JS Corp. was the result of Jia Wen's hard work over the past few years. He knew what was good and bad for his company. Jia Wen understood the kind of partnerships that could raise his business to number one—or plunge it deep underground, never to be seen again.
The only exception: Wu Corp.
To Jia Wen, partnering with Wu Corp wouldn't bring any fortune or disaster. He wasn't even remotely interested in working with them. Unfortunately, his father didn't share the same opinion.
In front of him now sat the head of Wu Corp, Wu Mu Yang, with his legs crossed casually. He wasn't alone—he had brought his daughter, Xue Ying, who had already visited once before.
Whatever they were doing here, Jia Wen was certain it wasn't anything good.
"Jia Wen. At last, we meet face to face," Mu Yang said.
Jia Wen didn't respond. He simply smiled, though he loathed this kind of small talk.
"Your father has told me a lot about you," Mu Yang continued, unfazed by the silence.
Of course—his father's doing. Jia Wen didn't know why he was even surprised anymore.
"My secretary couldn't make it today, so I brought my daughter, Xue Ying, in her place," Mu Yang added, patting her shoulder lightly. "You've met her already, haven't you?"
Jia Wen didn't know why, but he found the smiles on their faces deeply irritating. Sadly, he couldn't voice his dislike without making things harder for himself—his father would make sure of that.
"So, what brings you here today?" Jia Wen asked, his tone flat. The man laughed heartily, his deep voice echoing in the office.
"You don't like small talk, huh? Very well, let's get straight to the point."
Mu Yang looked at his daughter, and Xue Ying handed him a folder she had been holding. "This is a partnership proposal from Hayes Group," Mu Yang said, passing the folder across the desk. "I sincerely hope we can work together."
Jia Wen stared at him for a second, then took the folder and began flipping through it. Or at least pretended to. In truth, he had no interest in their proposal. From any angle, this was not how a professional proposal should be submitted.
It was obvious Mu Yang had another motive for bringing his daughter along. Whatever it was, Jia Wen would play along—for now.
"I'll think about it," Jia Wen said with a sigh, stuffing the folder into the bottom drawer of his desk, where it would likely stay untouched.
He glanced again at the father and daughter duo. "Anything else I can help you with, Mr. Wu?" Jia Wen asked, folding his arms. "I'm quite sure the proposal wasn't the only reason you went out of your way to come here."
Jia Wen couldn't tell if Mu Yang thought he was stupid or just underestimated him because of his younger age. Either way, the man was sorely mistaken—and Jia Wen would prove it.
Mu Yang straightened up, adjusted his tie, and replied, "Actually, there's an important matter we need to discuss."
"Yes? What is it?"
"Your arranged marriage with Xue Ying."
Bullseye. Jia Wen stared at them without expression, though he was tempted to flash a sarcastic smile. Not yet, though.
"Judging by your face, you're not surprised. I take it your father already mentioned this to you."
"And your daughter already knows my answer," Jia Wen replied coolly, eyes fixed on Xue Ying. Mu Yang followed his gaze and cleared his throat. "No need to rush, Jia Wen. We can talk about this slowly."
If anything, Jia Wen thought it was Mu Yang who needed to tell that to himself in front of a mirror. He and his daughter were clearly the ones rushing to secure this engagement.
"Oh, right," Mu Yang said, checking his watch. "It's almost lunchtime. How about we go out and have lunch together? To build rapport. You don't mind, do you?"
"Not at all. But please remember—it's just lunch," Jia Wen answered quickly. He could have declined, but then he'd have to deal with more lectures from his father.
Jia Wen left the room first, Mu Yang and Xue Ying trailing behind. He exchanged a brief glance with Yuan Qi before heading toward the exit.
"There's a restaurant nearby. I hope you don't mind walking," Jia Wen said once they were outside the company building.
"Of course not. But I must apologize, Jia Wen," Mu Yang said with a regretful look on his face.
Jia Wen raised an eyebrow, waiting for an explanation.
"I have to return to my office. One of my staff just called—there's an urgent issue that needs my attention," he said. "You can have lunch with my daughter. Apologies for not being able to join you."
With that, Mu Yang walked off, not even waiting for Jia Wen's response.
Jia Wen narrowed his eyes.
That old man obviously left on purpose to force him alone with Xue Ying.
What a cheap trick.
"Let's go, Jia Wen," Xue Ying said, trying to link her arm with his. Fortunately, he was quicker and dodged her attempt with ease.
They walked with Jia Wen leading the way. He considered ditching her, but that wasn't the kind of man he was. So he didn't.
He led them to a restaurant at the end of the street. Jia Wen had never been there before, even though it was close to his office.
He actually preferred eating in the office cafeteria or ordering food in. If he ever ate out, it was usually for a client meeting.
He could have taken Xue Ying back to the cafeteria instead of walking all the way here—but this time, he knew he couldn't.
He didn't want any rumors about him and Xue Ying getting worse if someone from the company saw them together again.
They arrived at the restaurant and stepped inside as a server opened the door for them.
"Any table is fine," Jia Wen told the staff who greeted them with a smile and led them to a vacant table.
The waiter handed them menus. "Please call if you're ready to order," he said before returning to the front to welcome more guests.
"This place is lovely," Xue Ying commented, glancing around the interior before looking down at the menu.
Jia Wen silently agreed. He regretted refusing Yuan Qi's offer to try this place before. Maybe he would come here once in a while now.
He gave a small nod to acknowledge her comment, not caring whether she noticed or not—as long as he had responded.
"The food here is really good, Shen Han. You won't regret coming with us," someone said from nearby.
Jia Wen's head snapped up the second he heard that name. Familiar. Too familiar.
His breath caught as his eyes met the last person he wanted to see again—Shen Han, sitting not far from him.
He barely registered the presence of other employees. All he could see… was him.