Chapter 28: I Would Never Want You

“What certificate?”
Everyone in the room, except Li’s mother, opened their mouths to ask. Li Tian’er’s voice was drowned out by the nearly shrill chorus of women. She glared at Chen Bo.

“The marriage certificate.”
Chen Bo’s face showed no sign of joy, as if he were speaking about someone else’s affairs.

Li’s mother, on the other hand, was so delighted she could barely close her mouth.

Li Tian’er and Chen’s mother nearly sprang to their feet at the same time.

“How could I not know about this!”
Li Tian’er spoke first, voicing the question Chen’s mother wished to ask. Chen’s mother opened her mouth, then closed it again, her gaze toward her son brimming with anger.

Last time at home, Chen Bo had already put on such a performance. Now, seeing him do it again, Chen’s mother was less shocked and more infuriated. Her son was thirty-one, yet still so childish and thoughtless, joking about something as serious as getting married and registering for a marriage certificate.

Did he take her for a fool? The household register had always been kept in her bedside drawer; what could Chen Bo use to get a certificate? Besides, to register a marriage, both parties’ workplaces needed to provide proof, a premarital medical exam was required at the maternal and child health hospital, and even the fastest process took several days.

“Everyone, calm down. I’ve gathered you here to announce the happy news of my marriage. I hope you’ll stop worrying about my marital affairs; I have all I need. Now, perhaps you can let me focus on my work in peace.”

Chen Bo reached out to pull Li Tian’er into her seat, then took two bright red marriage certificates from his pocket and placed them on the round table.

There really were marriage certificates!

Chen’s mother stared so hard her eyes nearly popped out. She spun the table toward herself, picked up the certificates, and examined them closely.

Li Tian’er had wanted to reach for the marriage certificates, but Chen’s mother beat her to it.

She couldn’t behave like a shrew in front of all these people. Besides, if the certificates were genuine, losing her composure would be pointless. She needed to stay calm and think what might best serve Li Tiantian’s life.

“I believe it’s a good thing. These days, simple weddings are encouraged. Chen Bo acts quickly and decisively. Having everyone share a meal and witness their marriage is quite fitting.”

Chen’s father laughed heartily.

Li’s mother echoed loudly in agreement.

Li’s father grinned widely, pouring himself another drink.

Chen’s mother, brows tightly knotted, refrained from an outburst. After all, her son was over thirty and well-known in Dongling City. Even as they entered the restaurant, some staff recognized Chen Bo. If she made a scene, the story would spread—not just harming Chen Bo’s reputation, but possibly his future.

The three aunts and the elder cousin looked puzzled, exchanged glances, and suddenly realized the matter was none of their concern. They were here simply to eat and drink.

In truth, they secretly hoped Chen Bo would marry someone they disapproved of. If he found a particularly well-matched spouse, Chen’s mother would have even more reason to boast before them.

Now, with Chen Bo marrying a widow with a child, and not even holding a proper wedding, they could save money and keep Chen’s mother’s pride in check. Let’s see how she shows off her son’s talents and wealth in the future.

“A happy occasion, indeed. Congratulations, Bo Bo. Second aunt toasts you both, wishing you lifelong happiness.”

“Big sister toasts you as well. Wonderful! Our Bo Bo finally agreed to marry—now those wild and shameless women have no chance, hehe…”

Second aunt and the elder cousin shared knowing smiles. Third aunt kept a cold face, picked up an abalone, popped it in her mouth, and squinted in enjoyment.

Entrusted by Chen Bo’s mother to supervise Chen Bo, the third aunt had lasted only a day at his villa before being sent away. She was embarrassed to see Chen’s mother again, but now, being invited by Chen Bo to this meal, she regained a bit of pride.

Involvement in other people’s family affairs brought nothing but trouble; it was far better to enjoy delicacies for oneself.

As the party left the restaurant, two cars were already waiting at the entrance. Chen Bo’s company drivers promptly opened the doors for everyone and, under Chen Bo’s gaze, drove off.

“Come home with me. I know you have many questions. I’ll answer them once we’re home.”

Chen Bo seemed to have guessed Li Tian’er’s thoughts. She had intended to brush off his offered hand, but hearing this, obediently allowed him to help her into the car.

Perhaps the housekeeper had been sent away in advance by Chen Bo—there was no one at home.

Sitting on the living room sofa for the first time, Li Tian’er suddenly recalled her first visit to the villa, when Liang Xia sat exactly where she was now. She shifted to the side and picked up a cushion to cover her bare knees.

“I’m ready. You may begin.”

Chen Bo hadn’t expected her to be so composed, as though waiting for a meeting to start.

“You must be wondering if those marriage certificates are fake?”

Li Tian’er raised her chin, her expression full of disdain. Chen Bo couldn’t stand women showing such an attitude toward him, especially one he found difficult to choose. He had once thought love was merely the mutual physical desire of men and women, and that once fulfilled, there would be no regrets.

Yet two years had passed, and he still longed for the woman whose body he had already possessed. He wanted to appear before her, hoping she’d sense his importance. The feeling was strange—more fulfilling and satisfying than simply possessing her physically.

Especially in recent times, this woman had nearly driven him mad…

“The marriage certificates were arranged through a contact. All procedures are complete and legally protected.”

Li Tian’er replied with a faint “Mm.” Chen Bo felt his morning’s efforts, which had accomplished a momentous feat, failed to deliver the expected effect. His heart instantly chilled.

No, he had to provoke this woman.

“I paid your mother twenty thousand yuan as a bride price. She immediately helped me steal your household register… I don’t want her scheming to send you to my bed anymore. I’m not interested in you, just tired of the hassle.”

Chen Bo’s gaze was contemptuous, his tone mocking. If Li Tiantian herself had heard these words, she’d feel once again sold by her own mother, sinking into despair. Years ago, Li Tiantian had been forced to marry Fu Xiao because he could offer her family ten thousand yuan as a marriage payment.

Li Tian’er’s expression did not change in the slightest as Chen Bo spoke, simply waiting for him to continue.

Chen Bo couldn’t take it anymore. He had already crushed a woman’s dignity into the dust, yet she still failed to understand his meaning.

Yes, she surely hadn’t understood. Otherwise, she would have gotten up, tried to please him, or thrown herself at him, seeking dignity or love.

Li Tian’er shifted her legs, sat upright, her gaze calm and unwavering.

“You should be very shocked, shouldn’t you?”

“Oh? Why?”

Li Tian’er seemed to be asking about someone else’s affairs. Playing dumb, Chen Bo could only concede defeat.

“I married you, but I won’t want you!”

Chen Bo gritted his teeth and made his final declaration.

“I simply pity you—a mother and child struggling alone. I don’t need you to repay me with your body or gratitude. Just behave, don’t cause trouble, and that will be enough.”