GBP Chapter 319 Marriage
Chapter 319 Marriage
Bai Li stopped and raised an eyebrow at Wu Hai, who was blocking her way: "Is there anything else?"
Wu Hai's smile had vanished: "Of course, it's not just about these few questions."
Monte Carlo is a paradise and an arena.
Wu Hai's voice was deep, and the playful probing tone from before had vanished. He looked directly at Bai Li and continued:
“After tonight, your name will no longer be just a name in Monte Carlo’s top circles. It will represent a mysterious and unknown immense power, in addition to your cooperative relationship with Zhou Chengjing.”
Wu Hai narrowed his eyes slightly and said seriously, "Guess how many people will want to get close to you, test you, or take advantage of you in the future."
This is the fundamental reason why Wu Hai is most unwilling to see Bai Li and Zhou Chengjing so close.
After all, we used to be friends, we played together, and we worked together.
Therefore, Wu Hai understood Zhou Chengjing's temperament and methods.
That person never gives their heart away unless they have completely controlled the other person.
Bai Li sees Zhou Chengjing as a partner, but what about Zhou Chengjing?
His reluctance to open up is actually a form of safety.
However, once he decides to give his heart, it means that he has completely figured out all of a person's weaknesses, obtained all of that person's secrets, and ensured that this person cannot betray him.
Zhou Chengjing, who seems generous to his friends, is actually the most self-serving of them all.
His hidden desire for control is several times, even a hundred times, stronger than anyone else's.
The fact that he and Bai Li have already established a cooperative relationship can only mean that he has learned of one of Bai Li's weaknesses.
Bai Li's collaboration with Zhou Chengjing this time seems to be on equal footing, but in fact, every step is within Zhou Chengjing's plan.
Upon hearing what Wu Hai said, Bai Li felt a slight chill run down her spine.
Of course she knew the saying, "The taller the tree, the more the wind will blow against it."
The auction may seem glamorous, but it has actually put the company in the eye of the storm.
Zhou Chengjing's so-called "friends" or "partners" may be a protective shield, but they could also be targets.
Wuhai's analysis is incisive.
She looked up at Wu Hai, her eyes deep and serious: "Continue."
Wu Hai extended his hand, palm up, in an inviting gesture, the silver chain on his wrist swaying gently under the light: "Let me be your 'knight,' Little Pear?"
"In this world, you can't protect everything you care about by going it alone or relying solely on Zhou Chengjing's 'protection' which could turn into shackles at any time."
Bai Li's gaze fell on Wu Hai's well-defined, inviting hand, then slowly moved upwards to meet his eyes, which were filled with ambition and burning anticipation.
Wu Hai's proposal was very tempting; he was indeed qualified to be Zhou Chengjing's equal.
But Bai Li didn't agree immediately; she just kept asking, "What are you going to do?"
A barely perceptible glint flashed in Wu Hai's eyes, and he uttered the startling words: "Marry me..."
"PASS!" Bai Li refused outright with a dark expression before he could finish speaking.
Wu Hai was speechless at Bai Li's unwavering rejection.
Bai Li's resolute tone made him feel somewhat aggrieved, and after a long while, he asked, "Why?"
This is clearly the optimal solution.
Once Bai Li enters the Wu family, no one will dare to approach her again, and all covetous eyes will be completely shut out.
and……
Wu Hai's eyes darkened.
I will always be the closest person to Little Pear.
……
Bai Li had a headache and rubbed her forehead.
Wu Hai even had the audacity to ask himself why?
Although she knew she couldn't judge Wu Hai by common sense, and that for people of their social class, marriage wasn't about love, but rather a bond that could be used for transactions and to bind relationships, she was still stunned by Wu Hai's unusual way of thinking.
"Stop asking, if it's not possible, it's not impossible." Bai Li waved her hand dismissively.
She married into the Wu family to avoid being spied on by outsiders.
Although it does seem like a permanent solution on the surface.
But that also means that he will be forever bound to the Wu family.
From now on, it will be difficult to have freedom again.
Her identity was no longer Bai Li, but "Mrs. Wu".
This move was like a double blow to her – it hurt the enemy 800, but also caused her 1000 damage.
Moreover, how can something as important as marriage be brought up so lightly and treated like a "child's game"?
There was no foundation of love between them.
She had no interest in any arranged marriages.
Bai Li sighed, her tone carrying the last vestiges of her patience: "Are there any other options? If not, then forget it."
"Alright," Wu Hai said regretfully.
However, he himself did not have high hopes for this proposal.
I'm just saying this to try my luck, just in case... just in case Little Pear agrees?
Wu Hai quickly suppressed his slight disappointment, lowered his outstretched hand, and adopted a calm expression: "Since you have rejected the optimal solution, we can only settle for the next best option and choose a more complicated one."
His tone had a rather businesslike quality.
Bai Li crossed her arms and watched him leisurely, gesturing for him to continue.
Wu Hai looks much better in his normal state, finally possessing the demeanor expected of an heir to a North American shipping magnate family, a core member of the Global Shipping Group, and the head of the Haiyu Group.
“First,” Wu Hai held up a finger, “you need a public, substantial shield that is not Zhou Chengjing.”
"You?" Bai Li asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I’m the most suitable person for now,” Wu Hai said frankly. “We already know each other. If I step forward as a ‘close friend’ or ‘strong partner’ to endorse you in public, it will filter out most of the tentative flies.”
"What is the price for this?" Bai Li asked directly.
"It's very simple. We need a visible, strong, and persuasive group of people with shared interests, such as a joint venture."
When it came to the crucial areas, Wu Hai's voice also carried the shrewdness of a top family heir.
"I will invest in the name of Haiyu Group, or to be more specific, I will personally hold the controlling stake, but the offshore investment company that actually relies on Haiyu's global network resources will be the holding entity, and we will jointly establish a company."
"In the new company, you will own 51% of the shares, and I will own 49%. You will have absolute control."
Bai Li remained silent, quickly weighing the pros and cons in her mind.
Given their current financial resources and connections, starting a joint venture worth hundreds of millions would be a piece of cake.
The company's shareholder list is irrefutable proof that Wuhai and she are deeply intertwined.
A 51% controlling stake does indeed guarantee her freedom.
Wu Hai's proposal was more sincere than she had expected.
It's much more reliable than a proposal to get married right away.
"It sounds like I got the better deal?" Bai Li retorted.
"It's just a fair trade." Wu Hai didn't care. Whether he owned a large or small stake was unimportant to him. He didn't lack shares in this company. A small stake that could earn Bai Li's trust was a worthwhile deal.
Silence spread through the luxurious room, with only the distant sound of waves crashing on the shore.
The light from the bar cast interplay of light and shadow on Bai Li's face.
She was weighing the pros and cons.
If she agrees to Wu Hai's request, it means she will be more deeply involved in the already delicate struggle between Wu Hai and Zhou Chengjing.
She and Wu Hai were no longer just friends; she had been completely drawn into the core interests of this circle.
Wu Hai waited patiently for Bai Li to think it over; he had plenty of patience.
He knew Bai Li; she wasn't an impulsive person, especially when faced with such a significant decision.
Bai Li looked up, meeting Wu Hai's gaze, and slowly spoke, her voice calm: "I agree to the equity structure, but the details regarding the company's investment projects and specific terms..."
"Don't worry, I have professionals here. The company framework can be drafted and discussed later," Wu Hai replied immediately.
“Okay, I accept this suggestion.” Bai Li readily agreed.
The resources and conditions that Wuhai can offer are all top-notch and unparalleled.
Now that she's already on the world's top stage, there's no time for her to take things one step at a time.
“A wise choice, partner.” Wu Hai smiled and extended his hand, no longer in the joking manner of a “knight’s invitation”, but in a formal business handshake.
This time, Bai Li didn't hesitate and firmly shook hands: "It's a pleasure to cooperate with you, Wuhai."
The road ahead will only be more complex than before, but it will certainly be more exciting.
------------------------------
Perhaps it was because of the sudden storm that struck in the middle of the night last night.
The storm at sea came very violently and without warning; it even seemed to have been accompanied by several claps of thunder.
As a result, Bai Li didn't get any sleep at all.
I kept having dreams, on and off.
After waking up, Bai Li sat on the bed, frowning as she recalled.
She couldn't think of the specific details anymore.
All I remember is being on a very large and luxurious ship, attending someone's wedding.
At the wedding, she met many acquaintances, all of whom were dressed very formally, while she was wearing baby-like pajamas, as if she had just gotten out of bed.
Perhaps because she was dressed out of place, she was squeezed out of the crowd and could not see the bride and groom's faces clearly, which made her anxious and frantic.
The last scene in the dream was a kitten that looked a lot like Sanmao, wearing a small black bow tie, carrying a ring box in its mouth, and leisurely running across the red carpet in front of it.
Recalling this, Bai Li couldn't help but feel annoyed.
Now that I think about it carefully, it's not just that she looks like Sanmao, she looks exactly like Sanmao.
Who else could her silly cat give a wedding ring to?
Could the bride at that wedding be herself?
Upon hearing this conjecture, Bai Li's hair stood on end.
It is said that what you think about during the day, you dream about at night.
Bai Li couldn't help but curse Wu Hai a few times.
It's all his fault for bringing up some weird topics yesterday!
That's utterly ridiculous.
To put it bluntly, no matter how desperate or down on her luck she is, she would never choose the path of an arranged marriage.
Is she in a suitable position to get married?
We should be grateful for the peace we have now.
If I really get married someday...
Thinking about this, Bai Li started to get a headache.
"The palace might be in chaos."
Banishing these unrealistic thoughts from her mind, Shirai got up and washed up.
There was still plenty of time, so Bai Li wasn't in a hurry to leave.
Now that she had become a resident of the island, she decided to stay in Monte Carlo for a few days as a vacation, and also to see what was so special about this island that was regarded as a "holy land" by the super-rich.
Monte Carlo Island exemplifies the saying, "Though small, it has all the vital organs."
Aside from the lack of education, the island has almost all other supporting services, and the standards are far higher than those of what outsiders call resorts. It's more like a privilege tailor-made for the islanders, secluded and ultimate.
For example, each islander will be assigned a dedicated private executive officer to help their employer coordinate and arrange all matters on the island.
After joining the island, Shirai also selected her own executive officer.
There's no need to be picky; all the executives have undergone special training, so it's just a matter of personal preference.
Ultimately, Bai Li chose an Asian man who looked clean and tidy.
The island offers a wealth of activities, and Shirari only needs to give a simple instruction for the executives to quickly arrange everything, including but not limited to: private morning yoga appointments; deep-sea fishing with a 3-star chef cooking on-site; and a special sightseeing submarine tour to see rare marine life...
All services are a perfect combination of money and privilege.
Monte Carlo Island truly lives up to its reputation as a paradise for the wealthy.
Once you have islander status, you can come and go freely on the island, use all public facilities at will, and all services are provided free of charge.
Bai Li spends most of her time at the manor in Wuhai, wearing comfortable clothes, reading, or lying quietly, enjoying the peace of the sun and sea breeze.
Only in the evening, when the sun isn't so strong, do I ride my bicycle aimlessly around.
Admiring the diverse and incredibly expensive mansions along the way is also a fun experience, and you might even bump into other "islanders" occasionally.
Their attire is very simple and cool, with short sleeves and shorts, and some even wearing slippers and flip-flops. Such outfits would blend perfectly into the crowd, and if no one told them, probably no one would guess that they might be giants in a certain field or members of some reclusive family.
After all, they are all normal people.
People are all afraid of the heat.
Monte Carlo is in the middle of summer, so of course short sleeves, shorts, and flip-flops are the cool and comfortable thing to do.
Only staff members will wear relatively formal work uniforms.
Therefore, Shirai quickly observed the difference between the staff and the islanders.
If someone is dressed casually, they are most likely an islander.
When they meet, they maintain an unspoken sense of distance and elegance, and occasionally someone will take the initiative to greet her and chat.
Bai Li could sense that although the other party appeared calm on the surface, information was so readily available these days that her name and her "feat" at the Christie's auction had already spread among the top circles.
In addition, she was an exceptional case who bypassed the committee and was directly approved for entry to Monte Carlo.
Some of those gazes inevitably carried curiosity and a sense of probing.
Bai Li remained calm about it, neither deliberately avoiding it nor actively contacting it, maintaining a proper social distance.
After getting a feel for the island, Bai Li rarely went out anymore, except for a short trip to the beach.
On the seaside side of Wuhai Manor, there is a private beach.
The sand is as fine as white sand, the seawater is crystal clear, and the place is peaceful and serene. There are only staff members who are like shadows, appearing precisely when needed to offer chilled towels or drinks.
It was dusk, and across the beach stretched an endless expanse of sea, bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun.
The waves crashed against the sand and then receded.
Bai Li lay under the parasol looking at her phone, then casually took the iced towel someone handed her: "Thank you."
This time, the person who came did not leave after handing over the iced towel.