Although the conference room was made of glass, the inside could not be seen clearly from the outside—only blurred silhouettes were visible.
Even so, Nan Gong He’s profile still stood out. After all, a face with such sharply defined features was rare.
Qiao Xi nodded.
“Business first.”
Even though she was anxious to the point of panic, she forced herself to appear calm. She was here to negotiate—showing weakness would cost her leverage.
Who knew that this wait would last a full two and a half hours.
During that time, the hospital kept calling again and again without stopping.
In the end, Qiao Xi had no choice but to gather all her savings, but it was still only a drop in the bucket.
Just as she was about to rush into the conference room, the door finally opened and a tall figure walked out at an unhurried pace.
She quickly stepped forward, speaking in a sarcastic tone.
“On our wedding day, you left your bride waiting outside for so long. As a husband, that’s really not very qualified…”
Nan Gong He raised a hand without expression, cutting her off. Then he turned to his assistant.
“Tell the marketing director to come over. I have something to discuss.”
After a two-and-a-half-hour meeting, now calling the marketing director for another discussion—no one knew how long it would take this time.
She could wait, but her brother couldn’t. Every delay was a matter of life and death.
Qiao Xi gritted her teeth and stepped forward, directly hooking her arm around his.
Leaning close to his ear, she said through clenched teeth:
“Mr. Nan Gong, are you planning to discard me after using me?”
“I, Qiao Xi, am not that easy to dismiss.”
The assistant nearly slipped in shock.
He had never seen anyone dare to speak to their CEO like this.
Hesitantly, he turned and asked carefully:
“Do we still call Director Liu?”
Nan Gong He replied calmly:
“No need.”
The assistant silently breathed a sigh of relief—if they had called him, the marketing director probably wouldn’t have dared to come anyway.
Nan Gong He did not push her away in front of others. Only after entering the office did he casually shake off her hand.
“I underestimated how shameless you can be. Saying things like that—aren’t you afraid of the consequences?”
His tone was calm, but faint mockery lingered within it.
Qiao Xi felt a trace of lingering fear, but quickly steadied herself.
“Necessity overrides etiquette.”
“What is it? Say it.”
Nan Gong He sat lazily on the sofa, legs crossed and hands clasped over his knee.
Even such a simple posture carried an effortless air of authority.
Taking a deep breath, Qiao Xi spoke decisively:
“Let’s make our fake marriage real.”
Nan Gong He paused. He leaned forward slightly, as if unsure he had heard correctly.
“What did you say?”
“I’ve already looked into your situation. You suddenly chose me at the wedding for two reasons.”
“First, your original bride stood you up.”
“Second, your grandfather is seriously ill, and his only wish is to see you married before he passes. You don’t want him to leave with regrets.”
Nan Gong He’s expression returned to calm. His fingers tapped lightly on his knee.
“Continue.”
“Now the news of our marriage is already public. Everyone believes I am your legitimate wife.”
“In that case, we should continue the act. I can play the role of a loving wife in front of your grandfather until he is at peace.”
“I’m not good at many things, but acting is something I excel at. There won’t be any flaws. In return, you must agree to one condition—treat my younger brother’s illness.”
She laid out everything in one breath, clearly and directly.
Nan Gong He was a businessman; he should understand the pros and cons of this.
In the eyes of the public now, her status as his wife was already established.
If they changed it abruptly, it might even make his grandfather suspicious.
So she was the best option.
A faint smile appeared on Nan Gong He’s cold face. Lowering his voice, he said with a hint of amusement:
“So you’re negotiating with me?”
“I can find plenty of replacements for you. What makes you think you’re qualified?”