Chapter Seventy-Eight: Proof, Oh Proof

Xin Gan said again, “Jiang Tang likes you. She really likes you.”

Her intention in saying this was to let him know that she still felt uneasy about it.

After a pause, she added, “She has feelings for you.” So it would be difficult to just pretend nothing had happened.

If it hadn’t been for Xin Gan mentioning it herself, he truly would have forgotten about Jiang Tang. After all, Jiang Tang was never really anyone to him, just someone who had been on a mission with him, nothing more. And she wasn’t the only one. There was nothing remarkable about it.

The fact that Xin Gan brought it up meant she genuinely cared, otherwise she wouldn’t have mentioned Jiang Tang now.

Even if Cheng Jiu was slow to catch on, he understood her meaning. He said, “There was nothing before, and there won’t be anything in the future. I’m not that kind of man.”

He disdained playing around with relationships, and he certainly didn’t need to prove himself in matters like this. Those men of poor character who continued to fool around even after marriage were rotten to the core, with no sense of moral bottom line. Such men were hardly men at all.

Xin Gan did trust him, but thinking of how Jiang Tang had given her a hard time before, she couldn’t help but bear a little grudge. That was normal, though. In the future, if she ever had to see Jiang Tang, she knew she would never be able to sit calmly and have tea with her as if nothing had happened.

She couldn’t treat Jiang Tang with a normal attitude.

Women are petty creatures, especially when it comes to matters of the heart; they simply can’t tolerate any grit in their eyes.

Xin Gan had never been in love before, never experienced this, but now she was truly tasting the bittersweet anxiety of caring for someone.

Cheng Jiu found himself unable to stay in the hospital any longer. Once he could get out of bed, he asked the doctor if he could be discharged. Of course, the doctor advised him to rest longer, not to rush leaving.

Cheng Jiu insisted on being discharged. He had things to do and couldn’t lie in the hospital forever.

The doctor, thinking of his patient’s best interests, said, “You haven’t fully recovered yet. If you leave now and anything happens, it could worsen your condition, especially since you’re—”

“If anything happens, I’ll take responsibility myself.”

Cheng Jiu understood the doctor’s position and didn’t make things difficult. He changed clothes and left on his own.

Cheng Jiu went home. When Mrs. Cheng saw him, she rushed over, anxious, “Why did you leave the hospital already? Weren’t your injuries still not healed?”

“It’s fine now. The rest are just superficial wounds. I came back to get something.”

Mrs. Cheng asked, “What do you need?”

“The household register.”

Mrs. Cheng hadn’t expected him to come home for the household register. She asked repeatedly, “What do you need it for? Did you come home just for that after being discharged?”

Cheng Jiu was completely composed. “To register for our marriage certificate. With Xin Gan.”

Mrs. Cheng was dumbfounded, and quickly said, “Is that how you handle things? Did you pick a date in advance? Just like that, you’re getting married?” But even as she spoke, she told him where the register was.

Getting the marriage certificate meant one thing: Xin Gan would soon be joining the Cheng family.

Cheng Jiu moved quickly and efficiently. He grabbed the household register, picked up some gifts, and went straight to the Xin family.

Xin Gan had a bit of a cold. She’d just taken some medicine and planned to nap before going to see him at the hospital, not expecting him to show up at her home.

Xin’s mother was also at home.

Cheng Jiu first met his future mother-in-law, respectfully explained his purpose, showing great sincerity, and formally asked for her consent to marry Xin Gan.

It was all rather rushed.

But Cheng Jiu truly had little time left; he was afraid Xin Gan might slip away, so he’d rather get the certificate done ahead of time.

That way, he could rest easy.

The marriage had already been arranged by both families, so getting the certificate was only a matter of time. Besides, Xin Gan agreed. When their gazes met, they simply looked at each other.

Cheng Jiu drove himself. Xin Gan glanced at him with concern and asked softly, “Should I drive instead?”

He was still injured and not fully recovered. Xin Gan felt uneasy.

“No need. I’m not that weak.”

Since he refused, Xin Gan didn’t insist and quietly sat in the front passenger seat, looking straight ahead.

The whole way, neither of them spoke.

When they reached the civil affairs bureau, Cheng Jiu didn’t let Xin Gan get out of the car immediately. Instead, he asked her again, “Are you sure?”

“Yes.” Xin Gan nodded, her hands resting on her knees, tugging nervously at her jeans.

She wore jeans and a plain shirt, dressing somewhat formally since they would be taking pictures.

Cheng Jiu chuckled softly, his eyes shining. He slowly opened the car door and said, “Even if you regret it now, it’s too late. I won’t let you go.”

Xin Gan couldn’t help but laugh, pressing her lips together.

Was he really so afraid she’d change her mind?

…

Getting the certificate wasn’t difficult. They followed the process, took photos, and soon had their marriage documents. Cheng Jiu was elated, the corners of his lips curled up the whole time. As they left the bureau, he told Xin Gan, “Let’s go home.”

A marriage certificate was no small matter.

They would have to arrange a wedding later, and Cheng Jiu was already considering it.

He took Xin Gan back to his family home for dinner.

The Cheng family was overjoyed to see their marriage certificate, especially Mrs. Cheng, who beamed with happiness and kept praising Xin Gan, afraid of neglecting her.

With this happy event, Mrs. Cheng didn’t bother blaming Cheng Jiu for discharging himself without permission—she couldn’t control him anyway.

Cheng Hui was at school and not at home, so Mrs. Cheng didn’t mention the marriage to him right away. That night, she called Xin’s parents and invited them for dinner, even inviting Old Master Xin as well.

Both families gathered together, lively and cheerful.

Cheng Jiu sat next to Xin Gan, his hand restless under the table as he reached over, found her hand, and squeezed it gently.

Xin Gan didn’t dare look up, feeling a bit guilty. After all, he was being mischievous, and she was afraid of being found out. She didn’t resist, just let him be.

His palm was dry and warmly hot, much warmer than hers. Holding hands made her nervous and sweaty.

She tried to withdraw her fingers, but Cheng Jiu held on even tighter.

“Xin Xin, don’t feel constrained. This will be your home too in the future. When will you move in?”

Xin Gan’s face flushed red; she didn’t know how to answer.

Cheng Jiu came to her rescue, “There’s no rush. We just got the certificate. We’ll wait until the end of the year, after the wedding, before moving in.” He worried she might not adapt quickly to the change in their relationship, so it was better to wait until after the wedding.

Xin Gan breathed a sigh of relief; she too was afraid she’d feel uncomfortable moving in right away.

“The end of the year? Well, yes, the wedding can only be held then.”

Cheng Jiu added, “After we marry, we’ll move out on our own.”

Mrs. Cheng was puzzled, and even Xin’s mother was confused.

“Isn’t it nice to live at home? Why move out?” Mrs. Cheng asked.

Mr. Cheng, being a man, understood and explained, “Cheng Jiu has his own apartment, which will be the newlyweds’ home. Young people want their own space. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

Xin Gan, always shy, hadn’t known Cheng Jiu’s plan. Now, teased by Mr. Cheng, her face reddened even more.

In Cheng Jiu’s view, she was just shy. After all, they hadn’t spent much time together and didn’t know each other that well; they needed more time alone. Moving out would give her more freedom and comfort.

Cheng Jiu said calmly, “My apartment is downtown, so Xin Gan’s commute will be easy.”

She most likely wouldn’t want to be a housewife, and Cheng Jiu wouldn’t force her. She could do whatever she liked.

If she wanted to work, the apartment would be convenient.

He had thought of all these things, not letting Xin Gan feel troubled about anything.

Mr. Cheng saw through his son’s thoughts and, smiling, teased, “You’ve planned this all along. That apartment will need redecorating. Will you do it yourself or find someone?”

“I’ll handle it myself.” He didn’t want his parents interfering; after all, it was where he and Xin Gan would live, and it should be decorated to her liking.

After dinner, Cheng Jiu led Xin Gan for a walk in the backyard to help with digestion and to let her get familiar with the house.

The backyard was quiet, with no one else around. The elders were inside chatting and having tea, considerate enough not to disturb the couple.

There was a path through the backyard that led to a lakeside not far away. Cheng Jiu didn’t have a particular destination—he just walked wherever it was quiet. When they reached the lakeside, he finally let go of her hand and asked, “Were you scared? You didn’t say a single word.”

Xin Gan took a deep breath, her cheeks still flushed. “I was a bit at a loss. When Aunt Cheng questioned me just now, I got flustered and didn’t know what to say.”

Luckily, he had shielded her from all the questions.

Cheng Jiu gently pinched her cheek, careful not to hurt her. “If I dare marry you, I’ll definitely take responsibility for you.”

Xin Gan smiled, her eyes bright, her black hair and red lips glowing under the quiet moonlight. Her gaze was deep and luminous.

Everything around was quiet, no one else in sight, the streetlights casting a dim glow. Cheng Jiu suddenly felt parched, remembering the time he’d kissed her in the hospital room. He was a man, and it was only natural to desire the woman he loved. Unlike last time, though, he didn’t ask for her permission. He simply leaned down and kissed her.

For a long, long time.

Xin Gan couldn’t resist, though she tried to push him away; she was inexperienced and accidentally bit him.

Cheng Jiu squinted slightly, pulled back a little, looked down at her and laughed, “Good girl.”

Because she didn’t know the rules, she could only let him take the lead.

Even if she did bite him by accident.

Xin Gan didn’t dare hug him, afraid of hurting his injuries. She just clung to his sleeve, not using much strength, and said nothing.

After the kiss, he stroked her hair, calming himself, then said, “The matter at Beiyu isn’t settled yet—I have to go back. Xin Xin, when it’s over, I’ll transfer back to Yongcheng.”

She’d heard He Chuan mention that he’d be transferring back.

She didn’t really understand his work, but if he said he’d come back, he surely would. She didn’t question it further, just nodded lightly.

Cheng Jiu didn’t know why, but before she belonged to him, she was cold and sharp-tongued; now, after accepting him, she was so gentle and obedient that he found her irresistible.

“Alright,” was all Xin Gan could say. She didn’t know how else to respond.

Cheng Jiu had no interest in admiring the lakeside view. After walking a while with her, he saw the time and led her back.

…

Though they were married, it wasn’t appropriate for Xin Gan to stay with him yet.

Cheng Jiu drove Xin Gan and her elders home himself. Old Master Xin was with them, but on the way back, after chatting a bit, he closed his eyes to rest.

Old Master Xin didn’t meddle much in the affairs of the younger generation. Now that they’d registered their marriage and the families had fulfilled their agreement, his mind was at ease.

Back at the Cheng household, Mrs. Cheng was so excited she couldn’t sit still—finally, everything was settled.

Mr. Cheng was more composed, showing no emotion, just watching the news in the living room.

“It’s a pity, though,” Mrs. Cheng suddenly remarked.

Mr. Cheng raised his brows. “What’s a pity?”

“It’s a pity they won’t live at home after marriage. Cheng Jiu still has to be away for a while; the wedding won’t be until the end of the year. I can’t wait to hold a grandchild.”

“What’s the rush? Let Cheng Jiu decide—he’s a grown man, after all.”

“You make it sound like you don’t want a grandchild soon!”

Mr. Cheng adjusted his reading glasses. “These things can’t be rushed. It’s not as if they’ll get pregnant right after marriage. It’s up to the young couple. Don’t push them. Let nature take its course.”

Mrs. Cheng was impatient by nature. Hearing his calm tone only irritated her more. “Easy for you to say! When we married, I was pregnant with Cheng Jiu before two months had passed. Your parents were over the moon. I went through so much raising our child, and now I can’t even look forward to a grandchild?”

“That’s not what I meant—don’t get worked up. I never said I didn’t want a grandchild. I just mean it’s up to Cheng Jiu and Xin Gan. Young people today don’t think like we did.”

Mrs. Cheng didn’t bother arguing and went upstairs with a huff.

Mr. Cheng shook his head helplessly.

…

The car stopped at the Xin family home. Father Xin invited Cheng Jiu upstairs for a game of chess. As a prospective son-in-law, Cheng Jiu dared not refuse, and took the chance to show his face in front of his father-in-law.

Xin Gan helped her grandfather to his room to rest; he would be staying the night.

Xin’s mother was nearby, helping with tea.

After lying down, Grandfather beckoned Xin Gan over. “Come sit. Grandpa wants to talk to you.”

Normally very strict, tonight Grandfather’s eyes were kind, a trace of heartache and reluctance visible now that Xin Gan was truly about to be married.

“What is it?” she asked.

He looked at her and said, “It was Grandpa’s idea to send you abroad to study. Do you hate me for it?”

If not for his decision, her father would never have been so determined to send her away.

Xin Gan shook her head. “It wasn’t that serious. I was a little unhappy at first, but I got used to it. Now I understand—you did it for my own good.”

Grandfather said, “Our family has come a long way. Your parents have had it tough. I didn’t want them to spoil you. Even though you’re a girl, they say girls should be raised with plenty, but I wanted you to be independent, resilient, calm, and thoughtful, to avoid bad influences and bad company.”

“Grandpa has always loved you, never not loved you. Cheng Jiu is a good boy, not a bad one. I didn’t misjudge him. Now that you’re marrying him, I’m relieved, my wish fulfilled, and I have no more worries.”

He was truly tired, having said more than he ever had to her before.

Only after he fell asleep did Xin Gan leave.

Because of his words, she was even more determined never to let him know what she’d gone through abroad.

…

When Xin Gan came downstairs, her mother was not in the living room. The housekeeper said she’d gone to rest, leaving only her father and Cheng Jiu playing chess.

For a while, Father Xin had the upper hand, and Cheng Jiu was losing, perhaps on purpose. Father Xin’s expression was meaningful as he captured another piece.

It was Cheng Jiu’s first time playing chess with his father-in-law, so he naturally let him win.

Father Xin, seeing Xin Gan come downstairs, said, “Daughter, come finish this game for me.”

Suddenly switching players, Father Xin insisted she take over, standing up to let her sit.

Xin Gan, her chin resting on her hand, looked at him speechless.

She glanced at the board. Clearly, Cheng Jiu was at a disadvantage.

Cheng Jiu’s eyes were burning as he looked at her, clearly waiting for her to play.

She shrugged. “I don’t know how to play Go.”

“What do you know, then?”

“Ludo,” she replied. “We don’t have it here, but I played it with classmates abroad.”

“I’ll teach you,” Cheng Jiu offered.

Xin Gan wasn’t sleepy, so she played with him for a while. She was smart and quick to pick up the rules. Now that she was playing against him, Cheng Jiu didn’t go easy, beating her twice in a row.

Xin Gan lost interest and didn’t want to play anymore.

The housekeeper brought over a glass of hot milk and a glass of water—milk for Cheng Jiu, water for Xin Gan.

Xin Gan said, “It’s late, Auntie. You should go rest. Don’t worry about us.”

The housekeeper agreed and left.

Seeing that Cheng Jiu hadn’t touched the milk, she asked, “What’s wrong? Are you not drinking it? You barely ate earlier; have some milk to settle your stomach.”

Cheng Jiu said solemnly, “I can’t drink milk. If I do, I won’t be able to kiss you.”

She was lactose intolerant—she couldn’t have any at all.

Xin Gan’s ears burned red; she silently cursed him for being a scoundrel, always thinking about such things.

She wasn’t polite either. “It’s late. You should go.”

She was so embarrassed she had to send him off.

Cheng Jiu smiled, “Then walk me out.”

Xin Gan stood up. “To the door.”

She really did only walk him to the door, then stopped, standing in the doorway and waving. “Drive safely. Bye.”

Cheng Jiu ground his back teeth, looking at her hiding behind the door, only her plain face peeking out, clearly eager for him to leave.

She knew he couldn’t do anything to her here; any commotion would alarm her parents and cause a scene.

After the door closed, Xin Gan pressed a hand to her chest, her heart beating wildly.

…

Cheng Jiu sat in the car, not in a hurry to leave. He found a pack of cigarettes, took one out, and bit it, but didn’t light it. The doctor had told him to quit, but years of habit weren’t easy to break.