But thinking about it, Sophie Mo does have a history of running away from her wedding, so it's understandable!
Honestly, the Mo Family has had it pretty rough too.
Their sons and daughters are all outstanding, but not a single marriage has gone smoothly.
The son is stubborn—if he can't be with the one he loves, he goes and finds a surrogate.
The daughter looks gentle and obedient on the surface, but she's got her own ideas. If she wants to run away from a wedding, she just does it—no discussion at all!
Now, even the Mo Family has accepted it!
I heard that Max Mo's surrogate child is growing up well, so at least the Mo Family hasn't lost its legacy.
And Sophie Mo has finally gotten to know Julian King again and is willing to continue with the engagement.
So now the Mo Family is eagerly hoping that Cecilia Gu will hurry up and help Charles Yin and James Jing find wives. They definitely can't afford to delay marrying off their daughters!
After thinking it over, the Mo Family still can't relax, so they've sent their daughter over to supervise in person!
Rona Muir patted Sophie Mo on the shoulder, her face full of sympathy. "Just come along. Leave the company stuff to your brother. You might as well take this chance to rest up and get ready for everything. In a week we'll have results here—once James Jing's marriage is settled, your engagement with Julian King will fall into place. Then the three of us can have a joint wedding, right?"
Sophie Mo sighed, "That's how I've been comforting myself too! But my poor project! Five hundred million in investments—all my own money, not the company's!"
Rona Muir grinned, "You could invest in Danni Cosmetics! We're about to expand our production line, and Cici is already the general manager. Want to come be our sales director or something?"
"No way!" Sophie Mo glared. "I'm already drowning in work—don't give me another job!"
Cecilia Gu tugged at the two of them. "Okay, okay, stop standing around—come inside and talk. With you two blocking the door, how are all those beauties supposed to come out and show off?"
Rona Muir and Sophie Mo both burst out laughing.
Well, that's true.
Sure enough, as soon as the three of them entered the main villa, the eight beauties came out in full bloom to enjoy the view.
Some grabbed a book and ran under a tree to catch the breeze, some paired up to wander through the flower fields, some went to feed the fish, and some just found a spot to play chess.
Basically, everyone showed off their inner charm in their own way!
Looks like Cecilia Gu really set a good example.
The Grant Family's rich cultural heritage produced both Nora Yun and Cecilia Gu.
Just look at how Cecilia Gu is treated now—she's basically the nation's favorite daughter-in-law!
So many people are jealous!
So if you can't figure out what the Yin Family likes, just copy Cecilia Gu!
Charles Yin and James Jing changed into new outfits and walked out of the white mansion, discussing work as they went.
Just then, a girl in a light green dress walked right up to Charles Yin and said calmly, "Second Young Master Yin, may I speak with you alone?"
Charles Yin was slightly surprised, then smiled and nodded. "Of course."
Charles Yin nodded to James Jing, then invited the girl in the green dress, "How about we grab a drink?"
"Sure." The girl agreed cheerfully.
The two of them turned and went to the lounge, ordering two coffees.
The girl in the green dress introduced herself, "You probably don't remember me, so let me introduce myself again. My name is Joy Chen, I'm 25, and I have a master's degree from overseas."
Charles Yin nodded.
"I want to marry you," Joy Chen said, gathering her courage.
"Why?" Charles Yin asked back. "Why not choose James Jing? He offers more freedom. You should know, in the Yin Family, the legitimate young matron is only my sister-in-law. If you marry me, your title is just the wife of the second young master, not the official young matron."
Joy Chen nodded. "I know."
"Then you should also know, I'm only getting married to give the Yin Family an answer," Charles Yin said frankly. "Even my older brother had to have an heir for the family—let alone me. My brother and sister-in-law are lucky; they love each other. But for us, it might just be a marriage of convenience. Can you accept that?"
Joy Chen gritted her teeth and nodded. "Yes, I understand."
"Why?" Charles Yin narrowed his eyes at Joy Chen.
"Because I need the Yin Family as a stepping stone," Joy Chen said bluntly. "I want to climb high, and I need a perfect springboard. In return, I'll play the role of a perfect wife. No matter what you do outside, I'll pretend not to know, and even cover for you."
So you chose me?" Charles Yin smiled.
"Yes." Joy Chen nodded. "The Yin Family is much more powerful than the Jing Family. Even as an illegitimate child, your status is far higher than his."
"You're quite the practical girl," Charles Yin laughed softly, taking a sip of his coffee.
"So, what's your opinion?" Joy Chen looked at Charles Yin expectantly.
Charles Yin just smiled and didn't answer.
Joy Chen thought she understood the rules of wealthy families—she thought she could be a good wife just by minding her own business.
Is it really that simple?
Of course not.
How could things be so simple in a wealthy family?
Otherwise, why are there so many actresses who have children but still can't marry into a rich family?
Joy Chen was smart—seeing that Charles Yin didn't answer, she didn't press further. She just said, "If you're willing to consider me, I promise you won't be disappointed."
Charles Yin nodded. "Okay."
"In that case, I won't bother you anymore," Joy Chen said, standing up. "Goodbye."
Charles Yin nodded and stood up to see her off.
After Joy Chen left, Charles Yin's smile faded, and he let out a soft sigh.
He had already expected that a matchmaking contest would only attract gold-diggers.
They were all talented women. Of course, their desire for money was just as strong.
As soon as Joy Chen left, James Jing came over.
"How was it?" James Jing asked, half smiling. "Satisfied?"
"And you? Interested in anyone else?" Charles Yin asked him.
James Jing gave a wry smile.
He didn't answer, but Charles Yin already knew the answer.
Still, both of them knew that even if they didn't like any of the candidates, they'd have to pick one to marry in the end.
In the room, Cecilia Gu lounged on the sofa, listening to Rona Muir trying to persuade Sophie Mo to join Danni Cosmetics.
Rona Muir boasted, "Even if those other cosmetics companies have top research teams, can they beat a biochemist? Our Peter Pingshan is putting all his skills to work, and he told me he wants to develop a product line just for pregnant and postpartum women. Cici, once you've had your baby, you should be our first tester!"
Sophie Mo retorted, "Forget it! Do you think Charles Yin would agree to let Cici be a guinea pig for your products?"
Rona Muir glared, "How could she be a guinea pig? All these products will be thoroughly tested! Only after passing tests from several major global companies will they be officially launched. Hmph, you just don't trust our Peter Pingshan!"
Sophie Mo turned to Cecilia Gu. "Cici, what do you think?"
"Sure," Cecilia Gu responded calmly. "As the general manager of Danni Cosmetics, I should support our own products, shouldn't I?"
Rona Muir was instantly delighted. "Cici is the best!"
Sophie Mo sighed. "Alright, I can't argue with you. By the way, Cici, how do you plan to match up Ethan Yin, James Jing, and those women? You're not just going to let things develop on their own, are you?"
They've already shown their talents and filled out confidence forms. What else can you have them do?" Rona Muir puffed out her chest. "You can't just throw them into Ethan Yin and James Jing's rooms to test their skills, right?"
Cici burst out laughing.
Sophie Mo burst out laughing.
Both of them exclaimed in unison, "Rona, why have you become so cheeky since you got together with Peter Pingshan!"
Rona Muir grinned. "I'm the queen of sass!"
Hopeless!" Cici and Sophie Mo shook their heads and sighed together.
Cici continued, "Of course I won't let them just sit around."
Rona Muir and Sophie Mo both looked at Cici.
Cici said leisurely, "It doesn't have to be as formal as a banquet. We could have a group dinner, watch a movie here, pick flowers, drink wine—whatever. It's clear those eight girls will do anything to show off. It's just that the competition has moved from the stage to the house."
I bet a hundred bucks some of those girls will come looking for you," Sophie Mo said, blinking.
Just as Sophie Mo finished speaking, a maid came over and said, "Madam, a girl named Qian Zhou wants to see you."
Sophie Mo laughed. "I told you! The ultimate judge is right here—of course they'll try to bribe you. Hand over the money!"
Rona Muir rolled her eyes. "We haven't even started the bet, so it doesn't count!"
Cici nodded to the maid. "Let her wait for me in the lounge."
Cici looked at Rona Muir and Sophie Mo. "Charles will be back soon. He said he commissioned several pieces of jewelry for the wedding—help me choose later, okay?"
So extravagant," Rona Muir sighed.
Stop it," Cici shot her a look. "I heard the Hirayama family gave a huge dowry to marry off their son, including a red diamond. I envy the quality."
Too bad the Jing Family isn't willing to give much dowry!" Sophie Mo sighed.
Oh, stop it." Cici grabbed Rona Muir and Sophie Mo. "Come on, let's go meet the contestants! Since you're here, don't just sit around. You two have been in business for years—you can judge character better than I can! When I'm too lazy to socialize, I'll let you take over."
Rona Muir and Sophie Mo groaned and followed Cici to the lounge.
When Cici arrived at the lounge, she saw a quiet girl sitting there, perfectly still.
"Interesting," Sophie Mo smiled. "Let's see what she says to impress us."
"I'm curious too," Rona Muir laughed. "Especially since she's such a rule-follower."