She Gently Grazed His Lips
It was just a brief, fleeting kiss, yet Zhou Sujin’s presence seemed to dominate the entire space, leaving her breathless as if he had stolen the air around them.
When he pulled away, Wei Lai opened her eyes, but her hand was still clinging to his suit jacket.
Someone in the audience started to cheer, and Lu An, eager to join the fun, chimed in, encouraging them to kiss again.
Sitting next to him, Zhou Jiaye quietly reminded, “Why are you egging too? Zhou Sujin might not recognize most voices, but yours? He could pick it out even with a voice changer.”
Lu An glanced up at the stage. “I’m not afraid of him anymore.”
“Oh, you’ve grown up?”
“… That’s not it. What do you mean, ‘grown up’?”
Lu An’s best trait was that he was very self-aware. He laughed as he said, “It’s not about growing up. The thing is, whatever little personal time he has now goes to Wei Lai, so he doesn’t have the time to scold me anymore.”
Zhou Sujin naturally ignored the voices from the audience. Wei Lai still hadn’t let go of his suit, so he kept holding her, giving her time to regain her composure.
Her breath got messed up earlier, so she was now trying to steady herself.
From the moment he kissed her to the teasing from the audience, only twenty or thirty seconds had passed. But standing on stage, under the gaze of countless eyes, each second felt like an eternity.
It seemed as though two or three minutes had gone by.
Zhou Sujin looked down at the woman in his arms before leaning in once more, this time kissing her temple. As he did, he whispered in her ear, “Let go of my suit. You can clutch on to it again later if you want.” His tone was gentle, almost coaxing.
His warm breath brushed against her ear, sending a tingling sensation down her spine.
Wei Lai responded with an “En,” and released her grip. Before leaving his embrace, she wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him briefly, wrapping up the kissing segment.
Their coordination was seamless, everything appearing so natural that no one could tell there was any unfamiliarity between them.
After that kiss by her temple, Lu An in the audience took credit, “See? It’s all thanks to my cheering.”
Zhou Jiaye didn’t correct him, thinking to himself that it was only because Wei Lai was clutching onto a certain someone’s suit jacket.
Today, Mu Di was also in attendance, accompanying her dad and seated at the table diagonally behind Lu An.
Her dad patted the back of her hand, and Mu Di understood his meaning. The better the relationship between Wei Lai and Zhou Sujin, the more stable her own future with Zhang Yanxin would be.
She whispered to her dad, “Zhang Yanxin’s dad doesn’t want Wei Lai to marry Zhou Sujin.”
This was because, once they were married, Zhou Sujin might reduce his investment in Ximing Semiconductor, something Zhang Yanxin’s dad wasn’t eager to see happen.
People were inherently selfish. Papa Mu was only concerned about whether his daughter would have a comfortable life after marriage; the financial interests of his son-in-law’s family were of no concern to him.
If his son-in-law’s family was too powerful, it might not necessarily be good for his daughter. Without capital backing from Beijing, his son-in-law might even maintain a lower profile.
Just moments ago when Zhou Sujin kissed Wei Lai, Mu Di had recorded the entire scene. She sent the clip to Zhang Yanxin with a message, “They’re not like what the rumors say, that it’s just a marriage of convenience. Judging by how they are today, there are feelings. Wei Lai is doing well, so you can stop feeling guilty about her.“
The last part was meant to needle Zhang Yanxin.
She then added, “Keep giving her the compensation you owe her. I have no objections.“
Zhang Yanxin, thinking it was a clip of the vow exchange, opened it without hesitation.
As the scene played and he saw the moment when Wei Lai actively hugged Zhou Sujin, a sharp pain shot through his heart.
He quickly closed the clip and deleted it.
Mu Di had deliberately sent the video to upset him, but instead of reacting angrily, he transferred her 20,000 RMB with the message, “Thanks for the effort.“
Seeing the transfer, Mu Di’s emotions momentarily got the better of her, and she instinctively bit her lip.
Suddenly aware that she was in a public setting, she quickly composed herself and grabbed her purse before leaving the venue to touch up on her makeup in the restroom, worried that lipstick had stained her teeth.
Once she reached the restroom, she finally found some peace and quiet.
The lively atmosphere inside the venue continued.
Wei Lai changed into her third gown and joined Zhou Sujin for the toasts.
He didn’t let her drink alcohol, handing her a glass of sparkling water instead.
After the stage ceremony, she went backstage to change. The makeup artist remarked that her ears were flushed like peach blossoms in early spring, a pale pink tinged with deep red.
So, they restyled her hair, letting it fall loosely down.
After making the rounds for toasts, she changed into her fifth gown. The only thing that remained unchanged was her hairstyle.
She couldn’t help but wonder when she would develop the kind of composure Zhou Sujin had, where even if a mountain collapsed in front of him, he wouldn’t bat an eye.
After finishing the toasts, she went to change into the final gown.
The makeup artist commented, “This one isn’t suited for your hair to be down.”
Standing in front of the mirror, Wei Lai lifted her long hair. The redness in her ears had mostly faded, barely noticeable unless you looked closely. During the kissing segment, when Zhou Sujin had whispered to her, his lips brushed against her earlobe.
Her ears were the most sensitive for her, otherwise, it wouldn’t have turned so red.
Zhou Sujin stood at the doorway of the dressing room, waiting for her. His glass was empty, so he placed it on a tray and swapped it for a fresh glass of warm water, motioning for the waiter to carry on without following him.
He glanced at his watch. She had only been inside for five minutes and wouldn’t be out anytime soon. Thus, he headed to the adjacent lounge.
Leaning back on the sofa, he rubbed his temples.
The last time he drank this much was at the anniversary gala for Yunhui Group. That night, he had toasted Wen Changyun three times when he went to pick her up, and then had two more drinks at his own dinner gathering.
“Zhou Sujin?”
He heard Wei Lai calling for him in the hallway.
In the nearly six months he’d known her, this was the first time she’d ever called him by his full name to his face.
Zhou Sujin stood up. “I’m here.”
Wei Lai had already found her way to the lounge entrance. “I thought you went back to the main hall.”
Zhou Sujin glanced at Wei Lai’s gown, noting how much more elaborate it was compared to the previous ones. The heavy fabric of the skirt seemed to weigh her down. “Isn’t it tiring to change into so many gowns?”
Wei Lai shook her head. “Not at all. I could change into two more if needed.”
His gaze briefly glazed over her lips before meeting her eyes. “We’re going to register our marriage tomorrow. Have Uncle Wei draft the prenup in the afternoon, and I’ll come by to sign it in the evening.”
Wei Lai was a bit surprised. “You want my dad to draft it?”
“I’m the one who proposed the marriage. I can’t take all the benefits.”
“I’m going to include all of my conditions in it then.”
Zhou Sujin was speechless for a moment, sipping his warm water before speaking, “A prenup is meant for worst-case scenarios. Are you really going to divorce me over not giving in to you one day?”
Wei Lai: “It’s not that serious. If you forget once in a while, I’ll forgive you. But what if it happens so often that I lose faith in our marriage?”
Zhou Sujin: “I don’t have amnesia.”
Wei Lai laughed. “I’m still going to include it.”
Zhou Sujin was helpless against her playful stubbornness and let her have her way.
Zhou Sujin laid down a firm rule. “You can’t put something like ‘feeling wronged if I don’t accompany you for hotpot’ in the prenup. Got it?”
Wei Lai couldn’t help but laugh. Just how demanding did he think she was for him to worry about something like that?
After marriage, she certainly would respect his likes. She wouldn’t expect him to change his habits for her, just as she wouldn’t switch to drinking dark roast coffee for him.
Feeling bold, she teased him with a smile. “I can’t hear you.”
Zhou Sujin looked at her silently.
Wei Lai tugged on his suit jacket. “Say something.”
“… You’re still tugging?”
“You said on stage that I could hold onto your jacket again if I wanted.”
They both instinctively thought of the kiss.
Wei Lai composed herself. “I was just joking earlier. I won’t put the hotpot clause in.” She still hadn’t let go of his jacket.
He was holding a cup of water, and she assumed it was hers. “Let me have a sip.”
With that, she reached for the cup.
Zhou Sujin handed it to her. “The waiter took yours. This one’s mine.”
Wei Lai paused briefly before taking the cup and drank from it.
Zhou Sujin glanced down at her other hand she was still holding onto his jacket even while drinking water.
Wei Lai only took a sip. “I feel like I got the short end of the stick today.”
“What did you lose out on?”
“During the kissing segment, you were in control. I was completely passive.”
“En, so what are you going to do about it?”
“I’m gonna get even.”
All afternoon, she had been docile in front of him, all because of that kiss.
Zhou Sujin let out a chuckle, momentarily at a loss for words.
“There’s a big difference between being the one kissing and the one being kissed.” While mastering a strong heart might be nearly impossible, being in control seemed within reach.
Wei Lai handed him back the cup, then wrapped her arms around his neck. “You have to give in to me.”
Zhou Sujin turned his face away slightly, taking another sip of water. “Not cooperating with you means not giving in to you?”
“En.”
“Is that reasonable?”
“Nope.”
She moved a half step closer into his embrace. The final gown had a large skirt, so even standing this close, it wasn’t quite as intimate as on the stage, where she was practically pressed against him.
Zhou Sujin set down the cup and turned around, wrapping his left arm around her waist.
Wei Lai, shorter than him by a head, was wearing heels that weren’t particularly high. Without him lowering his head, she couldn’t kiss him.
“Come closer to me.”
This wasn’t a marriage of convenience, so Zhou Sujin indulged her, bending down to accommodate her height.
She gently grazed his lips with hers, giving him a peck. “You kissed me twice on stage.” With that, she kissed him again.
Zhou Sujin’s breath caught for two seconds, and despite his usual self-control, his Adam’s apple bobbed involuntarily.
Now he understood what she meant there really was a difference between kissing and being kissed.
Wei Lai pulled back after the kiss, stepping back slightly.
There was no need to discuss their feelings; he likely experienced the same as she did on stage a moment of disrupted breath.
She appeared calm and composed as she said, “Let’s head back. Auntie might be getting worried since we’ve been gone for so long.”
When it came to maintaining composure, Zhou Sujin didn’t lose to her.
Without a word, he glanced at her before holding her wrist, and together, they made their way back to the hall.
“Is the clause of giving in to you also going to be written into the prenup?”
Wei Lai smiled. “En, all of them included.”
As soon as the engagement party ended, she went to find her dad.
When he heard it was to draft their prenup, Wei Huatian’s worries eased. Marriage wasn’t for divorce, but having an additional layer of protection was never a bad idea.
Drafting the prenup became the top priority, so he went straight to the law firm.
Wei Lai returned to the dressing room to change back into her regular clothes. The six gowns were packed by professionals and sent to their home at Jiang’an Cloud Residences.
Zhou Sujin had quite a bit to drink today, and his head was aching. He hadn’t rested well since returning from Shanghai to Jiang City in the middle of the night. “I’m going to catch up on some sleep. Are you coming to my place or heading home?”
Wei Lai was removing her eye makeup and looked at him through the mirror. “I’m not going over. Go home and get some sleep.”
Zhou Sujin nodded and took his suit jacket before leaving.
She watched his figure leave through the mirror.
Zhou Sujin woke up at five, took a quick shower, and changed into a different outfit before heading to the hotel.
In the cold winter, the sky had already darkened before 5:30 p.m.
His mom and aunt were staying at a hotel downtown. His mom had only stopped by his place on the night she arrived in Jiang City.
In the hotel lobby’s lounge area, Zhou Jiaye was on a phone call.
Seeing Zhou Sujin, he quickly wrapped up the conversation and hung up.
Zhou Sujin saw him too and walked over.
Zhou Jiaye set his phone aside. “Don’t bother going upstairs. When I was coming down, Mom was still saying how it seemed like you were getting engaged reluctantly. Anyone who didn’t know better would think this was an arranged marriage.”
Zhou Sujin sat down across from him and poured himself a cup of warm water. “How does it seem like I’m reluctant?”
“She said she’s never seen such a simple ceremony.”
“Mom’s overthinking it. Even if my girlfriend is someone I’ve pursued, the engagement ceremony wouldn’t be any more elaborate than today’s.”
Zhou Jiaye wanted him to be honest how did he really feel about getting married? Was it good or bad?
Zhou Sujin was silent for a moment. “It can’t be described as good or bad. She’s someone I chose and want to marry.”
Zhou Jiaye repeated, “I want an honest answer.” He paused after each word, emphasizing, “An. Honest. Answer.” He wasn’t interested in any lengthy explanations.
Zhou Sujin looked up. “I’m still not used to it.”
He had been accustomed to living alone, but now he had to consider her feelings in everything he did, her reputation, and accept all of her habits, both good and bad.
They chatted for about three or four minutes, roughly the time it takes to smoke a cigarette.
He set down his cup. “Tell Mom I came by.”
Zhou Jiaye: “…”
Zhou Jiaye called out after him as he turned to leave, “Where are you rushing off to?”
“To sign the prenup.”
Uncle Wei had written the prenup by evening and sent it to his email for review to see if any further adjustments were needed.
Wei Huatian had informed his daughter to be at the law firm by 8 p.m. He asked Zhou Sujin and his lawyer to arrive at 7:30 p.m., giving them half an hour to discuss any final details.
He handed the printed version of the prenup to Zhou Sujin. “I didn’t change any of the terms. Have another look.”
As he spoke, Wei Huatian pulled out a few more sheets of paper, loosely stapling together at the top corner. He said with a smile, “This is the supplementary agreement. Lai Lai insisted I include it.”
Although it had no legal binding power, his daughter was adamant that it be put in writing, so he added it.
Zhou Sujin took the papers. These were her personal requests for him, detailed over two pages.
He knew that what Wei Lai valued most wasn’t the legally binding contract, but this supplementary agreement.
His personal lawyer, Attorney Xing, noticed that Zhou Sujin was about to sign the supplementary agreement without a second thought and quickly intervened. “President Zhou, let me review it first.”
Zhou Sujin didn’t hand it over. “This one doesn’t need reviewing.”
He signed his name on the supplementary agreement and dated it.
The next morning—
Wei Lai arrived at the entrance of the Civil Affairs Bureau at 8:20 a.m. The marriage registration would take place in Jiang City.
Zhou Sujin was delayed by traffic on his way from the Industrial Park, arriving five minutes later than Wei Lai.
He asked her whether she wanted to take photos outside or do it on-site.
Wei Lai didn’t mind whether the photos were retouched or how they turned out, so she said, “On-site is fine.”
Today wasn’t a special date, so there weren’t many people at the Civil Affairs Bureau.
Within 20 minutes, their first photo together had been stamped with an official seal.
He was now her husband.
It still felt surreal.
As they left the Civil Affairs Bureau, Zhou Sujin handed his marriage certificate to her. “You keep this.”
Without hesitation, Wei Lai took it and placed both marriage certificates together.
Zhou Sujin informed her that his mom and aunt had a flight back to Beijing that afternoon.
Wei Lai: “I’ll go see them off.”
The room hadn’t been checked out yet, and Ning Ruzhen was busy packing her suitcase.
Ning Rujiang was with her sister, standing on the balcony and carefully overlooking the entire downtown area of Jiang City. The last time she visited, Jiang City’s CBD felt enormous, but from this view, it didn’t seem as big as she had thought.
When the doorbell rang, she went to open the door.
“Auntie.”
“Back already? Let me see the certificate.”
Ning Rujiang looked at the photo on the marriage certificate and couldn’t stop complimenting it.
“You two look very much like husband and wife*.”
* – there’s a saying that couples look similar to each other
Wei Lai just smiled.
She didn’t see it though.
Since Wei Lai and Zhou Sujin had registered their marriage today, Ning Ruzhen had prepared a gift. She brought out a gift box for Wei Lai. As always, she was few with words and said with a slight smile, “This is a little something from your dad and me. I hope you two will be happy. If Sujin ever makes you feel wronged, let me know.”
Wei Lai was touched. “Thank you… Mom.”
It was her first time calling her that, and it didn’t come naturally.
When she called her “Mom,” Zhou Sujin glanced at her once more.
Ning Ruzhen insisted that there was no need for them to see them off, saying they didn’t need to be so formal between family.
However, Wei Lai was determined to see them off, and she and Zhou Sujin escorted them all the way to TSA, only leaving after watching them pass through.
On their first day as a married couple, Zhou Sujin didn’t have any specific plans. He asked Wei Lai if she had anything in mind.
Wei Lai: “I’m heading back to the office.” With just over ten days left until the New Year, everyone was starting to stock up on holiday supplies, making this the busiest time of the year for supermarkets.
Getting married didn’t mean neglecting her responsibilities.
As they arrived at the office building, Wei Lai turned to him before getting out of the car and asked, “In the future, will you be picking me up and dropping me off from work?”
Zhou Sujin seemed to ponder her question, then asked, “Are you hoping I’ll pick you up after work today?”
He always seemed to understand what she wanted. Wei Lai nodded. “En.”
Zhou Sujin glanced at his watch there were still two and a half hours until the end of the workday. As he opened his bag and pulled out his laptop, he said, “Go and finish your work. I won’t leave; I’ll just stay here in the car.”
