Chapter 121: Marriage (1)

When Zhou Jingchen came over for dinner, he brought his laptop along, planning to eat and then spend time playing games with Yu Qian.

But to his surprise, he was the only one playing after the meal. Yu Qian and Wen Xiu were whispering quietly nearby. He strained his ears for a while and caught a few scattered words—something about a wedding, a wedding dress, a ring, and someone named Tiantian?

Taking advantage of their distraction, he quietly crept closer and overheard: "Second brother said we can’t tell Tiantian; it has to be a surprise for her."

Huh?

Second brother?

Who is second brother?

And who exactly is Tiantian?

He had been right by the little darling’s side all along, so why were these unknown people suddenly popping up?

“All right, if second brother wants to surprise Tiantian, we have to help him. Don’t worry about the wedding ring; I’ll buy it. Just have godmother arrange the wedding dress after work,” Wen Xiu said. Then, looking up, she caught Zhou Jingchen sitting silently behind Yu Qian, eavesdropping.

“Whoa! Zhou Jingchen, what are you, a thief?” Startled by Wen Xiu’s glare, Yu Qian turned around to see the large man silently lurking behind her and jumped in surprise.

“Ahem, ahem.” Caught red-handed, Zhou Jingchen felt awkward.

He rubbed his nose, hesitating to speak.

Seeing he wanted to say something to Yu Qian, Wen Xiu kindly got up and left.

“Speak up if you have something to say. Why the secrecy?” Yu Qian urged.

“Who exactly are second brother and Tiantian…?” Zhou Jingchen asked.

“You heard that?” Yu Qian’s expression changed. How much had he overheard?

“Yes, some of it.” After a pause, he added, “Who are they? Have I met them? Are you guys going to a wedding banquet?”

Three questions came at once. Yu Qian, thinking he hadn’t heard everything, relaxed slightly.

“You don’t know them. They’re siblings I’ve known since childhood. We’re not going to the banquet—it’s too far. We’re just helping them prepare their outfits and jewelry.”

Huh?

“They should prepare their own clothes and jewelry for their wedding. Why do they need your help?” He was confused; it was the first time he’d heard of someone else helping with such things.

“Well… their situation is a bit special.”

Yu Qian didn’t elaborate, and Zhou Jingchen didn’t press further.

He reasoned that since Wen Xiu and Aunt Wen knew them, there shouldn’t be any issues. As for who they were, there would be time to find out later.

Since Zhou Jingchen was there, Yu Qian couldn’t go back to studying and preparing lessons. Otherwise, he’d wonder why she was reading elementary school books in middle school. So, she just joined in playing games.

After logging on, there were still only a handful of guild members online. Besides the merchants and Chu Yueyue’s group, only the three of them were active.

“I’ve never asked you before—how do you know the other two guild members?” Zhou Jingchen suddenly asked while they were forming a party to grind reputation points. Yu Qian was momentarily caught off guard but answered after a pause: “I’ve known them for a long time. They’re really good people.”

“Their names?” Hearing her vague answer, he was silent for a few seconds, then asked again.

“Mythology and Ancient Culture Enthusiasts. It’s like some anime fans who use their favorite characters as game names. It’s quite normal.”

He opened his mouth as if to say something, hesitated, and stayed silent.

Yu Qian hadn’t told the whole truth—he knew that very well.

There were many things Yu Qian was keeping from him, and he was fully aware of that too.

But it didn’t matter. Secrets could stay hidden, even for a lifetime, as long as they were together.

With that thought, he pushed aside his curiosity and doubts, skillfully controlling his character to cast spells and diligently grind monsters for reputation points.

Determined to earn 800,000 reputation points, he wanted to give Yu Qian a lifetime of unwavering devotion.

“Zhou Jingchen.”

While flying to the market to buy mana potions, Yu Qian suddenly spoke.

“I’m here.”

“We’re not married yet.”

“...Huh?” He seemed momentarily stunned, not quite registering what she said.