Chapter 59 - Negotiations

Ye Cheng lowered his voice and said, "When we were living in the same dormitory back then, you didn't even react when we showed you adult films. At that time, we even questioned your sexual orientation, and you said the women in the films weren't good enough to attract your attention. I remember all of us asking what kind of woman would attract you… Do you remember what you said? You said you'd think about it when a woman manages to get close to you. For so many years, is there another woman apart from my sister who managed to get close to you? Perhaps, the only other woman is your grandma! Even your f*cking assistant is male! If it weren't for the fact that I've known you for so long, I would've doubted your sexual orientation as well!"

Mu Chen reached out and pushed Ye Cheng who had leaned in away before he said, "Shut up!"

Ye Cheng smiled and straightened his back. "Mu Chen, seriously, stop stirring up trouble. My sister keeps destroying things at home every day. Just think of it as doing me a favor. Please calm down, and stop this nonsense. We've been friends for so many years so please stop this for my sake."

Mu Chen smiled as he looked at Ye Cheng. However, his smile did not reach his eyes. "Ye Cheng, for the last time, I'm married. No matter how our marriage started, I'm very satisfied with where I am now. I like her very much. No, I'm in love with her. I'm only waiting for her to reciprocate my feelings. I'm enjoying the process of courting her and making her happy. Moreover, you know I've always been loyal."

Ye Cheng stared at Mu Chen; his smile was gradually fading. "Are you serious?"

Mu Chen nodded. "Yes."

Ye Cheng remained silent, but his gaze was still fixed on Mu Chen.

Mu Chen put down the tableware, leaned back on his chair, and returned Ye Cheng's gaze. "Yesterday, Ye Xin went to look for trouble with Song Ning. I'm guessing you're the one who investigated my wife. Did you think about the consequences when you did such a thing? I'm sure you did, but you just didn't care. After all, you knew Ye Xin wouldn't get into trouble no matter what; even if she did, all you need to do is spend some money to bail her out. You even sent bodyguards to protect her. Ye Cheng, I was the one who wanted to marry Song Ning; she didn't force me into this marriage. If you look for trouble with her over this matter, doesn't this mean you're dissatisfied with me as well?"

Ye Cheng's expression darkened immediately.

Mu Chen's tone was calm, but there was no mistaking the iciness in his tone as he said, "You should thank Song Ning. She handled the matter very well yesterday. The matter was dealt with peacefully, and Ye Xin didn't suffer too big of a loss. I would've made Ye Xin regret her actions otherwise. You know I've always been overprotective of those I love…"

Ye Cheng's expression changed upon hearing these words.

The two men stared at each other silently before Ye Cheng finally softened his tone and said, "Mu Chen, the entire city thinks of you and my sister as a couple. If you do this, her reputation would be ruined!"

Mu Chen bluntly said, "Ye Cheng, have you ever thought about why the entire city thinks I'm in a relationship with your sister? You should know your sister used me to create headlines and wanted to use our so-called relationship to increase her popularity. I didn't hold her accountable for your sake. In any case, I have no doubt you were aware of her actions at that time so don't play dumb. I'll treat the matter as doing you a favor, but my patience has its limits as well…"

Ye Cheng lifted his teacup and sighed in relief. "So you weren't acting out of anger?"

Mu Chen shook his head. His attitude seemed to soften as well as he said, "I'm not angry. At that time, I was only asking Ye Xin for help. It's her prerogative to refuse me. In the end, I found Song Ning to help me, but I ended up falling for her. For that reason, I changed my mind and want our marriage to be real."

Ye Cheng sighed heavily when he saw the determination flashing in Mu Chen's eyes. "My sister can only blame herself for not seizing the opportunity to marry you. I have nothing left to say. However, I hope we'll still be friends and partners despite the issue with my sister!"

"Of course." Mu Chen truly did not have anything against Ye Cheng.

After a while, Ye Cheng curiously asked, "I'm very curious, Mu Chen, is that girl pretty? How did she manage to win your heart? Moreover, based on your words, it seems like she doesn't return your feelings?"

Mu Chen's gaze turned gentle as soon as Song Ning was mentioned. "She's very beautiful and has a great personality. I'm trying my best to pursue her now…" He could not help but feel worried again when he recalled the state Song Ning was in earlier.

Ye Cheng was puzzled. "She sounds like my sister. My sister is beautiful and has a great personality. The only difference is that my sister actually likes you. Do you not like my sister because she made the first move?"

Mu Chen frowned. "Ye Cheng! Stop talking nonsense. I know you're rather loyal as well so you know what I mean."

Ye Cheng smiled and lifted his hands as though he was surrendering. "Fine, fine, I'll stop messing around. You are probably the last president on earth to be so innocent when it comes to love. One day, she'll break your heart!"

The corners of Mu Chen's lips curled up slightly.. "You can keep on waiting because that won't happen."