C5 First Marriage Then Love

"Why keep the marriage a secret? If you've found a girl you like, you should openly acknowledge it. Bring her over to meet your grandma. I don't care about her family background or status, as long as she's a good person and you like her."

Over the years, Grandma had introduced her grandson to many well-bred young ladies, but none caught his interest. Eventually, she gave up on the idea that her future granddaughter-in-law needed to come from a prestigious family.

"Grandma, to be honest, I'm only doing this because Mom's been nagging me about getting married. I decided to marry first and fall in love later. Once I develop feelings for her, I'll introduce her to you. For now, please don't get involved. She doesn't know who I really am, so give me some time to get to know her. When the time is right, I'll bring her to meet you, okay?"

Xice didn't want to upset his grandma or have her meddle in his affairs, so he made up a reason for the marriage. In reality, he hadn't even taken a proper look at the girl. He figured they wouldn't have any real connection and planned to divorce in a year.

"Alright, that sounds reasonable."

Grandma knew her grandson well. His marriage certificate was clearly just a way to fend off the pressure to marry. The girl named Yueyue seemed pleasant enough, and Grandma decided she'd find a way to meet her privately. Not knowing her address wouldn't stop her; she'd find it out somehow.

The elderly woman returned to the living room and saw her daughter-in-law with tear-stained eyes. She handed her a few tissues, sat down beside her, and gently said, "Don't be too upset. Xice is already married, and that's a fact. Crying won't solve anything. You can't just get divorced right after getting married."

Yang Jingshu wiped her tears and said angrily, "Mom, Xice really hurt me this time. Who knows what kind of person that girl is? What if she doesn't even like Xice and is just after our family's money? Mom, in this city, I've never heard of a prominent family with the last name Woo, and I've certainly never heard of a girl named Yueyue Woo. How can someone with such an unclear background become the eldest daughter-in-law of our family?"

The elderly woman patted her daughter-in-law's hand, trying to comfort her. "Jingshu, don't worry too much. Xice just told me that he and the girl are secretly married; both sides are keeping it confidential. Plus, she doesn't know about Xice's background yet, so she likely didn't marry him for our family's wealth."

"Then what is she after?"

"Maybe she's just attracted to Xice's good looks. After all, you won't find many men as handsome as him in the whole city."

"Regardless, I don't agree with Yueyue Woo becoming my daughter-in-law."

Jingshu came from a wealthy family, and the Zuo family was no different. Naturally, she expected her son's partner to be someone of high standing. In her eyes, there weren't many women worthy of her son. People from different circles have different perspectives and understanding. A good woman can positively influence a family for generations, while the opposite can bring ruin. Therefore, Jingshu had high standards for her future daughter-in-law.

"Mom, you never really know someone until you meet them. We haven't even seen this girl yet, and I'm really worried she might take advantage of Xice," her son expressed his concern.

The elderly woman had already made up her mind. "Jingshu, don't be so anxious. Let me, the old lady, do some investigating first. You're too impulsive, and I'm afraid if you get involved, you might reveal our identity. Let me take the lead. Until we have all the facts, let's not act rashly."

Jingshu sighed in resignation. "I guess that's all we can do for now."

She never imagined that her son, in defiance of her constant pressure to marry, would hastily get a marriage certificate with some random woman. If word got out that her son married a woman of unknown background, the people in their social circle would have a field day. They were always waiting for a chance to laugh at the Zuo family's expense.

Jingshu would never acknowledge this daughter-in-law, nor would she speak of it publicly.

...

Yueyue had just received her marriage certificate and was approaching the door of her rented apartment when she saw her mother and brother standing there.

She wanted to turn around and leave, but it was too late. Soong Yan saw her and immediately ran over to stop her. "Yueyue, where have you been? I've called you so many times and you didn't answer. I was a bit impulsive yesterday and slapped you, but Mom really just wants what's best for you."