Marquis rejects the offer

As Marquis read the letter, his face remained focused with no sign of excitement, as Lu Zheng had expected. After some minutes, Lu Zheng began to wonder if he had offended Marquis with the letter.

They had been so familiar with each other for over a year, yet it felt like there was something about Marquis he didn't know.

Marquis continued to read every detail clearly, lifting his eyes to briefly glance at Lu Zheng before continuing to read. Confident that he had understood every detail, Marquis neatly placed the letter back into the envelope, sipped from his tea cup, and returned it to the table.

Marquis, his countenance unchanged, remarked, "This was a well-written letter." Without waiting for a response, he gracefully reached for a tea pot, the delicate fragrance of tea wafting through the room as he poured an additional cup for Lu Zheng.

The quiet ambiance of the study was accentuated by the sound of the tea meeting porcelain, creating a momentary melody that underscored the weight of their conversation.

"Drink it," he emphasized, noticing the concern etched in Lu Zheng's eyes.

In the letter, Bangwan and Lu Zheng sought Yin's hand in marriage and offered Marquis a clothing collaboration, where he would be the director of production, while they would be exporters. Despite the appealing offer, Marquis preferred his own business.

While the clothing deal was profitable for Marquis and would secure his family financially for a long time, he knew that money was nothing compared to a legal agreement for Yin. Relaxed and impressed by Lu Zheng's efforts, Marquis discussed his decision.

"You are already my son in law but I don't want a monetary bride price; however, I have my own requirements if you wish to marry my daughter," Marquis stated.

Eager to hear the requirements, Lu Zheng asked, showing his attentiveness.

"Sir, tell me. I will try my best,"

"You will have to guarantee lifetime security for Yin," Marquis replied, giving Lu Zheng a firm stare in the eye.

Confused but happy that Marquis accepted the marriage offer, Lu Zheng asked what was required of the guarantee.

"You will give her whatever belongs to her, and you will never take it away again," Marquis responded, his words carrying a firm and unwavering tone.

"As for the clothing deal, give it to Yin. Teach her the business yourself; you are a great businessman."

Though Marquis had rejected the clothing deal, Lu Zheng remained happy about being granted permission to marry Yin.

In the midst of their lunch conversation, Lu Zheng asked Marquis if they (him and his father ) would visit him over the weekend, Marquis, happy with the idea, accepted as it would be his first time to properly meet the highly recognised district committee.

After lunch, Lu Zheng returned to the district offices to inform his father about the results of the visit to Marquis.

He stepped into his father's office, sinking into the chair, a sense of relief washing over him as he escaped the scorching heat of that particularly intense day's sunshine.

Facing each other in their elegantly decorated office, Bangwan impatiently asked Lu Zheng about the visit results, hoping Marquis had accepted both of the offers.

"He agreed to the marriage but refused the clothing deal. He said we should give it to Yin," Lu Zheng responded, sensing a drop in excitement from Bangwan.

While disappointed about the clothing deal, Bangwan consoled himself, emphasizing that the marriage was the most crucial aspect. He mentioned Marquis' reputation for not taking what he doesn't own.

"He is widely recognized in Naerang, with a reputation that precedes him. It's perplexing to contemplate how we could have entertained the notion that he would consider accepting such an offer from us."

Reluctantly, Bangwan, with no options left, agreed with Lu Zheng to arrange the clothing deal for Yin as a gift for her.

As Lu Zheng returned to his office, he pondered what he could give Yin as Marquis had required, something he kept concealed from his father.

The tension about the two invoices at the district offices had dissipated, leaving everyone concentrated on their work.

After the conclusion of the conference meeting that morning, Mr. Sai called Mu Rong to his office for a private conversation. As a long time staff member of the district offices, he was quite familiar with what worked and what didn't work.

Facing one another while seated across his work desk, Mr. Sai in his advisory tone, shared some tips that Mu Rong needed to proceed with caution and avoid entangling herself with Rama, a man perpetually engrossed in competition, who appeared to struggle in reaching his ultimate goals.

"Your father emphasized the importance of excelling as an accountant, so make that your primary focus," Sai advised Yin with a concerned expression.

"While Rama pursues his path, remember that you have broader opportunities; avoid provoking him to maintain your focus," he cautioned.

Acknowledging the wisdom in Sai's words, Mu Rong expressed gratitude for the guidance and the opportunity to learn from him.

"Beginning next month, your accounting tasks commence, and Mr. Bangwan is on board with it,"

Sai reassured Mu Rong, admiring her father's commitment to shaping her into a responsible individual, Sai proceeded to guide her through overall performance, highlighting key areas crucial for success in every task.

After office hours, Yin and Mu Rong left the offices together and strolled back home discussing Mu Rong's engagement. Yin had seen the ring earlier on but had decided they would discuss it later after work.

Rama, watching them from his office, couldn't forget the embarrassment from the morning meeting.

Compelled to concentrate on his closing duties, he watched as the girls strolled away, grasping the truth that each of them had a formidable competitor closely associated with him in professional terms.

Curious, Yin inquired if it was Bi Lai, the one she had read about in the letter.

"I'll venture a guess, it must be three (Bi Lai)," she said injecting a hint of mischief in their conversation.

Mu Rong blushed at the unexpected yet affectionate nickname,

"You're fixated on that name now,"

Teasingly, Mu Rong asked Yin not tell anyone about that nickname,

"Of course not."

Wishing Mu Rong luck, Yin couldn't help but ponder her own relationship with Lu Zheng, which had come to two years but without a serious direction.

Recognizing his commitment but questioning the future after their playful past, she wondered about the next steps.

After reaching their homes, Yin's younger sibling directed her to the study room, revealing that Marquis and Marquess awaited her presence.