Chapter 9

On Saturday afternoon, Wen Yi followed the address Qin Nanshan gave her to his home. The closer the navigation got, the more puzzled she became.

This was a villa district, and not one ordinary people could afford. In Wen Yi’s impression, teaching was indeed not a profession for getting rich. She had thought their family topping out with a fully paid four-bedroom in the city center was already the limit.

Wen Yi called him to confirm. “Your family really lives inside?”

Qin Nanshan thought she was lost. “After entering the community, turn twice. Watch the signs. My house is Number 25.”

“……” Wen Yi swallowed. She pulled over to the side. “Qin Nanshan, tell me honestly. What exactly does your family do?”

After saying it, she felt like she had fallen into the money pit and added. “Otherwise, if your mom sees I know nothing later, it’ll be easy to slip up.” She had already slipped once in front of Ms. Wen, taking quite some coaxing.

Qin Nanshan found her reasoning very logical. He explained. “My parents are just retired professors. But my grandfather and uncle run a company. When Grandpa passed, he divided some assets among us.”

“What company?”

“Weiyi Furniture.”

Now the slow one became Wen Yi. She froze in place.

She knew Weiyi Furniture not because it was particularly famous, but because early this year, Weiyi had beaten several competitors at a bidding conference to win the furniture supply contract for all public hospitals citywide. Including but not limited to office desks and chairs, ward construction, and various basic equipment. A contract worth tens of billions.

At the time, Tian Jia had even gossiped with her about how Weiyi had some real strength, swallowing so much at once. Who would have thought? Now it had some connection to her.

Without minding the call was still on, Wen Yi patted her small belly. “Baby, congratulations. You’re a second-generation rich from birth.”

Qin Nanshan heard and could not help laughing. “Not that much. And the company shares are with my parents. Nothing to do with me.”

“As long as it has to do with my daughter.” Wen Yi said righteously. “Don’t misunderstand. I’m not coveting your family money. But my daughter has to be raised by you. It’s required by law.”

He caught the key word. “Sure it’s a daughter? The checkup didn’t reveal the gender.”

“No. But I feel it’s a daughter.” Wen Yi shifted to drive and got back on the road.

“Why?”

“Because my mom had a daughter. I’ll definitely have one too.”

“……” Qin Nanshan never understood her twisted logic. “Hurry over.”

Wen Yi prepared herself mentally. When entering his home, her posture was composed, unflinching.

Only Xuan Ying and Qin Heng were home. Younger sister Qin Xi was traveling and not there. Xuan Ying pulled Wen Yi over for a thorough look up and down. Wen Yi felt no fear. This gaze was far better than those doctors who looked down on pharmaceutical representatives.

Her future mother-in-law was just like on the phone: enthusiastic, kind, and amiable, with eyes always smiling. Qin Heng spoke little but seemed easy to get along with. The wooden Qin Nanshan truly did not resemble their son.

Wen Yi had reached her position today with some excellent social qualities. After greetings, she treated Xuan Ying like her own mother. She asked about her major. Xuan Ying said she researched biology. Wen Yi racked her brains for her scant biology knowledge, chatting while humbly seeking advice. The retired Professor Xuan regained her teaching vigor. They talked straight for an hour.

Father and son Qin Heng and Qin Nanshan tactfully stayed away, only calling them when it was time to eat.

At the table, Qin Heng tugged his wife, cleared his throat lightly, reclaiming his head-of-household status. “Nanshan, find a time. Both sides of parents should meet. Settle the bride price, wedding date, and such.”

“Okay.”

He said gently to Wen Yi. “Whatever conditions you have, tell Nanshan directly. From now on, we’re family. Don’t be polite.”

“Yes. Thank you, Uncle.”

Xuan Ying jumped out of the honey trap Wen Yi had set. She remembered to ask. “Nanshan said you were high school classmates? He liked you since high school? We really didn’t expect it. Nanshan is introverted. Doesn’t like talking about romance. Turns out he had someone in his heart all along.”

Wen Yi was surprised and looked at her “fiancé.”

The fiancé’s face showed rare embarrassment. “Mom, I didn’t say that.”

“Then how upon reuniting did you pursue her right away, and for half a year?” Xuan Ying gave her son no face. “If not a secret crush, what is it?”

Wen Yi suddenly understood. This was the story she had made up. He did not know yet. The story had already developed further.

But no need to let him know too much. Wen Yi scooted closer to him and went along. “You should have said you liked me earlier. We wasted so many years for nothing.”

Qin Nanshan turned to see the mischief in her eyes. His expression calmed. “Sorry.”

Wen Yi found teasing him fun. “What do you like about me?”

He glanced at her. His eyes spelled “helpless” clearly. But he answered seriously. “I like that you’re enthusiastic and kind, smart and beautiful.”

Tch. Not heartfelt at all.

The meal lasted an hour. Wen Yi played the loving couple enthusiastically with Qin Nanshan. The man was not very natural but cooperated wholeheartedly.

The couple across watched their son’s faint lip curve with joy. True love!

After eating, Xuan Ying directed the two men to clear the table. She pulled Wen Yi to the study next door to talk.

Xuan Ying first asked if pregnancy made her uncomfortable anywhere, then shared her own pregnancy experiences. Afterward, on behalf of Qin Nanshan, she apologized. Meeting this way was not very formal. She assured Wen Yi that Qin Nanshan would absolutely take responsibility. Their family warmly welcomed her and the baby.

At the end, she took out a bright red box from her pocket and gave it to her. It was a jade bangle left by Qin Nanshan’s grandmother, specifically passed to the granddaughter-in-law.

Wen Yi opened it. The jade bangle was translucent and smooth, clearly with some age.

Leaving, Wen Yi felt mixed emotions inside.

In most people’s eyes, once a woman is pregnant and has a child, she can no longer escape. Families looking down on unmarried pregnant women, skimping on bride price, were too common.

She did not feel looked down upon today. Perhaps it had to do with their upbringing and education. Perhaps with the groundwork laid by the fabricated story. Or perhaps with Qin Nanshan’s respect for her from beginning to end. In any case, it seemed like a good thing.

The same matter was handled vastly differently by the two families. The man’s side was overjoyed, planning how to bring her into the family. While her mother was so angry she nearly wanted to sever ties. In the end, it boiled down to fear that she would be belittled for being pregnant.

In ancient times, marriage seemed inherently unequal, carrying strong gender attributes to determine a woman’s belonging. And it had deeply ingrained itself in people’s minds.

Wen Yi shook her head. Marriage was simply two people building a family and living together. Where did this talk of ownership transfer come from?

Qin Nanshan drove her car to send her back. Her small Audi was not spacious. The first thing he did upon sitting in the driver’s seat was adjust the position: lower it, move it back, completely changing her habits.

For the first time in her life, Wen Yi felt her territory invaded. He remained oblivious and continued encroaching on others’ land.

She realized something. Marriage did indeed involve an exchange of ownership. But not one-sided. Rather, both sides mutually invading each other’s lives, crumbling two people and remelding them together until you could no longer distinguish one from the other.

Was that not what marriage law was about? After marriage, no matter who earned more or less, it all belonged jointly.

The car hit the road. Qin Nanshan asked, “About the wedding date and bride price, my parents want to meet your mom.”

Her car was auto-navigating to Yuting Fu. Wen Yi changed her mind upon hearing this. “Go to Changle Lane. You tell her yourself.”

He turned toward Changle Lane.

On the way, they discussed the requests she had made yesterday. Qin Nanshan had no objections and agreed to follow her plans entirely. Wen Yi frowned. “You can voice your own ideas. You can disagree too.”

“Your requests are reasonable. Of course I agree.”

Wen Yi looked at that near-perfect profile and silently reconciled herself inwardly. Fine. He was just like that.

Twenty minutes later, they arrived. He turned off the engine and got out. Wen Yi said, “Adjust my seat back first.”

Qin Nanshan paused momentarily, probably not expecting this request. He got back in the car.

Wen Yi walked ahead into the alley. After a few steps, she stopped and looked back.

He had just finished adjusting and stepped out, standing at the bustling alley entrance with neon lights all over him. While she stood inside the alley, warm light from square windows quietly carving delicate shapes on her body. Like two inverted worlds.

Wen Yi suddenly called out, “Qin Nanshan.”

The man lifted his gaze. His deep, unfathomable dark eyes reflected the streetlights.

“Will you be a good father?” she asked.

“Yes,” he answered.

……

Next, the two families met. The wedding date was set before the New Year. The bride price and three golds from the Qin family were generous. They asked for no dowry from her side. Ms. Wen’s special instructions to Wen Yi the night before about not accepting less went unused.

The engagement banquet was arranged for this Saturday evening, mainly for close relatives from both sides to meet.

Xuan Ying suggested that after the engagement, the young couple could get the certificate to avoid complications. Wen Yi smiled inwardly. What complications could there be? Things had already reached this point.

She had few relatives on her side. Qin Nanshan must have mentioned it to Xuan Ying and Qin Heng beforehand. His family never asked about Wen Yi’s father. When arranging seats, they thoughtfully left only for her uncle and aunt.

Her uncle and aunt were shocked. After the shock, they pulled Ms. Wen aside to talk, asking what was going on and if she was pregnant. Ms. Wen said, “They’ve been together a long time. It was going to happen soon anyway.”

“What did they say?”

“Xiao Qin has a good personality. His parents are highly educated. They won’t wrong Yiyi.”

“That’s good then.”

Her uncle and aunt were half-convinced but let it pass. Wen Yi watched from afar with an indescribable feeling. Fortunately, very few people knew the truth now. She and Qin Nanshan truly seemed like a sweet couple happily stepping into the palace of marriage.

But some did not believe it.

Wen Yi went out to the restroom. On her way back, she heard voices in the hallway. It was probably Qin Nanshan’s aunt Zhong Lan and Xuan Ying.

Zhong Lan was indignant. “What’s wrong with Nanshan? Getting married without a word and already having a child. Has he been tricked?”

Wen Yi lightened her steps, caught between advancing and retreating.

Xuan Ying said, “No such thing. Sister-in-law, don’t talk nonsense. The young couple is very much in love.”

Zhong Lan continued. “I can tell from the girl’s face she’s seductive. Who knows what methods she used to hook Nanshan. Got pregnant to hold him. That’s how she marries in.”

Wen Yi could not see their expressions, but Xuan Ying said nothing. Zhong Lan went on. “She’s a pharmaceutical sales rep too. Full of tricks. I still think Zhirou was better. Proper, gentle, and graceful. Family background matches yours. Could even help Nanshan advance. This one now…”

Zhong Lan sighed heavily. “Now there’s no choice. But you two must watch Nanshan closely. Don’t give everything away.”

Xuan Ying said, “Sister-in-law, you’re overthinking. I don’t think Wen Yi is that kind of person. Don’t say such things in front of the children. It affects their relationship.”

After a few words, footsteps sounded. The two walked away.

Wen Yi leaned against the wall, feeling rather powerless. Only by pressing against it could she stand steady.

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and exhaled the murky air stifled in her heart.

She stood for who knew how long. Qin Xi came out looking for her. The young girl spoke sweetly. “Sister-in-law, why so long? Are you okay?”

Wen Yi curved her lips into a smile. “I’m fine. What could be wrong?”

After the engagement banquet, Xuan Ying had someone pick a good day to get the certificate. She said it was calculated from their birth dates. Perfectly auspicious.

The day of registration was bitterly cold. Wen Yi did careful makeup and wore an elegant dress, then wrapped herself in a thick down jacket before heading out. Qin Nanshan also dressed properly: shirt, suit, Windsor knot. He even styled his hair specially. Very spirited.

Before entering the civil affairs bureau, Wen Yi asked if he was nervous. He said no. He had prepared for two months.

But she was nervous. Her first time getting a certificate. It was a turning point in life after all. Stepping through this door, when she walked out again, she would be a married woman. All her plans for the future before twenty-eight were disrupted.

Yet after actually getting the certificate, there was none of the imagined excitement or loss. The two remained calm. They went together to a nearby breakfast shop to eat. After, he dropped her at work. After work, each went home. This “auspicious day” was as ordinary as could be.

The only trace was probably the Moments post Wen Yi made before bed that night, visible to all without grouping. One photo of the marriage certificate. One of her right hand wearing the wedding ring. Officially announcing the end of single life.

Ten minutes later, Qin Nanshan “reposted” her Moments. The image and caption identical. No, not quite identical. The ring he wore was his own.

If she remembered correctly, this was his first Moments post ever.

For the next three days, Wen Yi’s life and work were flooded with probing questions, inquiries, and blessings. After three days, her married status officially settled in.

Qiao En asked her how it felt. Wen Yi thought for a long time but could not find an answer. It was quite complicated.

A sense of fateful dust settling. Reluctance, submission, this is how her life would be. Yet also a breath of relief, as if she had found a scapegoat father for the baby in her belly.

In short, a mix of emotions. She spent a month digesting and experiencing it. To this day, she had not pinpointed an exact feeling of joy or sorrow. She just muddled through and continued onward.

The wedding was held before the New Year. Wen Yi used her three days of wedding leave plus two weekend days entirely on busyness. Even though the mothers felt sorry for her pregnancy, there was no way around it. The bride could not complete the ceremony sitting down.

The original plan was to keep the ceremony as simple as possible. They were to exchange rings under the gaze of guests and friends, kiss, and fulfill the vow to spend life together.

But a small incident occurred midway. The ring box left in the hotel dressing room disappeared. At that point, only half an hour remained until the wedding.

The men from both sides were greeting guests at the front desk. The women all went backstage to search. Every corner, big and small, was checked. Even the restrooms were not spared. Still nothing.

Zhong Lan spoke sarcastically. “People use fake rings for weddings these days. You used real ones. Such valuable things casually left around. With so many people coming and going on a wedding day, and no surveillance here, who wouldn’t pocket it if they saw it? I think today is inauspicious. This marriage…”

Her words carried clear blame. Her aunt had a fiery temper and retorted immediately. “A perfectly auspicious day, and we have to listen to someone farting bad luck. The date was chosen by your side. We have fewer people here today. Who knows which of your relatives is the thief, even stealing wedding rings. Truly embarrassing.”

Zhong Lan glared furiously. The two were about to quarrel. Xuan Ying and Ms. Wen quickly intervened. Xuan Ying turned back and asked. “Yiyi, think again. Did you perhaps leave it at home and forget to bring it?”

She had brought it. In the red handbag. Now missing. Only one possibility: stolen.

Wen Yi had been up since five in the morning, constantly primped and prodded. She had not even had a sip of water. Now facing this, she was utterly exhausted.

Ms. Wen saw her daughter’s pallor and quickly thought of the next step. She said to Qin Nanshan. “Xiao Qin, what do we do now? Can we skip the ring exchange?”

In the room full of people, he was the calmest. Qin Nanshan maintained composure. “Mom, it’s fine. If the rings are gone, they’re gone. Not a big deal.”

He turned to the bride. “I think we can use my parents’ wedding rings for now. What do you think?”

Wen Yi naturally nodded agreement. The commotion ended there.

Xuan Ying’s wedding rings had some years on them. The silver bands were smooth and shiny. The small diamonds’ edges showed wear, but it was clear the owner cherished them. Rings from over thirty years ago still looked striking today.

At the ceremony, Qin Nanshan slipped it onto Wen Yi’s ring finger.

At this point, the two were officially united. Deep fate to spend the rest of life together. Shallow fate to walk a stretch hand in hand.

……

After the wedding, Wen Yi lay in bed for two full days before recovering.

The previous month, she had to split attention between wedding preparations and year-end work. Wen Yi was stretched thin. Moving was discussed with Qin Nanshan. They unanimously agreed to postpone. Thus, for over a month, she stayed in Changle Lane. Now with the wedding over, Ms. Wen came to urge her to move soon.

Wen Yi’s bones ached. “Mom… Can’t we wait a bit?”

Ms. Wen picked up her scattered clothes. “I’ve never seen a daughter stay at her mother’s after marriage. You ran back yesterday. Did they say anything?”

“No. I said I came back to pack things.” She truly was not used to staying at someone else’s home. Xuan Ying’s enthusiasm overwhelmed her. She could only hide back here. Wen Yi whimpered on the bed. “I’m not just wanting to spend more time with you. Mom, when his new house is livable, move in with us.”

“I won’t go.”

“Heh. I knew it. You have someone outside.”

After staying home for a month, Wen Yi noticed clues. Her mom loved dressing up now. Went out every day like a young girl. Returned in the evenings glowing. Spent more time on her phone replying to messages. Definitely something going on.

Ms. Wen yanked her blanket. “Don’t talk nonsense.”

Wen Yi said seriously. “Mom, my major life event is settled. From now on, focus on your own life. No need to worry about me anymore.”

Ms. Wen glanced at her, said nothing, gathered the dirty clothes, and left.

Wen Yi grabbed her phone from the nightstand. Qin Nanshan had messaged asking if she was up for breakfast.

This month he had been busy too. Besides research, all his time went to wedding preparations: wedding company, hotel, pickup on the day, ushers. Everything needed his personal oversight. Much harder than for her.

She stared at the ceiling for ten minutes. Replied: [No work the next few days. Preparing for the New Year too. I’ll move to your place.]