Xuan Yang leaned against the opposite window, her body tense, maintaining the maximum distance from him.
Only when they were nearing their destination did she finally relax. She cast a hesitant glance at the man, wanting to say something.
A silent Zhou Dang was deep and inscrutable, his gaze fixed out the window, lost in thought.
But Xuan Yang guessed he wasn't as relaxed as he appeared.
First agreeing to the marriage alliance, then jumping straight to getting the license without prior approval.
Although the marriage had gone through, Zhou Dang must be under enormous pressure.
Realizing this, Xuan Yang's heart stirred. Her gaze fell on the man's hand resting casually on his knee.
A long moment passed until the black Maybach stopped steadily outside the Xuan Family Villa.
Drawing a breath, Xuan Yang reached out and covered the back of his cool hand, hesitating before tightening her grip. "Let me go back with you."
Now that they were officially married, they were legitimate spouses.
After all, this whole thing had started with her. She couldn't bear to let Zhou Dang face it alone.
Zhou Dang was stunned. The soft warmth on the back of his hand made his heart race uncontrollably again.
Xuan Yang continued, "If Grandpa asks, just say I insisted on marrying you."
Zhou Dang came back to his senses and found it amusing. His deep eyes seemed to clear, a mist of tenderness appearing. "Didn't we say we'd tell the outside world that I can't live without you?"
Xuan Yang was at a loss. She had forgotten that part.
What now?
Maybe they could use different stories for each side of the family?
Zhou Dang said, "Don't worry about it. I'll go alone."
As he spoke, he looked down, his heavy gaze falling on Xuan Yang's soft hand that still rested on his. He considered turning the tables and taking the lead.
But Xuan Yang withdrew her hand first. "Are you sure you don't need me to come with you?"
Zhou Dang felt a pang of regret. He gave a low "Mm." "No need."
Then, remembering something, he held out his hand to her. "Give me your left hand."
The shift in topic caught Xuan Yang off guard. She gave a suspicious hum, her tone rising slightly.
But she obediently extended her hand, hovering it over his palm without letting it rest. "What for?"
Zhou Dang didn't answer. His other hand went into his pocket, fished around, and finally pulled out a ring.
Before Xuan Yang could see it clearly, he had already grasped her left hand and carefully slid the ring, still warm from his pocket, onto her ring finger.
"Happy Newlywed," the man said, looking up at her. His narrow eyes were cool yet seductive, enhanced by the natural faint blush at the inner corners of his lower eyelids.
Xuan Yang remembered that in their school days, Zhou Dang had a nickname: "Zhou the Beauty."
...
"Time was too short; I could only buy an off-the-shelf piece. I'll get you a better one at our wedding," Zhou Dang's deep, magnetic voice pulled her back from her wandering thoughts.
Her breath hitched. She looked down at the costly wedding ring on her finger, and her heart skipped a beat.
Author's note:
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President Zhou: Wife must never abandon me. [Shy]
Yangyang: Don't worry, I'll never betray an ally. [Hug]