C18 What about Her Charm?

"Jun Hao."

Mu Chuchen seemed deaf to his words as she followed him out of the private room.

"Jun Hao, I know you're exhausted, so I waited in your room for you to return, hoping to lighten your load. Mu has fallen asleep. Hand Mu over to me, go wash up and get some rest. Don't worry about Mu; I'm here, so you can sleep soundly."

"Are you hungry? Should I go downstairs and make you some late-night snacks?"

Ye Junhao came to an abrupt halt.

Mu Chuchen, trailing close behind, couldn't stop in time and bumped into his back, wincing as her nose took the brunt of the impact. She let out a soft, pained whimper.

Ye Junhao turned, his face a mask of concern as he reached out to steady her with one hand while cradling his son with the other. His eyes betrayed his worry, though he quickly withdrew his hand and kept his expression neutral.

"Why are you following so closely?"

"I didn't expect you to stop so suddenly."

Mu Chuchen rubbed her sore nose.

Ye Junhao conceded, "...So it's my fault then."

Now facing each other, Ye Junhao's gaze unavoidably settled on her. She was dressed in seductive sleepwear, and a mere glance downward revealed her fair skin. Ye Junhao felt his blood rush, internally chastising himself.

It had been far too long since he'd felt such desire.

"Don't move from there!"

He commanded.

"Okay," Mu Chuchen replied obediently.

Ye Junhao gently laid his son on the sofa, then removed his suit jacket and tossed it to Mu Chuchen, instructing, "Put on my jacket before you speak to me again."

Mu Chuchen thought to herself, what about her allure?

When she hesitated, Ye Junhao stepped forward and firmly helped her into his coat.

"Sit down; we need to talk."

Ye Junhao returned to the sofa and sat down, cradling his son in his arms to let him continue sleeping.

"Jun Hao."

Ye Junhao's stern gaze warned her, "Mu Chuchen, be proper, or I'll have to throw you out."

Mu Chuchen was aware he wouldn't actually toss her out, yet she still took a seat across from him, straightening her posture.

"Tell me, what's the purpose of all this effort today?"

"Jun Hao, I aspire to be a competent wife."

Ye Junhao scoffed, "Mu Chuchen, you've completely eroded my trust. How can you expect me to believe you now?"

Glancing at his son, who was sound asleep, Ye Junhao spoke calmly, "Hold on, I'm going to put Mu to bed."

With that, he lifted his son and rose to his feet.

Mu Chuchen made a move to follow, but he turned with a warning glare. His eyes, accustomed to command, radiated an authority that left her motionless.

Soon after, Ye Junhao returned to where he had been sitting, now holding a check and several property deeds in his hand.

"Here's your share of the property and money. Look it over and see if it meets your approval. If it does, we can finalize the divorce proceedings tomorrow. From then on, we'll each go our separate ways."

"Jun Hao, I've told you, I won't agree to a divorce!"

"You say you won't divorce, yet you've fought for years as if that was your goal. Now that I'm ready to agree, you claim you don't want it. Mu Chuchen, what is it that you really want?"

"I want to build a meaningful life with you."

Ye Junhao looked at her with a dark, icy stare.

After a moment, he challenged her, "Prove it with your actions that you want to live with me."

Mu Chuchen paused, momentarily confused. Prove it with actions? She quickly grasped his meaning and sprang into action.

Ye Junhao remained seated, his gaze initially frosty, but it wasn't long before his expression softened.

Abruptly, he stood and walked away.

Mu Chuchen's actions halted abruptly.

Ye Junhao had left, taking their son with him.

Mu Chuchen was crestfallen.

She rose silently, turned to leave, but then Ye Junhao returned, wordless. He approached, bent down, and swept her up in his arms. Amid her quiet exclamations, he carried her into the private chamber.

Since she professed a desire to make a life together, he would see just how earnest she was.