My Wife Always Wants to Run Away - Chapter 9

Tang Jinzhi’s expression was dazed, as if she had misheard.

What do you mean, “go get our marriage certificate”?

Didn’t we already get it?

Mechanically, Tang Jinzhi turned to look at Jie Xiangyi, searching her face for any hint of a joke.

Knowing Tang Jinzhi wouldn’t believe her easily, Jie Xiangyi preemptively explained the situation.

Tang Jinzhi’s shock and confusion quickly morphed into an expression Jie Xiangyi couldn’t decipher—something complex and unreadable.

Even after entering the long-awaited home, Tang Jinzhi remained in a daze.

She had no interest in admiring the house she was about to live in.

Giving up on thinking, she retrieved her household registration booklet at Jie Xiangyi’s prompting.

It wasn’t until they were leaving again that Tang Jinzhi finally accepted the truth.

They really hadn’t gotten their marriage certificate yet…

Tang Jinzhi found it unbelievable.

She even doubted if the introduction she had read was accurate. But as soon as the thought surfaced, she froze.

Tang Jinzhi finally realized that Jie Xiangyi’s introduction had referred to her as a “marriage partner,” never explicitly stating she was her “wife.”

So, this certificate ultimately had to be obtained by Tang Jinzhi herself… personally.

Having never gotten married before, Tang Jinzhi felt like she was in a dream.

Her heart pounded with nervousness and anticipation as she stared blankly out the car window at the receding scenery.

She was really going to marry Jie Xiangyi.

But…

Tang Jinzhi tried to piece together the general plot.

The probability of her divorcing Jie Xiangyi in the future was a staggering ninety-nine percent.

Fifty percent of that was because she wasn’t the true marriage partner.

And the remaining forty-nine percent…

Tang Jinzhi had carefully researched Jie Xiangyi and the True Daughter’s identities. Both were doctors, and they were even sisters under the same mentor.

If this really was a novel, then these two…

Tang Jinzhi closed her eyes, afraid to think any further.

She had no desire to clash with the protagonist.

Moreover, Tang Jinzhi herself wanted a divorce. She had been thinking about it ever since she was in the hospital.

So even if the plot didn’t unfold as she expected, they would still end up divorcing.

Since they hadn’t gotten their marriage certificate yet, wouldn’t it be better to…

Tang Jinzhi glanced at Jie Xiangyi several times, desperately wanting to suggest they skip the certificate, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it. She had no idea how Jie Xiangyi felt about the matter.

Jie Xiangyi watched Tang Jinzhi’s movements with amusement, her thoughts practically written on her face.

After waiting a while for Tang Jinzhi to speak, Jie Xiangyi found the situation rather amusing.

She turned to face Tang Jinzhi directly, her gaze open and direct.

“What are you thinking about?”

Tang Jinzhi hesitated, weighing her words carefully before finally asking the question that had been nagging at her: “Why did you agree to this marriage?”

Jie Xiangyi was taken aback. She had expected Tang Jinzhi to ask directly if she could avoid going.

Lost in thought for a moment, Jie Xiangyi paused for two seconds, until Tang Jinzhi began to wonder if her question had been too intrusive. Finally, she spoke, “If I could, I would want to be alone forever.”

Jie Xiangyi offered no further explanation.

But Tang Jinzhi understood immediately: Jie Xiangyi also didn’t want to get married!

Tang Jinzhi suddenly felt that her plan had a chance.

Just as she was about to suggest turning back, Jie Xiangyi unexpectedly added, “But if that’s not possible, it doesn’t matter to me. I’ll just adapt.”

Tang Jinzhi’s breath caught in her throat.

Seeing Jie Xiangyi’s indifferent demeanor, she suddenly felt uncertain again.

It seemed less like Jie Xiangyi was being forced into the marriage and more like she was resigned to it.

Tang Jinzhi couldn’t help but retort, “If you don’t like it, just refuse!”

Jie Xiangyi gave her a helpless look. This wasn’t about whether she liked it or not. News of their marriage registration had been circulating for over ten days; there was no turning back now.

Jie Xiangyi laid it out plainly: “In everyone’s eyes, we’re already married. We have to get the certificate.”

She added, “We have no chance of getting away with this.”

Tang Jinzhi’s restless heart was completely subdued.

Jie Xiangyi was right. She couldn’t underestimate the caution of capitalists; their methods and intelligence networks were remarkably far-reaching.

Though she didn’t understand the purpose of her marriage to Jie Xiangyi, she knew it must serve some purpose. Her ignorance stemmed from her lack of understanding of the business world.

But Tang Jinzhi had no interest in learning. She preferred earning a modest living and living a peaceful life over navigating the convoluted circles of high finance to amass great wealth.

“Alright, let’s get the marriage certificate. After all, I’m the one benefiting here.” Her wife was exceptional, beautiful, and, oh, incredibly wealthy.

Tang Jinzhi quickly smiled, accepting what she couldn’t change.

After all, she had initially believed she and Jie Xiangyi were already married. Now she was simply readjusting to that reality.

Jie Xiangyi: “So you think I’m the one losing out?”

Tang Jinzhi nodded vigorously. “I’m poor! I’m even living in your house.”

The only thing she had that rivaled Jie Xiangyi was her looks, but looks can’t put food on the table.

So Jie Xiangyi was clearly at a disadvantage.

Jie Xiangyi shook her head. “The house isn’t mine. It was a gift to us. I didn’t pay for it.”

Tang Jinzhi was stunned. Is this for real?

After a moment’s thought, it didn’t seem so strange. Just a house—a mere drop in the bucket for someone like her.

Suddenly, Tang Jinzhi’s mind raced. She realized she’d been too conservative before. If it was just a drop in the bucket, why would they only give one or two drops?

Nervously but eagerly, she asked, “Is there more?”

Jie Xiangyi nodded. “We have several apartments and villas, and quite a few cars, though they’re not here. There are also some other things I’ll tell you about when we get back.”

Tang Jinzhi was stunned. This is what a real wealthy family is like!

Her perspective instantly broadened. She took a deep breath and, without hesitation, turned to the driver and said, “Please hurry, we’re in a rush!”

Marriage! We have to get married!

Even if we divorce later, I’ll at least get to enjoy the good life for a while first!

I’ve suffered enough!

Jie Xiangyi’s lips twitched, and she couldn’t help but smile when Tang Jinzhi glanced her way.

Good, she’s being practical.

Tang Jinzhi stared intently at the navigation app on the driver’s phone, her heart racing.

She even started worrying about whether there might be a long line when they arrived, and if they’d miss their appointment.

Jie Xiangyi pressed her forehead, exasperated. Tang Jinzhi had been reluctant just moments ago, but now she looked utterly pathetic. So, I’m not even worth a few houses and cars?

Am I not worth more than that?

Jie Xiangyi quickly silenced her own thoughts, finding them absurd. Why am I even trying to assess my own worth?

At the Civil Affairs Bureau, the entire process moved swiftly.

Tang Jinzhi tugged at her shirt collar, her gaze falling to the red-backed photo in her hand. Her heart was far from the calm she projected.

Only when the official stamp was pressed did Tang Jinzhi’s taut nerves finally loosen slightly, but her heart only grew more chaotic.

Her hand trembled as she accepted the marriage certificate.

Jie Xiangyi pretended not to notice, her own emotions a tangled mess, though she quickly regained her composure.

It’s already decided. We have the certificate now. I just need to accept it.

Both marriage certificates remained in Tang Jinzhi’s hands. Jie Xiangyi made no move to take one, nor did she interrupt Tang Jinzhi’s moment of reflection. Instead, she quietly ordered a taxi on her phone.

Tang Jinzhi’s gaze remained fixed on the marriage certificate. In the photo, they were pressed close together, looking far more affectionate than they did now, standing in awkward silence.

I’m really married.

Tang Jinzhi patted her cheeks and turned to look at Jie Xiangyi. She hadn’t felt anything about their being married before, but now…

Sensing Tang Jinzhi’s gaze, Jie Xiangyi let her look for a moment before turning her head. She handed her phone to Tang Jinzhi, saying casually, “The car will be here in two minutes. Should we head out?”

Tang Jinzhi’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, and Jie Xiangyi’s presence suddenly felt more real to her.

“Okay,” she replied.

She handed the marriage certificate to Jie Xiangyi. “Put it in your bag for now. We’ll find a place for it when we get home.”

Jie Xiangyi nodded and took the certificate, finally getting a chance to open it. But after a quick glance, she awkwardly closed it again, feeling like the certificate was strangely hot to the touch.

With everything settled, Tang Jinzhi returned home and stopped dwelling on the matter. She finally took the time to properly examine the house.

The three-bedroom, two-living-room apartment had been purchased near the hospital to accommodate Jie Xiangyi’s work. It was similar to an average family home, but the decor clearly showed the work of a professional design team.

Tang Jinzhi circled the apartment and returned to the living room, her expression deeply complex.

There were three rooms: a study, a master bedroom, and a guest bedroom.

The guest bedroom was completely empty.

Tang Jinzhi’s expression was more serious than ever as she finally began to consider how she should live here.

Jie Xiangyi hung up the phone and leaned back on the sofa, beckoning Tang Jinzhi over.

“Your mother just called to ask about you,” she said.

Tang Jinzhi froze, then walked over and sat beside Jie Xiangyi, feigning innocence. “What mother?”

Jie Xiangyi choked. “…Your biological mother.”

Tang Jinzhi nodded calmly. “Why is she suddenly interested in me?”

Tang Wan had divorced and moved abroad shortly after Tang Jinzhi’s birth, only returning in recent years. They had never met.

Her father, Xu Zhouci, had remarried and had children. Tang Jinzhi lived with them, but she felt like an outsider.

Jie Xiangyi summarized the call: “She accused you of being rude, saying you haven’t replied to her messages for days, and demanded to know what was going on.”

They had only just married, a time when they should be getting to know each other.

Yet Tang Jinzhi’s mother had the audacity to call and criticize her so openly.

This greatly displeased Jie Xiangyi.

Did she look like someone who could be easily manipulated?

Tang Jinzhi let out a soft “Ah,” handed over her phone, and said casually, “There are so many messages. Which one is hers?”

She had barely used this account, preferring her work account where she diligently handled the original owner’s work messages every day.

But why hadn’t Tang Wan just called her directly?

Could she have been blocked?

Jie Xiangyi glanced at the screen filled with various contact names, paused for two seconds, and pushed the phone back.

“I’ll just forward it to you.”

“Okay, but can we ignore her for now? I need to discuss something with you.”

“What is it?”

Tang Jinzhi cleared her throat, met Jie Xiangyi’s gaze, and forced herself to say, “My sleep schedule is a bit irregular. I’m worried my late-night work might disturb your sleep. Would you mind if I slept in the guest room?”

She felt awkward after saying this, too embarrassed to even look at Jie Xiangyi.

But the next moment, she saw Jie Xiangyi stand up from the sofa.

And start rolling up her sleeves.

Jie Xiangyi: “I’ll go help you tidy up the room.”