Because the civil affairs bureau isn't open on weekends...
"I'll be thirty soon after the New Year. Even though I don't have the usual age anxiety about it, my family always thinks that no matter how independent I am, I need a partner. They're pretty urgent about the big life event.
'And Dr. Meng, you're a very suitable marriage partner for me.
'Financially independent, attentive, busy with work, and your health... should be good too.' Jiang Ruoqi counted on her fingers. 'Good for settling down.'
Jiang Ruoqi spoke so frankly that Meng Shang, who had a lot on his mind, was slightly stunned. His pace slowed, and the person who had been walking beside him moved ahead.
'Is that the answer you wanted to hear?'
Jiang Ruoqi turned on her heel, looked up, and directly caught Meng Shang's gaze fixed on her.
Meng Shang didn't look away. They both stopped, keeping a moderate distance. In the dim light, they faced each other in silence, as if trying to see something in each other's eyes.
Their locked gazes became a wordless standoff. Perhaps whoever spoke first would lose. The budding attraction between them had now become a point of scrutiny.
That's how people like them, who claim to prioritize reason, seem complicated.
They plot carefully to achieve something, but when things go as expected, they doubt if they're really that lucky.
Jiang Ruoqi tilted her head, letting her hair fall, then tucked it behind her ear. She didn't like letting things cool off when solving problems, so she raised the corners of her mouth and pushed forward: 'Actually, it doesn't matter much. The reasons might be different, but my desire to marry you is real.'
Meng Shang was speechless. He wanted to tell her she didn't need to be so direct.
But Jiang Ruoqi took a breath and continued, 'I know about your family situation from Su Yansheng. You're probably also in a hurry to find a suitable partner to marry and fulfill your elders' wishes, right?'
'Yes.' Meng Shang admitted frankly, but he was puzzled. 'And you? Why?'
This was the question that bothered him most after all the surprises. Even if she was pressured by her family to marry, she didn't have to skip dating and marry someone casually.
At least Meng Shang thought this decision was hasty for Jiang Ruoqi, given that this was only their third meeting.
Jiang Ruoqi thought for a moment. 'First, I have a good impression of you. Second, you're the most suitable person I've met so far. Of course, there are other reasons that require a simpler solution through marriage. So I also urgently need someone trustworthy for a quick marriage.
'If you want to know, I can tell you about my situation in detail another time. But I suggest you only get curious after confirming you want to be with me.' Jiang Ruoqi shrugged. 'Otherwise, it's just some messy rich-people problems, nothing interesting.'
Meng Shang opened his mouth, but his throat was dry, and he couldn't speak. Under his furrowed brows, his dark eyes reflected the smiling Jiang Ruoqi.
He realized belatedly that he had been the one falling into the trap all along. He thought he was the hunter closing the net, but he had become the prey struggling in vain, sinking deeper and deeper.
Jiang Ruoqi said she had to do this.
Of course, he did too.
Theoretically, holding each other's compulsions should make them the perfect partners to escape their predicaments together.
But at this moment, Meng Shang began to wonder: if they didn't have mutual friends, if they hadn't met at the wedding, if Jiang Ruoqi's world didn't have Meng Shang...
How would she solve her problem?
By finding another suitable partner and marrying hastily?
...
Probably.
The fleeting joy in Meng Shang's heart faded. A sudden tightness in his chest solidified, like small sandbags weighing him down, dragging his soul down.
He was just the one who appeared at the right time. She didn't have to choose him.
If anyone else met the conditions Jiang Ruoqi needed, like solving a math problem, she would propose to them.
He couldn't judge right or wrong, but the blatant utilitarianism was slightly off-putting.
Even though Meng Shang didn't consider himself an idealist and didn't pursue flawless love, he hesitated at that moment.
Was a marriage based solely on gain and loss what he wanted?
Just one step away, Meng Shang began to waver.
Jiang Ruoqi could clearly see his hesitation but didn't rush him for an answer now.
After all, she had only dared to make a move after understanding Meng Shang's cards. Dr. Meng, being proposed to by someone he'd only met a few times, would naturally be doubtful and hesitant.
'It's late today. We've been busy all day, and fatigue doesn't help with calm decisions. Dr. Meng doesn't need to give me an answer right away.'
Jiang Ruoqi pulled out her phone. Its fluorescent light illuminated her face in an unflattering way, but her features were striking—both skin and bone structure could withstand any test.
Especially her eyes, classic fox-like eyes that were unforgettable.
Later, when Meng Shang recalled this moment, even if he couldn't remember her expression, he would always remember those bright eyes.
'Next Friday... next Friday, the first phase of our new product launch should be done. I can make up for my leave, and it's easier to take time off on workdays. How about giving me an answer before then?'
'Don't worry, I'll only mention this once. If it doesn't work out, we can still be good neighbors. Thank you very much for taking the time to help me move today. But it might be awkward to go upstairs together and say goodbye, so let's stop here.'
'I think you might need some space to think alone.' Jiang Ruoqi extended her hand to indicate that Meng Shang should give her the bag he was holding. 'Tomorrow is another awful Monday. Don't dwell on it too long. Get some rest.'
Meng Shang reached out, and their hands briefly touched as they exchanged the plastic bag. Fingertips brushed palms, creating a sensation like a subtle electric current traveling through their veins, bringing an indescribable tingling.
To hide his unusual state, Meng Shang asked the question he regretted most that night.
'Why do you need to think about taking leave on a workday?'
Jiang Ruoqi blinked and answered matter-of-factly, 'Because the civil affairs bureau isn't open on weekends.'
...