Chapter 36

"Don't let pretty boys hit on me? Like you'd know if I wanted to play around!"

Brian glared at him with a cold smirk. "Well, look at you, Mr. Big Shot, sending spies after me now, huh?"

"Don't listen to that scrawny punk's nonsense. I mean, there are too many creeps out there. Just don't let some pretty face mess you up."

William wouldn't admit that he was worried about Brian cheating on him while he was away on missions. He had to keep an eye on him, of course.

"Wow, enjoying playing boss for a day, are we? Already agreeing to sign contracts? When I put out bids, it's after negotiation, aiming for fairness. We analyze the company's background, strength, everything. You just agree because he's a buddy? We're running a business here, not a charity. Friendship is great, but not when it comes to business."

"He's not an outsider."

"Ever heard of 'blood is thicker than water, but money talks'? If I left the company to you, it'd go under in no time."

"So, it's safe in your hands, then?"

William wasn't mad. Brian had given him enough respect today.

He picked up the share transfer document beside him and handed it to Brian.

"I got my parents' shares transferred to me, and now I'm giving them to you. This way, you'll own fifty percent of the company."

Brian was gobsmacked. He never thought he'd become the largest shareholder. He now owned half the company.

"Did your parents agree? Or did you twist their arms to get these?"

"I can't really help you in the business. When I show up at the company, people think I'm trying to take control and push you out. Technically, we're married, and you were chosen by grandfather to take over. But why did they give you a hard time at first? Because they thought you weren't legit. With more shares, you'll have a bigger say, more clout."

William noticed Brian's bandage was loose. He carefully picked up his right hand and started rewrapping it.

"You're really throwing me to the wolves here."

Brian gave a wry smile. William Wang didn't think things through. It wasn't as simple as just getting the shares.

"We're married. What's mine is yours. My parents don't have other kids, so theirs is mine too, which means it's yours."

"Parents are parents, we need to draw a line. There's no such thing as 'entitled' in the law. If I take this transfer to the board, other shareholders will grill me. They'll think I'm staging a coup, plotting to take over the company step by step."

"I didn't see it that way."

"Having all the shares isn't fair to your uncle or the other shareholders. I can use the shares, but I can't own them. I'm a manager, not an owner. If I own too many shares, everyone will think the company is changing hands, which isn't good for business."

William hadn't thought that far. He just figured if he gave Brian the shares, he'd have the final say.

"So, what about this agreement?"

"Give it back to your parents. Don't pull a stunt like this again. Seriously."

"I thought it was like going on a mission. The main objective stays the same, but you have to adapt and seize opportunities. You don't have to ask for permission for every little thing."

"Business isn't like going on a mission. You have to consider all angles."

William scratched his head. He hadn't thought about the need for balance in business. He just wanted to see Brian happy with the shares, maybe even tackle him with a hug and smother him with kisses.

But that was just a fantasy. Always a fantasy.

"Man, I tried to do something nice to make you happy, and I screwed up again."

"If you were in charge of the company, grandpa would be turning in his grave."

No surprise there. William was all about loyalty and whims, not cut out for business.

"I guess I'm stuck being a soldier for life. Don't dump me now that you're rolling in dough, honey."

"I dumped you ages ago in my head."

"Come on, don't be like that. I've got some redeeming qualities."

William wrapped his arms around Brian, pulling him close, acting all cute and whiny. "Don't push me away. Come on, give me a smooch. One kiss and you'll see I'm quite the catch."

If he remembered correctly, they hadn't even had a proper kiss since they got married.