Chapter 4: Marriage Certificate

Lin Zhiyu thought Shen Yanli had gone mad.

And so had she.

Staring at the bright red marriage certificate in her hand, she still couldn’t comprehend how things had escalated to this point.

Weren’t they supposed to fabricate dating rumors to call off the engagement?

Well, now they were truly in trouble.

Under the blazing noon sun, her fingertips brushed over the stamped seal. The lingering warmth made her heart tremble.

She held one copy, while Shen Yanli held the other.

Walking beside her, Shen Yanli pinched the red booklet between his slender fingers. His strides were neither large nor hurried, yet perfectly even, causing the certificate to sway rhythmically in the air with his steps.

Lin Zhiyu’s mind wasn’t on walking. She stared blankly at the marriage certificate while moving.

She couldn’t believe she was actually married.

Shen Yanli noticed her distraction. After she stopped walking abruptly for the third time, he decisively plucked the certificate from her hand. “Focus on walking.”

The young woman remained silent for a moment, staring at him blankly, still not fully recovered. “I’m really married…”

Everything had happened too fast, too unnaturally.

Yet Shen Yanli appeared completely composed. He casually flipped open the certificate to look at the red-background photo inside. The household register had been obtained last-minute, the photo taken in haste.

Despite the rush, the photo wasn’t sloppy. Against the vibrant red background, Lin Zhiyu’s skin appeared even more delicate and fair. His broad shoulders alone seemed capable of enveloping her entirely.

She resembled a hothouse flower, one that ought to be cherished and pampered.

He closed the certificate unnoticeably, his eyes now calm and unreadable. “It’s still early. Let’s go inform your family first.”

Lin Zhiyu raised her phone. “I made quite a scene taking the household register out. Lin Yuxin must have already tipped them off. My phone’s been blowing up for over an hour.”

She then shook her head, not wanting to return home just yet.

Lin Yuxin had only seen her getting into a stranger’s car with the household register, unaware that the stranger was Shen Yanli.

Let them worry for a few days.

Shen Yanli understood her meaning. His gaze fell on the red booklet – clearly, the Lin family’s behavior in the private room earlier had genuinely displeased her.

He rubbed the red cover twice with his thumb, implying something deeper. “I didn’t have time to prepare a wedding gift for you. I’ll make it up to you later.”

Lin Zhiyu paused, then inexplicably blurted out, “Then don’t make it too extravagant. I’m penniless and can’t afford anything of equal value in return.”

Shen Yanli seemed momentarily taken aback. After processing her words, he let out a soft chuckle. “You don’t need to get me anything.”

Lin Zhiyu looked skeptical.

He casually ruffled her hair. “This is what I ought to do.”

“Shall we go look at wedding dresses now?” Shen Yanli changed the subject, not continuing the previous conversation.

Lin Zhiyu didn’t press further anyway – even if she wanted to reciprocate, she truly couldn’t afford to.

They walked side by side. The steps before the civil affairs bureau were long. The post-rain noon air wasn’t hot, with clouds gathering overhead suggesting another rainfall might be imminent.

Lin Zhiyu walked very slowly, taking each step at a languid pace. Shen Yanli noticed and adjusted his stride to match hers.

Lin Zhiyu glanced at him. “Do you believe my story?”

Believe that this is a novel, believe that you’re the main character, believe that everyone in this world has a predetermined fate.

Shen Yanli looked down at her, responding very softly: “I’ve never believed in predetermined fate.”

Lin Zhiyu didn’t break her stride. She looked up at him deeply. “Whether you believe it or not doesn’t matter anyway. You’re the protagonist – no matter what happens, you’ll emerge victorious.”

“Antagonists are different though…”

Shen Yanli remained expressionless, his eyes dark and unreadable. “The victor becomes the king, the loser a bandit. There’s no real difference.”

Lin Zhiyu didn’t notice his mood. “Why do you think I was brought into this world? Is it because some links went wrong and I need to fix it?”

“Maybe the villain didn’t die! If he dies, I might be able to go home!”

She seemed convinced by her own theory, the earlier frustration vanishing from her brows as they smoothed out.

He replied casually, “Perhaps.”

Lin Zhiyu: “I think so.”

The girl beamed with delight and pressed further: “Have you noticed anything unusual around you?”

Shen Yanli: “I don’t know.”

Lin Zhiyu didn’t believe him. “You don’t know? Are you lying to me?”

“No.”

Seeing Shen Yanli’s lack of interest, Lin Zhiyu grew exasperated. She planted her hands on her hips and stopped walking. “What do you mean ‘no’? Feel that little red book in your hand. Where I come from, once you get the marriage certificate, you’re supposed to share everything with your wife.”

Shen Yanli sighed. At this rate, they wouldn’t finish climbing these steps until tomorrow.

Yet he had no choice but to reiterate: “There really isn’t anything.”

Lin Zhiyu refused to give up. “Really?”

For the third time.

He answered patiently: “Really.”

“That’s strange. How could there be nothing?”

By the time they finished customizing the wedding dress and returned to the Shen family ancestral home, it was nearly dinnertime.

The ancestral home’s garage was packed with vehicles, indicating the importance of this family banquet.

Shen Yanli held Lin Zhiyu’s hand as they walked into the banquet hall under everyone’s gaze.

Remembering something, Lin Zhiyu tugged at his sleeve, noticing his solemn expression. “You’ll have to tell me who to address later.”

Whether in reality or in the book, gatherings with elders always made her nervous.

So many people pointing and commenting about her right in front of her face, while she could only smile apologetically and accept it without retorting.

Especially at this Shen family banquet where she didn’t know anyone the thought alone made her anxious.

But Shen Yanli seemed unconcerned. “You don’t need to address anyone.”

Lin Zhiyu was puzzled. “What?”

Could such good fortune exist?

He stated it as naturally as breathing: “Just wait for others to address you.”

Lin Zhiyu’s eyes sparkled.

The one in power was truly different this was indeed something else.

Inside the main hall, conversations were in full swing.

“Hey, what do you think Lu Yuchen’s intentions are in returning now?”

“Whatever his intentions are, Yanli is currently in charge. How could there be any position left for him? Just focus on your own tasks and don’t worry about the rest.”

“That may be true, but aren’t you curious? Could he be back to seize power? How could the old man not see through his intentions? Why does he treat him better than his own son?”

“Let me tell you, I heard that this Little Director Shen might not be biologically related.”

“Who’s spreading such nonsense? Do you think Shen Jun would be foolish enough to hand over the entire Shen family empire to an outsider? If he weren’t biologically related, why would he have raised him all this time? He doesn’t strike me as the charitable type.”

“Uncle must have too much free time to gossip about me here.”

The man wanted to say more but was interrupted by a calm yet cutting voice.

Shen Yanli glanced at him dismissively and walked straight past.

“Instead of concerning yourself with me, perhaps you should discuss with Aunt whether to keep that girl who showed up demanding recognition and how to handle her.”

Shen Xun was startled at the sight of the newcomer and hurried to catch up, fearing Shen Yanli might actually go through with it. If his family’s tigress found out, she’d surely skin him alive.

“Shh, shh, I was just joking. Don’t tell your aunt I can handle this minor issue myself.”

Shen Yanli didn’t respond, shifting his gaze to the young woman beside him. Just as he considered changing targets to cozy up to someone else, the old master descended.

“Yanli, you’re back?” a hoarse voice rang out.

The host of this family banquet arrived fashionably late, leaning on a cane as he moved forward, supported by a young gentleman from behind.

He walked slowly, exuding amiability. Gradually, all eyes in the room converged on him, and the crowd swarmed around him.

The old man’s gaze settled on Lin Zhiyu.

Shen Yanli, utterly unbothered by the onlookers, took Lin Zhiyu’s hand and introduced her leisurely, “Grandfather, this is Lin Zhiyu.”

Shen Jun recognized her. “So you’re the young lady from the Lin family. Quite striking the Lins have raised you well.”

Lin Zhiyu hesitated, unsure how to address him Uncle or Father?

She poked his fingertip, seeking help.

Shen Yanli glanced down, noticing her dilemma, and replied calmly, “Call him Father.”

This address was enough to shock everyone present. The alliance between the Shen and Lin families through marriage was common knowledge, but hadn’t the wedding yet taken place?

This seemed a bit too rushed.

Shen Jun was equally taken aback.

Assistant Chen, who had been following along, stepped forward promptly and presented the marriage certificate.

The glaring red booklet was displayed before everyone.

“Wait, wasn’t the engagement banquet called off just yesterday? They’ve skipped straight to the finish line?”

“I can’t agree with this person’s way of doing things. If my family found out, they’d break my legs first thing.”

“Their marriage alliance was a foregone conclusion anyway. Whether they marry early or late, it’s bound to happen. The old master wouldn’t say anything about it.”

“It’s strange, though. Of all families to ally with, the Lin family… I’ve heard they’re on the verge of bankruptcy. How could the old master agree to a marriage alliance with them?”

“That’s a commitment from two generations ago. It was originally meant for the eldest son, but he’s no longer here. How could a family as prominent as ours renege on our word?”

“Just throw them a project or two to placate them. What’s the need to actually marry her? In my opinion, there must be more to this than meets the eye.”

Lin Zhiyu wore an equally stunned expression. She hadn’t expected Shen Yanli to announce this in front of so many people.

She forced a dry laugh and, with a subtle movement, poked his palm again. She shot him a glare before greeting Shen Jun, “Father.”

Shen Yanli tightened his grip on her mischievous hand, stroking the back of it with his thumb to soothe her.

But Lin Zhiyu wasn’t having it. She pushed against his palm with her fingertips, struggling free, and placed her hands in front of her, ignoring him.

The stares from all directions were no joke today, she was undoubtedly going to be the center of everyone’s conversations.

Shen Jun held the marriage certificate but didn’t open it. He rubbed it thoughtfully with his thumb, then nodded repeatedly. “Good, good, good. Seeing Yanli settle down has been my lifelong wish. Now that he has, I have no regrets in this life.”

He seemed genuinely pleased. Handing the marriage certificate back, he addressed the crowd.

“Come now, don’t just stand there. Everyone, take a seat. It’s perfect our Shen family has joyous news to share, so let’s all bask in it. Zhiyu, you come too. This is your home now; no need to stand on ceremony.”

Shen Yanli, composed as ever, took Lin Zhiyu’s hand again and led her to sit in the seat on the right.

Lin Zhiyu adhered to the principle of doing less to avoid mistakes, silently keeping her head down while eating. As long as the conversation didn’t involve her, she remained quiet.

Even so, she could faintly sense a lingering gaze fixed upon her.

This stare made her particularly uncomfortable.

She looked up and saw a young man with the appearance of a frivolous playboy directly opposite, staring intently at her.

Lin Zhiyu frowned.

The emotion in his gaze was ambiguous and unclear.

She didn’t like it.

The woman beside him noticed his unusual behavior and followed his line of sight to Lin Zhiyu.

Seeing it was a woman, she furrowed her brows and glared at her with a warning in her eyes, not looking away.

How absurd.

As expected, large families had plenty of neurotics.

Lin Zhiyu paid no attention and continued to lower her head, pretending to be an ostrich.

Dinner ended quickly. Shen Jun had chatted with great enthusiasm, but after all, he was getting older and didn’t have the energy he used to. He soon grew tired.

He motioned for Shen Yanli to help him upstairs.

Lin Zhiyu quickly grabbed his arm.

Don’t leave me alone here.

Shen Yanli had the same idea. He held Lin Zhiyu’s hand tightly, not letting go, and gestured for her to come upstairs with them.

But Shen Jun stopped her with a kind expression, “Zhizhi, why don’t you stay downstairs and chat with your aunts and uncles for a while?”

It was clear he wanted to speak with Shen Yanli alone.

Since he had said so, Lin Zhiyu couldn’t insist on following. She looked at Shen Yanli again with a plea for help, “What should I do?”

Shen Yanli squeezed her palm gently and whispered, “Don’t be afraid. Wait for me in the garden.”

Knowing she didn’t want to stay alone and face these people, he left Assistant Chen with her. “I won’t be long. Don’t go too far.”

If she couldn’t handle them, she could at least avoid them, right?

Lin Zhiyu nodded.

The garden was empty. Lin Zhiyu walked ahead, with Assistant Chen following behind her, maintaining a polite distance at all times.

With nothing else to do, Lin Zhiyu turned around, intending to ask Assistant Chen about Shen Yanli. “Chen ”

After all, a lasting relationship between husband and wife required mutual understanding.

Before she could finish her sentence, her words were interrupted by a phone call. Assistant Chen gave her an apologetic look before hurriedly answering the call.

“Okay, I understand. Please wait a moment.”

Beside the bushes was the swimming pool. Lin Zhiyu walked over and sat down on a step to wait for him.

When he ended the call, his expression was grave. After making another quick call, he came over to tell her, “Madam, Mr. Yan needs me to attend to something urgently. I’ve already called for bodyguards. Please stay here and don’t move. They’ll arrive shortly.”

Assistant Chen looked anxious, and Lin Zhiyu didn’t dare delay him. “Alright, go ahead quickly.”

Since the garden was empty anyway, she felt more at ease by herself.

After Assistant Chen left, Lin Zhiyu idly examined the swimming pool in front of her. The pool at the old mansion was very deep two meters high. If she fell in, she’d be done for.

Thinking of the classic plot twists in short dramas, Lin Zhiyu decided it was better to stay away from the pool!

Before she could move away, Lu Yuchen approached, a half-smoked cigarette pinched between his fingers.

Before he even got close, his voice reached her ears.

“What a coincidence, Auntie. Fancy meeting you here.”

His drawn-out, affected tone made Lin Zhiyu extremely uncomfortable. She first glanced back at the swimming pool and thought, Here it comes, just as expected.

She looked at the newcomer it was that frivolous young nobleman who had been sitting opposite her.

While everyone else was gathered happily in the main hall, he had specifically come out at this time, likely because he had something to say.

She remained expressionless as she watched him approach.

She wanted to see what kind of game he was playing.

Surely a grown man wouldn’t push her into the water, right?

Lu Yuchen strolled closer and, catching her off guard, lightly blew smoke into her face. Lin Zhiyu instinctively squeezed her eyes shut.

“Seriously, what’s wrong with you?”

Taking advantage of her reaction, he leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Little aunt, how about I tell you a shocking secret?”

Lin Zhiyu waved a hand to disperse the smoke.

Lu Yuchen bent lower, his voice dropping further. “Your husband ”

“Has no blood relation to our Shen family at all.”

Lin Zhiyu was too stunned to react immediately, turning her head sharply to stare at Lu Yuchen.

They were so close their breaths mingled; one more inch and her nose would touch his.

“Lu Yuchen!”

A sharp female voice cut in at the worst possible moment.

Before Lin Zhiyu could even look toward the sound

The next instant, the world spun.

Water rushed relentlessly into her nose and throat.

In her last moments of clarity, she swore inwardly: If she ever went near a swimming pool again, she’d be a dog!

Lu Yuchen stared incredulously at Ji Xianlin. “Have you lost your mind? Causing a death at the ancestral home?”

Ignoring the woman’s sobs, he moved to jump in but before he could act, a loud splash echoed.

Shen Yanli’s bodyguard had already plunged into the water.

When Lin Zhiyu opened her eyes again, she was cradled in Shen Yanli’s arms.

She stared fixedly at him.

So long that Shen Yanli began to wonder if the water had damaged her brain.

Finally, she murmured slowly, “Shen Yanli, if you’re not the male lead, why didn’t you say so earlier?”