"Figured it out?"
Zhang Yichen gazed through the glass at the distant high-rise buildings, a satisfied smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Choosing Li Yue as CEO had been the right call after all.
"Yes." Li Yue nodded and continued, her thoughts flowing smoothly."You use coin-collecting events to build user habits, then full-discount coupons to create dependency."
"Once we control the traffic, merchants will willingly settle in. And to compete for exposure, they'll naturally be willing to pay hefty promotion fees."
As she spoke, a sharp glint flashed through her eyes. Her fingers tapped unconsciously against the tabletop, as if calculating figures in her mind.
"That way, we won't just be a platform—we'll be the ones in control."
There was excitement in her voice, though she quickly forced herself to calm down.
"However, this requires enormous capital and time, and the risks are significant."
Zhang Yichen shrugged, his tone as casual as if he were talking about the weather.
"Risk? What doesn't come with risk? The real question is whether we have the guts to gamble."
He walked over and sat down on the sofa, crossing his legs.
"Besides, we already have a foundation. Joy's user growth has far exceeded expectations. As long as we keep increasing investment, we can form a monopoly in the short term. Other shopping platforms will only be left picking up our scraps."
Li Yue fell silent, her mind racing as she weighed the pros and cons.
She knew Zhang Yichen's ambition—and she knew he had the ability to make it happen. But she also understood that once they stepped onto this path, there would be no turning back.
"Then what about you?" she suddenly asked, looking up at him."You want to compete for the title of King of Singers. If we pour all our resources into Joy, won't it affect your career?"
Li Yue didn't know that Zhang Yichen's debut album had already sold over five million copies.
In her mind, if he wanted to become a top-tier singer, full-platform promotion was inevitable.
At the very least, he would need to buy homepage recommendations on other music platforms for several days.
That kind of promotion fee was astronomical.
Not to mention—he didn't even want to take on variety shows or appearances.
Relying solely on singing income wouldn't come close to covering those costs.
"You don't need to worry about me. My first album has already sold over five million copies."
Zhang Yichen waved his hand dismissively, his relaxed tone carrying a hint of smug pride.
"Besides, releasing albums on Joy not only saves costs but also strengthens fan loyalty."
A flicker of surprise passed through Li Yue's eyes before she nodded in realization.
She hadn't expected his debut album to sell that well.
But then again—considering his talent, and thinking about Chen Xiaoxi's comeback album sales…
That number suddenly didn't seem surprising at all.
She chuckled softly and shook her head.
"I didn't expect you to be this popular. That said, your move really is brilliant—using the platform to your advantage while feeding back into it. It's a perfect win-win."
"And there's more."
Zhang Yichen narrowed his eyes, a meaningful smile forming at his lips.
"I can reach the top in the shortest time possible."
Li Yue looked at him, admiration quietly blooming in her heart.
This man always found the most critical breakthrough point in seemingly ordinary plans—and executed without hesitation.
That ambition and decisiveness were exactly why she was willing to gamble ten billion on him.
"Alright. Since you already have a complete plan, I'll arrange manpower immediately and start preparing everything for the Happy Shopping Festival."
She nodded decisively.
Chen Xiaoxi let out a soft sigh, her fingertips tracing the rim of her teacup, her gaze unfocused.
Lowering her head, she spoke so softly it was almost like a breeze.
"You two have been so busy lately… I can't even get a word in."
Zhang Yichen turned to her. Seeing the faint sadness on her face, he frowned slightly and reached for her hand, his voice gentle.
"What's wrong? Haven't you always been by my side?"
Chen Xiaoxi lifted her head, her expression complicated. Her lips moved as if she wanted to say something—but she swallowed the words instead.
She lowered her head again, fingers lightly twisting the hem of her dress.
"I just feel like… I can't help with anything. Like I'm completely useless."
Zhang Yichen's gaze softened. He raised his hand and gently stroked her hair, his voice filled with tenderness.
"Silly girl. Your job right now is to take care of yourself and the baby. Leave everything else to me and Sister Yue."
Chen Xiaoxi bit her lip. Her eyes reddened, her voice trembling slightly.
"But I don't want to just be a bystander. I want to do something for you too."
A warm current surged through Zhang Yichen's chest. He pulled her into his arms and spoke softly,
"You already are. Just having you by my side is my greatest motivation."
Chen Xiaoxi leaned against his shoulder, tears silently sliding down her cheeks. Her fingers clutched tightly at his clothes, her voice shaking.
"But I'm afraid… afraid of drifting farther and farther away from you."
Zhang Yichen tightened his embrace, his voice firm yet gentle.
"How could that happen? You're my family—my most important person in this life."
Zhang Yichen understood it clearly.
Because she felt unable to help, Chen Xiaoxi had fallen into self-doubt.
She felt useless.
Perhaps… he was partly at fault.
Since they had been together, nearly everything—big or small—had been arranged by him.
He rarely asked for Chen Xiaoxi's opinion.
And Chen Xiaoxi had gradually become like a puppet on strings, letting him control every aspect of her life.
Even their intimacy—whenever he wanted her, she almost always agreed.
No matter the time.No matter the place.
She had always been a woman with her own thoughts and opinions.
Yet now, under his arrangements, she was slowly losing herself.
This was emotional instability.
If this continued…
He didn't even dare imagine the outcome.
He had to change his approach.
What he wanted was for Chen Xiaoxi to shine on her own—
not for him to simply shine a light on her.
But right now, he didn't have a perfect solution.
Her body still hadn't fully recovered.
She couldn't even withstand his intensity—let alone handle a complicated schedule.
At least for this month, she couldn't take on any work.
As for next month, he had already arranged everything.
He planned to bring Chen Xiaoxi onto the Spring Festival Gala.
Once National Day ended, rehearsals for the gala would begin.
By then, she would finally be busy again.
…......Right.
He had arranged everything again—without asking her opinion.
He truly needed to change.
The first step of that change was simple:
Before arranging anything for her—
he had to ask.
"Xiaoxi," Zhang Yichen said carefully,
"Do you want to go on the Spring Festival Gala?"