Chapter 1 Meeting A Blind Date At The Civil Affairs Bureau

• "Hello, the number you have dialed is..."
• Wanda stood outside the Civil Affairs Bureau, repeatedly trying to reach her blind date. The other person had either hung up or rejected her calls.
• Wanda couldn't believe it, staring at her phone's dark screen. She had paid a significant amount to make this blind date happen, and now the guy was a no-show?
• If she didn't get married before turning twenty-five, her mother's will and inheritance wouldn't be valid.
• Would those schemers looking to claim the inheritance succeed now?
• Wanda stood on the steps, debating whether to quickly find a replacement. Just then, a sleek black luxury car pulled up before her.
• As the car door swung open, a man emerged from the back seat, striding confidently towards her with his imposing stature.
• Wanda's attention was immediately captivated by him.
• "Mr. Young, Ms. Dane just confirmed that she won't be coming," another man, presumably his assistant, trailed behind him, holding the phone that had just been hung up.
• Upon hearing this, Eddie, who was about to ascend the steps, abruptly stopped. His expression remained unfazed, and his gaze met Wanda's as she assessed him, sending a slight shiver down her spine.
• Quickly, she looked away, but the man seemed strangely familiar.
• Eddie paid no heed to Wanda; she didn't catch his eye as someone striking or noteworthy.
• He turned to his assistant and said indifferently, "Just find any woman."
• The assistant was caught off guard, appearing uncertain, and asked, "Mr. Young... Any specific requirements for the woman?"
• Eddie frowned. His grandfather was scheduled for surgery today, and just half an hour ago, the old man had made a bizarre request. He refused to enter the operating room unless he witnessed Eddie's wedding.
• With a stubborn and unyielding personality, the old man couldn't be reasoned with. So, Sophie, also known as Ms. Dane, had been brought in to appease his grandfather's unreasonable demand.
• Eddie gave a cold, sideways glance at Justin, his assistant, and paused at the entrance of the Civil Affairs Bureau. He had no expectations for marriage; it was simply a means to satisfy his grandfather.
• "Any woman who's breathing is good enough."
• Upon hearing this, the assistant was bewildered but compliantly dashed off to get Eddie a replacement.
• Hearing this, Wanda was slightly surprised and turned to carefully study the man's cold, strikingly handsome face.
• Suddenly, it hit her!
• The man was none other than Eddie Young!
• A frequent figure in financial magazines, a man whose words could make waves in Zephyr.
• Has he come here to register for marriage?
• But from what she'd heard earlier, it sounded like he'd been stood up.
• This is indeed sensational news!
• Eddie was only thirty years old, yet he was already at the helm of the Young Group, which boasted five major subsidiary companies spanning various sectors, including domestic and international research, fashion, healthcare, construction, and retail.
• He was renowned as a wealthy and handsome bachelor, the object of desire for 99% of women across the globe. And now, he had to marry a woman picked at random? How absurd!
• Hold on a second.
• I am readily available, aren't I? A woman who is very much alive.
• She met the exact criteria Eddie had mentioned and was keen to tie the knot!
• With Eddie's exceptional status, Wanda's father, Luther, should have no reservations about handing over control of the Kirk Group.
• Before Eddie could turn away, Wanda swiftly caught up with him, blocking his path and confidently brandishing her birth certificate in front of her chest.
• "Hi, Mr. Young. I overheard your discussion about marriage registration. How do I strike you as a paper bride?"
• Her audacious approach prompted Eddie to close the gap between them, his towering 6'3" frame casting a significant presence. He gave her a quick appraisal and asked with a poker face, "Are you even legal?"
• His gaze was chilly, and his words exuded authority, causing a shiver to run down Wanda's spine. For a brief moment, she contemplated taking a step back.
• But considering the crowd around her, she had no reason to be afraid. Meeting Eddie's penetrating gaze, she responded, "Yes, I'm of legal age, and I'm turning twenty-five in a few days."
• Despite her mature appearance, people often assumed she was younger due to her youthful features.
• Wanda quickly searched for the page displaying her birth year.
• Eddie glanced at it and then checked the time on his wristwatch.
• There was still an hour until his grandfather's surgery.