Chapter 7 - Rules and Agreement

Song Luli's father drove her home from work as they often carpooled, and when they arrived, the aromatic smell of food welcomed them.

It smelt like a feast, and Song Luli was puzzled by the suddenness. Her mother only cooked many dishes when everyone was home present or when they had guests over.

They stepped into the house, where she found Long Jie sitting on a chair speaking to her mother. He was smiling politely, drinking the blackberry juice she made, and listening as her mother spoke.

Song Luli was at a loss for words. Her mouth hung open for a moment before she closed it shut.

Long Jie stood up to shake her father's hand and to greet him before returning to the table.

"Ah. Sheng and Luli, come and sit," her mother, Qian Meigui said, ushering them.

Song Luli skeptically came forward. Her mother gave her a cueing look to sit across Long Jie. Song Luli rolled her eyes without him noticing and reluctantly obeyed. Her father sat next to her, as her mother placed the dishes on the table before sitting next to Long Jie.

Everyone took the food, placing it on the plate, thanking Qian Meigui for preparing the dishes.

Her mother asked Long Jie many questions, but what surprised her was how patient he was and how he never felt like her questions were bothersome. Even though it felt like an interview, perhaps it was.

After they finished, Song Luli went to the sink and began to wash dishes.

Her father asked Long Jie to join him in the living room to speak while her mother picked up a cloth to dry the dishes.

"I like that boy," her mother said, wearing a smirk on her face.

Song Luli's eyes gaped. "Mother," she said.

"What?" Qian Meigui asked. "He politely asked to come over to meet us. He even remembers me, ah, how sweet. I knew him since he was a child. It was too bad that his parents travelled with him often. He never settled much until recently."

Song Luli turned to witness Long Jie speaking with her father. They were sitting across each other, and the conversation seemed serious, but nothing out of the ordinary.

Her mother took another cloth and began to dry Song Luli's hands. "What are you doing?" Song Luli asked. Her mother smiled, taking her hand. "Let's join them," she said.

Qian Meigui dragged her to the living room, where she took her rightful spot next to her father. Song Luli felt awkward, but she figured that she had to sit next to Long Jie. It seemed to fit better.

Long Jie continued to speak until he abruptly stood to bow in front of her parents. He then said, "Mr. and Mrs. Song, I wish to marry your daughter. If you let me, I will treat her well and do everything in my power to keep her safe and secure. But I do not doubt, nor question, Luli's independence. To me, I don't feel as if I am the one helping her. I feel as if she is helping me. It's both mutual. I assure you."

Her father's face remained expressionless, but it was her mother who was smiling broadly. She then asked seriously, shifting expressions, "You won't overstep her? You won't control her? You won't dismiss her intelligence just because she's a woman?" her mother challenged.

Song Luli shivered. Her mother was a lawyer. Therefore, her expressions and attitudes often change depending on the mood. She can be gentle and sweet, or cruel and challenging in the next moment. But Song Luli admired her for it.

Long Jie maintained a neutral expression. "I won't ever disrespect Luli. She's the future Chief Executive Officer of Song Entertainment. In that right, alone, she is on my level. I wouldn't dare overstep her."

Song Luli found it startling that he addressed her so informally.

Luli.

At that, her mother smiled again; this time, she was satisfied.

It was her father, Song Sheng, that kept a stern expression, perhaps to shake Long Jie. But even he broke out into a small smile, and said to Song Luli, "Is this what you want?" he asked.

It warmed her that her father genuinely considered what she wanted. She did want this marriage; it was simple; it could work. They could be friends; they could be a team that made changes and made things better for people.

"Yes. I want to marry Long Jie," she said firmly.

Her parents glanced at each other before facing them. "We accept, as long as you two are happy with the decision."

"I am," said Long Jie.

Song Luli echoed his words, "I am, too."

Her mother rose, as did Song Sheng. They hooked arms and said to both of them, "Congratulations."

"Thank you," said Long Jie.

It hit Song Luli again. She was going to get married. But some part of her felt excited about the journey. Everything worked better in teams. Long Jie didn't seem irrefutable, but she still doesn't know much about him.

Her parents left them alone in the living room, heading towards the garden. Song Luli felt awkward as she didn't know what to do or say next. But the idea hit her. "Shouldn't we set some boundaries before we officiate this?" she said.

Long Jie nodded, agreeing.

"I want to hear what you have to say first," said Song Luli.

Long Jie sat down, hanging an arm lazily over the armrest. His reddish-brown hair tousled over his light lashes. "All right," he said.

"Judging by our last conversation. You said, 'Love is irrelevant in the business world.' And I entirely agree, which is why I want you to be my wife. I believe that marriage is a transaction; something exchanged to benefit both of us. Therefore, I ask of you to not expect affection or to fall in love with you."

Song Luli listened to what he had to say. Her lips curled into a smile. "As long as you don't expect me to fall in love with you," she responded. "I can fulfill that request. Consider it one of our wedding vows."

A vow not to fall in love, Long Jie thought. Interesting.

Long Jie let out a small laugh. "Secondly," he continued. "Do not question my choices when it comes to running my business unless I ask for it, and I won't ever question you. We have to be on each other's team."

Song Luli nodded, fully agreeing to his request.

"Lastly," he began again. "No sex. Unless, of course, you want heirs. As husband and wife, it can be a duty. But I won't ever force you."

Song Luli's mouth hung open, shocked.

"What?" he asked curiously. "Did you believe those rumours about me being 'frigid?' I can assure you, I'm not," he said with a small smirk.

Song Luli's cheeks burned. She cleared her throat, "Sex can come later," she said bluntly. "If we ever think about heirs."

Long Jie smiled. "Sounds like we agree," he said.

Song Luli released a breath, nodding.

Long Jie took out a folded piece of paper from his pocket, elegantly. It wasn't wrinkled despite being underneath the fabric. "This is the location of the city hall we are getting married at. Be ready for this time, I will pick you up," he said as he rose.

"Wait," Song Luli said. "You don't want me to sign a prenuptial agreement?" she asked. If they were to divorce, Long Jie might have to forfeit some of his assets.

"No," he said. "I trust we won't need to."

It stunned her.

He straightened the buttons of his black suit jacket. He gazed at Song Luli with his cold-blue eyes and said objectively, "I will see you soon."

He then let himself out down the hall and out of the door.

Song Luli sat in her seat, glancing out of the window, watching as he descended the steps with careful grace. He seemed like the type to be understanding and considerate. But another part of him didn't let people in or get to know him. Regardless, she was determined to get to know him, whether he liked it or not. It was only for the sake of tolerating him.