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As they got into the car, Liang Cheng immediately leaned over, “Tell me, what did you guys talk about? I’m dying to know.”
Just now at the dinner table, hindered by Zhou Qishen’s presence, she didn’t dare to ask a single word. Because of her curiosity, dinner wasn’t enjoyable. Now that she finally endured until they separated, she had to seize the opportunity to gossip.
Before Jiang Xiao could even put on her seatbelt, she was pounced on eagerly. Under Liang Cheng’s intense gaze, her eyes darted nervously, “We didn’t talk about anything.”
“Really?” Liang Cheng clearly didn’t believe her, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. She reached out to tickle Jiang Xiao’s ticklish spot, “Are you going to talk or not? Talk or not? Hmm? If you don’t talk, I won’t let you off.”
From under her armpits to her waist, Jiang Xiao was ticklish and couldn’t stand it. At first, she tried to resist, but soon she was tortured into surrendering, begging repeatedly, “Okay, okay, I’ll tell you!”
Seeing her achieve her goal, Liang Cheng generously let go, squinting to indicate she should tell the truth.
With a sigh of resignation, Jiang Xiao could only confess,”I mean it’s possible. I’m getting married soon.”
“Married?” Liang Cheng was thunderstruck by this earth-shattering news, incredulously widening her eyes. But she still had some sense to ask, “Is it with Zhou Qishen or Zhou Wenting?”
“Of course it’s Zhou Qishen. How could I possibly marry Zhou Wenting?”
Jiang Xiao was a bit confused by Liang Cheng’s thought process. How could she even think of Zhou Wenting at a time like this? She would rather marry a stray cat or dog by the roadside than marry Zhou Wenting.
Liang Cheng dumbly sat back in her seat, utterly dumbfounded, “You’ve only known each other for less than three days? And you’re getting married? You’re really making big decisions quietly. Does your dad know?”
As soon as she mentioned her father, Jiang Xiao’s embarrassed expression gradually became solemn, and her smile turned slightly bitter, “My dad can’t wait for me to marry someone off quickly. Why would he care about these things?”
Liang Cheng pursed her lips, regretting opening her mouth where she shouldn’t have. After a moment of silence, she sighed deeply, kindly advising, “But you’re only 23 years old, with a promising future ahead. Why rush into the grave of marriage?”
Due to Liang Cheng’s unfortunate experience with her parents’ marriage, she staunchly advocated against marriage. Hence, she would warn Jiang Xiao against hastily making a marriage decision in such a short time, not wanting her best friend to step into the abyss.
Jiang Xiao knew that Liang Cheng was acting in her best interest, but she couldn’t directly tell her about the existence of the system or the tasks she bore. In her view, this contractual marriage was merely mutual exploitation. Once she gathered enough attention, she could free herself by simply divorcing him. She felt it couldn’t restrain her at all.
“Marriage isn’t necessarily all bad. If you meet the right person, it could also be an added joy,” Jiang Xiao said afterward, outlining her preliminary plans for the contractual marriage, attempting to convince both Liang Cheng and herself.
After hearing this, Liang Cheng remained non-committal. Setting aside other factors, Zhou Qishen’s terms were indeed attractive and entirely beneficial to Jiang Xiao. However, having navigated society for many years, Liang Cheng naturally took a longer-term view. The cunning and foresight between her and Jiang Xiao combined might not match up to Zhou Qishen’s alone.
Knowing it might develop this way, she regretted not using all means necessary to stop Jiang Xiao from getting close to him in the first place. Now, it seems Jiang Xiao’s future might be compromised.
“I’ll contact a lawyer for you. Once the contract arrives, we’ll have the lawyers review it first.”
In any case, the law and the contract wouldn’t deceive them. Regardless of Zhou Qishen’s intentions, since he gave Jiang Xiao free rein to propose conditions, they should maximize their benefits and gain the upper hand.
The next afternoon, Zhou Qishen efficiently sent both the hard copy and electronic versions of the contract via express mail and email.
One particular clause stood out: he would transfer 8% of the shares of his internet company, Xunli, to her after marriage. Although not comparable to the vast business empire of the Zhou family, Xunli was still among the top 100 enterprises.
8% might seem insignificant at first glance, but the dividends received could be substantial, easily reaching a seven-figure sum without lifting a finger.
Moreover, the contract stipulated that the woman’s income would remain personal, while the man’s income would belong to both as marital property. This meant that even if they divorced in the future, he would have to split his money with her.
In addition, there were many other benefits and perks, almost like terms imposed by a tyrant. Of course, the unfair parts were aimed solely at Zhou Qishen.
It was a contract that left Jiang Xiao wondering. Could it be that Zhou Qishen’s lawyer had a personal grudge against him? Or had Zhou Qishen lost his mind? Just yesterday, he claimed to be a businessman, yet today he did something that not even a selfless person would do. It was truly baffling.
Or perhaps he had so much money that he didn’t know where to spend it? He was more generous than her own father.
Jiang Xiao and Liang Cheng glanced at each other, both seeing shock in the other’s eyes. If it weren’t for the two well-known lawyers Liang Cheng had brought in, both firmly stating that the contract was sound, Jiang Xiao would have doubted if she was dreaming.
Clutching the thick stack of contracts in her hand, Jiang Xiao asked into her phone, which displayed a voice call, “Do you have something on me? Or did I save your life before?”
On the other end of the phone, Zhou Qishen paused in his review of the documents. Leaning back casually, he twirled a pen with a faint smile playing on his lips and said slowly, “It seems you’re quite satisfied with the contract?”
Her hidden thoughts exposed, Jiang Xiao felt momentarily uneasy. Clearing her throat, she tentatively raised an eyebrow, “Well, it’s… okay, I guess.”
Before she could finish, Zhou Qishen uttered another boldly confident statement, “Hmm, if you have any requests, feel free to mention them.”
His calm tone indicated he wasn’t worried she would get carried away and drive up the price.
In fact, they had already discussed it just now. The contract was very comprehensive and professional, with no loopholes or criticisms. The conditions offered were also extremely generous. If she were to make more demands, it would seem like she was taking advantage and being unreasonable, not knowing her limits.
With the conversation recorded and backed by the legal team, it seemed like agreeing immediately wouldn’t be an issue.
“Why go to such lengths?” Jiang Xiao asked calmly, though she felt quite anxious inside. Her sharp nails unknowingly dug into her flesh, and her fingertips were turning white from the force.
Zhou Qishen’s lips twitched slightly, a hint of a smile appearing. “Isn’t marrying someone supposed to go this far?”
Jiang Xiao choked up, rendered speechless by his matter-of-fact tone, and after a few seconds, she softened her voice and said, “Let’s sign it on Monday then.”
There was a brief silence on the phone. After a moment, she heard his gentle, slightly hoarse voice smiling warmly, “Remember to bring your household registration booklet.”
Mixed with a hint of huskiness, it was particularly enticing.
Jiang Xiao fell silent for a moment, then brushed it off, “… Got it.”
After hanging up the phone, Jiang Xiao couldn’t snap out of it for a long time. She thought she must have been swayed by money, otherwise why would her cheeks be so hot?
“Tsk.” Liang Cheng clicked her tongue lightly.
Jiang Xiao unconsciously raised her eyes and coincidentally met Liang Cheng’s probing gaze. The look on her face seemed to say, “If only I could sign for you on the spot, it’s clear you’ve already fallen under the pants of the ‘god of wealth’ rushing to give you money.”
Liang Cheng rubbed her chin, squinting her eyes with a deep and unfathomable look. After a while, she said, “Being beautiful is truly advantageous. In just a few days, even someone like Zhou Qishen is crying and clamoring to marry you, kneeling under your pomegranate skirt.”
“He doesn’t have feelings for me,” Jiang Xiao bluntly refuted her inexplicable speculation.
“I don’t believe it.” Liang Cheng waved her hand dismissively.
Jiang Xiao leaned back on the sofa, recalling her conversation with him yesterday at the Western restaurant, and said indifferently, “He said it himself. Whoever marries him will be treated like this.”
Liang Cheng chuckled: “Then can you ask him if he can marry me instead? I only want money, not the person.”
“What do you think?” Jiang Xiao turned her head and glanced at her.
At these words, Liang Cheng also lay back on the sofa with resignation, sighing, “That’s right, it would be strange if he would like me.”
Jiang Xiao knew she was joking. In her heart, she believed she was the most beautiful, and there was no man in the world who deserved her.
After a moment of silence, Liang Cheng suddenly changed her posture and looked straight at her. “Xiaoxiao, you must remember, if you are willing to marry Zhou Qishen, it is the blessing that the Zhou family’s ancestors have obtained through incense rising from their tombs. But don’t lower yourself everywhere, trying to please him.”
Jiang Xiao heard the concern in her tone, lifted her lips proudly, and raised her chin. “You still don’t know my temper. Would I let someone bully me?”
Liang Cheng was amused by her fearless expression and chuckled. “Alright, alright, who can bully my tigress at home?”
This was understandable. Jiang Xiao was known in her circle for her retaliatory nature and hot temper, leaving many with the impression that she was quick to anger. But in reality, she was a rather cute girl without much scheming.
Thinking of this, Liang Cheng also thought of Zhou Qishen. Rumored to be deep and cunning, Zhou Qishen was difficult to approach. Yet in their interactions, he showed grace, manners, and even a sense of humor, much better than expected.
The contrast between these two was quite significant. From a certain perspective, they might actually be well-matched.
*
On a Monday morning, rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds and shimmered on the city buildings.
Jiang Xiao woke up two hours early to do her makeup and dress in a white shirt that she deemed most suitable for taking wedding photos. This conclusion came after an hour of searching online the previous night—white shirts complemented the red backdrop of wedding photos and suited her complexion best.
Comments also mentioned cheongsams and other outfits, but after careful consideration, the basic and reliable choice was the white shirt.
Jiang Xiao politely declined Zhou Qishen’s offer to send a car for her. Instead, she drove herself to meet with the lawyer first, arriving promptly at 9:30 AM at the headquarters of the Zhou Group.
As soon as she entered the building, before reaching the front desk, a man in a well-tailored suit greeted her. “Hello, are you Miss Jiang?”
Jiang Xiao wore a mask, sunglasses, and a hat, completely concealing her face. She had intended not to expose her identity, but amidst the fashionable elite bustling in the lobby, she inadvertently stood out. It was no wonder the man immediately recognized her.
Collecting herself, Jiang Xiao calmly replied, “Hello, it’s me.”
“My surname is Chen. I’m Mr. Zhou’s assistant. Please follow me.” Assistant Chen had been waiting for a while and, upon confirming her identity, gestured politely. He then led her to swipe her card for the executive elevator.
The elevator ascended quickly, and soon they arrived at the top-floor executive director’s office.
“Mr. Zhou is currently in an impromptu video conference. Please wait a moment.” Assistant Chen explained warmly as he led her to a closed door, politely knocking three times before guiding her inside.
The top floor housed only one office, which was quite spacious.
Jiang Xiao glanced around and found that Zhou Qishen’s work environment mirrored his living environment.
Predominantly black, white, and gray in color, the design was minimalist and austere, yet highly modern. Excellent lighting and a panoramic view allowed bright sunlight to fill the room, offering a view of the expansive blue sky in the distance.
In front of a large desk, there was no one present. The desk was littered with piles of files, indicating that the owner had left in a hurry without tidying up.
A familiar scent of wooden furniture mixed with a faint aroma of tea wafted into her nostrils, drawing her attention to a rosewood tea table.
Despite the rise in popularity of various beverages in recent years, not many young people were fond of tea. Jiang Xiao had the impression that only older generations, like uncles and grandfathers, bothered to study tea brewing. She hadn’t expected him to have such refined tastes.
“Please have a seat, Miss Jiang.”
“Thank you.” Jiang Xiao complied, sitting on the nearby black leather sofa as instructed.
Before long, Assistant Chen returned with two cups of coffee, followed by another unfamiliar man.
“This is Mr. Zhou’s lawyer. He will explain the specifics of the contract to you.”
After exchanging polite greetings, the lawyer, whom Jiang Xiao had seen at the police station before, began to reiterate the contract’s contents. Her own lawyer had already briefed her on it, so she understood most of it. The difference lay in the additional two property donation contracts prepared by Zhou Qishen’s lawyer. Glancing at them, Jiang Xiao saw they were for luxurious mansions worth billions in prime locations. Zhou Qishen’s generosity was as extravagant as ever.
Although these unearned possessions seemed tempting, Jiang Xiao had no intention of accepting them. This marriage was a transaction where each side took what they needed, not about who was taking advantage of whom.
Moreover, she and Zhou Qishen were not bound for life. Once she had gained enough exposure, she would find an appropriate time to propose a divorce. These things could be returned to him at that time.
Besides, she could earn these things herself. Having them in hand, earned through her own efforts, would bring her peace of mind.
As she was speaking, Zhou Qishen finished his meeting and returned.
The door opened, and Jiang Xiao instinctively looked up. A man stood at the door in a smoke-gray suit, tall and broad-shouldered. His tailored pants accentuated his long legs as he walked confidently and swiftly towards her seat.
“Please continue,” Zhou Qishen said calmly.
His presence exuded a dominating male aura, making Jiang Xiao uncomfortable. She subtly shifted away on the sofa, silently lamenting the vastness of the space—why did he have to sit right beside her?
Yet her peripheral vision couldn’t help but steal glances at him. Today, he wasn’t wearing glasses, exposing his large, narrow eyes completely. His gaze was somewhat stern and intense, his high nose bridge, thin lips slightly pursed, a sharp jawline like a knife’s edge, leading down to a prominent Adam’s apple and a slender neck…
She scrutinized him intently, completely unaware that he had noticed her gaze.
Their eyes met briefly, perfectly timed to avoid awkwardness.
After what felt like a long time, the lawyer’s voice ceased, leaving an eerie silence in the room.
Jiang Xiao belatedly realized she wanted to retract her gaze, but as soon as she refocused, she unexpectedly met Zhou Qishen’s slightly teasing gaze.
“…”
Caught off guard, Jiang Xiao paused for a few seconds, then calmly turned her head as if nothing had happened, casually adjusting her posture and crossing her legs, facing away from him.
She was immensely relieved at this moment that she hadn’t removed her mask, or Zhou Qishen would have seen her blushing and flustered face.
The contract signing proceeded smoothly in silence, interrupted only by the rustling of the pen across the paper.
Once the contracts were signed, Zhou Qishen took her and drove to the Civil Affairs Bureau.
On the way, Jiang Xiao touched up her makeup earnestly. As a Chinese woman dedicated to looking good in photos, she didn’t care much about the other procedures; the most important thing was that the wedding photos had to be beautiful.
With a click of the camera, the red marriage certificate was in hand.
[System 003: Congratulations, Little Mistress, on unlocking the new identity of Mrs. Zhou. Progress in the riding popularity plan: +40% and the current progress is 45%.]
Exiting the Civil Affairs Bureau, Jiang Xiao looked at the bustling street, feeling a surreal sense of detachment. She couldn’t muster much happiness at the system’s progress update.
From the first meeting to getting the certificate, it had been less than twenty days.
She had rashly ended her life as a single woman and stepped into the ranks of the married.
The change was too sudden, Jiang Xiao thought. She needed some time to adjust.
The loud honk of a car horn brought her back from her thoughts. Watching Zhou Qishen’s figure a few steps away, she suddenly remembered something and hurriedly caught up, tentatively speaking, “Mr. Zhou, there’s something I need to say…”
Zhou Qishen paused as he opened the car door.
The sun, obscured by camphor trees along the roadside, struggled to shine through the thick leaves, casting dim shadows and scattered rays that flickered brightly in his eyes.
Their eyes met in midair, through layers of tree shadows. Jiang Xiao couldn’t clearly discern Zhou Qishen’s emotions from his eyes. She saw him smile gently and said, “Can I make a request?”
This sentence, uttered after receiving their marriage certificate, carried an unusual weight. Jiang Xiao lightly pursed her lips, unable to anticipate what request he might have.
After a long pause, with a nervous heart, she squeezed out a polite and friendly smile, “Go ahead.”
**
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Ayalee[Translator]
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