C4 Do the Marriage Certificate

Su Kexin could almost be described as making a rather disheveled exit from Xiao Jiangnan.

As she departed, Gu Chi reclined in his chair, his gaze trailing her hurried departure. His long fingers tapped absentmindedly on the armrest of his wheelchair, his eyes pensive.

"Director Gu." Suddenly, a young man burst into the restaurant, approaching Gu Chi with urgency in his voice. "Miss Li says she's caught in traffic and might be five minutes late."

"Tell her not to bother coming," Gu Chi replied, his cool gaze still fixed on Su Kexin outside the window, his voice detached. "I'm not fond of deliberately involving Qiao's woman."

"But..." The young man at his side, who appeared to be an assistant, wore a look of consternation. "The old man is pressing us hard..."

"Check into this woman," Gu Chi commanded, seemingly ignoring his assistant's concern. He lifted his hand, Su Kexin's business card pinched between his fingers.

"A woman?" The assistant blinked, only then noticing his boss's attention was on Su Kexin.

He was astounded.

Their boss, asking about a woman? It was as if the sun had risen in the west!

And this woman... she didn't seem to be anything out of the ordinary.

...

The next day at work, Su Kexin used her lunch break to visit the Finance Department. After much coaxing and cajoling, she managed to get her salary paid out early.

She loathed being in debt, eager to repay the man as soon as possible.

Once lunchtime arrived and her salary was confirmed, Su Kexin quickly called the number from her laptop. After several drawn-out rings—

"Hello."

A voice, deep and tinged with a hint of magnetism, resonated in her ear, sending an inexplicable wave of nerves through her.

"It's me," Su Kexin said, "I'm the person who borrowed money from you at the restaurant yesterday. I've got the money ready. Could I get your bank account details to return it?"

Silence filled the line. Just when Su Kexin began to doubt he remembered her, that deep, cool voice came through once more.

"I don't take transfers. Pay me in cash."

Su Kexin was taken aback.

In this day and age, who only accepts cash?

"So you're saying..." Despite the situation, since she was the one in debt, Su Kexin felt compelled to go along with his request.

"Are you available tomorrow?"

"I've got a news story to cover in the afternoon, but my morning is free."

"Then, could you please come to the Civil Affairs Bureau tomorrow morning? I have some business to take care of there early on."

Su Kexin was stunned once more.

Paying back money at the Civil Affairs Bureau? It seemed like an odd pairing to her.

Nevertheless, Su Kexin didn't dwell on it and simply agreed.

The following day.

Su Kexin had arranged to meet the man at the entrance of the Civil Affairs Bureau. Stepping off the public bus, she spotted him from a distance.

There he was, still seated in his wheelchair, his solitary and cool presence drawing the curious glances of many onlookers.

Yet, those looks weren't filled with pity or contempt. Instead, it seemed they were captivated by the man's looks and aura. A group of young girls huddled nearby, seemingly debating whether to approach and strike up a conversation.

"Hello," Su Kexin hastened her pace and approached him. "I hope I haven't kept you waiting?"

The man's gaze settled on Su Kexin.

Today, for work, Su Kexin had chosen a sleek, tailored dress that accentuated her figure without being revealing.

While not overwhelmingly stunning at first glance, Su Kexin's refined features had a way of growing on you, much like the subtle allure of a fine tea.

"No," he said, diverting his eyes, his tone detached. "Did you bring everything?"

Assuming he meant the cash, Su Kexin nodded eagerly and was about to retrieve the money from her bag when his voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Let's go inside and process the certificate."

"Certificate?" Su Kexin froze, her hand mid-motion, and turned to the man with a look of confusion. "What certificate?"

The man met Su Kexin's bewildered gaze with an unfazed expression, yet the words he uttered were nothing short of astonishing.

"Marriage certificate."