Chapter 111

 

Oh.

So it’s expired.

Ming Xi’s hand holding the phone stiffened slightly.

Thinking over what Liang Jiancheng meant—he could no longer provide any “services,” did that mean that even though she had taken the initiative to call, he wouldn’t come over anymore?

She stood there in a daze, her gaze drifting unconsciously toward the bar counter. A bag of pre-pregnancy supplements still sat there—more than half of them bought specifically for Mr. Liang. Looking at it now… that money had probably been spent for nothing.

If she’d chosen someone younger, she wouldn’t have needed to buy so much… after all, the pharmacist auntie had said men only really needed supplements after thirty.

When she bought them earlier, she had actually felt that some of the male supplements were unnecessary—she knew very well whether Liang Jiancheng had any “issues” these past years. But the pharmacist, speaking from experience, had smiled and said, “Just because the process is fine doesn’t mean the result will be.” Well… that made sense.

She used to only care about the process. Now that she wanted results, her thinking naturally had to change. So whatever the pharmacist recommended, she bought. It had to be said—accurately grasping a customer’s needs was the most effective sales tactic. Even someone like Miss Ming, who came from a sales background, couldn’t resist such obvious persuasion and willingly opened her wallet.

*Ahem…*

On the phone, after Liang Jiancheng said that line, he didn’t hang up.

Neither did she.

It was as if both of them were waiting for the other to say something next.

But what?

For example—should Miss Ming, out of necessity, try to persuade him to stay? Suggest renewing the contract? Since he had deliberately brought up the expiration at the very last moment, he probably had no intention of renewing. Because according to the contract, if both parties intend to renew it, they need to negotiate one month in advance.

And during this period, Ming Xi had long since forgotten all about the contract.

From another perspective, over the past three years, the way she and Liang Jiancheng got along had been no different from an ordinary couple—just busier than most, more career-driven. But the essence of their life together hadn’t changed, nor had it been corrupted by money.

She paid him one hundred thousand a year, and he always accepted it without hesitation. But Mr. Liang wasn’t short of money—on birthdays and holidays, the gifts he gave her were always valuable, and she reciprocated generously.

Over these three years, they had become physically familiar with each other, emotionally close, and financially compatible like a married couple. Now… Liang Jiancheng suddenly mentioned the contract expiring. Ming Xi knew he was joking—using a bit of provocation to test her feelings. Still, she walked over to the bar and sat down, letting out a wounded sigh.

For a moment, she actually felt the helplessness like her devoted husband suddenly proposing a divorce.

“…Sorry, I forgot.” Since Liang Jiancheng was being so “polite,” Ming Xi thought for a moment and could only apologize for her abrupt call. “It’s fine. Since Mr. Liang isn’t coming, then… goodnight.”

Liang Jiancheng: “?”

Then—the call was hung up.

At that moment, Liang Jiancheng was in his study. The safe was open; in one hand he held his phone, in the other, the contract they had signed years ago. He walked to the chair next to his desk.

He had just taken out two things from the safe: the contract… and a 3.6-carat diamond ring he had commissioned earlier this year.

Liang Jiancheng sat down unhurriedly and opened the black velvet box. Under the desk lamp, the diamond sparkled brilliantly.

At 3.6 carats, it wasn’t an exaggerated “pigeon egg,” but its diameter was precisely 9.9 mm—a number with a beautiful meaning.

Liang Jiancheng had always considered himself a worldly and uninteresting man. Even the romance he could offer Miss Ming, upon closer look, carried traces of careful calculation. But he liked the number 9.9 mm—for no other reason than that it matched the number Ming Xi had once written into their contract.

He had waited, and waited, and waited—waiting to move from friendship to something more, and now waiting until the contract was expire.

One thing had never changed: he wanted to be with Ming Xi for a lifetime.

He remembered back in 2003, at Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, when Ming Xi had stood by the ferry railing and said, “Mr. Liang, do you know what my wish was after meeting you? It was to one day live a good life like yours.”

When Ming Xi said those words, Liang Jiancheng still remembered the cool yet gentle sea breeze that caressed her beautiful hair. He stood behind her, his beloved’s ink-black hair brushing freely against his face, while the deep blue of the harbor shimmered with allure. His heart surged with impulse—he had wanted so badly to reach out and touch her, yet forced himself to hold back.

That restless feeling… he had suppressed it for three years.

Back then, they were only friends. After the exhibition in Hong Kong, they had dinner together at his invitation, then strolled along the harbor, later boarding a yacht to admire the dazzling skyline at night. That young Ming Xi, fresh to the world, had secured multiple deals at the expo and was brimming with excitement, talking endlessly about the meaning of hard work. And then, in her usual frankness, she spoke her wish—she wanted to live a life like his.

But that same year, Liang Jiancheng’s wish had been simple: no matter what kind of life it was, he wanted to live it together with her.

She wanted his life; he wanted her for life. In that sense, he was the greedier one.

Perhaps it was because, back on that ferry, he had restrained himself again and again from touching her hair—so later, when he finally had the right, every touch lingered, unwilling to let go.

Holding his phone, Liang Jiancheng leaned back casually, yet his expression was firm, a bright smile at the corners of his lips. He knew that Ming Xi would react this way when he brought up the contract’s expiration.

It didn’t matter. He would go to her himself. Showing up uninvited was something he was quite good at.

Liang Jiancheng came out of the study, holding the diamond ring box, and put it in his pocket.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Ming Xi walked into her study, quickly turned on her computer, and began drafting a new contract. Her fingers flew across the keyboard, then paused—deleting lines, propping her chin on her hand as she thought. Once the contract took shape, she stared at the screen and looked up information about Xinghai Technology.

At present, Liang Jiancheng was no longer the director of Xinghai Technology, but had taken the role of Vice Director of marketing department. The current director was a leader surnamed Liao, whom Ming Xi had met twice. He came from the state-owned scientific research field. Compared to Liang Jiancheng’s style of doing things with a Shanghai-style financial mindset, this Director Liao was better at closely integrating scientific research and the market economy. He was calm and low-key in his work, yet ambitious.

In recent years, Liang Jiancheng had gradually diluted his equity in Xinghai Technology, strengthening its state-owned background. This year, the company’s research team had become exceptionally strong—far beyond what ordinary private tech firms could achieve. Ming Xi felt genuinely happy and proud of how far he had come. Liang Jiancheng had clear goals and always focused his attention on the strategic positioning of his products in the international competitive market. Compared to personally acquiring more wealth and power, he cared more about the process of climbing.

So, when someone was that intelligent, well-educated, good-looking, and broad-minded—even if he was a little insensitive tonight, why should she nitpick? Besides, she still needed Liang Jiancheng’s help on a certain matter.

After printing the new contract and placing it in her tote bag, she paused, then opened her desk drawer and took out the “little card” she had taken from the young worker.

Walking to the bar, she added the male supplements from the earlier purchase into her bag as well. Then she changed her shoes and headed toward the elevator.

She pressed the elevator button, waited a moment, and the elevator smoothly stopped at her floor—

The doors slowly opened, revealing Liang Jiancheng standing inside.

Ming Xi looked up, startled… wanting to laugh but then feigning nonchalance.

Their eyes met, and Liang Jiancheng in the elevator lowered his head slightly, smiling first before greeting her with a dashing air: “So late, Miss Ming, are you going out again?”

He looked unusually spirited, as if harboring some mischievous intention… going out to do something “bad,” perhaps?

Ming Xi followed his lead and asked, “What about you, Mr. Liang? Out this late—this is…?”

“I came to see you.”

“Oh…” To see her.

Right. Liang Jiancheng stepped out of the elevator, one hand casually in his pocket, fingers lightly holding the velvet ring box. His gaze rested on her as if nothing were out of the ordinary, as though he had simply wandered here by chance.

Ming Xi took two small steps back and pressed her lips together. Since the guest had come to her door, she could only temporarily change her plans.

“So late, what brings Mr. Liang here?” Ming Xi asked casually.

“I want to talk to you.” His gaze dipped slightly, his tone unhurried. Beneath that calm, his heartbeat surged, tightly restrained; his voice carried a cool weight, like snow not yet melted.

He dropped the pretense. So did she.

“I was just thinking of coming to see you, to talk.” Ming Xi opened up.

They both knew what it was about. Even if there were slight differences, the essence was the same.

“Shall we talk inside?” Ming Xi blinked, extending a sincere invitation.

Liang Jiancheng nodded slightly: “Alright.”

Tonight, Boss Liang carried himself with effortless grace.

Ming Xi, too, was gentle, her smile sincere.

Inside, the most suitable place for a serious conversation was the dining table. They sat across from each other, face to face. The light above was soft and dim, casting a faint haze over them—as if blurring what both already understood without words.

Yet, their faces remained clear and distinct.

They had lived through a time of rising fortunes and restless vanity, and also through years of passionate striving and brilliance.

The times itself were neither good nor bad; what mattered were the people and the memories.

As their gazes met, shared memories surfaced, settling quietly in their hearts. Perhaps because of that, Ming Xi—who was usually a little arrogant in front of him—felt a rare flicker of nervousness.

She finally had money, living the life she had once wished for—to live as well as Boss Liang.

That wish had come true.

Now, her next wish was simple: she wanted a child.

After the car accident, she truly wanted one—whether from a sense of urgency or the emotional stir she felt watching that worker couple video call their children at the factory.

“Ming Xi, you want to go first?” Liang Jiancheng said patiently. Tonight, since they were already sitting here, he wouldn’t repeat the reckless, awkward confession from years ago.

Today wasn’t about forcing an outcome. It was about a new beginning.

“I go first?” Ming Xi blinked, took a sip of water, then set the glass down. Unlike him, she didn’t ease into topics—she preferred to state the key point first, then discuss the details.

Since Liang Jiancheng let her go first, she didn’t hesitate. Folding her hands under her chin, she looked at his handsome, refined face and said in a tone of negotiation: “Liang Jiancheng, I want a child, is that okay?”

“…”

Miss Ming always managed to catch people off guard. For a moment, Liang Jiancheng didn’t know how to respond. He had thought she would bring up renewing the contract—but instead, it was this… Strangely, though he was clearly the one benefiting, it felt as though the generous Miss Ming was the one “taking advantage” of him.

Therefore, Liang Jiancheng’s immediate reaction was genuine, revealing a flattered smile.

Seeing that, Ming Xi felt she had a good chance.

Since she had a chance, she took out the newly drafted contract—and that little card.

Miss Ming pushed a small card in front of Liang Jiancheng.

What was this? Liang Jiancheng picked it up. When he saw the words “Beautiful rich woman, offering a large sum to have a child,” he couldn’t help but smile—half shy, half amused, like a proud man caught off guard.

Was Miss Ming intentionally flirting with him tonight?

Then he looked at the contract, the contents were even more suggestive: if he could get her pregnant within a month, she would pay him 500,000; within three months, 200,000; within six months, 100,000…

“Does it matter whether it’s a boy or a girl?” Faced with a contract, Liang Jiancheng, who had originally planned to propose, had his thoughts diverted by Ming Xi, and he raised his question based on the contract.

“No difference. I like both boys and girls—I don’t favor one over the other. You don’t need to have any concerns about that,” Ming Xi pursed her lips and said very seriously.

“Me too.” Liang Jiancheng naturally agreed, while the corners of his mouth unconsciously lifted. The strange feeling was hard to describe. Liang Jiancheng, who was always good at negotiating matters based on contracts, found it difficult to understand the conditions proposed by Miss Ming, but—

the more something looked like a windfall from heaven, the more carefully it had to be considered.

Liang Jiancheng sat opposite Ming Xi, his eyes flickering slightly, maintaining his usual composure and reserve.

His smile was enigmatic, leaving Ming Xi somewhat unsure. Mr. Liang’s smile seemed pleasant, yet not so pleasant that she could push forward freely.

In short, it was a charming smile, but also somewhat perfunctory.

“Mr. Liang doesn’t seem very willing?” Ming Xi’s eyebrows and eyes drooped, carrying a hint of probing in her tone, advancing by retreating.

Liang Jiancheng shook his head, his long fingers lightly tracing the edge of the table, smiling as he spoke: ‘It’s not that I’m unwilling, I’m just a bit curious—such a good thing… why did Miss Ming think of me?’

Ming Xi instantly understood why Liang Jiancheng’s attitude was ambiguous. In business terms, he was reminding her: if their relationship wasn’t clearly defined, how was he any different from the other suitors who showered her with flowers and drove luxury cars?

Indeed, all of Liang Jiancheng’s coy attitude was a ploy to secure a promise, a formal commitment. He didn’t want to be one option among many. He wanted to be the only one.

Ming Xi’s lips curved into a pleasant smile as she continued, “Mr. Liang, you’re too modest. With your excellent qualities, of course you’re the first person I thought of.”

Liang Jiancheng chuckled softly, his fingertips tracing the rim of his glass. Over the years, countless men had pursued Ming Xi—from wealthy business tycoons to handsome young men from prominent families. Compared to them, what did he have besides eight years of familiarity?

What did he have to offer?

“Mr. Liang, others may surpass you in one aspect or another—but overall, you’re the best,” she continued, tapping her fingers lightly on the table. “You’re highly educated—a Princeton master’s degree. You’re good-looking—you’ve been handsome from age three to thirty, and I’m sure you’ll stay that way. Such good genes are truly rare.”

His throat moved slightly as he laughed, “…Is that all?”

Ming Xi rested her chin on her hand, looking completely matter-of-fact, “Of course not. You’re also rich—and you won’t cheat me out of money.”

“Won’t cheat you?” Liang Jiancheng raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Yes. There’s no man in this world as generous to me as you are,” she leaned forward, her gaze intense. “Anyone else might try to leverage a child for advantage. But you wouldn’t.”

Even after praising him to this extent, Liang Jiancheng still shook his head, his attitude unclear.

Ming Xi began to feel uncertain. Had this half-joking contract hurt his pride?

The atmosphere grew more ambiguous, softened by the warm glow of the lights. Then, Ming Xi lowered her eyes and smiled lightly: “If Mr. Liang doesn’t agree, I probably won’t be able to find anyone else.”

“Oh?” Liang Jiancheng leaned forward slightly—finally, a real reaction.

“Because if I’m going to have a child… I only want to do it with you.” She met his eyes directly, her lashes trembling faintly. “You said I have many suitors. But all these years—you’ve been the only man for me. You don’t doubt that, do you?”

Liang Jiancheng’s Adam’s apple shifted slightly, his face was warm with a smile.

“So Mr. Liang asked me why,” Ming Xi seized the moment and placed her hand over his. The warmth of her palm seeped through his skin. “Are you pretending not to understand, or did I not make myself clear?”

Her fingertips lightly traced the veins on the back of his hand. She blinked softly, her tone gentler now. “Fine—forget everything I said before. The most important reason—the only reason—is that in these eight years, I’ve only ever had feelings for Mr. Liang.

“For something like that… without feeling, it’s impossible, right?”

Liang Jiancheng finally nodded slowly. On that point, he had to admit—he was the same.

“Yes.” He turned his hand over, clasping hers. His thumb brushed along the lines of her palm. Then, looking straight into her eyes, he gave a slow, solemn answer. Without feeling, that kind of thing simply couldn’t happen.

She had said everything—flattering words, heartfelt words, even teasing ones. Now Ming Xi asked for an answer. “So, Mr. Liang… do you agree? To be the father of my child?”

Liang Jiancheng looked at her, then slowly shook his head.

Sorry, even though he wanted to say yes, wanted to accept this contract filled with “benefits,” Liang Jiancheng still refused, suppressing his impulse.

“Ming Xi, you know what I want.” His tone was steady, resolute. “All along, I’ve enjoyed doing business with you. You’ve always kept your word, acted decisively and beautifully. But tonight… even after everything you’ve said, you still haven’t shown me your greatest sincerity.”

Ming Xi’s hand tightened slightly.

He held it just as firmly, not letting go—this was the first time he revealed such a strong, almost coercive stance.

“Ming Xi, a child can come anytime. But whether it’s because of the child, or because of these eight years—you owe me a clear answer.

“If you don’t, I won’t agree.

“I know Miss Ming is wealthy and willing to spend money, but I, Liang Jiancheng, am not short of money either.” As he finished speaking, he offered a disarming smile.

A man in a weaker position had to know how to leverage the moment. He was already thirty-three. Xinghai Technology was about to go public, and on the shareholder documents, his status was still listed as unmarried—it was, admittedly, a little awkward.

He had met Miss Ming at twenty-five, and had waited until now. Though he had cherished every moment, he couldn’t keep waiting forever.

Facing her, his expression was clear and open, his eyes sharp and beautifully defined, the slight upward curve of his lips revealing both his intent and his confidence. Now that he had her cards in hand, it was time to play his own. “Since Miss Ming genuinely believes my genes are excellent, then the way my genes are passed on should be protected by national law.”

Ming Xi: …!

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