Chapter 62 Crossing Together

Chapter 62: Journeying to the Other Shore Together

"Well, well, you used to criticize the marriage laws as outdated, and now you're rushing headfirst into this pit?" He Li broke his own principle for the first time to process a colleague's application, and was clearly more than happy to do so. "You were once listed on the same household register, and there were also adoption transfer and guardianship records. This application won't be approved."

"Guardianship automatically terminates upon adulthood. As for the household registration, I've already established an independent one."

When the Chancellor decides to do something, there's nothing that can't be accomplished.

"Planning this so early?" He Li couldn't help but roll his eyes. The bastard had his eye on the guy even before he was an adult. What a piece of work.

"Alright, routine procedure. I still have to ask." Uncrossing his leg and stopping the spinning of his pen, He Li straightened his tie and cleared his throat:

"Mr. Chen Jiyan, do you take You Jinhui to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?"

"Mr. You Jinhui, do you take Chen Jiyan to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?"

"From this day forward, you shall share rights and bear responsibilities together." It had been a long time since he'd uttered such formal blessings. After all, very few in Ding Shu chose to enter marriage, with its deep entanglements of interests. Putting down the certificate, He Li looked at the two men before him, his tone softening with sincerity:

"May your souls journey to the other shore together."

Both Mo Harbor and Ding Shu have this saying: the other side of the sea is where souls find rest, the final gift from fallen deities to humanity.

In Chen Jiyan's understanding, it's probably similar to the concept of heaven. Though in Man Du, it's more like an advertisement urging the wealthy to buy surrounding small islands.

The Chief Justice watched the two figures walking away side by side, then lowered her head to organize the files. Truly enviable. A luxury like love, and You Jinhui actually had it.

While various departments coordinated and cooperated in their operations, the relationships among the leadership were rather delicate. The system established with You Jinhui at its core usually involved open rivalry and covert struggle, yet on major issues, they always presented a united front against external threats, a rare show of unity.

"Surprisingly, no one kicked him while he was down." Chen Jiyan thought that upon their return, even if it wasn't a storm of bloodshed, there would at least be open ridicule and veiled mockery. Unexpectedly, everything seemed normal, as if You Jinhui had simply been on a field assignment and taken a short vacation.

The parliamentary inquiries, the military's investigation warrants, the internal strife within the Finance Department, and the so-called candidates for the next Chancellor—it was as if none of it had ever happened.

"Dealing with an old acquaintance is always easier than a new enemy."

This was also a rule of survival among the management. They were familiar with each other's bottom lines, knew the other's maximum tolerance, and understood the most benefits they could extract for themselves. Newcomers, whether friend or foe, faced limited resources and were always marginalized.

Going round and round, they still couldn't escape the society of personal connections.

"Why go to Heng Mai again? You just had your routine physical the day before yesterday."

Chen Jiyan didn't much like this place; it reminded him of some unpleasant memories.

"It's different."

"You need a check-up too? Is there something wrong with your health?"

"Pre-marital check-up."

"Don't joke."

Upgrading from guardian to legal spouse came with increased privacy rights. For the first time, after Chen Jiyan's results came out, the Chancellor was politely asked to leave.

"People with low resistance are naturally prone to fatigue. After over-exertion, there's a considerably long recuperation period."

He scolded Chen Jiyan for not taking care of his body, while also not forgetting to criticize the Chancellor for not being careful enough in looking after him.

"That's why I suggested from the beginning not to stray too far from Ding Shu. The FS concentration is most stable within the boundary markers. Your body is no longer suited for constant travel, Chen Jiyan."

"This is the advice as a doctor. As a friend, I hope you stay at Heng Mai for a while, until your internal FS index stabilizes again, before transitioning elsewhere."

Since he decided to live a proper life, his previous indifferent attitude was gone.

You Jinhui was even more nervous than he was.

"Separated right after marriage. Any thoughts, Chancellor?"

Zhao Lin looked at the pale, sickly Xiao Chen on the bed, then at You Jinhui's frosty expression. Like a mother hen protecting her chick, he positioned himself in front of the hospital bed.

"You were his guardian, practically watched him grow up. How could you bear to take advantage of him? Even rabbits don't eat the grass by their burrows. You led him astray before he was even an adult, and you said you'd take good care of him. Is this how you take care of him?"

Taking care of him right into bed—you're sick!

"You, you, you! Even as the Chancellor, you can't do whatever you want! Enticing a minor is illegal!"

"Actually," Chen Jiyan opened his mouth to speak up for the Chancellor, "I was wil—"

"Don't you speak. Stay here peacefully. No one can do anything to you."

He gave Chen Jiyan no chance to speak at all.

Forget it. In this situation, even if he said it was voluntary, Director Zhao, furious and worked up, wouldn't listen. He'd just think Chen Jiyan was an incurable romantic fool and that You Jinhui was even more of a scoundrel.

Though unclear why Zhao Lin so naturally and smoothly assumed the role of the bride's family, Chen Jiyan didn't interrupt. After all, Zhao Lin seemed deeply immersed and unable to extricate himself, acting with great relish and enjoyment.

"How often can we meet?"

"Once a year."

The Chancellor's brow furrowed noticeably. He snorted coldly. It seemed this director didn't want his title anymore.

Chen Jiyan irresponsibly laughed out loud. How had they been reduced to the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl?

"Fine then. Once a month." Barely acceptable.

"Every half month! Once a week! Once a week at most! No more than that!"

"I'll come see you the day after tomorrow." Leaving these words, You Jinhui returned to Ding Shu to continue working overtime.

"Why did he arbitrarily change it to once every three days? Did I agree?" He completely disregarded this director's authority. "Ah, Xiao Chen, I have to say, how did you let him succeed so easily?"

"I was willing."

"I can tell. You're stubborn too. You went back with him for less than half a year. Young people these days have no restraint at all."

Unexpectedly, the role of the absent, overbearing mother-in-law that You Ting missed out on was eagerly snatched up at Heng Mai by the ever-worried Director Zhao Lin, who seemed to relish it.

"One more thing," Zhao Lin returned, expression serious.

Chen Jiyan's heart skipped a beat. Was there a more serious health issue they couldn't discuss in front of You Jinhui?

"You do use protection, right?"

"We... do."

Seeing Chen Jiyan's ears turn red enough to drip blood, Zhao Lin asked suspiciously, "Don't tell me you haven't... yet? Well, I have some educational materials here. Or do you want videos?"

"Patient privacy, Director. No need to worry. By the way, has your doctoral degree come through?"

Director Zhao, struck in his sore spot, bravely held back from crumbling. He clicked his tongue pretentiously. "The doctorate matter is complicated. You wouldn't understand." Then, realizing Chen Jiyan's current status, he bowed his head obsequiously and pleaded:

"Could you... whisper in his ear? Ask him to order Si Min to grant me my doctoral degree immediately, right away?"

"Wait, hold on, don't kneel. You're too kind." Chen Jiyan was so startled he jumped up from the bed. "For pillow talk, you'll have to make sure he can come over tonight."

"That won't do. How can medical advice be changed so casually?" Director Zhao stood up. "Both of you, behave yourselves."

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Author's Note: Congratulations to this legally wedded couple [applause].