Received A Wife From The Civil Affairs Bureau Ch.4

Shen Yumo tilted her head and pondered for a while: “I was just too impulsive this time, so I think it would be for the best if neither of us mention this ‘marriage’ ever again. Then we’ll divorce after one year.” 

This year marked the third year anniversary for the legalization of same-sex marriage. So in order to protect the legitimate rights and interests of homosexuals, one may divorce one year after the marriage. 

However Jiang Ziquan was unwilling to divorce. She had spent so much effort to obtain this marriage certificate, so why would she want to give up their marriage? 

Thinking quickly, she muttered to herself before saying, “Yumo, as adults I think we should take responsibility for our actions. By now my mother must’ve been informed about our marriage and your parents have been as well, so for their sakes, we should treat this like a proper marriage. Otherwise, think of the pain both our parents will feel. Furthermore, I’m single and live alone, so it’ll be easy for us to move in together.” 

She had just said whatever came to mind, but Jiang Ziquan herself knew that she had just rambled off and made absolutely no sense. However, she didn’t know what else to do as she nervously gripped the steering wheel. 

Shen Yumo glanced at Jiang Ziquan with suspicion. She wasn’t stupid and she understood that Jiang Ziquan was most likely trying to trick her again, but Jiagn Ziquan’s words wre somewhat resonable. 

Due to this absurd marriage, their parents would have become affected as well. 

“Other than the part about moving in, I’ll agree to treat this like a proper marriage.”

Jiang Ziquan felt her heart ache as the most important part of her plan was rejected, but at least they had made some progress, so it was better to retreat for now before bringing it back up again. 

As she continued to drive, Jiang Ziquan felt like she vaguely recognized the area. Suddenly, she remembered that her friend, Lin Cuo, lived over here. She remembered Lin Cuo telling her that their house was getting demolished soon. With this thought, Jiang Ziquan formed another plan in her head. 

“Yumo, is your building within the area that’s about to be demolished?” Jiang Ziquan glanced at the street sign. If she was correct, this should be the older part of town, it’s roads were broken and it’s houses slightly worn down. 

“Eh, it will be demolished this December.” Shen Yumo didn’t know why Jiang Ziquan mentioned this, but this caused her to remember Chen Ruoguang. She had received monetary gifts from Chen Ruoguang to help her out with this dilemma, but now she had to return it to him. Thinking back to what Chen Ruoguang had said earlier, she felt a little angry. 

As Shen Yumo’s expression darkened, Jiang Ziquan thought she had said something she shouldn’t have. So, she didn’t dare to talk anymore and focused on driving. 

Shen Yumo’s building was in a relatively remote place and in the southern part of the city. Jiang Ziquan rarely drove to this part of the city. She only visited Lin Duo’s house two or three times because it was just too far.

Yet, the environment here was actually quite nice and peaceful. It reminded her of Shen Yumo, warm and gentle. The traffic wasn’t that bad here too, even though it was rush hour.

Jiang Ziquan’s heart seemed to have calmed down, and she unconsciously slowed down her driving so she could enjoy the cozy scenery. 

They arrived at the building’s parking lot and Jiang Ziquan squinted as she glanced up at the old building. It had 15 floors, Shen Yumo’s apartment was on the 12th floor, but Jiang Ziquan felt queasy at the thought. She disliked the elevators, especially the claustrophobic feeling they gave her whenever she used one.

Shen Yumo stepped out of the car and patiently waited for her. 

According to the traditional customs, as the side proposing the marriage, Jiang Ziquan had to meet her parents. Since she agreed to Jiang Ziquan’s earlier plan, she naturally had to follow through with it. 

Seeing Shen Yumo wait for her, Jiang Ziquan was secretly happy in her heart as she followed behind. 

Nearby, a few relatives had also arrived, some carrying gifts. This made Jiang Ziquan realize something. How could I forget? I’m seeing my in-laws for the first time, naturally I must provide gifts.

“Yumo, wait here for second.”

After this one sentence, Jiang Ziquan ran back to the car. If she remembered correctly, there should still be some wedding gifts that were for her brother in the trunk. Opening it, she indeed saw a bunch of gifts laying there. 

However, Jiang Ziquan was only able to carry a few with her, including some wine, skin care products, and other health products. 

Jiang Ziquan had originally bought the skin care product for her sister-in-law and it cost her about two months worth of her salary. With how expensive it was, it was guaranteed to make her new mother-in-law happy. 

Shen Yumo watched Jiang Ziquan stumble over with a pile of things, and hurried forward to help her. 

Jiang Ziquan stopped her: “Don’t worry, I can carry these little things by myself.”

She wanted to show her in-laws that she was truly serious about marrying their daughter, so she insisted on personally carrying them in herself. 

“Isn’t this a little much?” Shen Yumo ignored Jiang Ziquan’s stubbornness and ended up helping to carry some of the marriage gifts. Although bringing gifts was a custom, this was a little too much because there would be a later date specifically set aside for exchanging the big gifts. 

Seeing Shen Yumo being this stubborn, Jiagn Zhiquan could only pout: “Some of the ones in the car were too heavy, so I could only carry these little trinkets.”

Shen Yumo helplessly glanced at her and then stepped into the elevator. 

The moment she stepped into the elevator, Jiang Ziquan became a sleeping tiger. She stood quietly in the corner, looking extremely uncomfortable. 

Fortunately there weren’t too many people in the elevator and they arrived on their floor quickly. 

Jiang Ziquan had to take several deep breaths before she felt at ease again. 

However, she was about to meet her in-laws, so she couldn’t help but be a little nervous. She tightened her grip on the gifts and then glanced at Shen Yumo who had no expression on her pretty face. 

To be able to raise a daughter with such a good temperament, they must be incredible parents. 

In front of the door, Shen Yumo took out a silver key and the door opened with a satisfying click.

“Yumo, you’ve returned.” The moment the door opened, they could hear Shen Yumo’s mother followed by the sound of slippers shuffling against the hardwood floor. Although the voice sounded apprehensive and full of expectation, there was no trace of anger. 

Before Jiang Ziquan could walk in, her mother-in-law had appeared. She hurriedly took out a gift: “Greetings mother-in-law, I am Jiang Ziquan.”

Her entire face was flushed red. 

Shen Yumo looked strangely at Jiang Ziquan. This person had assumed her role a little too quickly. 

Mrs. Shen felt a little embarrassed, after all this was her first time meeting Jiang Ziquan, but nonetheless invited her in. Although she looked a bit like those homewreckers in a TV Drama, Jiang Ziquan was quite pretty.

Jiang Ziquan had no idea that her mother-in-law’s first impression of her was that of a good-looking homewrecker. 

Mrs. Shen glanced at her daughter, then accepted the gift before speaking nervously, “L-little Jiang, quickly come in.”

“Thank you Mrs. Shen.” Jiang Ziquan nodded and entered Shen Yumo’s home. She had thought her mother-in-law would try to beat her up, but this Mrs. Shen wasn’t even angry! Maybe it was because of an occupational disease or something (TN: disease or disorder that is caused by the work or working conditions; Jiang Ziquan probably assumed that she was too tired because of work or something).

Jiang Ziquan looked around at the interior decorations. It was decorated in a traditional style reminiscent of Ancient Chinese courtyards, with a scroll hanging in the middle that said: “Obey one’s destiny.” Even the furniture had classical, yet olden feel about it, and there were numerous drawings of the Yin-Yang symbol pasted on the walls. 

It was not difficult to tell that the original designer of the house was obsessed with ancient Chinese culture. Every corner showed off the designer’s skills and as someone with a similar hobby, she thought the designer must have been a skilled one.

“Little Jiang, have a seat.” Mrs. Shen set the gifts down and then pushed Jiang Ziquan to sit down next to Shen Yumo. 

On the dining table were some home-cooked dishes and a bottle of wine. Maybe it was because it was prepared for Chen Ruoguang, the wine didn’t look cheap. 

Seeing that the atmosphere was a little awkward, Mrs. Shen poured a glass of water and handed it to Jiang Ziquan, “Mr. Shen is out on a walk, he should be back soon.”

“Thanks.”

Shen Yumo looked worried, “Is father feeling better today?”

Mrs. Shen looked at Jiang Ziquan before she replied, “En, he was feeling a lot better in the afternoon.” Other than the pink highlights in her hair and her choice of clothing, Mrs. Shen felt that after taking a closer look, this Jiang Ziquan was really not bad. 

“Is Mr. Shen feeling uncomfortable?” Hearing all this, Jiang Ziquan felt that it would be better if she asked honestly. Who knows, maybe she could help. 

“It’s an old illness, nothing to worry about.” Mrs. Shen looked a little apologetic as she replied a little too fast. 

Jiang Ziquan didn’t understand what was going on and secretly looked over at Shen Yumo. Compared to her mother, Shen Yumo was more calm. 

Click. 

As soon as the door rang, Mrs. Shen stood up in a hurry, her eyes full of smiles: “Mr. Shen has returned.” 

Jiang Ziquan also stood up, feeling a little bit more nervous now.

Shen Shizong had seen the extra coat on the rack and knew that her daughter returned, most likely with her marriage partner as well. This caused him to sigh softly. 

Mrs. Shen gave him a rebuking look: “Are you feeling better?”

“Much better.”

Shen Shizhong’s voice was clear and powerful, and didn’t sound like someone with a chronic illness. He glanced at his wife, then walked in by himself.

Shen Shizhong was very thin overall, you could see the bones protruding from his frame. His hair was completely white and his eyes were sunken. Standing next to Mrs. Shen he looked 10 years older than his spouse. 

Jiang Ziquan felt a little shocked looking at the pair. Maybe she’s his second wife or something.

“Hello, Mr. Shen.” said Jiang Ziquan. 

“Hello.”

Seeing his response, Jiang Ziquan couldn’t help but smile. They weren’t angry, so did that mean they agreed with this marriage?

Were all parents nowadays this open minded?

Then thinking about her own mother, she realized it wasn’t that rare.

Shen Yumo frowned slightly and said in a worrying tone, “Dad, it’s cold outside and the air is not good, so it’ll be better if you stay at home to rest.”

Shen Shizong waved his hand in an unconcerned manner and had Mrs. Shen pour him a glass of wine. 

Mrs. Shen also poured a glass for Jiang Ziquan, held out the glass but then paused. Jiang Ziquan looked around the same age as her daughter, so she didn’t know if Jiang Ziquan could handle such a strong wine. 

“Thank you, Mrs. Shen.” Jiang Ziquan didn’t want to leave Mrs. Shen in an awkward situation and accepted the glass. She knew how to calmly diffuse situations like these, for how else would she be able to successfully manage a hot pot restaurant? 

Both Mr. Shen and Mrs. Shen smiled as they felt this girl was quite smart at reading the situation. 

Mr. Shen took a sip and turned to Jiang Ziquan: “What do you do for a living?”

Jiang Ziquan felt embarrassed as she scratched her neck. It seemed like the first round of questioning the new daughter-in-law had begun, “I studied interior design in college and I usually help design a few of my friend’s houses. I also own a hot pot restaurant that I manage when I’m not busy.” 

“Not bad.” Mr. Shen praised, he liked these types of people who weren’t too greedy about money but also knew how to make money when needed to.

Jiang Ziquan smiled at the praise, although she would’ve been happier if it had come from Shen Yumo’s mouth.

---

< Previous |TOC | Next>