Chapter 19: We Agreed to Stay Single, But You Secretly Got Married?

Qi Yanjing greeted them, “Good morning, Mom and Dad.”

Wen Xingzhi stepped aside, smiling at his wife, “Our daughter and son-in-law.”

Shen Ling put down what she was holding and rushed over, clearly delighted to see them so early. “Come on in!”

As they entered, Wen Xingzhi remarked, “Didn’t you bring gifts yesterday? Why bring more today?”

“It’s just some fruit, nothing big.”

The two elders glanced at the cigarettes and alcohol Qi Yanjing had just set down, but he didn’t mention them.

Still, they were quite satisfied with Qi Yanjing’s attitude, at least for now.

“Have you had breakfast?” Shen Ling asked, pouring a cup of tea for Qi Yanjing.

Wen Zhixian answered, “We ate before coming. Have you had breakfast?”

“We’ve eaten. If you’d arrived any later, we would’ve already left.”

Not wanting to take up too much of his in-laws’ time, Qi Yanjing added, “Mom, Dad, I have a class this morning, so I’ll need to head out soon.”

“Alright, we’ll sit down for a proper meal together next time.”

After chatting for a bit, the four of them headed downstairs together.

Before getting into the car, Wen Zhixian’s parents pulled Qi Yanjing aside to say something. Wen Zhixian couldn’t hear what was said, but after they drove off, she ran over to ask, “What did my parents say to you just now?”

Qi Yanjing glanced down at her. “They said they like me for now. They don’t care much about how I treat them, as long as I treat you well. After all, you’re their only daughter.”

Wen Zhixian smiled as she looked in the direction her parents’ car had disappeared, then suddenly exclaimed, “Oh no! It’s after eight already. Don’t you need to get to school?”

Qi Yanjing checked the time on his watch and calmly said, “I’d better head to campus. You take care on your way too.”

Wen Zhixian waved at him. “Goodbye.”

“See you in the afternoon.”

Her parents’ home was very close to Hua A University. That’s why, the last time, Qi Yanjing had spotted Wen Zhixian crying in her car nearby.

Earlier, her parents had said they were satisfied with him for now. Although they weren’t thrilled about the sudden marriage, after what happened with Gu Yuchen, they had come to terms with it. Even after knowing someone for years, like they had with Gu, people can still surprise you. They just hoped Qi Yanjing would stay true to the intentions he had when he married Zhixian.

Lastly, her mother casually mentioned that she was a medical professional. Qi Yanjing couldn’t help but laugh softly to himself—though he doubted her skills would be needed for him.

Wen Zhixian drove to the café, bringing a big box of chocolates to share with the staff.

She had a good relationship with her employees, likely because they were around the same age.

“Boss, why didn’t you come to the shop yesterday?” one of the employees asked.

Leaning on the counter, Wen Zhixian propped her chin up with her hand and replied, “I went to get our marriage certificate yesterday.”

One of the staff members, about to pop a piece of chocolate into their mouth, paused, “No way, boss. Is this our wedding candy?”

“It’s a little treat for you all,” she said with a smile.

“Are you serious?” The staff still thought she was joking.

Most of them assumed Wen Zhixian would be marrying Gu Yuchen, the big CEO. The two of them seemed like a perfect match.

Wen Zhixian tossed another chocolate their way. “Of course it’s true.”

Catching the candy with a smile, the employee said, “Well, congratulations, boss.”

Wen Zhixian stood up as one of the younger staff members, around twenty-one, sighed heavily.

She threw two chocolates in her direction. “What’s wrong? Why the long face?”

Another staff member laughed and explained, “Today’s supposed to be the day that tall, handsome guy—188 cm—comes in for his coffee, but it’s past 8:00, and he hasn’t shown up yet. She’s disappointed she didn’t get to see him.”

Wen Zhixian cleared her throat. Well… he didn’t come because they’d been at her parents’ place this morning.

“Don’t worry, Lili. Next time he comes, I’ll make sure he stays in the shop long enough for you to get a good look,” Wen Zhixian said, patting Lili on the shoulder.

Lili chuckled, “I might check out more than just him.”

After a bit of banter, Wen Zhixian went to the back to help out, thinking about heading home later in the afternoon to change her clothes. She had dinner plans to meet Qi Yanjing’s parents.

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By the time Qi Yanjing finished his lecture, it was already 11:30. He returned to his office to rest for a moment, but shortly after, his colleague from the same department, Zhou Chuyu, came back.

Zhou Chuyu felt like something had just flashed in his eyes. Turning to look at Qi Yanjing, who was massaging his temples, he noticed that the light was catching a ring on Qi Yanjing’s left hand, making it sparkle.

With a grin, Zhou Chuyu walked over. “Qi Yanjing, what’s going on here? At your age, you’re copying the youngsters and wearing a ring?”

They had been classmates before becoming colleagues, so while Zhou called him ‘professor’ in front of others, he was casual with him when no one else was around.

Qi Yanjing opened his eyes and glanced at the wedding ring on his left ring finger.

“Let me try it on. I want to see what all the fuss is about,” Zhou Chuyu said, reaching out.

Qi Yanjing pulled his hand back. “This is my wedding ring.”

Wedding ring?

“Wait, when did you get married?” Zhou Chuyu gave Qi Yanjing a serious look. He didn’t seem to be joking, and Qi Yanjing wasn’t the type to joke about this. “You’re serious?”

They had worked together for years, and Zhou had no idea Qi Yanjing was even dating someone, let alone that he’d gotten married.

After some thought, Zhou realized the ring had to be new.

“We got the marriage certificate yesterday,” Qi Yanjing said with a barely noticeable smile. “I’ll treat you to dinner sometime.”

Zhou Chuyu froze. “What? You agreed to stay single, and now you’ve gone and secretly gotten married? I feel like writing a long, formal essay just to scold you.”

Qi Yanjing responded nonchalantly, “Go ahead. Let’s see how good your writing is.”

Zhou Chuyu was intensely curious about Qi Yanjing’s new wife. “We’re both free this afternoon. How about you treat me today, and bring along your mysterious wife?”

Qi Yanjing glanced at the time—11:40. It’d be nice to have lunch with Wen Zhixian.

However, when he pulled out his phone and opened his contacts, his hand froze in mid-air.

Silence.

He had thought of everything, except asking for Wen Zhixian’s phone number…

Sighing in exasperation, he rubbed his forehead.

Zhou Chuyu, noticing the pause, asked, “What’s wrong? Just call or message her.”

“Not today. I have to visit my parents. Another time,” Qi Yanjing quickly made an excuse, packed up his things, and left the office, hiding his embarrassment.

Meanwhile, Zhou Chuyu was still processing the fact that his good friend had secretly gotten married.

Qi Yanjing drove to the café, reflecting on the absurdity of being newlyweds who didn’t even have each other’s phone numbers. It was almost as if they were playing house. What kind of couple doesn’t exchange numbers?

He parked in front of the café and went inside. The staff were surprised to see him—it was the first time the “188 cm tall guy” had come at any time other than his usual 8 a.m. visit.

Not wanting to ask Wen Zhixian directly, he ordered a coffee and casually inquired, “Is your boss not in today?”

There was a brief silence before Lili answered, “She just left for home about five minutes before you got here.”

Qi Yanjing thanked her.

One of the staff members couldn’t resist teasing, “Our boss is married, you know.”

Qi Yanjing smiled slightly. “I’m aware.”

As they handed him his coffee, they grabbed one of the chocolates their boss had bought earlier that morning. “Here, have a chocolate. It’s part of the wedding treat from our boss.”