When the two were in love, they never addressed each other as "husband" or "wife."
Now, however, they were legally married, and there was nothing wrong with calling each other by those titles.
Zhang Yan felt deeply touched upon hearing Shen Qing's words. The love she had buried in her heart for years finally resurfaced.
Seeing that Shen Qing was still the same—lively and easily shy—only reinforced Zhang Yan's conviction that his choice was right.
"Don't worry," Zhang Yan said with a determined smile. "I'm not just momentarily moved. I truly want to start over with you!"
As he spoke, Zhang Yan glanced at the marriage certificate in his hand, his voice growing even more resolute. "I know I was wrong before, but from now on, I'll be more attentive to you."
Shen Qing's heart warmed as she responded softly, "I believe in you..." Sweetness filled her chest, and the happiness between them was almost palpable.
The couple was so immersed in their affection at the entrance of the Civil Affairs Bureau that passersby couldn't help but cast envious glances their way.
"Ah, young couples these days," someone remarked, "so sweet. They've already gotten their certificate, and yet they're still so affectionate."
Indeed, their display of love made them stand out. Zhang Yan, tall and strikingly handsome, and Shen Qing, beautiful like a celebrity, were truly a golden couple.
Noticing the attention from onlookers, Shen Qing felt a little embarrassed. She quickly pulled Zhang Yan toward their car. Just as they were about to leave, Shen Qing's phone rang.
Initially, she hesitated to answer, but after checking the number, she seemed to realize the call was important. Holding Zhang Yan's hand with one of hers, she picked up the call with the other.
"Hello... Yes, I understand. Alright, I'll head back to the company now."
After hanging up, Shen Qing looked apologetically at Zhang Yan. "It's urgent," she said with a helpless expression. "There's something at the company I need to handle."
Zhang Yan nodded understandingly. "I see. That's fine. I wanted to find a quiet place for us to chat, but we can do that later."
"It's okay," Zhang Yan reassured her with a gentle smile. "You should go back to work first. We have plenty of time ahead of us to spend together."
Today's events had already exceeded Zhang Yan's expectations. Rekindling their relationship and obtaining their marriage certificate filled him with joy. The future seemed full of promise.
After all, with the certificate in hand, how could such a wonderful wife possibly slip away?
Shen Qing, however, felt reluctant to leave. With a familiar gesture, she leaned close and rubbed her head lightly against Zhang Yan's shoulder—a habit she'd had three years ago. Whenever she needed to part ways with Zhang Yan for class or outings with her friends, she would do the same.
"Alright then. Once I'm done, I'll call you immediately," Shen Qing said with a smile. She then opened the car door. "Where are you heading now? I'll drop you off."
"There's no need," Zhang Yan replied. "If you're in a hurry, just go. I'll grab a taxi later."
Reluctantly, Shen Qing agreed. However, as she got into the car, she couldn't help but notice Zhang Yan's simple attire. Recalling the struggles he had shared about the past three years, she knew he'd been through a difficult time.
Seeing that he didn't even own a car now, Shen Qing made a mental note: I'll buy him a car soon. It'll be a gift for us starting over.
After getting into the car, Shen Qing rolled down the window and waved at Zhang Yan.
Zhang Yan smiled and said warmly, "Go ahead, wife. Drive safely."
The word wife instantly flustered Shen Qing. Her cheeks turned bright red, but she couldn't suppress the sweetness swelling in her heart.
Wasn't this the very term she had first called him?
As she pondered over the endearment, Shen Qing realized how much she liked the sound of it. It carried warmth and familiarity.
Blushing, Shen Qing bit her lip and responded shyly but firmly, "Got it. See you later, husband!"
Without waiting for a reply, she stepped on the accelerator and sped off in her Lamborghini.
"Husband…" Zhang Yan murmured to himself, stunned yet elated. He hadn't expected Shen Qing to call him that so willingly.
As Shen Qing's car disappeared from sight, a young man passing by approached Zhang Yan with wide eyes and a thumbs-up.
"Bro, you're a true winner in life!" the man said enviously. "Your wife is drop-dead gorgeous, and she drives a Lamborghini. Tell me, how did you manage to marry such a rich and beautiful woman? Can you teach me the secret? Life's too short, and I don't want to struggle anymore."
The man chuckled and added, "I don't even expect someone as stunning as your wife. As long as she's under fifty and weighs less than 150 pounds, I'll take it!"
Zhang Yan couldn't help but laugh as he waved his hand. "I don't have any secrets to teach. Actually, she's my ex-girlfriend. We just reconnected, and somehow, we ended up getting married today."
The young man looked dumbfounded. "Are you serious? Then… if I call my ex-girlfriend, will the same thing happen? Wait a minute—I don't even have a girlfriend, let alone an ex!"