Chapter 16 – “We Secretly Got Married Behind Everyone’s Back!”

Although Zheng Wanqing was older than Ye Fei, she was quite childish in private.

But surprisingly— After finding out she was pregnant with Ye Fei’s baby, She suddenly seemed much more mature!

Ye Fei felt deeply comforted.

He rubbed her little head, “Our Wanqing is such a good girl!”

“Hey! Hubby, what’s with that expression!”

“I’m your girlfriend!”

“Girlfriend!”

“Why do you look like a father seeing his daughter grow up?!”

Zheng Wanqing pouted.

“Haha!” Ye Fei chuckled. “I’ve heard people say that when a wife gets pregnant, the husband should spoil her like a daughter!”

“So that’s why I had that look just now.”

Zheng Wanqing rolled her eyes. “Tch, you and your smooth talk.”

“But—”

“Hubby, I want to ask you a question. Once we have our baby, will you love me more or the baby?”

“I heard that men really adore their daughters.”

“But they’re not so keen on sons.”

“If the baby is a boy, it’s no threat to me.”

“But if it’s a girl, who will you love more—me or her?”

Ye Fei smiled. “Silly girl, how can the two of you even be compared?”

“As the saying goes, parents are true love, kids are just a surprise!”*

Pfft!

Zheng Wanqing covered her mouth—her laugh was stunning!

“Alright, alright. Let’s go. Civil Affairs Bureau hasn’t closed yet. Let’s get the marriage certificate.”

“After that, I’ll take you to eat.”

At the mention of food, Zheng Wanqing’s stomach growled—she was starving.

A few minutes later, Ye Fei and Zheng Wanqing left the house.

They got into a taxi parked out front.

Ye Fei told the driver, “To the Civil Affairs Bureau, please.”

“Got it!”

The driver stepped on the gas and before long, they arrived at the Civil Affairs Bureau.

The route was long, and the fare should’ve been over a hundred yuan.

But the driver was a kind man.

“Forget it. I’ll just charge you half.”

“Since you’re getting married and expecting a baby.”

“Let’s call it good luck.”

Ye Fei didn’t argue. Even though he had ten million yuan in his account, his mission wasn’t complete yet.

He still had to keep it a secret!

Still had to play the poor guy!

“Thanks, driver.”

After paying half the fare, Ye Fei and Zheng Wanqing entered the Civil Affairs Bureau.

At this hour, they were close to closing.

There weren’t many couples left.

About five or six ahead.

After waiting a while, a staff member called, “Next!”

Ye Fei stood up, “Let’s go. It’s our turn.”

“Hubby, I’m so nervous.”

Zheng Wanqing clutched Ye Fei’s hand tightly.

After all, secretly registering a marriage felt a little sneaky.

And she had Ye Fei’s baby in her belly.

So being nervous was understandable!

Ye Fei held her hand gently. “It’s okay. Just follow my lead.”

First, they presented their ID cards and household registers.

Then came the marriage certificate photo.

And the oath.

Reading the scripted oath, Ye Fei and Zheng Wanqing recited together:

“I solemnly swear, we willingly become husband and wife. From today on, we shall share the responsibilities and duties that marriage brings: to honor our parents, raise our children, respect and love each other, trust and encourage one another, forgive and yield, support each other, and cherish each other for life!”

“No matter what life brings—be it joy or hardship, wealth or poverty, health or illness, youth or old age—we shall stand by each other, weather all storms, share every joy and sorrow, and be lifelong partners! We vow to honor today’s pledge—we will uphold it forever!”

“Sworn by: Ye Fei.”

“Sworn by: Zheng Wanqing.”

“…”

After finishing the oath and the paperwork—

The ladies at the Civil Affairs Bureau smiled. “Congratulations, you two!”

“Next!”

The moment they stepped out of the bureau—

Zheng Wanqing couldn’t believe it!

It all happened so fast!

It felt like a dream!

In just one day— She had found out she was pregnant with Ye Fei’s baby.

And then registered their marriage in secret!

Ye Fei smiled, “From now on, I can finally call you my wife out loud!”

Zheng Wanqing lowered her head, saying nothing.

“Wife! Wife! Wife!”

“I hear you! No need to shout.” Her face blushed red.

Zheng Wanqing said, “Hubby, I’m hungry!”

“Alright, let’s get dinner!”

“Let’s go!”

Zheng Wanqing held Ye Fei’s warm hand and walked beside him on the bustling street.

She sneaked a glance at him.

Her heart felt like it was melting!

For a girl, the best ending— Is marrying the one she loves. And being pregnant with his child.

Zheng Wanqing had both.

Soon, the two arrived at the entrance of a restaurant.

Footnotes:

1. 1. 吾家有女初长成 (wú jiā yǒu nǚ chū zhǎng chéng)– A poetic phrase meaning “My daughter is growing up.” Often used sentimentally by fathers watching their daughter mature.

1. 1. 掰扯 (bāichě)– Northeastern slang in China meaning to talk one’s way out or argue cleverly.

1. 1. 爸妈是真爱，孩子只是个意外 (bàmā shì zhēn’ài, háizi zhǐ shì gè yìwài)– Internet joke meaning “Parents are true love; children are accidents.” A humorous way to emphasize love between partners over kids.

1. 1. 撒狗粮 (sā gǒuliáng)– Literally “scatter dog food.” Internet slang meaning to show off PDA (public display of affection), often making singles feel ‘fed’ with envy.