As knowledge and strength were both valued; the challenges included martial arts, mathematics, physics, chemistry, literature, history, philosophy, etc.
The first challenge was related to literature, as the bridesmaids requested the men to recite the entirety of Act 2, Scene 2 in Romeo and Juliet. They chose this because it was a touching and well-known love story fitting for a wedding.
The groomsmen consisted often handsome, smart, and wealthy heirs, some of whom had completed their postgraduate studies abroad. Yet, everyone was utterly dumbfounded upon hearing the challenge.
'What the heck? Who would randomly memorize an entire play for no reason?!' They all thought in their heads.
"So none of you can do it?" One of the bridesmaids smiled cheekily. "Fine then, I'll give you the option to bribe us. Starting from eight thousand dollars!"
"Yep, yep! Right away!" Ethan took his phone out, eager to participate. "You should have said so earlier! Why would we waste our time on something we can solve with money?"
"Hold on." Joanna suddenly stood up. "I can do it!"
'Romeo and Juliet is a play written by William Shakespeare in the 1590s.
Act 2, Scene 2, Romeo enters the Capulet's orchard…'
The woman started reciting the play all on her own, loudly and clearly.
Everyone turned to look at her, with sheer disbelief plastered all over their faces.
Ethan whispered under his breath to his close friends. "I thought she was joking, but I didn't think she would actually do it! This is way too impressive!"
Ace, however, didn't seem all that surprised. He replied in a slightly prideful tone, "She's alright, I suppose. And didn't I tell you she was an honors student?"
After ten or so minutes, Joanna was finally finished reciting the entire scene, which earned her a big round of applause.
"That was amazing!"
The bridesmaid gave high praise as well. "As expected of Christopher's family and friends. You truly are amazing, Miss. Looks like you have a hunger for knowledge, unlike those who only wish to gain power and status."
Joanna humbly waved her hands. "I'm not that great. I just like to recite plays or poems whenever I'm bored!"
However, the woman couldn't help but feel irked in her heart. 'Isn't Romeo and Juliet a tragedy where both of them died? Wasn't it inappropriate to include this in a wedding?'
With that, the groomsmen team was able to pass the first challenge.
"Miss Pierce, thanks for the help. You've opened my eyes once again." Christopher thanked her, his eyes filled with an unnoticeable admiration for the woman.
Joanna chuckled and joked. "It's no big deal! If you really want to thank me, though, just transfer me eight thousand dollars, like what they asked."
"Of course." Christopher was very generous, taking his phone out. "Show me the QR code."
Joanna didn't refuse the offer, showing the QR code and receiving the money within minutes. At that moment, she realized that the wedding turned out to be absolutely worth her time.
The remaining seventeen challenges were similar to the first, and the groomsmen relied on Joanna to solve most of them as well.
The woman, able to receive quite a lot of money, grinned from ear to ear.
The group then reached the final mission, and that was to convince the bride to open the door for them.
However, the door stayed shut no matter what the groomsmen said. Not even Christopher, the groom, was able to persuade her.
Joanna shrugged as well, indicating that she couldn't help them this time.
Just then, Ethan nudged Ace's arm and said, "Hey Ace, why don't… you try?"
Everyone turned to look at Ace, expressing disbelief. Most knew about the messy history between these three, after all.
It was already quite surprising that Ace attended the wedding in the first place, but now that he even took part in these wedding games, it resulted in everyone finding the man rather forgiving.
Ace pressed his lips together, remaining silent and standing still. He looked like he wanted to refuse. The atmosphere felt tense and extremely awkward in an instant.
Realizing that they were going to be late, Ethan started panicking and sighed deeply. "Ace, we know this is crossing your boundaries…"
"But we have no choice. Didn't Cecy say she feels guilty about wronging you? That's why she wishes to hear your blessing! I'm guessing she'll be leaving the door shut till you speak up. Why don't you just… fulfill her wish. Just this once?"
Christopher furrowed his eyebrows. "Ethan, don't push Ace. He should be the last person to ever do this!"
"But…"
Before Ethan could continue, Ace opened his mouth, interrupting him dismissively.
"It's fine. If this is really needed, I'll do it."
He then knocked on the door in front of everyone, frowning lightly. "Cecilia, don't worry, and just open the door. I've already moved on, and I really do wish both you and Chris the best."
Soon, Cecilia's soft and regretful voice could finally be heard from within the quiet room. "Ace, Chris, and I are deeply sorry! We know we've done you wrong. I've been waiting for your forgiveness for so, so long… Thank you, truly…"
After that, she opened the door slightly.
Seeing this, the groomsmen immediately attempted to barge inside, with the bridesmaid trying their best to stop them.
Thus, the event once again broke into a chaotic, lively atmosphere.
Ace's tall figure was currently standing at the side of the crowd, observing them silently instead of participating. His eyes were visibly filled with an endless swarm of sadness…
Out of safety, Joanna was standing at the very side too.
She snuck a glance at Ace, only to be met with his depressed expression. This immediately aroused her sympathy and made her heart ache for him.
'Dang, this is too much for him, isn't it?'
'His first love ended up dating AND marrying his best friend. Yet, for some reason, the victim had to be the one to heal her heart… Poor Moran…'
'He must be so sad now. Could it be that… he was never able to move on from her?!'
'Oh god, it must be so hard to watch his one true love marrying his best friend!'
As Christopher was finally able to meet his bride, everyone started cheering loudly.
"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"
Joanna took another glance at Ace again, noticing that he was narrowing his eyes further.
'Seeing this is definitely torture to him…' She thought, slowly moving towards the man. For some reason, she decided to hold onto his hand.
The man froze up and turned to look at her, his face filled with sheer confusion.
Joanna winked at the man, whispering under her breath. "No need to thank me, I'm just repaying you for the dessert! Don't worry! I have your back! You won't look like a loser with me around today!"
Hearing this made Ace frown even deeper. 'What… does she even mean?'
Joanna could tell that he was stupefied, and this got on her tiptoes, whispering into his ear. "I know you're still in love with Cecilia, and it's hard to watch her get married to another man." "You were frowning so much, you know? I can't believe they even made you congratulate their marriage! How inconsiderate…"