"Okay, now we discuss the points that become the rules in our marriage. First, I'll read out some rules that I'm going to propose," Xiao Long spoke again after the two of them were in a restaurant next to the hospital. Qiao Xin also seemed silent, sitting with her arms crossed over her chest. "First of all, stay true to our goals. What I mean by that is both of us must not fall in love. Neither me nor you. Falling in love would be a violation to our contract. Second, no physical contact, no honeymoon or anything like that. Our physical interaction will only include holding hands, hugging, and even that should be avoided as much as possible. We just do it to hide the true nature of our contract in front of Grandpa. It may also include something to make them believe that we really are a loving couple. Third, during this marriage, maintain an unwavering loyalty like a normal couple would."
"What do you mean?" Qiao Xin asked, somewhat confused.
"Listen, you might think I'm an old-fashioned guy or whatever. However, for me marriage is something very important. I don't want to tarnish this marriage even if it's just a contractual one. So whatever happens, as long as we are in this contractual marriage, none of us may establish an extra-marital relationship."
"Okay, fine, that makes sense."
"I will give you a monthly allowance as you and others are all in this letter,"
Qiao Xin looked glaring at how many strings of conditions in the piece of paper. And she didn't know at all, since when did this man in front of her write down so many clauses of what should and shouldn't be done in such detail.
"I disagree with the sixtieth clause, Young Mr. Han!"
"Why? Doesn't that make any sense at all?"
"I need a bathroom. So how can you tell me to use another bathroom?"
"I'm not used to sharing the bathroom with other people. In fact, I'm not used to sharing my room with other people."
"Okay, I agree. But if your family finds out and gets suspicious because of this, don't blame me."
"Alright, scratch that one out. You can bathe in my bathroom under certain conditions!"
Qiao Xin seemed to snort, and she didn't expect Xiao Long to be this detailed now.
"Ninetieth clause, why won't you let me put my clothes in your closet? Where would I put my clothes, Young Mr. Han!?" Qiao Xin protested.
"You can put your clothes in the suitcase, I guess there's no problem about that. Anyway, never let a single thing of yours get out of the suitcase and be in my room. Whatever it is!"
Qiao Xin seemed to shake her head, and she didn't expect to meet a human-like Xiao Long at all. Humans who might even have their spit drunk again for being too calculating.
"One hundred and fifty clauses, what is this? Why did you write so many strange rules on this paper?!"
"That's normal, nothing strange about it. Anyway you have to obey all the rules that I set. Now, tell me, what conditions do you propose that I write down on this paper and I can hand it over to my lawyer right away. Because after that I will formalize our agreement letter so that we can sign before this wedding takes place."
"I don't have as many requirements as you do, Young Mr. Han. I just want my life to be kept the way it is now. I mean, I don't want to be such a terrible Mrs. Han. Stay at home and act like a rich socialite. I can't do that. I want to have my free time in the afternoons without abiding by your rules. I'll be home before dinner. Then, at the end of the month I want to have two or three days off."
"Huh, leave? Do you think you're working? You're going to be a wife. Are you stupid?"
"I want to visit my mother in the Village," Qiao Xin replied. Xiao Long immediately fell silent hearing Qiao Xin's answer. Then he scratched the back of his neck.
"Do you think you are going to visit your family every month?"
"Once every three months?" Qiao Xin offered. Xiao Long was silent. "Once every six months?" Qiao Xin provided again.
"I-"
"Okay, once a year? And I hope you will grant my wish."
Xiao Long's heartfelt strange hearing Qiao Xin says that. Xiao Long didn't expect him to feel sorry for Qiao Xin at all.
"Then what are your other requirements?"
"I don't want anyone to know about our marriage."
"What? Are you crazy?" Xiao Long was shocked. He had no idea that Qiao Xin would make such a big decision. How can this marriage be kept secret? Isn't that a very crazy thing? "You know how the Han family is very respectable and respected. How can this marriage be kept secret? Even usually—"
"Yes I know. usually for a rich family like you will organize a large wedding party. In fact, you will invite the press and so on. But this time I beg you, our marriage is not a real marriage. Our marriage is contractual and only lasts as long as Grandpa Han lives. I don't want to burden anyone, and I don't want to make things difficult when the time to part comes. I want your family and my family to attend the wedding. A simple and intimate wedding party is not a bad thing right? Also, don't register your marriage in the civil registry. I don't want to leave any traces when we part. I want to be Liu Qiao Xin, I want to be myself like this without anything changing. Don't add me to your family list either. Don't change my last name with yours either."
Xiao Long felt uneasy. He fell silent without saying anything. He didn't know who he was doing this deceitful marriage with. Everything that she denied, such as registering their marriage in the civil registry, changing their surname, and all sorts of evidence of her relationship with the Han family, were supposed to be the things that every woman would after when they were chosen as his wife. However, Qiao Xin chose a different way instead. Xiao Long couldn't help but stare at it all.