Ning Guiwan understood the meaning behind his words.
It sounded vaguely ambiguous, but the man’s gaze remained constant, showing not a hint of flirtation or provocation, as if he were discussing a serious matter.
Lately, he seemed to be so ’proper’ towards her.
It was a bit more than just normal relations, and this excess was measured so precisely that she couldn’t pinpoint any actual fault.
Ning Guiwan picked up the teapot and filled Quan Yu’s cup, speaking in a businesslike tone, "If Uncle Yu could help me, I certainly wouldn’t let Uncle Yu be busy for nothing."
Quan Yu looked at her, amused. "Is that so?"
After pouring herself a cup as well, Ning Guiwan set down the teapot and smiled. "I’ll cover the invested funds. Ruiyin doesn’t need to spend a penny, and moreover, Tianchi Group’s profits for the next five years could be recorded in Ruiyin Group’s ledger."
Quan Yu listened, didn’t respond immediately, and looked down at the celadon tea cup in his hand.
Ning Guiwan was in no hurry either. After a stalemate, she upped the stakes. "If Uncle Yu thinks that’s too little, then let’s make it ten years."
Quan Yu lifted his gaze. "Where are you getting such substantial funds?"
To provide capital control over a large enterprise was not something that could be achieved with merely tens or hundreds of millions.
Where could this girl, fresh out of graduation, obtain such an amount of money?
Surprised, Ning Guiwan did not expect him to ask this question.
But after a moment’s pause, she replied, "That’s my affair, Uncle Yu doesn’t need to inquire, as long as I can ensure the funds are in place. That should suffice, shouldn’t it?"
Quan Yu leisurely sipped his tea, his eyes still on her.
After a while, he stated, "It’s not enough."
Ning Guiwan knew what he was referring to.
She also had a vague idea of what he would say next.
The feeling was unpleasant, knowing that he was leading her towards asking the next question, but nonetheless, she had to follow his train of thought.
"Then what do you desire?"
In the end, she asked the question anyway.
Quan Yu’s lips curved slightly, as if he smiled, or perhaps not. After finishing his tea, he spoke in an exceptionally indifferent tone, "You."
The man’s eyes grew deeper, his deep voice lifting at the end, "Can you afford it?"
Lai Yang had ridden for quite some time and her enthusiasm gradually faded.
Only then did she realize Ning Guiwan had left and not returned.
She looked around and didn’t see her anywhere, so she turned to ask the instructor, "Where is the bathroom?"
The instructor pointed. "The door on the east side of the service building there, it’s closer."
Lai Yang took off her helmet and handed it along with her riding crop to the instructor, heading towards the door the instructor had pointed out. Following the signs for a bit, she bumped into a familiar face.
He Zhenmiao, the second son of He Xizhou, He Yunqing’s older brother.
Seeing Lai Yang, He Zhenmiao’s eyes immediately brightened. He Zhenmiao had doggedly pursued her before she immigrated to Singapore. Having encountered her some time ago and knowing she had returned to the country, his interest was rekindled.
Lai Yang hadn’t liked him much before, nor particularly disliked him, but seeing him now really irritated her.
Wasn’t it because he resembled that Quan Xiangru by sixty percent?
Quan Xiangru was the illegitimate son of He Xizhou. Due to certain reasons, he was adopted by He Yunqing and Quan Heng over a decade ago.
"Yanyan, how come you didn’t call me when you came here to play?" He Zhenmiao ran over to Lai Yang, reaching out to grab her arm.
Lai Yang dodged with a look of disdain, her patience running thin. "Tell you? Who are you to me?"
"Don’t be so harsh. Let’s have dinner together tonight at Baiyu Palace. You name the dish, and it’s on me."
He Zhenmiao was captivated by Lai Yang’s exotic features: her deep-set double eyelids, the tall bridge of her nose, her pale skin and long legs—undeniably enticing.
Feeling his increasingly naked stare, Lai Yang grew even more disgusted. "Get lost, don’t block the way."
Having been coddled since childhood, He Zhenmiao was used to getting what he wanted easily. However, Lai Yang was always indifferent to him. Upon hearing her response, his face fell. "Yanyan, I really like you. Can’t you speak to me more politely?"
"No," Lai Yang replied crisply. "In the future, don’t show up in front of me. Just seeing you annoys me!"
Having said that, Lai Yang gave him a disdainful glance and walked around him.
"Ha, Second Young Master He, the beauty doesn’t care for you, huh?"
The few people accompanying He Zhenmiao teased.
"I think you should give it up. You’ve chased after her for years and she hasn’t even let you touch a finger. Continuing to pursue her is pointless."
He Zhenmiao was already somewhat angry, and the taunts from his friends only amplified his frustration.