"I and Wanxing were comrades; it is only right that we should help each other."
Qing Muye's words placed a great distance between him and Tang Wanxing, indicating their relationship was purely camaraderie.
Mr. Tang's gaze flickered, and after a moment of surprise, he chuckled, "Hahaha, it's all the same, all the same." He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, hesitating for a moment as if waiting for Qing Muye to inquire about his intentions.
However, he found Qing Muye calmly sipping his coffee, unhurried and composed.
His steady demeanor truly impressed Mr. Tang.
"You and Xing'er's affairs, she has told me everything," Mr. Tang decided to stop beating around the bush. "To be frank, I was heartbroken when I learned Xing'er had cut her wrist. I wanted to go see her immediately, but knowing you were coming to the capital, I invited you here directly."
He paused, as if waiting for Qing Muye to respond.
But Qing Muye leaned back in the booth, his dark eyes fixed on Mr. Tang, quietly awaiting the rest of his statement.
Mr. Tang sighed and continued, "We only have this one child, our precious daughter, whom we cherish above all else. So, whatever she wants, we will agree to. Initially, I refused when that foolish girl wanted to be with you. After all, you were already married and had two children. It was neither emotionally nor logically appropriate."
As he spoke, Mr. Tang patted his leg and sighed, "Alas~ But she insisted on marrying no one but you and threatened to end her life. My wife and I were truly helpless. During this time, I observed you and found you to be very capable, which I greatly admire. If you are willing, I still hope you will be with Xing'er. I'm not necessarily asking you to marry into our Tang family. As long as your first child takes the Tang surname, that would be acceptable."
For his daughter's sake, Mr. Tang had retreated step by step.
He had previously hoped Qing Muye would marry into the family, but now, understanding Qing Muye's stance, he had made a concession.
It was acceptable not to marry into the family, but their first child must carry the Tang surname.
Listening to Mr. Tang's words, Qing Muye raised an eyebrow, a subtle smile playing on his sculpted, deep-set features.
"I am not willing."
Their eyes met for a moment, and he stated his decision with finality.
His refusal was decisive and prompt, without hesitation.
Mr. Tang paused, his hand holding the coffee cup trembling slightly, as if he hadn't expected such a firm refusal.
"Being devoted to love is indeed commendable," Mr. Tang nodded, placing down the white porcelain coffee cup with delicate carvings. He clasped his hands on the table, adopting the posture of someone in authority, and said to Qing Muye, "But as a man, your career must come first."
He spread his hands, "You are well aware of our Tang family's current standing. Once you marry Xing'er, everything will be yours. Your and Xing'er's children... no, even your children with Meng Jingwei, will have decades less struggle."
As one of the four great families in the capital, the Tang family's influence was widely known.
Although the family's total assets had never been disclosed, their corporate assets alone were listed on Forbes, making them one of the top entities in the country.
Qing Muye marrying Tang Wanxing would be comparable to a royal consort in ancient times.
After Mr. Tang finished speaking, he noticed no emotional fluctuation on Qing Muye's face, and he frowned with displeasure, trying to persuade him, "The business world is like a battlefield; it's not as easy as you imagine. While Xing'er's beauty may not be world-shattering, it is certainly not lacking. To possess both beauty and career, and status, is something many people dream of. A smart person would not refuse."
In truth, Mr. Tang secretly did not wish for Qing Muye to marry his daughter; he felt Qing Muye was not worthy of her.
However, seeing his daughter's deep love for him, he could only support their relationship.
After all, love was one thing, and marriage changed everything.
As a father, he hoped that after marrying Qing Muye, Tang Wanxing would see Qing Muye's true nature, and then they could divorce. This way, his daughter could let go of her obsession with him.
Then, he could find her an excellent, unmarried young talent, which would be the best choice.