After the dishes were served, Si Ruohan naturally took care of Pei Xi—serving her soup and picking food for her. When they were almost done eating, he continued,
“Let me introduce myself properly. My name is Si Ruohan. I’m twenty-eight this year and currently manage a company. Both my parents are alive, and I’m an only child. Right now, we’re both single, and we already have a child between us. From my perspective, marriage is the best solution. Or… do you have a boyfriend?”
Si Ruohan looked at Pei Xi, wondering if her hesitation meant she already had someone.
If she did, things would indeed become complicated.
Pei Xi was stunned. She had thought he merely had a decent job—she never expected him to be the CEO of a company.
Had she really caught the “golden bachelor” her best friend always talked about?
But she was an orphan… weren’t they completely mismatched?
“No, I don’t have a boyfriend. Mr. Si, your conditions are excellent. I… I just feel that our backgrounds are too different. Your family probably wouldn’t agree to our marriage. I grew up in an orphanage. I just graduated from university. You deserve someone better.”
And that person wasn’t her.
She admitted it—she felt inferior. She truly believed she wasn’t worthy of the handsome man in front of her.
Yes, she was carrying his child, but she didn’t want to rely on pregnancy to secure a rich marriage. Those wealthy young masters who ended up with “Cinderellas” at least had feelings involved.
What did they have? Just a one-night stand.
If they really got together, would his family accept her?
She had seen enough dramas and novels—mismatched status leading to endless problems. Fiancées arranged since childhood, daughters from prestigious families, scheming mothers-in-law and sisters-in-law…
The wealthy world was too chaotic. She didn’t think she could handle it. Staying single felt freer.
He might be an only child, but who knew how many admirers he had? With that face and figure, there must be plenty.
Lowering her eyes, Pei Xi took a sip of water.
Si Ruohan understood her concerns and said seriously,
“Don’t worry. My parents are open-minded. As long as it’s my decision, they’ll support it—even marriage. If I like someone, they won’t object. The problems you’re imagining won’t happen.”
Pei Xi didn’t quite believe that. Families like his usually hoped for a well-matched marriage.
Seeing her silent, he continued.
“Pei Xi, marrying me won’t harm you. After marriage, you won’t need to worry about money. The child will grow up in a good environment, attend good schools. And if one day we divorce, you’ll receive half of my property.”
Half?
Pei Xi snapped her head up in shock.
Was he serious?
Even if it was just a small company, half of his assets would likely be more than everything she had in her bank account.
Seeing her disbelief, he nodded firmly.
“Yes. Half. We can have a lawyer notarize it. If we part ways in the future, half of everything under my name will be yours.”
Her heart wavered.
What an opportunity to change her life. The child would have a father, her future would be secured… where else would she find such a chance?
She felt she should agree. Otherwise, she’d just be pretending to be noble.
To put it bluntly—she was tempted by the money.
But she still asked cautiously,
“Mr. Si, don’t you suspect I might be lying? What if the baby isn’t yours? Would you still take responsibility? Maybe we should do a paternity test first?”
He had been slightly uncertain before, but hearing her say that, he was almost sure now.
If she were lying, would she dare come to him?
He simply believed she wouldn’t deceive him.
That night had been her first time. And he trusted his judgment—she wasn’t the type to lead a messy private life.
And even if she were lying—so what? He still wanted her.
He admitted it: it had been love at first sight.
He couldn’t explain where it began, but once it started, it ran deep.
He hadn’t expected to become so attached to a one-night stand. Yet he remembered her clearly and had hoped she would contact him.
So when she called, he had been genuinely happy.
Given his status, investigating her wouldn’t have been difficult—but he chose not to.
The hospital report dates were clear. Even allowing for a slight margin of error, would she have found another man in that short time?
He didn’t believe she would.
Looking into her eyes, he asked seriously,
“Would you lie to me?”
Pei Xi nearly swore an oath, waving her hands frantically.
“No! I wouldn’t lie to you. I’ve only been with you. I guarantee the baby is yours. I just thought… families like yours usually confirm before deciding.”
He laughed openly, spreading his hands.
“Then that settles it. Since you’re not lying, I’m willing to believe you. And I trust you wouldn’t want to bear the consequences of deceiving me.”
Pei Xi nodded quickly—she truly wasn’t lying.
“Alright,” he concluded decisively. “Let’s go to the Civil Affairs Bureau this afternoon. It’s Friday.”
Since the man wasn’t afraid of potential loss, what did she have to fear?
Still, she asked softly at the end,
“Um… can I suggest something?”
He gestured for her to continue.
“Can we keep our marriage private for now? I’m not ready to meet your parents yet.”
She wasn’t lying—it was all too sudden.
He agreed readily.
“That’s fine. We’ll publicly say we’re dating. Let’s register first. We can hold the wedding after the baby is born.”
Even if his family found out later, he would take full responsibility. With a grandchild involved, they would never blame him.
On the way to the Civil Affairs Bureau, he thought of something.
“Pei Xi, may I call you Xiao Xi?”
“Of course. That’s what my friends call me.”
“There’s something else. After we’re married, I hope we’ll be a real couple. That means we won’t sleep in separate rooms. I want us to be husband and wife in name and in reality. Do you understand?”
She looked at him carefully.
“You mean… fulfill marital duties?”
He nodded.
“Yes. As husband and wife, intimacy is natural. You don’t object, do you?”
So he meant they would continue sleeping together?
After thinking it over, she agreed.
“Alright. I agree.”
He was handsome, well-built, and she had already experienced his… abilities. Honestly, she wasn’t losing out.
The child’s expenses were secured, she’d have a home, and she’d even gained a handsome husband for free.
And who said only men had needs? They were simply meeting each other’s.
Marriage registration only required ID cards now—no household registration booklet needed. It was convenient.
The Civil Affairs Bureau wasn’t crowded. Within an hour, each of them held a red marriage certificate as they walked out.
Pei Xi was secretly glad she had worn a decent dress that day.
Si Ruohan, as always, wore his black suit.
In the photo on the certificate, they actually looked well-matched.
He took her certificate and slipped it into his pocket.
“I’ll keep these. Now that we’re done, I’ll take you back to pack your things and move into my place.”
Her apartment was rented. Since she now had a house without rent, of course she agreed.
“But don’t you need to go back to work this afternoon?”
“No. I’ve arranged everything. It can wait until tomorrow. Moving you comes first.”
She had paid three months’ rent and still had over a month left. Since the deposit wouldn’t be refunded, she decided not to terminate early.
She wanted to tell her roommate Peng Jiao in person, but she wasn’t home. So she sent a message saying she wouldn’t be staying for a while.
Si Ruohan had assumed she’d only need to pack essentials—he would prepare the rest.
Unexpectedly, all her belongings fit into just two suitcases.
She smiled awkwardly. “I just graduated. Haven’t bought much yet.”
She mostly stayed home writing anyway.
“It’s fine. I’ve already had things prepared. You don’t need to worry.”
He carried the luggage himself.
As the car drove smoothly, Pei Xi felt uneasy, wondering if she had made the right choice.
But it was too late to turn back.
Soon, they arrived.
Before them stood a luxurious riverside villa, embodying ultimate nobility and grandeur.
Her mouth fell open.
This was where she would live?
The exterior blended modern and classical styles, its majestic structure standing proudly against the river breeze. Polished marble walls gleamed in the sunlight. Tall Roman columns, intricate carvings, and ornate decorations displayed exquisite craftsmanship.
Si Ruohan took the luggage from the trunk.
“Yes, this is our home. My parents don’t live here—just me. There’s no live-in housekeeper, only cleaners who come regularly. But since you’re here, I’ll hire live-in staff to take care of you.”
Inside, Pei Xi felt as though she had entered a dream.
The spacious living room featured a towering ceiling with a massive crystal chandelier that sparkled like a galaxy. The marble floors were smooth and elegant. Art paintings adorned the walls, reflecting refined taste and wealth.
He showed her around first.
A luxurious leather sofa set filled the living area. The kitchen was equipped with top-tier appliances. The terrace overlooked the river with an unobstructed view.
There was even a private swimming pool and a gym. The pool water shimmered like a blue ocean, while the gym housed the latest fitness equipment.
Pei Xi was speechless.
How had she managed to land such a diamond bachelor?
“This huge place… you live here alone?”
He smiled.
“Not anymore. Now there’s you.”
And in the future—there would be their child too.