The board room was empty now, yet the air still felt heavy. Shou Lin stood near the table, her hands trembling slightly as she stared at the small object she was holding. She hadn't meant for anyone to see it.
But Ming Xu had.
His gaze fell on her hand, sharp and observant. His face showed nothing—no shock, no anger, no surprise. He walked closer, his steps calm and measured.
"What is that?" he asked.
Shou Lin swallowed hard. Her fingers tightened around the pregnancy test, as if hiding it could change the truth.
"Is it real?" Ming Xu asked again, his tone flat.
She nodded slowly. Her voice was barely above a whisper. "Yes."
Her heart raced, waiting for a reaction—but Ming Xu's expression didn't change. He didn't raise his voice. He didn't question her further. The silence frightened her more than anger ever could.
After a moment, Ming Xu spoke again, just as calmly.
"Then we'll get married."
Shou Lin froze. She looked up at him, her eyes wide with fear and confusion. "W-what?" she stammered.
Ming Xu met her gaze, unreadable. "I'm proposing marriage," he said, as if stating a business decision. No warmth. No hesitation.
Shou Lin took a step back instinctively. Her hands shook now, her breath uneven. "You don't have to do this," she said softly, panic creeping into her voice. "I didn't plan—"
"That doesn't matter," Ming Xu interrupted, still emotionless. "This is the solution."
She felt small in that moment—cornered by reality, by responsibility. Her eyes lowered, fear and uncertainty written all over her face, while he stood steady, controlled, untouched by emotion.
In that board room, where deals were made without feelings, Shou Lin realized something terrifying
This proposal wasn't about love.
It was about consequences.