Chapter 716: Chapter 716

Just like the Great White, it was white.

He rested one palm on his forehead, his attention seemingly captured by a yacht off in the distance as he said with conviction, "If there’s time, it wouldn’t be bad to invite Old Zhao and his spouse for a trip out at sea."

I’m afraid the Zhao couple might still be anxious about their business matters. After all, it would take some time for Zhao’s company to fully recover. It’s not something that can be reversed overnight. They wouldn’t be in the mood to accompany him for a leisurely sea outing.

Looking at the Xiao family father and son’s attitude towards life, one could tell they were a cut above the rest.

Being able to play and let go of business matters, to put it bluntly, to be able to handle money with ease—such people, you would say, it would be hard for them not to succeed.

Under Uncle Tang’s reminder, Xiao Jianming’s focus seemed to finally shift from the beautiful scenery at sea, directing his attention to his daughter-in-law.

"Have a seat," Xiao Jianming said indifferently.

His voice was gentle, showing no fluctuations, which ironically made it harder to grasp his emotions and thoughts.

Following Uncle Tang’s direction, Gu Nuan walked over to the white beach lounge chair opposite Xiao Jianming and sat down on a linen-colored wicker chair.

After that, Uncle Tang served tea.

Xiao Jianming picked up his teacup first and said, "Give it a try, it’s your favorite Hangzhou chrysanthemum."

Gu Nuan replied, "Actually, I like plain water the most."

Wasn’t this like talking back to her father-in-law?

Uncle Tang hadn’t expected that upon her arrival, instead of Xiao Jianming showing off his authority, she had been the one to make the first move. She really was the most fearless daughter-in-law in history.

Uncle Tang broke out in a sweat.

Xiao Jianming hummed in acknowledgment, as if he wasn’t affected at all, and asked, "Yebai took you back to see your parents. What do they think?"

"They think simply, that it’s good as long as their child is happy," Gu Nuan said, not one to heap undeserved praise on her own parents, but rather sticking to the truth.

Indeed, as long as their child is happy, would Mo Fei always stand in the way? The thing is, such matters cannot be stopped even if one tries; it’s better to be happy about it.

"Your parents are straightforward people," Xiao Jianming commented, "This straightforwardness seems to have created you."

From that old crocodile’s statement, it was unclear if it was meant as a compliment or with a derogatory connotation, but the profoundness that swirled in his eyes was evident.

Gu Nuan candidly asked, "Chairman, you didn’t ask me out just to talk about my parents, did you? Last time in the elevator, you said you wanted me to work hard. After thinking it over, it seems that perhaps no woman is allowed to marry, only to work."

Uncle Tang promptly walked over to the corner, as if to avoid any stray bullets.

Xiao Jianming seemed somewhat amused by her sharpness, chuckling involuntarily, "What you said is quite straightforward. If it weren’t for him being my son, I really wouldn’t be able to control anything about you."

"Is it all because he’s your son or daughter?"

The topic abruptly shifted to the central issue. For origınal chapters go to 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩⟡𝘧𝙞𝙧𝙚⟡𝘯𝘦𝘵

Xiao Jianming’s expression seemed to stiffen as if brushed by a cold wind from the sea, becoming as impenetrable as a fortress of bronze and iron walls, and said, "Things have come to this point. You, I admit, are very smart. So, you’ve seen and known everything, which means you should understand. Just like your parents, all parents are selfish. If the Yang family is willing to accept the terms during their visit, I, too, will agree to their settlement proposal—as long as it’s for the well-being of my child, bringing them back to safety."

Uncle Tang covered his mouth with his fist, thinking that Gu Nuan surely couldn’t have anticipated this outcome. He glanced at Gu Nuan’s face from the corner of his eye.

Gu Nuan’s expression remained unchanged as she looked down, seemingly focused elsewhere, and said, "Yes, all parents are selfish. The chairman can be selfish for his own children, and likewise, Yebai and I can absolutely be selfish for our own child—I’m pregnant."

On the cleared high platform, apart from the three of them, there was only an incessant wind that never ceased.

Uncle Tang felt his heart squeezed between two forces, nearly bursting.

Looking back at Xiao Jianming, whose expression in the sea breeze was indistinct, it was hard to discern.

Uncle Tang thought that Gu Nuan dropping this bombshell should have been anticipated.

But it seemed, Xiao Jianming, was nonetheless, somewhat shaken internally.

"Are you asking me to terminate the pregnancy?" Gu Nuan looked up, her face devoid of expression as she let out those words.

This was what truly caused Xiao Jianming’s expression to change drastically.

Uncle Tang grew fearful, worried that Xiao Jianming’s condition might flare up and was about to rush over.

Xiao Jianming gestured with his hand to stop him, narrowing his eyes, he said, "Go downstairs and wait. When the Yang family arrives, call up to inform me."

Uncle Tang hesitated, but Xiao Jianming’s orders were absolute, so as he slowly descended the wooden stairs, he kept watching the two sitting there.

"Whatever you have to say, go ahead," Xiao Jianming said, "I know you won’t terminate the pregnancy. It’s your bargaining chip."

Gu Nuan’s voice was soft, almost as if she were smiling, as she said, "Chairman, don’t get me wrong. What I said just now was simply to give you a clearer understanding of the kind of person I am. The reason why Yebai chose me, you must be very clear now. Because, back then, Yebai’s mother and the chairman had walked the same path."