The staff, accustomed to seeing shy and happy newlyweds, were acutely sensitive to Ning Jing's disturbed and anxious state.
Ning Chen, who was trying to soothe Ning Jing, immediately looked at the staff member when she spoke.
Ning Chen's eyelids lowered, and the staff member involuntarily shifted her gaze away from Ning Jing.
Ning Chen withdrew her gaze, frowning slightly as she looked at Ning Jing's faraway expression. She stopped tormenting herself and instead leaned in close to Ning Jing's ear.
One of Ning Chen's hands rested on the back of Ning Jing's chair, while the other was placed on the table in front of Ning Jing, as if she were encompassing Ning Jing entirely.
"Wen Xin, we've known each other for so many years. Marriage wouldn't be too difficult to accept, would it?"
Even if she already had Wang Yi Xing in her heart, that could be forgotten, right?
The pain of unrequited love was immense, yet Ning Chen, while making such hopeful assumptions, still felt a deep, bitter ache within her heart.
Ning Chen's breath was fragrant, filling Ning Jing's nostrils with Ning Chen's unique scent. Even with a blank mind, Ning Jing's ears turned a guilty shade of red, beyond her control.
But then, Ning Jing's eyes also welled up with tears. She couldn't help but turn her head to look at Ning Chen's chin, so close.
She wanted to voice her worries, but her lips moved, and no sound came out.
"Should I turn myself in now?"
Ning Chen's tone was as soft as lovers' whispers, but this sentence sent Ning Jing into a jolt, and she abruptly grabbed the marriage registration form from the table.
Ning Chen's lips curved into a bitter smile.
He had exploited Ning Jing's kindness; he was truly wicked, yet he couldn't suppress the joy of getting what he wanted.
"Madam, if you are being coerced, please communicate with me immediately. There is nothing that cannot be resolved. Please communicate with me promptly."
The staff member secretly glanced at Ning Chen. For a moment, she thought that if he were truly coercing the woman in front of her, it might be nice if she could be coerced instead of Ning Jing.
Of course, this thought was fleeting. Fundamentally, she was a middle-aged woman with a strong sense of morality.
Ning Jing shook her head, raised her hand to wipe away her tears, and immediately began filling in her information.
At this moment, only one thought occupied Ning Jing's mind: she could not let Ning Chen go to jail. Sudan Novel Network.
After the form was filled out, it was soon time for their wedding photos.
The photographer didn't prompt Ning Jing to sit closer to Ning Chen. Ning Chen firmly grasped Ning Jing's waist.
"Newlyweds, smile."
The photographer, looking through the lens, saw Ning Jing seemingly lost in thought and Ning Chen looking so stern he seemed about to dismantle the civil affairs bureau. He couldn't help but call out.
Ning Chen paused at the photographer's words and then gave an unnatural smile. Ning Jing, however, seemed not to have heard the photographer at all.
"Hey, bride..." The photographer, seeing this, intended to remind Ning Jing again, but Ning Chen raised his hand and interrupted him.
"Wen Xin, can you smile? Otherwise, when the old man sees our wedding photo, he'll break my legs."
Ning Chen leaned to the side and hooked Ning Jing's chin, coaxing her pitifully.
Ning Jing had never heard Ning Chen speak to her like this before, and for a moment, she compliantly curved her lips upwards.
Seeing this, Ning Chen sat back and signaled to the photographer that they were ready.
Thus, their first jointly taken photograph was printed on their marriage certificates.
Holding the two marriage certificates, Ning Chen no longer displayed his usual indifference; every subtle expression indicated his overwhelming joy.
"Wen Xin, we're married." After leaving the civil affairs bureau, Ning Chen walked up to Ning Jing, hooked her chin, and carefully observed her reaction.
Ning Jing instinctively feared this reality and nodded stiffly.
Ning Chen released her chin, and Ning Jing immediately lowered her head again, failing to see the dejection and unwillingness that filled Ning Chen.
"Wen Xin, let's go home." Ning Chen took Ning Jing's hand and walked a few steps, but Ning Jing walked too slowly and almost stumbled.
Ning Chen helplessly handed all the documents to his accompanying assistant temporarily, then carefully picked Ning Jing up.
The day's events had been too much of a shock for Ning Jing. At this moment, she pursed her lips, unsure what to say or do.
Yet, even though Ning Jing remained silent, Ning Chen could feel how stiff her body was.
After Ning Chen carried Ning Jing back to the car, they sat together in the back.
Sensing that Ning Jing's nervousness and unease throughout the journey had not eased, Ning Chen gradually became flustered, and the joy of receiving the marriage certificates began to fade.
"Wen Xin, would you like some water?" While waiting at a red light, Ning Chen gestured to the assistant in front, who handed him a bottle of mineral water. He unscrewed the cap and offered it to Ning Jing.
Ning Jing took it with a delayed reaction, holding it with both hands but not drinking.
Later, when the light turned green, the driver started the Maserati. Due to the inertia, the water in Ning Jing's hand spilled onto her white shirt.
Seeing this, Ning Chen quickly took the water from Ning Jing's hand and took out a tissue to help her wipe it clean.
Ning Jing remained silent, retreating as far as possible in the opposite direction.
Ning Chen's movements paused. He no longer dared to get too close to Ning Jing.
Half an hour later, the car arrived at the Ning family's old residence.
Ning Chen hastily got out of the car and opened the door for Ning Jing.
Ning Jing saw the familiar surroundings and walked inside, her steps quicker than usual, heading directly to her bedroom.
Ning Chen was left leaning outside Ning Jing's bedroom door, silent.
-------------------------------------
"Good boy, let me give you a massage."
Yun Shu Nian, released by Mu Qi, gently pushed Mu Qi aside, then hugged him. She then stood up, intending to help relax his muscles.
"Hug me." Mu Qi's hands clasped onto Yun Shu Nian's waist. He took a deep breath, not wanting to hurt Yun Shu Nian.
Mu Qi's voice was still as usual, but Yun Shu Nian inexplicably sensed his grievance.
At this, Yun Shu Nian quickly stepped forward and hugged Mu Qi tightly as he asked.
Yun Shu Nian: "Mu Qi, how do you usually relax when you're in a bad mood?"
As Yun Shu Nian spoke, Mu Qi thought of the item he had given to Shan Gong earlier.