Climbing The Ranks As The Best Doctor

Chapter 3: Wedding Crasher.

Shen drove his car through the city as fast as he could without causing a stir. 

He didn't want to waste any more time, he had more important things to think about, but neither was he looking forward to crashing in on her wedding with another man.

Up ahead he could see the estate look ahead before him. He slowed down considerably the closer he got, drove into the estate and wasn't stopped by the guards at the gate. 

Although he told Jin to get him a simple car, Jin tended to overdo things sometimes. 

His car could literally buy a small island.

The estate was swarming with luxury cars, but Shen managed to squeeze into a parking spot.

He quickly came down from the car and walked into the mansion in the middle of the estate. 

Although Shen preferred to dress simply and most times casual, he definitely felt out of place.

Everyone else he could spot either wore the most expensive clothes that money could buy or ceaselessly flaunted their wealth.

But Shen didn't mind, whatever one chose to do with their money was none of his concern. 

Although it seemed rather foolish to him. 

The mansion was a colossal structure of pristine white marble, intricate carvings adorning its walls. Spotless. Shen entered the hall, surprised by the relatively small crowd.

He scanned the room for someone who could point him towards the bride. His eyes landed on a short, wizened old man with a scraggly beard that almost reached his chest. 

Elder Kan Wang.

The man who was supposed to be his grandfather-in-law. 

'Pissed as he looks at my attire, maybe I should ask him,' Shen thought, and approached the elder.

"This young one greets you, Elder" Shen bowed slightly to the elder.

The elder scowled. "Who let this beggar in here?" He jabbed his cane towards Shen, who turned to find no one behind him.

"Are you referring to me, Elder?" Shen asked, bewildered. He hadn't expected to be mistaken for a beggar. A servant, maybe, but a beggar?

'Perhaps I should take Jin's fashion advice more seriously,' Shen sighed inwardly.

"Elder, it's me, Shen. I'm here to deliver something to the bride, your granddaughter, but I don't see her around." Shen said, as politely as possible.

The elder stared, then burst into laughter. He beckoned his cronies over.

"Look at this peasant, begging to meet the bride! Not satisfied with the payoff, eh? Back for more?" The elder cackled.

The other elders joined in, their laughter drawing the attention of the entire room. Whispers, snickers, and mocking glances followed Shen.

Shen looked down at the so-called garbage that he wore. Sure he wore some slide-ins for his feet and a plain black trouser and a simple white top with a floral print on it. 

'I can't be looking that bad?' he thought. But turned around in search of someone that he knew. He really needed to get this over with and head on his way. 

"I'm sorry to have disturbed you, Elder. But I can assure you, that's not my reason for being here." Shen said calmly, trying his best to tune out the insults.

"Ha! Of course, you wouldn't know. Who even let him into the estate looking like this? Disgusting. I shall have a word with the guards myself!" The elder pinched his nose, eyeing Shen with disdain.

"But Elder..." Shen began.

"Enough lies! We all know you're still bitter after the engagement was called off. We know what you want. Once you're alone with Mia, you'll demand more money won't you, once a beggar, always a beggar!" The elder roared.  

A choir of laughter broke out as everyone laughed and pointed fingers at Shen.

The guards hearing the ruckus, ran over to his direction. 

But it was at that moment when the bride suddenly came down the stairs.

"What's all this commotion?" Mai called out, radiant in her wedding dress. 

Gasps filled the room as she glided through the crowd, heads bowing in respect. 

Even the man who stood by her side, her groom didn't seem to match the aura that she possessed.

"Forgive me, my lady! This filth crashed your wedding! He'll be removed immediately!" The elder bowed to Mai.

Mai's gaze landed on Shen, and a smile touched her lips. "Shen?" She giggled.

Shen rolled his eyes before fixing on a benign smile. "Mai, long time no see." He waved casually.

"Repulsive!" The elder sputtered.

"Calm yourself, Elder Wang," Mai said sharply, silencing him. Shen smirked at the man, her eyes roving over his tall frame.

"What brings you here? Upset about our broken engagement?" She smiled knowingly.

Shen shook his head. "No, no, no, not at all. I actually prefer it this way. Marriages are such a burden, don't you think?" He grinned back, all teeth. He meant every word that he said.

But that didn't please Mai.

Her face twisted, going red with rage.

"Bastard!" She spat. "You're only here for a settlement, aren't you? I should never have associated with someone so poor!" Scandalized gasps filled the hall at her proclamation and whispers could be heard from every single corner of the hall. 

Shen looked confused.

"No. I'm here to deliver this medicine from my Master. I don't need any settlement or even a single paper note of your money" he said to her.

Shen dug his hands into his pocket and brought out a jade bottle. "Here, the medicine you asked for." He stretched out his hand, giving her the medical potion.

But Mai smacked his hand away, and the jade bottle fell from his hands to the ground, clattering about but it didn't break. "I ordered no such thing from you. How dare you make false accusations against me!" She spat.

Shen at this point had had enough. His eyes grew cold as he looked at her. " I have done my part, Mia. I have delivered you salvation and you have thrown it away with your own hands. You have chosen death itself and it is no longer my concern. But perhaps you shall live." Shen said.

"Life and death are up to fate and so shall your life be!" He finished, then heard a stir amongst the guests as everyone bowed their heads to someone who stood at the door.

Mai turned and faced the woman at the door, her face annoyed before it quickly cleared into one of shock and amazement.

She quickly ran forward, ignoring Shen.

"Lady Han!” She called, breathless, coming to a stop in front of the woman and clasping her hands neatly even as they trembled, “I greet you and thank you for gracing me with your presence," Mai bowed her head as respectfully as she could. 

After all, Rosa Han stood before her, the family with the most influence in this region.

But Rosa Han ignored Mai and all the others who had bowed to show her respect, walking past her like she wasn't even there and heading towards Shen.

"Why have you been ignoring me? Why aren't you answering my calls from your earring?" Rosa demanded, clearly annoyed.