C18 To Pester Him

"I didn't ask you to leave; it was just that you were in the reception room and I didn't have the time to entertain you, so I suggested you head back first."

"I'm not interested in hearing this. My proposal was purely because I have feelings for you."

"Young Master Wei, I'd rather not discuss this. Whether or not you have feelings for me is irrelevant to me."

"Ye Yimei, how can you say that my feelings for you are irrelevant?"

"Young Master Wei, as I've mentioned before, I don't share your feelings, and we've only ever been business partners. I recommend you let go of any other notions."

"That's impossible! Our collaboration was so pleasant, and it was clear you had some interest in me. I can't just walk away from that."

"Young Master Wei, when have I ever indicated any interest in you? I've always been indifferent. Our relationship began solely due to a partnership between the Ye and Wei families, so please, there's no need for this."

"What do you mean, no need? I've told you, my feelings are genuine. There's no issue here – just say yes."

"Young Master Wei, would you please listen to me? I've been clear that I don't have feelings for you, so your persistence is unwarranted. It's all one-sided, and it's unnecessary."

"Ye Yimei, I've said it multiple times – my affection for you is sincere. Why won't you just accept it?"

"And what if I refuse? Surely, Young Master Wei wouldn't cause a scene on Ye family property."

"You!"

Wei Zecheng indeed couldn't act out on Ye family grounds, but once outside their domain, his reservations vanished.

"You're aware of what I'm capable of. So, stop overthinking and just answer me – will you accept my proposal?"

"Young Master Wei, I don't see the need to keep repeating myself. You must understand by now that I will not accept."

"I've said it before – my feelings for you are heartfelt. Being with me will lead to a wonderful outcome. Why won't you just say yes?"

"Of course I'm not inclined to agree. These matters aren't what I desire. You have feelings for me, and our relationship is purely professional. There's no need to complicate it with unnecessary entanglements."

"How can you call it unnecessary? If we were to unite now, it would only strengthen our existing partnership, like adding ties of kinship."

"I think you're still missing the point, Young Master Wei. I've made it clear that I don't share your feelings, so there's no reason for you to keep hounding me."

"Have you considered the consequences of your stance? Though we have a professional relationship, there's a hierarchy between us. Aren't you concerned about the potential impact on our future collaborations?"

"Young Master Wei, if our future cooperation suffers, wouldn't that suggest the Wei family is being overly petty?"

Ye Yimei's blunt words were intentional; she wanted Wei Zecheng to understand she wasn't someone to be trifled with. The Ye family might lack the Wei family's clout, but they weren't to be pushed around.

Yet, it was clear Wei Zecheng didn't take her seriously. He believed that since his family was more powerful, the Ye family should defer to them.

His mindset might be thuggish, but he wasn't wrong—the Ye family was indeed less powerful and often at the mercy of the Wei family.

Ye Yimei was well aware of this dynamic. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been so patient in discussing these matters with Wei Zecheng.

In her opinion, she should have sent Wei Zecheng packing the moment he arrived.

But Ye Yimei knew that wasn't feasible. Despite everything, the families were still in partnership, and a rash action could jeopardize their alliance.

Ye Yimei wasn't afraid of a fallout, but she didn't want to be the cause of it, especially since she wasn't a biological child of the Ye family.

After observing the situation, Wei Zecheng realized Ye Yimei wouldn't concede. He left abruptly, but not without a parting shot.

"Ye Yimei, make no mistake—I came here today as a courtesy to you. But since you refuse my offer, don't blame me for what comes next."

After Wei Zecheng spoke, he turned and walked away, leaving Ye Yimei alone in the office, feeling a tinge of worry.

The situation had begun because of her, after all. If something irreversible were to happen, she knew she would be consumed with guilt.

Yet, worrying now served no purpose. She had to temporarily set aside her emotions and focus on the tasks before her.

Ye Yimei had thought that after Wei Zecheng's departure, the issue would be resolved. However, to her surprise, she encountered him again at the door as she was leaving work.

"Ye Yimei, I'm asking you one last time. Do you want to be with me or not?"

"What are you trying to say, Young Master Wei? Haven't I made it clear that I don't want to be with you? Please stop this relentless pursuit. Besides, there's a saying: a melon forcibly twisted off the vine is not sweet."

"I've told you before, the Wei and Ye families have a business partnership. If you refuse, it could jeopardize our cooperation."

"And I've said, if you insist on using this as a threat, it only reflects poorly on the Wei family's narrow-mindedness."

"Fine, I won't use the partnership as leverage. I'll use Ye Feng instead. If you don't agree, he won't be able to make a life for himself in this city."

Ye Yimei felt a sharp pang in her heart at the mention of her brother. She cared deeply for him, and though they hadn't met often, she believed in his goodness.

Amidst her turmoil, Ye Feng showed up.

Ye Feng's arrival was prompted by the system.

"The Ye family's eldest sister is being harassed by Wei Zecheng. A new mission has been generated: rush to her aid and resolve this issue."

"What? Wei Zecheng is bothering my sister again? When will he learn? Where is she?"

"The entrance of the Ye family's company. It's about a ten-minute trip from here."

"Ten minutes? Little Master, can't you speed this up?"