Extra 2.7

Gu Zhanwang took several packets of candy and cakes to Jiang Xue’s office to distribute. He gave a cigarette to the guard and asked him to help find a few colleagues who were free to assist in handing out the remaining wedding candies and cakes.

The guard initially refused to accept the cigarette, but Gu Zhanwang patted his shoulder and said it was a rare occasion for him to get married and that everyone should share in his happiness.

The guard was slightly puzzled and asked, “Comrade, how many times do you plan to get married?”

Throughout the process, Jiang Xue remained cold and distant. Gu Zhanwang tried to hold her hand, but she refused. He accompanied her to the office and, with great courtesy, distributed the wedding candies and cakes to his wife’s colleagues. When he entered Jiang Xue’s office, he heard her answering the phone.

……….

“Minister Chen, marriage is a personal matter. I will handle my family affairs myself. You need not trouble yourself.”

……….

“There is no such thing as arranged marriage in the organization. Are you saying that if every person’s family members come to you, you will match them with someone?”

……….

“The political review has passed, my spouse’s background is fine, and the certificate has already been obtained. It’s too late for him to oppose us. Please let my father go back first.”

……….

“Is it that I will no longer be under your management if I resign? If so, I’ll resign now and send you my resignation letter later!”

—end of phone call

After Jiang Xue finished speaking, she didn’t care what the other party said and hung up the phone with a “snap.”

She took a cigarette from the drawer, lit it, and signaled Gu Zhanwang to close the door.

Gu Zhanwang had not yet recovered from the immense joy of “Jiang Xue resigning to be with him.” He glanced at her deeply and turned to close the door.

“Did you all hear that? I didn’t say that lightly. I’m not happy working here; there are too many restrictions. Don’t worry, I don’t need you to support me. A director contacted me about a film project. I’ll think about what to do next,” Jiang Xue said, leaning back in her chair and exhaling smoke, looking captivatingly alluring as she contemplated life.

The next moment, she was in Gu Zhanwang’s arms, and if it hadn’t been for her strong psychological fortitude, she would have screamed.

Before she could utter any more curses, her mouth was covered. Gu Zhanwang kissed her until she could barely breathe. Both of them almost lost control before he let her go.

“It’s fine. I don’t have anything except money. I can support a hundred of you. You’d better stay by my side every day without leaving an inch.” This was what Gu Zhanwang had wished for.

Gu Zhanwang thought in the morning how delightful it would be if Jiang Xue could remain by his side every day without going to work. Not long ago, this prickly rose had willingly entered his life, exactly what he desired!

Gu Zhanwang would have laughed joyfully thrice if it had not been the wrong moment.

Jiang Xue smiled, pressed a deep kiss to Gu Zhanwang’s lips, and said, “Alright, I’ll give you a chance to support me for a few days. I’ll let you know what to do.”

Hugging her close and pressing her against him, Gu Zhanwang responded, “It’s an honor for me.”

Just as he was about to return the kiss, a knock at the door interrupted: “Director Jiang, your father has arrived.”

Jiang Xue’s face visibly froze, and she got up from Gu Zhanwang’s embrace, adjusted her clothes, and reapplied some lipstick before saying, “Let him in.”

Gu Zhanwang got up to open the door and encountered Jiang Huai, who was about to push the door open.

Gu Zhanwang offered a polite smile and extended his hand to Jiang Huai. “Hello, I’m Gu Zhanwang.”

Jiang Huai glanced at Jiang Xue and coldly looked at Gu Zhanwang, making a fist. “I’m honored to meet the famous Mr. Gu. I’ve heard much about you.”

Jiang Xue walked forward and pushed Gu Zhanwang behind her: “Father if you have any questions, let’s talk when I get off work.”

Without saying a word, Jiang Huai raised his hand to slap Jiang Xue in front of Gu Zhanwang.

Gu Zhanwang reacted quickly, narrowing his eyes dangerously, pulling Jiang Xue into his embrace, and barely avoiding Jiang Huai’s slap.

“Considering that you are Jiang Xue’s father, I should call you ‘Father.’ But now you have angered me. Look carefully. This woman’s current identity is my wife—Gu Zhanwang’s wife. Anyone who dares to lay a finger on her in front of me will face the consequences!”

Damn it, he almost saw the woman he treasured so much getting slapped in front of him. If it weren’t for Jiang Xue’s father’s status (as his father-in-law), Gu Zhanwang would have already kicked him away.

Jiang Xue did not expect Gu Zhanwang to be so furious. Indeed, her current identity was his wife, and her gain or loss was also his. Her father slapping her in front of him was a loss of face for him.

Jiang Huai was enraged. “Your wife? Which of the three books and six ceremonies did you follow? Did I agree to this? I’m telling you now, I don’t approve of this marriage! Jiang Xue, as long as you still bear the Jiang surname and remain my daughter, do you still consider me your father?!”

Jiang Xue coldly looked at him. “You’ve asked this question many times. What if I change my surname?”

Jiang Huai stared at her.

Jiang Xue turned back with a frosty expression: “If you’re so unhappy with me as your daughter, I can change my surname whenever I want. I could switch to my mother’s surname or my husband’s surname. Furthermore, I can publish a statement in the newspaper to sever our father-daughter relationship. Would that be acceptable?”

Jiang Huai took a few steps back in anger, pointing at her. “You… Do you want to kill me to feel at ease, huh?!”

Jiang Xue said: You are healthy at your age and have children and grandchildren to enjoy. Since we have different ideals and cannot plan together, let’s not harbor disdain for one another. You can enjoy your old age in your own space, and I can live my life. Isn’t it better to live in peace? We are relatives, not enemies. Why must every meeting be so strained? Does this display your authority as a father? Is this really what you want?

I also wish to be a good and obedient daughter, but Father, are the things you’re asking of me and your expectations really what a normal father would ask of his daughter? I’m sorry, but I can’t fulfill them and give you what you want. I can only find ways to free myself from your control. Father, please let me go?

Jiang Xue was rarely this weak. She didn’t know whether it was because she found someone who really cared for her or because she was relieved. She leaned in Gu Zhanwang’s arms and suddenly wanted to cry.

Jiang Huai remained unyielding. “Jiang Xue, you are my daughter! I gave birth to you and raised you to this point. What have you ever given me in return? You’ve always been disobedient. So you want to get married? Fine. I can’t expect anything more from you. Here’s the deal: give me 100,000 for a betrothal gift. From now on, we’ll go our separate ways. If you demand even a penny less, I’ll report to the police that Gu Zhanwang is engaging in marriage fraud, abducting my daughter without my consent. I’ve already lost face because of you. I’ll also make a scene at the civil affairs bureau, with your leaders, and at your doorstep. No one should expect to have an easy time!”

Jiang Xue sneered: “Jiang Huai, you are so shameless! 100,000? Is your daughter made of gold? Why is she worth that much?”

“She is worth it!” Gu Zhanwang held Jiang Xue close and gently stroked her arm to comfort her. Looking into her beautiful eyes, he smiled and said, “She is priceless to me.”

Gu Zhanwang turned to Jiang Huai and said firmly, “100,000. I will have my lawyer prepare an agreement and deliver it to you. From now on, unless Jiang Xue willingly returns home, you are not allowed to approach her again.”

-o-o-o-o-o-o-

T/N: I really hate this old man.