Jiang Ling's gaze remained complicated, and he let out a sigh.
Mu Yinyin immediately spoke again, "Let's go back and talk."
The two walked back without saying much more. After all, there were people around who might overhear, making it difficult to speak freely.
Upon arriving at Mu Yinyin's suite, Jiang Ling finally asked, "Did you go out to talk about cooperation again?"
"Yes, Lu Sinian contacted me."
"Lu Sinian?" Jiang Ling's eyes held a trace of confusion.
Mu Yinyin nodded and explained everything to Jiang Ling, omitting, of course, the fact that Lu Sinian was pursuing her.
Jiang Ling's eyelashes fluttered, a hint of complexity crossing his eyes. Even without Mu Yinyin saying it, he knew Lu Sinian harbored such intentions. After all, she was so outstanding, always the most captivating presence wherever she went. It would be abnormal if Lu Sinian didn't like her.
It was only because very few people were like Fu Siye, a fool.
Of course, the past Mu Yinyin had never spoken much, and Fu Siye had no idea how outstanding she truly was. Missing out on her might have been his most unwise decision in this life.
Seeing Jiang Ling's complex expression, Mu Yinyin asked with some confusion, "You..."
Jiang Ling snapped back to attention, shaking his head immediately. "It's good that you're alright. I was truly worried something might happen to you. The people I met with today have been dealt with; they're willing to back down, and there's no loss for us. It's just a matter of supporting them. Now that Li Ze is settled, there are no real issues with the remaining people. Yinyin, please don't try to be strong this time. Let me handle it, okay?"
Mu Yinyin's eyes flickered, but she obediently nodded, "Alright, I'll let you handle it."
Indeed, there was nothing difficult left. Some people could even be chosen not to be contacted further. However, for the sake of caution, it was still necessary to meet them. Jiang Ling could definitely handle these matters. They were all excellent partners, and she knew how capable Jiang Ling was. It was just that sometimes, she didn't want Jiang Ling to do everything; she also wanted to contribute.
Moreover...
For the past few years, the company's affairs, big and small, had been handled by the three of them. She felt a pang of guilt.
Jiang Ling finally relaxed when Mu Yinyin fully agreed. "Then you should rest well. I will report everything else to you."
Mu Yinyin smiled, "Okay."
They were all insiders, so she didn't need to say anything about hardship. She would always remember it in her heart.
In the future, she would make up for it!
"Did you eat well tonight? Are you hungry? Do you want to eat something else later?"
Although business partnerships were often discussed over meals, there weren't many occasions where people could truly enjoy their food. It was either forced drinking or tense negotiations; rarely could one eat happily.
Unless everyone involved was an insider or a long-term partner.
Mu Yinyin smiled and replied, "I ate very well. I'm already full. What about you?"
Jiang Ling's gaze shifted, and then he said, "I've also finished eating."
"That's good," Mu Yinyin said, nothing more.
Silence descended again in the room.
Jiang Ling, however, didn't want to leave just yet. The opportunities for him to be alone with Mu Yinyin were very few.
This business trip with Mu Yinyin, he actually felt a sense of relief. If she had come with Li Chuan this time, he might have been even more upset.
"Yinyin."
Mu Yinyin looked up, her gaze falling on the man. "Let's sit down first."
They both walked to the sofa and sat opposite each other. Jiang Ling looked at her and spoke softly, "Chuan called me today."
Mu Yinyin's eyes flickered. "Is Xiao Qi having any problems?"
However, after saying it, she felt her instinctive worry was unnecessary. If there were any issues, given Li Chuan's concern for Gu Xiaoqi, he would have called her.
Jiang Ling shook his head. "No, her condition has been very good. Chuan just shared his worries with me."
Mu Yinyin's eyes moved again. She asked, "You didn't tell him that our negotiations went very well?"
"I did," Jiang Ling's expression seemed somewhat complex. "Chuan told me that he regrets not confessing to Xiao Qi sooner, and why he held onto that stubbornness."
Mu Yinyin's gaze shifted. "Chuan... Actually, it's not too late for him to confess now. With the hidden danger of Qing Zhu gone, Xiao Qi won't have any issues. This is also a sign of maturity."
However, Li Chuan hadn't called her, and she couldn't go and comfort Li Chuan now.
Anything more said would only reopen his wounds.
Jiang Ling nodded. "Yes, I told him the same thing. It's not too late, and Xiao Qi will be fine."
Mu Yinyin nodded without speaking.
Jiang Ling, however, looked at Mu Yinyin with persistent eyes.
Mu Yinyin's eyelashes trembled slightly. She felt something was amiss.
Jiang Ling gazed at her, his expression earnest, and said, "Yinyin, in the past, I knew I had missed my chance. But now, can you give me another opportunity?"
His expression was serious, his gaze sincere. If one touched him, they could still feel his muscles tensing.
Mu Yinyin's expression stiffened. As expected, Jiang Ling brought up Li Chuan to lead into the topic.
She pursed her lips. "I've always seen you as a brother."
Ultimately, she still said this.
Now, she couldn't agree to Jiang Ling, nor could she agree to Lu Sinian. She had no intention of dating or getting married.
Especially not Jiang Ling.
She could feel Jiang Ling's feelings for her. She knew how much he had taken care of her over the years. In such circumstances, she had to be clear and not give him any false hope, otherwise, what was the difference between that and playing with him?
Moreover, she was already divorced and naturally unworthy.
However, she didn't mention these things because she knew that if she did, Jiang Ling would say he didn't mind. That would only add to his troubles and make him think he had a chance.
Jiang Ling's complexion turned somewhat pale, and he looked completely listless. He sighed softly, "Although I knew this would be your response, I couldn't help but ask."
With a wry smile, he shook his head. "I know you probably haven't gotten over Fu Siye yet. But Yinyin, life is long. Can you give me another chance? I will cherish you for the rest of my life, ensuring you never suffer the slightest grievance. You are my one and only, and I will dedicate myself to you in this life."
Towards the end, his voice had become firm, and his expression was exceptionally sincere.
Mu Yinyin's eyes seemed to grow even more complicated.