Chapter 37: Negotiatio

Zhu Jia was left utterly dazed by Mo Yichen’s sudden confession. She pinched her face, confirming it wasn’t a dream.

For once, her usually quick and articulate tongue failed her. She stood blankly in front of the mirror, trying to process what had just happened.

She had always admired men superficially. She and her best friends often discussed which boy in the neighboring class was the school heartthrob, who looked “manly” when shooting hoops on the basketball court, or which male idol in their group was the most handsome. These casual conversations revolved around physical appearances.

But she had never blushed for an entire class after a chance encounter with the school heartthrob, nor had she written down and cherished a brief conversation with the basketball player in her diary.

Even when boys confessed to her in the past, she had been utterly clueless about their intentions until they outright exclaimed, “I like you.” Only then would she be momentarily stunned, realizing, Oh, he likes me? How could I not have noticed?

It seemed she was naturally a bit dense when it came to matters of the heart. She never kept things bottled up and rarely overthought. At best, this could be described as open-mindedness; at worst, she might be considered naive.

Zhu Jia furrowed her brows, seriously contemplating what Mo Yichen had just said—that he liked her and wanted to be with her. This had to mean he had romantic feelings for her. His actions certainly indicated he wanted to do things only couples would do.

But how deep was his “like”? Did he simply not want her to leave, or did he genuinely cherish her and want to spend his life with her? She couldn’t tell.

And as for her feelings toward him? She wasn’t sure either. She regarded him as a friend and a teammate in co-parenting. It was undeniable that he was attractive—in appearance, talent, status, and even his hard-to-describe personality, which had its moments of brilliance.

His occasional kindness and tenderness did make her feel a sweet warmth in her heart. However, she wouldn’t lose sleep over his words, nor would she yearn for him if they didn’t meet for half a month.

That said, she did agree with one thing Mo Yichen mentioned—they should seriously consider whether to continue their marriage or divorce soon. Because now, it wasn’t just about the two of them. There was also an innocent child involved.

They wouldn’t stay together solely for the sake of Xiao Wen, but neither should Xiao Wen suffer because of their impulsive decisions.

Zhu Jia resolved to think this through carefully. Until she could come to a clear decision, she wouldn’t act rashly.

She turned her gaze back to the tall man before her. Stripped of his arrogance and hostility, his pale complexion had a fragile, glass-like quality, exuding a lonely, forlorn aura.

His long eyelashes cast a shadow beneath his eyes, adding to the desolate impression.

Why does he seem a little pitiful? Zhu Jia felt a faint pang in her heart. Forget it; he hadn’t truly hurt her earlier. She decided to let it slide.

“Ahem. I’ve thought about it,” Zhu Jia said. “We really shouldn’t rush into a divorce.”

For a brief moment, Mo Yichen’s cold eyes lit up with a beautiful glimmer.

“But I haven’t decided if I can truly be your wife yet,” she continued, standing tall with a serious expression. “If I decide to leave, will you let me go?”

Mo Yichen hesitated briefly before replying in his usual tone, “Of course.”

“Then don’t ever do what you did earlier again!” She placed her hands on her hips and pouted, regaining her usual spirit.

He nodded compliantly. “Alright.”

Seeing his obedient demeanor, she huffed lightly and sat at the vanity to touch up her makeup. After all, there was still the evening gala after the auction.

Mo Yichen approached her from behind and picked up a comb, smoothing out her long hair. Feeling the silky strands glide through his fingers, he lowered his gaze, his expression unreadable.

Let her go? Ha. She could still naively ask such a foolish question.

At least now he understood which version of himself she preferred—the gentle, family-oriented, generous, and even slightly vulnerable Mo Yichen.

He gave her a harmless smile in the mirror. If that’s what she liked, he could maintain this facade for her.

Because right now, the most important thing was to keep her firmly within his territory.

In the end, Zhu Jia removed the “Angel’s Wing” necklace from her neck. A piece that valuable was better off locked in a safe.

Mo Yichen wrapped an arm around her waist as they entered the banquet hall on the fifth floor. After their earlier confrontation, their relationship seemed to have shifted slightly. If there was a difference, it felt like they were a little closer than before.

The gala had already begun, and the attendees were officially mingling. Even the usually carefree Fang Bozheng was putting on a professional air, following closely behind his father and brother.

As for Mo Yichen, he was undoubtedly the star of the evening, surrounded by waves of people vying for his attention.

By 9 PM, Mo Yichen finally managed to extricate himself from socializing, but at that moment, Fang Bozheng approached him.

“Sister-in-law, mind if I borrow him for a few minutes?” Fang Bozheng said with a smile.

Mo Yichen glanced at Zhu Jia. “I’ll be outside smoking with A-Ran. Call me if you need anything.”

Zhu Jia nodded, lowering her head to continue eating dessert. She had barely eaten during the night’s networking, leaving her stomach empty.

After finishing her fruit, Zhu Jia cleaned her hands with a wet tissue and stood to find the restroom.

The banquet hall was large, and she circled it without finding the restroom.

Ahead was a glass sliding door leading to an outdoor area. Through the glass, she could see two or three circular pools. The pools were empty of people.

Could the restroom be outside? Zhu Jia continued walking. The doors opened automatically, letting in the chilly autumn breeze. Wearing an off-shoulder dress, she shivered slightly and hunched her shoulders.

She hadn’t walked far before she faintly heard a woman’s voice. The tone was soft and affectionate, even gentler than the moonlight tonight.

The voice was familiar. Zhu Jia instinctively slowed her steps. Rounding a corner, she saw a man and a woman standing by the pool, talking. The warm yellow glow of the streetlights mixed with the blue reflection of the pool, creating an atmosphere that was indescribably intimate.

She instinctively took a step back, hiding in the shadowed corner of the wall.

Zhu Jia leaned forward, squinting her eyes. She was taken aback when she saw the scene! Her fist clenched, and an unknown anger flared up inside her.

Heh! That bastard man! Very good!

Wasn’t this her so-called good husband, the one who had just said two hours ago that he liked her and wanted to spend the rest of his life with her?

Saying he went out to smoke with Fang Bo Ran was just an excuse. Turns out he was secretly meeting another woman at the pool!

Men’s mouths are full of lies!

Zhu Jia gritted her teeth in anger, ready to get to the bottom of this, and as soon as she got home, she’d draft a divorce agreement!

Zhu Jia held her breath, straining her ears, and finally heard a gentle voice.

“Yi Chen, I didn’t have time to prepare a gift for the young master before I went abroad.” The woman in formal attire handed a gift bag to the man beside her.

“The young master is almost one year old now, right?” The woman’s tone carried a hint of bitterness.

The man took the gift bag, making a barely audible hum.

He was holding a cigarette that was just lit. After a moment, he spoke again, “Su Ke, how is your father?”

Su Ke!!? Zhu Jia’s pupils contracted in shock. Wasn’t that the original female lead? She actually came back?!

The system, which had been dormant for a long time, immediately came back to life, exclaiming, “Wow! The female lead is back! That’s right, Su Ke returned at this time. She actually hasn’t graduated yet, and she took the opportunity to return to China for the auction as an internship.”

The system continued excitedly, “In the original text, after the female lead came back and saw that Mo Yichen was single again, she immediately dropped everything abroad, returned to accompany him day and night! Such a love story is so touching!”

Zhu Jia raised her voice in her mind, “System, why do you seem so happy? Is it really worth celebrating that she gave up her studies for this bastard man?!”

The system responded with grievance, “Host, why are you so fierce? I was just gossiping. In the original text, you two were already divorced, but now you’re not. I’m curious to see what the female lead will choose, whether she’ll stay or leave.”

Zhu Jia snorted coldly, not bothering with the system anymore. She peeked out again, wondering why Su Ke’s back looked so familiar.

It was her! The staff member who had guided her to her seat at the auction earlier. No wonder the system mentioned she was back for an internship.

Zhu Jia remembered Su Ke’s misty, doe-like eyes and how gentle and quiet her whole presence was, her voice soft. A mix of complicated emotions surged inside Zhu Jia.

There was some guilt, some bitterness, but more than that, she felt it was unfair for her.