In the Lamborghini, Shen Qing couldn't help but smile to herself, her gaze occasionally drifting to the little red marriage certificate lying on the seat beside her.
Three years had passed, and now she was married to Zhang Yan—her Zhang Yan.
"Husband..."
The word echoed in her mind, and her cheeks flushed as her lips curved into a silly grin.
Despite her happiness, Shen Qing reminded herself not to get carried away. Getting the marriage certificate was just the beginning. The real test for their relationship still lay ahead.
Back then, her mother had persuaded Zhang Yan to leave, and although Shen Qing later learned the truth, the incident still lingered in her heart. She also knew that her parents valued capability above all else when it came to her partner.
Although this time she had taken matters into her own hands—stealing the household registration book and marrying Zhang Yan without her parents' approval—she realized that their acceptance still depended on Zhang Yan proving himself.
With the resources and influence she now possessed, Shen Qing was determined to help Zhang Yan carve out a successful future. Not only to win her parents' approval but also to show the world that her choice of husband was the right one.
---
Meanwhile, Zhang Yan hailed a taxi, intending to head home. His current living arrangement—a rented apartment shared with his ex-girlfriend, Li Chuchu—was no longer suitable.
Having broken up with Li Chuchu, he decided it was time to move out and leave behind the remnants of his past.
However, halfway through the journey, Zhang Yan received a call from a real estate agency.
It was only then that he remembered the house purchase he had been planning. Although his financial situation at the time had been tight, the system's recent reward—a one-yuan house purchase coupon—made this the perfect opportunity to proceed.
Quickly, Zhang Yan asked the driver to change directions and head to the agency instead.
---
Arriving at the agency, Zhang Yan was greeted by the young agent who had been assisting him. The agent, a recent graduate a year younger than Zhang Yan, had gone above and beyond during their previous interactions, even negotiating a price reduction of 30,000 yuan. Zhang Yan had a favorable impression of his professionalism and attitude.
The agent shook Zhang Yan's hand enthusiastically.
"Brother Zhang, you're finally here! The contract is ready, and the seller has agreed to all the terms. You just need to sign and make the payment, and I'll handle the rest for you."
He beamed, his earnestness shining through. "This time, there's no issue, right? We're all set to finalize everything today?"
Zhang Yan, however, shook his head.
"I've decided not to buy that house," he said calmly.
The agent's smile froze, and an awkward silence followed.
"What? Brother, we had everything arranged! Why the sudden change of heart? Did I do something wrong? If there's anything you're unhappy about, just let me know, and I'll fix it."
Seeing the agent's genuine distress, Zhang Yan smiled reassuringly.
"It's not about your service. You've been great. But my plans have changed. I want to buy a different house. This time, I want the best you've got—price doesn't matter."
He paused, letting the words sink in.
"If I find something I like, I'll pay in full today."
The agent stared at Zhang Yan, dumbfounded. The rollercoaster of emotions—plummeting from elation to disappointment and now back to excitement—left him momentarily speechless.
"Brother... you're not kidding, are you?" the agent stammered, disbelief etched across his face.
"What would I lie to you for?" Zhang Yan chuckled. "The house I was looking at before is too small. I want something bigger—whether it's a luxury flat or a villa. As long as it's good, I'm buying."
The agent's mood instantly shifted to sheer elation.
"Alright! Thank you, brother! Thank you for thinking of me for this! Come on, follow me upstairs to the VIP room. I'll show you all the top-tier properties we have."
Overcome with gratitude, the agent even rushed ahead to open the door for Zhang Yan, his enthusiasm palpable.
Zhang Yan followed, his heart steady but his mind filled with possibilities. Today marked the start of a new chapter, and he was ready to embrace it fully.