Chapter 29: Ill Be Your Shield Part 2

Ming Li stared at the computer screen for a moment. “Once the acquisition is finished and the handover is complete, I’ll give you a long vacation.”

“Deal,” Assistant Lin smiled. “Thanks in advance.”

By the time Ming Li and Assistant Lin left the office, the moon was low in the west, and it was past midnight.

Assistant Lin had drank two cups of coffee during the day, but she couldn’t stop yawning. She let out two more just during the elevator ride down.

Ming Li, on the other hand, hadn’t touched a drop of coffee, yet her eyes were bright and alert. It felt like if you gave her another light, she could keep going for hours.

After a day of high-intensity work, even Assistant Lin was struggling. She asked, “President Ming, aren’t you sleepy?”

Ming Li, lost in thought, blinked. “Huh?”

“Aren’t you tired?” Assistant Lin leaned against the elevator wall. Since they were off the clock and the age gap wasn’t that large, she felt more casual.

Ming Li didn’t mind. In fact, she preferred this relaxed version of Assistant Lin. “I’m okay,” she said softly.

Assistant Lin shook her head helplessly. “You really are…”

The elevator doors opened. Ming Li raised an eyebrow. “I’m what?”

“You thrive on adversity,” Assistant Lin said.

Ming Li smiled. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

…

Ming Li returned to the Gu Manor under the cover of night. Amidst the somber darkness, the buildings of the estate looked even more mysterious and ancient.

When she entered, only two maids remained on duty. The house was hollow and silent.

A maid immediately stepped forward to ask if she wanted a late-night snack, mentioning that some nourishing tonic was simmering in a pot. President Gu had specifically ordered it for her.

Ming Li was startled, unsure what Gu Xueqiang’s angle was.

However, she wasn’t hungry at all. While working late with Assistant Lin, she had felt her blood sugar drop and had already ordered some desserts.

After declining the food, Ming Li dragged her exhausted body upstairs. She reflexively walked toward the master bedroom, but as her hand touched the handle, she remembered she had moved to the guest room the night before.

Just as she let go, the door suddenly swung open.

Gu Qingshuang stood in the doorway wearing her pajamas. Her eyes were clear; she clearly hadn’t been sleeping.

Ming Li didn’t have much of a reaction. “Sorry,” she said tonelessly. “I went to the wrong door.”

“You didn’t,” Gu Qingshuang said. “This is your room.”

“I’m sleeping in the guest room for now,” Ming Li said without emotion. “I already told Mother.”

Gu Qingshuang stared at her in silence. “Did you work until now?”

Ming Li nodded. “Yeah. There’s been a lot to do lately.”

“Is my family’s business… making you very tired?” Gu Qingshuang asked suddenly.

Ming Li paused and looked up at her. She noticed a complex look in Gu Qingshuang’s eyes, as if she were struggling with something. Ming Li had no desire to investigate. She wasn’t nearly as energized as she had acted in front of Assistant Lin; right now, she just wanted to sleep. She chose a safe answer: “It’s fine. There’s been progress, and a sense of achievement.”

“Maybe…” Gu Qingshuang started to say something, but she frowned and stopped, looking as if she were angry with herself.

“Maybe what?” Ming Li asked.

“Nothing.”

The conversation hit a dead end. Ming Li waved at her. “Get some rest. I’m tired, I’m going to sleep.”

She turned and headed for the guest room.

As soon as Ming Li entered the bedroom, she collapsed onto the bed. She didn’t even take off her makeup; she told herself she’d just lie down for a minute before washing up, but that minute lasted until morning.

Surprisingly, she slept soundly.

Ming Li woke up around six. She removed her makeup, showered, and picked out a white suit from the closet. She sent a message to Ming Xi.

Ming Xi wasn’t awake yet, so Ming Li went downstairs for breakfast.

Halfway through her meal, Gu Xueqiang came down. Her first words were: “Are you going to sweep your father’s grave today?”

“Yes,” Ming Li responded simply.

There was no further small talk.

The atmosphere at the table was heavy, though that wasn’t unusual. In the past, Ming Li would have likely lost her appetite and left early. Today, however, she endured the discomfort, finishing her meal before setting down her utensils. She slowly wiped her mouth. “I’m finished.”

Gu Xueqiang’s calm gaze swept over her. “Are you resenting me?”

“No,” Ming Li said.

As Ming Li prepared to stand, Gu Xueqiang said, “You haven’t given me an answer yet.”

Ming Li frowned. She hadn’t expected the question from yesterday morning to be repeated. Hadn’t her words yesterday made her stance clear?

“I already gave my answer,” Ming Li said. “Ultimately, this is for you to decide, Mother. I don’t have the power of choice.”

“You do,” Gu Xueqiang said. “Otherwise, why would I ask you? I heard you have a meeting scheduled with President Hu of Xingwan today?”

Ming Li nodded. “Yes.”

“A fitting day for it,” Gu Xueqiang commented.

Ming Li remained silent, calmly waiting for the next sentence.

But Gu Xueqiang said nothing more, quietly continuing her breakfast.

Ming Li had missed her window to leave. Leaving now would be abrupt, but she didn’t want to stay. After a moment of hesitation, she stood up anyway. “Please enjoy your meal, Mother. I have things to attend to.”

“Wait.” Gu Xueqiang set down her utensils and looked up at Ming Li without haste. “You still haven’t given me your answer.”

Again, that phrase.

Ming Li felt helpless. Her answer was obvious.

Yet Gu Xueqiang kept pushing, as if determined to force her to say the words: I’m unwilling. I don’t agree.

They were both adults; they should know when to stop.

Irritation bubbled in Ming Li’s chest. She met Gu Xueqiang’s sharp gaze without flinching. “Then what answer do you want?”

“One that satisfies me,” Gu Xueqiang said.

Ming Li laughed. “Satisfies you? What about me?”

“You will be satisfied as well,” Gu Xueqiang said. “Isn’t that what a negotiation is? A deal only moves forward if both sides are satisfied. Otherwise, there’s no point in sitting at the table in the first place.”

Ming Li froze.

“Your answer wasn’t clear,” Gu Xueqiang continued, her voice stern. “Being firm is one thing. Threats are another. Knowing how to play your hand is yet another. Without that balance, a negotiation is destined to fail.”