As those two words reached her ears, Tan Mo suddenly looked up at Xie Qichen.
Go get the marriage certificate now??!!
“Get in the car first,” the man said.
Tan Mo’s amber eyes widened. Then her shoulders were guided, and Xie Qichen opened the car door. Before she realized, she was already sitting in the back seat.
Her heart surged with emotion, and she was completely dazed.
“Why are we rushing like this…”
“Rushing?”
“I thought after confirming the arranged marriage, we’d still need some time before getting the certificate…”
Xie Qichen turned sideways, his long, deep eyes staring directly at her. His voice came out low and husky, as if suppressing some emotion: “Regretting it?”
Tan Mo was taken aback, not understanding why he seemed a bit angry: “No, I’m just a little surprised…”
Seeing the girl’s stunned and timid expression, the man’s Adam’s apple moved. Two seconds later, he spoke evenly: “Next month, the company will be entering the annual busy season. Since we have some time recently, let’s settle this first so the cooperation between our companies can get on track.”
That reasoning was indeed very reasonable.
“Okay…”
This person treated getting a marriage certificate like handling business matters—right after returning from a business trip, he came looking for her. His schedule was really packed.
“Do you have your ID on you?” he asked.
“Yeah.”
The car wound down the mountain road. After a while, a minivan appeared ahead. The driver stepped on the gas and overtook it.
Coincidentally, the minivan was carrying students from the planning group. Someone noticed the passing car and recognized it:
“Hey, isn’t this the car we saw earlier picking up Senior Tan?”
“It seems like it. This car is a Rolls-Royce, and even with consecutive license plates—so rich…”
“Did you guys see it just now? The president of Aochuang Group is so handsome. I thought so the last time I saw him at the company too!”
“Did Senior Tan get picked up by him?”
Gossip flames ignited in everyone’s hearts: “What’s their relationship? How does Senior Tan even know him?”
“It’s not that strange, I heard that Senior Tan’s family is also very wealthy, running a company. She’s a genuine rich heiress.”
“Could they possibly be a couple?”
Beside them, Ye Yao gripped the flowers in his hand and, upon hearing this, his eyes darkened several shades.
Someone noticed and quickly refuted: “How could that be? Senior Tan is still a student, while he’s already a group president.”
“And their behavior doesn’t seem very intimate. Maybe they’re relatives?”
“Yeah, that’s possible!”
A boy comforted Ye Yao: “Senior Ye, you don’t need to be discouraged. It’s just that Senior Tan happened to leave early today. Next time you bring flowers, she’ll definitely accept them.”
“Yeah, I think Senior Ye and Senior Tan are the best match. You’ve been chasing after her for so long, she’ll definitely be moved. As the saying goes, dripping water can penetrate stone.”
Ye Yao tilted his head back and drank some water, smirking: “You guys are even more anxious than I am.”
“That’s because we have confidence in you.”
Hearing this, Ye Yao lifted his lips: “Alright, I’ll try my best to win her over this year.”
“No problem at all, Senior! You’ll definitely have to treat us to a meal when that happens, hahahaha…”
—
The sky was just beginning to darken, with a faint rosy glow.
The city of Licheng was lit up with lights, covered in a layer of white snow.
The Rolls-Royce quickly returned to the city center.
After arriving at the destination, Tan Mo got out of the car and immediately saw the large sign in front of the building: “Civil Affairs Bureau Marriage Registration Office.”
Her heart raced, and a tingling sensation spread throughout her limbs. Tan Mo’s cheeks turned rosy.
Although it was just an arranged marriage, she had never imagined that the person who would come here with her one day would be the one she had secretly loved in her youth…
Xie Qichen’s voice fell from above:
“If you change your mind now, it’s still not too late.”
Just as he had said at the beginning—she could refuse at any time.
Many past scenes between them flashed through her mind. A few seconds later, Tan Mo lifted her eyes and met his gaze.
Sparkling snowflakes drifted down, passing before their eyes. The wind lifted her long hair.
Her clear eyes reflected him as she softly spoke:
“I haven’t changed my mind.”
Since she came here, she had already made up her mind.
“Let’s go,” he said.
There were fewer people near the end of the workday. The two walked into the Civil Affairs Bureau and followed the procedures, submitting all the required documents. The staff member asked, “Did you two take the 2-inch couple photo beforehand?”
Tan Mo shook her head.
Xie Qichen: “No.”
“Then please go to the front to pay and take a photo.”
Tan Mo and Xie Qichen went over and sat in front of the camera, keeping a distance of about two fists apart.
The photographer looked at them and couldn’t help but smile: “What’s going on? You’re about to be husband and wife, yet you’re still so formal?”
“…”
The photographer gestured to them: “Come a bit closer and smile!”
Tan Mo felt the man move closer, her heart slightly fluttering. Then she looked at the camera and smiled sweetly.
The shutter clicked. The photographer said it was fine: “Handsome guy and beautiful girl, really well-matched.”
Tan Mo’s cheeks turned slightly red. Seeing Xie Qichen’s lips curve slightly, she softly said, “Thank you.”
Ten minutes later, the photo was developed. Tan Mo picked it up and looked at the photo. In it, the man’s attractive peach-shaped eyes gazed at the camera, his expression gentle.
Suddenly, her mind flashed back to the beginning, as if returning to the day he smiled at her under the camphor tree.
“Not satisfied with the photo?”
Seeing her staring at it, Xie Qichen asked.
Tan Mo immediately snapped back to reality, collected her emotions, handed the photo to him, and blinked her eyes, inadvertently revealing her cuteness: “I’m very satisfied. Don’t I look especially pretty?”
He lowered his eyes and smiled slightly, “Mm, very pretty.”
His naturally affectionate tone made Tan Mo quickly look away. She turned her head and continued walking forward: “Hurry up, what step are we at now…”
The marriage registration process wasn’t complicated. Half an hour later, she had already received the hot little red booklet.
Standing at the entrance of the Civil Affairs Bureau, she still hadn’t fully processed it.
She had actually gotten married just like that…
Beside her, Xie Qichen held up an umbrella. The streetlights outlined golden silhouettes of the falling snowflakes. He looked down at her with a raised eyebrow:
“Haven’t you come to your senses yet?”
She glanced at him: “You seem so calm, like you’ve done this more than once.”
“…”
Xie Qichen leaned closer to her, his voice low: “Tell me, with whom else have I been here?”
Tan Mo’s earlobes, already reddened by the cold, turned even redder. She looked away and muttered, “Let’s go.”
In the end, she followed him down the steps.
The streetlights beside them lit up one by one. The traffic and the neon lights of the high-rise buildings glimmered together. Snowflakes drifted down like willow fluff, wrapping the world in a silver-white coat.
Back in the car, Tan Mo looked at her phone, hesitating. Xie Qichen noticed: “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing… I was just thinking whether I should tell my parents. Well, I’ll call them tonight when I get home.”
Xie Qichen’s expression was calm as he said, “You could post the marriage certificate on your social media.”
Tan Mo: ???? What kind of thinking was that?
She immediately refused: “No way.”
His eyes darkened slightly: “Why not? Don’t you love posting on social media?”
Her face turned even redder: “Come on, I’m still in college. I don’t want my social media to blow up.”
Besides, they were just in a business marriage. What was there to show off?
Xie Qichen didn’t speak again. Tan Mo saw the unreadable expression on his face and couldn’t figure out what he was thinking.
The car moved forward. She changed the subject: “Where are we going now?”
“Shouldn’t we eat something?”
“…”
Right, who would go home immediately after getting the marriage certificate?
Tan Mo’s phone vibrated. She saw it was a call from Tan Yuanzhou.
She answered, his tone teasing on the other end—
“Tan Mo classmate, did you forget you have a little uncle with a broken leg?”
“…”
Tan Mo felt guilty and couldn’t help but smile: “Sorry, little uncle. There’s been so much going on lately, I haven’t contacted you much.”
The arranged marriage matter had kept her occupied, and she had even declined to go to his apartment for hotpot because of Xie Qichen. It had been a long time since she had seen him.
“You said you’d come cook for me. I’m all healed up and still haven’t seen you.”
“Little uncle, I’m sorry. I’ll come cook for you tomorrow. Anything you want to eat!”
Tan Yuanzhou laughed, “Alright, I’m just kidding. Someone’s taking care of me, no need to trouble you. Where are you now? Come over to your little uncle’s house for dinner. This time, no excuses!”
Tan Mo stole a glance at the man beside her and spoke hesitantly: “I’m with Xie Qichen right now…”
Tan Yuanzhou laughed: “What are you two doing together? Talking about the arranged marriage?”
???!
How did he know?!
A few seconds later, she turned to Xie Qichen and handed him the phone:
“Little uncle says he wants to talk to you.”
The man glanced at her, then took the phone with his long, pale hand, placed it to his ear, and spoke softly for a while. After a while, he hung up and returned the phone to her.
“What did little uncle say?”
“Nothing,” the man said indifferently, “He invited us to have dinner at his house tonight.”
Xie Qichen told the driver the address. It was quite close to Tan Yuanzhou’s residence—just a couple of streets away.
Tan Mo got out of the car and walked into the elevator with Xie Qichen, still feeling dazed: “How did little uncle know about our arranged marriage?”
“I told him before.”
“You told him?”
His eyes held a faint amusement: “You think your uncle’s brother is going to marry his little niece without telling him beforehand?”
“…”
Indeed, but if he told Tan Yuanzhou that they had already gotten married, he would probably be shocked to death…
Standing in front of Tan Yuanzhou’s apartment, Tan Mo pressed the doorbell. A few seconds later, the door opened, revealing a charming, ruggedly handsome face.
“Little uncle—”
Tan Yuanzhou raised his eyebrows teasingly: “Come in, two distinguished guests.”
After changing her shoes, Tan Mo approached him, her eyes curving into crescent moons: “Little uncle, how’s your leg?”
“Can’t you see I’m standing right in front of you?”
Sitting on the sofa, Tan Mo asked about his leg injury. Xie Qichen glanced at the football in the corner of the sofa: “Started playing again?”
After all, the two had been close friends for many years, understanding each other’s personalities well. Tan Yuanzhou coughed lightly: “Just play a little every day.”
“Planning to end up with a lifelong disability?”
“…”
Tan Mo frowned: “Right, little uncle, can’t you wait until your leg is completely healed before playing football? What if you get injured again?”
Tan Yuanzhou, unable to bear the nagging, quickly apologized: “No wonder you two are getting into an arranged marriage. You’re ganging up on me already.”
Tan Mo’s face flushed: “We’re talking about your leg…”
Tan Yuanzhou smirked meaningfully: “By the way, Momo, hasn’t your arranged marriage not been finalized yet?”
Tan Mo was slightly taken aback: “We…”
Tan Yuanzhou patted her shoulder: “Momo, you and Xie Qichen—I, as your little uncle, definitely stand by you. I suggest you should seriously consider this arranged marriage.”
She awkwardly tried to explain, but Tan Yuanzhou continued his musings: “Marriage is a big matter and must be taken seriously. First, you need to get to know the other person well and see if this person is worth marrying. Especially someone with deep schemes and complicated thoughts, you need to consider it carefully, right?”
Xie Qichen heard this and his lips curved slightly for a moment: “Yes, it’s worth considering carefully.”
Tan Mo glared at him, her face reddening even more.
Unaware of what had happened, Tan Yuanzhou laughed and stood up: “Your mom finished cooking and went back today. Let me heat up the food. Momo, come help me.”
“Okay.”
Tan Mo was about to follow him, but Xie Qichen stopped her: “You sit in the living room. I’ll help.”
The two men walked toward the kitchen. Tan Yuanzhou chuckled: “Xie Qichen, don’t you have a bit too much possessiveness?”
Not even allowing Tan Mo to stay with him.
Xie Qichen glanced at him: “Keep your thoughts in check.”
“You should remember, you’re about to have an arranged marriage with Momo. I’m her senior, and my words carry weight.”
Tan Yuanzhou lazily leaned back against the countertop, smirking at him: “What do you say? Want to curry favor with me? If I’m in a good mood, I can put in a good word for you in front of Momo. Maybe she’ll agree to the arranged marriage with you.”
Xie Qichen lowered his gaze. Finally, his lips curved slightly, and he spoke softly:
“No need. Thank you, little uncle.”
Tan Yuanzhou: ??? Little uncle?!
Xie Qichen handed him something from his pocket.
Tan Yuanzhou took it and found it was their marriage certificate. “What the f***! You two!”
He was shocked and called Tan Mo in: “Momo, you got married to him?!”
Tan Mo looked at Xie Qichen in confusion and honestly admitted: “We… we just went to get it.”
“You agreed to him so easily?!”
Tan Mo: ?
Xie Qichen said to her: “Don’t mind him. Bring the dishes in.”
Tan Mo carried the dishes to the dining table. Xie Qichen took back the marriage certificate from Tan Yuanzhou, who was furious but laughing: “Xie Qichen, don’t you think you’re rushing things a bit too much?!”
“Rushing?”
Xie Qichen took a bowl and served rice: “We just happened to have time today.”
“Come on, you think I don’t know you?”
The man raised his eyes to look at him, his gaze deep and dark.
Knowing the outcome was already decided, Tan Yuanzhou sneered: “Never thought some people would be so eager to become my nephew-in-law.”
“You don’t like being at an advantage?”
“Go to hell…”
Tan Yuanzhou wanted to say more but stopped when he saw Tan Mo coming back: “Alright, let’s eat first.”
Walking into the dining room, Tan Yuanzhou sat on one side. Xie Qichen placed a bowl of rice in front of him and the other two bowls on the opposite side.
However, Tan Yuanzhou took a bowl and patted the seat beside him, looking at Tan Mo: “Momo, come sit on your mother’s side.”
Xie Qichen: …
Tan Yuanzhou: “Even though you’ve already gotten married to Xie Qichen, we’re still family, right?”
Xie Qichen glanced at him: “Why wasn’t your mouth injured instead?”
“How do you talk to your little uncle? Can’t you show a bit of respect to your elders?”
Tan Mo watched the two bicker, helplessly supporting her forehead, already accustomed to it.
Actually, Tan Yuanzhou was only joking. He had known about the arranged marriage beforehand and understood that Xie Qichen would never really force Tan Mo. Initially, he had chosen not to express an opinion, wanting to respect Tan Mo’s thoughts.
Now that the two had officially registered their marriage, he had no objections.
After dinner, Xie Qichen had some work to handle, while Tan Yuanzhou and Tan Mo stayed on the balcony eating fruit.
Now alone together, Tan Yuanzhou asked her:
“You’re still living outside alone recently?”
“Mm.”
“How have things been with Wanwan lately?”
“…Fine.”
“Really? Do you think I don’t know she always bullies you?”
Actually, Tan Yuanzhou knew everything. Although Tan Zhiwan was his own niece, he favored the simple and lovely Tan Mo more, out of affection.
He patted her head, “Sometimes, you don’t have to be too tolerant; don’t let others take advantage of you.”
Tan Mo nodded. Tan Yuanzhou thought for a moment, then lazily smirked:
“But from now on, judging by someone’s character, I don’t think he’ll let you suffer any more grievances.”
Tan Mo was momentarily stunned, realizing whom he referred to, feeling even more confused.
At that moment, Xie Qichen came out and saw Tan Yuanzhou smiling, asking, “What are you talking about?”
“You guess.”
Xie Qichen didn’t bother to respond, turning to Tan Mo: “Don’t stand outside in the wind; come inside.”
“Okay…”
Tan Yuanzhou smiled, “So caring about your wife, huh?”
Meeting Xie Qichen’s gaze, Tan Mo’s face instantly turned as red as a persimmon. She quickly turned around and went indoors.
Xie Qichen gave Tan Yuanzhou, who was grinning mischievously, a helpless look before following inside.
Tan Mo and Xie Qichen stayed at the apartment until after eight in the evening before preparing to leave.
Tan Yuanzhou accompanied the two to the entrance hall, saying, “I should have known better than to invite you two over for dinner today since you just got married. You should have had your own private time.”
He sighed, “Jujue, I didn’t expect you to get married before me.”
Tan Mo: “…”
“Hey, I heard marriage certificates might add academic credits. Why don’t you check with your school?”
Feeling embarrassed by his teasing, Tan Mo replied, “They don’t add any…”
Xie Qichen shot Tan Yuanzhou a cold glare, “Are you teasing her again?”
Tan Yuanzhou suppressed his laughter.
After saying goodbye to Tan Yuanzhou, the two went downstairs and got into the Rolls-Royce.
The car’s interior was small and dimly lit. The faint sandalwood scent from the man floated through the air to Tan Mo’s nose. The atmosphere, after Tan Yuanzhou’s teasing, felt subtly changed.
She spoke softly, “So… where are we going next?”
“Taking you home.”
The man slightly raised his eyebrows, “Or do you want to spend time together in private?”
“…”
She tightened her face, “No, take me home.”
The car drove out of the community, and Tan Mo’s phone vibrated:
【What are you up to? I’m bored and want to chat.】
It was Ji Shu’s message.
Tan Mo tapped the screen with her finger: 【I just had dinner with Xie Qichen at my uncle’s and now I’m on my way back. I’ll find you later.】
Ji Shu: 【? Didn’t you tell me he was on a business trip?】
Tan Mo: 【He just got back.】
Ji Shu: 【Oh, he came back and immediately found his little fiancée. How sweet.】
Tan Mo hesitated for a moment before sharing what had happened today:
【He took me to get the marriage certificate this evening.】
People naturally have a desire to share, and she didn’t know who else she could tell this to, so she told Ji Shu.
Upon receiving this news, Ji Shu practically jumped up from her bed: 【So fast?! This guy’s action ability is so strong!】
Ji Shu hadn’t expected their pace to be this quick. Tan Mo also felt caught off guard. Ji Shu, after calming down from her shock, curiously asked her:
【Interview time! How did you feel after getting the marriage certificate with Xie Qichen?】
Tan Mo said she couldn’t really answer that.
She felt as if in a dream, unable to fully accept that she and Xie Qichen were married just like that.
Ji Shu: 【It’s okay. Since the arranged marriage was decided, this day would eventually come. So, what’s your plan for tonight?】
Tan Mo was puzzled: 【What plan?】
Ji Shu sent a teasing emoji: 【The first night as newlyweds, don’t you plan to do something? A moment of springtime is worth a thousand pieces of gold.】
Tan Mo’s face turned bright red.
Springtime, my foot!
Ji Shu: 【Don’t tell me you two are really just in a contractual marriage? My dear is so beautiful, if Xie Qichen can hold back, he’s not a normal man.】
Tan Mo’s hand trembled so much that her phone fell under the seat. At that moment, the man beside her cast a meaningful glance, making her nervously pick up the phone quickly and type a few words: 【Ji Shu, stop with your dirty thoughts!】
Ji Shu laughed: 【How are they dirty thoughts? Adults, indulging in desires is natural.】
【Alright, I won’t disturb you anymore. Then I wish you and President Xie a happy marriage and eternal togetherness.】
What eternal togetherness!
Tan Mo angrily locked her phone screen, resisting the urge to block her.
The Rolls-Royce drove through the bustling city center and finally arrived at Tan Mo’s residential complex.
She got out of the car, only to see Xie Qichen also getting out.
The man said in a calm voice, “I’ll walk you up.”
She was momentarily stunned but followed him up.
The two took the elevator upstairs. As they walked out of the elevator, Tan Mo noticed the neighbor’s door opening and someone stepping out.
Tan Mo recognized him—it was the new tenant who had just moved in.
The tenant was a burly man, holding a bottle of alcohol in one hand and throwing a garbage bag at the door. He was drunk and reeked of alcohol. When he saw her, his eyes fixed on her without moving, showing no intention of closing the door.
A few days ago, Tan Mo had seen him once when she left home, and at that time, he had also stared at her.
Negative news about single girls being harassed came to Tan Mo’s mind, making her instinctively feel uneasy.
Her heart was pounding when she suddenly felt her shoulder being embraced.
Xie Qichen leaned close to her, blocking the man’s gaze.
Bringing her an immense sense of security.
The man held her naturally, walking towards the apartment door.
The drunk, burly man, seeing Xie Qichen’s intimidating look, sensed that he was not someone to mess with and slowly and obediently looked away.
At the apartment door, Tan Mo unlocked the fingerprint scanner, only to see Xie Qichen push the door open and still hold her, his voice falling:
“Go in.”
Like that, Tan Mo followed him into the apartment.
After closing the door, she stood behind it, stunned as she looked at him:
“Why did you come in…”
“To let him think there’s a man staying with you tonight.”
Tan Mo suddenly understood.
Yes, if Xie Qichen hadn’t escorted her up just now, who knew what that burly man might have done to her…
She looked at him, relieved: “Thank you.”
“This is the apartment you plan to live in alone?” The man’s dark eyes narrowed, “Don’t you know how unsafe it is for a girl to live alone outside?”
Tan Mo felt awkward, “Mainly because the neighbor opposite just moved in…”
“Has he ever come to bother you before?”
Tan Mo shook her head, “I haven’t seen him much. Maybe he doesn’t have any ill intentions?”
Then her head was tapped.
“You should always be cautious of others.”
“Okay…”
She wanted to walk into the hallway, but the next moment, she saw Xie Qichen leaning closer to her.
The hot masculine scent surged towards her, and the distance suddenly closed in. Tan Mo’s heart skipped a beat. Instinctively, she took a step back. The man placed his hand on one side behind her, as if enclosing her in his arms, leaning her against the door.
She froze completely.
Then she looked up and realized that Xie Qichen only wanted to look through the peephole.
A few seconds later, the man withdrew his gaze, his voice landing on her head:
“He’s no longer at the door.”
Tan Mo’s heart was pounding, “Mm…”
Xie Qichen’s gaze fell on her.
The sweet scent of jasmine from the girl filled the air, the delicate curve of her swan neck hidden beneath the sweater collar. Her skin was pale and as delicate as fragile porcelain, seemingly blushing at the slightest touch, stirring deep thoughts.
Outside the window, neon lights flickered with a growing sense of intimacy.
The man didn’t step back. Tan Mo felt an obvious gaze fixed on her. Ji Shu’s words suddenly surfaced in her mind, making her face heat up. Her voice was soft and low:
“Xie Qichen, are you done looking…”
Back in high school, they had been close before, but back then, he treated her like a younger sister. No matter how close they got, there was never any other meaning.
But now, the man’s sense of invasion was too strong, reminiscent of that night years ago when he gripped her waist and kissed her fiercely.
Time seemed to stop, as if it had been a long time, but in reality, only a few seconds had passed.
Tan Mo couldn’t speak, her face red, when suddenly the man’s hoarse, magnetic voice, along with warm breath, fell:
“I’ll go back first.”
Tan Mo didn’t dare to look up at him, feeling relieved, “Mm…”
“Check the peephole before going out these days, make sure the hallway is empty, and lock the door from the inside. Or these days, wherever you go, I can have my assistant pick you up and drop you off.”
She hurriedly refused, “No need to go through so much trouble. I’ll be careful when I go out.”
“If anything happens, call me immediately, okay?”
She looked up and met his unwavering, deep gaze: “Now you can trouble me.”
Because they were already married.
Tan Mo was momentarily stunned, “Mm…”
Finally, Xie Qichen walked out of the apartment, not leaving in a hurry.
In the hallway, the man lit a cigarette, glancing at a certain part of his trousers that was already uneven. He smirked self-mockingly.
Every time he got close to her like this, it happened.
He calmed his stirred emotions. After a long while, seeing that the burly neighbor hadn’t come out again, Xie Qichen extinguished the cigarette butt and went downstairs.
Inside the apartment, Tan Mo was unaware that Xie Qichen had lingered at the door for so long. As soon as he left, she went to the kitchen to pour a glass of water.
The cold water poured down her throat, slowly cooling the heat on her face.
That lingering intimacy faintly remained in the air, refusing to dissipate.
Now, Xie Qichen had less of the youthful vibe from before, but his mature masculine aura had become even stronger.
She shook her head, suppressing unnecessary thoughts.
What was she daydreaming about…
After calming herself, she finally went back to her room, lying on the bed and taking out the marriage certificate.
Looking at the photo of her and Xie Qichen together, complex emotions welled up in her heart, gradually calming down.
Xie Qichen had already made himself clear.
Only two years.
This marriage certificate was merely a piece of paper with legal effect for two years; it held no other significance, and nothing would happen between them.
Tan Mo composed herself, putting the marriage certificate into the drawer. Then she noticed a message that had come in five minutes ago on her phone, from her mother:
【Jujue, come home for dinner this Saturday, and invite Qichen to come along.】
She suddenly remembered she hadn’t told them about getting the marriage certificate yet. After thinking for a moment, she decided to wait until Saturday to tell them in person, 【Okay, I’ll ask him then.】
Meanwhile, at the Tan family villa, Tan’s mother walked into the study, saw Tan Mo’s message, and said to Tan’s father: “Jujue is coming home for dinner this weekend. I also invited Qichen.”
Tan’s father had just finished his work, took off his glasses, and nodded: “Mm, Qichen used to come to our house often. Besides, he’s going to marry Jujue, so it’s appropriate for him to come over for a meal.”
“Mm,” Tan’s mother walked beside him, helping him massage his temples, “You, even when you come home, are so busy. Don’t you know how to rest?”
“I’m fine,” Tan’s father held his wife’s hand, “The marriage arrangement with the Xie family is basically settled. I know Jujue was a bit reluctant at first. I don’t want to make the child feel forced. I’ll prepare a grand dowry for her. My beloved daughter deserves a glorious wedding.”
“I know you still love Jujue.”
Tan’s father smiled, “Of course, I have only two daughters. How could I not love them? When Jujue comes back this weekend, remember to give her some of that braised beef she likes.”
“Okay…”
As they chatted, Tan Zhiwan passed by the doorway, overheard their conversation, and couldn’t help but walk into the room:
“Mom and Dad, is the arranged marriage between Tan Mo and Xie Qichen completely settled?”
“If there are no unexpected issues, it should be. Why?”
“…Nothing, I was just asking.”
Her father joked, “Didn’t expect your younger sister to get married before you. You know, you used to refuse an arranged marriage so stubbornly. Actually, I originally hoped you would marry into the Xie family. It would have been great to be a president’s wife.”
A deep wound was struck in Tan Zhiwan’s heart. She tightened her face, scoffed lightly:
“Do you think I care about that?”
She walked back to her room, closed the door, leaned against the wall, thinking about Tan Mo’s future status, her face suddenly darkened.
Tan Mo must never surpass her in this life…
She clenched her palms, and resentment surged in her heart.
After a heavy snowfall, Licheng officially entered the cold depths of winter.
Two days after getting the marriage certificate, it was still a workday.
As the president of Aochuang, Xie Qichen was naturally busy, while Tan Mo had classes on Thursday and Friday. Worried about living alone in the apartment, she stayed on campus.
On Friday evening, Xie Qichen said he would pick her up for dinner, and Tan Mo agreed.
When they met that night, Tan Mo mentioned that her mother had invited them for dinner the next day, and the man agreed directly. Tan Mo was surprised: “You agreed?”
“Why wouldn’t I? I’ve been there before.”
She was taken aback, “I thought you’d be busy.”
“Now that we’re married, shouldn’t I formally say hello to your parents?”
She thought for a moment, “Then… should I also go to meet your dad?”
Looking at the girl’s cute expression, the corners of his eyes softened with a smile, though his voice remained calm: “No rush, there will be time later.”
So the next morning, Xie Qichen came to the community to pick her up.
Half an hour later, they arrived at the Tan family villa and walked into the front yard together, with Wen Cheng following behind, carrying several boxes of gifts.
As they entered the house, Auntie Zhang heard the noise and came smiling to greet them: “Jujue is back.”
“Auntie Zhang.”
Auntie Zhang then turned to look at the outstanding and composed man beside Tan Mo. Her eyes showed familiarity, but she politely nodded: “Hello, Mr. Xie.”
Xie Qichen spoke gently: “Auntie Zhang is just the same as before. Please call me Qichen.”
Xie Qichen had visited Tan Mo’s house many times back when they were both still in college. The man was always gentle and polite, never treating the housemaids condescendingly, and even giving them gifts during the New Year.
Zhang Ma genuinely liked him, but now that she knew Xie Qichen held a prestigious position, she dared not overstep her role.
Hearing their voices at the door, Zhang Ma’s face lit up with a smile. “Oh, come in. The master is upstairs handling some work matters, and the mistress just stepped out, probably coming back soon.”
After Tan Mo and Xie Qichen changed their shoes and entered, Zhang Ma took the supplements from Xie Qichen’s hands and placed them in the living room, then went to pour them some water.
Tan Mo turned to Xie Qichen, “Why don’t you sit downstairs for a bit? I’m going upstairs to pack a few winter clothes to bring back to the apartment.”
“You go ahead.”
As Tan Mo went upstairs, Zhang Ma brought the water, indicating for Xie Qichen to make himself comfortable. The man nodded, “Don’t trouble yourself, please go about your work.”
“Alright then,” Zhang Ma smiled, “I’ll go prepare lunch.”
Left alone in the living room, Xie Qichen, with nothing better to do, walked toward the backyard.
The villa’s backyard was enormous, filled with many flowers and an orchard, with a swing in the middle of the lawn.
Xie Qichen remembered that the little girl used to love swinging in the backyard. Sometimes when she couldn’t solve a problem, she’d go swing, saying that she could figure it out while swinging.
Frequently, when he came over to tutor her and she couldn’t solve a problem, she’d stick to him, insisting he accompany her to swing. It was childish, but he just couldn’t resist her.
Looking at the swing, Xie Qichen’s eyes softened, when suddenly a woman’s voice came from behind:
“Mr. Xie—”
Xie Qichen glanced sideways.
Tan Zhiwan, wearing a qipao, walked toward him, her figure slim and seductive, her red lips radiant, finally stopping in front of him.
A strong scent of roses filled his nostrils. The man’s dark eyes dimmed slightly as he looked at her and spoke in a neutral tone:
“Something you need?”
Earlier, Tan Zhiwan had seen Xie Qichen and Tan Mo arrive from upstairs. She had deliberately waited until Tan Mo went upstairs before approaching him.
Seeing the man’s usual aloofness, she slightly clenched her fingers but maintained a smile: “Mr. Xie doesn’t need to be so cold to me, right? After all, I’m still Tan Mo’s elder sister.”
The man slightly curled one corner of his mouth, his thin lips uttering in a very indifferent tone:
“‘Elder sister,’ is that so?”
Tan Zhiwan had never truly regarded Tan Mo as her younger sister.
Even she herself found those words insincere.
Xie Qichen had no intention of staying longer with her. With a single indifferent glance, he turned to leave, but Tan Zhiwan blocked his path:
“Wait, I need to talk to you—”
The man halted, lifting his cold gaze to look at her.
Tan Zhiwan swallowed hard, hesitated for a few seconds, then gently spoke:
“Mr. Xie, I just want to know—are you determined to enter into this marriage with Tan Mo?”
He paused slightly in tone.
“What about it?”
“There’s something… I still want to explain to you.”
In her heart, she had always been proud, but after struggling for a long time, she still couldn’t bear to hand over the identity of Mrs. Xie to Tan Mo.
Seeing Xie Qichen step out of the Rolls-Royce today, she had decided to swallow her pride and humble herself, hoping to change his mind.
Tan Zhiwan’s face slightly flushed as she spoke reservedly: “At first, I thought your family had no intention of an arranged marriage, so I said no. I guess you might have misunderstood my intentions.”
Xie Qichen caught the implication in her words, looking at Tan Zhiwan, his lips loosening into a half-smile:
“Does what you think have anything to do with me?”
Tan Zhiwan was momentarily stunned, thinking he hadn’t understood, her face reddening as she finally blurted out:
“My point is, I’m willing to enter into an arranged marriage with you.”
“You chose Tan Mo because I refused the marriage arrangement, right? You can reconsider now, after all, Tan Mo is only an adopted daughter of the Tan family. Marrying her doesn’t sound good publicly…”
As Tan Zhiwan was speaking, her gaze shifted sideways and she saw Tan Mo standing behind her.
She had just told Tan Mo a few days ago that she looked down upon arranged marriages. Now being caught in the act, her words caught in her throat, her face instantly stiffening.
Tan Mo had just finished packing clothes and came downstairs, hearing that Xie Qichen was in the backyard, so she came looking for him, only to witness this scene.
The situation was extremely awkward. Tan Mo’s mind went blank, instinctively wanting to slip away:
“Umm, I’ll go eat some fruit first…”
As she turned to leave, Xie Qichen pulled her in front of him. The man’s deep voice sounded:
“Why are you running?”
“…”
Xie Qichen looked down at her, his gaze and tone instantly shifting from icy to tender:
“Finished packing your clothes?”
“Uh-huh…”
She coughed lightly:
“My dad came downstairs, he’s in the living room.”
“Alright, let’s go in together.”
Xie Qichen turned his eyes, then fixed his gaze directly on Tan Zhiwan.
Looking at her, his eyes were as cold as ice, a mocking sneer on his lips:
“Ms. Tan, having too vivid an imagination might be a disease. It needs treatment.”
“…”
“Who gave you the illusion that my marrying Tan Mo was because you rejected me? Does what you think have anything to do with me?”
Each word struck Tan Zhiwan’s heart like a hammer, causing her expression to collapse instantly.
“I hope Ms. Tan will refrain from saying such things from now on.”
Xie Qichen took Tan Mo’s hand, lightly lifting the corner of his lips at Tan Zhiwan:
“I don’t want my wife to get the wrong impression.”
Tan Zhiwan: Wife???!!
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