-012- Happy Newlywed.
Xuan Yang grumbled inwardly, but facing Zhou Dang's deep, complicated gaze, she couldn't bring herself to say, "Could you stop calling me that?"
Forget it.
After all, they had agreed to make it work.
She would have to get used to the title "Mrs. Zhou" sooner or later.
Xuan Yang said, "Fine, we can sign the supplementary agreement when you're free."
Although she didn't understand why registering a marriage counted as a "joyous occasion," since Zhou Dang believed it, she would go along with him.
Xuan Yang changed the subject. "Now that the formalities are done, what's your next move?"
"How are you going to explain things to the Huo family?"
Even if it was a fait accompli, they still had to face the music, right?
Thinking about it, Xuan Yang frowned with concern.
Zhou Dang pointed to the red booklet tucked in his inner suit pocket, close to his heart, and smiled calmly. "I'm already married. Old Master Huo dotes on his granddaughter, so I doubt he'll let his precious granddaughter marry a man who's already taken."
Xuan Yang was speechless. She had to admit his point made sense.
After all, a natural-born princess like Huo Yuntang surely had better options than Zhou Dang.
"And your family? How do you plan to convince them?" Xuan Yang pressed.
She didn't believe the Zhou family had no objections to Zhou Dang marrying her.
They were from different social strata, and she was merely an adopted daughter of the Xuan family.
As the heir of the Zhou Group, Zhou Dang couldn't just marry based on personal merit alone; he had to consider family background.
Seeing her frown deepen, Zhou Dang couldn't help reaching out to smooth it away, his tone soft. "Don't worry."
Xuan Yang froze, startled by his touch. She stepped back, looking flustered.
Only then did Zhou Dang realize he had overstepped. He withdrew his slender finger, hiding it in his pant pocket. A corner of his mouth lifted. "I'll give them two choices: either I never marry and die alone, or I marry you."
"They'll weigh the pros and cons."
Xuan Yang's discomfort was replaced by astonishment. She stared at him, wide-eyed, unsure how to judge his recklessness.
Beyond her surprise, she couldn't help wanting to laugh, envying Zhou Dang's carefree spirit.
For a moment, she glimpsed the shadow of the rebellious teenager he once was.
Seeing her relax into a smile, Zhou Dang curved his lips too. "If they come to you, don't bother with them."
As he spoke, they walked out together.
With long, leisurely strides, he kept pace with her, shoulder to shoulder.
Xuan Yang hesitated, then nodded.
Zhou Dang continued, "No matter if they threaten or bribe you, Xuan Yang, you can't abandon me."
His voice was low and serious.
Xuan Yang's heart trembled, as if struck by something.
It took her a moment to respond. She gave a firm "Mm," and replied solemnly, "Don't worry, I never betray my allies."
Zhou Dang: "..."
He suspected Xuan Yang had a block head, utterly oblivious to romantic cues.
But then again, what did it matter if she was a little slow?
He had still married her.
They walked out of the Civil Affairs Bureau together. The rain and wind had stopped, the clouds parting to reveal a clear sky.
Soft daylight fell upon them, and Zhou Dang's mood was better than ever.
As he descended the steps, he glanced at his watch. The time was neither early nor late.
Still, he invited Xuan Yang, "Let's have dinner together tonight to celebrate."
Xuan Yang had no objection. "Sure."
So they walked together toward the Maybach parked by the roadside.
Shen Li, who had been waiting in the driver's seat, got out and tactfully opened the rear door for them.
Xuan Yang got in first, followed by Zhou Dang. He unbuttoned one button of his suit jacket as he sat down, and said to Shen Li, "Find a Western restaurant and arrange a candlelight dinner."
Shen Li acknowledged, taking the document folder Zhou Dang handed him.
The Maybach quickly sped away from the bureau. Xuan Yang's mind was still on the candlelight dinner Zhou Dang had mentioned.
She felt an inexplicable stuffiness in the enclosed car.
She rested her elbow on the window, touched her earlobe, and was about to say something.
But Zhou Dang beat her to it. "Any thoughts on the wedding?"