The Marriage Harbor CH1
Chapter 1: The Freshly Issued Marriage Certificate
A sudden rainstorm swept through the sweltering summer afternoon, drumming against the panoramic windows.
Standing behind her desk, Jiang Bin looked out at the gloomy sky, lost in thought. She had been standing there for half an hour, waiting for the results of a bid.
Finally, the internal line buzzed. Jiang Bin pressed the speakerphone, and her assistant’s disappointed voice filled the room.
“Boss, we lost the bid for the Sangjiang Shipyard project.”
Jiang Bin’s heart sank slightly, but she remained still.
A sudden rainstorm swept through the sweltering summer afternoon, drumming against the panoramic windows.
Standing behind her desk, Jiang Bin looked out at the gloomy sky, lost in thought. She had been standing there for half an hour, waiting for the results of a bid.
Finally, the internal line buzzed. Jiang Bin pressed the speakerphone, and her assistant’s disappointed voice filled the room.
“Boss, we lost the bid for the Sangjiang Shipyard project.”
Jiang Bin’s heart sank slightly, but she remained still.
“Who took it?”
“The Second Miss,” The assistant hesitated, sounding indignant.
“I heard she secretly bribed their financial director to veto our proposal. More importantly, according to their disclosures, her plan was almost identical to yours—except every numerical figure offered a 0.1% better margin than ours. It’s obvious she took our bidding document and just modified it. Boss, someone leaked it.”
Jiang Bin frowned and turned off the speakerphone. She straightened slowly, her gaze drifting back to the storm-blurred world outside. Rain streaked down the glass like tears, obscuring the river where ferry horns wailed in the distance.
The “Second Miss” was the daughter of her father’s mistress-turned-wife. The “Second Princess” of the Jiang Group and the undisputed apple of their father’s eye.
The Jiang Group was a major real estate conglomerate in Shanghai, one of the top three in the country. The group had multiple divisions that often competed with one another. Jiang Bin and her sister worked in different departments.
The Sangjiang Shipyard was a struggling joint venture. They had no reason to involve themselves in the Jiang family’s internal drama; the problem clearly came from within the company.
According to regulations, every bid had to be reviewed by the chairman. This meant only her father, Jiang Chengxiao, had seen her complete proposal.
The person who leaked it was her own father.
Before she was born, her father had two children with a mistress who are now the “Crown Prince” and “Second Princess” of the group. When her grandparents were alive, they refused to acknowledge those children and insisted Jiang Bin was the sole heir. But after they passed away in a car accident, her father immediately brought the other siblings into the family business.
Her siblings saw her as a target. Her father saw her as a nuisance to be eliminated. If not for the core board members left behind by her grandfather, she would have been devoured long ago.
Her father’s favoritism was nothing new, but the shipyard project was different.
Recently, the domestic market had been thriving and many overseas investors were returning to China. The most prominent one was the multinational Tang Corporation. The Jiang family was eyeing international ports and energy and both families were considering a marriage alliance.
Her grandfather had been close with the elder Master Tang and had originally chosen Jiang Bin for the match. Now, however, her father was working closely with the current head of the Tang family to replace her with her sister.
The Tangs held shares in the shipyard. Securing the project was meant to be the first step in the alliance between the families. It was clear her father and sister were making a move.
Of course, Jiang Bin was making one as well.
The Tang family had global influence and Tang Zhisong himself was a highly successful tech elite. A graduate of an Ivy League school with experience on Wall Street. His company, Ningsheng Technology, covered everything from AI to finance.
If she let her sister marry into the Tang family, Jiang Bin would lose any chance of becoming heir. But if she married Tang Zhisong, she would have the leverage she needed to stand up to her father.
As the rain stopped, Jiang Bin walked to the window and wiped the fog from the glass. Across the river stood a cluster of skyscrapers. The tallest one, over six hundred meters high, was a new city landmark. At the top, the words “Ningsheng Technology” shone brightly.
That was Tang Zhisong’s company.
Jiang Bin watched the building for a while before turning back to her desk.
“Call Lawyer Jiang,” she told her assistant. “Have him draft an agreement.”
She sent the main points over WeChat. Minutes later, her assistant brought in the printed document, her eyes brimming with pity.
“Boss… the Chairman is going too far. You’re his daughter, too.”
Jiang Bin read the document carefully. “If you see him as a father, you’ll feel wronged but if you see him as a boss, it’s just business.”
She had never known a "father’s love" anyway. Why get bothered by it now?
“But the Second Miss can’t even hold a candle to your talent,” her assistant muttered.
Jiang Bin looked up calmly.
“The world is full of talented people. But in this circle? Birthright and resources are talents.”
She tapped the paper lightly.
“And this is the resource we need to win.”
Complaining was useless. She wanted the Chairman's seat, and she was going to get it.
“I heard she secretly bribed their financial director to veto our proposal. More importantly, according to their disclosures, her plan was almost identical to yours—except every numerical figure offered a 0.1% better margin than ours. It’s obvious she took our bidding document and just modified it. Boss, someone leaked it.”
Jiang Bin frowned and turned off the speakerphone. She straightened slowly, her gaze drifting back to the storm-blurred world outside. Rain streaked down the glass like tears, obscuring the river where ferry horns wailed in the distance.
The “Second Miss” was the daughter of her father’s mistress-turned-wife. The “Second Princess” of the Jiang Group and the undisputed apple of their father’s eye.
The Jiang Group was a major real estate conglomerate in Shanghai, one of the top three in the country. The group had multiple divisions that often competed with one another. Jiang Bin and her sister worked in different departments.
The Sangjiang Shipyard was a struggling joint venture. They had no reason to involve themselves in the Jiang family’s internal drama; the problem clearly came from within the company.
According to regulations, every bid had to be reviewed by the chairman. This meant only her father, Jiang Chengxiao, had seen her complete proposal.
The person who leaked it was her own father.
Before she was born, her father had two children with a mistress who are now the “Crown Prince” and “Second Princess” of the group. When her grandparents were alive, they refused to acknowledge those children and insisted Jiang Bin was the sole heir. But after they passed away in a car accident, her father immediately brought the other siblings into the family business.
Her siblings saw her as a target. Her father saw her as a nuisance to be eliminated. If not for the core board members left behind by her grandfather, she would have been devoured long ago.
Her father’s favoritism was nothing new, but the shipyard project was different.
Recently, the domestic market had been thriving and many overseas investors were returning to China. The most prominent one was the multinational Tang Corporation. The Jiang family was eyeing international ports and energy and both families were considering a marriage alliance.
Her grandfather had been close with the elder Master Tang and had originally chosen Jiang Bin for the match. Now, however, her father was working closely with the current head of the Tang family to replace her with her sister.
The Tangs held shares in the shipyard. Securing the project was meant to be the first step in the alliance between the families. It was clear her father and sister were making a move.
Of course, Jiang Bin was making one as well.
The Tang family had global influence and Tang Zhisong himself was a highly successful tech elite. A graduate of an Ivy League school with experience on Wall Street. His company, Ningsheng Technology, covered everything from AI to finance.
If she let her sister marry into the Tang family, Jiang Bin would lose any chance of becoming heir. But if she married Tang Zhisong, she would have the leverage she needed to stand up to her father.
As the rain stopped, Jiang Bin walked to the window and wiped the fog from the glass. Across the river stood a cluster of skyscrapers. The tallest one, over six hundred meters high, was a new city landmark. At the top, the words “Ningsheng Technology” shone brightly.
That was Tang Zhisong’s company.
Jiang Bin watched the building for a while before turning back to her desk.
“Call Lawyer Jiang,” she told her assistant. “Have him draft an agreement.”
She sent the main points over WeChat. Minutes later, her assistant brought in the printed document, her eyes brimming with pity.
“Boss… the Chairman is going too far. You’re his daughter, too.”
Jiang Bin read the document carefully. “If you see him as a father, you’ll feel wronged but if you see him as a boss, it’s just business.”
She had never known a "father’s love" anyway. Why get bothered by it now?
“But the Second Miss can’t even hold a candle to your talent,” her assistant muttered.
Jiang Bin looked up calmly.
“The world is full of talented people. But in this circle? Birthright and resources are talents.”
She tapped the paper lightly.
“And this is the resource we need to win.”
Complaining was useless. She wanted the Chairman's seat, and she was going to get it.
* * *
At 2:00 PM, a Rolls-Royce pulled up in front of Ningsheng Technology.
Tang Zhisong’s chief assistant was already waiting in the lobby—a tall, young man in a well-tailored suit, professional and poised. He greeted her with a practiced, neutral smile.
“Director Jiang, President Tang is expecting you on the top floor.”
It was the first time the chief assistant had personally come down to greet someone, especially such a striking beauty. They drew glances from every corner of the lobby as they moved through security. He then led her to the executive elevator. During the ride, Jiang Bin took several client calls, her tone effortless and light.
The assistant secretly glanced at her. She was tall, wearing a stylish dark teal suit over a well-fitted white shirt. Her dark hair was pinned up neatly, her skin pale and flawless. He recalled her reputation: aside from a face that could stop traffic, the Jiang Group’s “Third Princess” was said to be highly intelligent, decisive, and exceptionally well-connected.
Without real talent, how could she have risen to the executive ranks under her father’s suppression?
While he was lost in thought, the elevator doors opened.
The entire top floor belonged to Tang Zhisong—minimalist and artistic in style. Aside from the CEO’s office, the conference rooms, staff area, and rooftop garden were visible at a glance.
Jiang Bin had no time for details. She followed the assistant to the office door. He rang the bell, and the door opened silently. Jiang Bin took two sets of documents from her assistant and stepped inside alone.
Tang Zhisong was working behind his desk. Jiang Bin walked to the sofa and smiled composedly.
“Hello, President Tang.”
The man looked up. He wasn’t dressed as formally as she expected, wearing a deep navy shirt of exquisite texture. The collar was open at the first button, revealing a hint of pale skin. Combined with his refined, handsome face, he exuded an air of ascetic elegance.
Seeing Jiang Bin, Tang Zhisong slowly smiled and stood to shake her hand.
“Director Jiang, a pleasure.”
His features were sharp, as if drawn with a fine brush, his posture straight. Wearing silver half-rimmed glasses, he looked refined and handsome, though his eyes held a cool confidence.
Jiang Bin’s gaze lingered for a moment.
“You’re too kind, President Tang.”
They shook hands briefly and sat down.
“What brings you to Ningsheng?” Tang Zhisong asked as he poured her a cup of tea.
Jiang Bin was never one to beat around the bush. Ignoring the tea, she placed a proposal in front of him.
“This is a cooperation plan between our families. I’ve outlined several projects that would benefit both sides. Please take a look.”
Tang Zhisong’s gaze swept over the cover without interest. He looked at her with a hint of regret.
“To be honest, those areas are managed by my father. I can give you his contact information if you’d like.”
The Tang family empire was divided: traditional sectors were under his father, while Tang Zhisong had committed himself fully to emerging technology. His tone was polite but distant.
Jiang Bin wasn’t surprised. She pushed a second document toward him.
“And this one? Won’t you take a look?”
She leaned back slightly, waiting.
When Tang Zhisong saw the words “Prenuptial Agreement” his expression finally changed.
The marriage alliance between the two families had been discussed for a long time. Recently, his father and grandfather had been pushing hard. His grandfather, a man of his word, insisted on Jiang Bin. But his father clearly trusted Jiang Chengxiao more, believing that marrying Jiang Yao would ensure stronger support for their partnership.
They were at a stalemate. Tang Zhisong himself had not yet stated his position. He hadn’t expected the notoriously proud Jiang Bin to come personally.
He adjusted his glasses and settled back as he watched her.
“Miss Jiang, what is the meaning of this?”
In a negotiation, no one reveals their hand easily.
Jiang Bin smiled. They were both seasoned players; neither could hide their true nature from the other. Right now, she's the weaker party. There was no need for games.
“Then I’ll be blunt. If we marry: One, I will not take a single cent of your assets. Two, I won’t interfere in your business or private life. And three… I'm not gonna cling to you.”
Tang Zhisong didn’t react to the first two points. Upon hearing the third, he let out a soft laugh, pressing his fingers to his forehead. The sharpness in his eyes seemed to soften.
“Miss Jiang seems to know exactly what kind of person I like.”
Jiang Bin took a sip of tea and met his gaze.
“I don’t know what kind of person you like. But I know what kind you don’t.”
She was referring to the well-known incident in which he publicly rejected a socialite after she flirted with him.
“My second sister was pampered growing up,” she added lightly. “She can’t do any of the above.”
Tang Zhisong’s casual demeanor vanished, replaced by the cold clarity of a man who dealt only in profit.
“You want to use the Tang family as backing to take over the Jiang Group. What do I get in return?”
He had no interest in charity.
Jiang Bin moved smoothly to the business side.
“Your company leads the market in AI smart homes, but you’re struggling to expand offline in China. The Jiang Group owns a major home renovation company that services thousands of housing developments. Those are under my control. If we marry, I will give you those sales channels. I can guarantee a 20% increase in market share within two years.”
It was a solid offer. Tang Zhisong realized she was well-prepared. He needed supply chain resources and Jiang Bin was an expert in that field.
Tang Zhisong watched her, impressed despite himself. He didn’t need a pampered socialite. He needed a partner who spoke the language of logistics and distribution. She was cold, rational, and ambitious.
She's perfect.
“You certainly did your homework,” he said.
They called in their lawyers, reviewed the clauses, and signed.
“I have a meeting soon,” Tang Zhisong said as checked his watch.
“Meet me at the Civil Affairs Bureau at 4:30? We’ll register then.”
Jiang Bin was surprised by his decisiveness but agreed.
“See you then.”
Rather than sounding like two people about to marry, it sounded like they were finalizing a contract.
And in a way, they were.
At 4:30 PM, they arrived with their household registers and IDs. Neither had even bothered to change into festive clothing. They briskly took the photos, signed the papers, and the red marriage certificates were in their hands.
Outside, Tang Zhisong didn't offer any romantic gestures. He simply rolled down his car window and said "Contact me if anything happens."
Jiang Bin, likewise, had no realization of being a wife. She gave him the polite look one gives a major client.
"Take care, President Tang."
His gaze slightly lingered at the red book in her hand before he drove away.
Jiang Bin leaned back in the car, the interior finally falling silent as the doors sealed. On the seat beside her, the assistant couldn't stop glancing at the new marriage certificate.
"Boss, should we celebrate tonight?"
Jiang Bin didn’t look at her. Her gaze was fixed on the city blurring past the tinted glass. "Is the Chairman still at the office?"
"Yes, he’s still there."
"Then let’s go see him."
She had lost a project that morning, a calculated blow from her own blood. But with this certificate in hand, she wasn't just returning to the office. She was ready to reclaim every inch of territory her father had tried to seize.
Translator's Notes:
Tang Zhisong’s chief assistant was already waiting in the lobby—a tall, young man in a well-tailored suit, professional and poised. He greeted her with a practiced, neutral smile.
“Director Jiang, President Tang is expecting you on the top floor.”
It was the first time the chief assistant had personally come down to greet someone, especially such a striking beauty. They drew glances from every corner of the lobby as they moved through security. He then led her to the executive elevator. During the ride, Jiang Bin took several client calls, her tone effortless and light.
The assistant secretly glanced at her. She was tall, wearing a stylish dark teal suit over a well-fitted white shirt. Her dark hair was pinned up neatly, her skin pale and flawless. He recalled her reputation: aside from a face that could stop traffic, the Jiang Group’s “Third Princess” was said to be highly intelligent, decisive, and exceptionally well-connected.
Without real talent, how could she have risen to the executive ranks under her father’s suppression?
While he was lost in thought, the elevator doors opened.
The entire top floor belonged to Tang Zhisong—minimalist and artistic in style. Aside from the CEO’s office, the conference rooms, staff area, and rooftop garden were visible at a glance.
Jiang Bin had no time for details. She followed the assistant to the office door. He rang the bell, and the door opened silently. Jiang Bin took two sets of documents from her assistant and stepped inside alone.
Tang Zhisong was working behind his desk. Jiang Bin walked to the sofa and smiled composedly.
“Hello, President Tang.”
The man looked up. He wasn’t dressed as formally as she expected, wearing a deep navy shirt of exquisite texture. The collar was open at the first button, revealing a hint of pale skin. Combined with his refined, handsome face, he exuded an air of ascetic elegance.
Seeing Jiang Bin, Tang Zhisong slowly smiled and stood to shake her hand.
“Director Jiang, a pleasure.”
His features were sharp, as if drawn with a fine brush, his posture straight. Wearing silver half-rimmed glasses, he looked refined and handsome, though his eyes held a cool confidence.
Jiang Bin’s gaze lingered for a moment.
“You’re too kind, President Tang.”
They shook hands briefly and sat down.
“What brings you to Ningsheng?” Tang Zhisong asked as he poured her a cup of tea.
Jiang Bin was never one to beat around the bush. Ignoring the tea, she placed a proposal in front of him.
“This is a cooperation plan between our families. I’ve outlined several projects that would benefit both sides. Please take a look.”
Tang Zhisong’s gaze swept over the cover without interest. He looked at her with a hint of regret.
“To be honest, those areas are managed by my father. I can give you his contact information if you’d like.”
The Tang family empire was divided: traditional sectors were under his father, while Tang Zhisong had committed himself fully to emerging technology. His tone was polite but distant.
Jiang Bin wasn’t surprised. She pushed a second document toward him.
“And this one? Won’t you take a look?”
She leaned back slightly, waiting.
When Tang Zhisong saw the words “Prenuptial Agreement” his expression finally changed.
The marriage alliance between the two families had been discussed for a long time. Recently, his father and grandfather had been pushing hard. His grandfather, a man of his word, insisted on Jiang Bin. But his father clearly trusted Jiang Chengxiao more, believing that marrying Jiang Yao would ensure stronger support for their partnership.
They were at a stalemate. Tang Zhisong himself had not yet stated his position. He hadn’t expected the notoriously proud Jiang Bin to come personally.
He adjusted his glasses and settled back as he watched her.
“Miss Jiang, what is the meaning of this?”
In a negotiation, no one reveals their hand easily.
Jiang Bin smiled. They were both seasoned players; neither could hide their true nature from the other. Right now, she's the weaker party. There was no need for games.
“Then I’ll be blunt. If we marry: One, I will not take a single cent of your assets. Two, I won’t interfere in your business or private life. And three… I'm not gonna cling to you.”
Tang Zhisong didn’t react to the first two points. Upon hearing the third, he let out a soft laugh, pressing his fingers to his forehead. The sharpness in his eyes seemed to soften.
“Miss Jiang seems to know exactly what kind of person I like.”
Jiang Bin took a sip of tea and met his gaze.
“I don’t know what kind of person you like. But I know what kind you don’t.”
She was referring to the well-known incident in which he publicly rejected a socialite after she flirted with him.
“My second sister was pampered growing up,” she added lightly. “She can’t do any of the above.”
Tang Zhisong’s casual demeanor vanished, replaced by the cold clarity of a man who dealt only in profit.
“You want to use the Tang family as backing to take over the Jiang Group. What do I get in return?”
He had no interest in charity.
Jiang Bin moved smoothly to the business side.
“Your company leads the market in AI smart homes, but you’re struggling to expand offline in China. The Jiang Group owns a major home renovation company that services thousands of housing developments. Those are under my control. If we marry, I will give you those sales channels. I can guarantee a 20% increase in market share within two years.”
It was a solid offer. Tang Zhisong realized she was well-prepared. He needed supply chain resources and Jiang Bin was an expert in that field.
Tang Zhisong watched her, impressed despite himself. He didn’t need a pampered socialite. He needed a partner who spoke the language of logistics and distribution. She was cold, rational, and ambitious.
She's perfect.
“You certainly did your homework,” he said.
They called in their lawyers, reviewed the clauses, and signed.
“I have a meeting soon,” Tang Zhisong said as checked his watch.
“Meet me at the Civil Affairs Bureau at 4:30? We’ll register then.”
Jiang Bin was surprised by his decisiveness but agreed.
“See you then.”
Rather than sounding like two people about to marry, it sounded like they were finalizing a contract.
And in a way, they were.
At 4:30 PM, they arrived with their household registers and IDs. Neither had even bothered to change into festive clothing. They briskly took the photos, signed the papers, and the red marriage certificates were in their hands.
Outside, Tang Zhisong didn't offer any romantic gestures. He simply rolled down his car window and said "Contact me if anything happens."
Jiang Bin, likewise, had no realization of being a wife. She gave him the polite look one gives a major client.
"Take care, President Tang."
His gaze slightly lingered at the red book in her hand before he drove away.
Jiang Bin leaned back in the car, the interior finally falling silent as the doors sealed. On the seat beside her, the assistant couldn't stop glancing at the new marriage certificate.
"Boss, should we celebrate tonight?"
Jiang Bin didn’t look at her. Her gaze was fixed on the city blurring past the tinted glass. "Is the Chairman still at the office?"
"Yes, he’s still there."
"Then let’s go see him."
She had lost a project that morning, a calculated blow from her own blood. But with this certificate in hand, she wasn't just returning to the office. She was ready to reclaim every inch of territory her father had tried to seize.
Translator's Notes:
- The Second Miss/Princess (二小姐/二公主): In Chinese webnovels, these titles often signify birth order.
- Civil Affairs Bureau (民政局): This is the government office where all legal marriages and divorces are processed in China. It is usually a very efficient, administrative process.
- Red Booklets (红本本): The physical marriage certificates in China are small red books.
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