Chapter 51: Post-Marriage “What If” Extra 1
【The setting has been changed to a blind date. It’s a world where same-sex marriage is legal. The character relationships are slightly different from the main story but won’t affect the reading experience. Also, it’s not recommended to scrutinize the plot logic when reading the extras.】
Coffee Shop.
A corner by the window.
Yu Jiang, sitting alone, was chatting with Chi Jing on her phone.
【(cat peeking.jpg)】
【Chi Xiaojing: ?】
【Chi Xiaojing: You got stood up?】
【No, she was even earlier than me. She’s in the restroom now. I have nothing to do, so I came to chat with you for a bit.】
【Chi Xiaojing: Is there a big difference between the real person and the photo?】
【Two completely different people.】
【Chi Xiaojing: So exaggerated? Then compared to a kappa, who’s better looking?】
【Not he, she.】
【Chi Xiaojing: ???】
【Chi Xiaojing: I thought you made a typo earlier. What’s going on? Aren’t you on a blind date with a guy?】
【Chi Xiaojing: I get it. Is it that the other party didn’t want to come, but his family was pushing him, so he asked a friend to go in his place? Then shouldn’t he have found a guy? Why find a female friend?】
【Something like that. The one I was supposed to be on a blind date with is the cousin of the person who came. The cousin doesn’t want to get married, but he can’t go against his family, so he had his cousin come for him.】
【Chi Xiaojing: Understood. So his cousin is just here to explain it to you, right? Since it’s all cleared up, then she’s in the restroom. You probably don’t have to wait for her, right? I’m almost done here. Send me your location. I’ll come pick you up, and we can have dinner.】
【Um… the situation is a bit complicated now…】
【Chi Xiaojing: What’s so complicated? Do you think I’ve read so many novels for nothing? Is it that after you met, his sister became quite interested in you, so now it’s you and his sister on a date, right?】
【(cat scratching its head.jpg)】
【You’ve already guessed it. Then what do you think I should do?】
【Chi Xiaojing: I’m sorry, I’m guilty. I’m a face-con. Before you ask me any questions, let me be so bold as to ask, what does she look like?】
Yu Jiang sent the front-facing photo she had just taken.
【She asked me to take it, saying that this way, if my mom asks when I get home, I can just show her the photo.】
【Chi Xiaojing: Oh my god, in all my life, I’ve never seen anyone so beautiful in real life!】
【Chi Xiaojing: Yu Xiaojiang, you’re eating too well!】
【Didn’t you say before that your ice-mountain boss is also very beautiful?】
【Chi Xiaojing: Message retracted.】
【Chi Xiaojing: Oh my god, in all my life, besides my future wife and boss, I’ve never seen anyone so beautiful in real life!】
Yu Jiang was amused and sent a sticker of a cat laughing out loud.
【Chi Xiaojing: Looks are a perfect score. What about her personality?】
【She speaks very gently. She even took the initiative to pull out a chair for me just now. From the small details, she should be a very considerate person.】
【Chi Xiaojing: Tsk, so skilled? Don’t tell me she’s had many partners? Then can you handle her?】
【She said she’s never been in a relationship, and this is also her first blind date.】
【Chi Xiaojing: I really want to say something to you.】
【Hmm?】
【Chi Xiaojing: Do you believe she’s really never been in a relationship, or do you believe I’m Wu Zetian?】
【Chi Xiaojing: Just kidding. Maybe she really hasn’t. Then let’s not discuss this in depth for now. What else?】
【Chi Xiaojing: What does she do for work? What’s her salary? How many people are in her family? Have you found out about these more realistic questions?】
【I didn’t ask. She told me herself. She’s an only child like me. Her parents own a company. She works at her family’s company. She didn’t say her annual salary, but it should be high.】
【Chi Xiaojing: Then she must be quite rich. Let me be clear in advance. I’m not trying to discourage you, but if the family conditions are too different, it might be quite troublesome in all aspects later. You know what I mean, right?】
【I understand. I’m also clear on these things. Originally, after I heard her say these things, I actually wanted to leave. Now that you’ve said so too, then I have nothing more to hesitate about.】
【When she comes back, I’ll just say I have something to do at home and have to leave first. We’re both adults. She should be able to understand what I mean, right?】
After Yu Jiang finished speaking, she sent a location to Chi Jing.
【I saw a dessert shop on the way here just now. It has a dining area. I’ll go and see in a bit. If there’s something I want to eat, I’ll just wait for you in the dessert shop. I’ll send you a new location then.】
【Chi Xiaojing: I’m not done talking yet. Putting everything else aside, just talking about her as a person, what do you think?】
Yu Jiang and Chi Jing had always been able to talk about anything. In all the years they had known each other, she had never hidden anything from her, and this time was no different.
【If her other conditions were a little worse, then if she asked me out for a second time, I’d be quite willing.】
【Chi Xiaojing: In that case, then you should just give it a try. Maybe this is an opportunity that God has specially created for you two.】
【Chi Xiaojing: Even if there’s no result, it’s not a loss to go on a date with such a great beauty, right?】
Yu Jiang pondered for a moment and typed a reply.
【You’re right. And there’s a high probability she’s just interested for a moment. Maybe after a couple more dates with me, the novelty will wear off, and she probably won’t take the initiative to find me anymore.】
【Chi Xiaojing: Then I won’t go and pick you up. She should be taking you home, right? If there’s anything else, you can tell me after you get home.】
【Okay.】
Just as Yu Jiang had put down her phone, her new blind date came back.
“I’m sorry for making you wait.”
Yu Jiang said it was okay.
The other person asked gently.
“Then is there anything else you want to know about me, Miss Yu?”
Yu Jiang had already found out most of what she needed to know. Hearing this, she shook her head. Thinking she should “return the favor,” she threw the same question back at the other person.
Chu Qingzi smiled. “I do have a few questions I’m quite curious about. I wonder if Miss Yu can tell me the most honest situation?”
“Okay, you can ask.”
She had thought that the other person was also going to ask about things like family conditions, but to her surprise, what she asked was—
“What is your first impression of me, Miss Yu?”
Yu Jiang was only stunned for a moment before she quickly followed her heart and said, “Very good.”
“If I want to ask you out for a second time, I wonder if you would be willing, Miss Yu?”
“I can.”
Yu Jiang had already thought about this question just now. Now that she really heard her ask this, her emotions were calm.
“I have to work from Monday to Friday. After work, I just want to go home and lie down, so if we want to meet next time, can we make it on the weekend?”
Her being so specific was also an indirect way of telling the other person about her lifestyle.
“Okay, I’ll remember that. Then on weekdays, after Miss Yu gets off work, I won’t be asking you out on a date, but just want to take you out for dinner. After that, I’ll take you home. Is that okay?”
Yu Jiang didn’t cook herself. On weekdays, she either ordered takeout or went out to eat with Chi Jing.
On weekends, she would go home and eat the food that Jiang Chengzhi cooked.
Hearing the other’s arrangement, she subconsciously asked, “You’re not planning to pick me up from work every day, are you?”
After asking, she felt that it was not quite appropriate to ask this, as if she were forcing the other person to do so.
She wanted to rephrase, but the other person spoke first.
“I’m sorry, I did have that in mind. Do you ask this because you would feel uncomfortable if we met frequently?”
Chu Qingzi’s tone was natural, and there was no trace of reluctance in her expression.
Seeing this, Yu Jiang secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
She explained, “My friend and I meet for a meal once a week. If you’re going to come every day in the future, it’ll clash.”
Chu Qingzi: “Then on the other days, I can pick you up from work, right?”
“Yes, if you think it’s convenient for you.”
Although Yu Jiang said this, what she thought was the complete opposite.
She didn’t think the other person could last for too long. At most, a week, and she would probably be given the cold shoulder.
“Then I probably understand your attitude towards me. I have one last question. After I ask it, I’ll take you home. Is that okay?”
Yu Jiang didn’t expect her to arrange it “so hastily.”
To a certain extent, the other’s proposal was also a slap in her own face.
After all, she had just said that in the future, as long as conditions allowed, she would have dinner with Yu Jiang.
But in the end, just as she had said it, she had first ignored tonight, when the conditions allowed.
For a moment, Yu Jiang couldn’t say what kind of mood she was in.
Anyway, it was quite hard to describe.
And because of this question, Yu Jiang directly put a big question mark on all the things she had said before.
Although Yu Jiang thought so, her expression was as usual. She said very calmly, “Okay, but I won’t trouble you this time. My friend is nearby. I’ll have her come and pick me up later.”
Chu Qingzi did not say okay. She ignored Yu Jiang’s words and threw out her own question.
“Compared to the previous few questions, the last one is actually the only one I want to ask.
“If it’s convenient tomorrow, can I invite you to go to the Civil Affairs Bureau with me to get a marriage certificate?”
Yu Jiang: ?
Yu Jiang: ??
Yu Jiang: ???
She was so surprised she even forgot to manage her expression.
“Wait, wait, wait a minute?!! I think there was something wrong with my ears just now. Can you say it again?”
Chu Qingzi: “Miss Yu, you didn’t mishear. I want to marry you.”
Yu Jiang’s eyes widened. “We’ve only known each other for less than half an hour. In a certain sense, we can be considered complete strangers right now.”
Chu Qingzi: “I remember there’s a word, it seems to be called a flash marriage? Since this word exists, it means that this kind of situation is not special.”
Yu Jiang: “Other people’s flash marriages are their business. There are also people who have a flash marriage and then a flash divorce!”
Chu Qingzi: “If you’re really not satisfied with our marriage, it’s also okay to get a divorce later.”
Yu Jiang: “…”
She couldn’t help but ask, “Did you take a fancy to one of my organs?”
Chu Qingzi corrected her with a good temper, “Miss Yu, I just took a fancy to you as a person.”
Yu Jiang’s ears were a little itchy, and her voice also softened a little. “Don’t… don’t tell me you’re saying it was love at first sight?”
Chu Qingzi smiled. “I don’t really like that word. Perhaps I would be happier if you described it as ‘fate’.”
Yu Jiang felt that she should be glad that her parents had given her such a perfect face that even picking her nose would not look too bad. Otherwise, the way she was talking now would really seem very greasy.
Chu Qingzi asked again, “Do you have any other concerns about getting the certificate?”
Yu Jiang: !
It’s not that I have concerns, it’s that I have nothing but concerns, okay?!!
Yu Jiang: “We don’t know each other well enough—”
Chu Qingzi interrupted in a warm voice, “I’ve already told you most of my basic information just now. If there’s anything else I’ve missed, you can ask me at any time. I’ll be sure to answer you in detail.”
Yu Jiang: “That’s not what I mean. I mean things like personal living habits. We definitely have to get to know each other for a period of time before we can understand these things clearly, right?”
Chu Qingzi: “Then we can get married first, and then continue to get to know each other in depth later.”
Yu Jiang: “Then what if, after we get to know each other more, we find that we’re not suitable?”
Chu Qingzi: “I’ve mentioned this before. As long as you feel it’s not suitable later, we can get a divorce at any time. If we get a divorce then, you can take half of my personal property.”
She smiled. “Miss Yu, you also know that I’m quite rich.”
Yu Jiang: “…”
Stay calm!
This is a scam!
Don’t fall for her trap!!!
Although Yu Jiang thought so, she couldn’t help but ask.
“May I ask, how much is your personal property?”
Yu Jiang, who had quickly gotten an answer: !!!
There are so many rich people in the world. Why can’t I be one of them?!!
Chu Qingzi: “Then you’ve agreed to go with me to get the certificate tomorrow, right?”
Yu Jiang quickly shook her head. “I didn’t say that! That is, can’t we get to know each other first, and if we feel it’s suitable, then we can talk about other things?”
Chu Qingzi asked gently in return, “If we are destined to get married in the future, then what’s the difference between getting married earlier or later?”
“Who said we are destined to have this result in the future?”
Chu Qingzi: “Am I not good-looking enough?”
Yu Jiang shook her head.
Chu Qingzi: “Do you not like me very much, Miss Yu?”
Yu Jiang continued to shake her head.
Chu Qingzi: “Am I not rich enough?”
Just as Yu Jiang was about to continue to shake her head, being reminded by her, she instantly thought of a new way to dissuade her.
“It’s that you’re too rich. If your parents find out you want to marry someone with ordinary conditions like me, they definitely won’t agree.”
Chu Qingzi: “I’m sorry, I did lie to you about something just now. The reason I appeared here today was not because of my cousin’s request. I saw your picture in the family group chat and intercepted it.”
Yu Jiang: “…”
Her mouth stiffened. “So you mean, your parents already know?”
“Yes, they know, and they’ve also agreed. After we get married, we don’t have to live with them. I’m sorry, I forgot to ask about your family’s situation. Can your aunt and uncle accept you marrying someone of the same sex?”
Yu Jiang subconsciously said, “They don’t mind.”
“Then after we get married, will your aunt and uncle want to move in with us?”
Yu Jiang: “I go home on weekends. On weekdays, I live by myself. I’ve rented a one-bedroom apartment near my company. Wait a minute!”
Yu Jiang finally reacted. “I haven’t said I’m going to marry you yet! Why are you already making assumptions?!!”
Chu Qingzi asked patiently, “Miss Yu, do you think there’s any disadvantage for you to marry me?”
Because she really couldn’t find any disadvantages, Yu Jiang chose to remain silent.
Chu Qingzi: “Then is there any advantage for you to marry me?”
Yu Jiang was still silent, not because she couldn’t find any advantages, but because she was afraid that if she opened her mouth, she wouldn’t be able to help but agree.
“Okay, I understand what you’re thinking. I’m sorry, I was too abrupt.”
Chu Qingzi lit up her phone screen and glanced at the time.
“It’s almost six o’clock. There’s a mall nearby. Shall we go there for dinner this time?”
Yu Jiang was a little confused. “Didn’t you just say you were going to take me home directly?”
Chu Qingzi said very naturally, “That was on the premise that you agreed to get the certificate with me. In that case, we would have to start living together tomorrow. I would have to go back and get the things that should be prepared ready. Time would be tight, so we would have to give up on dinner.”
Yu Jiang’s heart skipped a beat.
Chu Qingzi’s face showed apology. “Because I’ll have to do the same thing to you tomorrow, I’ll apologize to you in advance here.”
“What?”
Chu Qingzi: “I will ask you again if you are willing to marry me, until you agree.”
The light in Yu Jiang’s eyes flickered for a moment. “You… you’re really going to ask every day in the future?”
Chu Qingzi knew she had just been rejected, but she still couldn’t help but make a joke.
“If you are willing to agree to me today, then I naturally won’t have to ask in the future.”
In a moment of impulse, Yu Jiang blurted out, “If I have to listen to you ask every day, I might as well just agree to you now.”
The words that had been spoken, like spilled water, could not be taken back.
Chu Qingzi was only surprised for a second before she quickly came back to her senses and said in the fastest speed.
“The Civil Affairs Bureau opens at nine. Tomorrow morning at 8:30, Miss Yu, I will be on time to pick you up.”
//
Yu Jiang sat on the toilet.
Biting her lower lip, she sent a message to Chi Jing.
【That is, I’m going to get the certificate tomorrow.】
Chi Jing replied in a second.
【Chi Xiaojing: Really? Why are you suddenly buying a house?】
【It’s a marriage certificate.】
【Chi Xiaojing: ?】
【Chi Xiaojing: I don’t care who you are. Now! Immediately! Right away! Get off of Yu Jiang!】
Yu Jiang sent her a voice message, “It’s me.”
【Chi Xiaojing: Of course I know it’s you!】
【Chi Xiaojing: Are you crazy? Did she give you a love potion or put a curse on you?】
Yu Jiang relayed the conversation she had just had to her.
【Chi Xiaojing: So this person is a love-struck brain?】
【Chi Xiaojing: Have you told Auntie Yu and the others?】
【I briefly told my mom. She hasn’t replied yet. She might be busy. I’m going to have dinner with her later. I’ll tell my mom face to face when I get home.】
【Chi Xiaojing: If Auntie Yu invites a shaman to exorcise you tonight, remember to live-stream it for me.】
【…】
This time, Chi Jing had guessed wrong.
Yu Mianying was not worried if Yu Jiang was possessed by a ghost.
After she saw the message, she called directly.
At that time, Yu Jiang had just washed her hands and was about to go out. Hearing the ringing, she went back into the cubicle.
Yu Mianying said a whole bunch of things. To sum it up, she meant—
Although she had never formally met the other person, she actually knew Chu Qingzi.
Knowing that the object of Yu Jiang’s flash marriage was her, Ms. Yu was very much in favor.
She clearly stated that this marriage could be done.
After hanging up, Yu Jiang washed her hands again before leaving the restroom to find Chu Qingzi, who was waiting at her seat.
“I’m done. Let’s go eat.”
Chu Qingzi got up, came to her side, and asked in a warm voice, “Before we eat, I wonder if you can agree to one thing, Miss Yu?”
Yu Jiang had already learned from Ms. Yu that she had indeed never been in a relationship since she was a child. Hearing this, she felt that she was very pure. She even had to apply to hold her hand.
“In the future, you don’t have to ask me about this kind of thing.”
Otherwise, having to ask every time before holding hands would feel a bit strange.
Chu Qingzi: “Doing it here is a bit too eye-catching. Is it okay to do it back in my car?”
Yu Jiang: ?
She looked at her as if she were looking at a feudal ancient who had just traveled from ancient times.
After a moment’s thought, she still didn’t say anything. “Okay.”
The two came to the car. Chu Qingzi took the initiative to open the back door and invited Yu Jiang to get in.
“I’ve never done this with anyone before. I lack experience, but I want to do it with you. May I ask for about ten minutes?”
This was the first time Yu Jiang had heard that holding hands had to be timed. She found it a bit amusing and said, “Then I’ll set an alarm later. When it rings, you can let me go.”
“Okay, whatever you say, Miss Yu.”
After Yu Jiang had gotten in, Chu Qingzi, who had gone around to the other side, also opened the door and got in.
After both back doors were closed, she began to slowly lean towards Yu Jiang.
Yu Jiang finally realized something was wrong and reached out to stop her.
“If you’re holding hands, then hold hands. Why are you getting so close?”
It was Chu Qingzi’s turn to be confused. “Miss Yu, I didn’t say I wanted to hold your hand. That’s not right either. Since I’m going to get the certificate with you tomorrow, I shouldn’t have to specifically ask for your permission for the act of holding hands, right?”
Yu Jiang didn’t say yes or no. Her eyelid twitched, and she had an ominous premonition.
“What did you want me to agree to just now?”
Chu Qingzi lowered her gaze to her lips.
“I want to kiss you, Miss Yu.”
Yu Jiang: !!!
She subconsciously wanted to refuse, but then she found that her current identity was so awkward that she probably shouldn’t refuse.
She was going to get the certificate with this person tomorrow. A kiss or something today didn’t seem to be a problem.
“Miss Yu, can I?” Chu Qingzi couldn’t help but ask again.
Yu Jiang was silent for a moment, then closed her eyes with a red face, which was a silent agreement.
The second before the strange breath was about to cover her, the other person stopped.
“Miss Yu, we’re going to get the certificate tomorrow. Can I stop calling you Miss Yu from now on?”
Yu Jiang nodded lightly. “You can just call me—” my name.
Before the last three words could be said, her lips were kissed first.
Yu Jiang had forgotten to set an alarm, so she didn’t know how long the kiss lasted.
She only knew that when she was released, her entire chest was so hot it was about to explode.
A warm breath slowly rubbed against her hot ear.
A lingering and dark, low voice sounded, and her scorching hot chest was completely ignited.
“Wife, you’re so sweet.”
//
Life after marriage was almost no different from when Yu Jiang was single.
Besides holding hands and hugging, the most intimate thing between them was only kissing.
Yu Jiang actually didn’t mind if the two of them went all the way, but her partner clearly had no thoughts in this area.
Yu Jiang’s attitude towards this kind of thing was also just “can accept,” so she naturally couldn’t take the initiative to ask.
This kind of life continued for nearly a month, until Yu Jiang unexpectedly received a WeChat message from an un-noted contact. The peaceful days were finally broken.
【Task Administrator: Tonight, sit on your partner’s face and let her lick your little cat. The time limit is before midnight tonight. If the task is completed, there is no reward. If the task fails, you will get a disfigured partner tomorrow.】
