Get the marriage certificate

7:00 AM.

Sunlight streamed into the bedroom through the sheer curtains. Xu Ying had been awake for half an hour, but was still agonizing in front of the wardrobe. She held up two dresses, comparing them back and forth, her brows furrowed, muttering to herself, "Is this white one too plain? This red one looks too festive..."

Zong Heng leaned against the doorframe, yawning lazily. His black hair was slightly disheveled, clearly not fully awake yet. He squinted at her as she busied herself, a playful smile curving his lips: "Wear whatever you want, you'll have to take it off anyway."

"Zong Heng!" Xu Ying's ears burned, and she grabbed a cushion and threw it at him.

Zong Heng reacted quickly, catching the pillow and stepping forward to pull her into his arms by grabbing her wrist with one hand. Xu Ying was caught off guard and bumped into his chest, her nose brushing against the collar of his pajamas, her familiar, cold breath instantly enveloping her.

He lowered his head, his thin lips close to her ear, his voice low and husky: "What, are you shy just because we're getting a marriage certificate? Who was it last night who kept pestering me saying 'Tomorrow you'll be my husband'..."

His warm breath brushed against her earlobe, and Xu Ying stiffened. She then struggled to push him away, saying, "Shut up! Go change your clothes!"

Zong Heng chuckled softly, released his hand, and slowly walked towards his suitcase. Xu Ying stared at his retreating figure, her heart racing uncontrollably.

She took a deep breath and finally made up her mind, choosing that white dress—simple and elegant, with tiny pearls adorning the neckline, making her skin appear as white as snow.

By the time she finished changing, Zong Heng was also dressed. It was rare for him to wear formal attire; the black suit accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist, and his shirt was buttoned meticulously to the top, exuding an air of asceticism and nobility.

Xu Ying was stunned for a moment.

Zong Heng raised an eyebrow: "Are you stunned?"

She snapped out of her daze and deliberately pouted, "It's alright, barely good enough for me."

He chuckled and reached out to pinch her cheek: "Stubborn to talk."

The two arrived too early; the Civil Affairs Bureau hadn't opened yet. The early autumn morning breeze was slightly cool. Xu Ying stood on the steps, unconsciously clenching the household registration booklet in her hand.

Zong Heng glanced at her and suddenly laughed: "Designer Xu, your hands are shaking."

"Who's shaking!" she retorted, but he grabbed her hand.

His palms were warm and dry, his fingertips calloused, as he caressed her slightly cool fingertips.

"What are you afraid of?" He raised an eyebrow. "It's too late to back out now."

She glared at him: "Whoever goes back on their word is a little dog."

Zong Heng chuckled softly, then suddenly leaned closer, his nose almost touching hers: "Woof."

Xu Ying was stunned, then laughed and leaned on his shoulder.

In the morning light, his features softened, and he reached out to gently rub the top of her head.

After the Civil Affairs Bureau opened, they became the first couple to register their marriage that day.

Filling out forms, signing, pressing fingerprints... the process was simpler than she had imagined. Xu Ying held the pen and wrote her name stroke by stroke, suddenly feeling a sense of unreality.

—She's really going to marry Zong Heng.

That arrogant and domineering boy from high school, the one who made her laugh and cry, hate and love, is now sitting next to her, signing his name in a flamboyant manner, then turning to look at her: "What are you daydreaming about?"

Xu Ying shook her head, but couldn't help but smile.

When it came time for the photo shoot, the photographer, a very enthusiastic woman, directed, "The newlyweds, come closer! Groom, smile... not a cold smile! A happy smile!"

Zong Heng said expressionlessly, "Aren't I smiling?"

Xu Ying pinched his waist: "You look like you're shooting a wanted poster!"

He winced in pain, finally managing a smile, and then the shutter clicked—in the photo, Xu Ying's eyes were curved in a smile, while Zong Heng looked helplessly forced to perform.

The older woman looked at the photos and laughed, "Young man, aren't you happy to have such a beautiful wife?"

Zong Heng: "..."

Xu Ying chuckled to herself, only to be glared at by him.

When Xu Ying received the marriage certificate, she looked at it over and over again, muttering to herself, "It feels fake..."

Zong Heng snatched it away and stuffed it into his pocket: "I'm confiscating it. So you don't have to return it."

"Who wants to return... Hey, what are you doing!" she exclaimed as he scooped her up in his arms.

There were other people in the Civil Affairs Bureau lobby. Xu Ying blushed instantly to the roots of her ears and struggled to get down, saying, "Let me down! This is so embarrassing!"

Zong Heng ignored him and strode out: "Take my wife home, it's legal."

Sunlight bathed the two of them; their marriage certificate was in his pocket, pressed against his heartbeat.

This time, they will never be apart again.

The couple is taking wedding photos at the bridal shop today.

Xu Ying stood in front of the full-length mirror, her fingers gently tracing the lace cuffs of her third wedding dress. This one was a retro court style, with a high collar, long sleeves, and a skirt that cascaded down like clouds, making her look dignified and elegant.

She deliberately twirled around, her skirt blooming like flower petals, then raised an eyebrow at the man sitting on the sofa: "Is this outfit alright? It's completely covered up, not even my wrists are showing."

Zong Heng lifted his gaze from his phone screen, slowly scanning her entire body before finally settling on her slender neck—the high-necked design subtly revealed her collarbone, making it even more alluring than if it were completely bare.

His Adam's apple bobbed, he put down his phone, stood up, and walked towards her.

"It still doesn't work." His voice was slightly hoarse.

Xu Ying's eyes widened: "This isn't enough? You don't mean you want me to wear a down jacket for our wedding photos, do you?"

Zong Heng had already walked up to her, gently lifting her chin with his fingers and tracing her lips with his thumb: "The neckline is too high."

"ha?"

"It's inconvenient when I want to kiss you," he said matter-of-factly.

Xu Ying blushed instantly and slapped his hand away: "Zong Heng! This is a wedding dress shop!"

"So?" He raised an eyebrow. "A legally married couple, what's the problem?"

The shop assistant next to her covered her mouth and chuckled, making Xu Ying wish she could disappear into the ground. She turned around angrily, shouting, "I don't care, I want this set!"

Zong Heng wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, rested his chin on her shoulder, and whispered to her in the mirror, "Wear the first outfit."

"Why? Didn't you dislike showing your back?"

“I can cover up a bare back,” he whispered in her ear, “but a high neckline… I just want to tear it off.”

Xu Ying's ears instantly burned.

The photographer chose a quiet forest where sunlight dappled through the leaves. Xu Ying had changed into the backless wedding dress that Zong Heng had "reluctantly agreed to," and was currently being pressed into a chair by the stylist for touch-ups.

Zong Heng had already changed into a black, slim-fit suit, which accentuated his broad shoulders and long legs. He leaned against a tree trunk, his gaze fixed on Xu Ying, like a wolf eyeing its prey.

"Groom, don't be so serious!" the photographer exclaimed helplessly. "Smile! Imagine what your first kiss will feel like!"

Zong Heng twitched the corners of his mouth, but the resulting smile was even more terrifying than his usual one.

Xu Ying walked over and poked his cheek: "President Zong, are you taking wedding photos or filming a pornographic movie?"

He grabbed her finger and bit it: "What was the feeling of your first kiss? I remember someone was so scared they almost rolled down the stairs."

"Who told you to kiss me like that!" Xu Ying blushed and pulled her hand away.

The photographer's eyes lit up: "Yes! That's it! The bride's shy expression is perfect! Groom, tease her a little more!"

Zong Heng smiled and suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her into his embrace: "Xu Ying."

"What?" She looked up warily.

"Back then..." he lowered his voice, "did you already like me a long time ago?"

"Who likes you! Narcissist!" She pushed him away, but he held her even tighter.

“You’re lying.” He lowered his head, his nose brushing against hers. “I know every time you peek at me.”

Xu Ying's heart raced, but she stubbornly replied, "I think you just want to beat you up."

Zong Heng chuckled softly and suddenly kissed her.

"Click—" The photographer frantically pressed the shutter button. "Perfect! So natural! Let's kiss a little longer!"

Xu Ying was so embarrassed that she wanted to dodge, but Zong Heng held the back of her head and deepened the kiss. He didn't release her until she was out of breath, his thumb brushing against the corner of her lips, and he said smugly, "You didn't fall this time, you've improved."

The last set of photos was taken at the beach at dusk. Xu Ying changed into a light and airy fishtail dress; the sheer skirt billowed in the sea breeze, resembling a mermaid's tail fin.

Zong Heng stood behind her, his arm around her waist, his chin resting on the top of her head.

"Are you tired?" he asked.

Xu Ying shook her head, but her slightly weak legs betrayed her. She had been struggling since six in the morning, and she was indeed nearing her limit.

Zong Heng noticed her exhaustion, suddenly bent down, and picked her up in his arms.

"Hey!" Xu Ying exclaimed, "The photographer hasn't said we're done shooting yet!"

"Never mind." He strode to a flat rock on the beach, placed her on it, then knelt down on one knee and held her ankle.

"What are you doing?" She instinctively tried to pull her foot back.

"Don't move." He frowned and gently took off her high heels. The soles of her feet were already red and chafed, and still covered with tiny grains of sand.

Xu Ying was stunned.

Zong Heng lowered his head and gently brushed the sand off her feet with his fingers, his movements as careful as if he were handling some fragile treasure.

The setting sun cast its golden rays upon him, gilding his sharp features with a gentle gold. Xu Ying felt a lump in her throat, suddenly remembering how he had acted similarly in high school—seemingly fierce on the surface, yet always spoiling her rotten in the little things.

The photographer waved excitedly from a distance: "Yes! That's the pose! Don't move!"

Zong Heng looked up and noticed that Xu Ying's eyes were red.

"Why are you crying?" he frowned. "Did I hurt you?"

She shook her head, then suddenly reached out and cupped his face in her hands: "Zong Heng."

"Um?"

"I love you."

He paused for a second, then his eyes darkened, and he rose to kiss her. The sound of the waves drowned out their heartbeats; his kiss was gentler than ever before.

"Snap—"

Looking at the finished photo on the camera, the photographer exclaimed, "This one doesn't need any retouching at all..."

As the sun sets, the man kneels on one knee, cradling his bride's feet, while she looks down at him, her fingers gently tracing his face. Their silhouettes are elongated, as if they have loved each other like this for a lifetime.

On the way home, neon lights outside the car window lit up one by one, and the city's nightscape flowed slowly through the traffic. Xu Ying leaned on Zong Heng's shoulder, her breathing even and shallow, her eyelashes casting a small shadow under her eyes. She had been busy all day, trying on wedding dresses, getting her makeup done, posing, and changing venues. Now, she finally couldn't hold on any longer and fell into a deep sleep in the back seat of the car.

Zong Heng looked down at her, a smile unconsciously playing on his lips. He reached out and gently brushed aside the stray hairs from her forehead, his movements as careful as if handling a fragile treasure. The driver glanced in the rearview mirror, about to ask for directions, but Zong Heng said softly first, "Drive slowly."

The driver nodded and slowed down.

Xu Ying unconsciously nuzzled his shoulder in her sleep, mumbling something indistinctly. Zong Heng didn't hear her clearly, so he leaned closer and asked, "Hmm?"

"The wedding dress is so heavy," she complained, half-asleep.

He chuckled and gently pinched her cheek with his fingers: "Serves you right, who told you to try eight sets?"

Xu Ying ignored him and snuggled closer to him, as if trying to find a more comfortable position. Zong Heng let her rub against him, tightening his arms slightly to hold her more securely.

Outside the car window, streaks of streetlight light swept across her face, casting flickering shadows. He stared at her for a moment, then suddenly remembered something and pulled his phone out of his pocket.

The screen lit up, and the lock screen still showed the system's default wallpaper. He swiped open his photo album, found a few preview images the photographer had sent him that day, and his finger hovered over one of them.

On the beach at sunset, she stood barefoot on the sand, her skirt fluttering slightly in the wind. He knelt on one knee, bent down, and held her ankle, brushing the sand away from her. Her fingers gently rested on the top of his head, a smile playing on her lips, while the coldness in his eyes melted into tenderness.

Zong Heng stared at the photo for a few seconds, then long-pressed to save it and set it as his phone wallpaper.

The driver saw his movements in the rearview mirror and couldn't help but laugh: "Mr. Zong, the filming went quite smoothly today?"

Zong Heng hummed in agreement, saying nothing more, but the joy in his eyes was unmistakable.

The driver wisely refrained from asking any further questions and simply drove the car more steadily.

When the car stopped downstairs in the apartment complex, Xu Ying was still asleep. Zong Heng looked down at her, hesitated for a second whether to wake her or carry her upstairs. In the end, he chose the latter.

He gently pushed open the car door, slipped his arm under her knees, and supported her back with his other hand, carefully lifting her out of the car. Xu Ying frowned slightly as the car bumped along, but didn't wake up; she just unconsciously snuggled closer to him.

Seeing this, the driver quickly got out of the car to help: "Mr. Zong, do you need..."

"No need," Zong Heng interrupted him, his voice low. "You should go back."

The driver nodded and watched him carry Xu Ying into the elevator, feeling a pang of emotion—who would have thought that the hot-tempered school bully of yesteryear would be so cautious now?

As the elevator ascended, Zong Heng glanced down at the person in his arms. Xu Ying was still wearing that casual T-shirt and jeans; she had changed out of her wedding dress after getting the marriage certificate, saying it was too tiring. At this moment, her eyes were closed, her breathing even, and her cheeks were flushed with sleepiness, making her appear completely unguarded.

He suddenly remembered a time in high school when she did the same thing. She couldn't stay awake during self-study and fell asleep, her head nodding off until it finally rested on his shoulder. At that moment, he was completely stiff and didn't dare to move, afraid of waking her.

Now, he can openly take her home.

The elevator stopped at the top floor with a "ding". Zong Heng took out his key with one hand, quietly opened the door, went inside, and then closed the door with his foot.

The living room lights were off, only the city lights streaming in through the floor-to-ceiling windows cast a soft glow on the floor. He went straight to the bedroom, bent down to put Xu Ying on the bed, but she woke up groggily at that moment.

"Are you home?" Her voice was soft and sleepy.

"Mmm." Zong Heng didn't let go; instead, he hugged her even tighter. "Keep sleeping."

Xu Ying rubbed her eyes and struggled to get down: "I haven't taken off my makeup yet..."

"I'll unload it tomorrow."

"No, it's bad for my skin." She insisted, staggering as soon as her feet touched the ground, almost losing her balance.

Zong Heng steadied her, saying helplessly, "You can't even stand properly, yet you're trying to be strong?"

Xu Ying looked up and glared at him, but her eyelids were drooping with sleep, so her glare had no effect whatsoever. Zong Heng was amused by her, so he simply picked her up and carried her to the bathroom.

"What are you doing?!" She was startled and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I'll help you remove your makeup," he said matter-of-factly. "Otherwise, you can use the face wash as toothpaste later."

Xu Ying wanted to argue, but her mind was still foggy, so she simply gave up struggling and let him do as he pleased.

Zong Heng placed her on the sink and turned to get makeup remover pads and makeup remover. Xu Ying swung her legs, watching his tall figure busy under the warm yellow light of the bathroom, and suddenly felt a little unreal.

—They got their marriage certificate today.

From this day forward, he is her husband.

This realization made her heart skip a beat.

Zong Heng turned around and saw her staring blankly. He waved his hand in front of her eyes and asked, "Are you sleepy?"

Xu Ying snapped out of her daze, took the makeup remover pad, and muttered to herself, "It just feels a little magical."

"What?"

“We actually got married.” She looked up at him, her eyes filled with laughter. “If you had hugged me in public back in high school, I would have been so embarrassed I wanted to disappear into the ground.”

Zong Heng chuckled: "Don't want to drill now?"

“Now…” she deliberately dragged out the word, “now it’s legal, you can hug me however you want.”

His eyes darkened, and he suddenly stepped forward, bracing himself on the edge of the sink beside her, trapping her in his arms. Xu Ying's breath hitched, and she looked up to meet his gaze, which was inches away from hers.

"Mrs. Zong," he whispered, using this new form of address, his voice deep and alluring, "are you inviting me?"

Xu Ying's ears burned, but she stubbornly insisted, "I'm stating the facts."

He chuckled softly and lowered his head to kiss her.

The kiss was tender and lingering. Xu Ying was already sleepy, and the kiss made her dizzy. She didn't even know where the makeup remover pad in her hand had fallen. It wasn't until Zong Heng stepped back a little and his thumb brushed against the corner of her lips that she realized, "I haven't finished removing my makeup yet."

"Let me help you." He took a new cotton pad, soaked it in makeup remover, and gently wiped her eyes, cheeks, and lips. His movements weren't exactly practiced, but he was extremely attentive.

Xu Ying obediently tilted her head up and let him wipe her face, then suddenly laughed: "President Zong, if your company goes bankrupt in the future, you can consider becoming a makeup artist."

Zong Heng raised an eyebrow: "I will only serve you."

"How much should I pay you?"

"For a lifetime." He lowered his head and lightly pecked her lips. "We just got our marriage certificate, don't even think about going back on your word."

Xu Ying laughed and nudged him: "You unscrupulous businessman."

By the time the two finally finished their activities and lay down in bed, it was already late at night. Xu Ying was so sleepy that her eyelids were drooping, but she still forced herself to stay awake and took out her phone to look at the photos the photographer had sent her that day.

Zong Heng hugged her from behind, resting his chin on the top of her head: "Aren't you going to sleep?"

"I'll go to sleep after I finish reading this..." She swiped the screen and suddenly stopped on a photo.

Those were their marriage certificate photos taken at the Civil Affairs Bureau. She smiled, her eyes crinkling, while his expression remained indifferent, but the tenderness hidden in his eyes was undeniable.

Xu Ying stared at it for a long time, then suddenly whispered, "Zong Heng."

"Um?"

I like you so much.

Zong Heng was taken aback, then tightened his arms, pulling her into his embrace. He lowered his head to kiss her hair, his voice low and husky: "I know."

Xu Ying said with dissatisfaction: "Is this all the reaction you're going to have?"

He chuckled softly, rolled over and pinned her beneath him, his fingertips brushing across her eyebrows, nose, and lips, finally stopping at her heart.

“Xu Ying,” he called her name, word by word, “I love you more than you can imagine.”

Her eyes welled up with tears, but before she could respond, his kiss landed on her lips.

Outside the window, the city lights were still bright, but for them, the night was just beginning.