As Manranyama Souren anticipated, Bai Yaxin did not come for trivial matters. He had his bodyguards wait outside while he entered Manranyama Souren's apartment alone.

"Sorry, Miss Manranyama, for coming unannounced. Please forgive my intrusion," Bai Yaxin said respectfully.

Led by Van, Bai Yaxin entered the living room and politely greeted Manranyama Souren. However, Manranyama Souren did not stand up to welcome him. Instead, she remained seated, sorting through documents, and gave Bai Yaxin a brief glance.

"It's been a while since I was called Miss. Mr. Bai, you flatter me," Manranyama Souren replied in a calm tone that seemed as still as stagnant water, surprising Bai Yaxin.

Upon entering, Bai Yaxin noticed Van's anxious expression and felt satisfied. This was the perfect moment to catch her off guard. But he did not expect Manranyama Souren to remain so composed.

—Let's see how long you can hold out.

With this thought in mind, Bai Yaxin sat down on the sofa without waiting for an invitation from Manranyama Souren.

"Miss Manranyama, you are being too modest. Even if you have left the Manranyama family, you still excel, possessing abilities and methods far beyond your peers," Bai Yaxin complimented.

"Compared to Mr. Bai, I still have many shortcomings that I need to work on," Manranyama Souren humbly replied.

"I wonder what brings Mr. Bai here today. My abilities are limited, so I may not be of much help," Manranyama Souren stated.

Manranyama Souren did not want to engage in meaningless arguments and went straight to the point. However, Bai Yaxin had a different idea.

"Young people are always in a hurry. I am a bit thirsty. Could you pour me a glass of water?" Bai Yaxin requested.

Bai Yaxin glanced at Van standing nearby. Before Van could respond, Manranyama Souren interjected.

"Sorry, Mr. Bai, but we're out of water at the moment," Manranyama Souren replied.

"Soft drinks will do," Bai Yaxin retorted.

"We're on a tight budget, so we don't buy soft drinks," Manranyama Souren replied with a smile, holding her ground.

She wanted to see how far Bai Yaxin could be pushed with each step. But Bai Yaxin's response surprised Manranyama Souren.

Bai Yaxin paused for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"Alright, hahaha." (Bai Yaxin)

"Since you are so eager to taste the flavor of defeat quickly, let's get down to business." (Bai Yaxin)

Bai Yaxin shifted in his seat, sitting on the edge of the sofa, hands crossed, wiping away the smile from his face, his expression turning cold as he stared straight at Manranyama Souren.

"Please, Mr. Bai, go ahead." (Manranyama Souren)

Manranyama Souren merely glanced at Bai Yaxin, unaffected by his demeanor.

"Miss Manranyama, you have grown up under my watch since childhood, so you should understand better than anyone that once hostilities are confirmed, I am not one to hold back." (Bai Yaxin)

Seemingly casually but with intent, Bai Yaxin placed the court judgment that he had just brought out on the table, aiming to amplify the threat to Manranyama Souren.

"Things have come to this, you no longer have a chance of winning. I have a proposal for cooperation, Miss Manranyama, are you interested?" (Bai Yaxin)

With that, Bai Yaxin paused, looking at Manranyama Souren, awaiting her response.

He had expected Manranyama Souren to need some time to consider.

But in less than a minute, Manranyama Souren gave her answer.

"How do you propose we cooperate? I'm all ears." (Manranyama Souren)