He put the paper down and then took his glasses back off and set them down next to it. He leaned back on his chair and studied her face carefully as if he were trying to read her.
"Was that why you came here?" he asked, trying to figure out what had prompted her to change her mind.
"No, I didn't. But it's what I want. The only reason I said no was because I was shocked and uncertain… and scared. But those aren't good enough reasons to pass up your offer. The offer you made me is beyond generous and I have no legitimate reason to say no."
Mo Qingchen looked at her with worry.
"That is if you still feel the same way." She scrutinized his expression. "I understand if the validity of the offer has expired. With the recent downward trend of my stock prices and reputation, it would be a bad deal for you to tie your name to mine." She analyzed critically. "Nothing remains to be offered from my side, then. Not many will want to associate with me when this blows up."
He sighed in frustration. "Are you sure about this?" he asked.
"Don't ignore my words," Qian Meng said in a low and firm voice.
"I wouldn't have made the offer if I wanted to take it back." His gaze was unwavering. "I only made the offer because it was you and I know you well enough. You'll overcome this magnificently."
Qian Meng gaped at him in shock. It was new to her: having someone who trusted her capability. Not even her employees felt this way, even though they knew her plan. But this guy, without knowing anything, blindly trusted her.
"You think so?" she challenged, just in case.
"Of course. Now, tell me. Are you sure about this?"
"Sure as I will ever be," Qian Meng said, walking over and putting the phone back down on his desk.
"If that is the case, then we have a whole lot more to discuss. Our conversation at dinner was a preliminary one. There is a lot to go over and hash out."
Qian Meng nodded. "I have a lot of time on my hands right now. Shall we start?" she asked with a confident tilt of her head.
"And you are not saying this because you feel vulnerable right now?" he asked again.
"Sweet of you to consider my side, but you should be more ruthless in business with me," she warned. "Aren't you scared I will take everything away from you?" she grinned.
"You can try." He narrowed his eyes doubtfully. "We're both busy, Yun Qian Meng. I don't have time for another conversation about this if it isn't going anywhere."
"My promise holds high value in the industry. If I said I will marry you, I'll come back from Hell to fulfill my promise."
His expression wavered and his fists tightened on the table. "No need to die to prove the guarantee of your promise."
Qian Meng looked at him curiously. "What a confusing man!" she commented. "I'm sure. I'm going all-in on this."
He flashed her a pleased smile and gestured to the single cushioned chair sitting in the corner of the room. "Pull up the seat and let's draw up the agreement."
No time like the present.
She pulled up the chair and plopped down into it so that they were facing one another across the desk. She put her bag down on the ground next to the chair and then crossed her legs and arms.
Mo Qingchen leaned back and lifted one foot to rest on his knee. He rubbed his chin with his right hand and looked her over, trying to figure something out in his head.
"Are we in a Mexican standoff?" Qian Meng teased.
He gave her a playful glare. "Before I start, I should make it clear that this is our prenuptial agreement and we will sign on it."
Qian Meng nodded. "I would expect nothing less of you. Forward the signed prenup after you have drawn it up. I'll, of course, share the executed document with you after consulting my lawyer."
"Fair," he admitted. "Ah, I'm equally controlling in my personal life. I like things done in my way and I don't intend our relationship to be any different."
Qian Meng smirked. "I know just how controlling you are. But I am the same. Therefore, we are drawing this up, right?"
"Well, I accept complete compliance." He shrugged.
She raised her eyebrows at him. "Compliance? Am I signing to be your wife or your lap dog? Be careful of the words you choose."
"You're signing on to be my business partner and wife. And we need to stick to the contract for any partnership to be successful."
The businessperson side of her agreed, but the rebel in her wanted to fight a little more.
"On that note, I have some basic expectations. First of all, I will require you to upgrade your wardrobe. I know you are formal wear for events, but you're going to need nicer clothes for casual wear. These t-shirts and sweatshirts aren't going to cut it." She gave his outfit a once over.
"You're stuck up about clothes. I'm going to ignore the fact that you just insulted my wardrobe. And how much of an upgrade are we talking about?" He didn't appreciate her comments about his clothes.
"I know you are lazy and like your comfort, but that doesn't mean you wear the same clothes every day. You can wear what you want at home, but when you go to the office or go out with me, you need to wear nice clothes."
"I find the clothes fashionable men wear uncomfortable and stuffy," he grumbled.
Qian Meng rolled her eyes. "That's what happens when you buy machine-made clothes. I'll get some tailored clothes for you according to the materials you like feeling against your skin." And he had no style, so she could just give him any style that suited him.