Chapter 5 The overwhelming masculine scent... (The sentence is incomplete and lacks context.)

Even the well-informed Aunt Wang couldn't help but be surprised when she heard the news that they were getting their marriage certificate tomorrow: "You're getting your marriage certificate tomorrow?"

“Yes, we’re both pretty busy with work, and we’re not young people getting married for the first time, so let’s be direct.” After saying that, Ji Wei started thinking to herself, whether she should just discuss with Gu Zhiyuan later about moving into the small courtyard he rented?

Ji Dahai and his wife looked rather grim, but mindful of the presence of outsiders, they only coldly reminded her, "Weiwei, marriage is a big deal, how can it be so hasty?"

"It's me and Gu Zhiyuan getting married, and we feel that as long as we don't rush things, that's fine." Ji Wei ignored the reminders in their eyes.

“Weiwei is right. Xiao Gu’s conditions are not bad in Wu’an. Many factories are becoming less and less profitable these days, but Xiao Gu’s job is in a state-owned enterprise.” Aunt Wang reminded them to take a long-term view. After all, it was Gu Zhiyuan who gave her the matchmaker’s money, so she naturally had to side with the man.

Seeing that the Ji family remained silent, Aunt Wang smiled and walked to Zhou Xiuzhen's side: "Sister Xiuzhen, didn't you say before that you only hoped Weiwei would find a good partner who could take care of her and her daughter, and that you didn't ask for anything else? Well, look, now the opportunity has come, hasn't it?"

“Chunmei is right. Shengzhou, you two take Xiao Gu to the backyard to chat. I’ll go to the kitchen to prepare lunch.” Zhou Xiuzhen was put on a pedestal by Aunt Wang’s words and could only express her opinion first.

Although Ji Shengzhou was somewhat reluctant, he still took the initiative to say, "Brother Gu, let's go sit in the backyard for a while."

Aunt Wang, who was at the back, lowered her voice and said to Ji Dahai, "Brother Ji, we've been neighbors for so many years. To be honest with you, with Xiao Gu's conditions, finding someone to marry for the first time wouldn't be a problem. Besides, your Weiwei said she didn't want a dowry. Look at Xiao Gu's behavior today; you can tell he's a generous person. There's still a long road ahead of us, don't you think?"

Ji Dahai, who always cared about his reputation, quickly retorted upon hearing her words: "It's not about the bride price, it's just that I feel this is a bit too fast."

"As long as they're both happy, whether it's fast or slow isn't an issue at all. You don't need to worry about it. You'll have a son-in-law who works for the government in the future." Aunt Wang's cheerful tone made Ji Dahai's furrowed brows slowly relax.

In the backyard, Lulu was playing with Gu Chen'an. Ji Cong tried to join them, but he still acted arrogantly towards Lulu. Gu Chen'an, who was standing next to them, grabbed Lulu's hand and said, "Little sister, if you don't want to play with him, just refuse him."

Ji Wei took it all in. For the first time, she felt that perhaps marriage wasn't such a bad thing. Just then, the seemingly cold man leaned closer and asked in a low voice, "You really won't give the bride price?"

“I won’t give it to them. If I’m going to give it to someone, it will be to me,” Ji Wei said.

Gu Zhiyuan nodded to indicate that he understood. It seemed that she had some conflicts with her family. She was his future wife, and he didn't need to know what the conflicts were. He just needed to stand by her side. He confirmed with her again, "What about getting the marriage certificate tomorrow?"

"Of course it's true. Can you cooperate?" Ji Wei looked up at him as she spoke. Wasn't it him who said he hoped the marriage would happen as soon as possible?

“Okay, then we’ll go to the city tomorrow after we get our marriage certificate.” Even if it’s a partnership, she should have what others have when they get married.

"What are you going to the city for?" Ji Wei looked at him with some confusion.

"You'll see when the time comes. Bring the kids along," Gu Zhiyuan said.

"Okay." Ji Wei hesitated for a moment and then nodded.

"Brother Gu, what are the benefits like at your company?" Ji Shengzhou spared no effort in asking him about these things.

"Aunt Wang told me that you and your sister-in-law both work at the food factory. The pay at the food factory must be good," Gu Zhiyuan quickly steered the conversation towards the couple. Ji Wei, standing beside him, lowered her eyes to hide the smile on her lips. Gu Zhiyuan was indeed a former soldier; Ji Shengzhou was practically ready to tell Gu Zhiyuan about his secret stash of money, but Gu Zhiyuan still hadn't revealed any useful information. Realizing this, Ji Wei couldn't help but scrutinize the man beside her. He was much smarter than she had imagined. This should be a good thing for her, right?

Noticing her gaze, Gu Zhiyuan moved closer to her and whispered, "What's wrong?"

As he moved closer, Ji Wei felt a strong masculine presence emanating from him, a completely unfamiliar feeling to her. She instinctively moved her head back slightly. Seeing his movement, the person opposite her returned to his position and asked again, "Is there something you want to ask me?"

"No, you guys chat, I'll go check the kitchen." Ji Wei said, getting up. She didn't ignore her suddenly racing heartbeat, but she told herself it was just a natural bodily reaction and had nothing to do with her.

In the kitchen, Zhou Xiuzhen was looking at the pig's trotters in the pot. When she saw her come in, she said irritably, "What are you doing in here? Just stay outside and chat with Xiao Gu for a while."

"We've already learned enough, so a little more won't make a difference." Ji Wei's gaze fell on the eight-treasure glutinous rice next to her. This was quite troublesome to make, and Zhou Xiuzhen only made it when guests came to the house. She and Lulu both loved to eat it.

"Are you really planning to get your marriage certificate tomorrow? Xiao Gu is from out of town, shouldn't you ask around a bit more?" Zhou Xiuzhen tried to persuade her.

“He has his employer's backing, what’s there to be afraid of? Haven’t you all been urging me to remarry? If I really do, you won’t be happy.” Ji Wei recalled the countless times they urged her to get married in her past life. In their eyes, her not remarrying made them lose face. Her happiness and wishes were not important at all; their face was the most important thing.

"That's too fast. And what are you saying? Even if we don't have a banquet, the relatives at home will still have to set up a few tables." Zhou Xiuzhen glared at her after she finished speaking. This girl not only forbids them from asking for betrothal gifts, but she also cuts off their chance to receive gifts.

"When someone got married before and invited you to a banquet, you didn't complain at all. But now you're asking for trouble?" Ji Wei knew what she was thinking and directly called her out.

“How can they be the same?” Zhou Xiuzhen was taken aback by her words, and then retorted.

“How is it different? Didn’t you say before that a second marriage isn’t something to be proud of? It’s good to keep a low profile. It’s almost noon, I’ll take these dishes over first.” Ji Wei said, taking the cold dishes out first.

When she was serving the dishes, she noticed that Gu Zhiyuan was already chatting with Ji Dahai. The way he looked at Gu Zhiyuan was actually gentle. What had she missed?

During the meal, Gu Zhiyuan and his son were seated next to her. Taking advantage of the mealtime, she knocked on his ear and asked, "What were you talking about with your dad just now?"

“My uncle seemed very interested when I told him about my time in the army,” Gu Zhiyuan explained.

"No matter what they say, we must not budge on the bride price," Ji Wei reminded them.

"Okay, I'll do whatever you say." Gu Zhiyuan nodded.

Ji Wei enjoyed the meal fairly well, but Gu Chen'an looked reluctant to leave. Remembering Lulu's words, he asked, "Teacher Ji, Lulu said you're moving to the school today. Shall Dad and I help you?"

Gu Zhiyuan glanced at her with some surprise, then looked at her for her opinion. Ji Wei ignored the gazes of the others and nodded to the father and son: "Okay, then I'll trouble you."

“It’s no trouble at all, Ms. Ji. When will you move into our house?” Gu Chen’an asked, looking intently at Ji Wei. What he really wanted to ask was when he could call her “Mom”.

"We can discuss this tomorrow. Anyway, the school is very close to you." With other people present, this was the only answer Ji Wei could give.

"Weiwei, are you really going to move to the school?" Zhou Xiuzhen didn't expect Ji Wei to be so angry.

"Well, it'll be more convenient for me to move to the school. Lulu will be starting kindergarten in the second half of the year, so it's good for her to get used to it in advance." With such a respectable reason, it seemed they wouldn't object anymore.

"That's good. Let's move there sooner. Once we get the marriage certificate, we'll move directly to Xiao Gu's place." To everyone's surprise, the first person to speak was Ji Dahai, and his expression was calm, clearly showing that he meant what he said, not just empty words.

Now Ji Wei was genuinely curious about what Gu Zhiyuan had talked about with her that had made him change his mind so quickly.

"It's a bit far from the school. You pack your things first, and I'll go borrow a car," Gu Zhiyuan said to Ji Wei.

"Okay." Ji Wei planned to ask him again when she had some free time later.

Seeing this, Aunt Wang left with a smile. It seemed that she only needed to wait at home for the matchmaker's gift.

"I'll go pack my things." Ji Wei didn't actually have much stuff; she was mainly packing Lulu's clothes.

As soon as she finished speaking, Gu Chen'an took Lulu's hand and said, "We'll help too."

"Okay." Ji Wei didn't refuse, and let the two younger children go back to the room with him. Ji Shengzhou's unwilling voice could still be faintly heard: "Dad, are we just going to let her move out like this?"

She didn't quite hear Ji Dahai's answer clearly, and she didn't care to know. She first put away her and Lulu's household registration book and her ID card. The two little ones next to her tried their best to help. Ji Wei smiled and said, "Chen An, you can take your sister to play there. I'll take care of these things."

"Teacher Ji, I can fold clothes." Thinking he was being looked down upon, Gu Chen'an quickly folded a piece of clothing on the spot to prove himself.

"Teacher knows, but my little sister is still young and needs you to play with her. So, could you please play with her?" Ji Wei softened her tone. This child was too sensitive; she had forgotten about this.

"Okay, then Teacher Ji, just let me know if you need my help." Gu Chen'an felt a little happy to be needed.

Although Gu Zhiyuan is not a local, besides his colleagues at work, he also has two comrades-in-arms. Lü Shuangcai bought a truck last year to do freight business, and today he can borrow his small truck.

At this time, although trucks were no longer as rare as before, Ji Shengzhou, who had previously been quite critical of the bride price, changed his attitude towards Gu Zhiyuan after seeing that he could borrow a truck so easily.

When Ji Wei carried the two bags of luggage she had packed, she saw the truck parked outside the door and couldn't help but facepalm. Wasn't this a huge waste of talent?

Ji Dahai frowned when he glanced at the things in her hands: "Take all the quilts and blankets that you brought with you as part of your dowry. It'll be convenient since Xiao Gu is driving."

Ji Wei was genuinely surprised. After Xie Fei left, her family had specifically asked Ji Shengzhou to retrieve the dowry items from the Xie family. She hadn't brought them this time, which was also a way of drawing a line between them. She never expected that her stingy father would bring it up on his own initiative. She looked curiously at the man who approached her. So what exactly did he and her father talk about?

A note from the author:

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[Stand-up eared rabbit head] Enjoy reading! (Small red envelope for front row seats)