Chapter 124: Mother-in-Law's Trial
The CEO's office, estimated to be around fifty square meters, became Ren's casual exploration ground upon arrival.
Floor-to-ceiling windows, a sofa long enough to sleep on with a coffee table, and a beautiful female CEO dressed in professional attire with a pencil skirt and black stockings—it fulfilled all of Ren's fantasies about such a place. The only catch was that this beautiful CEO was his still-charming mother-in-law.
"I've heard everything. I'm curious how you managed to persuade Mai."
Youko had already relayed the message, and since Ren had taken the initiative to explain in person, there was no need to speculate about his involvement in multiple relationships.
For Renée, this wasn't particularly unusual. At her stage in life, model couples were the rare exception—who didn't have a few lovers on the side?
But it seemed unreasonable for this to happen to Mai, who was still young and spirited.
Mai, in her rebellious phase, would defy her mother over matters of the heart, yet she had been convinced to share her partner with others.
Renée was deeply curious about the reason and how Ren had pulled it off.
Ren had different attitudes and approaches for each of his in-laws. With Renée, he simply needed to lay out everything he could offer Mai and let her weigh the pros and cons.
"It's actually quite simple. I haven't neglected Mai because of my other relationships, and I've never lacked in caring for her. The material comforts I provide might even surpass what you can offer, Auntie."
"Most importantly, I can give her a worry-free environment. If she doesn't want to be a model, she doesn't have to be. If she doesn't feel like playing the perfect Mai today, she doesn't have to. I unconditionally support anything she wants to do."
"Even with multiple partners, I not only avoid neglecting Mai but can also provide her with sexual satisfaction beyond what you might imagine, Auntie."
"Oh? Quite the bold claims. But how can you prove you can deliver on all that?"
Renée's eyebrows raised skeptically. She couldn't determine how much of what Ren said was true or false.
As a long-time company operator, she instinctively focused on interests and relationships. Her concerns weren't just about whether Ren might neglect Mai but also whether he would invest too few resources in her.
In her eyes, eternal love was less valuable than Ren endorsing Mai to help her earn more money. While Ren promised to treat Mai well now, what about the future?
Having started his harem in high school, Renée dreaded to think how large it might grow in ten years. Though maintaining hundreds of lovers wasn't uncommon, she didn't want this to happen with Ren and affect Mai's future career.
"Why should I prove anything to you, Mom? This is between me and Ren."
Mai, who had been listening quietly, glared and sharply refused on Ren's behalf. Pleasing the mother-in-law was Ren's job—she didn't need to, nor did she want him to prove anything to Renée.
If he really had to prove it, wouldn't that make her seem cheap? After all, Hitori's parents never demanded any proof from Ren.
"Children shouldn't interrupt when adults are speaking. Mai, you don't appreciate your blessings. Having such a lover yet refusing to rely on him, instead willingly abandoning the career you've persisted in since childhood for his sake—it's simply childish."
Renée's tone wasn't any better. She wouldn't genuinely get angry with Mai, but that frustration of being disappointed in someone's failure to meet expectations made her feel she hadn't done well in educating Mai.
Would Ren even care if she used his resources to benefit her own career?
Of course not. Yet Mai would forgo enjoying resources she could rightfully benefit from, all for love—what a waste of natural gifts!
"Adults blinded by profit aren't allowed to speak either! My relationship with Senpai could never be tainted by profit reeking of money."
"Alright, let's not be so confrontational. I think you both have valid points. Besides, didn't we come here mainly to resolve my Harem situation?"
"I still hold my previous view—if you need my help, Auntie, I'll naturally provide it. Having other lovers won't reduce my care for you all."
"And judging by your attitude, Auntie, you can accept this, right?"
Seeing the mother and daughter about to argue again, Ren quickly interrupted their dispute. One had to admit—truly her mother's daughter. Though Mai only dared contradict Renée because of her feelings and love, having been influenced by Renée for so long, she was no weak opponent when it came to arguments.
To prevent their argument from turning serious, Ren redirected the fire toward himself.
"Hmph, this is exactly why I say you still need to grow up, Mai.
Yes, I can accept you having a Harem, but it makes me uneasy. So I need some security."
Renée didn't actually have major objections to Ren having a Harem. Their social circle was chaotic enough, and her ability to remain uninvolved largely stemmed from having seen through it all.
So what if he had a Harem? As long as Ren could guarantee he wouldn't betray Mai and would continue providing the previously discussed assistance and resources, that was enough.
But only children blindly trust their partner's promises because of love. Adults need firm control over what she called benefits to feel secure.
This security manifested as a contract—what existed before and now were merely verbal agreements.
Renée couldn't feel at ease until the contract was signed and Ren endorsed it, ensuring money and fame were secured.
The moment Mai saw this, she bristled instantly. It made her feel their love was being tainted, and she absolutely wouldn't let Ren sign. Renée merely responded with a cold laugh, her imposing presence overwhelming the furious Mai.
Mothers-in-law are always difficult to deal with. Ren knew Renée wouldn't relent unless he signed.
Actually, this was exactly the kind of mother-in-law Ren preferred—someone who saw through emotions and prioritized benefits, while he happened to be able to provide satisfactory benefits.
So he intended to sign. Seeing this, Mai could only glare at him angrily. She wouldn't stop Ren, understanding this was his way of giving both her and her mother a way to save face and prevent their continuous arguing.
"Mai, go back first. There are some matters and words I wish only Ren could hear."
Seeing Ren sign the contract, Mai's icy expression finally softened into a faint smile. Coldness was her protective shield—after all, she was just a single mother. Though strong-willed and highly successful, she still possessed a gentle side, one she rarely showed.
Moreover, having maintained a stern facade in front of Mai for so long, she felt too embarrassed to reveal it now. Who could blame her? Her strict demeanor had shaped Mai's dependence into something more reserved, not the type to act coy or spoiled.
"What else do you want?"
Hearing that Renée still seemed unsatisfied and wanted to whisper something to Ren, Mai immediately grew wary. With a displeased tone, she glared at Renée, gripping Ren's hand firmly to make her stance clear.
"I can assure you that what I discuss with him next has nothing to do with interests."
Renée offered no further explanation, only hinting at some underlying details.
"Ren, don't indulge her too much. She's a businesswoman—she'll take everything from you if she can."
After a moment of internal conflict, Mai turned to Ren with a worried reminder. Ren's kindness extended even to Renée, and what seemed like unreasonable demands in Mai's eyes were trivial to him. If he deemed it acceptable, he might secretly agree to any requests Renée made behind the scenes.
"I know. Go wait for me downstairs—I'll be right there."
Ren smiled and nodded, all while pondering what Renée could possibly want to discuss. The Harem matter was settled, the contract signed—what else could she need to verify or desire?
After a moment of fruitless speculation, Ren noticed Renée had already stood up and locked the office door.
"Come with me."
Instead of returning to her desk, Renée swayed her hips and led the way into the adjoining lounge connected to the CEO's office.
The lounge was roughly the size of a standard bedroom—about fifty square meters—equipped with a bathroom and wardrobe. The bed covers, nearby desk, and sofa were somewhat messy, suggesting Renée often rested here.
"So, what requires such secrecy?"
Following Renée into the lounge, Ren couldn't help but ask curiously.
"Before we begin, I'd like to know your thoughts—do you find me too opportunistic?"
Renée poured herself a glass of water and handed one to Ren, avoiding the main topic to first gauge his impression of her.
"A little, but it's reassuring. Honestly, Auntie, your approach is the most rational. Mai and the others view emotions as too pure and sacred, which sometimes makes me feel guilty. That's why I strive to love them all equally and never neglect any one of them."
Ren nodded, seeing no point in lying to Renée—after all, she was genuinely profit-driven.
"Does that make you dislike or resent me?"
Rather than taking offense, Renée smiled faintly. Honest communication was always preferable, and Ren's refusal to sugarcoat the truth earned him more of her respect.
"Not at all. I understand your concerns, Auntie. Besides, I'm capable of handling those matters and am willing to do so for Mai. If I'm not mistaken, the endorsement I'll be undertaking—"
"This is about the time when Mai returns to her modeling career and partners with her to build momentum, right?"
"Exactly, I'm glad you can see through me. I wish Mai could understand this too. Honestly, why does she suspect her mother is trying to harm her?"
Renée's smile grew increasingly tender, and her expression toward Ren was full of appreciation. The benefits she sought were all prepared for Mai, not for herself or her company.
"Then what if Mai truly doesn't want to continue her modeling career? I'm wealthy—far beyond what you might imagine, Auntie. I can guarantee that even if she starts her own business, I'll be her safety net."
"I told her she could live freely, and she happens to feel that her previous work has robbed her of that freedom. Her decision to give up modeling isn't impulsive; it's a choice made when I have the ability to support her, and she herself finds the work tedious, monotonous, and restrictive."
"Then the schedule will just keep being postponed until it expires."
Renée stared at Ren for a long time before speaking slowly. Ren's tone was bold—what did he mean by saying he could be Mai's safety net if she started her own business?
She wouldn't even dare to give Renée that kind of authority, because if a business venture failed badly, she might have to sell the company and still not be able to repay the debts.
But Ren claimed he could. Renée's first instinct was to doubt him, thinking he was boasting, but she quickly dismissed that thought. When Ren said those words, there was no trace of guilt or deception in his demeanor.
After years in the business world, she had developed the ability to read people. In other words, Ren truly was that wealthy—perhaps even as rich as a nation, and it wasn't just an empty boast.
If that were really the case, then she had no objections. After all, everything was prepared for Renée. If Renée couldn't use it, then so be it.
"So, Auntie, you should start telling me what you intended to say by keeping me here."
That had been the heart-to-heart part of the conversation. Now that it was over, it was time to get to the main topic. Ren sat down on the sofa, but Renée took a seat on the bed.
"You've proven to me your emotional support, material foundation, and the resources you can provide. But there's one thing you haven't proven yet, and it's closely related to Mai's future happiness. You should understand that love encompasses many, many things. These are the most basic yet most important aspects, and I need you to prove them to me. But the question is, do you dare?"
"Huh?"
Ren rarely found himself bewildered these days, and it was even rarer for him to be startled. But this time, he was truly stunned by Renée.
"…Do you think I'm being too casual?"
As Ren was about to leave, Renée gently straightened his school uniform collar, her expression soft and her tone unusually gentle.
"I only feel the depth of your love for Mai, Auntie."
Ren kept his gaze steady, looking only at Renée as she adjusted his collar. His expression was complex, as if he was seeing her in a new light.
"Hehe~ Smooth talker. But now I believe you can bring Mai unparalleled happiness. However, you must not let her get pregnant before she turns twenty-four. I want her to experience a perfect youth, not spend it resting at home with a big belly, about to enter a new phase of life."
Renée gave a gentle smile, remaining seated on the bed without seeing Ren off, as the assessment had left her tired.
"I'll be careful."
Ren nodded, then left the CEO's office. He had been discussing matters with Renée for about an hour.
He had underestimated Renée. How could someone who raised a slightly difficult person like Mai be entirely normal? Renée loved Mai, but her way of showing care was somewhat peculiar, radical, and open.
"Senpai, she didn't give you a hard time, did she?"
Because Ren had stayed upstairs for too long, Mai even dropped the respectful title for Renée. Frowning prettily, she was so angry she wanted to go upstairs and confront Renée.
"No, she just conducted a second assessment. Now, she won't oppose or interfere with our matters anymore."
"I knew she had ulterior motives."
As they chatted, Ren and Mai left the building. Just as they were about to head home, they were stopped by the orange-haired mature woman who had bumped into Ren not long ago. She still wore a guilty expression and, after apologizing, insisted on treating Ren to a meal as compensation, saying she wouldn't feel right otherwise.
Since Ren had expended some energy and it was mealtime anyway, he didn't refuse the beautiful woman's invitation and accompanied her to a restaurant.
It was then that Ren learned her surname: Yuigahama. Her given name remained unknown.