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Psst! We're moving!
In the early hours of the morning, Yu Qing, full and content, had already drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
Fu Ji Chen, however, couldn’t find even the slightest trace of sleepiness. He stared at Yu Qing’s profile in the pitch-black room, the heavy blackout curtains leaving only her silhouette visible to him.
He leaned closer to her face, feeling the steady rhythm of her breathing.
Time ticked by slowly; over an hour passed.
Fu Ji Chen closed his eyes, but his brain cells remained unusually active.
From this time last year until now, every moment related to Yu Qing replayed vividly in his mind. The way she pouted and coaxed him when pursuing her goals, the sight of her yielding beneath him—each memory stirred something deep within him, making him lose control.
And yet, sleep still eluded him.
Fu Ji Chen reached for Yu Qing’s hand, gently holding it in his own.
________________________________________
The next morning.
Before the alarm clock could buzz at five o’clock, Fu Ji Chen was already awake.
Far from feeling any fatigue from lack of sleep, he felt unusually exhilarated.
He composed himself, ensuring his expression appeared as calm and collected as ever.
When he arrived at the gym downstairs for his morning workout, he encountered his father-in-law, who had risen early as well.
“Dad, good morning.”
“Good morning.”
Yu Shao Hong had been waiting specifically for Fu Ji Chen. Last night, in his excitement, he had forgotten to hand over Yu Qing’s documents and identification papers to them. Without these, they wouldn’t be able to register their marriage.
Back when Yu Qing refused to meet with Qin Mo Ling and even attempted to run away from home, Yu Shao Hong had kept her documents, fearing she might leave and never return. He had only left her with her ID card.
Later, when Yu Qing moved back in and their relationship improved, she forgot all about retrieving them.
“This is Yu Qing’s paperwork. Keep it safe,” Yu Shao Hong said, handing over the documents.
Fu Ji Chen found it odd that Yu Qing’s passport and other personal items were with her father. Such commonly used belongings should logically be kept by her.
Casually, he remarked, “Did she leave them somewhere?”
Yu Shao Hong nearly stumbled over his words. “…Oh, no. Our father-daughter bond is strong—I’m keeping them for her.”
Fu Ji Chen: “… “
Yu Shao Hong probably didn’t know the nickname Yu Qing had given him behind his back.
After his morning exercise, Fu Ji Chen left the house at his usual time. However, he needed to stop by his apartment to retrieve his own documents.
Last night before bed, he and Yu Qing had agreed to meet outside the Civil Affairs Bureau at eleven o’clock.
Their decision to register their marriage was so sudden that both still had plenty of work to handle in the morning, leaving no time to reschedule.
________________________________________
Today was no ordinary day. Even wearing a plain white shirt, the boss’s mood was exceptionally cheerful. A faint smile graced his usually stoic face, noticeable not just to Pan, his secretary, but even to the security guards downstairs.
After the morning meeting, Fu Ji Chen called Pan into his office.
Looking over the day’s schedule, he noticed a dinner engagement for the evening. “You go with the vice president,” he instructed.
Pan blinked in confusion. “?”
Still, he quickly complied. “Alright.”
At eleven o’clock, there was a video conference scheduled with Jian Hang and Xin Jian Technology. Fu Ji Chen gave further instructions: “Attend on my behalf. If there are any important decisions, email me.”
Pan was thoroughly puzzled. He couldn’t fathom why the boss, who typically adhered to his schedule religiously—even for personal matters—was acting so out of character today.
Unless there was some urgent situation at the company, though what exactly wasn’t something he dared to inquire about.
Fu Ji Chen signed the documents in his hand and handed them to Pan. “Today, I’m registering my marriage with Yu Qing.”
Pan: “!!!!!!”
He sincerely congratulated his boss—it had been such a long and arduous journey.
“Congratulations, Mr. Fu.”
Fu Ji Chen’s smile was irrepressible. “Thank you.”
With the documents in hand, Pan left. Fu Ji Chen glanced at his watch—it was 9:50. He decided to head to the Civil Affairs Bureau early to wait for Yu Qing.
Before leaving, he stopped by the lounge to check his reflection in the mirror. His white shirt was impeccable.
Grabbing both his and Yu Qing’s documents, he also took a bottle of “Love at First Sight” lemon tea from the fridge.
Past the morning rush hour, the roads weren’t too congested.
Fu Ji Chen pulled out his phone, planning to send a red envelope in a large group chat that included Qin Mo Ling.
His fingers hovered over the amount, but then he hesitated and backed out.
He’d wait until he could show them the marriage certificate in person and let them send him a red envelope.
He managed to stay composed, having not told anyone in his family yet.
Tonight, he would go home.
By 10:30, his car was parked in a spot near the Civil Affairs Bureau.
Fu Ji Chen didn’t rush Yu Qing. Instead, he opened his email to handle some work. But the words on the screen seemed blurry, his mind unable to focus.
[Everyone, don’t forget to come home tonight.] He sent another reminder in the family group chat.
His older brother, Fu Cheng Lin, responded: [I’m still uncertain. I’ll try my best.]
Whenever someone said “try my best,” it usually meant things were uncertain. The last time Zou Le Xiao invited them, Fu Cheng Lin had said the same thing but ended up not going, citing being too busy to make time.
Fu Ji Chen: [Unless the woman you like is getting engaged to someone else tonight and you need to crash the wedding, you really have no excuse not to come home.]
Fu Cheng Lin: “… “
Chairman Fu @ Fu Ji Chen: [Don’t provoke your brother. What you’re saying is about to happen to him.]
Fu Cheng Lin: [Dad, don’t you think you’re provoking me right now? Recall that message.]
Soon after, Chairman Fu retracted the message.
Grandpa Fu: [I’ve never understood why people bother retracting messages everyone has already seen. PS: Genuine question.]
“…”
Fu Ji Chen pressed his forehead, almost laughing out loud.
The little interlude in the family chat temporarily eased his nervousness. In the blink of an eye, over twenty minutes had passed.
Fu Ji Chen put on his sunglasses and stepped out of the car with the documents in hand.
It was only ten minutes until their agreed-upon time, but Yu Qing still hadn’t arrived, nor had she sent him a message. She hadn’t called him once since morning.
Today wasn’t a particularly special day, and by this time, there weren’t many couples entering or leaving the marriage registration office.
Fu Ji Chen stood at the entrance, gazing toward the direction Yu Qing would come from.
The heat was oppressive, and sweat began to bead on his skin.
He glanced at his watch again—five more minutes had passed.
For a fleeting moment, he genuinely feared that Yu Qing might have changed her mind.
He sent her a message: [Where are you? Are you stuck in traffic? I’m waiting for you outside.]
No reply.
Footsteps approached from behind, followed by a voice: “Mr. Fu.”
Fu Ji Chen turned abruptly. Yu Qing, also wearing sunglasses, emerged from the registration hall. He strode over quickly. “When did you get here?”
Yu Qing: “A little past ten. I got here earlier than you, actually. I was worried you’d arrive early and get anxious waiting, so I stayed here for you.”
Fu Ji Chen caressed her cheek tenderly. “Thank you, my Lawyer Yu.”
He took her hand and led her inside. “I was waiting for you in the car.”
Yu Qing tilted her head teasingly. “Were you afraid I wouldn’t show up?”
Fu Ji Chen smiled, tightening his grip on her hand. “Even if you didn’t come, I’d carry you here.” She belonged to him, one way or another.
After a simple process, they finally received the cherished red marriage certificate they had waited so long for.
Yu Qing snapped a photo of the certificate and handed hers to Fu Ji Chen. “The most valuable treasure of my life—I’m entrusting it to you, Mr. Fu.”
In front of the staff, Fu Ji Chen pulled Yu Qing into a gentle embrace. “Thank you, my Lawyer Yu. Thank you, the mother of my child. And most importantly, thank you, my wife. We have a home now.”
________________________________________
At noon, they celebrated with a modest meal at a restaurant.
Yu Qing had reserved a table at SZ.
She reflected—it was one of the rare occasions they had dined out together.
Before her identity was revealed, she had been too afraid to step out. After shedding her disguise, both of them had been too busy to intentionally plan dates.
Thinking of dates, Yu Qing glanced at Fu Ji Chen. “Mr. Fu, you’ve never properly taken me on a date.”
Fu Ji Chen: “This afternoon, I’ll accompany you.”
Yu Qing glanced outside—the blazing sun made outdoor activities impractical. Shopping would be too tiring.
She asked, “Where do you want to go?”
“Bookstore.”
Yu Qing nodded approvingly. It was settled.
This was Fu Ji Chen’s first visit to SZ Restaurant. The place was ideal for small gatherings of friends or romantic dates. For business dinners, he usually frequented hotels and private clubs.
Today, Chen Yan, who was working her regular shift, was astonished to see Yu Qing and Fu Ji Chen walk in together. Two such busy individuals managing to dine together was unexpected.
Yu Qing wore a strapless dress covered by a white shirt.
She waved at Chen Yan.
Yu Qing let Fu Ji Chen take his seat while she went to exchange a few words with Chen Yan.
Chen Yan asked, “What brings you here today?”
Yu Qing smiled softly and shared the good news: “Fu Ji Chen and I just came from the marriage registration office. We’re celebrating our new status as husband and wife with a meal here.”
Chen Yan was dumbfounded, struggling to believe it.
Yu Qing adjusted the collar of her white shirt. “I bought this specially yesterday for today’s ID photo.”
Chen Yan offered her congratulations repeatedly. “I need to discuss with Yu Fei about organizing a gathering soon. I’ll learn a few dishes from the chef and prepare them especially for you.”
She sighed. “It hasn’t been easy.” Neither Fu Ji Chen nor Yu Qing had had it easy.
Not wanting to delay Chen Yan further, Yu Qing returned to Fu Ji Chen.
Fu Ji Chen was examining the marriage certificate, treating it like a priceless treasure, unwilling to let it go.
Yu Qing sat beside him. “Have you told your family yet?”
“No.” Fu Ji Chen tucked the certificate away. “I’ll go home tonight and show it to them. I want to bask in their admiration.”
Yu Qing said nothing, leaning in to kiss his cheek.
Whether it was psychological or not, Yu Qing felt the food today was exceptionally delicious.
Fu Ji Chen shared the sentiment. “No wonder Zou Le Xiao didn’t want to transfer SZ’s shares. The dishes here are incomparable.”
They had nearly finished the dishes they ordered when the waiter brought over a slice of cake.
Yu Qing didn’t recall ordering dessert. “Was there a mistake?”
Waiter: “No mistake. This is a gift from our restaurant. Congratulations on your marriage, may your union last forever.”
Fu Ji Chen and Yu Qing thanked him in unison.
The restaurant had prepared a rose-shaped cake, its design resembling a blooming rose. Chocolate sauce on the plate spelled out four words: Eternal Happiness.
It was undoubtedly Chen Yan who had arranged it, informing the manager to prepare a special cake.
Yu Qing ate a third of it, leaving the rest for Fu Ji Chen.
The sweet, fragrant taste of roses lingered on her lips.
Leaving the restaurant, they headed straight to the bookstore—the same one from last time.
Being a weekday and with the heat, the bookstore wasn’t as crowded as their previous visit.
Today, Fu Ji Chen didn’t browse for books. Instead, he stayed close by Yu Qing’s side, occasionally offering her warm water.
Yu Qing picked out two books, intending for each of them to read one.
Holding the books, they settled into the leisure café area.
She ordered a cup of coffee for Fu Ji Chen and handed him the other book. “Our relaxed date with my husband begins now.”
Fu Ji Chen declined the book. “Today is about spending time with you.” He took the book she intended to read, opened it, and held it for her. “I’ll hold it for you and turn the pages.”
He placed his other arm on the table. “You can rest your chin here.”
Yu Qing leaned on the table, resting her cheek against his palm.
She wasn’t focused on reading, savoring instead the precious moments of their first day as newlyweds.
________________________________________
An ordinary yet extraordinarily special day drew to a close as the sun set, leaving behind a lingering sense of warmth.
At the bookstore entrance, Yu Qing bid Fu Ji Chen farewell. “See you later.”
Fu Ji Chen: “I might stay home a little longer.”
Yu Qing smiled. “No problem.”
They each got into their cars and drove off.
Midway, a message popped up in the Fu family group chat.
Fu Cheng Lin @ Fu Ji Chen: [Where are you? Everyone’s here except you.]
Fu Ji Chen: [Almost there.]
He pulled out the marriage certificate, contemplating how to present it upon arrival to maximize the impact.
Over an hour passed. Glancing outside, Fu Ji Chen realized they still hadn’t arrived.
Earlier, he had been so absorbed in admiring the marriage certificate that he hadn’t paid attention to the route. He assumed the delay was due to traffic—but this congestion was unprecedented.
Fifteen minutes later, the car finally turned into the neighborhood of the Fu family estate. The driver pulled over near the villa’s entrance.
Fu Ji Chen looked at the driver. “Why are we stopping here?”
Driver: “The housekeeper just called. There’s no parking space left in the yard.”
Fu Ji Chen frowned. Even if his older brother had returned, there should still be three empty spots.
He stepped out of the car. As he approached the villa, his steps halted. For a moment, he thought his eyes were deceiving him—a mirage.
Bao Bao ran out of the house, giggling and rushing toward him. Behind him was none other than Yu Qing.
On the parking lot, cars filled every available space, even spilling onto the grass. Among them were Yu Shao Hong’s car, Yu Qing’s car, and even Ji Qing Yuan and Yu Jing Ze’s vehicles.
Bao Bao ran over, hugging Fu Ji Chen’s leg and looking up with his little head.
Fu Ji Chen scooped him up into his arms. Yu Qing approached, and he took her hand. “Is this a surprise for me?”
Yu Qing nodded. “My grandparents are here too. Everyone is preparing a dish to congratulate you on registering your marriage.”
Fu Ji Chen released her hand and pulled her into an embrace. “Thank you.”
Bao Bao couldn’t yet call Yu Qing “aunt” or Fu Ji Chen “uncle,” but his mother had repeatedly instructed him. Upon seeing his “aunt’s husband,” he planted a kiss on Fu Ji Chen’s cheek, then turned and kissed Yu Qing’s cheek as well.
From the villa, laughter echoed continuously.
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