Married Into Love

I’m at the Jingshui District Civil Affairs Bureau—where are you? I’m at the Yongning District Civil Affairs Bureau. If you get here within ten minutes, we can still register our marriage this morning. Why? Why should I be the one rushing over? I have work this afternoon. Who doesn’t have a job? You’ve got nine and a half minutes left. …Ah. Is it appropriate to wear this for marriage registration? Honestly? Not really. But does it even matter? It’s just to satisfy the elders. You’re right. Let me formally introduce myself—I’m Zhou Ye. There are a few things I need to clarify with you upfront, Quan Jialan, to avoid conflicts after marriage. You’d make a better headmaster than a doctor. FirstOnce something’s been planned, it can’t be changed—unless there’s an exceptional circumstance. SecondIf you fall for someone else, please let me know in advance so we can divorce amicably. ThirdMy focus is on my career—I have no plans for children in the near future. What a coincidence. I also have three conditionsFirst—mind your own business. Second—mind your own business. Third—mind your own business. No problem. And since His Majesty has already secured the marriage certificate ahead of schedule—you’ll accompany me to the Zhou family home tonight to meet my parents. That’s only fair—it’s my duty. Alright then—happy partnership. Without realizing it, I’ve spent several late autumns alone—people around me always arrive halfway, then quietly leave.

Chen Jialan, you actually registered your marriage with that reckless, nogood guy? Yeah. Stay calm—getting angry gives you nodules. Wait, what? Your dad and that “pureasalotus” stepmom told you to marry him, and you just… did it? Are you out of your mind? They’re pushing you into this because the Zhou family picked their useless second son to fulfill the marriage agreement. But if the real head of the Zhou family—the one who actually runs things—were choosing a spouse, who do you think they’d pickyou… or your “conveniently convenient” halfsister? Actually, I think Zhou’s not so bad. He leaves me alone; I leave him alone. But he’s not worthy of you, Jialan. You’ve sacrificed your marriage, your freedom, your future—just to become their stepping stone into high society. Snap out of it—don’t let them use you. Asheng, honestly? It’s still unclear who’s the tool here. Don’t tell my family about the early registration—I want to surprise them. I don’t get involved in your family’s mess. See? This way, we stay out of each other’s way—perfect. The official ceremony was already set for an auspicious date—three days from now. So why did you rush it? Who even set that rule? Nowadays you don’t even need your household registration book to register—what a freeforall! Me? “Me”? What “me”? Stop sitting there like an idiot—go pick up your wife! My darling wife—back me up here!

Uncle and Auntie, it was my idea for you two to register your marriage early. Jianan, as they say, no one knows a child better than their own mother. You don’t need to cover for Xiao Ye anymore. Alright, alright—I’m the one who insisted on registering three days early with Chen Jialan. What can I say? I just couldn’t wait to marry her. Thank goodness I’d already prepared the betrothal gift for your father—wouldn’t want to risk offending tradition! Come here, Jianan. Have a seat. Go fetch the documents. Jianan, since you’ve gone ahead and registered your marriage, I’ll hand this over to you now. But… shouldn’t this go to my father? We’ve discussed it thoroughly—the 3% equity stake in Zhou Group belongs to you. Exactly. After all, it’s your life together—you two will be building it, day by day. Handing this over to anyone else would just feel… wrong. Thank you, Uncle. Thank you, Auntie. Mmhmm. Time to change how you address us. Mom! Dad! Jiangnan, when the dividends come in, you keep that money yourself—spend it however you like. Why are you looking at me like that? Even if I were broke, I’d never touch my wife’s betrothal money. Mmhmm. Mom, I heard your throat’s been bothering you, so I prepared some soothing herbal tea in advance. It’s the perfect time of year for it—you and Dad should both drink it. Honey, see? I told you—girls really do know how to take care of people. She’s even more thoughtful—she asked me to cut fruit for her! Hear that? They’re already playing favorites—and they’ve only been married one day. Isn’t it great that your wife’s won your mom over? No wonder she’s a Ph.D.—her emotional intelligence is off the charts. Do Ph.D. programs even test for EQ? Beats me—but I do know she’s got the highest academic degree in our entire circle. Fine, fine—go ahead and be jealous. Scoffs. Here’s my medical exam report—for you.

Then you go ahead and watch—I’m turning in. His muscles are welldefined, his physique impressive—looks like he works out regularly. Shall we? Can someone really say that so casually and smoothly? If he finds out I’ve never even held a girl’s hand—let alone kissed one—how will I ever hold my head up in this house? No way am I saying that out loud. Can we turn off the lights? You were so bold just now—why the sudden shyness? I prefer to keep the lights on. Okay. Aren’t we getting started yet? Are doctors this direct? Who taught you to kiss with your eyes open? Nobody told you to. Close your eyes. Kiss me—kiss me until you’re sick. Am I really that repulsive?

It has nothing to do with you. Then you wouldn’t happen to I’m not pregnant—I just don’t like kissing. So… shall we continue? No, please don’t force yourself. I’m not forcing myself. This is part of a married couple’s duty. That’s really not necessary. It makes me look like some kind of beast. Ah—here you go. My condition for this arranged marriage is that Zhou Group invests in my racing team. All you need to do is keep my parents happy. And honestly—you’re really good at it. I should’ve bought two truckloads of throatsoothing tea ages ago. What about your physical needs? Don’t doctors usually speak this bluntly? I have no physical needs. OK. No physical needs? That’s a medical condition—and it needs treatment. Mind your own business.

You’re part of the Chen family now—so from now on, show some maturity and stop making us worry about you all the time. Well, thank goodness it’s Jianan who married into the family. If the Chens had insisted on marrying their second daughter to us instead, I’d have flatout refused. Chen Songhua must’ve had his ancestors’ blessings to raise a daughter as exceptional as Jianan. Who in Haicheng doesn’t know the Chens dote on their second daughter? Jianan earned her position as Chief Cardiologist at First Affiliated Hospital entirely through her own grit and talent—calm, capable, outstanding… women like her are rare. And yet, somehow, your “wild little one” landed this golden opportunity. Hey—where are you off to? My race prize money just hit my account! Gotta head to the garage and prep for the race. Bye, Mom, Dad! Wait—you’re not even waiting for your wife? I’m gone. He never focuses on anything serious. Hmph. Maybe you should just assign him some token role at the company. What good would that do? Would he even show up? And even if he did—could you really trust him to handle it? Good morning, Mom and Dad! Ah—Jianan, come eat! Oh—and Jianan, how about dinner tonight at 7 p.m. with our inlaws? Sure! Great—eat up! Mmm. 6:30 p.m., Mingzhu Restaurant. Got it—I’ll be there right on time.

I’ve always had a hunch that Chen Jialan’s marriage was way too smooth—like she’d been planning it all along. Didn’t he secure it by exchanging shares in the Chen Group? You’re really careless! No pain, no gain—if we land Zhou Family’s equity, it’s more than worth it. If Zilin could marry the Zhou family’s eldest son, none of this would be necessary. Oh—bring Zilin along tonight too. Who knows? Maybe the Zhous will take a liking to her. Uh… you’re here alone? Mom and Dad are finalizing the betrothal gifts—they’ll arrive later. Ah. No wonder they’re considered elite—their standards are impeccable. Please, have a seat. Dad, where’s my dowry? Don’t embarrass us in front of the Zhous later. Here—you’ll get 15% of the company’s shares. The Chen family may not be old money… but we won’t let our pride slip. Thanks, Dad. I’ll go check if Zhou Ye has arrived yet. Ah, Jialan—give him some space. He’s busy; don’t rush him. Zilin, what are you staring at? Go with your sister. Good idea—I’ll head back. It’s the first meeting between both families, and you didn’t even bother dressing up? What will the Zhous think when they see you? They might assume we’ve been neglecting you. You’ve been so kind to me? Since when?

Hello, sir. The private room is the first door on the left. We Chen family feed you, clothe you You actually brought him back after his mother died? You really think marrying that Zhou Ye will turn you into a phoenix soaring to glory? He’s just a spoiled rich kid—no inheritance rights whatsoever. And what about you? You’ve got nothing but a Ph.D. title—do you seriously believe he’d ever truly value you without it? If he looks down on Ph.D.s, then what makes you think he’d respect you, madam? You—you what? Did you even finish elementary school? Someone who can’t even string a sentence together—what right do you have to look down on a doctorate holder? How utterly ungentlemanly of you! You’re bullying my wife—and yet you expect me to act like a gentleman? Well then, let me ask you Who exactly are you? What makes you worthy of making my wife endure this humiliation? Apologize to my wife—now. Sister, are you just going to stand there and watch a stranger bully your own sister? My husband isn’t a “stranger”—he’s family. From now on, you’re the outsider, little sister. Hmph! So much for the “Ph.D.’s” fighting spirit—turns out it’s all bark and no bite. Thanks. Don’t get the wrong idea—I didn’t step in for you. He insulted me, too. Who in Haicheng doesn’t know I’m a playboy? Do I need him to announce it? Oh—I see. So… can you let go now?

Can we let go of this now? Who even wants to sign it? I only did it just now to show we’re united as a couple. Let’s go. Dad, you have no idea how they ganged up on me just now—it’s completely unacceptable! Xiao Lan… Oh, Xiao Ye, you’re here? Where is she? Don’t think bringing your parents here excuses you from apologizing. Are you still in elementary school? Are you really that immature? Do your parents lack basic decency too? Hmm, Zi Lin—hurry up and apologize to your brotherinlaw and your sister! Sorry? For what? You dare talk back?! I’m sorry. Why are you shouting so loudly?! Enough! It’s deafening! Xiao Ye, Zi Lin has already apologized to us. Besides, today is the first formal meeting between our two families. Just for my sake—don’t make this ugly, okay? His apology means nothing compared to the humiliation my wife endured. And frankly Why on earth should I give you face? If it weren’t for my wife, Chen Group would collapse before you even blink. Sorry we’re late. Inlaws, you’re finally here! Xiao Ye—someone bullied your daughterinlaw, and I’m standing up for her right now. What’s going on? Who made you suffer like this?