Chapter 424: Li Xiaoman, Who Wants to Advance (Part Two)
Several hours ago.
The Chairmans Secretary Office on the 40th floor.
As soon as she saw Cao Pingao walk in from outside, the new secretary Li Xiaoman quickly stood up from her seat along with Wang Hui:
"Good afternoon, Boss~"
"Mhm, hello."
Cao Pingao glanced at the new secretary's beautiful legs encased in black stockings: "Are there any documents requiring my signature?"
"Yes, Boss~" Wang Hui picked up a stack of documents from her desk and followed behind Cao Pingao.
At this moment, Cao Pingao beckoned to Li Xiaoman: "You come in too, watch and learn.
Xiao Hui will be going on maternity leave in less than two months, and you will take over all her work then."
"Understood, Boss~" Li Xiaoman quickly grabbed her notebook and obediently followed beside Wang Hui.
Afterward, the three of them entered the inner office.
Cao Pingao sat at the large desk, while Wang Hui and Li Xiaoman stood on his left and right.
Wang Hui was responsible for introducing the contents of the documents needing signatures and the signing locations to Boss Cao, while Li Xiaoman took study notes and helped organize the signed documents.
Whether intentional or unintentional, the top two buttons of the white shirt Li Xiaoman was wearing were undone.
This caused the'spring scenery' (cleavage) in her neckline to intentionally or unintentionally appear in Cao Pingao's line of sight every time she bent over to organize documents.
Wang Hui, noticing the subtlety, couldn't help but inwardly complain: This Li Xiaoman is truly a 'green tea bitch'; she dares to blatantly seduce the boss on her very first day of work.
Cao Pingao naturally noticed the new secretary's little trick.
However, he didn't say much, merely signed all the documents while 'watching the ball,' and then kept Li Xiaoman behind alone.
Cao Pingao smiled and pointed to her chest: "Xiaoman, your shirt buttons aren't fastened."
Li Xiaoman looked down and immediately said, "Oh dear~ How did this happen?" with'surprise.'
She blushed, fastened the buttons, and said, "I'm sorry, Boss~ I'll be careful next time~"
Cao Pingao chuckled: "Hahahaha, I can tell, your desire to advance is quite urgent."
Li Xiaoman nodded, and with an ambiguous look in her eyes, she said:
"After having lived in a luxurious lake-view villa, going back to living in a shared rental apartment is truly agonizing.
Boss~ Since you allowed me to become your new secretary, it shows that my appearance meets your standards.
Then Boss, could you also give me a chance? I also want to live in a big villa like Qian Yi and Qian Jia."
Cao Pingao rubbed his chin and smiled: "Then what about your Boyfriend?"
Li Xiaoman immediately replied: "As long as Boss is willing to have me as your woman, I will go back and break up with Qian Feng today."
Cao Pingao stared at Li Xiaoman with a smirk for a moment, then patted his thigh.
Seeing this, Li Xiaoman immediately blushed and sat down on his lap.
Cao Pingao wrapped his arm around her slender waist and laughed: "Actually, the shirt buttons don't all need to be fastened so neatly."
Hearing this, Li Xiaoman very sensibly took the initiative to unbutton the two buttons she had just fastened, plus one more below them.
Cao Pingao: "Hahahaha, very good. I like proactive and smart girls like you."
After speaking, he lowered his head and kissed Li Xiaoman's cherry lips.
After a period of embracing and kissing, the body of the Little Secretary in black stockings was already limp in Boss Cao's arms.
Cao Pingao directly held Li Xiaoman by her back and legs, lifting her into a horizontal embrace. He carried her to the background wall, used his elbow to push open the invisible door on the wall, and brought the new secretary into the adjacent "secret room."
Looking at the bright, large living room, the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the large leather sofa, the exquisitely decorated master bedroom, and the spacious bathroom with a large circular bathtub, the astonished Li Xiaoman widened her eyes and exclaimed:
"My Heavens~ Boss, there's such a huge—suite—right next door to your office?!"
Cao Pingao smiled slightly proudly: "Entering my secret room means completely becoming my woman. Xiaoman, are you mentally prepared?"
"Mhm~" Li Xiaoman nodded, her small face slightly flushed, her big eyes filled with anticipation and excitement.
"Hahahaha, very good." Cao Pingao held the delicate and soft female secretary and strode into the adjacent bedroom.
---[Legendary Marksman Badge activated]
[Congratulations, host, for successfully completing the Many Children, Many Blessings Mission]
[Breeding target Li Xiaoman successfully conceived naturally. System rewards 10 million yuan]
[Skill Reward: Armor Piercing Badge (Bronze)]
[When the baby is born healthy, the Armor Piercing Badge will automatically upgrade by one level]
[The host currently holds the Armor Piercing Badge (Silver): Armor Piercing Rate 50%]
[Random Reward: 2 great tonic strengthening pills]
In the suite's bathroom.
Cao Pingao squatted beside Li Xiaoman, cleaning the bloodstains on her calves with the showerhead, and said:
"I don't like giving others cuckold horns.
So after you have clearly settled your relationship with Qian Feng, and after some time has passed, I will then arrange for you to live in a big villa."
Li Xiaoman held onto Cao Pingao's sturdy shoulder and said obediently, "I understand, Boss~"
Cao Pingao looked up and smiled: "In private, you can call me Husband from now on."
Li Xiaoman happily leaned down and kissed Cao Pingao, then said sweetly:
"I understand, Husband~"
---After work in the afternoon.
As soon as Li Xiaoman walked out of the Donghu Bay Building, she saw Qian Feng standing in their usual spot by the roadside waiting for her.
Qian Feng approached with a simple smile and asked, "Xiaoman, was work smooth today?"
"It was alright."
Although Li Xiaoman said it was alright, the stimulating image of her entwined with Cao Pingao in the secret room on the 40th floor, in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, instantly flashed through her mind.
Afterward, on the way home, Qian Feng continuously searched for various topics to chat with Li Xiaoman, while Li Xiaoman was thinking about what reason would be suitable to break up with Qian Feng.
"Wait a minute!" Qian Feng suddenly shouted.
Li Xiaoman was startled. She turned her head, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, and asked, "What is it? Why are you being so jumpy?"
Qian Feng said with despair in his eyes: "Xiaoman, I remember you were wearing a pair of black stockings when you left this morning—"
Li Xiaoman looked down at her fair legs, then said calmly, "I wore stockings when I left this morning, but I accidentally snagged and tore them in the office this afternoon."
Qian Feng looked pained: "Was it really accidentally snagged? It wasn't by Cao Pingao who—"
Li Xiaoman's face first flushed, but she immediately adjusted her mindset and spoke in a tone mixed with anger and grievance: "Qian Feng, what are you imagining all day long?
Today is my first day working in the Chairmans Office—do you think I'm such a casual girl?"
Seeing his goddess get angry, Qian Feng immediately switched into 'dog-licking' mode: "How could that be, Xiaoman? Of course, you are a pure and innocent good girl. I just don't trust that guy Cao Pingao—"
Li Xiaoman, having suddenly found a "reason for breaking up," pouted and said:
"Qian Feng, after what has happened these past few days, I feel like you neither trust yourself nor trust me.
If there isn't even basic trust between two people, I truly believe we are not suitable to continue being together."
Hearing that the goddess he had worked so hard to pursue intended to break up with him, Qian Feng quickly explained with an anxious look: "I was wrong, Xiaoman, please don't be angry.
I don't distrust you—I just worry about you too much and care about you too deeply. Please don't break up with me, okay?"
//425//
Chapter 425 – Part Two of "love in jiangcheng"
Li Xiaoman looked at Qian Feng with a grave expression, yet her tone was gentle:
"Brother Feng, don't wait for me after work these next few days. I need some quiet time alone to think seriously about our future—can I?"
Seeing that his goddess wasn't actually breaking up with him, Qian Feng—still clinging to hope—could only nod in pain.
—Several days later, Saturday afternoon.
Qian Feng slouched on the shared-apartment sofa, blankly scrolling on his phone.
Heavily made-up and dressed to the nines, Qian Juan and Qian Jing stepped out of their bedrooms.
Eldest Maternal Cousin Sister Qian Juan, touching up her lipstick at the mirror by the door, asked the reclining Qian Feng, "Xiao Feng, where's Xiaoman?"
Qian Feng didn't even lift his eyes. "Working overtime at the company."
"Overtime?" Qian Jing sat beside him, suspicious. "You two had a fight?"
Qian Feng's heart clenched; he kept his voice calm. "No, how could I argue with Xiaoman?"
Qian Jing glanced at Qian Juan, then turned back.
"Juan-jie and I are heading to the Lakeside Villa Area to meet Xiao Wan, Jia-jia and Xiao Yi. We'll crash there for dinner—coming along?"
Qian Feng answered weakly, "I'll pass. Have fun."
Qian Jing: "Suit yourself. Eat properly—we're off."
—Not long after Qian Juan and Qian Jing left, Li Xiaoman walked in wearing an OL suit.
Qian Feng shot up from the sofa. "Xiaoman? Off work?"
"Mm." Li Xiaoman gave a perfunctory reply, went straight to her room and shut the door firmly.
Watching her back disappear, Qian Feng felt awful—
She'd left wearing nude stockings this morning; this was the third pair she'd snagged this week.
Soon the bedroom door reopened; Li Xiaoman wheeled out a large suitcase.
Qian Feng sprang up, anxious. "Xiaoman, what are you doing?"
Li Xiaoman answered calmly, "Moving. I've rented a studio at Boyu Apartments next to the company."
Qian Feng looked stricken. "Everything's fine here—why move?"
"Brother Feng, after thinking it over, I believe our personalities—and many other things—don't suit each other."
Li Xiaoman's eyes were resolute. "Let's break up amicably."
Qian Feng: "—"
"Xiaoman, it was all my fault. I shouldn't have kept overthinking or doubting you—I'll fix that. Give me one more chance, please?"
Li Xiaoman shook her head gently and slipped an envelope into his hand.
"This covers my rent for two months plus an extra ten thousand, as thanks for bringing me to Jiangcheng and finding me a job."
"Xiaoman—" Tears streamed down Qian Feng's face. "I truly love you—don't leave me, okay?"
"Don't be like this, Brother Feng."
Li Xiaoman fetched a pack of tissues from the coffee table and placed them in his hand.
"Work hard and carve out your own career in Cao Wei Group.
Then you'll meet a Girlfriend who's better suited to you than I am."
With that, she dragged her suitcase out without looking back.
—Time skipped quickly to late April.
At St. Marys Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Qian Jia, Deng Xiaorong and Huang Panpan gave birth smoothly one after another.
Qian Jia had a daughter for Cao Pingao, named Cao Xuanjia;
Deng Xiaorong delivered twin boys, Cao Hui and Cao Mao;
Huang Panpan bore a dragon-phoenix pair, Cao Fu and Cao Xuanjin.
Along with a cash bonus of nine hundred million, Cao Pingao's total number of children—Lele included—now reached forty-two.
—This morning.
On the 40th floor of Tower A, Donghu Bay Building, in the Chairman's Office leather sofa.
Cao Wei Group's new core five—Cao Pingao, Chen Xue, Chen Shuting, Jie Jie and Shen Qingyu—held their first small management meeting.
Cao Pingao, arm around Shen Qingyu's slender waist, said tenderly:
"Qingyu, you've just finished confinement; limit work to two hours a day and focus on rest."
Shen Qingyu smiled sweetly. "Darling, I've recovered well—two hours is too little. I promise no more than four, okay?"
"Can't win against you." Cao Pingao grinned. "Fine, you know your body best—just don't overtire yourself."
"Ahem." Chen Xue, seated diagonally, coughed lightly, a hint of jealousy in her voice. "Boss Cao, when do we officially start the meeting?"
Shen Qingyu laughed and gently pushed Cao Pingao's arm away.
Chen Shuting and Jie Jie sat nearby, stifling giggles.
Cao Pingao straightened up and put on a serious air.
"All right, Presidents Chen and Jie, and President Shen—report Q1 operations to me."
Chen Shuting, Chen Xue and Jie Jie outlined their respective areas.
Finally, Banana Film & TV CEO Shen Qingyu took the floor:
"Banana's key first-half project is the sequel to web-drama 'love in jiangcheng'."
Total planned investment: 32 million. Lead actress: Xia Tian; second and third female leads: Yuwei and Tiantian."
For the male lead we've booked the hot rising newcomer, Ye Feng."
"Ye Feng?" Cao Pingao blinked. "Why does that name sound familiar?"
Shen Qingyu looked up. "Any problem with the casting?"
Cao Pingao smiled. "No. Have body-doubles ready for Xia Tian and the others?"
Shen Qingyu nodded. "As always, for any intimate scenes we'll use stand-ins for Xia Tian's team."
Cao Pingao: "Good. If nothing else, meeting adjourned.
Chen Xue, stay a moment."
Once Chen Shuting, Jie Jie and Shen Qingyu left, Cao Pingao slid over to Chen Xue, arm around her waist. "Xiaoxue, jealous again?"
Chen Xue pouted slightly. "I'm not jealous of you~"
"Hahaha, still denying it."
Cao Pingao kissed her soft cheek. "Come, let's pop into the next-door secret room for a shot—guaranteed to cure your 'ailment'."
—That evening, in the Tongque Garden mansion.
After work, Big Qiao and Little Qiao sat together for dinner on the first floor.
Suddenly Qiao Yueran felt a wave of nausea:
"Ugh—"
She quickly covered her mouth and rushed to the nearby washroom.
Qiao Yunran froze for several seconds, then hurried after her.
"I'm fine, Sis."
Qiao Yueran, bent over the basin, hands braced on its sides, frowned slightly.
"Probably ate something off at lunch."
Qiao Yunran shut the door behind them and, supporting her sister, asked softly,
"Yueran, why didn't you tell me you have a Boyfriend?"
Qiao Yueran's heart skipped; she averted her eyes. "What Boyfriend? What are you talking about?"
Qiao Yunran gently stroked her back.
"Still hiding? Your morning-sickness is exactly like mine last month."
//426//
Chapter 426: I Am Willing to Be the Child's Father
Qiao Yueran was shocked. "Morning, morning sickness? Impossible, impossible..."
She thought to herself: It was only one night, it couldn't be such a coincidence— "Then, did your period arrive on time this month?" Qiao Yunran asked, supporting her sister's arm.
Qiao Yueran's face flushed. "No."
Qiao Yunran said gently, "Sigh, since it has already happened, we should find your Boyfriend first, and then we'll all sit down and discuss how to handle this."
"Find... him?" Qiao Yueran looked conflicted. "Sis, there's no need, I can handle this myself."
"That won't do," Qiao Yunran said with a slight frown. "How can a girl like you bear the consequences alone? We must bring the man here."
"If your Boyfriend doesn't even have this much responsibility, then I will absolutely not support the two of you staying together."
"Tell me, who exactly is he?"
Qiao Yueran hesitated for a long time before stammering, "He, he is—his name is Zhou Lang, a Senior from the same department at my university."
"Zhou Lang?" Qiao Yunran blinked as she recalled. "Is he the boy who gave you flowers that time I went to your school to see you?"
Qiao Yueran nodded. "Yes, that's him."
Qiao Yunran said with a smile, "That young man is quite handsome."
"Then you should invite him to our home tomorrow; I want to talk to him personally."
Qiao Yueran hurriedly said, "Sis, there's no need—"
"This is non-negotiable." Qiao Yunran asked with a serious expression:
"Yueran, do you want me to talk to Zhou Lang about this, or do you want Dad to talk to him?"
Qiao Yueran: "..."
"I understand, Sis. I'll have Zhou Lang come to the house tomorrow to meet with you."
--- The next day at noon.
In a Western restaurant outside the West Gate of Jiangcheng University.
A calm-faced Qiao Yueran and a joy-filled Zhou Lang sat facing each other in a corner booth.
"Yueran, I didn't expect you to take the initiative to invite me to lunch." Zhou Lang's eyes were almost crinkled shut with laughter.
"I heard from your roommates that you've been busy with classes and the family business lately—your health is most important, don't work yourself too hard."
Qiao Yueran didn't respond to Zhou Lang's words but instead handed him a menu. "Let's order first, I'm hungry."
Zhou Lang smiled flatteringly, "Alright, alright, let's eat and talk."
After the dishes were served, Qiao Yueran didn't waste any words and ate two steaks in one go.
Sitting opposite her, Zhou Lang said in surprise, "Yueran, your appetite is really good today."
Qiao Yueran wiped her mouth with a napkin. "Are you finished? If so, I want to discuss something serious with you."
Hearing his Goddess Qiao say this, Zhou Lang quickly put down his knife and fork, sitting up straight as he said:
"Yueran, just say the word. What do you need help with?"
Qiao Yueran said seriously, "Zhou Lang, I want you to be my Boyfriend for a while."
Zhou Lang: "..."
Zhou Lang could hardly believe his ears. "Yueran, what did you just say you wanted me to be?"
Qiao Yueran curled her lip and repeated somewhat impatiently, "I said, I want you to be my Boyfriend for a while."
Zhou Lang's mind went blank for a moment—then, a surge of happiness like a giant wave crashed over him.
Weeping with joy, Zhou Lang wiped the tears from his eyes and said, "Yueran, you've finally accepted my feelings!"
He was about to reach out to hold Qiao Yueran's small hand on the table, but she quickly pulled it back and said with a slight frown:
"What are you doing? Zhou Lang, you've misunderstood me. I want you to 'act' as my Boyfriend for a while."
Zhou Lang looked bewildered. "Ah? Let me 'act' as your Boyfriend? Why?"
Qiao Yueran bit her lip and whispered with a conflicted expression, "Because I'm accidentally pregnant—"
Zhou Lang: "..."
Hearing the pure and noble Goddess Qiao in his heart say with her own mouth that she was pregnant with someone else's child, Zhou Lang felt as if the sky had collapsed—seeing Zhou Lang sitting there in a daze, Qiao Yueran, in order to have an explanation for her sister Qiao Yunran, had no choice but to add:
"Zhou Lang, as long as you're willing to cooperate and 'act' as my Boyfriend in front of my sister, admitting that the child in my belly is yours, I can give you 500,000 RMB as compensation afterward."
"I don't want any compensation from you." Zhou Lang said with tears in his eyes and a complex expression:
"Yueran, that you're asking me for help at a time like this is a great sign of recognition and trust. Helping you is only right; how could I take your money?"
Hearing that Zhou Lang was willing to help, Qiao Yueran's tension finally eased a bit. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." Zhou Lang gritted his teeth and couldn't help but ask the question that made his heart ache like a knife:
"Yueran, can I ask... whose child is it?"
Qiao Yueran shook her head. "I can't tell you that."
Zhou Lang asked again with a pained expression, "Then do you plan to keep this child?"
Qiao Yueran pursed her lips. "I haven't fully considered this matter yet."
Zhou Lang lowered his head in silence for a while, then looked up, took a deep breath, and looked at his Goddess Qiao with a serious face:
"Yueran, if you want this child and the man doesn't want to take responsibility, I am willing to be the child's father!"
--- In the Cao Wei Group Chairmans Office on the 40th floor of Block A of the Donghu Bay Building.
Cao Pingao sat in his executive chair, legs crossed, looking at the company's financial reports.
The female secretary, Li Xiaoman, wearing a white shirt, a black pencil skirt, black stockings, and black high heels, stood beside Boss Cao, bending over to help him organize his desk.
Cao Pingao turned a page and said, "Your hips are swaying quite nicely, but it's affecting the speed at which I can read these reports."
Li Xiaoman quickly straightened her back with a submissive look. "I'm sorry, Boss~"
"Who told you to stop?" Cao Pingao said with a mischievous smile. "Looking at reports alone is too boring, and I don't have much to do today anyway. It doesn't matter if I read a bit slower."
"Okay, Boss~"
Li Xiaoman smiled sweetly and bent down again to continue tidying the desk.
Cao Pingao forced himself to look at the reports for a bit longer, then stood up, grabbed the secretary's slender waist, and carried her to the massive floor-to-ceiling window to start wiping the glass—after a bout of wind, rain, thunder, and lightning.
Cao Pingao leaned back on the large leather sofa in the office, holding the female secretary, who was only wearing a white shirt with few buttons done.
"By the way, how is the matter with you and Qian Feng going?"
With a flushed face, Li Xiaoman leaned against Cao Pingao's chest and said, "I officially broke up with him last week, and I moved into an apartment near the company to live alone."
Cao Pingao stroked her smooth little face and smiled. "Very good. In a while, I'll arrange for you to live in a large villa."
Hearing this, Li Xiaoman immediately acted spoiled and said coquettishly, "Hubby, you're so good to me~"
Suddenly, the phone on Cao Pingao's desk began to vibrate.
Li Xiaoman obediently stood up, walked barefoot across the carpet to the desk, picked up the phone, and walked back.
Cao Pingao took his phone, holding the female secretary who had returned to his embrace:
"Hello, Yunran, do you miss your Hubby?
Tonight? Sure, I have time.
Okay, see you at home in a bit."
//427//
Chapter 427: Zhou Lang with Tears in His Eyes
A little after 5 PM.
Cao Pingao arrived at his "palace" outside, Tongque Garden, in a black rolls-royce phantom.
Qiao Yunran, who was resting at home today as there were no classes, stood at the villa entrance with a smile to welcome him:
"Hubby~ You're back~"
Cao Pingao reached out and put his arm around Qiao Yunran's slender waist, walking into the grand villa with her:
"Yunran, it's been a few days since we last met. Did you miss me?"
Qiao Yunran's face flushed. "Oh my~ There are other people around~"
Hearing this, Li Xiangxiu, who was standing nearby, quickly led the other maids out of the master and mistress's sight.
Cao Pingao laughed, "This Xiangxiu is quite clever."
Qiao Yunran nodded gently. "Indeed, she is very diligent. I like her quite a bit too."
Cao Pingao lowered his head and kissed Qiao Yunran's delicate face. "You haven't answered my question yet."
Qiao Yunran looked up at Cao Pingao, her beautiful eyes swirling with desire. "I missed you~
Did you miss me too?"
Cao Pingao said with a look of sincerity, "Of course I did. I think of you several times every day."
Qiao Yunran pouted slightly. "Hmph~ A man's mouth is a lying ghost.
If you think of me every day, why don't you come home to spend more time with me?"
"I can't help it; the company is too busy."
As Cao Pingao walked toward the second floor with his arm around Qiao Yunran, he said, "You know, I'm working with your father to deal with the Dongwu Group. There are just too many things to handle."
"True." Qiao Yunran nodded gently. "Wait, Hubby, why are you taking me upstairs?"
Cao Pingao laughed, "Naturally, I want to go to our bedroom and get intimate with you."
Qiao Yunran said shyly, "Oh my~ Can we talk about that tonight?
Yueran and her Boyfriend will be here soon."
Cao Pingao's eyes widened. "Yueran has a Boyfriend? Since when?"
He quickly activated the system in his mind:
[Qiao Yueran's loyalty to the host is: 88.75%]
[This breeding target has no risk of infidelity]
Qiao Yunran replied, "I'm not quite sure about the specifics. I only found out yesterday that she started dating a Boyfriend at school.
Sigh, Yueran has grown up; she's a big girl now. No wonder I've felt like she's been hiding something from me lately—"
She leaned closer to Cao Pingao's ear and whispered, "Not only is Yueran dating a Boyfriend, but she's also accidentally pregnant.
That's why I had her bring her Boyfriend home for dinner today, so I can have a proper face-to-face talk with that boy."
Cao Pingao thought to himself with amusement: I'm the one who should be having a proper talk with you.
The system wouldn't make a mistake, so based on the current situation, Qiao Yueran's "Boyfriend" is most likely an actor she hired to cover for her.
---Not long after, Qiao Yueran, dressed in an OL professional outfit, walked through the gates of Tongque Garden with Zhou Lang, who was sharp in a suit.
Qiao Yunran, with her arm linked through Cao Pingao's, stood at the villa entrance with a smile to welcome them.
When the four met, Zhou Lang immediately recognized Cao Pingao, who had many ambiguous encounters with Qiao Yueran before, and asked with his eyes: It's you?
The corners of Cao Pingao's mouth curled up slightly, and he replied with his eyes: It's me.
Standing beside them, Qiao Yueran introduced them calmly, "My sister, my brother-in-law.
Sis, this is my Boyfriend, Zhou Lang."
Zhou Lang quickly greeted Qiao Yunran, who was also incredibly beautiful and looked very much like his Goddess Qiao, "Hello, Sister."
Qiao Yunran said with a smile, "Hello, Student Zhou."
Zhou Lang turned to Cao Pingao, gritting his teeth as he gave him a firm handshake. "Hello, Brother-in-law."
"Hello, hello." Cao Pingao applied a bit of pressure with his hand, and Zhou Lang's fair, handsome face immediately turned a bit red.
---In the dining room on the first floor of the villa.
Cao Pingao and the others sat in pairs across from each other at the rectangular dining table, having dinner together.
During the meal, Qiao Yunran, acting as the eldest sister and matriarch, politely inquired about Zhou Lang's family background and how he and her sister, Qiao Yueran, met and fell in love at school.
After dinner, Qiao Yunran invited Zhou Lang into a study on the first floor to continue their private conversation.
Cao Pingao plopped down next to Qiao Yueran and said with a mischievous grin:
"Is that Zhou Lang really your Boyfriend?"
Qiao Yueran gave him a guilty side-eye. "Yes, why?"
Cao Pingao laughed, "Then does he know that the Little Baby in your belly is mine?"
Qiao Yueran's face turned red. "Who says it's yours."
"Alright, it's fine to lie to your sister, but I know you. The proud Second Miss of the Qiao family would never like a simp like Zhou Lang."
Cao Pingao grinned, "The one you truly like is a scumbag with a good physique like me."
Qiao Yueran turned her face away. "Hmph, who likes you? You really have thick skin."
Cao Pingao chuckled, "Wait, didn't you say that yourself while holding me that night?"
"You!"
Qiao Yueran suddenly turned back and whispered with a flushed face, "Didn't we agree that nothing happened that night? Why are you bringing it up again~"
Cao Pingao gestured toward her belly with his eyes. "The situation is different now. I can't act like nothing happened."
Qiao Yueran bit her lip and said with a conflicted look, "My mind is a mess right now. Let me think about it for a few days first."
---In the study nearby.
Zhou Lang said to Qiao Yunran with a serious expression:
"Sister, please rest assured. Since this has happened, I will definitely take responsibility.
Tomorrow, I'll take Yueran to the hospital for an examination to confirm the situation.
I will fully respect her wishes. If she feels it's too early to have a child, then we won't."
Zhou Lang paused and continued with tears in his eyes:
"If Yueran is willing to give birth to this child, then I will marry her and raise our child together with her!"
After hearing Zhou Lang's words, Qiao Yunran nodded with satisfaction:
"Zhou Lang, although we only met today, I think you are truly an excellent and responsible young man.
Let's leave it at that for tonight. Once we have the confirmed results from the hospital examination, we can discuss the future arrangements together."
---The next morning.
A high-spirited Zhou Lang arrived at the gates of Tongque Garden early.
Before long, the Big Qiao and Little Qiao sisters walked out of the courtyard arm in arm.
The elder sister, Qiao Yunran, whispered a few words into her younger sister Qiao Yueran's ear, and then watched as she and Zhou Lang got into the white Bentley parked at the entrance.
Qiao Yunran stood outside the car window and said, "Zhou Lang, take good care of our Yueran during the examination."
Zhou Lang said with a smile, "Don't worry, Sis. I'll stay by her side and take good care of her."
"Sis, we're leaving." Qiao Yueran waved to her sister and then rolled up the window.
More than half an hour later.
The white Bentley arrived at the parking lot of St. Marys Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital.
As soon as Zhou Lang and Qiao Yueran got out of the car, the tall Cao Pingao walked toward them:
"Zhou Lang, you can go back now. I'll accompany Yueran for her prenatal checkup."
Zhou Lang lunged forward to block his Goddess. "What are you doing?
Yueran is my Girlfriend. Why would I let you accompany her for the examination?"
Cao Pingao grinned, "Whoa, you're really getting into character, kid.
Why? Because the Little Baby in her belly is mine, of course."
///428//
Chapter 428 – Do All Rich People Play This Wildly?
"What did you say?!"
Zhou Lang's eyes bulged like bronze bells: "But—you, you, you're Yueran's fiancé!"
Cao Pingao crooked a smile: "That's right. So what?"
Zhou Lang turned in disbelief to his goddess—only to see Qiao Yueran blush as she softly admitted:
"Zhou Lang, please keep this secret for now, especially from my sister."
Zhou Lang: "—"
Qiao Yueran stepped past the stunned Zhou Lang, took Cao Pingao's hand, and walked into the hospital building with him.
Only after a long while did Zhou Lang recover from the shock, feeling his entire worldview shatter: Do these rich folks really play this wildly nowadays?
—Third floor, SVIP wing.
After a battery of no-queue tests, Qiao Yueran, still under Cao Pingao's escort, entered Deputy OB-GYN Chief Xu Bei's office.
White-coated Xu Bei skimmed the prenatal reports on her monitor while addressing Qiao Yueran across the desk:
"Miss Qiao, you are indeed pregnant."
The weight on Qiao Yueran's heart lifted in a soft sigh; she shot Cao Pingao a coquettish glare:
"This is all your doing~"
Cao Pingao grinned: "One hand can't clap; it's our joint masterpiece."
Qiao Yueran pouted: "Hmph~ So what do we do now?"
Cao Pingao's smile widened: "If you ask me, I want you to give birth to our child."
Qiao Yueran fretted: "But my sister—"
Cao Pingao slipped an arm around her slender waist and said gently, "Don't worry, Yueran. Since Yunran accepts that I have other Girlfriends and children out there, she should be able to accept us if we explain it well.
If you find it hard to broach, I'll talk to her when we're back."
"Sigh—no need." Qiao Yueran's brows knitted. "I'd better tell Sis myself."
While eavesdropping on their gossip, Xu Bei opened the "SVIP Boss Cao" folder on her desktop and created a new file—
{No. 040, Qiao Yueran, 21 y, 5-week pregnancy, all indexes normal.}
"Miss Qiao, your file's ready. Nothing else today; come back next month for the check-up."
"Thank you, Dr. Xu."
Qiao Yueran politely thanked her. As she stood, she noticed the pronounced swell beneath Xu Bei's coat:
"Eh? Dr. Xu, are you expecting too?"
Xu Bei glanced at Cao Pingao first, then smiled and nodded: "Yes, I'll deliver in less than two months."
Qiao Yueran asked curiously, "Is pregnancy very hard?"
Xu Bei glanced again at Cao Pingao and chuckled: "Not really. If you're carrying the child of the man you love, it doesn't feel too tough."
Qiao Yueran liked Xu Bei at first sight, so she asked worriedly,
"Dr. Xu, when you take leave to have your baby in two months, what about me?"
Xu Bei smiled reassuringly: "Rest easy. By then Dr. Xiao, our OB-GYN chief, will be back from her own maternity leave, and I'll hand your case over to her."
Qiao Yueran: "Is Dr. Xiao also a woman?"
Xu Bei: "Yes, she is."
Qiao Yueran exhaled: "Good, a female doctor is fine."
—After several days of mental prep, Qiao Yueran finally mustered the courage to confess everything to her sister, Qiao Yunran.
Saturday afternoon, Tongque Garden villa.
Qiao Yueran stepped into the ground-floor Music Room, locked the door behind her, and said to Qiao Yunran at the piano:
"Sis, we need to talk—"
After hearing her out, Qiao Yunran was startled, yet many puzzling things suddenly made sense—
like why her once-open sister had lately seemed to hide something;
like why, though claiming Zhou Lang as her Boyfriend, Yueran's eyes held no affection for him.
Instead, her occasional glances at Cao Pingao were tender—Qiao Yueran sat knee-to-knee with Qiao Yunran, head lowered: "Sorry, Sis. I couldn't control my feelings. I don't know why I fell for that jerk—the blame's mainly on me; don't blame him~"
Qiao Yunran took her younger sister's fair hands:
"I blame neither of you. If anyone, blame me for rushing in and becoming his fiancée before talking it through with you.
Looking back, the one who should say 'sorry' is me—your weak, selfish sister."
"Sis, don't say that about yourself."
Qiao Yueran buried herself in Qiao Yunran's arms, eyes moist: "You're not weak or selfish. I know you took my place with that jerk for my sake."
Qiao Yunran stroked her hair and sighed softly:
"Who'd have thought a twist of fate would make us both fall for him—"
—In the living room, Cao Pingao sprang up when Big Qiao and Little Qiao emerged hand-in-hand and smiling:
"You two beauties finished talking?"
Qiao Yunran blushed slightly: "Mm, we're done~"
Cao Pingao laughed: "And? What now?"
Qiao Yueran pouted: "What else? Both pots of rice are cooked; we'll just have to let you, big jerk, enjoy the meal~"
"Hahaha." Cao Pingao swept both Qiaos into his arms. "Wonderful! Yunran, Yueran, I'll take good care of you both."
Qiao Yunran flushed: "We're letting you off, but you'll have to convince Dad yourself."
Cao Pingao grinned: "Relax. I'll offer our dad a deal he can't refuse; he'll agree."
//429///
Chapter 429 – Ye Feng's Counterattack (Part 1)
Under Dongwu Group's fierce offensive, apart from the continuously funded Cao Wei Group, Qiao Weigong's Jinqiao Group and Jiang Dawei's Jiang Shi Industrial are both facing severe cash-flow crises.
Jiang Dawei is coping slightly better, thanks to the five-hundred-million interest-free loan Cao Pingao provided.
Qiao Weigong, on the other hand, is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy.
So when Cao Pingao approached him and offered a billion in cash for a 30% stake in Jinqiao Group, the relieved Qiao Weigong agreed without hesitation.
"Pingao, thank you so much!"
Qiao Weigong said joyfully, "Without your timely help, the career I've built my whole life might have slipped away."
Cao Pingao smiled. "Father-in-law, besides the equity, I have something else to discuss—about Yunran and Yueran."
After hearing him out, Qiao Weigong sank into the sofa, brooding in silence—
though he felt his two beloved daughters were being short-changed, he knew the Qiao family's strength now lagged far behind the Cao family—and his Jinqiao Group still needed Cao Pingao's lifeline.
He sighed. "Ah, girls grow up. Since Yunran and Yueran have no objections, I won't interfere with you youngsters."
Cao Pingao grinned. "Thank you, Father-in-law, for your blessing!"
He pulled out a small transparent bottle holding three great tonic strengthening pills and placed it in Qiao Weigong's hand. "Father-in-law, I got this formula from an Old Daoist Priest.
Split each pill into five portions and take one portion daily for five days. Rest a few days after finishing each pill."
Hearing it was a tonic, Qiao Weigong brightened. "Pingao, I heard Jiang Dawei's wife is expecting again—was it thanks to this formula?"
Cao Pingao smirked and nodded.
"Father-in-law, you've just turned sixty—plenty of time to give Yunran and Yueran a little brother."
At those words, Qiao Weigong—who'd long wanted another son—looked at the bottle with a gleam in his eyes.
On the eve of the May holiday, Cao Pingao called his parents as usual.
"Dad, Mom, I'll send a car to Xiangyang first thing tomorrow to bring you to Jiangcheng—just wait at home."
"No need, no need," Cao Song said quickly. "We've signed up for a tour of the Capital City this break."
Cao Pingao: "What? You're not coming to see your grandson and granddaughter?"
Wang Lan added, "Of course we want to see them, but our tour group is booked.
After the trip we'll find time to visit Jiangcheng."
"All right," Cao Pingao said with a laugh. "Travel safe and call anytime."
Cao Song: "Good, good, talk later."
After he hung up, Jin Yao beside him asked,
"Hubby, Mom and Dad aren't coming for May Day?"
Cao Pingao slipped an arm around her shoulders. "Looks like they were worn out babysitting during New Year."
Jin Yao giggled behind her hand. "Can't blame them—anyone surrounded by a dozen kids calling them Grandma and Grandpa would get a headache."
After the holiday, temperatures in Jiangcheng climbed further.
One morning, a motorcade led by a rolls-royce phantom and trailed by five mercedes-maybachs glided out of Donghu Bay's villa district and arrived smoothly at St. Marys Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital in the south of the city.
Thanks to Boss Cao's diligent "work" last summer, May and June this year saw a Baby boom—
May due dates: Fan Binbin, Jin Yao (second child), Jiang Qianqian, White Dove, Li Shihan, Sun Ying;
June due dates: Wang Lulu (second child), Liu Ruyan (second child), Qian Wan (second child), Xu Bei.
With Deputy Director Dr. Xu herself about to deliver, Director Xiao Ya—on paid leave for over half a year—returned to serve her sisters.
After settling Jin Yao, Fan Binbin, Jiang Qianqian, White Dove, Li Shihan, and Sun Ying into six adjoining luxury suites and having lunch with them, Boss Cao headed back to the office.
40th floor, Tower A, Donghu Bay Building—Chairmans Office.
Cao Pingao had barely settled into his executive chair when Xia Tian, in a denim sundress, walked in.
"Xiao Tian? Shouldn't you be on set right now?"
He waved her over; she rounded the huge desk and perched on his lap.
"Hubby, we might need to replace the male lead for love in jiangcheng."
"Hmm?" He slipped an arm around her waist. "We start shooting next month—why the sudden change?"
She bit her lip. "I just found out the actor chosen is Ye Feng."
Seeing no reaction, she added,
"Ye Feng, my ex—you don't remember him?"
Cao Pingao snapped his fingers. "No wonder the name sounded familiar at the last meeting."
She gave him a quick rundown of Ye Feng's rise.
After being cuckolded by Cao Pingao, Ye Feng kept playing tragic second or third male roles.
Through relentless effort he honed his craft until a repeatedly-wronged supporting male role shot him to fame, bringing endless offers.
This sequel to love in jiangcheng marks his first chance to headline a serious Web Drama.
After listening, Cao Pingao hugged her waist and picked up the intercom.
"Qingyu, if you're free, come up for a moment."
Moments later, Shen Qingyu in an OL suit entered.
Learning that Ye Feng was Xia Tian's ex, she was stunned.
"Sorry, Xiao Tian, I had no idea."
Xia Tian shook her head. "It's not your fault, Sister Qingyu—I only dated him briefly before I met Hubby."
Shen Qingyu said, "Understood. I'll have the Casting Director recast."
"Hold on," Cao Pingao raised a hand. "Ye Feng worked hard for this break; I don't want to kick him out entirely.
Qingyu, which male character in the script has the worst luck?"
Shen Qingyu paused. "The second male lead who gets dumped twice by the Female Lead."
Cao Pingao grinned. "Then let Ye Feng play that role."
//430//
Chapter 430 – Plum Blossoms Twice, Part One
The love in jiangcheng sequel's production base camp.
Director Wen Wu politely ushered Ye Feng and his agent Wang Fan into his temporary office.
"Here's the thing, Ye Feng. After repeated discussions, the directing team has decided to recast you as the second male lead."
"What?!"
Ye Feng's eyes bulged, disbelief written all over his face. "Director Wen, you're not joking, right? I've already memorized the male lead's script, and we're about to start shooting—now you want me to switch to the second male lead?"
Wang Fan, the agent beside him, frowned. "Director Wen, is this sudden lead replacement coming from 'up top'?"
Wen Wu shot Wang Fan a sideways glance and nodded helplessly.
Wang Fan pressed on. "Director Wen, exactly which level of 'up top'? Maybe I can pull some strings so Ye Feng can keep the lead role."
Wen Wu was silent for a moment, then said, "As I hear it, the order for Ye Feng to play the second male lead came from President Shen."
"President Shen?" Wang Fan's eyes widened. "You mean our show's producer, Banana Film & Television's CEO, President Shen Qingyu?"
Wen Wu: "Yes."
Ye Feng asked, "Brother Fan, can you reach President Shen?"
Wang Fan shook his head. "I'm not that well-connected."
"Director Wen, we already signed the performance contract. Forcing Ye Feng to switch roles mid-stream is a breach."
Wen Wu remained calm. "You're right. So 'up top' says if Ye Feng refuses the second male lead, Banana Film & Television can pay the 200,000-yuan penalty today per the contract.
But if Ye Feng stays on, his salary for the second male lead remains unchanged—he'll still be paid the lead's fee."
Hearing this, agent Wang Fan leaned in and whispered urgently to Ye Feng.
"Look, this drama has huge investments in production and promotion. Even as second male lead, the exposure will boost your fame."
"Playing the second male lead while pocketing the lead's paycheck—this effectively raises your market value!
It'll give me bargaining power for your next project!"
Ye Feng looked torn. "But Brother Fan, I took this job mainly to play a proper male lead."
"I'm sick of playing useless second male leads."
Wang Fan whispered, "You're still young; you'll get your shot at a male lead later."
"Right now we've got a chance for both fame and profit—don't let pride screw it up."
After Wang Fan's persuasion, Ye Feng finally agreed to switch to the second male lead.
Director Wen Wu beamed. "Excellent! Ye Feng, with you playing this cuckolded second male lead, I'm sure the drama will explode in popularity."
Ye Feng forced a smile. "Director Wen, you sure know how to compliment people."
After signing a new contract, Ye Feng took the revised script and returned gloomily to his hotel.
That evening, while the crew enjoyed the hotel buffet, Su Xiaoqi—wearing a blue dress and a neat shoulder-length bob—slid into the seat opposite him.
"Brother Feng, I heard the director suddenly demoted you from male lead to second male lead—true?"
Su Xiaoqi was a performance-major student at Sichuan University, Ye Feng's junior by a few years.
Once when Ye Feng visited campus, he spotted her. Though not as stunning as his ex Summer, she resembled her enough that he asked for her number and had Wang Fan sign her.
Her bit part in love in jiangcheng 2 came courtesy of Ye Feng pulling strings.
Ye Feng studied her pretty face and felt a bit better. "Yeah, that's what happened."
Su Xiaoqi pouted. "Aww, you'd prepared so long for the male lead—why would Director Wen do this?"
Ye Feng flashed a confident grin. "He says the second male lead is too challenging—only I can handle it—so the producers will pay me the same as the male lead."
"Oh, so that's how it is."
Su Xiaoqi smiled. "No worries, Brother Feng. With your talent you'll outshine the male lead."
Ye Feng reached out and clasped her small hand resting on the table.
"Xiaoqi, come to my room tonight and help me run lines for the second male lead."
Blushing, Su Xiaoqi pulled her hand back. "Brother Feng, don't— I already have a Boyfriend."
Ye Feng smirked meaningfully. "Xiaoqi
"Without me, could a resourceless student like you land a role in a big-budget web drama like love in jiangcheng?"
Su Xiaoqi bit her lip, head lowered. "Then give me a few days to break things off with my Boyfriend, okay?"
Ye Feng's grin turned lewd. "Sure, but don't keep me waiting too long."
"I understand, Brother Feng."
Watching her leave, her graceful back 80% identical to Summer's, Ye Feng thought: The huge regret of losing Summer—let Su Xiaoqi make up for part of it.
Three days later.
The love in jiangcheng crew held its first full-cast meet-and-greet in the hotel's fourth-floor conference room.
While Ye Feng, seated as second male lead, studied his script, Su Xiaoqi leaned in and whispered.
"Brother Feng, I've officially broken up with my Boyfriend."
Ye Feng set the script down, grinning ear to ear. "Perfect. Then tonight come to my room—I'll personally coach your acting."
Su Xiaoqi blushed. "Mm-hmm."
When nearly everyone had arrived, the three leading ladies—Summer, Zhang Yuwei, and Xu Tiantian—showed up late, decked in designer wear and oversized shades.
Spotting his former white moonlight opposite him, Ye Feng greeted her eagerly.
"Little Tian, long time no see."
Summer slid off her sunglasses, glanced at him blankly. "Long time no see."
Zhang Yuwei and Xu Tiantian instantly turned gossip-giddy.
"Sister Summer, you two knew each other before?"
Summer gave a slight nod. "We were college classmates."
Hearing his white moonlight omit that he was her ex, Ye Feng felt a stab of pain.
Just then the towering Cao Pingao strode in and plopped down in the "Male Lead" seat beside Ye Feng.
Seeing the old buddy who'd once cuckolded him, Ye Feng's heart sank: Crap, it's you again?
//431//
Chapter 431 – Plum Blossoms Twice (Middle)
Cao Pingao smiled as he extended his right hand to Ye Feng. "Long time no see."
Ye Feng gritted his molars and also stretched out his hand. "Long time no see."
"Oh my! Chairman, why are you here?"
Seeing the group's big boss suddenly descend to inspect the shoot, Director Wen Wu hurried over with a grin.
"The company didn't notify our crew, so we didn't line up at the hotel entrance to welcome you."
Cao Pingao waved dismissively. "Skip the flashy stuff, Director Wen. Let's start the meeting."
Wen Wu glanced at the nameplate reading "Male Lead" in front of Cao Pingao, then at the man himself.
"Chairman, you mean… you're going to play the male lead yourself?"
Cao Pingao nodded with a smile. "I played a big villain once; this time I want to try the hero."
Any problem with that, Director Wen?"
"Of course not!" Wen Wu beamed obsequiously. "I've seen your acting gift firsthand, Chairman. You're perfect for the role."
Wen Wu: You bankrolled the whole drama, Sugar Daddy; if you want to scratch the acting itch, how dare a hired director like me object?
When the tall Cao Pingao walked straight to the lead actor's seat and Director Wen Wu treated him so deferentially, the roomful of actors broke into amazed whispers.
"Hey, hey, who's the new male lead?"
"No idea—anyone know him?"
"Why'd the crew swap out Ye Feng for some unknown?"
Moments later Wen Wu and his directing team took the rostrum and opened the cast meet-and-greet.
Down below, Cao Pingao activated his system and scanned every actress except Xia Tian, Zhang Yuwei and Xu Tiantian—
Just as he expected, whether they were high-tech "man-made" faces with scary low bare-face scores, or low-tech "natural beauties," their pasts were colorful and none passed the system's vetting.
As he lost interest and was about to quit "dumpster-diving," a fresh-looking Su Xiaoqi caught his eye—
Well now, this girl looks a bit like Xia Tian.
[Name: Su Xiaoqi]
[Age: 20]
[Bare-face score: 80]
[Figure: 83]
[Undergraduate, intact, no bad habits, no tattoos, healthy]
[System verdict: qualified procreation partner]
Ye Feng, seated beside Cao Pingao, saw his gaze linger on Su Xiaoqi and felt a chill: Don't tell me you're at it again?
No way! Tonight I'm snatching Xiaoqi first—he's not beating me to it again!
After the directors finished their speeches, the floor was opened for mingling and introductions.
Cao Pingao beckoned Wen Wu to his side.
"That girl in the corner who resembles Xia Tian—she a signed artist of ours?"
Wen Wu followed his glance. "She's Su Xiaoqi, not under us—I think she shares an agent with Ye Feng."
"Chairman, want me to fetch her so you two can meet?"
Cao Pingao smiled. "No rush; after the meeting, bring her and her agent to me."
Bent slightly, Wen Wu nodded at once. "Understood, Chairman."
Taking advantage of the chatter, Ye Feng slipped to Xia Tian's side and whispered,
"Xia Tian, how've you been these two years? Still his Girlfriend?"
Xia Tian shot him a sideways look. "Ye Feng, I'll discuss work and scenes with you—my private life is off-limits."
Ye Feng's eyes were sad. "Xia Tian, don't be so heartless.
I'm a fairly well-known web-drama actor now; if you're single, why not give me a chance?"
As Banana Film and Television's top actress, Xia Tian's public persona was single, so she couldn't tell him she'd already borne Cao Pingao a son:
"Ye Feng, we ended over a year ago; you should let go and move on."
With that she walked over to Zhang Yuwei and Xu Tiantian, denying him any further private words.
—After the meet-and-greet, Su Xiaoqi and her agent Wang Fan were summoned by Director Wen Wu to a top-floor presidential suite.
The moment they stepped into the living room they saw a man and a woman on the long sofa—one towering and imposing, the other with flowing hair and features so refined she outshone even the female lead Xia Tian.
Director Wen Wu stood respectfully beside them and introduced,
"This is the Chairman of our Cao Wei Group, and this is CEO Shen of Banana Film and Television."
Wang Fan and Su Xiaoqi hastily greeted, "Good afternoon, Chairman; good afternoon, President Shen."
Su Xiaoqi first marveled at Shen Qingyu's beauty, then studied Cao Pingao: So he's the big boss—no wonder Director Wen was so polite.
Cao Pingao lounged back and cut to the chase.
"Manager Wang, we think Miss Su has solid fundamentals and potential; we'd like to sign her to Banana Film and Television. Name your price."
"Well—"
Wang Fan's mind raced. "Chairman, you have an eye for talent!
Xiaoqi is a sapling I spent huge effort to discover; I was just about to pour resources into her and raise her into a star like Ye Feng."
Cao Pingao waved him off. "Relax, you won't be short-changed."
He turned to Shen Qingyu beside him. "Qingyu, handle the signing."
"Yes, boss." Shen Qingyu rose. "Manager Wang, come with me; I'll discuss the fee and details."
Soon Shen Qingyu, agent Wang Fan and Director Wen Wu left the presidential suite together.
Now only Chairman Cao, lounging on the sofa, and Su Xiaoqi standing before him remained in the vast hotel room.
//432//
Chapter 432 – A Double Bloom (Part 2)
Su Xiaoqi wore her hair in a high ponytail, a plain white long-sleeve tee on top, skin-tight air-denim jeans below, and canvas shoes on her feet; she still radiated the rare, fresh innocence of a student.
Cao Pingao extended a hand. "Miss Su, please sit."
"Thank you."
Su Xiaoqi sat down gingerly on the single-seat sofa beside her, then couldn't help asking curiously,
"Boss Cao, I'm only a junior in the Performance Department at Sichuan University; *love in jiangcheng* is the first web-drama I've ever acted in.
Why would your company think I have so much potential and pay to sign me?"
Cao Pingao answered with a smile, "To be honest, Miss Su, it isn't Banana Film and Television that has taken a shine to you—it's me, personally."
"Ah—" Su Xiaoqi's little face flushed and she lowered her head, momentarily lost for words.
"Hahahahaha." Cao Pingao couldn't help laughing when he saw the girl's shy, awkward look:
"Miss Su, you know, you really remind me of Summer when she first debuted.
Innocent, adorable as a blank sheet of paper, yet somehow full of life."
Su Xiaoqi's cheeks reddened further under the praise. "Boss Cao, you flatter me; I can't compare with Senior Summer—she's far prettier than I am."
Cao Pingao chuckled. "Miss Su, no need to be overly modest. Since I could make Summer famous, I can do the same for you.
Now it depends on whether you're willing to join my Banana Film and Television and follow in your Senior Summer's footsteps."
"Of course I'm willing~" Su Xiaoqi blurted without a second thought. "As long as Boss Cao gives me a chance, I'll work twice as hard and live up to your expectations~"
Cao Pingao's mouth crooked in a wicked grin. "I can give you the opportunity, but are you ready to pay the corresponding price?"
Su Xiaoqi bit her lip, then nodded shyly.
"I know. A girl like me, with no resources, no background, no connections—if I don't pay a price, there's no way to get ahead in acting…"
Cao Pingao grinned. "Good. I just love smart, sensible little girls like you."
—A short while later, Shen Qingyu, Wang Fan, and Director Wen Wu returned together to the presidential suite.
Wang Fan could hardly contain his excitement. "Xiaoqi, the three-year management contract you signed with me earlier has been transferred to Banana Film and Television.
Starting tomorrow, you're a signed artist under Banana Film and Television!"
"Oh, okay." Su Xiaoqi said politely, "Thank you, Manager Wang, for taking care of me before."
"Hey, no need for thanks." Wang Fan, having effortlessly pocketed a "transfer fee" off Su Xiaoqi, was elated. "Boss Cao, President Shen, Director Wen, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave. Talk slowly."
After Wang Fan bowed and scraped his way out, Cao Pingao said to Wen Wu,
"Director Wen, now that Xiaoqi is one of our own at Banana Film and Television, shouldn't you give her a role with more screen time?"
"Of course, of course."
Wen Wu's mind raced: Summer's female lead was untouchable—she was Boss Cao's Girlfriend.
As for second female Zhang Yuwei and third female Xu Tiantian, rumor had it their relationships with Boss Cao were also far from ordinary.
"Chairman, I feel Miss Su's look fits our Fourth-Billed Female role perfectly.
How about letting Miss Su start there to gain some experience?"
Cao Pingao turned to Su Xiaoqi beside him. "Xiaoqi, what do you think?"
Only moments ago she'd been an extra with barely a line; now she was an important supporting actress. Su Xiaoqi happily nodded again and again.
"Thank you, Boss, for the opportunity, and thank you, Director Wen, for believing in me."
Wen Wu thought: The big boss clearly wants to promote you—how could I not believe in your ability?
Shen Qingyu, standing nearby, glanced at the beaming Su Xiaoqi and said to Cao Pingao, "Boss, if there's nothing else, I'll head back first."
Cao Pingao smiled and nodded. "All right. Drive safely."
Moments later, Shen Qingyu and Wen Wu left the presidential suite once more.
Cao Pingao patted the sofa beside him.
Su Xiaoqi hesitated for a second, then, blushing, stood up and sat down next to him.
Cao Pingao slipped an arm around her slender waist and whispered in her ear,
"Xiaoqi, actually, the instant I saw you at the cast meeting this afternoon, I already liked you.
Be my Girlfriend; just like I made your senior Summer famous, I'll make you a star."
Su Xiaoqi lifted her head, eyes flirtatious. "Boss~ then you have to keep your word~"
"Relax—this boss never cheats a pretty girl."
With that, Cao Pingao lowered his head and sealed Su Xiaoqi's petal-soft lips with a kiss.
—Downstairs in a hotel room.
Ye Feng sat propped against the headboard, agitatedly scrolling his phone while waiting for Su Xiaoqi to reply to his wechat.
"Damn it, we agreed she'd come to my room tonight to talk about the script—why's she suddenly gone dark?"
Ye Feng waited and waited, then finally couldn't help calling her.
After several rings, the call finally connected:
"Hey, Brother Feng."
Ye Feng: "Xiaoqi, why aren't you answering my wechat? Where are you?"
On the other end, Su Xiaoqi stammered,
"Oh, um, well, I had something going on just now, so I didn't see your message."
Ye Feng: "So when are you coming to my room? We already made plans this afternoon."
Su Xiaoqi spoke haltingly, "Sorry, Brother Feng, I can't make it tonight—"
Then she hung up.
"Yo, what the—? You little chick dare hang up on me?"
Face flushed with anger, Ye Feng dialed again.
"Hey, looking for Xiaoqi?" A resonant male baritone suddenly came through the phone.
Ye Feng: "—"
"Who are you? Why is Xiaoqi's phone in your hand?"
"Xiaoqi's busy right now, no time for your call.
Can't you recognize my voice? We met just this afternoon."
Ye Feng instantly realized. "Holy crap—it's you!
Why are you with Xiaoqi? She's my Girlfriend—back off or else!"
//433//
Chapter 433: Pressing On Toward Jiang City
Cao Pingao held a phone in one hand and Su Xiaoqi's slender waist in the other as he asked,
"Xiaoqi, Ye Feng says he's your Boyfriend—true?"
Su Xiaoqi didn't turn around; she simply bit her lip and shook her head hard.
"I asked Xiaoqi—she says no such thing."
Cao Pingao laughed into the phone: "Ye Feng, you scared me; thought I'd cuckolded you again or something. If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up—I need to focus on running lines with Xiaoqi."
"I'm hanging up—I need to focus on running lines with Xiaoqi."
—[Legendary Archer Badge takes effect]—
[Congratulations, host, for completing the Many Children, Many Blessings Mission]
[Breeding target Su Xiaoqi naturally conceived; system reward: 10 million yuan]
[Skill reward: Armor Piercing Badge (Bronze)]
[When the baby is born healthy, the Armor Piercing Badge will auto-level-up]
[host currently holds Armor Piercing Badge (Silver): 50% pierce rate]
[Random reward: 3 great tonic strengthening pills]
In the presidential suite's huge bathroom.
Cao Pingao knelt beside Su Xiaoqi, gently washing the blood from her legs.
Suddenly favored by a tycoon and treated so tenderly, Su Xiaoqi's eyes brimmed with gratitude:
"Thank you, Boss~"
"Don't mention it." Cao Pingao stood. "In private, just call me hubby from now on."
"Got it, hubby~" Su Xiaoqi wrapped her arms around his waist and nestled her face against his chest. "Hubby~ does Senior Sister Xia Tian call you that in private too?"
Cao Pingao chuckled: "Yes."
In a sweet voice she asked, "Then besides Senior Sister Xia Tian, do Zhang Yuwei and Xu Tiantian also call you hubby in private?"
"Haha, yes." Cao Pingao stroked her smooth back. "Relax, Xiaoqi—Hubby's fair. Whoever acts better gets the lead. Polish your craft and you'll get your shot at female lead one day."
"Polish your craft and you'll get your shot at female lead one day."
Su Xiaoqi nodded obediently: "I understand, hubby~"
—The next morning.
After spending the night in the penthouse, Su Xiaoqi returned to the standard room she'd shared with another actress to pack. She was moving to a single the crew now allotted their "new #4 female lead."
At that moment Ye Feng, sleepless all night, burst in and stared at her in grief and fury.
Seeing him, Su Xiaoqi said to her roommate, "Xiao Mei, could you let me speak to Brother Feng alone?"
"Oh, sure."
After Xiao Mei left, Ye Feng finally spoke:
"Xiaoqi, last night—were you really with that Cao Pingao?"
Su Xiaoqi gave a calm nod:
"Brother Feng, I'm grateful you spotted me at school and brought me to Jiangcheng to act in love in jiangcheng. Without that, I'd never have met Boss or been signed by Banana Media."
"Without that, I'd never have met Boss or been signed by Banana Media."
Ye Feng ground his molars. "Xiaoqi, you're too green. That Cao Pingao's a famous womanizer! Aren't you afraid he'll toss you aside once he's bored?"
"Aren't you afraid he'll toss you aside once he's bored?"
Su Xiaoqi's gaze turned sharp. "I know the risk, but a shot with a big shot doesn't come every day. I've no backing, no connections—so I have to gamble while I'm young and pretty."
"So I have to gamble while I'm young and pretty."
"Brother Feng, if you were me, would you look the other way?"
Ye Feng: "—"
Ye Feng had no retort; an insider himself, he knew every word she said was true.
Su Xiaoqi closed her suitcase, wheeled it past the motionless Ye Feng.
At the doorway she turned back:
"Brother Feng, I'll remember how you helped me and find a way to repay you. But please don't call me again—he might misunderstand."
"He might misunderstand."
With that, Su Xiaoqi left without looking back.
—From May into June the Cao family welcomed a tidal wave of babies—
In May, Jin Yao's second child finally delivered Cao Pingao a strapping son: Cao Zhen;
Jiang Qianqian also bore him a son: Cao Chun;
White Dove, Li Shihan, and Sun Ying each had a baby girl: Cao Xuanhe, Cao Xuanhan, and Cao Xuanying.
In June, Wang Lulu's second child gave her the daughter she wanted: Cao Xuanlu;
Liu Ruyan and Qian Wan's second children were both boys: Cao Qiang and Cao Xiu;
At June's end Xu Bei delivered another son: Cao Ming.
Boss Cao pocketed another 900 million in cash rewards, and his offspring count leapt to fifty-one.
—City, top floor of Dongwu Group Tower, Chairman's Office.
After reading the mid-year report, Sun Dajian slammed his desk in rage:
"Sun Feng, what sort of intel were you feeding me? You swore Cao Pingao was just some small-time influencer-company upstart, that Cao Wei Group's cash would burn out fast against us."
"You swore Cao Wei Group's cash would burn out fast against us."
"Now? His Cao Wei Group is thriving and even bailed out Jiang Shi Industrial and Jinqiao Group on the side, while we're caught in a pincer and our Shanghai market share is nearly halved!"
"Our Shanghai market share is nearly halved!"
Sun Dajian hurled the report at Sun Feng. "Cat got your tongue? Speak!"
Facing Sun Dajian's fury, Sun Feng kept his head bowed and took the scolding.
In truth Sun Feng felt aggrieved: he'd spent a fortune hiring professionals to investigate. Every report pegged Cao Wei Group at 5–6 billion yuan total assets and Cao Pingao's liquid funds at 1–1.5 billion. Yet after six months of high-intensity warfare, Cao Pingao's money seemed endless. After venting, Sun Dajian stared coldly. "I paid for your overseas education and handed you the crucial task of opening Jiangcheng—Sun Feng, you've disappointed me beyond measure."
"I paid for your overseas education and handed you the crucial task of opening Jiangcheng—Sun Feng, you've disappointed me beyond measure."
Just then the office door burst open and a young woman in a white suit clicked in on high heels.
She bent to pick up the report and placed it back on Sun Dajian's desk:
"Dad, business is battle—wins and losses are normal. Don't ruin your health over it."
Seeing his daughter, Sun Dajian's expression softened visibly:
"Shangxiang, in the current situation should Dongwu Group keep pressing into Jiangcheng and fight that Cao kid to the end, or retreat to City first and secure our bases there and in Shanghai?"
Sun Shangxiang's eyes were sharp: "Of course we keep pressing into Jiangcheng."
"Crush Cao Pingao's Cao Wei Group and every problem we face will melt away; our strength and influence will leap to the next level."
"Excellent! Worthy of being my daughter!"
Sun Dajian showed a hint of pride:
"Shangxiang, I'm sending you to Jiangcheng to replace Sun Feng as general manager of our Jiangcheng branch."
"Sun Feng, you're demoted to deputy general manager. Assist Shangxiang—understood?"
Sun Feng, molars clenched, bowed low. "Understood, Chairman."
//434//
Chapter 434: Open and Covert Struggle (Part 1)
That afternoon.
In the underground parking lot of Block A of the Donghu Bay Building.
Li Gui, who had just returned from handling official business outside, got out of his car and entered the elevator, preparing to go straight up to the 38th floor to report to Chen Shuting.
The elevator ascended and stopped on the 5th floor. When the doors opened, Li Gui was startled to see Wang Hui, sporting a large baby bump, standing outside.
Wang Hui was also stunned for a moment when she saw Li Gui, but she still stepped into the elevator.
Seeing his Ex-wife enter, Li Gui raised his hand and pressed the 40th floor button for her.
Wang Hui: "Thank you."
Li Gui: "You're welcome."
The elevator continued its quiet ascent.
At this moment, Li Gui couldn't help but ask, "The baby is due soon, right?"
Wang Hui glanced at him sideways: "Yes, the due date is next month."
Li Gui forced a smile: "That's good, that's really good."
Watching the gentle profile of his Ex-wife, Li Gui, standing silently beside her, felt a complex mixture of emotions—
In the blink of an eye, he had been the CEO of Cao Wei Real Estate for almost a year.
During the first two or three months after becoming CEO, Li Gui genuinely experienced the joy of a dream come true.
But after that brief happiness faded, he actually felt a little regretful.
Coupled with the "special" way he rose to power, Li Gui knew that people in the company were constantly gossiping about him and laughing behind his back. Soon, the elevator arrived at the 38th floor.
Li Gui glanced at Wang Hui's retreating figure again, then stepped out.
---Inside Chen Shuting's Group CEO office.
Seeing that Li Gui remained seated after finishing his report, Chen Shuting keenly asked:
"Mr. Li, is there anything else you need to discuss with me?"
Li Gui pondered for a moment, then said: "Ms. Chen, I am already 59 this year. Recently, I feel my energy is declining, and I'm increasingly struggling with work.
If possible, I wonder if the company could allow me to retire early."
Chen Shuting raised an eyebrow slightly in surprise: "Mr. Li, I cannot make a decision on personnel changes of this level. I need to report to the Boss for his final decision."
Li Gui nodded: "Then I'll leave it to you, Ms. Chen."
---That evening, inside Villa No. 1 in the Donghuwan Villa Area.
After dinner, Chen Shuting first handed her youngest son over to the Maternity Matron, then led Cao Pingao into his study.
"What? Li Gui wants to retire early? That can't be right?"
After listening to Chen Shuting's account, Cao Pingao looked surprised:
"He paid a considerable price to get that CEO position back then.
He's only been in the seat for a year and already wants to quit?"
Chen Shuting said with a meaningful look: "Precisely because the way he rose to power was somewhat 'special,' Zhao Gang and Wang Yong below him have never really respected him.
Furthermore, the personnel authority for Cao Wei Real Estate is currently in Xiao Rong's hands, and the Marketing Department is controlled by Binbin.
Feeling gradually sidelined while also enduring all the company gossip—if I were Li Gui, I would also want to retire early."
Cao Pingao grinned: "Oh? Is there a lot of gossip about Li Gui in the company?"
Chen Shuting smiled and gave him a sidelong glance: "Wang Hui's belly is getting bigger every day; everyone in the company sees it. Do you think Li Gui is under a lot of pressure?"
Cao Pingao laughed: "If that's the case, then let him retire early as he wishes.
Sister Shuting, who would be the most suitable person to replace Li Gui?"
Chen Shuting crossed her arms, a troubled expression on her beautiful face: "Based on seniority, it should be Zhao Gang's turn to take over the CEO position.
But Xiao Rong just gave birth to a pair of sons for you; she definitely wants this top position too.
And Binbin, her work ability is truly excellent. She has managed the company's Marketing Department very well this year, so she is also a candidate to consider."
Cao Pingao stroked his chin and said: "Hmm, it is indeed a difficult choice. How about this: I'll think about it on my side, and you hold a small meeting with Xiao Xue, Xiao Jie, and Qingyu to solicit the opinions of the other Group Vice Presidents."
Chen Shuting nodded: "Alright, I understand."
---As soon as Chen Shuting left the study, Qian Wan, whose ambition was stirring again because she had given birth to another son for Cao Pingao, immediately walked in, clinging to his arm and cooing:
"Hubby~ Thanks to my efforts, 'Cao Wei Housekeeping' has already made a profit of over 3 million this first half of the year~
You promised me before that once I achieved results, you would formally merge 'Cao Wei Housekeeping' into your Cao Wei Group~"
Cao Pingao laughed: "Alright, alright. Since your husband promised you before, your husband will definitely deliver."
"Hubby, you're the best~" Qian Wan, beaming happily, quickly reached up and hugged Cao Pingao's neck, initiating several kisses.
---Soon, the news that Li Gui was retiring early spread quickly throughout the company. Zhao Gang and Wang Yong, catching wind of it, immediately sprang into action.
That morning, Zhao Gang personally brought a young, beautiful girl up to the 40th floor to see Cao Pingao.
"Chairman, her name is Zhao Zirui. She is my niece and just graduated from the Central University of Finance and Law this year."
Zhao Gang said with a flattering smile: "Chairman, haven't you been looking to hire a few more new secretaries? I thought perhaps Zirui could try out."
Cao Pingao looked up at the young girl, who had a pure appearance and was wearing a white dress and black leather shoes:
[Name: Zhao Zirui]
[Age: 21]
[Bare Face Score: 76]
[Figure Score: 80]
[Bachelor's Degree, 5 former riders, no bad habits, no tattoos, healthy body]
[System Judgment: Unqualified]
Cao Pingao: Whoa, four years of university and five riders—if I didn't have the System, I really would have been fooled by that harmless little face.
"Mr. Zhao, when I hire secretaries, I usually require relevant work experience," Cao Pingao casually deflected.
As soon as he heard Boss Cao say this, Zhao Gang immediately understood that his niece had not been favored:
"Understood, Chairman. Thank you for your time."
---Not long after Zhao Gang and the girl left, personal secretary Li Xiaoman walked in again:
"Boss, Human Resources Department internally recommended another Beauty named Xiao. Do you want to interview her now?"
Cao Pingao smiled: "Sure, let her come in."
Subsequently, a beauty with exquisite makeup, long flowing hair, an extremely voluptuous figure, and wearing a dark purple Young Mother Dress, walked gracefully up to Cao Pingao and placed a resume on his desk:
"Hello, Chairman. My name is Xiao Lili, and I am here to interview for your secretary position."
[Name: Xiao Lili]
[Age: 26]
[Bare Face Score: 78]
[Figure Score: 85]
[Bachelor's Degree, 1 former rider, no bad habits, no tattoos, healthy body]
[System Judgment: Qualified Breeding Target]
Cao Pingao: This one is good. This curvy figure perfectly matches my aesthetic preference.
He casually opened the resume in front of him: "Miss Xiao, which department recommended you internally? How come I haven't seen you in the company before?"
Xiao Lili bit her lip and replied: "I am not an employee of your company. I was internally recommended by Wang Yong, the Deputy General Manager of Cao Wei Real Estate."
"Wang Yong?" Cao Pingao instantly became alert. "Are you related to Wang Yong?"
Xiao Lili's face flushed slightly, and her gaze was somewhat evasive: "Um, yes."
Cao Pingao closed the resume, crossed his legs, and pressed the question: "Then what is your relationship?"
Xiao Lili looked up at Cao Pingao, then quickly lowered her head again:
"Wang Yong... he is my husband."