The Marriage Partner Is The Villain Boss Chapter 10

The evening breeze was slightly cool, carrying the unique salty-damp scent of the seaside, with the faint sound of waves echoing in the distance.

The sea swallowed the sunset, gradually becoming covered by a hazy darkness. Yet the number of people playing by the shore only increased, their bustling voices carrying far.

What are you looking at?

Xu Zhiyi suddenly pulled her gaze back and looked at the exquisitely plated steak in front of her. The other woman clearly still remembered her preferences: medium-well, with a little black pepper sauce.

Nothing. Thank you for your thoughtfulness today.

Meeting the woman’s gaze, she said softly, It’s impressive that you still remember my preferences.

It’s only right. Pei Qingyan seemed to appreciate the praise, her cold features appearing somewhat softer under the orange glow of the lights.

There was no doubt that President Pei, who was so decisive and formidable in the outside world, was indeed blessed with good looks. Her features were deep and well-defined, possessing the charm of a mixed-race beauty. Just from that slight curl of her lips, Xu Zhiyi felt her heart skip a beat.

She still preferred the version of Pei Qingyan that wasn’t so fierce.

You should smile more, she blurted out her thoughts without thinking.

I’ll try.

The woman nodded, then changed the subject. Are you used to eating Western food? I was afraid you wouldn’t be adjusted yet after just returning…

It’s quite good. Xu Zhiyi paused and added, I really like how this restaurant prepares it.

She wasn’t lying. The beef had a light overall flavor and a pleasant chewiness; one could tell the ingredients were fresh with just one bite.

However, for a fleeting moment, she found herself wanting to taste what fish caught directly from the sea would be like. Or perhaps a picnic on the shore would have been nice, though the other woman would likely find that difficult to accept.

Good, as long as you like it.

Pei Qingyan maintained her composed demeanor, only letting out a quiet sigh of relief where Xu Zhiyi couldn’t see.

—Not messing up counts as extra points.

The two were silent for a moment.

…

When they clinked glasses again, Xu Zhiyi casually brought it up. Is this political marriage absolutely necessary for me, President Pei?

Yes.

The woman tilted her head back to drink the liquid in her glass, then wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin, her movements elegant. It has to be you.

Every word was filled with an unquestionable certainty.

I understand. Xu Zhiyi was silent for a moment, then similarly raised her empty wine glass, speaking tentatively. I can marry you, but I have one request.

Alright, I agree.

…I haven’t said it yet, President Pei. Xu Zhiyi felt a slight ache in her heart, causing her to lose her composure for a second. After we marry, I don’t ask for much in how you treat me, but I hope to wait until after I’m thirty to have children.

This was her bottom line.

After all, she had just started working at the Research Institute; her seniority was low, and she hadn’t established herself yet. If she became pregnant now, it would have a significant impact on the projects she was about to undertake.

Furthermore, Xu Zhiyi wasn’t without ambitions for her career. On the contrary, she valued it immensely. If given the chance, she certainly wanted to reach higher levels.

She was young now, which was the best opportunity. She was trying her best not to let marriage and family become a burden.

Okay. Pei Qingyan still didn’t ask for a reason, seriously noting it down with a pen. I’ll have the lawyer add this clause to the contract.

Thank you, Xu Zhiyi whispered, her lips moving slightly.

An upscale restaurant, fine food and wine, and a marriage partner who was both talented and beautiful. Yet in such an environment, Xu Zhiyi didn’t feel the slightest bit of joy; instead, she felt a sense of desolation.

She could be friends with Pei Qingyan, but as lovers…

It would be difficult.

She had already caught a glimpse of that bitterness six years ago.

…

Do you have time this weekend?

While driving her home, Pei Qingyan pulled up her calendar and specifically chose a sunny day.

If it’s just half a day, I can.

Then how about I take you to see the place where we used to study?

Xu Zhiyi gave an mm in response. If it’s convenient, let’s go register our marriage as well.

She could hear the woman’s faint, sharp intake of breath.

Even she hadn’t expected the thought that flashed through her mind to be spoken aloud so naturally.

Oh well, it didn’t matter.

She just didn’t want to run away anymore. It was bound to happen sooner or later, she told herself, catching a glimpse of the rain starting to fall again outside the window.

Her only hope was that Pei Qingyan would keep her promise and not force her again.