Chapter Two: System Activation

“Huairu, let’s go get our marriage certificate right now.”

The matchmaker, Madam Wang, immediately perked up at their request.

“No, I must hurry and bring Wang Lin to propose marriage. If they get the certificate first and leave me out, I’ll be in trouble.”

With this thought, Madam Wang quickly blocked their way and spoke up.

“Director Wang, since you two are getting your certificate today, why don’t I take you both to propose marriage right after you’re done?”

Ordinarily, the proposal would come before the marriage certificate, but Wang Lin was generous with his payment, so Madam Wang was happy to be flexible.

Qin Huairu looked at Wang Lin with anticipation. Though she was eager to marry, she also wanted Wang Lin to formally propose at her home. She wasn’t a materialistic woman, but she wanted him to make a gesture, to show respect to her and her family. Marrying without a proper proposal would feel like disregard.

“What about Jia Dongxu?” Wang Lin asked.

Seeing he didn’t refuse, Madam Wang’s smile grew even wider. As for Jia Dongxu, she had already cast him from her mind.

“Oh, today is all about Huairu’s match. Since she’s chosen you, Director Wang, there’s no need to meet Jia Dongxu.”

Madam Wang was clear: since Qin Huairu was matched with Wang Lin, she had no other girls to introduce to Jia Dongxu anyway. Plus, with Wang Lin there was still money to be made—she knew what to do.

“Very well, we’ll trouble you today, Madam Wang.”

“Haha, it’s no trouble at all!”

With that, Madam Wang accompanied Wang Lin and Qin Huairu to the civil affairs bureau to register their marriage.

“Huairu, from this day forward, you are my wife.”

Qin Huairu gazed at the marriage certificate in her hands—red and shining like an award—her cheeks aglow with joy.

Madam Wang beamed even brighter and reminded Wang Lin to go through with the proposal.

“Director Wang, shall we go propose marriage now?”

Wang Lin smiled and nodded.

“Yes, but let’s stop by Wangfujing first to buy some gifts. It wouldn’t do to show up empty-handed.”

At that moment, a small car drove up.

“Director, I’m sorry I’m late,” the driver said.

Wang Lin smiled. “Not at all, you’re right on time.”

The driver got out and opened the car door for him. At Wang Lin’s signal, Qin Huairu and he took the back seat, with Madam Wang in the front passenger seat.

No sooner had they sat down than Qin Huairu’s wide eyes darted curiously about the car. It wasn’t just her—a country girl—who was excited; even Madam Wang reached out to touch everything, delighted beyond measure.

“Director Wang, you can’t deny it—this car is really comfortable.”

Hearing Madam Wang’s envious exclamation, Wang Lin only chuckled quietly. The country was still so underdeveloped that cars like this were incomparable to those of the future.

“Lao Xue, to Wangfujing.”

“Yes, sir.”

At the entrance to Qin Family Village, more than a dozen villagers were chatting beneath a crooked tree. Suddenly, one of them pointed towards the road and cried out.

“Look, isn’t that a car?”

To Wang Lin, the car was nothing special, but here it was a rare sight, reserved for high officials or wealthy capitalists.

“It really is! Are we expecting some big leader in the village?”

While the crowd speculated, the car rolled to a gentle stop beside them.

“Second Uncle, Third Uncle, you’re here,” Wang Lin greeted.

“Well, isn’t that Huairu! How did you end up in a car?” her second uncle asked in surprise.

Qin Huairu replied with pride, “This is the car the factory assigned to my husband. He’s come to my house today to propose marriage.”

The villagers were all stunned. None of them had expected her to go on a matchmaking trip and have a proposal the same day—it all seemed much too hasty. If they learned she and Wang Lin were already legally wed, they would be even more shocked.

“I can’t chat now, I have to take my husband home,” Qin Huairu said.

“All right, all right.”

Wang Lin took out a small bag and spoke calmly.

“There are some cigarettes and candies here. Please share them among yourselves.”

He handed the bag to Qin Huairu’s second uncle. Seeing the treats, the villagers’ faces broke into smiles.

Soon the car pulled up outside Qin Huairu’s house. She got out, intending to help Wang Lin with the betrothal gifts, but he gently stopped her.

“I’ll handle it.”

At that moment, the door of her house swung open. Qin Huairu’s father, Qin Dashan, and her mother both wore beaming smiles as they emerged.

Madam Wang hurried forward and called out to Qin Dashan.

“Oh my, your Huairu is lucky indeed! Director Wang was also looking for a match today, and when I thought it over, he seemed perfect for her. Who would have guessed that they’d hit it off at first sight? Since both were eager, I made the decision to come propose marriage today. I hope you’re not upset.”

Qin Dashan and his family could not have been happier. Wang Lin might have looked a bit frail, but one glance told you he was no ordinary man. If Huairu married him, she’d live well, and perhaps the whole family could move to the city and enjoy a better life.

“Uncle, Aunt, my name is Wang Lin. I currently work at the Hongxing Rolling Mill.”

“Good, good, come inside!”

Inside, Qin Huairu’s mother greeted him with a smile.

“Wang Lin, just hand the gifts to me.”

“Yes, Aunt.”

As she took the gifts, her smile grew even brighter. A quick feel told her there was plenty inside.

Qin Dashan turned to his wife with a grin.

“Let’s make something nice to eat tonight—we’re celebrating.”

“Yes, yes,” she replied at once.

Wang Lin quickly interjected with a smile, “Uncle, Aunt, please don’t trouble yourselves for my sake. There’s much to do at the factory, and Huairu and I will return to the city today. Next week, when we have more time, we’ll come back and share a drink with you.”

His words chilled the room for a moment, and Qin Huairu’s face paled. Sensing the awkward silence, Wang Lin’s driver and secretary, Lao Xue, quickly explained, “Deputy Director Wang has to attend a meeting today—he’s discussing the grain allocation with leaders from the Grain Bureau.”

“Of course, if you’re busy, you can visit next time,” Qin Dashan replied.

Wang Lin realized he had misspoken, but he truly had pressing matters.

“Uncle, Aunt, here is the bride price for Huairu.” He handed over fifty ten-yuan banknotes to Qin Dashan.

Both father and mother were dumbstruck, never having seen so much money at once. Qin Huairu hadn’t expected such a generous dowry either, but it made her even happier, for it showed how much Wang Lin valued her.

“Well then, Mom, Dad, Huairu and I will head back to the city now!”

“All right, take care on the road.”

As Wang Lin and Qin Huairu departed, a small head peeked out from behind the house, eyes full of longing as the car disappeared into the distance.

Soon after, two excited children burst into the house.

“Mom, Dad, has big sister come home? What’s her husband like?”

In the car, Wang Lin handed Madam Wang ten ten-yuan notes, making her overjoyed. Qin Huairu, on the other hand, felt a pang at the sight.

Wang Lin himself was thrilled. The moment Qin Dashan and his wife accepted him as family, his system finally activated.