The rest of her question died in her throat. Even she didn't know what she was asking anymore.
Mrs. Fu watched her quietly, then asked, "What will you do now?"
For a moment, Rulan seemed lost. Her eyes were still fixed on the house where Fu Jingrong had disappeared with the unknown woman. Then, as though something inside her hardened, she turned her gaze back to Mrs. Fu.
Her voice trembled at first but grew steadier as she said,
"My family… we own most of the ports in Haicheng. I've heard that the Fu family is preparing to expand its business onto the water, with fleets, with shipping. If the Fu family is willing to consider this, I can offer those ports."
Mrs. Fu blinked, momentarily caught off guard. The words were too abrupt, too calculated, as though the girl was forcing herself to stay composed.
"What do you want in exchange for that?" Mrs. Fu asked finally, her tone flat, almost testing.
