Just outside the window of the private room, not far away, stood a crooked-necked old tree.
Two birds hopped along the branches of the tree, chirping incessantly, creating a stark contrast to the silence inside the room, where only two people were present.
Shen Qingzhi's face, adorned with an exaggerated non-mainstream makeup, blushed instantly: How could it be her?
When she had styled herself in this way, she had only expected to leave a bad first impression on a stranger she knew nothing about, ensuring they would never cross paths again.
The person in front of her, her blind date, was not only someone she knew but also had a deep connection with.
Fragments of memories from the past rushed into her mind, causing a sudden dizziness and headache.
[Gu jiejie, I'm also planning to study at Y University. Can I be your junior?]
[Okay, Qingqing. You're so intelligent, it'll be no problem. Jiejie will be waiting for you.]
The scene shifted.
[You, this child. Drinking so much at the class reunion. Finally decided to wake up?]
[You mean Jingrong, right? Their whole family went to M country. They took the morning flight. Didn't she tell you?]
....
Back then, the other party left in a hurry, without even leaving a single word behind.
Young Shen Qingzhi quietly held onto those memories for a long time, until later, when she thought she could finally stop caring.
Just a passerby in life, a brief gathering, a hasty departure.
But now, after nine years, Gu Jinrong unexpectedly intruded into her life again.
Still, in the guise of a "blind date," and in such an awkward situation.
Whether it was a competition or something else, Shen Qingzhi, who usually had a mouth like a machine gun, was unusually quiet, not resembling a real person.
Gu Jinrong didn't speak, and she was determined not to initiate the conversation either.
Gu Jinrong's hand was tidying up Shen Qingzhi's mischievous hair, her gaze fixed on that face that had been playfully adorned with various colors.
This feeling of being stared at made Shen Qingzhi feel uncomfortable.
What's so fascinating about this ghostly face?
Just as Shen Qingzhi was about to lose patience, Gu Jinrong was the first to let go and revealed a graceful smile.
"Hello, my name is Gu Jinrong. I'm 30 years old and graduated from Y University. I work as an actress."
"One of my biggest hobbies is cooking, and currently, I can prepare more than 180 dishes..."
Wait, what does she mean?
Shen Qingzhi was confused by this sudden speech and interrupted her.
"Why are you telling me all this?"
Gu Jinrong wasn't bothered by the interruption and maintained a gentle smile.
"Isn't it customary to introduce oneself on a blind date?"
Who wants to listen to your self-introduction!
Who wants to blind date with you!
Although Shen Qingzhi initially mentioned "blind date" herself, she now felt as if she was being played with.
When Shen Qingzhi regained her senses, she felt somewhat embarrassed and spoke with a harsh tone.
"Well, let me tell you the truth too. I didn't actually plan to go on a real blind date today. My main intention was just to deal with that xx queen from my family."
"You've seen my appearance now. If they ask you later, just say you didn't find me suitable. Say we're not compatible."
"Just say anything, as long as we can get through this matter."
Gu Jinrong listened quietly as Shen Qingzhi finished speaking in one breath, and her expression seemed somewhat conflicted.
"Are you asking me to lie for you, Qingqing?
But when it comes to lying to people, I can't help but feel a twinge of guilt."
You have a conscience?
Shen Qingzhi bit her lip unintentionally, her tone becoming somewhat harsh.
"How can this be considered lying?
Although I don't know why you're here, it's probably because of your friendship with my sister.
You're an international actress now, so you shouldn't really be reduced to relying on a blind date to solve your lifelong matters."
Shen Qingzhi felt even more convinced by her own reasoning and nodded in agreement.
"As for..."
Gu Jinrong looked directly into Shen Qingzhi's eyes, with gentle and tinged with a pitiful tone.
"An actress is also human, and even an actress needs to get married.
You work in the entertainment industry yourself, so you should know how difficult it is for us to find a suitable partner amidst our busy schedules.
You're only twenty-three and already being pushed into blind dates by your family. I'm already thirty, can you blame me for being anxious?"
Shen Qingzhi: ...
I fell for your trick!
Seeing that Shen Qingzhi was genuinely getting angry, Gu Jinrong adjusted her gaze and instantly transformed into a professional demeanor.
Her ability to change her expression was astonishing.
"Alright, let's talk seriously. Have you ever considered that if we were to get married, it would benefit both of us?"
Her gaze swept from the exaggerated explosion of hair in front of her and she chuckled lightly.
"Looking like this, you must have been pushed hard by your family.
Even if I help you get through this time, it won't be long before another situation arises. You can't rely on this trick forever."
"Why don't we get married and solve your pressure to get married problem from the root, once and for all?"
"I mean, a marriage of convenience. I'll provide cover for you."
It was an outrageous suggestion, but Shen Qingzhi found herself unintentionally considering it.
It was a path she had never thought of before, but perhaps it could actually work?
In the next moment, she shook her head in frustration.
Why was she so easily swayed? Even if she were to consider a marriage of convenience, it didn't have to be with her.
As if seeing through her thoughts, Gu Jinrong gently parted her red lips and said, "Qingqing, are you thinking that you can find another partner for a marriage of convenience?"
Shen Qingzhi: ...
This woman, can she read minds?
Gu Jinrong received Shen Qingzhi's annoyed gaze and maintained her composed smile.
"But for the time being, where would you find such a suitable candidate?
"Even in a marriage of convenience, it involves getting a marriage certificate, which creates a legal relationship.
"The chosen partner for a marriage of convenience needs to be someone you know well, and they should also have the same need for a contractual marriage.
"I believe there is no one more suitable than me."
Her words... seemed to make some sense.
Shen Qingzhi raised her gaze and deliberately looked at Gu Jinrong, but her eyes only reached the other's chin.
Let's not worry about that for now. Keep the momentum and composure.
"Well then, tell me, why do you want to enter into a contractual marriage with me?"
Shen Qingzhi coldly snorted in her mind: When things are out of the ordinary, there must be a demon*. I'm no longer a ten-year old kid that can be easily deceived. I'm smart now.
*when things are fishy, there must be a hidden agenda
Gu Jinrong smiled at her, her eyes sparkling with tenderness and joy.
"You're so adorable, Qingqing. I really like you. If I could marry you, it would definitely be a happy thing."
Upon hearing this, Shen Qingzhi immediately frowned. "Hmph, let's rule out that answer, to be honest."
Gu Jinrong sighed helplessly.
"Well, the truth is, after I returned to the country, the enthusiasm of my fans and friends became overwhelming."
"In the past two years, I've been planning to transition into taking on some unconventional roles, but having too much popularity may not be a good thing."
"I've observed that other actors in the industry have a more calm and peaceful fanbase after getting married."
"So, I was thinking that if I were already married, some things might be more convenient."
"But since I don't like to lie, this marriage has to be a real one."
Shen Qingzhi had been carefully observing Gu Jinrong's expression as she spoke. Seeing her sincere face, she couldn't help but believe it to some extent.
She had only heard of celebrities faking their single status to please their fans, but it was the first time she heard someone intentionally portraying themselves as married to lower their popularity.
It was quite extravagant, indeed.
At first, the reason sounded absurd, but coming from Gu Jinrong, it inexplicably had some credibility.
Seeing that Shen Qingzhi was somewhat moved, Gu Jinrong took out her phone and opened the map search.
"Speaking of which, the Civil Affairs Bureau is only two kilometers away from here. It's only 4:15 in the afternoon now, so there should still be enough time to go."
Shen Qingzhi, who was still contemplating, was shocked by her words: What the hell, I haven't even agreed yet, how can you say that the wind is the rain*?!
*jump into wrong conclusion/distorting facts
She saw Gu Jinrong's serious expression, devoid of any joking, and she said the most logical thing she had said all day.
"Is it possible that obtaining a marriage certificate requires a household registration book*?"
*also known as a hukou or household registration record, is an official document used in China to register and track a person's residency status and personal information. It is a legal record maintained by the government and contains details such as the individual's name, gender, date of birth, marital status, and registered address, it also entitles registrants to government benefits such as access to education, health benefits, and land ownership.
She thought this would make Gu Jinrong give up, but the next moment, Gu Jinrong opened her handbag and delicately held two brown pocket-sized books with her slender fingers.
"Is this what Qingqing is referring to? What a coincidence, I brought them all."
After experiencing one shock after another today, Shen Qingzhi unintentionally spoke with a stutter.
"Ser...seriously, who would carry their household registration book with them? And...and, why do you...why do you have my family's household registration book?"
Gu Jinrong carefully put away the household registration book, took out a wet tissue, and skillfully wiped off the heavy makeup from Shen Qingzhi's face.
"Let's remove the makeup first. We can talk on the way, or else we won't make it in time."
Throughout the entire time, Gu Jinrong had a faint smile on her lips, but her tone became slightly urgent when she said those words. Shen Qingzhi was suddenly influenced by this tense atmosphere as well.
She was curious in her heart and obediently followed Gu Jinrong's instructions.
Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=7497990
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
Half an hour later, the restored Shen Qingzhi and Gu Jinrong appeared at the Civil Affairs Bureau.
It was a working day, and at this time, besides a few on-duty staff, the Civil Affairs Bureau was quite empty.
When Shen Qingzhi and Gu Jinrong appeared, the staff members were slightly surprised.
Gu Jinrong explained the purpose, and the staff members who were closer took a deep breath.
Goodness, working here for a long time gives you the chance to taste all kinds of melons*.
*gossip
But fortunately, everyone had good professional ethics and patiently instructed them on how to take photos and fill out forms.
"Please sit closer together and say 'qié zi'* at the same time."
*means eggplant, their version of 'say cheese' and 'qié zi' (chezi) somehow sound like 'cheese'
It's been a while since I took such a silly photo since graduation.
While silently complaining in her mind, Shen Qingzhi stiffened her body and cooperatively said "qié zi."
Her body sat up straight, and her arm unintentionally touched a warm touch, accompanied by the scent of gardenia flowers getting closer.
"Relax a little, it will be over soon."
The way this sentence sounds, it feels weird.
Shen Qingzhi's ears turned red, and her expression carried a hint of shyness.
"Click."
The camera captured the perfect moment, the two sitting side by side. One with shy eyes, the other exuding a gentle charm, they looked like a perfectly matched couple.
The rest of the registration process went smoothly. Shen Qingzhi was pushed and rushed through the procedures, changing clothes, taking photos, filling out forms—it felt like going to war.
At 5:30 p.m., Shen Qingzhi held the freshly stamped marriage certificate in her hand, feeling a surreal sense of unreality: Am I now... a married woman?
From their first meeting until now, in just a short two hours, she had transformed from a single young woman to a married woman.
The plot development felt a bit magical. What was going on?
Blame it all on the household registration book!
Now, the two of them were sitting in Gu Jinrong's private car, in a confined space with no one else around.
Gu Jinrong silently glanced at the side seat, where she saw Shen Qingzhi's idle hand naturally hanging down. The fingers were slender, long, and delicate, with beautiful pink fingertips.
She reached out her hand and quietly intertwined their fingers, feeling the familiar warmth that made her heart tremble.
After a while, she finally broke the silence with reluctance.
"Qingqing, shall I take you home now?"
Shen Qingzhi's thoughts were interrupted, and she instinctively withdrew her hand, her beautiful eyes widening.
"You still haven't told me why you have my household registration book?"
Author's Note:
Gu.Doesn't.Like.To.Lie.Jinrong
***
New Year Red Packet Drop - Third Round