hate most is blatant lies.”

  The group froze for a split second, then burst into laughter. ??i Ng?c lifted a hand to cover her mouth, her eyes curving with her smile. No matter how much she tried to remain composed, the joy shining in her gaze was impossible to hide.

  While everyone was still chatting animatedly, the sound of car engines echoed from afar, growing clearer by the second. The hum of engines blended into the crisp morning air, signaling the arrival of the groom’s procession.

  Inside the 16-seat shark-nose van, the young men carrying the ceremonial trays couldn’t hide their amazement at the sight of C?u D?ng’s flower-adorned gate. Fresh flowers were densely arranged from the entrance all the way into the courtyard. One of them grimaced slightly and whispered under his breath:

  – “Is Huy’s bride’s family really this rich? From the gate to the house, everything’s decorated with fresh flowers — and all expensive ones too.”

  Seated in the front car, Huy himself was equally stunned. His eyes swept over the lavish details, and a calculating thought flashed through his mind:

  – “Choosing Th? was the right move. With a family this wealthy, becoming their son-in-law will be living the good life.”

  With that thought, he adjusted his tie, put on his brightest smile, and stepped out of the car.

  Behind Huy came Mr. Tín, Mrs. Nguy?t, and the team of young men carrying the trays. The groom’s side presented themselves neatly yet modestly: the groom in a well-fitted black suit, his family following with restrained, humble manners. The ceremonial trays were carefully covered with red cloths, and although the tray bearers were simply dressed, they did their best to maintain a dignified appearance.

  From the Gothic villa, Erion curled his lips slightly, his voice tinged with sarcasm:

  – “That centipede has arrived.”

  Din adjusted his vest, his gaze turning toward the interior of the house:

  – “Is the Princess done yet? We should get ready to head over.”

  Just then, the soft click of high heels echoed along the stone pathway — slow, steady, measured steps. Trang appeared, graceful and composed, like a figure from an old painting.

  She wore a four-panel ivory-white brocade áo Dài, the fabric catching the light just enough without being ostentatious. The inner panels revealed a hint of pale pink, like tender lotus petals, appearing and disappearing with each step. Around her neck was a silver torque engraved with lotus motifs, exquisitely crafted yet not heavy. Her sleek black hair was gathered into a neat, elegant bun, adorned with a silver hairpin matching the lotus design of her necklace.

  Her makeup was light and translucent: sun-kissed skin with only a thin layer of foundation, a faint blush on her cheeks, and lips nearly bare, shimmering softly in a natural nude sheen. The result was a look both simple and refined. Resting on her shoulder was a handbag woven entirely from lotus leaves, handmade, carrying a subtle herbal fragrance.

  Erion froze for a few seconds. Not just him — everyone around let out quiet murmurs of admiration.

  H?u K? watched her intently, his voice slowing:

  – “The Princess looks just like the daughters of wealthy mandarins from the old days.”

  Seeing that Erion was still staring at her, Din spoke softly:

  – “Let’s go over there.”

  The little demons had also gathered by now, each dressed in custom-designed áo Dài with masculine cuts and muted tones, making them look far more mature than usual.

  On the other side, C?u D?ng and M? Linh stepped out to greet the groom’s party. Huy bowed politely:

  – “Greetings, Father and Mother.”

  Though he wasn’t particularly pleased with this marriage, C?u D?ng maintained his role flawlessly, his voice calm and courteous:

  – “Welcome, in-laws. You’ve arrived right on time.”

  Mr. Tín stepped forward, his demeanor gentle and respectful:

  – “Yes, thank you, in-law. Today our family has brought six ceremonial trays. We humbly ask for your permission to receive the bride.”

  C?u D?ng nodded slightly. Immediately after, six young women in lime-green áo Dài stepped out, forming two parallel lines. The groom’s side handed over the trays, and the girls received them in a solemn atmosphere. The designer quickly coordinated the photography team, capturing every beautiful moment.

  C?u D?ng glanced around:

  – “I wonder if the guests have arrived yet. I haven’t seen anyone so far.”

  M? Linh looked toward Mr. Tài’s villa across the way and smiled:

  – “There, Mr. Tài’s family, and that professor.”

  Mr. Tài’s family appeared, and the most striking among them was Professor Charles. Dressed in a traditional Vietnamese áo Dài, he looked like a composed, charismatic middle-aged tycoon.

  One purple-haired boy from the tray-bearing team whispered:

  – “Why does he look so sharp?”

  The buzz-cut youth replied softly:

  – “I heard Huy say he’s an international university professor.”

  At this moment, the atmosphere in front of the villa was both formal and lively, as if all walks of life, all worlds, were converging for a wedding that seemed ordinary on the surface, yet was filled with hidden glances and calculations beneath.