Chapter 7: Flash marriage! Get the marriage certificate! She wants to kiss such a handsome husband!

“Eat, eat! Lao San, finish your meal quickly and take Xiangxiang to the county office. You don’t want to be late and find the Civil Affairs Bureau closed!” Gu Mother beamed from ear to ear, the table piled high with a feast of dishes as she called everyone to eat.

Ruan Xiangxiang stepped out of the room, wearing a floral dress today. The weather was a bit chilly, so she paired it with white socks and little leather shoes, giving her a youthful and vibrant look. Her slightly curled chestnut hair was tied up in a princess half-up style with a red ribbon, the rest flowing like a waterfall down her back. She looked like a porcelain doll—so beautiful, it almost felt unreal.

Gu Rongqing had also freshened up, dressed in his military uniform. His tall, upright posture made him look like a poplar tree standing proudly in the wind. When he saw Ruan Xiangxiang step out, his eyes lit up, and a gentle smile spread across his face.

Holding his cap in one hand, Gu Rongqing stepped forward to open the door for her. Ruan Xiangxiang blushed slightly, her face tinged with a rosy hue.

No wonder people say, “Rumors spread easily, but it’s exhausting to dispel them.”

Last night, she’d meant to have a talk with Gu Rongqing and tell him clearly they couldn’t get married. But then she found out it had all been a huge misunderstanding. His waist and abdomen had indeed been injured, but Gu Rongqing had sworn to the heavens that he was still a real man! He had almost grabbed her hand to let her check for herself whether he worked or not.

But since they weren’t legally married yet, and he respected women, he could only hoarsely assure her again and again—he was not a eunuch!

Ruan Xiangxiang ended up covering her face in embarrassment to avoid letting things get out of hand.

And now—today—they had decided to get their marriage certificate!

Watching the picture-perfect couple walk out side by side, everyone’s eyes lit up.

“Wow~”
“Wow wow!”

Even the two naughty little boys from Gu’s second household were uncharacteristically quiet, staring wide-eyed at their third uncle and new aunt.

Their third uncle and aunt were so good-looking—better than any bride and groom they’d seen at countryside weddings!

“Come, eat up quickly and head to the county before it’s too late,” Gu Mother said joyfully. She never expected Xiangxiang would actually agree to marry her son.

She didn’t know what her third son had said to convince the girl, but since Xiangxiang wasn’t bothered by her son’s “problem”, Gu Mother resolved to treat her daughter-in-law well from now on.

As for children, the young couple could figure it out themselves—whether to see a doctor or adopt, she would support them.

If Ruan Xiangxiang knew what her future mother-in-law was thinking, she might have burst out laughing. But she couldn’t blame the old lady for overthinking it—after all, neither she nor Gu Rongqing were about to run and openly discuss such private matters with her.

Eldest Brother Gu and his wife smiled honestly, helping to bring bowls and chopsticks.

Second Sister-in-law Zhang Meizhi, however, looked like she had swallowed a fly. She couldn’t believe it—just one night, and this vixen actually agreed to marry Lao San?

Tch, just because he held a decent position in the army and earned a good salary each month—that’s the only reason she pinched her nose and agreed.

And when she can’t bear children later? Of course, she’d have to adopt her (Zhang Meizhi’s) sons. She really couldn’t stand this new third sister-in-law.

Look at what she was wearing—a dress! Everyone else in the countryside dressed plainly. Why did she get to wear something all flowy and flirty? Clearly trying to seduce men!

But Ruan Xiangxiang had been a seasoned player in the business world in her previous life. She could read a person’s attitude from a single microexpression. Zhang Meizhi wasn’t even trying to hide her hostility.

“Da Bao, Er Bao,” Ruan Xiangxiang said sweetly, eyes twinkling as she looked at the two boys, “go check on your mom—she’s been winking all morning. Ask her if she got sand in her eyes or something.”

“Mom, what’s wrong with your eyes?”
“Let me take a look! Don’t go blind!”

The two little boys rushed over to Zhang Meizhi and started tugging at her eyelids.

Zhang Meizhi was furious. What had gotten into her sons today, listening to that vixen?

“You really don’t respect your elders! I’m your second sister-in-law! How could you teach children like that?” she snapped at Ruan Xiangxiang while slapping her sons.

“Oh? So you do know you’re just the second sister-in-law?” Ruan Xiangxiang replied, smiling but her tone sharp. “You act like you run the whole Gu family. From the moment I stepped into this house, you’ve been sneering and glaring. My mother-in-law and elder sister-in-law are right here—what makes you think you’re the one qualified to lecture me?”

“You—!”

“You shut it, Second Daughter-in-law!” Gu Mother’s face turned stern. “Don’t make me slap you and ruin my good mood. Today’s a happy day—I won’t argue with you. Second Son, control your wife. This is still the Gu family, and she has no say in how we do things here!”

Seeing his mother angry, Gu Lao’er (Second Brother) quickly pulled Zhang Meizhi back. “What does this have to do with you? If you’re not eating, go inside and stay there!”

“You’re all bullying me! Boohoo! I can’t live like this—I’m going back to my parents’ house!” she cried, covering her face and running out.

“Go ahead!” Second Brother scoffed. “You’re always threatening to run back to your parents. As if they actually want you around.”

Over the years, every time she got upset, she ran back to her family. At first, he used to beg her to come back. But now? He didn’t bother. She’d leave in a huff and come slinking back on her own anyway.

Gu Rongqing frowned deeply. With all the chaos at home, she was surely unhappy. He’d apply for a transfer as soon as possible so he could take her along with the army and leave this mess behind.

After scolding and chasing away the second sister-in-law, Ruan Xiangxiang felt absolutely no guilt. She had never planned to be anyone’s pushover.

County town, Civil Affairs Bureau.

A staff member handed two bright red little booklets to Ruan Xiangxiang and Gu Rongqing.

“Congratulations to both of you. From now on, you’re officially husband and wife. Oh my, what a beautiful couple! Your marriage photo turned out so lovely. Our director wanted me to ask if you’d be willing to let us print an extra copy and post it on our publicity board here at the bureau as an example.”

The staff member beamed as she spoke to Gu Rongqing.

“That’s up to my wife,” Gu Rongqing replied with a smile, glancing at Ruan Xiangxiang. She was wearing light makeup today, and her eyelashes curled delicately like little wings. He couldn’t help but wonder how girls got their lashes to curl so perfectly.

Only then did the staffer realize—this man in uniform was clearly the kind of husband who let his wife call the shots. She turned to Ruan Xiangxiang with a grin.

“Of course you can. We had a couple of extra prints made anyway—happy to give you one,” Ruan Xiangxiang said generously, handing over one of their photos.

In the picture, they looked like a perfect match—handsome man and beautiful woman, truly a feast for the eyes. She didn’t mind others admiring them.

After leaving the Civil Affairs Bureau, Ruan Xiangxiang held up the two little red booklets in her hand. Under the sunlight, the red covers looked even brighter.

Ahhh! If this were back in her previous life, she would absolutely be posting a photo of this moment on her social media! Too bad there were no phones or social media apps now—she could only secretly enjoy the moment herself.

“Are you that happy?” came Gu Rongqing’s voice. Watching her lift the marriage booklet and admire it with such joy, his heart also filled with warmth.

“Of course I’m happy,” Ruan Xiangxiang replied with a beaming smile, turning to look at him.

At that moment, he stood against the light, the sun forming a glowing halo behind him. He looked radiant—almost ethereal.

“Bend down a little,” Ruan Xiangxiang said, hands on her hips, looking up at him.

“Hm?” Gu Rongqing thought she had something to say to him, so he obediently leaned down.

“Mua~”

Ruan Xiangxiang tiptoed up and planted a kiss right on his cheek.

With a husband this handsome, how could she not steal a kiss?