"Qiao Yuesheng?" A deep, commanding voice rang out.

At the entrance of the civil affairs bureau, Qiao Yuesheng, who had been squatting on the ground, suddenly heard the low, authoritative voice. She looked up and found herself staring into a pair of obsidian-dark eyes that carried an inexplicable intensity beneath their cool detachment.

The man before her stood at least six-foot-three, his towering frame blocking her view like an impenetrable wall. He wore a simple olive-green T-shirt, camouflage pants, and black leather boots still flecked with dried mud.

"That's me," Qiao Yuesheng answered, attempting to stand. But her legs had gone numb from crouching too long. The moment she rose, her knees buckled, sending her stumbling forward.

Yet the expected fall never came.

A lean, muscular arm wrapped around her slender waist, steadying her. Before she could react, she felt herself being lifted off the ground—cradled like a princess in the stranger's arms. His unfamiliar masculine scent enveloped her, making her cheeks burn crimson.

"I'm Lu Xiao. Here to register our marriage."

He set her down gently on a bench. "Where are your documents?"

Obediently, Qiao Yuesheng produced her household register and ID card, placing them on the counter. The clerk examined the papers—the girl was only 22, her gaze clear and guileless; the man was already 28, exuding an aura of formidable dominance.

And considering how the girl had just been carried in by this imposing figure, the clerk couldn't help but voice her suspicion:

"Is this marriage of your own free will?"

"Yes, we're getting married voluntarily."

Stepping out of the civil affairs bureau, Qiao Yuesheng stared at the red marriage certificate in her hand, still feeling dazed.

She had actually married a complete stranger—just like that.

From their first meeting until now, barely ten minutes had passed, hadn’t it?

"Where are you headed next?"

The man walking ahead suddenly stopped and turned to ask.

Her head had been lowered the whole time, so she hadn’t noticed the distance between them closing. Before she could react, she collided straight into him. A sharp pain shot through her nose, bringing tears to her eyes.

Good grief, his chest was like a brick wall!

So damn solid!

She lifted her teary eyes, her nose flushed red. "I’m going back to the hospital."

"Get in. I’ll drive you."

Without another word, the man strode around the front of the car and climbed into the towering SUV.

Rubbing her sore nose, she grabbed the door handle with her slender fingers—only to find it wouldn’t budge.

Ugh, even the car was as stubborn as its owner!

The next second, the door swung open from the inside.

Qiao Yuesheng bit her lip and climbed into the passenger seat.

The entire ride passed in silence.

The man focused intently on driving, his strong hands gripping the wheel—knuckles pronounced, veins prominent, radiating raw power. His sharply defined features stood out even in profile: thick brows, deep-set eyes, a straight nose, and a chiseled jawline. He sat ramrod straight, exuding an air of unshakable authority.

Then—

*Gurgle.*

An untimely sound shattered the quiet.

Qiao Yuesheng immediately clapped a hand over her stomach, her cheeks burning. Was this man some kind of jinx? Why did she always end up embarrassing herself around him?

Her traitorous stomach continued rumbling for what felt like forever before the SUV finally pulled to a stop. She moved to step out—only to realize they weren’t at the hospital.

The man had already exited. Moments later, he returned with a large bag of assorted fruit.

"Wasn’t sure what your grandfather likes, so I got a bit of everything."

"Grandpa can’t eat. He’s on a restricted diet."

Her tone was so flat that he lifted his gaze. His piercing eyes, framed by those striking brows, carried a natural intensity—commanding even without anger.

"Then you eat."

With that, he placed everything on her lap.

Qiao Yuesheng stared at him blankly for a moment before lowering her gaze to the large bag resting on her legs. Inside, she could see what looked like bread and water?

This man… had he really gone through all that trouble just to buy her bread?

Suddenly, a warm sweetness bloomed in her chest.

By the time they arrived at the hospital, both grandfathers were already there.

Truth be told, the reason she and Lu Xiao had gotten married was entirely the doing of these two elders.

Her grandfather, feeling his time was running short, had worried about leaving his beloved granddaughter with no one to care for her. So he reached out to a man he had saved many years ago—someone who had once promised that if they ever needed help, they could call on him anytime, and he would do everything in his power to assist.

Her grandfather had made the call half-expecting nothing to come of it, but to his surprise, the man answered.

The very next day, Lu Xiao’s grandfather arrived, proposing that his grandson marry her.

And as for her? Her objections had been ignored.

Now, Qiao Yuesheng handed the marriage certificate to the two grandfathers, both of whom beamed with delight.

"Good, good. Now I can rest easy," Grandfather Qiao said, taking both Lu Xiao and Qiao Yuesheng’s hands in his. "Xiao, from now on, I’m entrusting our little Sheng to you. She’s gentle but stubborn—be patient with her, and take the time to talk things through."

"Don’t worry, I will," Lu Xiao assured him.

Grandfather Lu chimed in, "Brother Qiao, you’ve got nothing to worry about. Our Xiao has a house and a car—he won’t let little Sheng suffer."

Then, turning to Lu Xiao, he added, "Xiao, now that you and Sheng are officially married, you’re family. Take her to see the new place, and once she’s free, she can move in."

Qiao Yuesheng’s eyes widened in shock as she looked at Grandfather Lu.

Hadn’t they just needed to register the marriage? Now they had to live together too?