JR Chapter 5

The words “I do not accept it” were delivered with a resounding impact.

However, the forcefulness of the statement was so overwhelming that, after Mo Lin finished speaking, the small shop fell into an even more terrifying silence than before.

Next to him, Cheng Lulu didn’t dare to breathe loudly, or even at all. She held her breath, her eyes darting back and forth between the two.

Cheng Lulu found these two people terrifying.

They actually had a contract marriage, and the contract even stipulated the time of their divorce. Moreover, they managed to keep everyone around them in the dark! And everyone thought they were deeply in love!

What’s even scarier was their negotiation conversation! It was simply suffocating!

The most terrifying part was that, in the silence that followed this deadly conversation, Mo Lin and Jiang Yuanmu continued to stare into each other’s eyes!

What kind of determination and courage does it take to not avoid the other person’s gaze?

Cheng Lulu felt that in such an atmosphere, she didn’t even dare to listen to the gossip.

Before she suffocated herself, she quietly moved towards the door, then opened the glass door and disappeared from the shop as quietly as possible.

As the glass door closed again, the space was entirely left to the couple.

After Cheng Lulu left, Jiang Yuanmu was the first to look away. He picked up the teacup in front of him, took a sip, and then held the warm cup in his hand. The water in the cup gradually settled from the disturbance, just like his gaze—steady.

“Mo Lin,” Jiang Yuanmu began, “Is it possible that we have a different perception of this marriage?” Jiang Yuanmu’s voice was calm, as if he were asking, “Do you have any complaints or suggestions about our project?”

Mo Lin responded with the same rational calmness, “Mr. Jiang, what do you mean by different perception?”

“I think our interactions over the past five years have been very pleasant.”

“They have indeed been very pleasant,” Mo Lin admitted. “I feel the same as you, there is no difference.”

Jiang Yuanmu finally furrowed his brow, revealing his confusion, “If that’s the case, what is your reason for insisting on a divorce?”

Mo Lin also furrowed her brow, showing even more confusion, “The contract has expired.” She almost felt as if Jiang Yuanmu didn’t understand the Chinese language she was speaking.

They were now engaging in a frustrating, seemingly endless conversation.

Mo Lin sighed slightly, “Mr. Jiang…”

“Yes, the contract expiration is a valid reason for termination,” Jiang Yuanmu interrupted Mo Lin, then sharply asked, “But what is your reason for refusing to renew the contract?”

Mo Lin was slightly taken aback.

Jiang Yuanmu’s fingers tapped lightly on the rim of the teacup twice, “It would be a pleasant collaboration that meets both parties’ interests. And I even offered enough sincerity in wanting to renew the contract. But you don’t even have the interest to look at it.” Jiang Yuanmu raised his eyes and looked at Mo Lin, like a lion looking at its prey, “Mo Lin, you must have an irresistible reason for wanting to leave. You must have something else you want to do.”

Hmm…

Mo Lin admitted that she had been superficial just now.

Jiang Yuanmu was still Jiang Yuanmu after all.

She looked at Jiang Yuanmu and didn’t deny his words, implicitly agreeing with him.

Seeing through Mo Lin, Jiang Yuanmu leaned back slightly, relaxing into the sofa, his body showing confidence and assurance, “Whatever the reason, maybe we don’t need to divorce. By continuing our cooperation, I might still be able to help you achieve it.”

“I…” Mo Lin began to speak.

Jiang Yuanmu waited quietly, as if he could easily meet any of her demands, even if she asked for the moon in the sky.

“I want a child.”

It was as if the moon reflected in the water had been shattered; Jiang Yuanmu’s confidence awkwardly froze on his face.

For the first time, Jiang Yuanmu was stunned.

The room fell into complete silence.

Until the water in the teacup in his hand began to ripple.

“You…” Jiang Yuanmu’s voice was somewhat dry, so much so that he had to clear his throat to regain it. At this moment, his voice was filled with confusion, “…want a child?”

“Yes.” Mo Lin nodded in acknowledgment, without any hesitation.

This situation was beyond anything Jiang Yuanmu had imagined.

Because… whether it was the prenuptial agreement from five years ago or the renewal agreement now, Jiang Yuanmu had never considered the possibility of having a child.

He and Mo Lin were too similar, so similar that he thought Mo Lin was another version of himself in this world.

Would he want a child?

Of course not!

But now, Mo Lin had just said such an absurd thing to him.

Jiang Yuanmu calmed down.

Now it was Mo Lin’s turn to hold the teacup, lean back on the sofa, and stretch out her body, saying, “In our prenuptial agreement, Article 5, Clause 3, it is clearly stipulated that in our contractual marriage, there should be no sexual harassment or sexual behavior towards each other.”

Yes, it was what they had agreed upon five years ago. After all, it was a contract marriage, a cooperative relationship. Any personal involvement would complicate things.

And a complicated relationship was something they both tried to avoid…

“Moreover, if I’m going to raise a child, I would prefer to give the child a normal family.”

Implicitly, she meant that she wanted a real husband, a father for the child.

Jiang Yuanmu’s back left the sofa, and he rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

Mo Lin continued, “Of course, I know this path is very difficult for me, so I am more inclined to go abroad or seek medical help to have a child on my own.” Mo Lin spoke rationally, “But in any case, continuing to fulfill the contract with you does not benefit either of us. It’s not good for you or me.”

Yes…

If Mo Lin had a child during their marriage that looked nothing like him…

That would certainly be bad for them!

If they had one themselves…

Jiang Yuanmu looked at Mo Lin.

The two of them stared at each other across the small tea table in the studio. On the small tea table was still a renewal contract filled with benefits, losses, and responsibilities…

For Jiang Yuanmu, this was a path he had never imagined.

Even Jiang Yuanmu, who had long battled at the negotiation table, had to pause, momentarily stalled and silent.

“Mr. Jiang.” With that, Mo Lin took back the initiative. She picked up the renewal contract on the table, her slender, clean fingers holding it out in front of Jiang Yuanmu.

“Thank you for your appreciation. The past five years of our cooperation have been very pleasant, but I regret that I cannot continue to work with you. I hope you understand. Biologically, time is unfair to men and women. I have a new path in life I want to follow.”

He didn’t know why, but upon hearing Mo Lin’s words, Jiang Yuanmu suddenly felt a blockage in his chest, causing the teacup in his hand to tremble, almost slipping from his grip.

This feeling, this strange feeling… It had been lingering in his heart since yesterday, this inexplicable sensation, gripping Jiang Yuanmu…

He felt a chill with every breath he took, coursing from his stomach to his lungs and then to his heart, like a needle running through his body, making him feel uncomfortable and distressed, yet difficult to describe or articulate.

Jiang Yuanmu looked up at Mo Lin.

It was still that familiar face, with a calm expression and even a gentle smile, polite yet distant.

“At the same time, I also wish that you find someone else you are willing to spend the rest of your life with.”

What a sincere blessing.

Jiang Yuanmu, at an inopportune moment, thought of the nickname Mo Lin’s best friend had given her. Her friend called her “Mo, devoid of feelings, Lin.”

Jiang Yuanmu had never paid attention to those words before, but now he found himself feeling a sense of appreciation: What a fitting name.

Jiang Yuanmu didn’t take the contract from Mo Lin’s hand. He placed the teacup he was holding on the tea table with a “thud.”

Jiang Yuanmu stood up. Jiang Yuanmu adjusted his clothes and then looked at Mo Lin, saying softly, “No rush, think it over again.”

“I’ve already thought it through clearly. This is not an impulsive idea,” Mo Lin said. “I had this thought when my grandmother passed away.”

Mo Lin’s grandmother passed away…

…three years ago.

So, three years ago, she was already waiting for today…

Jiang Yuanmu pretended not to hear Mo Lin’s words and turned to leave.

Seeing this, Mo Lin called out to him, “Mr. Jiang.” She appeared somewhat annoyed, “Forgive me for being blunt, but I’ve said everything there is to say. Your avoidance is very troubling to me. I’ve thought this matter through very clearly. No matter what, my answer remains the same: the contract will not be renewed, and the marriage will end. I won’t reconsider this.”

Jiang Yuanmu paused at the door and looked back at Mo Lin.

He thought for a moment and said, “Alright, I’ll think about it.”

Jiang Yuanmu pushed open the glass door and left.

Leaving Mo Lin standing there, stunned.

Mo Lin blinked several times, still unable to comprehend. Consider? He would consider what?

Having a child with her?