"Do I look like I'm joking with you?" Shen Lingxing asked expressionlessly.
When he didn't smile, he immediately seemed more distant, and his whole aura became more imposing, forcing Mi Jing to take his serious attitude seriously. "No, but why? Could it be that you fell in love at first sight with me…"
Mi Jing stammered, unable to say the word "love," and didn't dare to look directly at Shen Lingxing.
"No." Shen Lingxing looked at Mi Jing's blushing face and straightforwardly denied it, almost smiling.
He needed a wife to put an end to the tedious blind dates, and she happened to make a much better and more comfortable impression than the other women he met. She was the best choice at the moment.
"That's good. I don't like you either!" Mi Jing felt no embarrassment and was equally blunt in speaking the truth.
Upon hearing that, Shen Lingxing chuckled lightly and, with his sensual lips parting, asked as if discussing the weather, "Did you bring your household registration and ID card?"
"I did, but…" Mi Jing originally planned to get a Hong Kong and Macau travel permit in the afternoon, so her household registration and ID card were in her bag.
"But what?"
"Isn't getting the marriage certificate right away a bit too fast? Don't you need to think this through? Or maybe we should get to know each other better first?" Marriage is a big deal, and Mi Jing thought she was already being reckless, but this man was even more casual about it.
"What do you want to know? Feel free to ask." Shen Lingxing was very open and appeared to be ready to answer any questions.
"I don't know what to ask at the moment, but some say marriage is like a mirror. Maybe you find me pleasing now but might not feel the same later. So, I think it's necessary to tell you some basic things about myself." Mi Jing paused, seeing that he seemed to be listening attentively, and continued, "I can't cook, I'm not good at housework, I don't have a gentle personality, and I have a bad temper. If you think I don't meet your criteria for a spouse, just say so directly."
"I don't need a maid, so none of that is a problem." Shen Lingxing's smile deepened, thinking that this woman was adorably straightforward.
"Also, after we register for marriage, even if you regret it, we can't divorce shortly thereafter." She didn't want a quick marriage and divorce; her parents were old and couldn't handle such a shock!
"I don't think I will regret it." Shen Lingxing placed his coffee cup on the table, looked seriously into Mi Jing's bright and lively eyes, and spoke as if making a promise.
"No one can predict the future."
Mi Jing responded instinctively, and only after the words left her mouth did she realize they might have spoiled the moment. She had no intention of being negative; it was just a quick reaction without thinking.
Feeling a bit annoyed with herself, Mi Jing bit her lip, trying to find a topic to ease the awkwardness, but didn't know what to say and lowered her head in silence.
Shen Lingxing took in Mi Jing's range of expressions. To prevent her from feeling more embarrassed, he suppressed his smile and asked, "Are you busy with anything else?"
"No." Mi Jing shook her head.
"Then let's get the marriage certificate." With that, Shen Lingxing stood up first.
Mi Jing hesitated for a moment, then glanced at the cups on the table and said, "Just a moment. I'll wash the cups first." After speaking, Mi Jing picked up the two cups and walked to the counter.
While Mi Jing was washing the cups, Shen Lingxing called his assistant to get his household registration from his office and meet them at the civil affairs bureau.
A few minutes later, Shen Lingxing drove Mi Jing out of the café, smoothly merging onto the highway, and headed quickly towards their destination.
On the way to register for their marriage, Mi Jing felt a little nervous. She occasionally peeked at Shen Lingxing, who was driving, but couldn't detect any hint of nervousness from his handsome side profile. It seemed like she was the only one feeling anxious.
Mi Jing was the one who first brought up the idea of marriage. The guy, a perfect handsome man, remained calm and composed, but now she was the one losing her composure. Mi Jing secretly scolded herself; things had progressed this far, and she couldn't back out. However, once they got married, there would be no turning back. She had to make sure she hadn't overlooked anything important to avoid future regrets or issues.
The more Mi Jing thought, the more uneasy she felt. She didn't know much about this perfect guy, even though she found him quite nice during their earlier encounters. However, she couldn't be sure he was a good person. Verbal agreements were not solid; things should be written down in black and white for future reference if needed.
After careful consideration, Mi Jing took out some paper and a pen from her bag and quickly wrote, "Prenuptial Agreement" in bold letters on the white paper.
"I'd like to sign a prenuptial agreement. What do you think?" Mi Jing turned to Shen Lingxing, who was focused on driving, to ask his opinion.
"Fine, but the content must be reasonable." Shen Lingxing didn't shift his gaze from the road, his clear and pleasant voice remaining steady.
"Of course." Mi Jing replied, then asked, "So, is there anything you want to specify?"
"No." Shen Lingxing thought for just a second before answering decisively.
"How can there be nothing?" Mi Jing was incredulous.
"Do you think it's necessary?" Shen Lingxing turned to look at Mi Jing, curious about her thoughts.
"If you think it's unnecessary, then it's unnecessary."
Meeting Shen Lingxing's curious gaze, Mi Jing felt discouraged. At this moment, they were clearly not on the same page. How could she impose her thoughts and concerns on him? She would just appear weak in front of his calm demeanor.
The car became quiet. As time ticked by and they got closer to the civil affairs bureau, Mi Jing bit her pen, deep in thought, but still hadn't started writing.
"We're almost there. If you need time to think, we can come back another day." Shen Lingxing's words showed his understanding of Mi Jing's concerns and nerves.
"No need. I've made up my mind." Procrastination wasn't Mi Jing's style. With determination, she started writing fast and firmly.
Soon, the car stopped in the civil affairs bureau's parking area. Before Shen Lingxing could unbuckle his seatbelt, a notebook was handed to him, and Mi Jing's voice sounded in the car, "Take a look. If you think this agreement is reasonable, please sign your name."
Upon hearing that, Shen Lingxing took the notebook. Seeing its contents, he couldn't help but smile.
The prenuptial agreement contained only two clauses: First, no divorce within two years. If one party regrets, the other may handle it as they see fit. Second, marital activities must be consensual. If one party refuses, the other may not force it.