"What a coincidence." Ming Yutong forced a smile, feeling a bit awkward.
"Not a coincidence. I heard you were here, so I came looking for you." Jiang Lulian said, "I haven't been in touch the past few days because I've been dealing with the aftermath of the incident. Also, it seems it's not the best time to appear at your company."
Ming Yutong wasn't interested in knowing about Ming Silian's current situation, especially since she had never seen Ming Silian after the incident.
"I'm sorry for causing you trouble." Ming Yutong said.
Jiang Lulian knew he was targeted, and from Jia Mingkai, he learned who was behind it.
Discovering that it was Fu Yinxiu, he didn't even get a chance to retaliate.
"So, I figured it was Fu Yinxiu who set me up with Ming Silian." Jiang Lulian said.
"That night, Ming Silian intended to frame you. She wanted Jia Mingkai to ruin you, but since you were saved, she ended up being framed instead." Jiang Lulian sighed, "But it also caught me in the crossfire. I didn't initially understand why I was involved, even if it was to counter Ming Silian. But then I realized it's related to Fu Yinxiu."
"Jia Mingkai said Fu Yinxiu had him captured and tortured. It's obvious he did it to get back at you."
Ming Yutong shook her head. That wasn't quite right. Fu Yinxiu wasn't the type to act out of revenge for her.
"He probably just didn't want his former lover to be tainted by Jia Mingkai." Ming Yutong guessed.
"So I think Fu Yinxiu arranged for me to be in Ming Silian's room." Jiang Lulian said.
"Yutong, what's your relationship with Fu Yinxiu?" Jiang Lulian asked softly. "Don't misunderstand, I just want to understand so I know how to pursue you. If he just likes you, I'll have to compete with him for your affection. But if you also like him, I'll have to work even harder to be a better partner for you."
Jiang Lulian wasn't naive enough to think he could surpass Fu Yinxiu in business
He knew that was impossible.
Ming Yutong hadn't expected him to speak so candidly. She shook her head. "I came here today to discuss business with Mr. He from 'Tonghe.' He's been avoiding us, so I brought Yang Minglang here to corner him. Let's talk about personal matters later, okay?"
Jiang Lulian, realizing his mistake, nodded. "Sorry, I was being inconsiderate."
Ming Yutong shook her head. They returned to He Tongming and Huang Shengli.
"Mr. He, Mr. Huang, sorry for the interruption. Jiang Lulian had something important to discuss with me." Ming Yutong said.
He Tongming and Huang Shengli exchanged amused glances. "No problem, it's only natural for young people."
He Tongming looked at Jiang Lulian and Ming Yutong. "Since Jiang Lulian is here, let's split into pairs and have a match. How about it?"
Jiang Lulian didn't make a decision on his own but turned to Ming Yutong for her opinion.
Ming Yutong was surprised by his consideration. "Sure, let's do that."
Huang Shengli laughed heartily. "Jiang Lulian, you're already acting like a husband before even being married?"
Ming Yutong smiled awkwardly, about to explain, but Jiang Lulian cut in, "Not really. Regardless of the relationship, it's always good to ask the lady first. I like Yutong, but the road ahead is long. I need to work hard. I'm not even her boyfriend yet, so how can I be considered 'controlled by the wife'? I'd love to be, but I'm not there yet."
Ming Yutong had to remain silent. Jiang Lulian's words had cleared up any ambiguity about their relationship, yet he had clearly expressed his feelings for her.
This made Huang Shengli and He Tongming aware that Jiang Lulian was pursuing Ming Yutong.
Ming Yutong sighed inwardly. She had intended to clarify everything, but since Jiang Lulian had spoken up, she couldn't really say much more.
She looked down and thought for a moment before speaking, "Mr. He, if we win, could you spare some time to hear me out?"
He Tongming laughed and agreed, "Sure, if you win, we'll sit down and talk things over. I won't delay any longer."
Ming Yutong smiled and said to Jiang Lulian, "My golf skills aren't great, so I'll rely on you."
"Haha!" Huang Shengli extended his hand. "Ladies first."
Ming Yutong didn't hold back, stepping up to place the ball and took a swing.
Unfortunately, her technique was indeed lacking.
Jiang Lulian raised his eyebrows, understanding the situation. He stepped up and took a swing.
After He Tongming and Huang Shengli had their turns, it was Ming Yutong's turn again.
Jiang Lulian came over to her.
"Your swing has some issues, that's why it's not going well." Jiang Lulian said softly.
Ming Yutong sighed in resignation, "I know."
She wasn't particularly interested in golf; she only learned a bit to be able to participate. She didn't expect Jiang Lulian to come so close and take her hand, wrapping his arms around her to adjust her grip on the club.
Ming Yutong was taken aback and cautiously moved forward, trying to create some distance between them.
Despite that, their actions remained quite intimate.
"Yutong, I want to pursue you seriously," Jiang Lulian said softly at that moment. "No matter what your relationship with Fu Yinxiu is, as long as you're not together and you don't have feelings for him, I still have a chance, right?"
"I admit that in the past, my pursuit of you was mixed with the interests of both families and various considerations. But Yutong, I've realized that I genuinely like you. Even without any other considerations, I like you for who you are."
"I like your confident and bright demeanor, your moments of intelligence, and even your mischievous side. I like how you are strong and never subordinate to anyone, always standing on equal footing, neither humble nor arrogant."
Jiang Lulian seemed ready to list many reasons why he was attracted to Ming Yutong, but before he could finish, Ming Yutong turned her head in surprise.
She hadn't expected him to express his feelings so suddenly, and certainly not to say so much.