Zhong Yi had cried all morning, her voice hoarse, and she looked utterly dejected.
Her background and upbringing were so mired in filth that she never wanted to bring it up with others, afraid that once they knew, they would no longer want anything to do with her and would distance themselves.
But now, Zhong Yi was exhausted. Almost embracing a self-destructive attitude, she laid her cards on the table with Jin Chen.
“My birth, just like the child in my belly, was the result of two adults’ impulsive actions. As soon as I was born, my mother and I were abandoned. He turned around and married someone else, having children with them. I’ve been called a bastard for over twenty years, and even the places where I went to school weren’t spared. My mother and I were like rats scurrying across the street—whenever we went out, people would roll their eyes and call us homewreckers.”
As Zhong Yi spoke, glistening tears rolled down her cheeks. Her voice trembling, she finished, “Mr. Jin, I absolutely cannot let the child in my belly become a second version of me. I can’t be that selfish, so I’ve decided to get rid of it.”
“No! I said I’ll take responsibility!”
Jin Chen gripped her arm firmly, looking into her tear-filled eyes with a serious expression. “I went home this morning and told my parents about marrying you. They had no objections. As long as you agree, we can get married and have a wedding right away.”
Get married? Have a wedding?
Zhong Yi was stunned.
Yesterday, she thought Jin Chen was just saying that to keep the child and placate her. But today, he had actually told his family.
Panicked and flustered, Zhong Yi said, “No, we can’t get married! If people find out about your wife’s background, they’ll laugh their heads off.”
“Who dares to laugh? I’ll make sure they never laugh again in their lives.”
“My parents don’t know about your pregnancy. They didn’t agree to our marriage because of the child. Trust me, if you marry me, they’ll treat you even better than they treat me. And if anyone dares to gossip, I’ll tear their mouths apart.”
Fearless as always, Jin Chen was domineering and sharp, his intimidating aura transforming into a sturdy shield, firmly protecting Zhong Yi.
Zhong Yi’s lips parted.
For a moment, she froze.
Unsure of what to say.
Jin Chen gave her no room to refuse. He cupped her face and sealed her lips with his own. “Even if they have something to say behind our backs, I’ll be there with you, facing the gossip together.”
“Mr. Jin…”
How could he be so good?
All of Zhong Yi’s words of gratitude melted into soft moans as their lips and tongues intertwined.
Jin Chen lifted her face, his lips lingering on hers.
The sweet, soft taste of her mouth was addictive to him.
Zhong Yi instinctively tried to push him away, but Jin Chen wrapped his arm tightly around her waist. “From now on, don’t always push me away. Learn to hold onto me, understand?”
He deepened the kiss.
As Zhong Yi was kissed into a daze, he whispered in her ear, “It’s settled then. We’re going to get married right now.”
Two hours later.
Zhong Yi walked out of the Civil Affairs Bureau, staring at the freshly printed red marriage certificate in her hand as if she were in a dream.
She was married?
She had actually gotten married to her boss.
Her mind buzzed. Had she made a huge mistake?
Zhong Yi turned and ran back. “I… I regret it. Let’s go back and get a divorce.”
Jin Chen grabbed her by the collar and pulled her back, snatching the marriage certificate from her hand. “In the Jin family, there’s no divorce—only death do us part. You’re my Mrs. Jin for life, so don’t even think about running away.”
“I’ll keep the marriage certificate. It needs to be filed at the company. Now that you’re my wife, let’s go pick out rings.”
“Wait!” Zhong Yi clung desperately to the civil affairs bureau door. “I’m not ready yet. Can you give me some time to adjust?”
Jin Chen was straightforward and forceful, simply picking her up and stuffing her into the car. “Think it over slowly in the car. Tomorrow we’ll return to the Jin family, announce the news, and pick a date for the wedding. I have no intention of keeping our marriage hidden.”
“But it’s too sudden! We hardly know each other!”
“Don’t know each other?” Jin Chen gripped Zhong Yi’s wrist, pressing her into the seat. “That night, we communicated at negative distance all night long, even made a child. If you think that’s not enough familiarity, we can go back tonight and get to know each other slowly—thoroughly, completely.”
The man’s fingers suggestively kneaded Zhong Yi’s waist, his eyes dark and profound, swirling with intense desire.
Zhong Yi’s face instantly flushed crimson, and she stammered in fright. “Y-you, stop being a pervert.”
“I have a license!” Jin Chen grinned wickedly. “Working with a permit—perfectly legal and compliant!”
Zhong Yi shuddered all over.
Why did it feel like she had jumped into a wolf’s den?
Especially with Jin Chen’s gaze—so direct and blatant, as if he wanted to devour her alive in one bite.
Jin Chen stopped teasing her and took Zhong Yi to his luxury penthouse.
A designer was already waiting for them with rings.
Zhong Yi recognized the designer—she had won an international award two years ago and was quite famous.
The fact that Jin Chen could have her bring rings to their home spoke volumes about his wealth.
On the table lay a row of exquisitely designed rings, all styles that had not been publicly released.
Jin Chen took Zhong Yi’s hand. “Pick whichever you like. Take your time choosing.”
Every ring was stunning, and Zhong Yi was practically dazzled by the selection.
In the end, she chose the most understated one, thinking it would be more convenient for work and wouldn’t draw too much attention to her status.
After she made her choice, Jin Chen deliberately picked the most eye-catching one instead. “A wedding ring like this can actually be seen when worn. Otherwise, what’s the point of getting married?”
Jin Chen was not one to let himself be shortchanged.
A once-in-a-lifetime event—how could it be low-key or half-hearted?
He could easily see through Zhong Yi’s little scheme. Once she was tied to him, there was no escaping.