In the pitch-dark room, a man sits on a sofa.
In front of him, a girl stands.
Yes, a girl, not a mature woman. She's under twenty-four, not even out of college yet.
Facing a man who, a few hours ago, stood on their school stage delivering a speech as a successful person, there is not the slightest intent to retreat.
With his fingers on his chin, the indifferent gaze of the man sweeps over her, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, "What... did you just say?" He asked back.
The girl's expression is somewhat indifferent. She repeats calmly, "I said, I want you to marry me."
Hearing her say this, the man slowly breaks into a laugh, "Miss Gu, if I remember correctly, you haven't even graduated from college yet. During my speech just now, you were sitting in the third row."
"I'm a senior this year. In two months, I can graduate."
Although she still appears as a student, there is not an iota of nervousness or naivety in her composure. Even in response to the man's question, she analyzes rationally, "There is no law that prohibits marrying during college. I have passed the legal age to get married. Of course, Mr. Ren, if you have any objections, I can wait until I graduate from college before marrying you."
Seeing she's not joking, Ren Mosheng's expression gradually becomes serious. After a long pause, he asks, "Why?"
"As far as I know, Miss Gu is the young lady of the Gu family, and very likely to be the successor of the Gu Corporation. You shouldn't be short of money. Both at school and in society, you are quite popular among men and not lacking in boyfriends. Why insist on marrying me?"
Gu Yanran is silent for a while before saying, "Because I like you."
Ren Mosheng lifts his eyebrow, acknowledging her answer with an "Oh," only to hear her continue, "No woman dislikes a capable man, Mr. Ren, you are a good catch, and I, am enough to match you."
Pausing for a moment, she seems to feel that this may still not be enough convincing, so she adds, "As you said, I'm very likely to become the future leader of the Gu Corporation. So, marrying me is all-profit-no-loss situation for you. The Gu's and Ren's can cooperate more intimately, which is also beneficial to both our companies."
Ren Mosheng doesn't reply, still observing her, seemingly moved by her arguments.
After a long while, he stood up and walked towards the window, saying, "Go back, I'm not interested in you, a precocious girl who still has a lot of growing up to do."
"Do you think I have not grown up yet?"
Sounds of fabric rustling came from behind. Ren Moseng turned around and saw Gu Yanran emotionless, stripping off her clothes piece by piece.
Finally, her slender and flawless body stood before him, the calm demeanor still emanating an air of coldness, "Is this enough?"
...
Accompanied by the sweet voice of the stewardess, Gu Yanran woke up from her dream. Thinking of everything that happened in the dream, she couldn't help but frown, extending her finger to massage her temples.
It had already been three years. Three years ago, she was a self-righteous schoolgirl and Ren Moseng was a sponsor who came to their school for a speech.
Three years later, she was the general manager of Gu Enterprise, and Ren Moseng had become her ex-husband.
Thinking that the first thing she dreamt about after going abroad was Ren Moseng, Gu Yanran was somewhat displeased, she straightened up and picked up the newspaper on her seat.
A headline caught her attention - Gu Enterprise is alleged of selling counterfeit facial masks, resulting in damaged skin and disfigurement of consumers. The story covered most of the newspaper headlines, indicating the urgency of the situation.
"Miss Gu, we will be landing in two minutes. We have prepared an emergency plan for you. We hope you can leave with the security personnel first when you get out of the airport," whispered the assistant.
Gu Yanran looked puzzled, "Why should I leave first?"
"Erm..."
The young assistant knew that although the general manager of Gu Enterprise never put on airs, she was very strict about her work. He was afraid that any inadequate arrangements would displease her.
So, he carefully explained, "I was informed by the executives at the headquarters that this crisis has attracted a lot of media attention. Although your return has not been announced to the public, except for the high-level executives, the reporters might have found out about your itinerary and they are likely waiting outside the airport for interviews... For your safety, we hope that you can avoid them, Miss Gu."
“I came back this time to tackle the current crisis of the Gu Family. Where is the reasoning in ducking when a problem arises? Besides...”
Her lips curled up into a somewhat icy smile, saying meaningfully, “If they aren’t allowed to report, how is everyone going to know... that I, Gu Yanran, am back…”
“Miss Gu, could you tell us whether your return has anything to do with the recent scandal of the Gu Group?”
“Miss Gu, regarding the rotten face incident from the Gu Group's face mask, what are your views, and what measures will the Gu Group take?”
As Gu Yanran just stepped out of the airport, she noticed a crowd surrounding her. The staff quickly blocked the crowd with their bodies, preventing them from getting too close to Gu Yanran.
However, determined to gather news, the reporters vied for the front, raising their hands and almost shoving microphones onto Gu Yanran's face.
"Everyone, I have just arrived back from the United States..."
Although Gu Yanran's voice was soft, it was effective. The chaotic echos of the interview immediately quieted down, reporters stood on the opposite side listening to her following statement.
"About this incident, I have seen some preliminary data, but there are many detailed issues which need to be verified back at the company. I cannot give a rash answer now, but, I can promise on behalf of Gu Group that if this incident truly relates to us, we will definitely take full responsibility. We feel sorry for the public panic caused by our company's situation, and we will resolve it promptly and provide an explanation for the victims and the public."
Her answer was watertight. The journalists' insistent inquiries were all skillfully diverted by her, leaving them with no choice but to move towards other matters.
"Miss Gu, may we know if your divorce with Mr. Ren two years ago had anything to do with the inheritance of the Gu Group?"
In response to the reporter's question, Gu Yanran made an incredulous look and counter asked, "How is that possible?"
She gave a wry smile, straightening her hair at her temples. This seemingly casual move gave people the feeling that the sharply dressed woman standing in front of them is still a naive young girl when it comes to love.
"I was young back then, hardly considered things thoroughly, and made impulsive decisions, only to realize later... we weren't quite compatible..."