Don’t be arrogant,billionaire

With an evening air growing crisp around her, Ouyang Qiqi received a call from her uncle, his voice a soothing balm against the harshness of the world outside. “Qiqi, my dear, don't rush back tonight. Why not dine out? I've got some money for you,” he suggested, the warmth of his offer just beginning to settle in her heart when it was shattered by a piercing rebuke from the other end of the line. Her aunt's voice, a sharply cast spell of accusation, sliced through the phone. “Emotional? This girl, at the ripe age of twenty-six, still drowns in her studies, refusing to marry. She lives under our roof, partakes in our provisions, and dares to call me emotional? Our company faces dire straits, and I have no time for this. You must introduce her to…” The words were left dangling, an incomplete incantation, as the line abruptly went dead. Sighing softly, a gesture all too familiar, Ouyang Qiqi stared at the phone, lost in thought. The scholarship money, which had just graced her account, was already pledged to her uncle, a recurring act that unfolded weekly. Ever since her mother's death, she had been taken in by her uncle's family, living cautiously in a home where she felt unwelcome. It was not until she was accepted into a graduate program for cultural relic restoration and had paid back her uncle's financial aid with her scholarship, that she believed she might finally take leave of this reluctant sanctuary. Yet her uncle's persistent refusal, which fueled constant disputes with his wife, left her with one avenue for a graceful and worry-free departure: marriage. Now, she was on the precipice of such a venture! As the world outside the car window slowed to a crawl, the stately doors of the marriage registration office loomed into view. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the car. “Qiqi? Over here!” A voice, robust with age and touched by time, called out. Turning toward the sound, Ouyang Qiqi's gaze met the simple attire of Grandmother Jiang. “Grandmother Jiang, good to see you!” Joy danced at the corners of her eyes, a subtle sparkle that betrayed her fondness. Their fateful encounter had unfolded amidst the hallowed halls of academia, where Grandmother Jiang, a venerable professor, was mistaken for an outsider by security due to her unassuming appearance. It was Ouyang Qiqi who stepped forward, a knightess in scholarly armor, to vouch for the professor's identity and prevent a most unfortunate misunderstanding. Upon their initial meeting, Grandmother Jiang had exclaimed, with a touch of serendipity, the name of Ouyang Qiqi's mother. In the wake of her surprise, Ouyang Qiqi learned of the threads that connected their pasts. Her mother, it turned out, was a cherished protégé of Grandmother Jiang's in the field of archaeology, a bond unvisited since graduation and now severed by the unyielding march of time. After expressing a sigh woven from the very threads of wistfulness, Grandmother Jiang's concern gently alighted upon the private life of Ouyang Qiqi. Upon learning that Ouyang Qiqi had not yet entwined her life with another's, yet harbored dreams of matrimonial bliss, Grandmother Jiang's spirits soared. With a joyous heart, she presented her grandson as a commendable suitor. Ouyang Qiqi, her heart set on the bonds of marriage, promptly agreed to a swift union. A meeting was arranged posthaste, with plans to formalize their commitment with a certificate of marriage in a mere week's time. Now, her gaze drifted past Grandmother Jiang to the late-arriving gentleman behind her. He was strikingly handsome… His eyes were deep pools that seemed to swirl into vast vortexes, nestled beneath sharp brows. Sleek lines sculpted his features, as if chiseled by divine hands. “This is the very rascal I was telling you about!” Grandmother Jiang introduced her grandson with a chuckle. “In our last haste, I could not give you his due. This grandson of mine is a lawyer, a homeowner, and a car owner—no debts to his name. Though his demeanor is somewhat frosty. Jiang Moyan, won't you greet Qiqi?” “Hello,” said Jiang Moyan, with a cool detachment. A flicker in Ouyang Qiqi's eyes betrayed a hint of foreboding. Did this man harbor dissatisfaction with her? “Hello, Ouyang Qiqi. You can just call me Qiqi,” she replied. “Jiang Moyan, is this how you speak to Qiqi?” Grandmother Jiang's face tightened as she softly chided her tall grandson. “You're about to marry, yet you don't know how to soften your tone?” “Grandmother Jiang, may I have a word with Mr. Jiang alone?” Ouyang Qiqi offered, providing a graceful escape. Jiang Moyan raised a discreet eyebrow at her words. Before him stood a girl in a white and green cheongsam, her smile revealing dimples that lent her an air of both charm and freshness. On closer inspection, her demeanor was gentle and exquisitely feminine—a sight likely to win the favor of elders. A silent scoff in Jiang Moyan's heart. No wonder she could endear herself to his grandmother so. Just the previous week, his grandmother had summoned him home, urging him to marry a woman he had never met. Upon understanding the situation, he was convinced that his grandmother had been duped in her old age. Yet when Grandmother Jiang spoke with the fervor of conviction, proclaiming that her prized pupil, Ouyang Caihua, could only bear outstanding offspring, he could do naught but feign agreement to appease her. “Go ahead, young ones, have a chat!” Grandmother Jiang mused behind them, watching Ouyang Qiqi's poised demeanor. “My grandson still needs to learn how to be a man. Always hesitating, posing, as if he's got all the time in the world!” Ouyang Qiqi couldn't suppress a chuckle. Indeed, she mused, who ever heard of someone posturing when about to wed? Jiang Moyan stiffened at her laughter, a blossoming humor in the depths of Ouyang Qiqi's eyes darkening his expression slightly. Feeling his gaze, Ouyang Qiqi coughed twice, masking her awkwardness. “Mr. Jiang, regarding our marriage, I have a few things to say. Firstly, my hasty marriage is to set my family's hearts at ease. I can see you wish to do the same for Grandmother Jiang, so our purpose aligns.” “Mm.” “Secondly, even after we're married, let's lead our own lives, free from interference, performing our roles for our families when necessary. Would that be agreeable to you?” Listening to her assertive, yet respectful proposition, Jiang Moyan hadn't anticipated she would broach the subject first. Indeed, she was more astute than he had expected. He spoke slowly, a strategy unfolding in his words, “Once married, it is prudent to live together, lest our secret is unveiled. Moreover, regarding the division of assets and the timing of a potential divorce, let us draft a prenuptial agreement. It will span one year, and during our marriage, I shall provide you with a stipulated sum for expenses.” Ouyang Qiqi, her expression one of mild astonishment, replied, “There's no need. We can split the marital expenses evenly. That way, we avoid any financial disputes should we divorce.” Jiang Moyan's brow furrowed slightly. Divorce? They had not yet married, and she was already pondering separation? “I will cover our marital costs. Let's go,” Jiang Moyan said, his tone indifferent as he turned to take the household registration book from Grandmother Jiang and stepped into the grand entrance of the marriage registration office. Ouyang Qiqi hastened to catch up, running slightly. Behind them, Grandmother Jiang, unable to contain her frustration, shouted after him, “Jiang Moyan! Won't you wait for your wife?” Heads turned, casting curious glances in their direction. Though Jiang Moyan was unconcerned, he slowed his pace, worried that Grandmother Jiang might strain herself with her shouting. Seeing this, Grandmother Jiang quieted down, muttering under her breath, “No man of the Jiang family neglects his wife. My eldest grandson is truly clueless.” She was exasperated by Jiang Moyan's insistence on hiding his identity as the president of the Jiang Corporation, masquerading instead as a mere lawyer. Grandmother Jiang was convinced that he would soon come to regret this decision. As Jiang Moyan slowed down, Ouyang Qiqi caught up. Together, they presented their household registration books and took their wedding photos for the red marriage certificates. Ouyang Qiqi lingered over the photo, simply marveling at how strikingly handsome this man appeared, even in a picture. Jiang Moyan looked at her daydreaming and let out a scoff. This woman, he thought, was not only avaricious but also quite taken by appearances! Before Ouyang Qiqi could react, the precious red booklet was swiftly confiscated by Grandmother Jiang. Under the guise of safekeeping, of course. “Now then…” Ouyang Qiqi began, but was interrupted by a call from her aunt. She hesitated to answer, but considering she was now married, she thought it best to clarify matters to avoid further conflicts with her uncle. “Qiqi, it's terrible, your uncle has suddenly fainted! You must come back at once…”