007 is finally married.

Ning Qian’s marriage was no trivial matter. Early the next morning, Ruan Qin sought her out. When she learned of Ning Qian’s intention to marry Yu Ziqi, she frowned and spoke seriously, “Qian, you must think carefully about this. Marriage is a lifetime commitment. For a woman, choosing the right husband is the most important decision she can make. I don’t know why Young Master Yu is doing this, but I feel there is more to it than meets the eye. That kind of prominent family is entangled and complex, with darkness lurking beneath the surface. You may be clever, but I truly worry for you in such an environment.”

Ning Qian raised her little finger—her only finger adorned with a bright red polish, which shone brilliantly against her fair skin, making her hand look particularly lovely. A faint smile flickered at her lips before she turned to face her cousin with grave sincerity. “Cousin, I know you care for me, and you know my situation better than anyone. We grew up together; you know what kind of person I am. I have no wish to live my whole life with the reputation of an old maid.” She had been considered a leftover woman in the modern world; she wasn’t about to be unwanted in this one as well.

Ruan Qin’s expression darkened, her heart aching. She was several years older than Ning Qian, had practically watched her grow up, and now, faced with such an event, how could she not be deeply saddened? Yet she could do little to help, and the thought left her restless and uneasy.

After a moment’s thought, she walked over to Ning Qian and took her hand, speaking with resolve, “Qian, I know you’ve probably already made up your mind, and I can’t stop you. I won’t try. Whatever you decide, I’ll support you with all my strength. If you truly marry into the Yu family, I’ll accompany you as your maid. We’ve always lived together, and if I can spend the rest of my life by your side, I’ll be content.”

Ning Qian was taken aback and pulled Ruan Qin to sit beside her. “Cousin, I can’t let you do that. You’re my sister, not my servant. You have neither the duty nor the obligation to make such a sacrifice. Besides, with your status, the Yu family would never agree to it. Don’t worry about me; do you remember? I’m like an unkillable cockroach.”

At that, Ruan Qin wrinkled her nose in distaste. “How could you compare yourself to something so disgusting?”

“It’s just a figure of speech! I promise I won’t say it again,” Ning Qian said, knowing Ruan Qin couldn’t stand such creatures. “Let’s not talk about this anymore.”

“No, it’s truly my own decision. As for your worry that the Yu family wouldn’t accept me, don’t fret. I’ve always kept to myself in the Ning household; few people know me. If we don’t speak of it, who would know? And even if they did, so what? Once the fact is set, what can they do?”

Ning Qian sighed helplessly. She knew Ruan Qin well; despite her gentle appearance, she could be as stubborn as they came. Once her mind was set, she would not change it. It seemed she would have to enlist Ruan Qi’s help; only she might persuade Ruan Qin otherwise.

Ruan Qin herself was a pitiable soul. Orphaned young, she was raised by Ruan Qi. After marrying, her family was attacked by bandits, and she alone survived. Since then, she believed herself a bringer of misfortune and rarely left the Ning household.

“Enough, your silence means consent. Come, let’s return and recite some scriptures. I’ll head back first; you get some rest.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Ning Qian said, rising to her feet.

After a night’s careful thought, Ning Qian found Ruan Qi and informed her of her decision. Naturally, Ruan Qi was unwilling; the Yu family seemed a pit of fire, and she could scarcely bear to see Ning Qian step into it. Yet Ning Qian persisted, explaining her resolve. Reluctantly, Ning Qian’s family agreed, knowing that forcing her to stay would only bring her misery, with unpredictable consequences in the long run.

Two days later, Yu Ziqi came to call again, received by Ning Qian’s uncle and Ruan Qi. After brief pleasantries, her uncle got straight to the point. “We’ve asked for Qian’s opinion; she’s agreed to marry you. But there’s something I must make clear: Qian is our treasure. I do not wish to hear any rumors of her unhappiness in the future. The Ning family may not be grand, but we have our standing. I will not hesitate to do what must be done for her sake.”

Yu Ziqi smiled warmly. “That goes without saying. If I marry her, I will treat her well. I know words at this moment mean little, but I hope my actions will set your minds at ease.”

Satisfied, her uncle nodded. They chatted lightly for a short while, and Yu Ziqi soon took his leave.

In a few days, the Yu family formally sent their betrothal gifts, and Ning Qian’s dowry was already prepared, so the arrangements took little time. What puzzled Ning Qian was how eager Yu Ziqi seemed to marry her. Not only was her own family’s trousseau ready long ago—even the Yu family’s preparations were complete, which raised her suspicions. Still, it was too late to have cold feet after being forced into this marriage.

On an auspicious day half a month later, Ning Qian was carried through the Yu family’s gates. Nervously twisting her sleeves, she shifted restlessly on the bridal bed, uncertain what would come next. She was no longer pure, and though Yu Ziqi claimed not to mind, in such a traditional society, what man would truly be so forgiving?

Her thoughts were interrupted by the creak of the door. Footsteps, light and unsteady, approached. Her body tensed, back straightening. Whatever was to come, she would face it head-on; better to resolve matters quickly than let them fester.

The footsteps stopped before her, and her bridal veil was lifted. She slowly raised her head to see Yu Ziqi’s expressionless face. Blushing, she lowered her gaze.

Yu Ziqi tilted her chin up with a finger. “Are you hungry?”

Taken aback, Ning Qian looked up at him, surprised at the question. She was hungry, but wasn’t this the moment for more sentimental words and gestures?

Yu Ziqi smiled with amusement, clearly entertained by her reaction. This little woman was truly interesting—her thoughts so unlike most people’s. He found himself unexpectedly intrigued.

He led her to the table and poured her wine. “I know you haven’t eaten all day. Have something, and we must also drink the nuptial cup.”

Ning Qian accepted the cup without protest. Once the formalities were done, she began to eat slowly, feeling awkward with someone watching her. Before long, she put down her chopsticks—not because she was full, but because she couldn’t eat any more.

“Are you done?” Yu Ziqi asked.

Ning Qian turned to him. “Aren’t you hungry?”

“A little.”

“But you haven’t eaten.”

“I’m already full.”

“What?”

“Just looking at you, I’m satisfied.”

She touched her face. Was she really such an eyesore that just looking at her could satiate him? She didn’t dare imagine he meant she was a feast for the eyes. It wasn’t that she thought little of herself—she simply didn’t take Yu Ziqi for the sort to indulge in sweet words.