Grace was a top scientist, overseeing projects worth tens of millions annually. Her collaboration with Du Ruoxin on synthetic gasoline further boosted her net worth severalfold.
While not as extravagant as heirs from wealthy families, she had achieved financial freedom.
She didn't need to marry into wealth, nor did she need a man.
Therefore, a suitable life partner for Grace would likely be a man willing to sacrifice for the family, unconcerned with personal achievements, and devoted entirely to her.
Hmm—
In "Romantic Journey of a Wife," Qin Hailu's husband, Wang Xinjun, was the ideal match for Grace.
"Yes, of course there are! Plenty of them."
Not just Wang Xinjun, but also Duole's father, Bei Dou Nu Shen's husband, that person, and so on.
There were many!
"Don't worry, even if I have to search the entire world, I'll find you a perfect man," Du Ruoxin promised, gazing out at the sea.
Grace wasn't as excited as Du Ruoxin.
She, in fact, had never considered marriage.
Having a beloved career and engaging hobbies for life was enough.
Why would she seek someone to disrupt her life when she lived so freely and contentedly alone?
Moreover, that person might not even be good.
Take Rong Jingyang, for instance; even though he was the man every woman dreamed of marrying, hadn't Sister Xin also wanted a divorce?
Love was the most complex and easily corrupted thing in this world.
She disliked it.
However, seeing Du Ruoxin's enthusiasm, she didn't refuse.
After all, it was Du Ruoxin's business to introduce someone, and how they interacted was her own affair.
After climbing down the rock face, the two of them went ice skating for a while, drove bumper cars, and played a few games of billiards.
In the blink of an eye, night fell.
Du Ruoxin pulled Grace to a French restaurant.
As soon as they sat down, several men approached to strike up a conversation.
The man in the lead was adorned with gold and silver, sporting a beer belly and a bald head, clearly exuding the aura of a mob boss.
He was followed by five or six bodyguards, all over six feet tall, burly, and muscular.
"Beauties, just the two of you?" the bald man asked.
Du Ruoxin glanced at him dismissively, "What if it's just two? What if it's not?"
"Tsk tsk." The bald man's interest grew, "I like women who are fiery and flavorful."
He tilted his head.
Immediately, a subordinate handed him a business card.
The bald man personally placed it before Du Ruoxin, "Everyone in F City knows Brother Hai. I have connections in both the underworld and legitimate circles. Here's my number; don't hesitate to call if you need anything."
Is that so?
Is his influence greater than Rong Jingyang's?
Du Ruoxin didn't even spare him a glance, "Sorry, I'm married."
Uh—
The bald man paused, then burst into laughter, "It doesn't matter, having an extra friend isn't a bad thing. Perhaps you might need my help someday?"
Du Ruoxin looked impatiently out the window.
The bald man was also sensible and didn't pester them further. However, he sat at the next table, staring at Du Ruoxin with lecherous eyes throughout.
Du Ruoxin was on the verge of exploding.
That fatty, trying to hit on a married woman? Did he have any morals?
After quickly finishing their meal, Du Ruoxin pulled Grace away.
However, as soon as she stood up, the bald man followed, "Miss Du, where are you going? Why don't we go together? It's nice to have company."
Du Ruoxin ignored him and left directly.
But the bald man was like a fly that wouldn't go away; wherever she went, he followed.
Inseparable.
Even more infuriatingly, wherever Du Ruoxin went, the bald man would use his phalanx of bodyguards to clear the way, making her appear like his kept mistress.
It was utterly infuriating!
Grace lowered her voice, "Sister Xin, shall we go back?"
If you can't win, retreat. You can't fight head-on; that's how you stay alive.
Du Ruoxin shook her head, "Going back would imply I'm afraid, wouldn't it?"
Besides, they would be on the ship for six to seven days. If they escaped today, what about tomorrow? They couldn't possibly stay in their cabin the entire time, could they?
That would be too stifling.
"No," Du Ruoxin linked arms with Grace and headed towards the casino, "Have you been to Las Vegas?"
Grace: "No."
Du Ruoxin: "Have you been to underground casinos in Macau, Vietnam, or Myanmar?"
Grace: "—"
She never gambled. Besides research and reading, her only hobbies were various extreme sports.
"Let's go, I'll take you for some fun."
The two entered the casino. Du Ruoxin went to the counter to exchange chips, but just as she was about to reveal her identity, the bald man, with his beer belly protruding, swaggered over, "Beauty, use my card tonight, play whatever you want."
Du Ruoxin didn't stand on ceremony, "Alright, let's start with ten million."
"..." The bald man's face darkened at a visible speed.
Du Ruoxin giggled, "Just kidding, don't take it seriously."
The bald man was captivated by the woman's charming smile, "Twenty million! Twenty million in chips for Miss Du."
If twenty million could buy him an opportunity to be intimate with the beauty, he was more than willing.
Seeing Du Ruoxin's eyes widen, the bald man's male vanity was greatly satisfied. He cleared his throat and said, "If twenty million isn't enough, you can ask for more."
"If you lose, it's my loss; if you win, it's yours."