It was the first time Jiro Hirayama had ever been the center of so much attention.
However, Jiro Hirayama's mental fortitude was impressive.
His eyes grew serious as he said, "I've made my decision. I'm willing to give up everything I once took pride in. I'm willing to be an ordinary man, willing to become Chinese. I want to spend my life with her, to try things I never liked before, and for her, I'll do my absolute best."
Rona Muir's eyes reddened, and she quickly turned her head away.
Cecilia Gu, however, smiled and said, "Now, here's your chance. Go kneel before Professor Muir and Mrs. Muir, admit your mistake, and show them your utmost sincerity in proposing. Can you do that?"
Jiro Hirayama's eyes lit up. "Really? I can?"
Cecilia Gu nodded with a smile.
"When asking for someone's hand in marriage, it's important to have elders speak on your behalf, but as the one proposing, you must also show your sincerity. Your Chinese is perfect, so go on—kneel before Professor Muir and Mrs. Muir, apologize for your recklessness, and tell them about your resolve!" Cecilia Gu said. "We'll be here waiting for your good news."
Jiro Hirayama nodded firmly, turned, and walked out.
As soon as Jiro Hirayama left, the anxiety in Rona Muir's eyes was obvious.
Cecilia Gu reached out and gently patted Rona Muir’s hand. “Don’t be anxious. If he’s truly serious about you, he’ll handle things over there just fine. Don’t forget, he’s got quite the brains.”
Rona finally calmed down a little.
Smiling, Cecilia Gu took Rona’s hand and turned to Mr. and Mrs. Hirayama. “I’ve sealed the deal for your daughter-in-law! From now on, we’re family!”
Mr. and Mrs. Hirayama beamed with joy and thanked her, “Yes, yes, thank you, Mrs. Charles Yin!”
For once, Rona’s face turned red. She lowered her head, at a loss for words.
Mrs. Hana Hirayama, though pampered, was actually quite easy to get along with when it came to in-law relationships.
She took Rona’s hand and walked a few steps away for a private chat.
Rona’s Japanese wasn’t great, but she could handle simple conversations.
So the two of them stumbled through their conversation together.
Wendy, the assistant, noticed Cecilia Gu looked a little tired and immediately helped her sit down.
Mr. Hirayama already knew about Cecilia Gu’s second pregnancy. —Honestly, the whole world knew by now!
He was genuinely delighted and said, “Thanks to Mrs. Charles Yin, Jiro can get married smoothly in China. The Hirayama Family will never forget your kindness.”
Cecilia Gu smiled, “We’re all family now, so no need for so many polite words. Now that the others have stepped away, I’ll be straight with you. Rona and I started a company together—not a big one, but you know we have connections and resources others don’t. With the Yin Family backing us, even if the business flounders, it’ll keep running. So you really don’t have to worry about Rona dragging Jiro down.”
Mr. Hirayama quickly waved his hands, “Mrs. Charles Yin, you’re too kind! We would never think that way. Even if our daughter-in-law had nothing, it’s our duty to support her. In Japan, women don’t have to work.”
Cecilia Gu kept smiling, “It’s wonderful you feel that way, but we’re not the type to depend on men. So, would you allow your daughter-in-law to be out in the world and run a business?”
Mr. Hirayama laughed, “Of course! Even the Yamaguchi-gumi has female members. We’ve always been fair about this.”
Cecilia Gu nodded, “Good, then I think we don’t have any major issues left. Once Jiro finishes sorting things out on his end, we can discuss the wedding details together.”
Meanwhile, Jiro Hirayama walked in and immediately knelt before Professor Mu and Mrs. Mu.
His sudden move nearly scared Professor Mu out of his wits.
Professor Mu thought to himself, ‘It’s my daughter’s fault for all this!’