After the food was served, Si Ruohan took care of Pei Xi, serving her soup and vegetables. When she seemed to have eaten enough, he continued,
“Let me introduce myself first. My name is Si Ruohan, I’m 28 years old, and I currently manage a company. My parents are alive, and I’m an only child. We’re both single, and we have a child together. It seems like marriage is the best solution for us. Or do you have a boyfriend?”
Si Ruohan looked at Pei Xi, wondering if her rejection meant she had a boyfriend.
If she did, things wouldn’t be so easy to resolve.
Pei Xi was stunned. She thought he just had a good job, but he turned out to be the CEO of a company!
Had she snagged the rich husband her best friend had talked about? But she was an orphan… they didn’t seem like a good match!
“No, I don’t have a boyfriend. Mr. Si, you’re a very good catch, but… I feel our social statuses are too different, and your family probably wouldn’t approve of our marriage. I’m an orphan, grew up in an orphanage, and am just a fresh graduate from university. You deserve someone far more outstanding.”
But that person wasn’t her!
Pei Xi admitted she felt inferior; she truly felt unworthy of the handsome man before her.
Although she was pregnant with his child, she didn’t want to rely on her pregnancy for status. Those wealthy young men would date Cinderellas, at least there was some affection involved.
But what did they have? Just a one-night stand, which was nothing to those young men.
If they really got together, would his family accept her?
Hadn’t she seen the dramas on TV and the stories in books about the various problems that arise when couples are forced together because of unequal social status? There’s the fiancée, the arranged marriage, the daughter of a powerful family, the difficult mother-in-law, the sister-in-law—all of these things would bully the girl.
Pei Xi felt that wealthy families were too chaotic; she couldn’t handle it. Being single was much more comfortable!
Although this person is an only child, who knows if he has other admirers? Looking like him, he must have many fans.
Pei Xi lowered her eyes, picked up her cup, and took a sip of water.
Si Ruohan understood the implication of Pei Xi’s words and solemnly said,
“No, don’t worry. My parents are very open-minded. They agree with any decision I make, even marriage. As long as I like someone, they will never object. So, the problems you mentioned don’t exist.”
Pei Xi didn’t believe him! How could a family like theirs not want their child to find a suitable partner?
Seeing Pei Xi remain silent, Si Ruohan continued,
“Pei Xi, I don’t think marriage will be bad for you. After marrying me, you won’t have to worry about money anymore, the child will receive excellent care and a good environment, and will attend a good school. As my wife, if we divorce in the future, you’ll get half of my assets.”
Half of my assets? Pei Xi quickly looked up at him, stunned!
Was this guy serious? Even if he currently manages a small company, Pei Xi felt that splitting his assets in half would be more than she had in the bank.
Seeing the shock in Pei Xi’s eyes, Si Ruohan nodded seriously.
“That’s right, half of the assets. We can have it notarized by a lawyer first. I mean what I say. If we don’t end up together, half of my assets will be yours.”
Pei Xi was tempted. What a great opportunity to get rich quick! She had found her child’s biological father and solved her own financial problems for the rest of her life. Where else could she find such an opportunity?
Pei Xi felt she should agree, otherwise it would be too pretentious, after all, he had already said so much.
To put it bluntly, she was just greedy for money.
However, Pei Xi asked doubtfully,
“Mr. Si, don’t you suspect I’m lying to you? Maybe the child in my belly isn’t yours? Would you still be willing to take responsibility then? How about we do a paternity test? Once we’re sure the child is yours, we can talk about marriage, okay?”
Si Ruohan had been a little uncertain before, but now, after hearing her words, he was almost certain that this was his child.
Otherwise, would she dare to come to him?
He just felt she wouldn’t deceive him.
That night was her first time, and he was good at judging people; he felt this girl was virtuous and not the kind of person who was promiscuous and had a chaotic private life.
Besides, even if she had deceived him, so what? He just wanted her to be his.
Si Ruohan admitted that he had fallen in love with her at first sight, especially since she was his first woman.
Love arises without warning, but it runs deep.
Si Ruohan hadn’t expected that he would be so attached to his one-night stand; he remembered her appearance vividly and had always hoped she would contact him.
So, he was very happy that she was willing to call him today.
Moreover, given his status, investigating someone wouldn’t be difficult; he just didn’t want to.
Besides, the hospital records clearly stated the dates. Even if there were errors, in those few short days, could she have seen another man?
He really didn’t believe she would see another man!
Therefore, Si Ruohan looked into Pei Xi’s eyes and asked seriously,
“Would you lie to me?”
Pei Xi practically swore, quickly waving her hands:
“No, no, I wouldn’t lie to you. I’ve only ever had a relationship with you. I can assure you, this child is yours. But shouldn’t a family like yours confirm things before making a decision?”
Si Ruohan laughed heartily, spreading his hands.
“Then that settles it, right? Since you haven’t lied to me, I’m willing to believe you. I believe you wouldn’t want to bear the consequences of lying to me.”
Pei Xi nodded in fright; she really wasn’t lying!
Si Ruohan made the final decision:
“Okay, then let’s go to the Civil Affairs Bureau this afternoon. It’s Friday already.”
Since the man wasn’t afraid of any losses, what did Pei Xi have to be afraid of?
However, at the end, Pei Xi still asked softly:
“Um, can I offer a suggestion?”
“Hmm?” Si Ruohan gestured for her to speak.
Pei Xi: “Could we not announce our marriage to the public yet? I’m not ready to meet your family yet.”
Pei Xi said this shyly; she wasn’t lying. She really wasn’t ready at all; it was all too sudden.
Si Ruohan agreed:
“Sure, then let’s be boyfriend and girlfriend for now, register first, and have the wedding after the baby is born.”
Even if his family found out later, he would take all the responsibility, and for the sake of the next generation, his family would definitely not blame him.
Si Ruohan could guarantee that.
On the way to the Civil Affairs Bureau, Si Ruohan thought of something.
“Pei Xi, can I call you Xiao Xi?”
Pei Xi nodded, “Of course, that’s what my friends call me.”
Si Ruohan said, “I just thought of something. After we get married, I hope we can be a normal couple. That means we can’t sleep in separate rooms. I want us to be a real couple, not just a couple in name only. Do you understand?”
Pei Xi looked at him:
“You mean… fulfilling marital obligations?”
Was that what she meant?
Si Ruohan nodded:
“That’s right. We’re husband and wife. Out of loyalty to the marriage, it’s only natural that we have a marital life. You won’t have any objections, will you?”
This meant he would continue to sleep with her in the future?
Pei Xi thought about it and agreed.
“Okay, I agree.”
Si Ruohan was good-looking and had a good physique. She had experienced it that night, and his performance was also quite good. In a way, she had gotten a good deal! She
had enough money for raising a child, a house to live in, and a handsome man for free. Wasn’t that a win?
Besides, who said only men have needs? Let’s all take what we need!
Now, marriage registration doesn’t require household registration books, just both parties’ ID cards, which is much more convenient.
There weren’t many people registering for marriage at the Civil Affairs Bureau, and in just one hour, Pei Xi and Si Ruohan each emerged with a red marriage certificate.
Pei Xi was very glad she had chosen a decent dress for the occasion. Otherwise, she would have had to change!
Si Ruohan, on the other hand, was still wearing his black suit.
The photos on their marriage certificate s actually looked quite compatible.
Si Ruohan took the marriage certificate from Pei Xi and put it in his pocket.
“I’ll keep this marriage certificate. Now that we’re done, I’ll take you back, help you pack your things, and then move to my place.”
Pei Xi’s own apartment was rented, and now that she had a place to live without paying rent, she was naturally happy to accept.
However,
“Aren’t you going to work this afternoon?”
Si Ruohan replied, “No, I’ve already arranged everything. It’s not too late to deal with it tomorrow. Let me help you move your things first.”
Pei Xi had paid three months’ rent, and there was still more than a month left. Even if she got a refund now, she wouldn’t get her deposit back, so she didn’t plan to return the apartment now. She would come back to return it when the time came.
Pei Xi originally wanted to tell Peng Jiao, but she wasn’t home, so she could only send her a message to tell her that she wouldn’t be staying at home for a while.
Si Ruohan originally wanted Pei Xi to only pack some necessities, and he would prepare the rest.
Unexpectedly, Pei Xi’s belongings totaled only two suitcases!
Pei Xi smiled awkwardly, “I just graduated and haven’t bought anything yet.”
She stayed home writing every day and didn’t need to go out, so why would she need to buy so much stuff?
Si Ruohan said, “It’s okay, I’ve already had someone prepare the things, so you don’t need to worry about it.”
After saying that, Si Ruohan went forward to help carry the suitcases.
The car drove smoothly along the road. Pei Xi felt quite uneasy, unsure if her choice was right.
But it was too late to back out now.
Soon, the car arrived at its destination.
It was a luxurious villa standing by the river, its impeccable design embodying ultimate nobility and glory.
Pei Xi’s mouth gaped slightly. This house was so beautiful! Was this where she would live?
The villa’s exterior combined modern and classical design styles, its magnificent silhouette exuding majesty and power in the river breeze. The exquisite marble facade, meticulously carved and polished, radiated a noble luster under the sunlight. Tall Roman columns, delicate carvings, and opulent decorations—every detail showcased unparalleled craftsmanship and artistic value.
Si Ruohan took the luggage out of the trunk.
“That’s right, this is our home. My parents don’t live here; it’s just me. I don’t have a housekeeper here; I just have a part-time cleaner come to clean on time, so there’s no one home right now. Now that you’re here, I’ll hire a few live-in housekeepers to take care of you. Come on, let’s go inside.”
Pei Xi and Si Ruohan walked into the villa. Stepping into the villa, Pei Xi felt as if she had entered a dream world.
The spacious and bright hall featured a huge crystal chandelier hanging from the high ceiling, its dazzling light cascading down like a galaxy, illuminating the entire space.
The floor was paved with renowned and expensive marble, its clear veining and delicate texture evident.
Artwork adorned the walls, showcasing the owner’s refined taste and substantial wealth.
Si Ruohan didn’t immediately move his belongings into the room, but instead showed Pei Xi the house.
Pei Xi, of course, wanted to see her future residence properly.
The villa’s interior was fully equipped. The expansive living room featured a set of expensive genuine leather sofas, soft and comfortable, making one feel as if floating on clouds.
The kitchen boasted top-of-the-line appliances and equipment, allowing both professional chefs and culinary enthusiasts to showcase their skills.
Stepping out of the living room, there was a spacious terrace. The terrace directly faced the river, offering unobstructed views.
The villa also had a private swimming pool and gym, allowing guests to maintain their health while enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.
The pool water was crystal clear, reflecting the river like a blue ocean.
The gym is equipped with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, allowing you to exercise anytime, anywhere without leaving home.
Pei Xi was a little speechless; it was truly extravagant. What did she do to deserve such a diamond bachelor?
“Such a big place, and you live alone?”
Si Ruohan laughed, “But you’re here too, aren’t you?” And
they would have their children in the future.