The CEO's Woman Chapter 485 - Contract

"You came quite prepared," Wang Ruoyun remarked, her chin lazily supported by her palms as her elbows rested on the armrests of her chair. She had fully expected this man to insist on their marriage. The proposal that followed, however, was something she never anticipated – a truly outlandish one.

"Give it to me," she commanded. A servant promptly retrieved the document from Li Qiang and presented it to her. A heavy silence descended as she perused its contents. "You want me to teach you?" she inquired, raising an eyebrow before erupting into a fit of laughter. "Are you serious?"

"That is only fair. I am unable to utilize elements," Li Qiang stated, his expression unyielding. "To face you without proper training would be akin to suicide."

"How dare you ask Lady Wang to personally instruct you?" Ouyang Jing’s indignant voice cut through the room.

"Noisy," Li Qiang murmured under his breath, a low utterance that nevertheless reached both Wang Ruoyun and Ouyang Jing.

"Duke Li... I am not merely someone who would impart the fundamentals of swordsmanship."

"Then... the marriage will proceed," Li Qiang’s nonchalant reply caused her brow to furrow instantly. She studied him for a few moments. "I have no objection to that."

"But you just stated you did not wish to marry me," Wang Ruoyun countered.

"Your refusal to train me implies that you secretly desire to marry me," Li Qiang managed, striving to maintain a composed demeanor. "How could I possibly decline such a sentiment?"

"You—" Wang Ruoyun’s gaze fixated on Li Qiang for a brief duration before she burst into laughter once more. Shaking her head, she attempted to suppress the amusement sparkling in her eyes. "Are you being serious?"

Observing Li Qiang’s unwavering stare, Wang Ruoyun nodded. "Very well." She bit her thumb, using her blood to sign the contract. "It is done."

"Then... the training shall commence tomorrow," Li Qiang announced, moving towards her to retrieve his own copy of the agreement. Standing before Wang Ruoyun, a smile played upon his handsome features. "I shall see you tomorrow, Lady Wang."

He then turned and departed, his footsteps echoing on the polished marble floors of the Wang family’s reception hall.

"Fool," Wang Ruoyun scoffed the moment Li Qiang exited the hall. Rising from her seat, she proceeded towards her father’s office. A gentle knock preceded her entry into the cozy space. Without waiting for an invitation, she took a seat opposite her father.

"Is he gone?" her father’s voice interrupted her thoughts. General Wang had opted not to meet Li Qiang, deeming it a futile endeavor. Furthermore, he was a man who disdained stooping to confront someone as obtuse as Li Qiang.

"Hmm," she affirmed with a nod.

"And the marriage?"

"We reached an agreement," Wang Ruoyun began, recounting the details of the deal struck with Li Qiang.

"Did you examine the contract thoroughly?" General Wang inquired. In response, Wang Ruoyun handed him the document.

"Rest assured, Father. There is nothing detrimental within that contract. I am convinced the man harbors no desire for this marriage." Her gaze drifted to the stack of reports on her father’s desk. "When was the last time you managed to get some proper rest?" she shifted the subject as her father began poring over the contract.

"He requested your tutelage?" General Wang ignored her question, a sneer gracing his lips. "And you consented?"

"Father, he merely sought to establish a fair contract, something he could present to his brother once this… engagement concludes." Wang Ruoyun remained utterly convinced that Li Qiang had no interest in this marriage taking place.

Li Qiang was utterly worthless. His martial prowess was mediocre at best, and he had neglected his physical and mental cultivation throughout his upbringing. Even if he were to commence training now… there was simply no conceivable way for someone like him to defeat her.

In stark contrast to Wang Ruoyun, Li Qiang was insignificant. Wang Ruoyun had grown up on the battlefield alongside her father, receiving rigorous training since her tender childhood. She began wielding her elemental powers as a teenager, and currently, few individuals could rival her in a one-on-one confrontation.

Wang Ruoyun harbored absolute confidence that she could defeat the king himself in combat. Given these undeniable facts, Li Qiang stood no chance whatsoever in this contest.

"Ruoyun, I have a troubling premonition about this. That man is precisely like his brother. We cannot afford to trust them."

"Father... I am aware of my actions," Wang Ruoyun reasoned placatingly. "I will ensure he signs an additional document absolving me of any responsibility should adverse consequences arise. After all… combat is fraught with peril. Who knows… I might accidentally inflict harm upon him." A fleeting, inscrutable expression flickered across her eyes as she let out a chilling, dry laugh.

Both the General and Wang Ruoyun’s right-hand man inwardly shook their heads at the response. Lady Wang was, as always, known for her brutal ways. Ruthless was a word often associated with her; she would always prefer killing above anything else. The death of her late husband years ago had only exacerbated this trait.

"I just want you to be careful," General Wang warned. "The king... might be looking for ways to persecute us. And that could indeed be the reason why he wanted you to marry his useless brother."

Wang Ruoyun nodded, then offered her father a meaningful smile. "When was the last time you slept?" she inquired for the second time. To be completely honest, she wished to avoid discussing this engagement as much as possible. Wang Ruoyun understood the king's intentions perfectly, and she detested her father's perpetual cordiality, especially when it stemmed from his desire to defend their country.

All for the sake of honor and loyalty.

"The rebels in the north seem to be increasing their presence," the General continued, changing the subject. "From simple robbery to burning down tiny villages. They must be plotting something substantial."

"Or perhaps they are simply tired of how the King consistently ignores their fundamental needs," Wang Ruoyun offered. However, she quickly pursed her lips, realizing her misstep. Loose lips sink ships, after all. Having lived on the borders for many years, Wang Ruoyun was already accustomed to a certain level of discretion.

She had, in fact, momentarily forgotten they were currently situated in the Capital, not in the remote region where they used to reside.

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