Flash Marriage

Chapter 12: Going Home

"A week of recuperation has restored the Young Madam to full health. She only needs to continue strengthening her nutrition and can be discharged," the attending physician said with a genial smile to Yin Sichen, handing over a report. "These are the complete physical results. The Young Madam is ready for discharge anytime."

Yin Sichen merely glanced at the report before nodding. "Put it there."

After everyone else had left, Yin Sichen passed the report to Madam Yin. She scrutinized it very carefully. "Since there are no problems with your health," she said to Gu Xixi, "we will pay a formal visit to your family tomorrow. The baby in your belly is growing larger. It's best to marry as soon as possible."

Yin Sichen's brow furrowed slightly. "Grandmother, is there such a need to rush the marriage?"

Gu Xixi also didn't want to marry so soon. She felt that once married, there would truly be no turning back!

Madam Yin calmly looked at her grandson. How could she not know what Yin Sichen was thinking? She merely stated coolly, "In just over ten days, the Chairman and his wife of the Korean corporation will be visiting China. The Korean side has specifically requested to meet with you and your wife. If you don't marry, what identity will Xixi have to meet them?"

Madam Yin's words instantly struck a chord with Yin Sichen.

Although Yin Sichen genuinely didn't want to marry so early now, these personal trivialities paled into insignificance when faced with company affairs of such importance.

"I understand, Grandmother," Yin Sichen immediately acquiesced to Madam Yin's decision.

Hearing Yin Sichen agree to the marriage, Gu Xixi's heart sank.

So it's really happening? Marriage?

It felt so sudden. The transition from making the decision to implementing it was happening far too quickly!

A look of resistance flashed in Gu Xixi's eyes as she glanced at Yin Sichen. Catching her gaze, a flicker of displeasure stirred within him.

Him not wanting to marry was one thing, but her not wanting to marry? That was entirely different.

For some inexplicable reason, Yin Sichen, who had been somewhat resistant moments before, suddenly found his grandmother's words profoundly reasonable. This marriage needed to happen, and quickly.

Seeing both the Chairman and Yin Sichen so resolute, Gu Xixi knew she had no room to object.

Indeed, having come this far, what couldn't she accept? Marriage was inevitable. Whether a day earlier or later made little difference now.

She just didn't want to descend upon her home with such a grand, sudden entourage. It would frighten her mother.

Some buffer would be best, allowing her to give her mother a heads-up beforehand, sparing her the shock and potential hurt of facing this abruptly.

Sorting out her thoughts, Gu Xixi spoke up, "Madam Chairman, I... could I perhaps not return with the Yin family? Could I go home first to talk to my family?"

"Out of the question!" Madam Yin stated decisively. "You are no longer alone. The baby in your belly absolutely cannot face any risk. You will receive all the dignity befitting your status. Your only task is to safely deliver this child."

Gu Xixi quickly assured her, "Madam Chairman, I have no doubt that the Yin family's status and wealth will ensure I am not slighted. I merely wish to avoid frightening my mother. I want to go back and prepare them first. I promise you, absolutely nothing will happen!"

Seeing Madam Yin's unwavering stance, Gu Xixi instinctively lifted her head, casting a beseeching look at Yin Sichen.

She wasn't sure why she suddenly sought his help. Perhaps because there were only three people in the room, or maybe for some other reason, but she did it nonetheless.

Yin Sichen saw that pleading look directed at him for the first time. Somehow, an image flashed in his mind: her smiling amidst the camellia bushes as she pruned them yesterday evening. As if guided by a ghost, he spoke up, "Grandmother, she's not a child. She knows her limits."

Hearing her grandson say this, Madam Yin chuckled softly, seemingly pleased by their implicit understanding. "A filial child, indeed. Very well, you may go back to inform them first. However," her tone turned serious, "you are the Young Madam of the Yin family. We absolutely cannot let you return alone. Sichen, that assistant who brought Xixi to the hospital was quite competent – bold yet careful. Have him escort Xixi home."

"Everything as you say, Grandmother," Yin Sichen replied, a subtle lift at the corner of his eye as he observed the look of profound relief washing over Gu Xixi's face. An unreadable glint flickered deep within his gaze.

Having finally persuaded Madam Yin, Gu Xixi gathered a few things and prepared to leave.

Assistant A drove a very low-key Volkswagen Phaeton, loaded with numerous packages, to take Gu Xixi home.

Despite Gu Xixi's repeated assurances that it was unnecessary, Assistant A thoughtfully brought gifts for every member of her family.

He understood boundaries perfectly, knowing exactly what to say and what to leave unsaid, what to do and what to avoid.

After delivering the gifts to Gu Xixi's family, he promptly excused himself and withdrew.

"Grandmother," Gu Xixi said, setting the things she was holding down on the floor and straightening up. "These are gifts for everyone at home. Please distribute them as you see fit."