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CHAPTER 337

It was Li Jing who first arrived at the house and went in to wait for Ye Cheng.

Everything was still the same and looked perfect just as before. She took her time to savor the place and let everything bring back the memories she had.

By now her face was full of smiles at all she recalled. She remembered how bold she was with Ye Cheng on the bed on Christmas day.

It should have been a breathtaking year but unfortunately for her, she did not know the way it was going.

Just then a knock came on the door and before she could go answer it, it opened, revealing Ye Cheng in a plain white hoodie and black jeans with white Nike sneakers to match.

Right now he wasn't looking the part of a wealthy CEO but he looked like a young university student.

"Hey."

"How are you?" Ye Cheng asked as soon as he entered the house and closed the door behind him.

"I have seen better days." Her lips parted as she smiled, revealing a part of her nice set of teeth. "How are you?"

"Same here. I have seen better days as well and I am managing things the way I can."

"Sure." No one said anything until Li Jing took the first step and made her way to sit down. Ye Cheng soon followed right after her and sat down opposite of where she sat.

"You made mention of my arranged marriage. How did you know?"

"Same way I knew some things about you when I met you."

"But you do know that was pock nosing and prying into my personal affairs," Li Jing stated.

"Yeah, I do and I am sorry about that but in my defense, I knew something was up and I guess I was just too bothered to let it be and see you in such state so I had to find out."

"Your informant is well informed, I see."

'Well, only the best of the bests works for me."

"Hmm, spoken like the CEO I know. Anyways, what is this solution that you propose,, and how is my problem yours or are they similar and you are facing what I am facing as well?"

"What do you think? I think you have answered your question yourself."

"Your parents want you to marry for the sake of the company." Li Jing nodded her head in understanding. "Hmm, duty."

"Yes, duty and a very silly one at that. I was thinking since we both are being forced into marriages that we do not want, why not escape it?"

"I cannot run away, Ye Cheng. My mother made that mistake but I see that running away cannot fix anything and everything."

"I am glad you understand that as well. Regardless, I never meant actual running away when I said that. I meant we could do something else."

"Like what?"

"Okay." He took a deep breath before continuing. He knew this may sound crazy in her ears but what other options did he have. It was either her or no one else especially since he had not yet found the one person that mattered most.

"I was thinking…"

"Ye Cheng, out with it. This is not you to beat around the bush. Go straight to the point. If I do not like the idea, I would tell you straight."

"Fine. Marry me."

"What!"

"Yeah. Marry me, Li Jing. Think about it, if we do get married, then no one would make us marry someone, not of our choosing."

"But…"

Hearing her say the word but, Ye Cheng felt like she really did not care about him and was willing to oppose it. So before she did, he cut in again.

"I am not saying it must be out of love. It is a contract marriage. We would only be married in name to deter all these unwanted marriages away while we still live our normal lives but there would be rules."

"Rules?"

"Yes. Like for example, we would have to live in the same house and sleep on the same bed just so that no one would suspect us. We are not doing anything, so do not be sacred. I won't touch you."

"Okay…"

"Yeah, I would draft out a copy of the contract and stuff and perhaps after a year or two, we can probably divorce but that is if both parties want to."

"Alright then. So long as we do not get involved with each other's personal life I think I am game. Draft the contract and I would sign it."

"You are agreeing to it?" Ye Cheng was shocked by her earlier reply.

He had thought that she would oppose the idea and kick against it, what a surprise when she actually said she was game.

"Isn't that why you came here? Wasn't it because of this, to escape these marriages and still be in control of our lives?"

"Yes but…"

"No buts Ye Cheng. It would enable both of us to still have what we want and then be at peace. Also, I think with this, it is official for both of our companies to be partners. After all, the purpose of the arranged marriage was to also foster stronger bonds with the families and take the companies to greater heights."

"Sure. We are on the same page, Li Jing."

"Good then. And we can divorce at any time, you say?"

"If you want to. If you find someone you love, then I would not hold you back and set you free."

"Okay. I agree." Even though she had said that the look on her face did not show that one bit. To a large extent, she felt more or less disappointed.

She did not understand what he meant by if she found someone who she loved. Bloody hell, she was already in love with him.

Sigh!

'If only you know the real reason I agreed to this deal, Ye Cheng. If only you know.'