Chapter 2: Flash Marriage

Zhan Yin, hearing her words, didn't try to dissuade her further. He produced his identification and placed it before the staff.

Hai Tong did the same.

Throughout the process, the two remained silent. Despite the staff's occasional reminders, both explicit and subtle, that this was marriage, they were resolute. The staff had no choice but to proceed with the procedures, helping them complete the marriage formalities.

After receiving the marriage certificates from the staff, Zhan Yin opened one and glanced at it before handing the other to Hai Tong, stating, "This one belongs to you."

Accepting the booklet, Hai Tong thanked him.

Exiting together, Zhan Yin paused outside, waiting for Hai Tong to catch up. Retrieving a set of keys from his pocket, he handed them to Hai Tong, saying, "I've purchased a house at Mingyuan Garden. I've heard you run a bookstore near Dongguan Middle School. My place isn't far from there. A bus ride takes about ten minutes."

"Do you have a driver's license? If so, I can provide a car. I'll cover the down payment, and you can handle the monthly installments. Having a car will make your commute more convenient."

"My schedule is demanding, often involving late hours and occasional business trips. Take care of yourself; you needn't worry about me. I'll transfer the household expenses to you every month after receiving my salary on the tenth."

"And, for the sake of avoiding complications, let's keep our marriage secret for now."

Zhan Yin, perhaps accustomed to giving orders at work, spoke without waiting for Hai Tong's response.

Hai Tong's agreement to a flash marriage stemmed from her desire to spare her sister and brother-in-law further disputes. Moving out of her sister's house required marriage, ensuring her sister's peace of mind while they cohabitated.

Accepting the house keys offered by Zhan Yin, Hai Tong felt no need to decline.

"I do have a driver's license, but let's hold off on buying a car for now. I typically commute on an electric scooter, and it's just been fitted with a new battery."

"Um, Mr. Zhan, should we go Dutch on expenses?"

Hai Tong's sister and brother-in-law, despite their emotional bond, still advocated for splitting expenses equally. Her brother-in-law believed her sister was taking advantage, unaware of the demands of childcare, cooking, and housekeeping. Men unfamiliar with such responsibilities often underestimated the effort required.

Given their spontaneous marriage, Hai Tong preferred a more relaxed approach to finances.

Without hesitation, Zhan Yin asserted, "Since I've married you, I can afford to support you and our household. There's no need for us to split expenses."

With a smile, Hai Tong agreed, "Let's go with your suggestion."

She wouldn't freeload without contributing.

Living in his house, she'd take care of any needed expenses. After all, it saved on rent.

Mutual understanding and reciprocity were essential for their relationship to flourish.

Before departing, Zhan Yin checked his watch and informed Hai Tong, "I'm quite busy; I need to return to the company first. You can use my car temporarily or take a taxi home. I'll reimburse your taxi fare. I'll take my grandmother to my younger brother's place."

"Oh, and let's exchange WeChat contacts for easier communication."

Hai Tong took out her phone, and after exchanging WeChat IDs with Zhan Yin, she said, "I'll take a taxi. You go ahead with your business."

"Alright, reach out if you need anything."

Before leaving, Zhan Yin handed Hai Tong two hundred yuan for the taxi. Initially hesitant, she accepted it when he gave her a stern look.

The newlyweds, having obtained their marriage certificates, didn't leave the Civil Affairs Bureau together. Zhan Yin walked out first.

After he came out, he went straight back to the car.

"Where's my granddaughter-in-law?"

When Grandma Zhan saw only her grandson coming out, she asked suspiciously, "You both went in together, why didn't you come out together? Did you change your mind? Or did Hai Tong change hers?"

After fastening his seatbelt, Zhan Yin took out his own marriage certificate and handed it to his grandmother, turning to her, "We got the certificate. I'm very busy with work, I need to rush back for a meeting. I gave her two hundred yuan and told her to take a taxi back by herself."

"Nainai, I'll drop you off at the next intersection and let the bodyguard take you home."

"You can't just leave Hai Tong alone, even if you're busy. Don't drive yet, wait for Hai Tong to come out, and then take her home before going to work."

Grandma Zhan was about to leave the car, but the door was locked.

"Nainai, I've promised to marry her, so don't worry about anything else. Since I'm married, I'm responsible for our life together. And, I need time to evaluate her character. Until then, we won't be real husband and wife."

Grandma Zhan: "...Our family Zhan's men don't divorce!"

"It depends on whether the wife grandma picked for me is worth spending my life with."

Zhan Yin started the car while speaking.

"You Stinky kid, have you ever seen a husband like you? You just got your marriage certificate and left your new wife alone to drive off by yourself."

Grandma Zhan knew that her grandson's limit was obtaining the marriage certificate with Hai Tong. For everything else, he stuck to his principles, and she couldn't do much about it. If she pushed too hard, this kid might leave Hai Tong as a widow for life, which would harm Hai Tong.

Zhan Yin let his grandmother scold him as she pleased.

If Hai Tong was truly good, he would make her happy. If she deceived his grandmother, and all her kindness was just an act, he would divorce her in half a year. Since he wouldn't touch her, and they were keeping their marriage secret, she could remarry after the divorce.

After driving for about ten minutes, they stopped at an intersection.

Several luxury cars were parked there, including a Rolls-Royce.

Zhan Yin parked the car by the roadside and got out, tossing the car keys to a waiting bodyguard, instructing, "Take grandma home."

"I'm not going back; I want to stay with you and my granddaughter-in-law."

Grandma Zhan resisted.

But her beloved grandson had already gotten into the Rolls-Royce, ignoring her protests.

She could only watch helplessly as her grandson drove off in the luxury car.

In fact, Zhan Yin was the young master of the business world in Dongguan City and the head of the wealthiest family in Dongguan City, worth billions!

"You wicked boy, you have a heart of stone!"

Zhan Nainai cursed her grandson once, muttering viciously, "I hope one day you'll fall deeply in love with Hai Tong. Nainai will be waiting for the scene where you eat your words."

Even though she was angry, she couldn't bring her grandson back. Grandma Zhan hurriedly called Hai Tong, who was already on her way home in a taxi.

"Hai Tong, Ah Yin is just too busy with work. Don't mind him."

Hai Tong touched the marriage certificate that Grandma Zhan had stuffed into her pocket and said, "Grandma Zhan, I understand. I won't mind. You don't need to feel guilty either. He gave me the money for the taxi fare, and I'm already on my way home in a taxi."

"You're calling me Grandma Zhan even though we've already got the certificate."

Hai Tong hesitated for a moment, then changed her address and called her Grandma.

The old lady happily responded.

"Hai Tong, you're part of the family now. If Ah Yin dares to bully you, tell Nainai, and Nainai will teach him a lesson."

After finally getting a granddaughter-in-law, the old lady wouldn't allow her grandson to bully her.