Chapter 21: Wife, We're Legally Married…

Jiang Ran came to see you out of past affection, out of humanitarian concern, but that does not mean he approves of your actions, nor does it mean he has to bear any psychological burden for your injury, or change any of his decisions because of it.

Her logic was crystal clear, like peeling an onion, layer by layer stripping away Lin Wei's petty attempt to trap Jiang Ran by using "getting hurt for you".

Lin Wei opened her mouth to retort, but found she couldn't utter a single word, her complexion flashing red and white.

Su Ruan continued, eyes calm: "Secondly, regarding my relationship with Jiang Ran. We are mutually affectionate, have decided to marry, and today was supposed to be the day to get the certificate. This will not change because of anyone's liking, disliking, support, or opposition."

She said, gently took Jiang Ran's hand, interlaced their fingers, lifted it slightly as a sign, the motion natural yet full of declaration.

Jiang Ran immediately grasped her tightly in return, straightened his back, his face showing unabashed pride and the smug thought "She's my wife."

This scene deeply pierced Lin Wei's eyes.

Su Ruan looked at her and finally said: "So, from now on, please stop using the pretext of brotherhood or 'for your good' to do things that trouble Jiang Ran and embarrass yourself. Apart from draining the last bit of affection, it has no meaning."

"That is all." Su Ruan nodded slightly, "I hope you recover soon. I also wish you can find true happiness that belongs to you, rather than clinging to someone who isn't yours."

After speaking, she no longer looked at Lin Wei's thunderstruck appearance, turned to Jiang Ran softly: "Let's go, don't delay the important matter."

Jiang Ran had been ready to leave; hearing that, he nodded immediately, wrapped his arms around Su Ruan's waist, didn't glance at Lin Wei again, and turned to leave.

Shi Tou and a few others exchanged looks, watching Lin Wei on the sickbed as if her soul had been pulled out, then watching Jiang Ran and Su Ruan's unrelenting backs, finally could only sigh, hurriedly said hello to Jiang Ran, and stayed behind.

Stepping out of the hospital, sunlight poured over them again.

Jiang Ran let out a long sigh, as if shedding a huge burden.

He lowered his head to look at the composed Su Ruan beside him, his heart filled with an indescribable excitement and admiration.

"RuanRuan… you were amazing just now!" his eyes lit up, tone excited, "How did you think of those words? Every sentence makes sense! You stripped all of Lin Wei's little scheming clean! I wonder if she'll still dare to cause trouble!"

Su Ruan smiled lightly, tone relaxed: "It was the truth to begin with. Some people habitually put themselves in the victim's seat and just can't see clearly."

"Right, right, exactly!" Jiang Ran nodded repeatedly, then, a bit apprehensive, hugged her tighter, "But in the future, you should come to places like this less often; what if she goes mad and hurts you?"

"Isn't there you?" Su Ruan turned her head to look at him, eyes full of trust.

Jiang Ran instantly felt a surge of heroism, pounded his chest and promised: "That's a must! No one dares lay a finger on you!"

After all that turmoil, it was already getting late.

Jiang Ran, as if fearing another mishap, pedaled the bicycle furiously, the chain almost sparking.

The wind whistled past his ears, Su Ruan had to cling tightly to his waist to keep steady.

"Slow down! Safety first!" Su Ruan couldn't help reminding him.

"Can't slow! If we go slower, my wife will fly away!" Jiang Ran didn't look back, his voice full of uncontainable excitement, "I have to quickly write your name onto my household register, seal it with a big red stamp, then it'll feel solid!"

Su Ruan was amused by his childish words, feeling a sweet warmth inside.

At last, they arrived at the Civil Affairs Bureau without incident.

Although it was nearing noon, there weren't many people handling affairs.

The procedure was simple: fill out forms, take an oath, have a photo taken.

When the staff handed the thin Marriage Certificate stamped with a big red "joy" character to them, Jiang Ran's hand trembled slightly.

He cradled it gingerly, as if holding a priceless treasure, turning it over and over, staring at the side‑by‑side names and the tiny black‑and‑white photo, grinning stupidly, unable to close his mouth for a while.

"Hehe… Su Ruan, Jiang Ran… hehe… we're legal!" He leaned close to Su Ruan's ear, lowered his voice, his breath steaming her earlobe, brimming with pride and a mischievous spark, "Wife, tonight…"

Su Ruan's cheeks flushed slightly, scolded him with a glare, snatched her own Marriage Certificate and tucked it away: "Stop being indecent! Let's go!"

"Hey! Let's go home! Home to show Mom, Dad, and Grandma!"

Jiang Ran, elated, grabbed Su Ruan's hand and rushed out, as if he wanted to announce it to the whole world immediately.

He pushed the bicycle, let Su Ruan sit properly, then pedaled toward home.

"Wait." Su Ruan gently tugged his sleeve.

"What's wrong?" Jiang Ran turned back, his face still beaming with a goofy smile.

"Don't go back to your place first," Su Ruan said, "I need to go back to mine to get something."

Jiang Ran's smile froze, his brows furrowed: "Why go back? That shabby house has nothing worth taking. If we lack anything, we'll just buy new!"

He really didn't want Su Ruan to step through that door again, to see those top‑notch parents.

Su Ruan shook her head, tone firm: "It's not something valuable; it's a little gift I made myself… My first time formally meeting uncle, aunt, and grandma with my new status, it's awkward to come empty‑handed."

She paused, added, "Besides, there are some little things that belong to me that I also want to take."

Her reasoning was both emotional and logical; Jiang Ran, though reluctant, couldn't refute it.

He muttered, "What good could that rundown place have…" but still turned the bike around.

"Then I'll go in with you." Jiang Ran said, he wasn't comfortable leaving Su Ruan alone with that family.

"No need." Su Ruan refused, pointing to the Alley entrance, "Just wait for me outside. I'll be quick; once I have the thing, I'll come out. You going in… would be a hassle."

Jiang Ran thought of Su Dazhuang and Wang Juhua's faces, truly feeling disgusted, and didn't want to deal with them.

He hesitated briefly, nodded: "Fine, I'll wait here. If they dare bully you, just shout loudly! I'll rush in immediately!"

He looked ready to roll up his sleeves, prepared for a fight at any moment.

Su Ruan found it amusing and a bit moving, nodded: "Alright."

She walked alone into that familiar yet oppressive Alley, pushing open the creaking wooden door.

Sure enough, Su Dazhuang and Wang Juhua were at home, sitting in the Main Hall, their faces as gloomy as a pot bottom.

Apparently, the news of Su Yanhua's obtaining the certificate hadn't reached them, or had but not in the triumphant way they expected, so they were in a terrible mood.

Seeing Su Ruan enter, both let out a cold snort simultaneously, their gazes like knives tempered with poison.

Wang Juhua spoke in a sarcastic, eerie tone: "Yo, you actually came back? Didn't you climb up a higher branch? Why return to our shabby nest? What, were you kicked out?"