Chapter 123 The Favor
Seeing how well James had recovered, Simon’s eyes couldn’t help but turn warm and misty. Awkwardly, he wiped at the corners of his eyes. “You–why’d you come here?”
“I need a favor,” James said in his usual cool, composed tone, his face is unreadable as always.
But the moment he said those words, Simon grew visibly excited.
From childhood until now, it was always James cleaning up the messes Simon and Ivan made.
Now James needed his help?
How could he not be thrilled?
It meant James trusted him.
He had to get this done perfectly–no mistakes–just to show James he had grown up.
Simon was the sole heir to the Fu Corporation. Out in public, he was steady, composed, and kept his emotions tightly in check.
But in front of James–whom he practically worshipped–he always reverted a bit. It was like he was still a little boy chasing after James’s footsteps.
Sliding closer, Simon said quickly, Just tell me what you need, James. Whatever it is, I’ll get it done!”
“You’ve probably heard that while I was unconscious, Grandma and the others arranged a girl for me.”
Simon nodded vigorously.
Of course he’d heard about it.
He even knew that before James had become a vegetable, there was someone he loved dearly.
He’d visited James not long after he woke up, and though he hadn’t met the woman they’d married him off to, that didn’t stop him from despising her.
Seriously. That woman was awful!
James had someone he truly loved, and she still married him while he was unconscious? Wasn’t that just tearing lovers apart?
The thought of James being separated from the girl he loved because of some sham marriage made Simon upset. He couldn’t hold back from speaking up.
“Gosh everyone has really crossed a line. How could they pick a woman for you without your permission?” His expression darkened. “And that woman–what kind of person even does that? Seriously, she’s—”
James did not like Lily. But he also knew none of this was her fault–and he had no intention of letting others insult her.
1/3
He Favor
Coolly, he cut Simon off. ‘She was forced into it. Cullt–tripped into taking someone else’s place
“She’s not a bad person. But I don’t love her, and I never will. It’s unfair to keep her in a marriage dat means nothing to me. Grandma’s very fond of her and doesn’t want her to be wronged–She said if Iran find Lily a good man–someone with character and prospects–she’ll persuade Grandpa to allow the divorce. You’ve always been clean, responsible, and trustworthy. I thought of introducing you. Or if you know someone else suitable, I can screen them and set her up
“What?! You want to set me up with her?”
Simon shot up from the couch like he’d been electrocuted.
He was more than willing to help James.
He even wanted to lielp get that woman out of his cousin’s life.
But him? In a relationship?
He didn’t even like women–how was he supposed to date a complete stranger?
Downing a full glass of water, he quickly added, “No way. Women are too much trouble. I’m not interested in falling in love.”
James gave a faint nod.
Last night, when Grace asked him to find Lily a good match, Simon was the first person who came to -mind. In every way, he fit the bill.
But while driving to the Fu Corporation this morning, James had already considered the possibility that Simon would reject the idea.
Simon had always found romantic relationships tiresome.
James didn’t believe in forcing anyone. Since Simon wasn’t willing, he’d leave it alone.
After a moment of silence, he spoke again:
“Ashton is reliable in both character and ability. I’ll have her meet him tonight.”
Help me think of a few more candidates. If she and Ashton don’t work out, I’ll introduce her to someone else.”
As James’s chief assistant, Ashton was exceptional.
He was a once–orphaned boy whom James had sponsored through university. He’d worked at Luke Group ever since and had been fiercely loyal.
Polished, calm, and strikingly handsome–he and Lily would make a visually impressive pair.
Still, fate was fickle. Even if two people were perfect on paper, they migh
t click.
And James, ever the perfectionist, wanted backups
Simon wasn’t interested in dating, but he had no shortage of friends. As soon as James asked, several
9/3
Chapter 123 The Favor
TEDMYR!
suitable men came to mind.
Still, it wouldn’t be fair to send them in blind.
“James, do you have a picture of this girl?”
“If I’m going to ask someone out for her, they need to know what she looks like
He instinctively assumed she wasn’t particularly attractive or well–mannered
And if she turned out to be some clingy oddball, he’d just pay a few actors to fake–date her rather than sacrifice his actual friends.
