Flash Marriage

Chapter 9: Let's Get Married

Gu Xixi forced herself to calm down. She understood exactly what the Yin family represented. If they wanted this child so desperately, they would never let her keep it after birth, no matter what she chose.

But this child was her own flesh and blood! How could she bear to have it ripped away the moment it entered the world?

The mere thought shattered her composure completely.

Yin Sichen watched her, a cool, assessing gaze. He saw the turmoil, the defeat in her posture. She was trapped, with no way out. Feigned retreat followed by decisive pressure was a tactic he wielded masterfully.

"So," he stated, his voice devoid of warmth, "What do you want? My time is limited."

Gu Xixi bowed her head, thoughts racing. There was no going back to Zhao Zegang. Her escape routes were sealed shut.

Just spending one night with Yin Sichen had nearly gotten her and her mother thrown out of the Gu house by her grandmother.

If news of this pregnancy reached them… it would be the end for both of them.

She’d be homeless. Jobless. Utterly cornered.

She clenched her teeth. "Alright. I choose marriage." Her voice was low but firm. "I know the Yin family needs this child. I'll have the baby… but only if we marry."

"Since you agree, prepare for the wedding." Yin Sichen cut her off mid-sentence, already turning towards the door. "Consider yourself on extended leave. Rest well." He left without another glance.

The notification hit Gu Xixi’s department like a bomb: Special leave granted by the President. Full salary and bonuses maintained.

The office collectively gasped. Utter disbelief.

The female colleague who routinely dumped her own work on Gu Xixi felt a cold sweat prickle her neck. Why would the President grant such unprecedented privileges to a low-level clerk? Was there some hidden connection?

Had Gu Xixi’s clumsy attempt at throwing herself at him actually… worked?

A wave of intense regret washed over the other women in the office. If they’d known that was possible… they wouldn’t have hesitated!

But before any of them could act on their envy, someone else became a cautionary tale.

A woman from another department, hearing the gossip, dolled herself up and strategically "accidentally" collided with Yin Sichen on his way into the building.

She was fired on the spot.

The icy cold water of that reality doused any remaining ambitions. No one dared make a move.

Yet, the question burned hotter: Why did the President show such blatant favoritism towards plain, insignificant Gu Xixi?

Gu Xixi received impeccable care in the hospital. A top-tier medical team existed solely for her wellbeing.

Feeling stifled after days confined to the luxurious suite, she ventured down to the private garden for a walk.

She hadn’t gone far before a small flock of nurses descended.

"Young Madam, the wind is strong today, you mustn't catch a chill!" The head nurse hovered anxiously, practically treading on her heels. "The early stages of pregnancy are delicate. The Chairwoman has given strict instructions: absolutely no mishaps."

Seeing the determined entourage, Gu Xixi sighed. Her stroll was over. "Fine. I understand."

Confined indoors, she wandered the corridor back towards her suite. As she approached, she saw a procession of chefs pushing elaborate carts towards her door.

What now?

She hurried inside to find several chefs meticulously arranging over a dozen exquisite dishes on the dining table.

Spotting her, they immediately stood at attention. "Young Madam, lunch as ordered by the Chairwoman. If the selections are not to your liking, we can prepare alternatives immediately."

Gu Xixi stared, dumbfounded. This feast… for one person?

"That's… too much. I couldn't possibly eat all this," she stammered, overwhelmed by the sheer opulence directed at her, a girl from the countryside thrust into this dizzying spotlight.

"The President will be joining you for lunch, Young Madam," one chef clarified politely. "This is his standard midday meal."

Gu Xixi flushed with mortification. She’d completely misunderstood!

Wait… Yin Sichen was coming for lunch?

Before she could process this, a crisp, unified greeting echoed from the hallway: "Good afternoon, President!"

Gu Xixi’s spine stiffened. She couldn’t bring herself to turn around.

Agreeing to marry him was one thing; facing him as anything other than a terrifying stranger was another.

Yin Sichen entered, his gaze immediately finding her rigid back. "Don't just stand there," he commanded coolly. "Sit. Eat."

He took his seat at the head of the table. Instantly, an attendant presented a steaming hand towel. Yin Sichen meticulously cleaned his hands, discarding the towel only when another fresh one was offered. He repeated this ritual with precisely three towels before finally picking up his knife and fork. He began to eat, each movement sculpted with detached, icy elegance.