As Ai Mi learned that Mu Yin Yin had served the divorce certificate with Fu Si Ye, she realized Mu Yin Yin held no romantic feelings for Qi Mo.
She also knew Mu Yin Yin intended to spare Qi Mo's reputation, but still!
How could those with ill intentions not seize the opportunity to cause trouble?
There were still plenty of people online mocking Qi Mo.
She didn't want Qi Mo to be ridiculed by those who would laugh at him, the noble scion, whose longed-for fiancée had already become someone else's wife.
Ai Jia wanted to leverage this opportunity to further their ties with the Qi family.
She also wished to protect his image, to show everyone that Qi Mo was also loved, and by someone of considerable standing.
Qi Yuan might have lost his memory, but he hadn't forgotten he was a father.
Coupled with Qi Mo's mother constantly recounting past events to him, Qi Yuan was now largely aware of the situation.
Qi Yuan naturally hoped for a good match for Qi Mo.
However, Qi Mo's mother still thought Mu Yin Yin could be persuaded.
They politely declined Ai Jia's overtures, "It's not appropriate to directly discuss marriage right now. The Shu family just released their news; if we were to approach you, wouldn't it appear as a deliberate statement?"
"Moreover, the two children have known each other for so many years without coming together. A sudden proposal now might be unfair to Ai Mi."
Qi Mo's mother spoke these words softly and deliberately, leaving no room for criticism.
While the parents of both families were in discussion, Qi Mo and Ai Mi were also meeting privately.
Qi Mo knew why Ai Mi had come, and he addressed it directly, "Ai Mi, I've been very clear with you from the beginning. I only see you as a sister, and at this juncture, I absolutely cannot involve you."
Ai Mi did not agree with Qi Mo's statement at all. "Mu Yin Yin releasing the divorce certificate was her way of telling everyone she was married and wanted to break off her engagement with you. Didn't you avoid romance precisely because she hadn't been found yet?"
"Now that she's back, and she's been married, and she doesn't want to talk about feelings with you, are you going to remain single for your entire life? Qi Ge, I'm not saying this to hurt you, nor am I insisting you marry me. I just feel you shouldn't be so stubborn..."
"Ai Mi, I don't love you. Even if I were to marry you, it would be due to your parents' wishes and family interests. But I believe that would be too cruel to you."
Qi Mo pursed his lips, remained silent for a moment, and then responded to Ai Mi, speaking his truth.
At this moment, his gaze was intently focused on Ai Mi.
He truly didn't want to hurt Ai Mi.
Ai Mi understood his intentions.
However, Ai Mi was unwilling to give up just yet.
She clasped Qi Mo's hand, her touch tentative, "Qi Ge, my family has come all this way. Could you do me the honor?"
This was akin to a public proposal.
Indeed, with so many people present, if he were to refuse outright, Ai Mi would lose all face.
"But if I agree now, won't everyone believe I've consented? From the moment I agree in front of them, everyone around will know we are together, that you are my fiancée. If we were to separate later, it wouldn't matter what happens to me, but it would be paramount to you."
Qi Mo worried about Ai Mi's future, but Ai Mi let out a soft laugh, "What am I afraid of? If someone can remarry after a divorce, can't I start a new life after a breakup?"
"Qi Ge, please, for all the years I've followed you, could you help me?" Ai Mi pleaded, gently shaking Qi Mo's hand, behaving like a little girl throwing a tantrum.
From her childhood crush on Qi Mo to the present, Ai Mi had never deeply connected with any other man; she had always followed Qi Mo's footsteps.
Wasn't Ai Mi just like a little girl?
And from the Jiang Gang docks to being detained at the police station, Ai Mi had been by his side.
"Then I'll help you."
Qi Mo ultimately couldn't bear to refuse.
However, for Ai Mi, this brought immense joy.
As long as Qi Mo agreed, she knew that being close to the water meant the moon was the first to be seen. She was confident she could win Qi Mo's heart through her own efforts.
Meanwhile, in the Qi family's living room.
Seeing Qi Mo's mother's reservations, the Ai family parents also offered counsel.
After all, Ai Mi's attitude upon arrival had been quite clear: "You've always hoped I'd be with Qi Mo, and I myself have liked Qi Mo for many years. He had an engagement before, which caused hesitation, but now that the engagement has been announced as canceled by the other party, and I wish to marry him, can he really remain unmarried forever?"
Given the good relationship between the Ai and Qi families, and Ai Mi's long association with Qi Mo, the Ai family parents decided to make this visit.
Just as Qi Mo's mother was about to say something more, Qi Mo walked in with Ai Mi. Their figures, standing together, were a perfect match of talent and beauty.
The Ai family parents were overjoyed.
Qi Yuan was also pleased.
Qi Mo's mother, however, looked astonished.
Yet, some things were difficult to ask, so Qi Mo spoke first, "Ai Mi has been by my side for many years. I didn't accept her before because of the engagement. Now that the engagement has been dissolved by them, I no longer have to worry about that. However, Ai Mi and I both feel it's too soon. We're thinking of dating for a while to see if we're compatible, and if we are, we'll prepare for marriage."
Every word Qi Mo spoke was perfectly placed.
Dating first, then breaking up if incompatible, was a way of informing the Ai family parents of the worst-case scenario beforehand.
It also hinted at a positive outcome.
But for the Ai family parents, as long as Qi Mo agreed, it was the best outcome! The rest would depend on Ai Mi's own efforts.
The Ai family was invited to stay for dinner. During the meal, Qi Mo was attentive to Ai Mi. After they left, Qi Mo's mother approached him and spoke to him sternly, "If you're unwilling, your father and I can handle this for you. Why force yourself?"
The deepest concern of any parent is for their child.
For their children, parents are willing to become the villain.
And Qi Mo's mother had seen firsthand his feelings for Mu Yin Yin.
However, Qi Mo shook his head at her, a gentle smile playing on his lips, "This isn't forcing myself. What would truly be forcing would be to Ai Mi. Let's give it a try. Please, don't go find Yin Yin anymore. I know her; she doesn't hold out hope for love, and if she does, it's only for someone she once loved."
Referring to Fu Si Ye.
As evidenced by the incident in the elevator and at the Grand Banquet, the moment Fu Si Ye appeared, she unhesitatingly chose him.
In life, the order of appearance is truly important!
At that moment, he even fantasized about how wonderful it would have been if he had been the one to appear by Mu Yin Yin's side earlier.
But alas, there are no "what ifs."
And so, the romance between Qi Mo and Ai Mi began to spread—