Chapter 003: Be Good, Darling, Call Me Husband!

"Uncle, you..."
Shi Runrun stared at Xiao Xuezheng, who had just snatched away her marriage certificate.
A faint smile curled on Xiao Xuezheng's thin lips. "What did you just call me?"
Only then did Shi Runrun realize she had addressed him incorrectly. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she couldn't bring herself to say the right words. All she could manage was, "Then what should I call you?"
The man raised an eyebrow, gazing at her with a gentle laugh. "Of course, you should call me 'husband!'"
Shi Runrun was at a loss for words.
The next moment, Xiao Xuezheng stuffed both marriage certificates into his pocket.
He turned and stood in front of her, placing his hands on her shoulders and meeting her gaze. "Let me introduce myself again. My name is Xiao Xuezheng, current head of the Xiao family in the capital, president of Guangzheng Group, and now, your lawful husband."
Having already suspected his identity, Shi Runrun was only slightly less shocked this time.
Still, she struggled to reconcile the images of the Xiao family patriarch and the illustrious president of Guangzheng Group with the man who was now her husband.
The next moment, he continued, "I heard you were kicked out by the Shi family?"
"Ah? Um..."
Shi Runrun lowered her head, a little despondent.
Xiao Xuezheng reached out and lifted her chin, bending down to look at her. "It's all right. From now on, you'll live with me at my place."
"What?!" Shi Runrun's eyes widened in shock, then she frowned. "I have to live at your house?"
Xiao Xuezheng couldn't help but laugh at her reaction.
He smirked. "You're my wife now. If you don't live with me, where would you live?"
"Silly girl, I told you—if we got the certificate, I would take responsibility for you!"
With that, he took her hand and led her outside.
On the way to the Xiao family home, Shi Runrun suddenly remembered she was still a student.
Her school was very strict: students weren't allowed to stay out overnight, and if discovered, she'd be punished.
When she mentioned this to him, Xiao Xuezheng simply smiled.
With a casual phone call, a text message soon appeared on Shi Runrun's phone: her counselor had granted her permission to stay off campus.
Shi Runrun stared at her phone in disbelief, then glanced at the man driving beside her, unable to help but marvel at his resourcefulness.
Noticing her glances, Xiao Xuezheng teased her with a smile, "What, is your husband so handsome you can't stop staring?"

"Ah..."
Shi Runrun quickly averted her eyes, turning her flushed face away and lowering her head.
The man smiled to himself, thinking how adorable she was.
The luxury car glided into a villa district, and a valet came over to park for them.
Shi Runrun looked up at the magnificent villa before her, mouth agape.
She knew this place—no one of her station could ever afford a home here, not even after a lifetime of toil.
She couldn't help but wonder just how wealthy Xiao Xuezheng was, to have a house in such a place.
While she was still lost in thought, Xiao Xuezheng came over, took her small hand, and led her inside.
As soon as they entered, a maid stepped forward to offer them slippers.
Shi Runrun changed shoes and tiptoed after Xiao Xuezheng into the house.
Treading carefully on the gleaming marble floor, she was cautious with every step, terrified of touching anything valuable or breaking a tile she could never afford to replace.
Xiao Xuezheng led her to the sofa and gestured for her to sit.
Shi Runrun hesitated. With a sigh at her hesitance, Xiao Xuezheng simply picked her up and placed her gently on the sofa.
At that moment, the housekeeper, Mrs. Lin, came over with a menu for his approval. "Young Master, these are today's lunch dishes. Please see if anything needs changing."
He glanced at it briefly and said, "Prepare an extra nutritious meal for a pregnant woman."
Mrs. Lin acknowledged the order, then turned her attention to Shi Runrun.
Xiao Xuezheng smiled and said, "Mrs. Lin, let everyone know—this is Shi Runrun. From now on, she is your young mistress. Her wishes are my wishes. She is pregnant now, so take good care of her!"
Mrs. Lin's face lit up with delight. "Yes, sir!"
She then turned to Shi Runrun, greeting her respectfully, "Hello, Young Mistress! I am Mrs. Lin, the housekeeper. If you ever need anything, just let me know!"
With that, she gathered all the servants to bow and greet Shi Runrun in unison, "Hello, Young Mistress!"
Shi Runrun was so startled by their chorus that she nearly jumped up, waving her hands frantically. "No... no, I'm not your young mistress!"
Xiao Xuezheng pressed her shoulders gently and smiled. "If I say you are, then you are."
Mrs. Lin covered her mouth, giggling, "Young Mistress is shy! How wonderful. After all these years of the young master being single, he finally has someone by his side! Young Mistress, you're too thin. I'll make sure to prepare plenty of delicious food for you from now on."
With that, Mrs. Lin left to prepare lunch.
Soon, a sumptuous meal was laid out, covering the entire table.

Throughout the meal, Shi Runrun was patiently fed by Xiao Xuezheng.
She couldn't help but recall how, back at the Shi family, she was always the last to eat, forced to make do with leftovers and scraps, never dreaming she would one day taste such delicious dishes.
After lunch, the servants cleared the table, and Shi Runrun, not needing to lift a finger, was instructed by Xiao Xuezheng to follow Mrs. Lin upstairs to rest.
Mrs. Lin led her into Xiao Xuezheng's room.
The decor was cool and austere, imparting a sense of solemnity.
The room was vast, simply furnished, yet every detail exuded opulence and prestige.
Mrs. Lin helped her onto the bed and, while helping her change, said, "Young Mistress, this is the young master's room. From now on, you'll sleep here."
Shi Runrun lay down carefully and thanked Mrs. Lin.
Mrs. Lin smiled, "No need to be so polite, Young Mistress. You're the young master's wife now; it's only right for a married couple to share a room!"
Shi Runrun blushed at these words.
After a few more gentle reminders, Mrs. Lin left, thoughtfully closing the door behind her.
Alone, Shi Runrun took a closer look at the room and couldn't help but mutter, "Xiao Xuezheng lives in such a big room all by himself—what a waste..."
"And this bed—it's ridiculously big! Four or five people could sleep here easily!"
She lay down, pulling the blanket over herself.
The bedding carried the faint, comforting scent of a mature man, and before long, Shi Runrun drifted off to sleep.
Downstairs, the man sat on the sofa, watching the financial news. Seeing Mrs. Lin return, he asked with concern, "Is everything settled?"
"Yes, young master. As you instructed, the young mistress is resting in your room."
Xiao Xuezheng nodded. At that moment, the door suddenly burst open and Grandpa and Grandma Xiao hurried inside.
"Where is my granddaughter-in-law? Where's my precious great-grandchild? Let me see them, quickly!"
The two elders were out of breath but, having heard their grandson had brought home both his wife and their cherished great-grandchild, had rushed over without delay.
Xiao Xuezheng was a little exasperated by his grandparents' enthusiasm and rubbed his forehead, signaling them to quiet down. "Grandpa, Grandma, don't worry. She's upstairs sleeping. Once she's awake, I'll bring her down to see you."