Under the Gu Family building.
Ever since Fu Jingshen had, as if bestowing a great honor, agreed to marry her, Gu Nian felt as if it were the blossoming of spring.
But in the next instant, the man's cold words doused her in a bucket of icy water.
"Gu Nian, the only reason I'm marrying you is for the child in your womb."
Gu Nian's face changed slightly, thinking that after getting married, as long as she and Fu Jingshen made an effort, there would be children… right?
Gu Nian narrowed her Feng Mou eyes, striving to control her facial expressions as the corners of her mouth tightened.
"Hmm, I'm well aware."
"So, I will have someone announce the wedding news, but the announcement won't include the bride's name."
Gu Nian: "…"
Indeed…
As Fu Jingshen said, once there was a child, it would belong to the Fu Family, and who the mother was didn't matter.
What was important was that the child wasn't born out of wedlock.
So, Fu Jingshen's wedding announcement was meant to give the child a legitimate birth, not for her sake.
Gu Nian's Feng Mou eyes flickered slightly, feeling as if an invisible hand were squeezing her heart, making even breathing difficult. Her face paled, but at that moment, she forced a bright smile.
"Fine, as long as after the marriage… the Fu Family's funds come through to alleviate the immediate crisis faced by the Gu Family, that's good enough."
Seeing the man's composed face, Gu Nian paused, a mix of feelings crossing her heart as she added, "If… being married to me becomes a painful affair for you, rest assured… I will choose to leave after the Gu Family is safe and sound."
Gu Nian stood straight. If it weren't for the dire situation of the Gu Family, she would never have appeared before him again.
Back then… she couldn't forget the look of utter despair on his face when she left.
Now, seeing him again, the one suffering wasn't him alone.
Now… she was using the child as a pretext to coerce him into marriage…
In short, she was unscrupulously harming herself, which was also mutually destructive.
Little did she know, Fu Jingshen, upon hearing Gu Nian's words, didn't show the improvement she had expected. His expression turned even colder and icier.
"Gu Nian, am I so dispensable in your heart that you feel you can arrogantly cast me aside?"
The man's large hand gripped her arm, then tightened, causing Gu Nian to immediately feel a surge of pain.
Gu Nian: "…"
Due to Fu Jingshen's pulling, Gu Nian subconsciously raised her eyes to look at the man before her, whose gaze was deep and piercing.
Gu Nian wanted to explain that she was only trying to follow his wishes…
"If you marry me, although I've retired from active duty, according to the Fu Family tradition, our marriage, unless I want a divorce, means you will never think of divorce for the rest of your life."
Gu Nian: "…"
There was an undeniable threat in Fu Jingshen's words, and Gu Nian's face turned even paler.
"Hmm… then when shall we register our marriage?"
Gu Nian winced in pain, attempting to shift the tense atmosphere to another topic.
Seeing Gu Nian wince in pain, Fu Jingshen quickly released his hand, inwardly chiding himself; every time Gu Nian talked about leaving, he would lose control of his emotions.
"Now."
Gu Nian: "…"
Isn't this too rushed?
Gu Nian lightly pressed her lips together, knowing that marrying Fu Jingshen sooner would bring her some peace.
"Alright, the household register is at home, we can stop by to pick it up later."
"Okay."
…
Gu Nian handed her car keys to her assistant and then got into Fu Jingshen's car.
Fu Jingshen drove very fast, seemingly in a hurry.
Gu Nian quickly retrieved the household registration book after returning to the Gu Family home and got back into the car.
"Fu Jingshen, do you have your household registration book with you?"
"Mhm."
Seeing Fu Jingshen's aloofness and reluctance to speak much, Gu Nian pursed her lips lightly and asked no further questions.
In fact, what Gu Nian really wanted to ask was why someone like Fu Jingshen would carry a household registration book on him at all times.
...
The process of getting the marriage certificate went rather smoothly, except for when it was time to take pictures, and the photographer had to repeatedly prompt.
"Bride, lean closer to the groom and both of you smile."
Fu Jingshen had an overwhelmingly dominant presence, always keeping others at a distance, and Gu Nian had never dared to get too close to him.
"Bride?"
"Yes?"
Gu Nian nodded, her petite form somewhat tentative, when Fu Jingshen had already opened his arms and brought her into his embrace.
"Go ahead."
At Fu Jingshen's command, the photographer didn't dare to do otherwise and could only capture the moment.
Gu Nian, due to the man's movement closer, subconsciously raised her eyes to Fu Jingshen and pursed her lips.
After the picture was taken, Fu Jingshen quickly released his hand.
Gu Nian noticed the absence of the man's hand on her shoulder and a trace of disappointment flashed in her Feng Mou eyes.
...
When she walked out of the Civil Affairs Bureau, Gu Nian looked at the two red booklets in her hand, feeling somewhat dazed.
Just like that... she was married to Fu Jingshen.
From now on, was she Mrs. Fu?
Gu Nian lightly pursed her lips, following Fu Jingshen's footsteps. The man, having longer legs, took broader steps, making it hard for Gu Nian to keep up.
Then came the problem.
She and Fu Jingshen had registered their marriage today, so tonight would be their wedding night.
Where would they stay tonight?
Lost in thought, Gu Nian failed to notice the man in front had suddenly stopped, and she bumped into him heavily.
"Ah... that hurts."
Gu Nian, in pain, clutched her forehead and staggered several steps backward.
Fu Jingshen turned around to see Gu Nian in pain, and his brows knitted together tightly.
"Gu Nian, I am going on a business trip to France tonight, about a week. I have already arranged for the Fu Family's finances to step in for the Gu Family's cash flow issues. This is the key to the South City villa; I will arrange for a driver to take you there later. You will live there to nurture your child from now on."
After speaking, Fu Jingshen took out a key from his pocket and handed it to Gu Nian.
Gu Nian reached out to take the key, her expression one of surprise upon hearing his words.
Fu Jingshen was going on a business trip?
Gu Nian looked at the man's cold, handsome face, unable to discern any emotions within him, managing only to squeeze a smile on her lips.
"Okay, have a... have a safe trip."
No matter what, the influx of Fu Family funds was secured, providing temporary relief for the Gu Family's urgent needs.
Gu Nian dared not expect anything more from Fu Jingshen.
"Mhm, Gu Nian, you will be able to play the role of a good wife, won't you?"
Fu Jingshen's penetrating gaze left Gu Nian nowhere to hide. Hearing his words, she bit her lip and her lips curved into a bright, beautiful smile.
"Of course."
"Good, remember what you've said."
Fu Jingshen slowly turned around and strode away, and as Gu Nian gazed at his retreating figure, she couldn't understand why the word 'loneliness' flashed through her mind.