Chen Qingyan raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. "Yep, you're my kept man." After crossing that line, their conversations became much more direct.
Just then, the sound of "ticking" high heels approached. Chen Qingyan quickly let go of Sun Zhewen's hand, turned, and glanced behind her. A flicker of nervousness flashed in her eyes, but she quickly composed herself. "Over here."
A tall, beautiful woman walked over. She had a slender figure, wearing a simple and elegant white dress, and a faint smile on her face. "Sis, how long have you been here?"
"We just arrived. Do you want some tea?" Chen Qingyan asked with a smile.
"Sis, I can't drink tea. I'll have some Chrysanthemum tea," Li Zhiyan said with a smile, a hint of aloofness in her eyes.
Li Zhiyan's smile caused Sun Zhewen to feel a strange pressure. He unconsciously straightened his back, as if to prove that he wasn't so easily understood. Li Zhiyan's gaze was sharp, as if she wanted to see through every detail of Sun Zhewen, making him feel as exposed as if he were standing naked in front of everyone.
Li Zhiyan turned to Chen Qingyan and asked, "Sis, do you think he can handle it?"
Chen Qingyan smiled, patted Sun Zhewen on the shoulder, as if comforting a startled deer. "Of course he can. He's my subordinate. But you can't bully him in the future, or I won't let you off."
Li Zhiyan pouted, a hint of disdain in her voice. "Sis, we're just a contract. Why would I bully him? We just need to put on a good show."
Chen Qingyan nodded, a touch of helplessness in her tone. "He's got a good image, just a bit unlucky. He got first place in the civil service exam, but my family sent him to the Women's Federation."
Sun Zhewen couldn't help but force a bitter smile upon hearing this, thinking about his terrible luck. It was truly speechless.
Li Zhiyan said calmly, "Sis, if you say it's okay, then it's okay. Do you have the household registration book?"
Sun Zhewen replied, "I have it. I just got it reissued."
Li Zhiyan nodded, a satisfied smile appearing on her face. "That's good. We'll go get the certificate today."
Chen Qingyan raised an eyebrow, looking a little surprised. "So soon?"
Li Zhiyan spread her hands helplessly. "My belly is about to show. How can I not be in a hurry?"
Chen Qingyan sighed helplessly, "Alright, I'll go with you." She was worried that Sun Zhewen might change his mind, so she decided to go along herself.
The three of them first went to Li Zhiyan's Villa. The interior was luxuriously decorated, reflecting Li Zhiyan's taste and status. Sun Zhewen couldn't help but wonder when he would be able to live in a house like that. Li Zhiyan took the household registration book from the study and turned to Sun Zhewen, saying, "Let's go, let's go to your place."
Sun Zhewen's rental apartment presented a stark contrast to Li Zhiyan's Villa. The small space was filled with all sorts of clutter, making it look a bit messy. He scratched his head, embarrassed, "Sorry, it's a bit messy here."
Li Zhiyan smiled, appearing casual, "It's okay, we're just here to get the household registration book anyway."
After getting the household registration book, the three of them drove to the Civil Affairs Bureau. Along the way, Li Zhiyan and Chen Qingyan chatted and laughed, while Sun Zhewen seemed a bit constrained. After all, this was a major turning point in his life.
Arriving at the Civil Affairs Bureau, Chen Qingyan led them directly to the director's office. The director, seeing Chairwoman Chen, was particularly polite, "Chairwoman Chen, why did you come in person?"
Chen Qingyan smiled, "I'm here to handle something with my sister today, please excuse the trouble."
The director waved his hand quickly, "No trouble at all, please, sit down."
Afterward, the bureau director arranged for staff to take them to a conference room. The people processing the paperwork arrived quickly, and the entire process was remarkably smooth. Sun Zhewen and Li Zhiyan stood together. During the photo, Li Zhiyan leaned close to his ear and whispered, "Don't be nervous, smile."
Sun Zhewen froze for a moment, then forced a smile, inwardly grumbling, How can I possibly smile in this situation?
After the photos were taken, the staff quickly finished the certificate and handed it to them, smiling as they congratulated them, "Congratulations to the two of you, happy marriage."
Li Zhiyan took the marriage certificate and waved it, "Thank you." Then, she turned to Sun Zhewen and said, "Let's go, let's go back and eat."
Chairwoman Chen watched the two of them, relieved, "It's finally done. You two get along well in the future."
Li Zhiyan said with a smile, "Don't worry, sis. We'll definitely get along."
Having connections really makes things easier, it was discreet and fast. After leaving the Civil Affairs Bureau, Sun Zhewen's heart was filled with mixed feelings, as if he had just emerged from a bizarre dream. He sent Li Zhiyan home. Li Zhiyan took a card from her bag and handed it to Sun Zhewen, saying casually, "There's 500,000 in it, the password is... You move your things over tomorrow."
Sun Zhewen frowned but nodded, forcing a smile, "Alright."
Li Zhiyan looked at him and added, "We'll hold the wedding next week, keep it simple. Just invite your parents and important relatives. I'll take care of my side, just tell me how many people you're expecting. I'll take care of the rings and clothes."
Sun Zhewen could only reply helplessly, "Okay, I'll contact my parents later."
Li Zhiyan continued, "Give me your phone number and WeChat." After they exchanged contact information, Li Zhiyan turned and went into the house, disappearing behind the door without looking back.
Sun Zhewen stood at the door, gazing at the closed door. He felt a little lost, as if he were a commodity being traded. He sighed, got into the car, and his mind was filled with the card and Li Zhiyan's indifferent expression.
In the car, Chen Qingyan saw his expression and knew he still couldn't accept it. She pleaded, "Zhewen, for us, just endure it. If she treats you badly, tell me. I don't think she'd dare to bully my man."
Sun Zhewen forced a smile and squeezed out, "Sister Qingyan, I will."
The car started, the engine emitting a slight hum. Sun Zhewen watched the scenery flashing past outside the window, but his heart felt as if it were weighed down by a large stone, so heavy he could barely breathe. Night enveloped the city, neon lights flashed, and the streets were bustling with traffic. Everything seemed normal, but Sun Zhewen's heart was turbulent. He recalled everything that had just happened, and couldn't help but feel self-deprecating: What am I doing? Selling myself for money?
The car stopped at the door of his home. Sun Zhewen got out of the car, his steps heavy as he entered the house. The room was silent, only the ticking of the clock on the wall could be heard. He sat on the sofa, took a deep breath, and tried to calm the waves in his heart. He took out the marriage certificate and the bank card from his pocket, his fingers gently caressing the cold plastic card, and his heart was filled with mixed feelings. So, I just sold myself. He thought of Li Zhiyan's indifferent face, and felt a little uncomfortable. This woman, she's really unpredictable.
Sun Zhewen closed his eyes, recalling every moment of his acquaintance with Chen Qingyan. She was always so calm and rational, as if everything was under her control. And himself? He seemed so helpless and insignificant in front of her. Despite this, he had no regrets. What was the point of living if you couldn't do anything in this life? His family couldn't help him, so he had to seize every opportunity. Money was a small matter; Chen Qingyan being able to help him was the big deal.