Jake’s mind was racing. How could he pitch himself so Yuan Meng would relent and agree to let him stay close? If she said yes, he’d be the one to profit from the advantage of proximity.
At least, that was how he understood it.
When Yuan Meng smiled, Jake took it as a confirmation—until she said, casually, “Nope. Can’t.”
For a moment he didn’t process what she meant. Then it hit him and he froze.
“Why not? Meng, aren’t we friends? Can you really watch your dear friend be left out on the street?” he pleaded, stretching every bit of his Mandarin into the most pitiful tone he could muster. The contrast—his heavy accent and earnest expression—lightened the moment and made Yuan Meng laugh.
“Meng!” he crowed, trying to turn on the charm. The subject was supposed to be serious, but Yuan Meng’s laugh had already changed its flavor.
“We are friends,” she said. “But Jake, there’s no rule that says friends must take each other in, is there?”
Jake understood the logic but refused to accept it. He tried every angle. “Meng—”
Yuan Meng looked away. “No matter how you put it, my answer’s no.”
“Can’t you at least tell me why?”
“I could,” she shrugged, “but honestly, I think you deserve somewhere that can give you better development.”
“Better development where?” Jake scoffed. In his book, sticking with Yuan Meng was far superior to joining some corporate outfit. He would cling to her like a barnacle.
Yuan Meng had other ideas. One of the better options, she thought, was Ling Corporation.
Ling Qianchen could be frustratingly aloof at times, but he had methods and a knack for getting a company back on track. With him leading, Ling Corporation was improving. For Jake, it would be a sensible move. Besides, she wasn’t stupid—given Jake’s obvious feelings for her, keeping such an unpredictable element within arm’s reach was risky. For both their sakes, she planned to nudge him towards Ling.
Jake bristled. Of all people to work for—Ling Qianchen, the one who’d looked down on him—no way.
Before he could refuse outright, a dark voice cut through.
“I object.”
Yuan Meng froze. She hadn’t even turned around before she heard Jake snarl back.
“You object? On what grounds?” Jake snapped. He wasn’t just refusing to go to Ling Corporation—he was insulted that Ling Qianchen would look down on him. In Jake’s mind, Ling was some gilded pretty boy who didn’t deserve Yuan Meng. How dare he judge someone as excellent as Jake?
Ling Qianchen snorted. “It’s my company. I have the final say.”
“Oh please,” Jake shot back. “Even if your shabby company offered me a seven-figure salary, I wouldn’t give it a second glance.”
Yuan Meng watched the two of them ready to rip each other’s throats out and sighed. How were these two ever the objects of adoration?
“Could you two be quiet for one minute?” she asked. The two men’s snarls dissolved instantly into composed faces.
“Meng, I’m not the one looking for a fight. This man’s being childish,” Jake retorted, wagging a finger.
Ling didn’t expect such shamelessness from Jake. He stared at Yuan Meng, his look thinner than words.
Yuan Meng pressed her temples. “Why fight with money? Money’s not everything, but you can’t survive without it, can you?”
She was right—this industry wasn’t short on opportunities to earn, but who would ever refuse more money? She turned to Ling. “And you—you’ve always wanted someone strong and capable by your side.”
Ling Corporation was stabilizing, but competitors were circling, waiting for the weakest moment to strike. A firm, competent ally mattered. It was mutual benefit—so why couldn’t they see it?
Of course, even without Yuan Meng’s intervention, neither man would let pure anger rule his head. Practical interest would prevail. After a few barbed exchanges, they agreed—reluctantly—to a truce.
“Fine, I’ll join,” Jake said.
“All right, I’ll sign,” Ling answered.
The two of them spoke in near-perfect unison. Yuan Meng nearly exhaled with relief. Mediation was harder than she’d imagined.
But one problem after another kept cropping up. The original contract issue had been settled; now they fought over something almost as petty—who would walk Yuan Meng home.
“Ling is always busy. I’ll escort Meng,” Jake offered.
“Please. You’re not even Lunar Yueyue’s anything—why would you decide?” Ling shot back.
They stood at the hotel entrance glaring like two dogs over a bone. Yuan Meng, seeing the crowd gathering and the show building, cut it short.
“Jake, you just finished a match. You’re tired. Ling Qianchen can take me.”
“Meng—”
“Come on, you’re exhausted. Let’s go.”
Not waiting for an invitation, Yuan Meng slipped into the car and closed her eyes to rest. Jake could do nothing but watch as Ling gave him one mocking smile and drove off.
Freed from the contest, Ling let his posture relax. He wanted to keep talking, but he didn’t want to make Yuan Meng uncomfortable, so he held back.
He’d hoped to seize the small advantage of escorting her home. But then he saw Jake arrive at the hotel too and felt that old, small pang of irritation.
“Yueyue—why is he staying here?” Ling asked before Yuan Meng could speak.
Jake laughed easily. “That’s a funny question. Of course I’m staying here.”
The smugness drained from Ling’s face. He hadn’t planned to be beaten to the punch. He had assumed he’d been the first to secure proximity to Yuan Meng. Seeing Jake smile as if he’d sneaked in ahead of him stung.
Yuan Meng rolled her eyes. “It’s just a coincidence. No need to make a scene.”
Ling said nothing. He knew he was being sensitive, but watching Yuan Meng and Jake together left him tense. He decided then and there: he’d book in. This hotel it was.
And yet Yuan Meng’s mind wouldn’t settle. With Yan Ke’er around—the girl who would leap out at any hint of trouble—she felt on edge.
“It’s late. You should go in,” Ling said softly.
“I want to see you inside,” Jake replied, strangely quiet.
Yuan Meng blinked. “Why?”
The odd, tight atmosphere between them made her uneasy. Ling’s fingers flexed and straightened; he tried not to blush, not to let his pulse betray him. “Because…I worry.”
Yuan Meng didn’t answer. Her phone didn’t ring. Minutes stretched and she still hadn’t replied. Worry turned to panic in Yan Ke’er’s chest until she could take it no longer. She bounded out of the hotel doors, eyes scanning. Ling had his back to the entrance, and whatever casual pose he struck looked, to Yan Ke’er’s alarmed mind, like a threat.
She didn’t pause to think. She ran, all force and fury.
“You shameless—get away from Meng!” Yan Ke’er screamed as she barreled between them.