Chapter 1130: Cooperation

Chapter 1130: Cooperation

Camille silently pondered, thinking that if she hadn't overheard the

conversation between Mario and Sienna, she might have believed what

Mario said.

Mario, to his credit, remained composed, showing no signs of emotion,

and his face remained expressionless.

Camille lightly pursed her lips, maintaining a calm expression as she

sat beside Ayan, who, despite conversing with Mario, continued to take

care of her-serving her food and peeling shrimp-missing nothing.

Their interaction was natural and affectionate, prompting Mario to

comment, "Mr. Simpson and Cami have such a good relationship. As

the big brother who has watched Cami grow from a little girl to now, I

genuinely feel happy!"

Ayan smiled faintly and asked, "Mr. King is older than me?"

Mario frowned slightly and nodded, "Yes, by a year."

“I can handle even children. Mr. King should be getting married soon,

right? I heard Mr. King already has a fiancée. Why didn't you bring her

along this time to Hance City?" Ayan asked casually, his handsome

expression carrying a subtle smile, seemingly intentional yet elusive.

Their eyes met, and Mario smiled slowly. He replied, "No fiancée.

That's all in the past. But there is someone I like, for many years."

"Oh, I thought a work-focused man like Mr. King wouldn't have a

special liking for anyone. I didn't expect Mr. King to possess the trait of

a romantic brain!" Ayan chuckled lightly, teasing in his words.

Mario didn't evade the question and looked directly at Ayan. He said

with a wry smile, "Not exactly a romantic brain. It's just that I have a

flaw.”

"Oh, what flaw is that?"

“I pursue everything I desire with unwavering determination. After all,

one should not compromise when it comes to what one wants, right?"

Mario hinted, his profound gaze carrying significant implications, and all

three understood the unspoken message.

Camille, feeling an urge to directly refute Mario's words, stopped

herself at the last moment. She seemed to lack the right to stop Mario

as they had no relationship, and she wasn't anyone to Mario. So, what

right did she have?

Moreover, crucially, Mario hadn't explicitly said he intended to sabotage

Sienna and Rex's relationship. He merely expressed his desire to

obtain what he liked.

Camille felt a sense of discomfort, unable to voice her thoughts.

However, in the next moment, as if Ayan had seen through her feelings,

his voice, calm and unhurried, resonated, "Mr. King, are you a bit

obsessive? It's normal to go to great lengths to get what you like,

especially if it doesn't belong to anyone. But if it already belongs to

someone else, and Mr. King keeps remembering and yearning, it does

seem a bit morally questionable!"

Ayan wore a smile, and his words carried a playful tone, making it

difficult for anyone to feel displeased, as he seemed to be stating these

words with a sense of humor.

Mario's expression flickered slightly as he looked at Ayan, his gaze

deepening. After a brief pause, he spoke, "Mr. Simpson is right, but this

is just how I am. I prioritize myself over morality."

"Oh, so Mr. King is a bit obsessive. For me, I don't like or covet other

people's things," Ayan replied. He raised his glass to Mario, who

immediately lifted his own glass to clink with Ayan. They exchanged a

smile and finished their drinks.

They didn't dwell on that topic any longer but shifted the conversation

to their past collaborations. Mario provided many suggestions for their

upcoming partnership and handed Ayan a pre-drafted contract.

Mario said, "Mr. Simpson, I've prepared the contract. Take a look, and if

there's anything inappropriate, we can make changes.”

Ayan took the contract but didn't open it immediately. After all, he had

just had a drink, and he wouldn't make any decisions under the

influence. Mario understood this.

Mario then expressed his sincerity. He came to Hance City to expand

King Group's development and brought a project-the land from Nores

Group. Ayan had shown interest in it, but Nores Group had been

waiting. Since Mario had collaborated with Nores Group before, they

directly handed over this project to him.

Now, Mario was entrusting Ayan with this land. It was a gesture of

goodwill, emphasizing that his desire to work with Ayan was genuine

and not merely due to Sienna.

Ayan lowered his gaze to the agreement for the transfer of the land.

Squinting slightly, he looked at Mario and asked, "Mr. King, is all this

effort just to collaborate with me?"

Mario smiled faintly, "Of course, only a sincere attitude can make Mr.

Simpson believe that I'm not just talking. Would Mr. Simpson prefer

insincere people?"

Ayan's response was calm, almost devoid of emotion. He casually said,

"Mr. King is right. However, your significant sincerity in wanting to

collaborate with me does make me a bit uneasy. After all, everything is

not officially underway yet. Such a grand gesture from you does make

me wonder if you have ulterior motives."

Ayan smiled lightly, his expression warm yet probing. He didn't worry at

all that Mario might feel uncomfortable or have any thoughts of not

wanting to collaborate after this conversation.

After Ayan spoke, Mario paused for a moment before saying, "Mr.

Simpson, are you suspecting that I have other motives?"

"After all, Mr. King has given so much. It's hard not to think more."

"Mr. Simpson, you're overthinking. If I really had other motives, why

would I show so much sincerity? I've laid out my cards for Mr. Simpson

to see, hoping to collaborate on this project. If Mr. Simpson has any

concerns, we can terminate this collaboration now."

Mario finished speaking, his gaze still fixed on Ayan. The two engaged

in a silent psychological battle, but it had no effect on Ayan. His

response remained cool, showing almost no visible reaction. Their eyes

locked in an unblinking stare.

After approximately a minute, Ayan spoke in a calm tone, "I understand

Mr. King's sincerity. As for this collaboration, I need to convene a

meeting to discuss it before providing Mr. King with a decision because

the collaboration proposal from Mr. King is rather abrupt.”

"Very well, I'll await good news from Mr. Simpson.”

Ayan merely smiled faintly, and the two clinked their glasses again.

The dinner didn't conclude until after nine o'clock, and since Ayan had

consumed alcohol, Camille took the wheel on the way back home.

During the journey, Camille took the initiative to ask, "Have you made

up your mind? Are you really going to collaborate with Mario?"

Ayan, sitting in the passenger seat, spoke in a slightly hoarse voice,

"His sincerity is evident, and it seems he is eager to collaborate with

Simpson Group. Since this project is the main focus for Simpson Group

in the latter half of the year, we will collaborate with him."

"If you've already made up your mind, why didn't you just agree

directly?"

"Wouldn't that make his night more peaceful?" Ayan chuckled,

surprising Camille. He continued, "Mario wants to leverage Simpson

Group to open up the market for King Group in Hance City. If he uses

me, I won't let myself be used for free. Therefore, I will make sure he

pays the corresponding price. Rex has decided to participate in this

collaboration, but he plans to remain anonymous throughout the

process.”

Ayan looked out the window, and perhaps due to his good mood, his

expression was relaxed and easygoing.