C6 6

Tong Qing hadn't anticipated that her own stomach would betray her immediately after telling a lie. So unreliable. It could have grumbled earlier or later, but it had to choose that exact moment. "I..." Tong Qing nibbled her lip in vexation, hesitating before admitting, "I guess I'm not quite full yet." Fu Chijing's lips curled into a smile as he said, "Then have a bit more. I also have something I'd like to discuss with you." Tong Qing had been looking for an excuse to leave, but his words made her sit back down. Fu Chijing ate leisurely, showing no urgency to start the conversation. Left with no other choice, Tong Qing resigned herself to eating until she was genuinely full. Throughout the meal, she stole glances at Fu Chijing several times. It was the second day of their marriage, and she knew she should be more affectionate. However, it was clear that she needed time to adjust to the reality of having a husband. Put simply, she needed time to get used to sharing a bed and her life with a man. Fu Chijing, feeling her piercing stare, paused and asked with a smile, "Is there something on my face?" Tong Qing, taken aback, managed to ask, "What?" "If there's nothing, then your staring could easily lead to misunderstandings," he teased. She had been caught red-handed. Tong Qing's cheeks flushed as she met his mocking gaze. "Cough, cough." Tong Qing cleared her throat, feigning composure. "You mentioned you had something to say?" With poised grace, Fu Chijing dabbed at the corner of his mouth and instructed, "First, push me to the study." Unsure of his intentions, Tong Qing dutifully wheeled him upstairs. Inside the study, Fu Chijing regarded the anxious Tong Qing and began deliberately, "Our marriage is a business arrangement without an emotional foundation, so there are some matters I'd like your input on." "Considering my status and your age, with a 12-year gap and you still being a student, it wouldn't be appropriate to draw too much attention. Therefore, I suggest we keep our marriage confidential. What are your thoughts?" Tong Qing was dumbfounded by his proposal, momentarily at a loss for words. "Hmm?" The man shot her a glance. Tong Qing quickly responded, "I have no objections." A secret marriage could actually be a good option for her.

Seemingly anticipating her response, Fu Chijing produced the documents he had prepared earlier. "I had my lawyer draft a marriage agreement. Take a look, and if everything seems fine, you can sign it." A marriage agreement, too? Tong Qing began to read. Party A: Fu Chijing. Party B: Tong Qing. The agreement was filled with legal language that Tong Qing couldn't quite grasp. She read through it, turning page after page until her eyes nearly crossed from the effort. It wasn't until she reached the last page that her cheeks suddenly burned with an embarrassed flush. The addendum clearly outlined a gentleman's agreement, stating that Party A shall recognize Party B as his sole spouse in both public and private settings, that Party A shall not engage in intimate contact with Party B without her consent, including but not limited to hugging and kissing, and that neither party shall initiate divorce proceedings for any reason. The note added that Party B was not required to obtain Party A's consent for any intimate contact. Upon finishing the last item, Tong Qing didn't know where to look. She felt flustered and overheated, silently criticizing the situation. Was this what typical marriage agreements looked like? It was all so blunt. Yet with the wedding postponed, the marriage kept under wraps, and this gentleman's agreement in place, everything was turning out much better than she had anticipated. At the very least, Fu Chijing had shown her considerable respect and accommodation. Noticing her contemplation, Fu Chijing's lips curled into a smile. "Is there anything you'd like to change?" Tong Qing kept her head down, avoiding his gaze. "No." "Then please sign here." "Okay." Without a second thought, Tong Qing took the pen he offered and scribbled her name, unaware that she was already stepping right into the hunter's snare. The agreement was split into two copies, one for Tong Qing and one for Fu Chijing. After Fu Chijing left for the company, Tong Qing took out the agreement again. Her fingers traced the words "Marriage Agreement," and it was then that she truly felt the weight of her marital status. The familiar ringtone of her phone suddenly pierced the silence, snapping her back to reality. Her best friend's voice came through the phone, frantic with urgency. "Qing Qing, there's trouble." "What happened?" "I just went to see your mom, and the hospital staff are trying to kick her out into the hallway. You need to come quick."

Tong Qing's mind went blank at the news. Without a moment's hesitation, she blurted out, "Wait for me. I'm on my way." Arriving at the hospital, Tong Qing could hear Chiang Nan's voice from a distance, fiercely contesting, "Why are you trying to throw us out? We've paid our dues. Where's the director? I demand to see the director." A dismissive voice retorted, "What dues have you paid? You've been delaying for too long. The hospital isn't a charity. If you can't pay, vacate the ward and leave immediately." Tong Qing hurried over and positioned herself in front of her mother's bed. "What are you trying to do to my mother?"

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