Merging Lanes

Marriage first, love later | Road-trip novel | From strangers to something familiar Cold-faced legal ace ✖️ Artsy, carefree heir It seems every second-generation heir who inherits the family business faces an arranged marriage at some point. Cheng Jiabai glanced at the résumé: Yan Lingyi, law firm partner, undefeated in court, and the M&A lawyer who had won several cases for his family’s company. “Mom, are you finding me an employee or an opponent?” “Both.” They chose Motuo for their honeymoon. Both were satisfied: it was far away, a hassle to get to, and they wouldn’t have to pretend to be in love. A landslide blocked the road, leaving them stuck in the car overnight. She handled emails. He watched documentaries. Neither got in the other’s way. She fell asleep in the middle of the night, her head leaning against him. He pushed it back. She woke and said, “Thanks.” Cheng Jiabai: “You’re welcome.” The next evening, while they were staying at an inn, the owner brought over a contract to ask for advice. He thought she’d find it a bother. Whenever he asked her something, she brushed him off with, “That’ll cost extra,” and this owner who’d suddenly appeared clearly thought she was a cheap lawyer. But she read it for ten minutes, circled a few sections, and said, “These three clauses are problematic. Fix them before you sign.” The owner thanked her profusely, but she didn’t charge a thing. Cheng Jiabai: “You give free consultations too?” Yan Lingyi shot him a glance. “Depends who’s asking.” “What do you mean?” “A little shop like hers shouldn’t be taken advantage of.” Cheng Jiabai: “Well, look at you, robbing the rich to help the poor.” Later, Cheng Jiabai asked Yan Lingyi, “What are you really after?” She thought about it. “Your mom offered me too much.” He was silent for a long time. “What about me?” “You’re a free bonus.” “…A bonus? Fine, then you can’t return me.” Yan Lingyi gave him an amused look. “But if you’re no good, I just throw you away.” P.S.: *As for the structure (registering the marriage, Motuo, interrupted/returning to the city, a second trip to Motuo, ending), readers can decide for themselves how much of it counts as a road-trip story. Theme: Finding your own way to your destination