Upon hearing this, the Fu family members exchanged surprised glances.

The surrounding guests, overhearing the conversation, were even more envious.

Their looks toward Si's father now had a touch of flattery.

When Lin Sisi came out, she immediately felt the surrounding people's gazes filled with enthusiasm. She was a bit puzzled, but the crowd quickly surrounded her.

"Si Si, you look so beautiful today!"

"Your family knows Director Li? Why didn't you tell us sooner?"

"I heard Director Li's son is a squad leader in the bureau. Do you know him?"

"Isn't that obvious? Si Si must know him. I saw people from the police bureau visiting the Si family before. I was a bit curious at the time, but didn't realize it was a visit to the Si family."

These were all people from the compound around Lin Sisi's age. Even if there weren't many close relations, with the marriage between the Fu and Si families, it would look bad if neighbors and acquaintances didn't show up.

So, quite a few people gathered to join in the excitement.

Previously, these same people had looked down on Lin Sisi.

When Si Nian was in the compound, her beauty and excellent academic performance meant she was frequently compared with her peers. The Si family didn't have a great reputation.

Now that Si Nian was gone, many had hoped for a chance to compete for Fu Yang. However, instead of breaking off the engagement, the families had quickly moved forward with the marriage plans.

While they accepted that Si Nian's beauty and accomplishments were impressive, they resented Lin Sisi, coming from a rural background, for becoming the Fu family's daughter-in-law. The hostility towards Lin Sisi had even escalated before, with many having a negative view of her.

Originally, they had planned to come and ignore Lin Sisi, leaving her feeling awkward alone.

However, upon hearing that Lin Sisi's family was connected with the Director of the Public Security Bureau, their attitude changed.

Director Li, known for his prestigious background and vast network of influential contacts, was a notable figure. His son, though young, was already a squad leader in the bureau. In the military, he was as distinguished as Fu Yang.

Li's son was not only handsome but also dedicated to his work, with no interest in marriage at the moment. His fame and reputation were significant, rivaling that of Fu Yang in the eyes of many young women.

Numerous girls of their age admired him in secret, as his status made him as desirable a match as Fu Yang.

However, despite their interest, they found it difficult to get close to someone of that stature.

Now that they learned Lin Sisi had a good relationship with Director Li, many who had previously ignored her suddenly became very friendly. This included even those with prestigious family backgrounds within the military compound, who were usually quite aloof.

Lin Sisi realized why these people had suddenly become so cordial. Although she had heard from her father that they had invited Director Li and others, she hadn't thought much of it.

She hadn't expected Director Li's reputation to be so impressive that even those from the Fu family, who had previously been critical of her, were now extremely warm and welcoming.

It seemed that Si Nian and Zhou Yue Shen's connections had indeed been of help to her.

Lin Sisi lifted her chin and said, "Yes, we know each other."

At the previous wedding at the Zhou family's, her father had introduced her to a few important figures, so that could be considered as knowing them.

Her vague response only piqued everyone's curiosity even more.

"Did Director Li really come to visit your family? What does he look like? Is he handsome?"

Lin Sisi nodded.

Indeed, Director Li had come to her house before, but it wasn't a social visit. He had been there to investigate the case of the missing 3,000 yuan.

He had asked a few questions and then left, and hadn't returned since.

At the time, Lin Sisi was so nervous about the investigation that she didn't really pay attention to his appearance. She only remembered him as a serious and meticulous person.

She had almost let something slip during his visit due to her anxiety.

If she hadn't been reborn, she would have likely made some slip-ups by now.

Seeing her nod, the group of women grew even more excited, their faces flushed as they eagerly asked if she could introduce them to Director Li.

Lin Sisi thought that since Director Li had come to her house for her wedding, he must be open to building connections with them. Since she was looking for ways to integrate with people in the military compound, she gladly agreed, "Of course. However, Director Li is very busy, so I can't guarantee when he'll be available. But I can let you know if an opportunity arises."

The women were thrilled and expressed their gratitude. They clung to her arm as if they were long-lost friends.

Lin Sisi felt incredibly lucky to be able to win them over so easily. The frustration of having to keep the wedding small suddenly vanished.

Standing nearby in his suit, Fu Yang watched with a few men of his age.

"You've got a good fiancée," one remarked. "I thought she'd have a hard time fitting in here, being from the countryside."

"Yeah, the Wang family's daughter is usually very aloof. Even Si Nian couldn't win her favor. Now, she's flattering your fiancée. Looks like your marriage is proving beneficial to you," another added.

"Just now, I heard that the Si family is acquainted with Director Li. Why didn't you tell us about this?"

"I heard from Commander Si that Zhang, the head of the North China District, and Wang, the owner of the department store, are also coming. Kid, you've been hiding things pretty well!"

"I've been to the Si family before and never saw Director Li or his people."

"It seems that Director Li only started visiting the Si family after Lin Sisi came back. I saw the police's Director Li at the Si family's place a while ago and was puzzled."

"Hey, do you think Lin Sisi might have known Director Li before, and that's why the two families connected after she came back?"

A few of the men were discussing.

They all lived in the same compound. Previously, the most envied person in the compound was Si Nian, the most beautiful girl in the area. Her departure had left them feeling quite disappointed.

But now, with Lin Sisi, they were starting to think that she might not be as simple as they had originally thought.

Although Lin Sisi might not be as beautiful as Si Nian, the fact that Director Li personally attended her wedding suggests that their marriage could indeed benefit Fu Yang's career.

Fu Yang, smoking a cigarette, frowned upon hearing this.

He had grown up alongside Si Nian and had known the Si family for over twenty years. However, he had never heard that the Si family had connections with the Li family.

A look of doubt flashed in his eyes. Could it really be due to Lin Sisi's return that these connections were made?

If that's the case, it seems Lin Sisi isn't as worthless as he thought.

---

Outside.

The tardy Si Nian and Zhou Yue Shen arrived at the door, carrying large bags and packages.

A car was parked at the entrance of the military compound, and a couple got out of the vehicle.

The two groups collided.

As Si Nian walked past, she heard the other party's arrogant tone: "Do you know who I am? I am Zhang Cui Mei's younger sister. You know Zhang Cui Mei, right? She is a relative of Chief Fu."

Upon hearing this name, Si Nian glanced over.

Sure enough, it was Zhang Xiaoyun, the odd person she had met at the police station during their household registration process, Zhang Cui Mei's younger sister.

Well, today is Lin Sisi's wedding, so Zhang Xiaoyun, being Zhang Cui Mei's younger sister, is definitely here to attend.

As Si Nian withdrew her gaze, Zhang Xiaoyun, walking ahead with her head held high, seemed to sense something and turned around.

Seeing Si Nian, she was momentarily stunned, then immediately exclaimed in a sharp tone, "What are you doing here?"

Si Nian's lips twitched. "What's it to you?"

Zhang Xiaoyun was momentarily at a loss for words. "How could it not be my business? You're no longer a part of the Si family, yet you dare to come here. Do you think just anyone can come? I get it now, you must have heard that Sisi is marrying Fu Yang today and have come here to cause trouble."

Her husband also noticed Si Nian, appearing quite surprised. "Si Nian? Didn't you marry into the countryside? Why are you here?"

Si Nian, feeling impatient, replied, "Of course I'm here to attend Lin Sisi's wedding."

"You're here to attend the wedding? More like you're here to make trouble!" Zhang Xiaoyun mocked.

Si Nian was speechless. "Do you see anyone causing trouble here, especially when they've brought their husband and daughter? If you have any objections, you can go ask my adoptive parents; they're the ones who invited us."

It was only then that Zhang Xiaoyun and her husband noticed the tall man standing behind her. The man was slender and strong, with a stern expression. On his wrist was an obviously expensive watch, and he was holding several shopping bags in one hand while holding a little girl's hand in the other.

The little girl was fair and delicate, looking quite beautiful, and she was curiously biting her finger as she watched them.

If they hadn't heard about Si Nian's situation from Zhang Cui Mei, they might have thought these two were wealthy city folk.

The two of them snapped back to reality.

Zhang Xiaoyun noticed the bags that Zhou Yue Shen was carrying and glanced inside, where she saw clothes and small toys.

Immediately, a mocking expression appeared on her face.

Indeed, they're from the countryside. While others are buying fine quilts, good wine, and expensive cigarettes, they're buying a few pieces of shabby clothing and cheap toys.

It's really laughable.

"Dressed up to look the part, yet they're bringing these low-grade gifts. Can they really call these presents? Aren't they afraid of being laughed at?"

"I don't know what my sister was thinking, inviting you guys over. Doesn't she feel embarrassed?"

Zhang Xiaoyun kept mocking.

She was already uncomfortable with how well her sister's family was doing, and now seeing Si Nian, remembering her previous arrogance, she felt even less inclined to be polite.

"Alright, alright, that's enough," her husband said, annoyed by her loud voice and embarrassment, trying to stop her.

"Let's go in first; the meal is about to start."

He wasn't feeling sorry for Si Nian but was worried about wasting time.

He had heard his wife mention that the Si family had also invited Li Ju and others.

Both he and his wife worked in the same unit and needed the connection with Li Ju.

So, they had specially dressed up and brought many good gifts, hoping to make a good impression.

There's no time to deal with Si Nian, who is already of no use.

However, unlike his wife, who is all surface, he remained quite gentlemanly and said to Si Nian, "Nian, you can't get in, right? Since this is the military compound, would you like me to speak with the guards for you?"

He spoke with a concerned tone.

Ordinary people cannot freely enter the military compound, but as relatives of Zhang Cuimei, they were different.

However, Si Nian and her rural husband no longer had any connection to the military compound, so they definitely couldn't get in now.

Even though they had been invited, it seemed the Si family hadn't actually sent anyone to receive them. It was probably just a polite gesture, and they hadn't expected the two of them to take it seriously and actually come.

The things they bought really aren't up to par, so it's no wonder his wife is mocking them.

But being from the countryside and not understanding their rules, it's understandable.

Si Nian heard this and twitched her lips.

This couple truly does not disappoint in their shared traits.

"There's no need," Si Nian said. "You go ahead."

Zhang Xiaoyun's husband, hearing this, felt she was just putting on a brave face and sighed, "Oh, don't blame your parents for not coming to get you. It's Si Si's wedding today, and they must have been so busy they simply lost track of time."

Si Nian responded with a neutral expression and no sign of embarrassment, which made Zhang Xiaoyun's husband feel uncomfortable.

He was trying to be kind, and yet she was so indifferent—what was she pretending for?

Everyone knows what Si Nian's current situation is.

"Forget it, kindness is wasted on them," Zhang Xiaoyun's husband said, adjusting his suit. "Alright then, you can wait here. We're going in first."

Zhang Xiaoyun, reveling in the situation, glared at her husband and said, "What are you bothering about her for?"

With that, she snorted, linked arms with her husband, and walked inside.

Their mocking laughter, not at all hidden, carried back to Si Nian and Zhou Yue Shen: "Maybe after the meal, my sister will remember them, hahaha~"

Just as Zhang Xiaoyun's smile appeared, a familiar voice came from behind.

"Don't worry, we'll make it in time for the meal, so there's no need for you to concern yourselves."

Si Nian and Zhou Yue Shen walked past the two.

Zhang Xiaoyun's smile froze, and she looked back in disbelief at the guards and then at the two of them.

"How did you get in?"

Her face turned sour. She had just been certain that they wouldn't be able to enter, and yet, the next moment, they were inside.

Her husband's expression was also not very pleasant.

Thinking about what he had just said, he felt his face flush with embarrassment.

He felt ashamed and thought Si Nian must have done it deliberately—pretending she couldn't get in when she actually could, just to make him look foolish!

Before Si Nian could respond, Zhang Xiaoyun muttered to herself, "I see, it must be that my sister arranged with the guards in advance to let them in. Hmph, it's nothing special."

Si Nian, feeling helpless, replied, "I didn't say it was anything special. From start to finish, it's been you two talking to yourselves."

"You're so arrogant, but it's all thanks to my sister's husband's connections. Otherwise, a person like you wouldn't even get near this place! Just enjoy yourself quietly!"

"Forget it. You won't have this kind of opportunity again anyway."

With this thought, Zhang Xiaoyun felt a lot more comfortable.

However, before she could revel in her satisfaction, someone rushed over from the side and warmly linked arms with Si Nian. "You finally made it, Si Nian!"

Zhang Xiaoyun was stunned and instinctively looked over.

It turned out to be the most favored young lady of the Fu family, Fu Qianqian.