Stepping out of the Civil Affairs Bureau, the sunlight poured down unobstructed, causing Wen Yan to squint slightly.
Beside her, Li Yanzhou’s tall figure cast a shadow, blocking some of the glaring light.
The two walked silently down the steps toward the black Maybach.
Just as they reached the car, Li Yanzhou stopped, turned, and looked at Wen Yan.
The sunlight outlined his sharp jawline, and his deep eyes appeared darker than usual under the intense light, revealing no discernible emotion.
“Now,” he spoke, his voice calm, as if stating a predetermined schedule, “we’ll go choose wedding rings.”
Wedding rings?
Wen Yan was momentarily taken aback. She truly hadn’t considered this.
Li Yanzhou’s tone remained flat. “The identity of Mrs. Li requires some tangible symbols. Especially in necessary social settings, it can avoid unnecessary speculation and trouble.”
Wen Yan understood. Just as he had asked her to move in together and attend social engagements, wedding rings were another “obligation” she needed to fulfill in this marriage—an essential prop for playing the role of “Mrs. Li.”
“Alright,” she nodded, her tone regaining its composure. “Where are we going?”
“Not far,” he replied simply, unlocking the car door.
The car drove toward Xijing City’s most bustling commercial district, lined with luxury brands.
Finally, it stopped in front of a grand building with a highly artistic design and a full glass facade.
Wen Yan recognized this place—the most high-end jewelry brand hub in Xijing.
Li Yanzhou had clearly arranged everything in advance. As soon as they stepped out of the car, a woman in a professional suit, elegant and poised, greeted them with a perfect smile.
“Mr. Li, Mrs. Li, welcome. Everything has been prepared for you both. Please follow me.” Her gaze lingered politely on Wen Yan’s face for a moment, her smile impeccable.
The address “Mrs. Li” caused Wen Yan’s steps to falter almost imperceptibly before she quickly regained her composure.
She straightened her back and followed beside Li Yanzhou into the jewelry store, which, even in daylight, was brilliantly lit and resembled an art gallery.
The interior was lavishly opulent.
They did not linger in the public area but were directly escorted to a private VIP viewing room.
The store manager personally attended to them, carefully retrieving several exquisite velvet trays from the safe with white gloves and laying them out one by one on the coffee table before them.
In an instant, it was as if a dazzling galaxy had been presented before their eyes. The fire of meticulously cut diamonds shimmered under the lights, varying in size and design—from classic simplicity to luxurious uniqueness—each one priceless enough to leave ordinary people speechless.
“These are all from our brand’s top designer series, as well as some exclusive collector’s pieces,” the store manager explained softly, her gaze primarily directed at Li Yanzhou. “Mr. Li previously requested simplicity as the main focus, so these few may better meet the requirements.”
Li Yanzhou gave a slight nod, his eyes sweeping over the dazzling rings, his expression still unreadable. He turned his head toward Wen Yan, his tone indifferent. “Take a look. See if any catch your eye.”
Wen Yan’s gaze fell upon the rings. She had no particular obsession with these sparkling stones; at this moment, they merely seemed like clearly priced commodities, soon to be worn on her finger as adornments for a cold relationship.
Her fingers curled unconsciously. Finally, her eyes settled on a ring of extremely simple design.
The setting was pure platinum, without any intricate patterns, featuring only a round diamond set at its center.
The diamond was not the largest, but its cut was perfect, with a restrained and pure fire that shimmered with a cool, quiet glow under the soft light.
Simple, clean, understated, yet sufficiently valuable.
“This one,” she pointed at the ring, her voice calm.
Li Yanzhou followed her gesture, his gaze lingering on the ring for two seconds, as if also assessing its suitability.
Then, he looked at the store manager. “This one. Try it for size.”
“Of course, Mrs. Li, please.” The manager carefully took out the ring and handed it to Wen Yan.
Wen Yan extended her hand. The manager gently lifted her left hand and slowly slid the cool ring onto her ring finger.
The fit was surprisingly perfect. The slight chill of the platinum instantly pressed against her skin.
“It fits perfectly and suits your temperament very well, Mrs. Li,” the manager praised sincerely.
Li Yanzhou also glanced at her ring-adorned hand, his eyes resting on her finger and the ring for a moment before giving an almost imperceptible nod.
“Keep it,” he said to the manager, then added, “Bring a matching men’s ring as well.”
Soon, a men’s ring from the same series—equally minimalist in design—was presented. It was a simple platinum band with tiny diamonds embedded on the inner side, barely noticeable.
Li Yanzhou took it and, without hesitation, slid it onto the ring finger of his left hand.
The motion was natural, as if it were merely an ordinary accessory.
The cool gleam of the platinum complemented his slender, well-defined fingers, creating a sense of stark harmony.
The manager beamed. “Would you like to have them engraved? Perhaps with a commemorative date or your initials?”
Engraving? Wen Yan’s heart stirred again. That sounded more like something a real married couple would do.
“Unnecessary,” Li Yanzhou refused curtly. “Let’s settle the bill.”
“Of course, Mr. Li.” The manager immediately complied.
Swiping the card and signing the receipt were done in one smooth motion.
Li Yanzhou said nothing more, standing up and addressing Wen Yan, “Let’s go.”
As they stepped out of the jewelry store, Wen Yan looked down at the newly placed ring on her left ring finger.
And beside her, the man wore a matching ring on his finger as well.
The car started again, heading toward Li Yanzhou’s villa located in the city’s most prestigious central district.
Wen Yan leaned back in her seat, watching the bustling cityscape flash by outside the window, her fingers unconsciously twisting the brand-new ring.
Cool, hard, and perfectly fitted.
Just like the new life as “Mrs. Li” she was about to begin.
The black Maybach left the bustling commercial street, passed through several quiet, tree-lined lanes, and finally entered a high-end villa community with strict security and a serene environment.
The standalone villa featured a modern, minimalist design, with gray-white exterior walls and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that appeared understated yet elegant under the afternoon sun.
The car came to a stop in the garage. Li Yanzhou got out first and retrieved the luggage from the trunk.
Wen Yan followed, looking around her surroundings.
The meticulously trimmed lawn and several elegantly shaped ornamental trees in the courtyard were quiet, untouched by the slightest hint of urban clamor.
This place was a world apart from her cozy, lived-in little apartment.
“This way.” Li Yanzhou carried the luggage and headed toward the main entrance of the villa. The fingerprint lock recognized him, and the heavy solid wood door slid open silently.
Stepping inside, the first sensation was one of spacious coldness.
The high-ceilinged living room featured minimalist decor, with large areas of negative space, clean-lined furniture, and a color palette dominated by black, white, and gray.
Everything was tidy, brand new, and meticulously arranged, yet it lacked a lived-in feel—like a high-end hotel showroom or an exquisitely designed exhibition hall.
Sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the dust motes floating in the air and accentuating the silence.
“Leave your luggage here for now.” Li Yanzhou placed the suitcase at the entrance to the living room. “I’ll show you to your room.”
He walked straight toward the spiral staircase leading to the second floor.
Wen Yan followed behind him, her high heels clicking clearly against the polished marble steps, the sound echoing in the vast space.
The second-floor hallway was equally minimalist. Li Yanzhou pushed open the door to the master bedroom at the end of the corridor.
The master bedroom was exceptionally spacious, with an excellent view. It also featured large floor-to-ceiling windows facing a private garden landscape in the villa’s backyard.
The room’s color scheme remained restrained in shades of gray and white. A strikingly large dark gray bed occupied the center, dressed in high-quality dark silk bedding without a single wrinkle.
Beyond that, there were only the essential nightstands, an entrance to the walk-in closet, and a row of built-in wardrobes—no additional decorations.