substitute marriage favor

Chapter 11: Never Think of Leaving Again

Gu Shenyan parked the car and immediately spotted Ye Qinru sitting by the window, staring outside in a daze.

He didn't get out right away. Instead, he stayed in the car, silently observing her.

Her brows were furrowed slightly, and her expression held a trace of sadness, as if she were grappling with an unsolvable problem.

"Ye Qinru, I owe you, and I will slowly make it up to you," Gu Shenyan murmured to himself before opening the car door and heading toward the dessert shop.

It wasn’t until he stood in front of Ye Qinru that she snapped out of her reverie.

"What are you thinking about? So absorbed?" Gu Shenyan asked as he sat across from her.

She blinked, coming back to reality. "You're here."

"What's the matter?" he asked, his sharp eyes fixed on her. She hesitated before signaling the waiter. "One of the house specials, please."

"Bribing me with desserts?" he joked, and she nodded awkwardly. "Sort of."

She wasn't sure how to broach the subject to ensure Gu Shenyan would agree, hoping the dessert might soften the conversation.

If he refused, what would she do? Ten billion wasn't a small amount, and with Ye Corporation in crisis, the investment could be a complete loss. But Ye Guoqiang was using Yang Limei to pressure her; she had no choice.

"Sir, your dessert." The waiter placed the dessert in front of Gu Shenyan, who took a bite and nodded. "Not bad."

"Yes, Xiaoya and I come here often. It's affordable and delicious." Ye Qinru licked her lips nervously. "If you like it, I can order another one for you."

"Just tell me what you need," Gu Shenyan leaned back, his posture relaxed as he watched her.

"Well..." Ye Qinru looked down at her hands, silent for a moment before blurting out, "It's about Gu Corporation's investment in Ye Corporation."

She said it quickly, afraid she'd lose her nerve if she dragged it out.

"How much does Ye Corporation need?" Gu Shenyan's fingers drummed rhythmically on the table, each tap resonating in her heart. They'd discussed this once before, but his perspective had shifted.

"Ten billion." She met his gaze. "I know business is about profit, and with Ye Corporation's current state, there's a high risk of losing everything. But I... I have no other options."

"Because of your mother?" Gu Shenyan remembered her saying Ye Guoqiang was using the threat of withholding treatment to coerce her into marrying him.

"Yes." Tears welled up in Ye Qinru's eyes as she looked at him, pleading. "He's hidden my mother away. If Gu Corporation doesn't invest soon, he'll torment her to death. He promised me that once Gu Corporation invests, I can take her away."

"Alright." Gu Shenyan agreed without hesitation.

Ye Qinru was stunned. "You agreed to the ten billion?"

She'd expected a lengthy persuasion, but he had agreed so quickly.

"I have conditions," he said, his gaze intense. "Whatever they are, I accept."

"I'll solve the investment issue and find the best medical team for your mother, but you must promise to stay by my side and never think of leaving again."

Gu Shenyan knew Yang Limei was Ye Qinru's weak spot. To keep her close, this was his only option. He hoped that by staying, she would gradually come to love him, making it easier to confess his past mistakes.

Maybe by then, she wouldn't hate him anymore.

Ye Qinru weighed her options. She'd planned to divorce him when the time was right, but now she had to reconsider. Even if she could take Yang Limei away, she couldn't provide the same care that Gu Shenyan could.

After a long pause, she nodded. "Okay, I agree."

"Pleasure doing business," Gu Shenyan smiled, confident she'd accept. "Tell Ye Guoqiang, ten billion will be in Ye Corporation's account in ten minutes."

Ye Qinru called Ye Guoqiang, who answered with a sneer. "You better have good news."

"Ten billion will be transferred to Ye Corporation's account in ten minutes," she said, and his tone shifted to excitement. "Really? Gu Shenyan agreed?"

Gu Shenyan took the phone. "Where is my mother-in-law? You get one chance, or the investment is off."

Ye Guoqiang, not daring to offend Gu Shenyan, quickly gave the location. "Gu, you can't go back on your word."

"Do you think everyone is as untrustworthy as you?" Gu Shenyan retorted, hanging up and turning to Ye Qinru. "Let's go get your mother."

At Nanshan Sanatorium, Ye Qinru finally saw Yang Limei, rushing to hug her, tears streaming down her face. "Mom, I was so scared I'd lose you."

Ye Guoqiang had hidden Yang Limei in this private facility, no wonder Ye Qinru couldn’t find her despite searching every hospital.

Gu Shenyan had assembled a top-tier medical team, already beginning Yang Limei's treatment.

"Don't cry. Your mother will be fine," Gu Shenyan comforted her, gently guiding her aside to allow the doctors to work.

"Mr. Gu, the patient has suffered neurological damage, causing her prolonged coma. We'll create a surgical plan to maximize her chances of regaining consciousness."

The doctor's words filled Ye Qinru with hope. She had always dreamed of Yang Limei opening her eyes again.

"Thank you, Gu Shenyan," she said, looking at him with gratitude.

"From now on, don’t shoulder everything alone. Let me help you," he replied softly.

"Gu Shenyan, I won't go back on my word. Since I've agreed to stay, I'll be here for you," Ye Qinru declared, her trust in him deepening.

No matter his personal issues, she was ready to stay by his side. She didn't need love to survive; after what He Shengming did, she no longer believed in love.

"You won't regret it," Gu Shenyan vowed to himself. He would protect her with all his tenderness.