The Kiss That Convinced Them All

When Wen Junru received his daughter’s call while resting at home, he initially thought she was joking when she said she had registered her marriage.

It wasn’t until a photo of the marriage certificate arrived on WeChat that he realized she was serious.

His first reaction was anger.

Marriage was a major life event.

How could she handle it without a word?

But then his eyes landed on the man’s photo and name on the certificate.

Jiang Jibai.

The name sounded familiar.

His wife, Jiang Youyi, reminded him softly, “Isn’t that the Jiang family’s second son we mentioned a few days ago?”

Wen Junru remembered.

Half his anger dissipated instantly.

He didn’t know the young man personally, but he’d heard about Jiang Jibai from business partners.

Smart.

Self-disciplined.

Promising.

If Wen Xi had married him, that was an excellent match.

Especially when she said they had dated before marrying, not a reckless same-day flash marriage.

He had already decided not to scold her harshly.

But Jiang Youyi mentioned casually that she had once planned to introduce her cousin to Jiang Jibai.

Wen Junru recalled that Wen Xi had been present that day.

If she’d already been dating Jiang Jibai, why hadn’t she spoken up?

Instead, she rushed to register the marriage.

The more he thought about it, the more immature it seemed.

He scolded her lightly over the phone to appease his wife.

After hanging up, he hadn’t doubted her.

But Jiang Youyi speculated whether there was some hidden reason for the rushed marriage.

She reminded him of Wen Xi’s obsessive fangirl tendencies.

And Jiang Jibai had just taken over an entertainment company.

Coincidentally, Wen Xi’s favorite male star worked under that company.

Jiang Youyi suggested perhaps the two had struck a deal—a contract marriage.

By the time Wen Junru arrived at the hotel, he no longer believed in the “one-month relationship.”

He intended to question her properly.

He reached the private room entrance early.

Before entering, he ran into Jiang Guangnian and Zou Jiayun.

They had met before in business settings.

Now, suddenly in-laws.

Naturally, there was more to say.

Just as they were exchanging pleasantries, Wen Junru heard movement from the elevator.

He turned instinctively.

And froze.

Near the elevator, his obedient daughter had her arms wrapped around Jiang Jibai’s neck.

She was on her toes, kissing him.

Her face flushed red.

And his new son-in-law wasn’t stopping her.

He had one arm around her waist.

Leaning down.

Kissing deeper.

It wasn’t just Wen Junru.

Jiang Guangnian and Zou Jiayun saw it too.

Zou Jiayun’s eyes widened.

She grabbed her husband’s arm hard.

“Jiayun, ease up. That hurts.”

She felt like she was dreaming.

For a month she had arranged blind dates for Jiang Jibai.

She never imagined he’d be this intimate with any woman.

Jiang Guangnian pried her fingers loose.

“It’s real. Stop pinching. Our son has finally bloomed.”

The elders were stunned.

It was Wen Junru who recovered first.

He coughed loudly.

“—Ahem!”

In reality, Wen Xi had only brushed Jiang Jibai’s lips.

Then his arm tightened around her waist.

He shifted slightly, blocking her completely.

He withdrew first.

But he remained lowered.

Near her ear, he whispered, “Don’t move. If we’re acting, act properly.”

Her heart pounded.

She felt a fingertip press against her lips.

His lips lowered again—but onto his own finger.

From afar, it looked like a deep kiss.

Their noses almost touching.

Breaths intertwined.

But their lips never met again.

Wen Xi understood.

He was using his height and body to create an illusion.

From her father’s angle, it looked intimate.

In truth, his lips touched only his finger.

After the cough, he released her waist.

She straightened, mortified.

She turned away immediately.

He turned too—but toward the elders.

Calm.

Composed.

As if nothing had happened.

He took her hand.

“Let’s go.”

She forced herself to turn back.

They approached.

“Dad. Mom. Father-in-law. Aunt Jiang.”

The elders responded warmly.

Except Zou Jiayun.

She studied Wen Xi carefully.

Beautiful.

Oval face.

Deer-like eyes.

Skin pale as peeled egg.

Hair glossy and black.

A pleated dress that made her look sweet and obedient.

Her flushed face and moist eyes only made her prettier.

Zou Jiayun had doubted her son’s claim of dating.

But she had clearly seen Wen Xi kiss him.

And she knew her son.

He would never do such a thing in public.

Was he really acting?

Or had he lost control because he truly liked this girl?

Wen Xi greeted them.

“Dad. Auntie. Uncle. Auntie.”

“You can change how you address them now,” Jiang Jibai reminded softly.

She hesitated only briefly.

“Mom. Dad.”

Jiang Guangnian beamed.

“Good, good. Let’s go inside.”

They entered.

Walking behind, Wen Xi tugged Jiang Jibai’s palm lightly.

He leaned closer.

She whispered, “Sorry for being so abrupt earlier.”

He replied calmly, “It was just part of the act.”

She murmured, “Your lips are soft.”

He looked at her.

Her eyes widened.

“I won’t do it again. I swear. I’m not addicted to your lips!”

He said nothing.

Inside, Zou Jiayun observed closely.

Her suspicions lessened slightly.

But not entirely.

They sat.

Wen Junru no longer doubted them.

The elevator scene had convinced him.

During the meal, Zou Jiayun pulled Jiang Jibai aside briefly.

When he returned, Wen Xi tried to read his expression.

Impossible.

She leaned toward him.

“Did your mom suspect anything?”

“Eat.”

She pouted internally.

Fine.

If he wouldn’t indulge her curiosity, she’d escalate.

“Jiang Jibai, peel shrimp for me.”

He glanced at her.

Under Zou Jiayun’s watchful gaze, he complied.

He peeled one.

Then, instead of placing it on a plate, he held it to her lips.

She froze.

“Changed your mind?”

She snapped out of it and bit.

Too fast.

She bit his fingertip too.

He looked at her calmly.

As if asking: Intentional?

She released him and wiped his finger silently.

No apology.

That would look strange between lovers.

“I’ll eat from the plate.”

“Mm.”

The elders observed.

The men chatted warmly.

The women were quieter.

Eventually, Jiang Youyi smiled sweetly.

“Xixi.”

“Yes?”

“You’ve grown so fast. I remember when you were fourteen. You’ve always loved chasing idols. Who was it again?”

“Qiao Zhinian.”

“Right. Isn’t he under Jiang Jibai’s company? That makes things convenient for you.”

Silence lingered briefly.

Wen Xi smiled shyly.

“Honestly, I met him because of my idol. Same school, convenient opportunity. Then I realized… he’s a good person. So things just happened naturally.”

Exactly as Jiang Jibai had coached.

Wen Junru relaxed immediately.

“Lucky girl.”

Jiang Guangnian laughed.

“Lucky boy.”

The meeting ended smoothly.

Outside the hotel, they sent their parents off.

In the car, Wen Xi vibrated with excitement.

“Jiang Jibai.”

“Mm.”

“We agreed. I’m going to your company.”

“I’ll take you now.”

She exploded.

“Ahhhh!”

She lunged over the console and hugged him tightly.

“You’re the best! The absolute best!”

He stiffened.

Her soft body pressed against him.

Fruity scent enveloping him.

He hesitated to push her away.

“There’s something you should know.”

“What?”

He gently held her chin and pulled her face away.

“You won’t see Qiao Zhinian.”

Her fangirl reflex activated instantly.

She froze.