Within the next thirty minutes, Xiao Zhi Ren had actually managed to convince Ru for the investment project. His proposal wasn't just unique, it was indeed exceptional.
Placing the white porcelain cup back in the saucer, Ru said, "You have done thorough research. I have no doubt that your idea would be able to bring revolutionary changes in the next decade. I must say, I am impressed."
"I'm glad that you find it interesting enough," Xiao Zhi Ren finally heaved a sigh of relief. Only he knew how much important this project was for him. His nerves started to ease up.
"I have a question though," Ru added while rubbing her chin gently.
"I'll be glad to clear up your doubts." Xiao Zhi Ren said and gulped down a whole glass of water again. From the moment he entered, he had drunk up to four glass of water. And it showed how much pressure he was in.
"You could have asked Rong for the investment considering she's taken an oath to stand by you, she would have gladly invested in this project. When it comes to power and wealth, she isn't shabby either. I might call her an equal." Talking about her own self as a third person was so natural to her that no one could guess that she was talking about herself.
Xiao Zhi Ren was taken aback by this question. After a bit of contemplation, he answered, "Perhaps, I don't want to have a professional relationship with her." Ru's brows shot up. "Also, from the beginning, I wanted to work with Knight Empires for this project. That's why it didn't even occur to me." He naturally didn't say that he wanted Ru to have a personal bonding with him and not some estranged professional one.
"Alright! I definitely am interested in this investment. Since Rong recommended you, I don't have any doubts whatsoever. If its gonna change the technology's perspective in our lives, I'd love to see Knight Empires being a part of that revolution." Ru spoke very professionally without any hint of playfulness. She was like a professional actor, engrossed in her role so deeply that one really couldn't tell who she was.
Playing roles was indeed very natural to her. People only change clothes, she knew how to change personas. Even the aura around her would change drastically. If being Xie Rong was an easy-going persona of hers then being Alev Knight was all about authority, ruthlessness.
Xiao Zhi Ren gave a mirthless smile as he said, "You seem to have a strong trust in Rong."
"If I don't trust her. I might lose trust in life itself." 'After all, losing faith in one's own self is akin to losing yourself altogether.'
"Do you mind me asking, how long have you known her?" Xiao Zhi Ren finally got over his flustered state to ask. But the intimidation wasn't gone. It was like something invisible in the room was pressing down on his heart. Most probably, it was his own feelings but he couldn't differentiate when his mind was all muddled up.
Ru tapped her finger on the table rhythmically. "For as long as I can remember." She answered with amusement.
"I have a question for you as well..." Ru started as she observed the way he was clenching and unclenching his fists as if her words had struck him at a sore spot. "What is Rong to you? Friend? Because she can't be a sworn brother. You know she, being a girl in disguise and all."
"Friend? She doesn't like having friends. Sworn brother? She certainly can't have that title anymore but I'll make sure to keep the oath I took just like I know she will as well..." Ru smiled in knowing that he could faith in her. "As for what she is to me..." Xiao Zhi Ren took a long pause while Ru straightened up in anticipation. She didn't know why but she was really eager to hear his answer for some reason unknown to her own self.
Xiao Zhi Ren finally smiled with valor and said, "For now, she's my life." Ru's eyes widened. "As for the future, I want to make her my lifetime." Ru's heart shook for the first time in a long while.