Julia Yu took a deep breath and said to Stephen Song, "Since you already know my situation, let me say a few things too."
Honestly, I was really against marriage at first. You know, after what happened with my parents, I was totally disappointed with the whole idea. I used to think love was just a joke, something people made up to fool themselves. So, from college onward, I was super resistant to relationships. Sure, I had classmates who tried to pursue me. Even when I was an exchange student in the US, I met a passionate French guy who tried all sorts of so-called romantic gestures. But all I felt was, it was just kind of sad.
I saw my parents’ tragedy with my own eyes. How could I trust anyone else’s love so easily? So I turned everyone down without hesitation. Back then, all I wanted was to study hard. After college, I started working, and that was another mess—I saw so many families break apart, so many ups and downs. I kept wondering, isn’t just living a good life enough? Why get married? Seriously, I thought that way up until a few years ago, until I met Cecilia Gu, the CEO’s wife of Yin Group.
I’d heard about her and Charles Yin before—their love story is honestly epic. But back then, I still stubbornly believed it was just luck, a rare fluke. I thought real love didn’t exist. Then I saw my boss, who gave everything for a woman. The moment I saw him put all his feelings away so seriously, I actually understood his love. Turns out, there are all kinds of love in this world.
There’s young crushes, growing old together, playful bickering couples, lost and found, gained and lost, wanting but never getting, and so on. Almost everyone has a love that’s unforgettable. I bet you do, too.
Stephen Song’s face changed suddenly—he was just about to explain when Julia Yu cut him off. "Don’t try to defend yourself. I’m a lawyer—sweet talk from men is paper-thin to me. I’ve studied male psychology, you know."
Stephen Song felt so sorry for himself—why did he ever go and fall in love?
Now look at him—no matter what he says, she won’t believe a word.
So pitiful, so helpless.
Actually, most of the people around me have pretty successful marriages and relationships. For example, our Mo Family’s eldest daughter, Cecilia Gu and Charles Yin, Mona Mu and Henry Hirayama, even Cecilia’s assistant Wendy—each of their love stories is different, but their happiness is the same.
So, I started trying to open up my heart, willing to believe that love still exists in this world. Willing to believe that maybe love will come to me, too. You just said you’re a mature man—well, guess what, I’m a mature woman. So, I won’t ask about your past, who you loved, who you hated, or even who you still think about. I only have one thing to say: think carefully before you answer.
If you’re with me, you have to be ready—your present and future can only have me. Are you really willing?" Julia Yu smiled at Stephen Song. "If one day someone else shows up in your heart, even if it’s an ex or some secret crush, I’ll let you go. I’ll draw up the divorce papers right away, and get the prenup done before the wedding. I won’t take advantage of you—ever."
Stephen Song’s heart ached after hearing all this.
"Then here’s my answer, Julia Yu. There’s no one else—never has been. I was young and clueless when I dated before, so none of them ever left a mark on my heart. I swear!" Stephen Song said seriously. "If you don’t believe me, I’ll bring them all here to prove it. And about someone else showing up in my heart—the only possibility is our daughter. Except for you and our little princess, I’ll never let anyone else in."
"If Mrs. Song heard that, she’d probably want to smack you," Julia Yu joked.
Stephen Song just burst out laughing. "You..."
"Well then..." Julia Yu suddenly grew serious and held out her hand to Stephen Song. "Boyfriend, I hope we’ll get along from now on."
Stephen Song’s heart soared with happiness. He grabbed Julia Yu’s hand. "Girlfriend, let’s take care of each other for the rest of our lives."
And then, both of them burst out laughing.
The mood instantly turned sweet—so much warmer than yesterday.
Now that the air was cleared between them, everything felt so much more natural.
They’d prepared plenty of food, but maybe because the mood was so good, or the scenery was so beautiful, they ended up happily finishing it all.
After eating their fill, the two wandered around the mountain, having fun together.
Julia Yu kept snapping pictures, not realizing Stephen Song was secretly taking photos of her too.
Stephen Song texted his mom: "Mom, I found you a daughter-in-law."
Mrs. Song:
Soon, Mrs. Song replied: "Son, did someone possess you?"
Stephen Song couldn’t help but laugh. "Mom, what kind of weird books have you been reading lately?"
"Then why would you say something like that? Weren’t you the one who swore off marriage? Didn’t you say you’d never date anyone?" Mrs. Song sent message after message: "So are you really my son?"
"Mom, I’m not lying. I just confessed and she said yes." Stephen Song was so happy, he couldn’t help but brag: "She’s amazing. You’re definitely going to like her."
As they reached the door and swiped it open, before they could step inside, Huotao suddenly jumped out in front of them. "Alright, I’ll take that as a yes! Eight o’clock tonight, don’t be late! Unless you’re too chicken to show up! Don’t make me look down on you!"
With that, Huotao hopped away, bouncing off down the hall.
Julia Yu turned to Stephen Song and said, "So? Did you see how much malice she has? You’re totally not her type. But just to prove her charm, she’s determined to go after you no matter what. Tsk tsk, I wonder how the Huo Family raised their daughter to be like this."
Stephen Song looked embarrassed. "I have zero interest in that brat."
"I know," Julia Yu smiled. "I trust your taste."
Sometimes, being young doesn’t guarantee you’ll win.
And being older doesn’t mean you’ll lose.
Lisa Li is much younger than Cecilia Gu, but she’s never managed to beat Cecilia, not even once.
To their boss, Zach Mo, even if Cecilia Gu were eighty, she’d still be the cutest girl in his heart.
Julia Yu sees this more clearly than anyone.
Meanwhile, Huotao stormed back to her cabin, kicked the door hard, and muttered darkly, "That old woman just won’t let go of that man. Shameless!"
Kerry, the cowboy, said, "Peach, don’t worry. Leave that woman to me. Tonight, I’ll make sure she falls for me willingly!"
Huotao finally smiled with satisfaction. "Kerry, as long as you pull this off, you’ll get plenty of benefits."
"Just wait for my good news, Peach." Kerry flashed a confident smile.
Kerry really was good-looking—otherwise, he wouldn’t be so confident.