Chapter 2: Let's Go Get Our Marriage License

On the way, Li Chuzhe was focused solely on driving—completely oblivious to the person sitting in the passenger seat, Tang Yan.

But Tang Yan? She was staring at him with bold, unapologetic intensity. How could a man’s profile be this striking? Like something out of a movie.

“Uh… what’s your name?” she suddenly blurted out.

Li Chuzhe blinked once. A beat passed. Then, cool and clipped: “Do we know each other, Miss?”

Tang Yan froze for half a second, then immediately launched into her usual chatter. “Just get to know each other—friendship starter, you know? Oh, right—I’m Tang Yan.”

The car stopped. Only then did Li Chuzhe turn his head. His dark eyes locked onto hers. “Miss Tang, we’ve arrived. Get out.”

“But you haven’t told me your name yet,” she pouted, eyebrows slightly furrowed, lips forming a tiny, playful pout.

“Li Chuzhe.”

A faint smile tugged at the corner of Tang Yan’s mouth. Then, out of nowhere, she dropped another bombshell: “Mr. Li… wanna come up to my place?”

Li Chuzhe went rigid. His expression turned icy, his gaze sharpening as he studied the girl before him—seemingly sweet, effortlessly poised. “Miss Tang, be careful with your words. Now get out.”

“I won’t. Not unless you come with me.” She wasn’t joking. And she had no idea who exactly she was messing with.

“Hmph. You’re young, pretty—inviting a man to your home late at night. Haven’t you thought about the consequences?” His voice remained cold, distant.

Tang Yan leaned back, stretching like a cat in sunlight. “Me? Scared of you? Please.” She smirked.

Li Chuzhe’s brows knotted. His eyes flashed with something sharp—dangerous, unreadable. Then, slowly, a smirk curled at the edge of his lips. “Fine. I’ll go up with you.”

Without another word, he stepped out first, circled around to her side, and opened the door with practiced grace. “Get down. Lead the way.”

He was tall—exceptionally so. Built like a model, perfectly proportioned. Soft strands of hair fell across his forehead, catching the moonlight behind him, casting shadows that made him look dangerously alluring.

“Thanks,” she said, stepping out with a bounce.

She led him home. It was late. The neighborhood was quiet, everyone asleep.

At the entrance, Tang Yan crouched down, pulled out a pair of men’s slippers and a pair of women’s ones. “Here. Wear these.”

Earlier, Li Chuzhe had caught a glimpse of her toned, elegant back. Now, he didn’t look at her. Just nodded once. “Hmm.”

He stared at the men’s slippers on his feet, then stepped inside without a word.

“My place is small—don’t mind it. Coffee or drink?” Tang Yan shrugged off her jacket, revealing a loose, cropped shirt that showed a hint of midriff, standing in front of the fridge.

“Just water,” he replied, sitting stiffly on the sofa, eyes fixed on a book atop the coffee table.

Then, a glass of ice-cold water appeared in front of him. “Thanks.” Their fingers brushed briefly—just a flicker, but it lingered.

Tang Yan sat beside him on the couch, legs stretched out in shorts, holding a chilled beer. “I saw you staring at that book. You like it too?”

“Yeah. But it’s out of print.”

She set the beer down, grabbed the book, and handed it to him. “Here. It’s yours.”

“Mine?” He looked up, stunned by her open, unguarded smile.

“I’ve read it a hundred times. If you really want it, take it.”

He took it with both hands. For the first time, his face softened—just slightly.

Tang Yan watched him, heart racing. *Mission progress: one step closer.*

They sat on the couch, chatting casually—nothing heavy, just small talk. But Tang Yan had already gathered enough intel. Then, out of nowhere: “Mr. Li… wanna marry me?”

“What?” Li Chuzhe blinked. Her brain moved faster than a jet engine.

She stood up, walked into her bedroom, and returned with a stack of printed documents. With delicate fingers, she held them out. “I’ve been pressured to marry lately. So have you. This is a prenup I’ve already prepared. Take a look. If it works for you, we can go get married tomorrow.”

Li Chuzhe stared at the papers in his hands. Then up at her. Was he lucky—or trapped?

The corners were curled, worn from repeated handling.

Ten minutes passed. Finally, he laid the documents down. Serious now. “Miss Tang… are you sure? Marriage is a big deal for a woman. I’ll give you three days to think. If you still say yes by then, come find me.”

From his pocket, he pulled out a business card. He stood. “So… you’re agreeing?”

Her voice came from behind. He didn’t answer. Just lifted a hand—half a gesture, half a dismissal.

Back at the Li mansion, Li Chuzhe wasted no time. He sent someone to dig deep into Tang Yan’s entire background.

All night, Tang Yan couldn’t sleep. Too excited. She got up, started packing her bags—ready to move in.

Three days later, Li Chuzhe woke to a phone call.

“Li Chuzhe! I’m marrying you—get over to the civil affairs office *now*.”

“Mm.” A barely-there smile touched his lips. His movements became sharper, more purposeful.

He stepped out of the luxury car, sunglasses hiding his eyes. Up close, she was stunning—dressed like a man. Oversized men’s coat, baggy work pants, a massive green backpack slung over one shoulder. No one dressed like that.

“You’re wearing *that*?” His brow twitched beneath the shades. Disgust laced his tone.

Tang Yan didn’t catch it. She glanced down at herself, then grinned innocently. “Yeah? What’s wrong with it?”

“Nothing. Come on.” He sighed, turning toward the building.

After leaving the marriage office, Li Chuzhe instructed the driver to take Tang Yan back to her place. “Miss Tang, I’ll have the driver take you home. I’ve got some things to handle. We’ll talk properly tonight.”

“Sure.” She hoisted her heavy backpack and headed toward the car. The driver rushed out to help—but she waved him off.

Li Chuzhe watched the car pull away. His expression darkened.

From a distance, another car approached—a pink luxury vehicle. It stopped right in front of him.

In the backseat sat a girl—sweet-faced, innocent-looking, the kind of debutante who belonged on magazine covers. She leaned forward, voice soft and melodic. “Li Gege… why are you here?”