Chapter 132: It Would Be Abnormal Not to Like It

Jiang Ling’s eyes remained clouded with complex emotions, and he let out a sigh.

Mu Yinyin spoke up immediately, "Let’s head back and talk."

The two walked back in silence, not saying a word, as there were always ears about in public, making it difficult to speak freely. It wasn't until they reached Mu Yinyin’s suite that Jiang Ling finally asked, "Did you go out to negotiate another partnership?"

"Yes, Lu Sinian reached out to me."

"Lu Sinian?" Jiang Ling’s eyes flickered with a hint of confusion.

Mu Yinyin nodded and recounted the events to him, though she carefully omitted the part about Lu Sinian’s romantic pursuit of her.

Jiang Ling’s eyelashes trembled, a flash of complexity crossing his gaze. Even without her saying it, he knew Lu Sinian had such intentions; she was so outstanding that she was the most captivating presence wherever she went. It would be abnormal if Lu Sinian didn’t like her.

After all, few people were as foolish as Fu Siye had been. Of course, since Yinyin had kept so much to herself in the past, Fu Siye never realized just how extraordinary she truly was. Missing out on her might have been the most unwise decision of his life.

Seeing Jiang Ling lost in deep, complex thought, Mu Yinyin asked with a touch of concern, "You..."

Jiang Ling snapped back to reality and immediately shook his head. "I'm just glad you’re safe. I’m truly worried about you. The person I met with today has been settled; he’s willing to back down, and it won't cost us anything—we just need to provide some support. Now that Li Ze and the others are taken care of, there shouldn't be any more problems with the remaining ones. Yinyin, please don't push yourself so hard this time. Leave it to me, okay?"

Mu Yinyin’s eyes flickered, but she nodded obediently. "Alright, I'll leave it to you."

The remaining tasks were indeed not difficult, and some might not even require further negotiation. However, for the sake of caution, it was best to meet with them, and she knew Jiang Ling could handle it perfectly. She was well aware of his capabilities; it was just that sometimes, she didn't want him to carry the entire burden—she wanted to contribute, too. Moreover, after everything the three of them had done for the company over the years, she still felt a lingering sense of guilt.

Seeing her finally agree, Jiang Ling let out a sigh of relief. "Then get some good rest. I’ll report back to you on everything else one by one."

Mu Yinyin smiled. "Okay."

They were close, so there was no need for empty talk about hardships; she would keep his efforts in her heart. In the future, she would make it up to him.

"Did you eat well tonight? Are you hungry, or would you like something else?"

Although business deals were usually negotiated over meals, rarely were they truly enjoyable. It was usually a matter of drinking oneself into a stupor or enduring a tense standoff. Unless one was with close associates or long-term partners, it was hard to eat with any pleasure.

Mu Yinyin smiled. "I ate quite well. I’m full. How about you?"

Jiang Ling’s gaze shifted slightly. "I’ve eaten, too."

"That’s good," Mu Yinyin replied, and the room fell into silence once more.

Jiang Ling didn't want to leave. Opportunities to be alone with Mu Yinyin were rare. In truth, he felt a sense of relief that he was the one on this business trip with her; if she had come with Li Chuan, he might have found it even harder to bear.

"Yinyin."

Mu Yinyin looked up at him. "Let’s sit down."

They moved to the sofa and sat across from each other. Jiang Ling looked at her, his voice soft. "Li Chuan called me today."

Mu Yinyin’s eyes flickered. "Is there something wrong with Xiaoqi?"

She immediately felt her concern was likely unnecessary; given Li Chuan’s devotion to Gu Xiaoqi, he would have called her directly if there were any real trouble.

Jiang Ling shook his head. "No, she’s doing well. Chuan was just expressing some of his worries to me."

Mu Yinyin paused, then asked, "Did you tell him that our negotiations are going well?"

"I did." Jiang Ling’s expression grew complex. "Chuan told me he regrets not confessing to Xiaoqi sooner, and for being so stubborn in his hesitation."

Mu Yinyin looked thoughtful. "Chuan... it’s not too late for him to confess now. The threat from Qingzhu is gone, and Xiaoqi is perfectly fine. It’s a sign of maturity."

However, since Li Chuan hadn’t called her, she couldn't reach out to comfort him now. To say too much would only be reopening his wounds.

Jiang Ling nodded. "That’s exactly what I told him—it’s not too late, and Xiaoqi will be fine."

Mu Yinyin nodded, remaining silent, while Jiang Ling watched her with a persistent gaze. Mu Yinyin’s eyelashes fluttered; she felt that something was amiss.

Jiang Ling stared at her, his expression earnest. "Yinyin, I know I missed my chance in the past, but can you give me another opportunity now?"

His tone was sincere, and his gaze was steady. If she were to touch him, she would feel the tension in his muscles. Mu Yinyin’s expression stiffened. So, Jiang Ling had brought up Li Chuan only to lead into this.

She bit her lip. "I have always thought of you as a brother."

In the end, she said it. She couldn't possibly agree to Jiang Ling, just as she couldn't agree to Lu Sinian; she had no plans for romance or marriage. Especially not with Jiang Ling.

She could feel the depth of his feelings, and she knew how well he had cared for her over the years. Precisely because of that, she had to be clear; she couldn't give him false hope, for that would be no different from playing with his heart. Besides, she was a divorcée—she felt she didn't deserve him. She didn't voice these thoughts, however, because she knew he would only insist that it didn't matter, which would only complicate things further and encourage him.

Jiang Ling’s face turned pale, and he looked momentarily drained. He sighed softly. "I knew you would give me that answer, but I couldn't help but ask."

He offered a bitter smile and shook his head. "I know you haven't let go of Fu Siye yet, but Yinyin, there is a long road ahead. Can’t you give me a chance? I would hold you in the palm of my hand for the rest of my life, never letting you suffer the slightest grievance. You are my only one; I will be devoted only to you."

By the end, his voice had turned firm, his expression exceptionally sincere.

Mu Yinyin’s eyes seemed to grow even more troubled.