Volume One, Chapter 5: Getting the Marriage Certificate Tomorrow

After an intimate moment, Xiang Zheng nestled like a little bird in Cheng Xu’s arms, her fingers tracing circles on his chest as she looked up and asked, “What’s written in that little notebook of yours?”

“Let me show you,” Cheng Xu said without hesitation. The notebook listed a long series of to-dos.

Preparing for pregnancy:
Radiation-proof clothing, folic acid, cod liver oil, medical records, parenting books...

Marriage:
Get the marriage certificate, take wedding photos.

Buying a house:
Two options: new or second-hand property, deal with formaldehyde removal.

A warm feeling filled her chest.

At this moment, Xiang Zheng’s resolve only grew stronger.

With a man like him, what else could life possibly demand?

“Cheng Xu, are you really determined to give up such a promising career, a prestigious job at a top company, just to stay at home? That’s a huge sacrifice for you.”

“Cheng Xu” was her exclusive term of endearment for him.

Putting herself in his shoes, she knew she could never do what he was about to do.

Cheng Xu gently brushed her high nose and admitted that his heart was still racing, restless, feeling he had been somewhat impulsive.

“What else? If I regret it, can I change my mind? If you think the timing isn’t right, we can wait. As for education, that’s years down the road. Besides, views have changed—raising kids isn’t about pushing them hard but nurturing ourselves as parents. Saving up for her is more valuable than anything.”

Xiang Zheng raised her hand, pressing her index and middle fingers to his lips, then flicked them lightly. “No regrets. Water spilled can’t be gathered. Cheng Xu, both I and this home need you. Without you, everything falls apart.”

What she didn’t say was that even after becoming a top sales champion, she still felt sales was a lowly profession, with a brutal survival-of-the-fittest environment. Missing the top spot for even a month made her feel ashamed.

Meanwhile, Cheng Xu’s career was a height she had only dreamed of reaching. The moment she first saw him, she wanted to shower him with money and happily bring him home.

Cheng Xu, comforted by her attachment, suppressed a flicker of unease. He took two cards from the nightstand. “This is my savings from eight years of work. Cash available is about two million yuan, plus some stocks tied up and some insurance funds. I’ve calculated—it should be enough for the down payment. The monthly mortgage, though, will be on you.”

“You’re more experienced with real estate than I am. My only thoughts are: new houses have formaldehyde, which isn’t good for kids; for second-hand homes, the age shouldn’t be too old. We’re used to living in such nice places—too run-down and I’m afraid you won’t be able to stand it. If the landlord is willing to sell, that’d be a win-win.”

Xiang Zheng worked in sales. During the booming real estate years, money came fast, and she spent it like water, indulging in luxury goods.

Over the years, she had amassed a full wardrobe and jewelry collection. Moving was a massive undertaking.

Seeing their little home they built together, she felt a hint of reluctance.

“Then ask the landlord tomorrow. If they really don’t want to sell, leave the house matter to me.” Xiang Zheng put the cards away and hugged Cheng Xu. “Can you take the day off tomorrow? Let’s go get our marriage certificate.”

When it came to small things, Xiang Zheng could be coquettish and humble. But on major matters, she was resolute and decisive.

Cheng Xu was taken aback.

He had dreamed many times of the day she would don a pure white wedding dress, smiling sweetly under the gaze of all.

He was a man of plans—Plan A, Plan B, arranged neatly—but now everything was so sudden.

“My parents are coming in a few days. It’s not urgent to do it right this minute,” he said.

“Will their arrival change your mind? If you’re destined to marry me, why wait to exercise that right?” Xiang Zheng argued confidently, quite formidable.

Cheng Xu smiled wryly, surprised at how quickly the roles had reversed.

“I still need to notify the company. After all, I’m a product manager.”

“Do it now!” Xiang Zheng handed him her phone.

Her charm was irresistible. Cheng Xu feigned sorrow. “So eager to marry me? You’ll have to be the breadwinner, and I’ll just be responsible for the child and the flowers.”

Xiang Zheng laughed.

She imagined him delicately holding a delicate finger while picking his nose—a scene too beautiful to behold.

The next morning, Xiang Zheng woke early, made up with exquisite care, and personally drove Cheng Xu to the civil affairs bureau.