Starting a new chapter in life

Zhizhi… “Did I say I wanted to marry you?”

"You mentioned that your mother once asked you to bring your future spouse home to meet your parents, so here I am." The man, quite shameless, turned to the two stunned people and gave them a polite smile.

"Hello, Uncle and Aunt. My name is Cheng Heng. You can call me Xiao Heng. I currently work at Chunhui Trading. This is my private property, and I can transfer it all to Zhizhi before the marriage. Please give your consent to our marriage."

Now it was Jingyan and He Zhijun's turn to be speechless. Was this guy really that outgoing?

Jingyan coughed lightly to clear her dry throat: "Um, I heard from Zhizhi that you two were just dating, and that you didn't intend to get married. Why did you suddenly change your mind?"

Cheng Heng's eyes widened: "I haven't changed my mind. It's true that we can't get married when our relationship is unstable, but now that our relationship is very stable, of course we should take the next step."

I know Zhizhi is busy with work. If she finds the wedding arrangements too complicated, she can leave them all to me. She just needs to attend the wedding. Don't worry, I will make sure she doesn't suffer any inconvenience, and the wedding preparations will be handled meticulously.

Zhizhi couldn't hold back any longer. She pulled him over and growled, "That's not what you told me. You said you weren't planning to get married, that we were just dating."

Cheng Heng smiled and said, "Yes, I said that, but if I hadn't said it, would you have been willing to come to me? Before I pursued you, I did some research. There were quite a few people who pursued you before, but you rejected them all because you didn't want to get married."

I don't know why, but I like you, so I want to find a way to stay by your side. You don't want to get married, so I'll be a non-marriage advocate, as long as you don't think I'm a jerk. I was just testing the waters back then, but I didn't expect to actually win you over.

I wasn't originally in such a hurry, but you haven't talked to me much for three days now. I think to avoid any unforeseen circumstances, it's best to formalize our relationship. That's why I came to meet your parents without your consent. You won't blame me, will you?

Zhizhi...

"Is it true that your father abandoned his wife and children but then found you again?" Jingyan was genuinely curious.

Cheng Heng smiled and said, "Everything I told Zhizhi about the past is true. I really hadn't considered relationships before, but after meeting Zhizhi, I was attracted by her fierce and aggressive way of beating people up. I felt she was very genuine."

I saw her a few more times after that. She seemed like a little sun, drawing my attention. I'm not one to hesitate, so once I knew I liked her, I decided to pursue her.

After asking around about Zhizhi's past, I realized that she wasn't the type to fall in love quickly. She was better suited to a slow and steady approach. Knowing that she didn't want to get married, it was better to stay by her side for now.

As it turns out, my decision was right. I'm the only person in all these years who has truly gotten close to her and had a formal relationship with her. Auntie, Uncle, I'm serious about Zhizhi and hope to spend the rest of my life with her.

Jingyan looked at He Zhijun, who smiled and said, "Zhizhi's lack of interest in marriage is probably related to her family background. My relationship with her mother is that I only work, and the household expenses and savings mainly come from what she earned selling food in her younger years."

According to your current assessment, I'm practically a gigolo. I don't do much housework, but I'm willing to. Zhizhi has witnessed our relationship since she was little.

I think she probably doesn't believe she can find someone who is compatible with her, willing to accept and appreciate all her shortcomings. "Better to have none than a bad one" is a tradition in my family.

Since you've spent enough time with her, you should know that she's not someone who likes a comfortable life; she's ambitious and has aspirations. A girl like that will inevitably pay less attention to family matters.

However, most families still restrict women by requiring them to stay at home, which conflicts with their aspirations and understanding.

Since you two aren't actually married, you need to understand that love and marriage are two different concepts. Love only requires feelings; nothing else matters.

But marriage requires compromise and tolerance from both sides. Managing a marriage is no simpler than running a company. Are you truly prepared?

Cheng Heng nodded seriously: "I understand what you mean, Uncle. I'm actually quite busy with work, so things like cleaning, cooking, and taking care of the kids at home can be left to the nanny."

My stepmother doesn't do anything at home, but she still employs two nannies to take care of the family's daily needs. I don't think that's a problem.

It's a good thing that she's ambitious. Having goals means she won't have time to overthink things. Most of the marital problems I see around me stem from one partner being too idle and prone to overthinking, which leads to a breakdown in trust and ultimately, marital failure.

I understand the nature of Zhizhi's work, and I won't overthink things just because she talks to a few men. I'm confident; I'm so outstanding—in terms of looks, figure, temperament, ability, and eloquence—there aren't many people who can surpass me in every aspect.

Of course, there are definitely people who are better than me in individual areas, but overall, I am definitely the best match for her.

He Zhijun chuckled: "You're quite confident."

Cheng Heng smiled and said, "If I weren't confident enough, I wouldn't dare to offer myself as a bedmate."

Zhizhi...

Jingyan pulled Zhizhi into the house: "What are your true feelings for him? Do you really like him?"

Zhizhi nodded: "He's great in every way. I really don't dislike him. I'm disgusted when other people get close to me, but I want to get close to him. Otherwise, I wouldn't have agreed as soon as he mentioned him. I'm not that open-minded."

“If you like each other, there’s nothing wrong with getting married. If you’re compatible, stay together; if you’re not, separate. If you’re compatible now, get married. If you have children, have them. If one day you both change and are unhappy, then separate. Your own happiness and contentment are the most important things,” Jingyan advised.

"Does Mom also think he's a good person?"

Jingyan shook her head: "I'm not good at judging people, and I don't understand smart people. I think he's good-looking and has a good figure. Just in terms of appearance, my daughter is not at a disadvantage. He can make money, and at least he won't covet what you make. So, it seems okay."

Zhizhi smiled: "Mom, every time we talk, you can always explain your own reasoning behind your selfish and indifferent words. I finally understand why, all these years, no temptation from the outside world has been able to attract Dad."

Jing Yan asked in confusion, "Why? How come I didn't know anything about this?"

"Because Mom's heart has always been free, and Dad can't control you, so he can only revolve around you. Perhaps in your marriage, Dad is more afraid of encountering setbacks than you. This is something I should learn from."

Zhizhi sighed. Now that she's grown up, she understands why so many people love her mother. There is enthusiasm, but more importantly, there is a sense of freedom. People always seek what they lack, but her mother cherishes what she has.

Jing Yan shook her head: "I'm not as good as you say. I just always think about the worst-case scenario. If I can handle it, then there's nothing to be afraid of."

You can also try this: think about the worst possible outcome, and whether you can accept it. If you can, then don't be afraid, and keep going. If you can't, then give up. Nothing in this world is difficult if you're willing to let go.

Zhizhi burst out laughing at Kele, "Mom, you're so funny. He is a good person, but he schemed against me for two years, and I still feel resentful."

Jingyan patted her shoulder: "Don't let competitiveness cause you to miss out on true feelings. I believe my daughter can handle it. Once you've made a decision, just let us know. If you need any help, just say so. You are my most beloved daughter, so don't be shy with your parents."

Zhizhi nodded: "Mom, don't worry, I won't hesitate to ask you for anything."

Since they had come, it wouldn't be right not to offer them a meal. He Zhijun picked and washed the vegetables, while Jing Yan cooked. They worked together very well. Cheng Heng also wanted to show off, but when he entered the kitchen, he realized that he had no experience and that his meddling was more of a hindrance than a help. So he could only leave dejectedly.

After changing her clothes and washing up, Zhizhi came out and saw him wandering around the living room, looking for something to do. She said, "Don't wander around. My dad does all the cleaning in the house. You don't need to do anything. In my house, just be yourself. Don't pretend. You can't pretend forever."

Cheng Heng... "Your dad has always done the housework at home? Then I'll go back and learn from the housekeeper, and I'll do the housework from now on."

Zhizhi laughed: "Didn't we say we'd hire a housekeeper? We already have hourly cleaners at home, so we just keep it as it is. I'm not a clean freak. Before, when my dad was at work, my mom did most of the housework."

Back then, Aunt Wang helped out at home. After she left, my dad had more to do. In life, mutual understanding is the key.

Cheng Heng asked in surprise, "You're willing to marry me?"

Zhizhi glared at him: "You've been playing games with me for two years, and I'm not stubborn. We're getting along pretty well now, so there's nothing wrong with legalizing it. But let's get this straight up beforehand..."

If one day we grow tired and weary, let's not force ourselves to stay together to maintain some image. At that point, it's best to part ways; at least we won't become a resentful couple.

Cheng Heng hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "Okay, when are we going to get our marriage certificate? What month do you want the wedding to be in? What kind of wedding do you want? Western style, Chinese style? Beach wedding or garden wedding?"

Zhizhi... "Let's go with a Chinese style. I want the phoenix coronet and embroidered robe style. It doesn't need to be too grand, as that would be a waste of manpower and resources. Just invite close friends and family. I should have some free time around October next year, so let's set the wedding date for that time."

Cheng Heng had no problem with it: "Then let's go back and get our marriage certificate first, okay? Let's go buy wedding rings first, no matter what, let's settle our status first."

Zhizhi was exhausted: "You can handle it as you see fit."

The meal was incredibly pleasant, with Cheng Heng smiling throughout and attentively serving food to Zhizhi. After the meal, he even took the initiative to clean up the kitchen, and Jing Yan didn't stop him. She wasn't allowed to do housework now, and she knew he would be even less likely to do it after marriage, so she let him do as he pleased.

After they finished packing, Cheng Heng and Zhizhi left together. Watching their backs, Jing Yan felt very gratified: "Zhizhi's future is settled. Now, I really have nothing to worry about."

He Zhijun chuckled: "I thought you really didn't care whether Zhizhi got married or not."

Jingyan pinched the soft flesh on his waist and said reproachfully, "I just don't want her to get married just for the sake of getting married, but if she really meets the right person, I naturally still hope that her marriage will be happy."

At the end of the year, the family went to Chen Bin's wedding. They were seated quite close to the front, right next to the main table. Coincidentally, Chu Han attended with his fiancée, Zhizhi attended with Cheng Heng, An An and Fu Zixu, He Zhijun and Jing Yan, and Chu Han's parents were also at the same table.

Chu Han felt a little awkward when he saw Cheng Heng, and looked at Zhizhi and said, "Anzhi, aren't you going to introduce him?"

Zhizhi generously introduced, "Cheng Heng, this is my husband. We're registered, but the wedding hasn't been held yet. It's expected to be around October next year. If you don't have any filming commitments, please come and attend. I'm planning a traditional Chinese wedding, the kind with phoenix coronet and embroidered robes."

By the way, I might not be able to make it back for your wedding next May. I'll try my best, but if I can't, my parents will bring my share of the wedding gift. Don't blame me then.

Chu Han frowned: "Are you in such a rush?"

Zhizhi nodded: "My brother treats me like a slave, and my job has been scheduled for next year."

An'an interjected, "I didn't want to give you so much work, but our company doesn't have enough directors. You're my sister, so it's only right that I exploit you. Don't forget, you're also a part of this company."

Zhizhi rolled her eyes without any regard for her image: "Hehe~"

Cheng Heng smiled and held her hand: "I can visit the set when I have time."

Zhizhi nodded: "Okay, don't forget to bring lots of delicious food."

Watching the interaction between the two, Chu Han felt a pang of disappointment. He had long known he had no chance, but seeing her with a partner still left him with a bitter taste in his mouth.

He turned to look at his fiancée beside him, suppressing the bittersweet feeling, and reached out to take her hand: "How about you come visit me on set after I join the crew?"

His fiancée smiled gently: "Okay, I'll make some soup at home and bring it to you."

Chu Han's parents looked at Zhizhi and Cheng Heng for a while before speaking: "You, are you from the Cheng family? The Cheng family has gone abroad, and you're managing the company now?"

Cheng Heng nodded and smiled politely: "Hello, Uncle and Aunt, do you know my dad?"

Chu Han's father smiled kindly: "Old Cheng and I are old acquaintances, and our two companies have even collaborated. I never expected that we would be so destined. Director He and my Chu Han were college classmates and are now colleagues in the same company. You two are a couple, so your fate is quite deep."

Cheng Heng smiled and said, "Yes, our two families can cooperate more deeply in the future, since we are all acquaintances."

After a few words of commercial praise, that was about it. Then the wedding ceremony officially began. Looking at the newlyweds gazing at each other with eyes full of love, Zhizhi complained to Cheng Heng, "Look at Chen Bin, he's so worthless. His eyes are practically welded to the bride. He'll definitely be henpecked from now on."

Cheng Heng looked at her and smiled: "Yeah, I'm henpecked. I'll be too from now on."

Zhizhi realized what he had said, glared at him, and squeezed his hand: "Tune in, don't be reckless."