chapter 1 Live together

In October, the weather in Guan City remained exceedingly hot, offering only morning and evening reprieves hinting at late autumn's coolness.
Having risen early to prepare breakfast for her sister's family, Mila Hai quietly left after completing the task, clutching her household registration book. During her sister and brother-in-law's argument the previous night, she overheard her brother-in-law's insistence on implementing an equitable financial arrangement—splitting expenses, including their sister's contribution, down the middle. "Two thousand dollars a month is not enough. We can't sustain her for free," he had argued.
This declaration prompted Mila Hai to seek a new residence outside her sister's home. The only way to ease her sister's concerns was to get married.
In a rush to comply and lacking a boyfriend, she reluctantly agreed to Grandma Zhan's request to marry William Zhan, her eldest grandson, who was undergoing marital strife.
Twenty minutes later, at the Civil Affairs Bureau entrance, Mila Hai disembarked from the car. Grandma Zhan's familiar voice greeted her, and she hurried over.
"Grandma Zhan."
Accompanying Grandma Zhan was a tall, aloof man—William Zhan. He was the one she was about to wed.
Drawing near, Mila Hai got a clear view of William Zhan. Contrary to her expectations, he was not the unattractive man she had imagined. Grandma Zhan had mentioned he was a high-earning executive of a large company, but his handsome visage and calm demeanour surprised her. As he stood beside Grandma Zhan, exuding a chilly aura, she noticed the car nearby, a modest Dongfeng, implying a more modest lifestyle than she had assumed.
She and her former classmates had opened a bookstore before Guancheng Lieutenant School. She crafted and sold knickknacks online in her free time, maintaining a stable monthly income exceeding $20,000. In Guan City, such earnings elevated her to the white-collar class, allowing her to provide her sister $5,000 monthly for living expenses.
However, her brother-in-law was unaware of her actual income. She had asked her sister to save $3,000 but had only informed her brother-in-law of a $2,000 contribution.
"Mila Hai, meet my grandson, William Zhan, a thirty-year-old bachelor. Although reserved, he is considerate and kind. You saved my life; we've known him for three months. Trust me, he is a good grandson," Grandma Zhan said.
William Zhan glanced at Mila Hai, his eyes cold and deep, but he remained silent. Rejection from his grandmother seemed to have granted him immunity.
Mila Hai knew Grandma Zhan had three sons, each with three grandsons. She had no granddaughter, so she treated Mila Hai like one.
Although slightly embarrassed, Mila Hai elegantly extended her right hand to William Zhan, introducing herself with a smile. "Hello, Mr. Zhan, I am Mila Hai."
William Zhan's sharp eyes scrutinized her, and, following Grandma Zhan's subtle reminder, he shook her hand, his voice low and calm. "William Zhan."
After the handshake, William Zhan glanced at his watch and urged Mila Hai, "We're short on time. Let's proceed."
Mila Hai acknowledged.
Grandma Zhan hurriedly said, "Both of you, go inside to complete the formalities. I'll wait here."
"Grandma, get in the car. It's hot outside," William Zhan said, assisting Grandma Zhan back to the car.
Observing his actions, Mila Hai found Grandma Zhan's description accurate. William Zhan was cold but also attentive and thoughtful. Although strangers, Grandma Zhan had disclosed that he owned a fully paid house. Marrying him would allow her to leave her sister's house, granting her sister peace and preventing constant arguments with her brother-in-law.
Soon, William Zhan returned to Mila Hai and said, "Let's go."
Mila Hai acknowledged, silently following him into the Civil Affairs Bureau.
William Zhan reminded Mila Hai at the marriage registration office, "Miss Hai, if you're having doubts, you can still reconsider. Don't be swayed by my grandma's words. Marriage is a significant step and should not be taken lightly."
He hoped she would reconsider because he didn't want to marry someone he had met only once.

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