Chapter 30: A Quiet Marriage Registration 2

Early the next morning, Shen Mengxia and Fu Yanchen set off quietly just as the first light of dawn broke, determined to be the first in line to register their marriage. When the first rays of sunlight kissed the earth, they arrived at the entrance of the Civil Affairs Bureau.

The entrance was completely deserted. The two shared a smile, and Fu Yanchen wrapped his coat around Shen Mengxia, pulling her close into his embrace. As the minutes ticked by and the sun climbed higher, the temperature began to rise, but it did nothing to dampen their excitement or the nervous flutter in their hearts.

Slowly, other young couples began to queue up behind them. Seeing the pair, they cast envious glances and whispered among themselves, "How early did they get here? We thought we’d be first. Do you think they stayed here overnight?"

When the two emerged from the bureau, radiant and officially wed, Shen Mengxia’s phone rang. It was the senior leading their ACM competition team. After hanging up, she pouted, her disappointment evident. "Can you believe it? I’ve only just gotten my marriage certificate, and now I have to go abroad for a competition. What a buzzkill."

Fu Yanchen affectionately tapped her nose with his finger. "We have a long life ahead of us. Are you really that reluctant to be away from me already?" Without caring about the onlookers, he cupped her flushed face in his hands and planted a kiss on her lips.

They returned to the villa in a haze of intimacy. Upon entering, they found Shen Mengqing waiting for them. She greeted them warmly, "You were out so early? How did you two end up coming back together?"

Before Shen Mengxia could explain, Fu Yanchen interjected, "We happened to run into each other on the street."

"I have a medical exchange banquet coming up; could I trouble you to accompany me, Fu?" Shen Mengqing asked, tugging at his arm with a hint of coquetry.

Suddenly, all color drained from Fu Yanchen’s face, and he began to tremble. "Forgive me, I’m not feeling well. Have Huaiting go with you instead." With that, he retreated to his room.

"Big Brother, are you alright?" Shen Mengxia asked, following him with concern.

As soon as he entered his room, Fu Yanchen locked himself in the bathroom, and the sound of running water followed. Shen Mengxia, worried sick, knocked repeatedly. "Are you okay? Do you need a doctor?"

After a long while, Fu Yanchen regained his usual composure. "Xiaxia, I’m fine. It’s an old issue. I’m feeling much better now."

"Are you sure? Your complexion was terrible earlier," she persisted.

Just then, the bathroom door opened. Fu Yanchen stood there wrapped only in a bath towel. "Do I look like I’m in trouble?"

Seeing this, Shen Mengxia turned away in a flurry, her face burning with shyness. "Why did you come out without getting dressed? As long as you’re okay..." She fled, leaving a bewildered Fu Yanchen behind.

"We’re legally married, aren't we?" he muttered to himself with a self-deprecating chuckle.

With the World Collegiate ACM competition approaching, Shen Mengxia’s team was scheduled to depart for Country T in a few days. Both Jiang Zeyu and Fu Yanchen were deeply anxious about her safety. Although they understood the significance of the competition, the thought of her traveling so far alone filled them with dread. However, due to the nature of representing the country and the strict regulations involved, it was impossible to arrange for bodyguards to follow her.

Faced with this predicament, Fu Yanchen, despite the jealousy simmering in his heart, arranged for Jiang Zeyu to accompany Shen Mengxia to Country T. Ensuring her safety was the priority.

On the day of departure, Shen Mengxia was filled with a mix of anticipation and nerves, while Jiang Zeyu followed closely behind, carrying the luggage. Once in Country T, the pressure of the competition intensified. Shen Mengxia threw herself into training, while Jiang Zeyu stood guard, handling every mundane detail to ensure she remained undisturbed.

Yet, foreign lands are full of surprises. During a shopping trip, Shen Mengxia accidentally lost her way. Jiang Zeyu searched frantically, his heart in his throat. Just as he was on the verge of despair, he spotted her standing next to a street performer, her eyes wide with wonder.

He rushed over and pulled her into a tight embrace. In that moment, he realized his feelings for her had long since transcended the bounds of ordinary friendship. Held in his arms, Shen Mengxia felt a sense of security she had never known before.

"I’m sorry for making you worry," she said sheepishly.

"You," he sighed, "don't be so reckless while we’re abroad. You’ve scared me half to death."