Chapter 435: Open Strife and Veiled Struggles (Part 2)
Cao Pingao: "---"
"What did you say? You said Wang Yong is your husband?"
Xiao Lili didn't speak, just blushed and nodded.
Cao Pingao smiled, "I only hire single women as secretaries. Didn't the Human Resources Department tell you that?"
Xiao Lili lowered her head slightly and replied, "They did, but my husband said you just like... women like me..."
Cao Pingao almost couldn't hold back: Your husband is right.
Facing the voluptuous Xiao Lili, Boss Cao suddenly found himself in a difficult position:
On one hand, he didn't want to repeat the story of Li Gui and Wang Hui, as that would only make everyone think he liked married women;
On the other hand, he was a little reluctant to give up Xiao Lili, who was at least an E-cup.
Noticing Cao Pingao's silence, Xiao Lili looked up again and said somewhat shyly,
"Chairman, actually, Wang Yong and I have long since broken up, and we've been separated for over half a year.
He said if I could get hired as your personal secretary, I could get the house when we divorce."
Cao Pingao's gaze roamed back and forth over Xiao Lili's alluring curves:
"Then do you know what it means to be my personal secretary?"
Xiao Lili nodded suggestively, "I know. To be the Chairman's personal secretary, one naturally has to be ready to satisfy the Chairman's every need~"
The lustful Cao Pingao crooked his index finger at Xiao Lili with a mischievous smile.
Xiao Lili hesitated for a moment, then blushed and walked around the desk to stand beside him.
Cao Pingao patted his thigh again.
This time, Xiao Lili hesitated for an even shorter time before smoothing the back of her stepmother dress and sitting on his lap:
"Chairman~"
Cao Pingao wrapped his arm around her shapely waist and asked, "You've really been separated from Wang Yong for over half a year? You're not lying to me?"
Xiao Lili nodded affirmingly, "Yes, Chairman, I'm absolutely not lying to you~"
Cao Pingao then asked, "Then what was the reason for your relationship breaking down and wanting a divorce?"
"One reason is that Wang Yong was completely focused on his work before, and he usually ignored me completely."
Xiao Lili pouted slightly and said, "The more important reason is that I also found out he cheated, but I didn't get concrete evidence, otherwise I would have sued him for divorce long ago."
"So that's how it is." Cao Pingao raised his hand to caress her cheek and smiled, "You agreed to be my personal secretary so you could get more assets in the divorce."
Xiao Lili said with blurred eyes, "If I had known earlier that you, Chairman, were so handsome and had such a good physique, I would have come for an interview 3 months ago~"
After speaking, she actively leaned her mouth towards Cao Pingao's face and lightly kissed him.
"Hey, you're the one who provoked me first."
Cao Pingao scooped Xiao Lili up in his arms and carried her to his spacious office desk, then lowered his head and kissed her cherry lips.
---[Congratulations, host, for successfully completing the Many Children, Many Blessings Mission]
[Breeding target 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]
[host currently holds Armor Piercing Badge (Silver): Armor Penetration Rate 50%]
[Random Reward: 2 great tonic strengthening pills]
---Afternoon.
When Chen Shuting, Jie Jie, Shen Qingyu, and Chen Xue arrived at the 40th floor for a small core management meeting, they were surprised to find that in Cao Pingao's Chairmans Secretary Office, in addition to Li Xiaoman, there was another curvaceous new secretary.
In the inner office, Cao Pingao and the four beauties sat around a large leather sofa.
Chen Shuting asked, "Husband, are you sure you want to officially incorporate Cao Wei Housekeeping into the group?"
Cao Pingao nodded, "Xiao Wan just wants to save face, so let's satisfy this small wish of hers."
Chen Shuting said meaningfully, "First as the head of a subsidiary, next she will definitely ask to enter the group's parent company and become a group vice president, just like Xiao Jie and the others.
Will you indulge her then too?"
Cao Pingao smiled, "Of course not. All of you have made outstanding contributions to the group's development. Xiao Wan is not qualified to be on equal footing with you."
Hearing Cao Pingao say this, Chen Shuting moved on to the next topic:
"Regarding who will take over as CEO of Cao Wei Real Estate after Li Gui's early retirement, what are everyone's thoughts?"
Chen Xue, Jie Jie, and Shen Qingyu exchanged glances but remained silent.
"Hmm?" Cao Pingao said somewhat unexpectedly, "What's wrong? Feel free to speak your minds if you have any thoughts."
Chen Xue looked at Chen Shuting again, then was the first to speak:
"These past few days, Xiao Rong and Binbin have been sending me cosmetics, skincare products, and luxury bags.
Although I didn't accept the more expensive gifts, it's better for you, husband, to decide who takes over as CEO."
At this point, Jie Jie and Shen Qingyu also chimed in, "Xiao Rong and Binbin also sent us many gifts. They were so enthusiastic that we couldn't refuse and each accepted a few items."
Chen Shuting also nodded, "It's the same for me."
Cao Pingao chuckled, "No wonder none of you were speaking just now. So you accepted gifts and were afraid of offending people."
Chen Shuting smiled helplessly, "There's nothing we can do. We're all sisters living in the same villa area, so it's best not to sour our relationship."
Cao Pingao crossed his legs and smiled, "So you want me to be the 'bad guy' here?"
Chen Xue covered her mouth and laughed, "It's your company anyway, if you don't play the bad guy, who will?"
Cao Pingao stroked his chin and asked, "What do you think about letting Wang Yong take over the CEO position?"
"Wang Yong?" Chen Shuting frowned slightly, "His ability is decent, but his qualifications are far from enough.
If he were to be the top boss, not to mention Zhao Gang, even Xiao Rong and Binbin wouldn't respect him."
Just as Cao Pingao and the others were fiercely discussing the candidate for the next CEO of Cao Wei Real Estate, there was a knock on the office door.
Cao Pingao called out, "Come in."
Li Xiaoman, dressed in an OL suit, pushed the door open and walked in:
"Excuse me, Boss, General Manager Sun from Dongwu Group's Jiangcheng branch is downstairs and says he wants to see you."
"Sun Feng?" Cao Pingao waved his hand, "I don't have time to see him. Tell him to go back where he came from."
Li Xiaoman quickly explained, "The person who wants to see you isn't Sun Feng. The front desk downstairs said it's the new General Manager of Dongwu Group's Jiangcheng branch, named Sun Shangxiang."
//436//
Chapter 436: First Meeting with Sun Shangxiang
"What? Dongwu Group sent a young woman to Jiangcheng to oversee operations?"
Cao Pingao's curiosity was instantly piqued. He turned to the four female executives beside him and said,
"Let's discuss Li Gui's successor later. Sister Shuting, you and I will go meet this Miss Sun first."
---Cao Pingao and Chen Shuting arrived together at the luxurious reception room on the 39th floor.
Before long, Secretary Li Xiaoman entered with a beautiful woman who had long hair draped over her shoulders, sharp, sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes. She wore a satin white blouse, black straight-leg trousers, and white high heels.
Behind her followed Sun Feng and two other attendants.
Cao Pingao, who was sitting on the sofa, politely stood up to greet them, simultaneously activating the system in his mind:
[Name: Sun Shangxiang]
[Age: 27]
[Bare-faced: 87 points]
[Figure: 88 points]
[Master's degree, virgin, no bad habits, no tattoos, healthy body]
[System judgment: Qualified breeding object]
Sun Shangxiang proactively extended a fair, delicate hand:
"Hello, Boss Cao, my name is Sun Shangxiang, and I am the newly appointed head of the Dongwu Group's Jiangcheng branch."
Cao Pingao lightly clasped her fingertips: "Hello, General Manager Sun."
Sun Shangxiang then looked at Chen Shuting, who was standing beside Cao Pingao, and with a sharp gaze, extended her right hand to her:
"Hello, General Manager Chen.
When I saw news reports about your company before, I already thought General Manager Chen was very beautiful. I didn't expect you to be even more stunning in person."
Chen Shuting smiled and, with an equally sharp gaze, replied: "You flatter me, General Manager Sun. I didn't expect Old General Manager Sun to send you to Jiangcheng to manage affairs."
Sun Shangxiang glanced back at Sun Feng and chuckled: "No choice, my brother is simply no match for your Cao Wei Group."
"Hahahaha." Cao Pingao laughed and made a 'please' gesture with his open palm:
"General Managers Sun, please take a seat first."
After they were seated on the large leather sofa, Sun Shangxiang gave Sun Feng a look. The latter quickly took out two documents from his briefcase and respectfully handed them to Cao Pingao and Chen Shuting.
Sun Shangxiang said in a calm tone: "This is the revised development plan for Dongwu Group's Jiangcheng branch, which has already avoided your company's sphere of influence. Please take a look, Boss Cao and General Manager Chen."
Hearing her words, Cao Pingao and Chen Shuting both opened the documents with curiosity.
"Jiangnan District belongs to our Cao Wei Group, Jiangdong District belongs to your Dongwu Group, and Jiangbei District is split equally between us."
Cao Pingao looked up and smiled: "General Manager Sun, you want to split the Jiangcheng market with us."
Sun Shangxiang nodded calmly: "Jiangcheng is a mega-city with a population of tens of millions; it can absolutely accommodate both our companies developing together."
Chen Shuting, sitting nearby, asked: "Then what do you plan to do with the Dongwu Shopping Plaza project your company has already built in Jiangnan District?"
Sun Shangxiang said: "We are willing to sell it to your Cao Wei Group at a low price. You would only need to change the signboard, and it would become a brand new Cao Wei Plaza.
Of course, if your group's current funds are insufficient, we can also sign a lease-to-own agreement."
Facing Sun Shangxiang's very sincere concessions and peace overtures, Chen Shuting was actually quite tempted.
However, she did not directly reveal her thoughts but instead looked at Cao Pingao beside her.
Cao Pingao looked at Sun Shangxiang's spirited and pretty face, his mind not on business matters at all—
I didn't expect Sun Dajian's daughter to be so beautiful. Since you've come to Jiangcheng, I must find a way to keep you here.
"I'm sorry, General Manager Sun, although Jiangcheng is very large, my ambition is equally considerable."
Cao Pingao grinned and said: "If Dongwu Group can immediately cease cooperation with Huangs Real Estate and completely withdraw from the Jiangcheng market, then I might consider coexisting peacefully with you in Modu."
Sun Shangxiang: "---"
Chen Shuting: "---"
Neither of the two beauties expected Cao Pingao to reject the peace agreement so directly.
Sun Shangxiang couldn't help but frown slightly: "Boss Cao, I have already represented Dongwu Group with the utmost sincerity. If you are still unwilling to accept this, then our two companies will have no choice but to continue 'meeting on the battlefield'."
Cao Pingao smiled confidently: "Hahaha, gladly."
Sun Shangxiang stared at Cao Pingao with a complex expression for a moment, then looked at Chen Shuting, before leaving the reception room with Sun Feng and the two attendants, her face showing displeasure.
After everyone had left, Chen Shuting asked, puzzled: "Husband, the proposal Miss Sun offered was truly sincere. Why must you clash with Dongwu Group?"
Cao Pingao chuckled: "This 'peace plan' looks good for now, but once Dongwu Group truly establishes a foothold in Jiangcheng, do you think, given Sun Dajian's style, he would genuinely coexist peacefully with me in Jiangcheng long-term?"
Chen Shuting frowned in thought for a moment: "You're right, we can't just consider immediate comfort and abandon long-term planning. Husband~ we need to be careful from now on. From what I understand, this Sun Shangxiang is one of Sun Dajian's most capable among his dozen or so children."
Cao Pingao smiled and nodded: "I sensed that. She just used the topic of selling Dongwu Shopping Plaza to ask if we wanted to acquire or lease it, trying to gauge our cash flow."
Chen Shuting: "Indeed, I also picked up on that. So, don't underestimate her just because she's a young woman; she's much harder to deal with than Sun Feng."
"Hahaha, it's fine." Cao Pingao suddenly reached out and pulled the curvaceous Chen Shuting into his arms, lowering his head to kiss her cheek. "Sister Shuting, have you heard the saying, 'one force can overcome ten skills,' or 'brute force conquers all'?"
Chen Shuting leaned into his embrace and said: "I have, why?"
Cao Pingao chuckled: "Starting this month, I will give you 500 million in funds every month. You just need to launch a full-scale offensive until Dongwu Group is completely driven out of Jiangcheng."
"Every month---500 million?" Chen Shuting abruptly sat up from his embrace. "Husband~ where on earth are you raising such a large amount of capital?"
Cao Pingao grinned: "That's a secret."
//437//
Chapter 437: Unconcealable Ambition (Part 1)
Time quickly passed, arriving at July. The weather in the famous furnace city, Jiangcheng, was getting hotter by the day.
That morning.
In a bedroom on the second floor of Villa No. 6, located in the Donghu Bay Lake View Villa District.
Li Yixuan, wearing only a spaghetti strap nightgown, snuggled into Cao Pingao's arms, inhaling deeply the scent of his body:
"Hubby, you're awake~ I saw you open your eyes~"
Cao Pingao closed his eyes and laughed, "I'm not awake yet."
Li Yixuan hugged his neck and whined, "Oh, don't stay in bed. I'm hungry. Shall we go downstairs and eat breakfast?"
Cao Pingao chuckled, "Then wash my face for me first using facial cleanser, and I'll go downstairs with you for breakfast."
The Little Daoist Nun, with her youthful face and impressive figure, blushed slightly, but obediently did as she was told.
---After getting up and washing, Cao Pingao led Li Yixuan to the dining room on the first floor of the villa.
At this moment, Jin Yao, Li Jing, and Zheng Jiaqi were also having breakfast there, so Cao Pingao and Li Yixuan happily joined them.
While they were eating, the familiar system announcement sounded in Cao Pingao's ear again:
[The host holds the prosperous husband badge (Gold): Rewards 5% of total assets every month]
[According to system big data calculation, the host's current total assets are: over 10.13791 billion yuan]
[The current month's cash reward is: 506.9 million yuan, which has been transferred via the Central Bank into the host's designated bank account]
[The host's current total cash balance is: 2,116,394,865.12 yuan]
After hearing the system announcement, Cao Pingao couldn't help but smile slightly: Dongwu Group, Sun Dajian, Sun Feng, Sun Shangxiang—none of them are worth mentioning here.
He picked up his phone and transferred 500 million yuan to the group's corporate account.
After finishing breakfast, Cao Pingao kissed goodbye to Jin Yao and the other four girls one by one, put on his sunglasses, and walked out of Villa No. 6—a scorching heat wave instantly struck him.
"Holy crap, Jiangcheng in July and August is really not a place for humans."
Fortunately, the black rolls-royce phantom driven by Dian Wei already had the air conditioning running and was waiting for him on the side of the road.
Cao Pingao strode over and sat in the back seat of the sedan:
"Old Dian, take me to the company."
Dian Wei replied seriously, "Yes, Boss."
---Donghu Bay Tower A, 39th floor Grand Conference Room.
Management personnel attending the Group Anniversary Preliminary Meeting arrived at the venue one after another.
"Manager Qian! Long time no see!"
Zhan Peng, who had just flown from Chengdu to Jiangcheng early in the morning, walked up to Qian Feng and extended his right hand with a smile:
"I heard you're about to be promoted to Deputy General Manager of the Post-Production Operations Department. Congratulations, Manager Qian."
Qian Feng also extended his right hand: "President Zhan, your news is quite well-informed."
"Hahahaha, you can't get by well in this era if you're not well-informed."
Zhan Peng leaned in and whispered, "It looks like you've come to your senses? No wonder your promotion was so fast."
Qian Feng looked confused: "What do you mean?"
"Hey, why are you still pretending with me?" Zhan Peng gestured with his eyes toward the direction of the main stage.
Qian Feng followed his gaze: He saw the OL beauty Li Xiaoman, wearing a white shirt and a black hip-hugging skirt, setting up the main seat where Cao Pingao would soon sit.
Zhan Peng smiled meaningfully, "You did the right thing. There are plenty of women in the world. As long as you have your own career, what kind of girl won't you be able to find later?"
Only then did Qian Feng understand Zhan Peng's hint, and he quickly explained:
"President Zhan, you misunderstood. Xiaoman and I broke up because of incompatible personalities, and she is merely working as the Chairman's secretary."
Zhan Peng struggled to suppress the corners of his mouth: "Ah, yes, yes, yes.
Manager Qian, of course, was promoted based on his own work ability and effort."
Seeing that Zhan Peng didn't believe him, Qian Feng continued to explain softly, "President Zhan, I really didn't trade Xiaoman for my future. She hasn't moved into the villa district either; she's still renting a place outside."
Zhan Peng: "Stop deceiving yourself, Manager Qian. The reason your ex-girlfriend didn't move directly into the villa district is because she's kind enough to want to save you some face."
Qian Feng: "---"
Zhan Peng raised his hand, patted his shoulder, and then sat down in the seat designated for the "General Manager of Banana Media, Chengdu Branch Company."
---Before long, the conference room was packed with attendees.
Then Cao Pingao, Chen Shuting, Chen Xue, Jie Jie, and Shen Qingyu walked in together and took their seats on the main stage. The conference room quickly quieted down.
Qian Feng, sitting at the far end of the venue, stared blankly at Li Xiaoman, who was standing slightly behind the main stage, and realized that his "Goddess Li" was staring blankly at Cao Pingao's back.---"Before officially starting the meeting, I have an announcement to make."
Cao Pingao said with a smile, "Starting next month, Cao Wei Human Resources Co., Ltd. will officially merge into our Cao Wei Group.
Manager Qian, please stand up and say hello to everyone."
Qian Wan, impeccably dressed and wearing elaborate makeup, stood up from her seat, unable to hide the triumphant look on her face:
"Hello everyone~ Please feel free to communicate more during future work."
Only after Qian Wan sat down again did Chen Shuting start hosting the meeting expressionlessly:
"We now officially begin the 'Group Anniversary Preliminary Meeting.'
Because the situation this year is rather unique, and the Group is fully focused on tackling the challenge posed by the Dongwu Group, the Group will not hold a week-long collective team-building trip this year. Instead, we will grant a 3-day holiday and issue anniversary bonuses.
Before discussing the specific celebration arrangements, I will first announce a few personnel changes on behalf of the Group management."
Chen Shuting opened a list and spoke into the microphone on the desk:
"Starting next month, Wang Yong, Deputy General Manager of Cao Wei Real Estate, will be transferred to Modu to serve as the General Manager of Cao Wei Real Estate's Modu Branch Company.
Qian Feng, Team Leader of Team 3 in Banana Media's Post-Production Operations Department, will assume the role of Deputy General Manager of the Post-Production Operations Department starting next month---"
Hearing that Wang Yong, one of the competitors, was dispatched to the Modu Branch Company as the top executive, the remaining three competitors—Zhao Gang, Deng Xiaorong, and Fan Binbin—exchanged meaningful glances.
---After the meeting, Qian Wan followed Cao Pingao directly back to the Chairmans Office on the 40th floor.
"Hubby~ Now, like Xiao Jie and Qingyu, I am also the person in charge of a Group subsidiary~"
Qian Wan sat in Cao Pingao's lap and whined, "Then when can I enter the Group's highest management and also serve concurrently as a Group Vice President~"
Cao Pingao laughed, "Your qualifications are far from sufficient right now. Come back when you've achieved more accomplishments."
Qian Wan's large eyes darted around: "Then you have to tell me a standard, right? What kind of accomplishment counts?"
Cao Pingao wrapped one arm around her slender waist and used the other hand to stroke his chin: "Hmm, my Secretarial Office is never full. First, help me recruit a batch of qualified female secretaries.
Then recruit a batch of young and pretty kindergarten teachers. Our little ones will be old enough for kindergarten next year, so we need to plan this early."
Qian Wan hugged his neck and smiled, "Okay, Hubby~ I guarantee I'll complete the task you've assigned me~ As for the budget?"
Cao Pingao laughed, "Cao Wei Human Resources is already part of the Group company. For the budget, ask Xiao Jie to approve it for you. I'll tell her to be a bit lenient."
Qian Wan beamed with joy and showered him with seven or eight sweet kisses: "Thank you, Hubby~ You are so good~"
Suddenly, Cao Pingao's phone rang:
"Hello, Xiaoqi, do you miss your hubby?
What's wrong? Don't cry, don't cry. Don't worry, speak slowly."
While Cao Pingao was on the phone, Qian Wan, who was sitting in his lap, blushed and lowered her head.
Cao Pingao: "Mhm, I understand, hiss. Just wait for me at home, Hubby will immediately—Hubby will come find you shortly."
//438//
Chapter 438: Brother Feng, You Are a Good Person
Cao Pingao hung up the phone, lowered his head, and smiled at Qian Wan: "Hahaha, I just answered a call, how did you already start?"
Qian Wan got up and sat back into Cao Pingao's arms, hugging his neck, and said seductively:
"Hubby~ I haven't done that with you in your new office yet~"
After speaking, her cherry lips sealed Cao Pingao's large mouth.
Seeing the situation was bad, Cao Pingao quickly "deactivated" his [Legendary Archer Badge].
---One hour later.
Cao Pingao led the rosy-cheeked Qian Wan out of his Chairmans Office and said to Li Xiaoman and Xiao Lili, who were sitting in the outer Secretarial Room:
"I have something to go out for, you two can also get off work early."
"Understood, Boss~" The two female secretaries quickly stood up and replied.
Qian Wan, who was holding Cao Pingao's arm, gave Li Xiaoman and Xiao Lili a meaningful side-eye, then walked with her man toward the Elevator Lobby and took the elevator downstairs.
Qian Wan got off the elevator on the 22nd floor and returned to Cao Wei Human Resources Company, which she manages.
Cao Pingao went directly to the Underground Garage and got into his black rolls-royce phantom.
---In a one-bedroom apartment.
Su Xiaoqi, with tears in the corners of her eyes, leaned on the sofa, clutching a two-line pregnancy test stick, waiting with mixed feelings for the arrival of the "culprit."
After she waited anxiously for nearly two hours, a knock finally sounded outside the apartment door:
"I'm here, Xiaoqi, open the door for me."
Su Xiaoqi quickly got up to open the door, then dove into the man's arms:
"Hubby, you're finally here~"
"Some work at the company delayed me, so I came a little late."
Cao Pingao hugged Su Xiaoqi and sat back on the sofa, stroking her little face and asking, "Why are you crying? Don't you want to carry Hubby's Little Baby?"
"Of course not~" Su Xiaoqi pouted, "But I am only 20 this year, and I don't want to have a Little Baby this early."
Cao Pingao, who had already prepared for this, embraced the young girl's slender waist and smiled:
"Xiaoqi, for you, having a Little Baby is better sooner rather than later."
Su Xiaoqi asked confusedly, "Ah? Why is that?"
"Because if you wait until you graduate next year and officially become an actress, getting pregnant and giving birth while taking on and filming many roles could interrupt and delay your career development.
Instead of that, it's better to take advantage of your youth and fast recovery now, complete the task of having a Little Baby before you graduate from university next year, and then you can set out unburdened to realize your dream of becoming an actress."
Su Xiaoqi felt that Cao Pingao's words made a lot of sense and showed consideration for her long-term development, yet she still felt that something was amiss.
Just as she was still hesitating, Cao Pingao stroked her head and chuckled: "Xiaoqi, having a Little Baby for me is a rare opportunity for you to deepen your relationship with me. You wouldn't refuse, would you?"
After hearing Cao Pingao's words, Su Xiaoqi instantly realized: There are countless girls like me graduating from major Art Schools every year.
What is truly scarce is not a young and beautiful girl like me, but a wealthy big boss like Boss Cao!
Having figured this out, Su Xiaoqi quickly reached out and hugged Cao Pingao's neck, actively offering him a fragrant kiss:
"Hubby~ I'll listen to you. I'll have a Little Baby for you before I graduate from university, and then focus wholeheartedly on being an actress~"
"Hahahaha, it's good that you understand."
Cao Pingao lowered his head and kissed Su Xiaoqi's soft lips: "Hurry up and pack your things now, Hubby is taking you to move."
"Move?" Su Xiaoqi blinked her large eyes, "Hubby, where are you taking me to move?"
Cao Pingao grinned: "Moving to live with your Senior Sister Xia Tian."
---Li Xiaoman had just walked out of the Donghu Bay Building after work when she suddenly noticed her ex-boyfriend standing by the roadside waiting for her.
Qian Feng walked forward and asked, "Xiaoman, can we find a place to sit down and have a good talk?"
Li Xiaoman knew that Qian Feng hadn't given up on her yet. She picked up her Apple Phone, glanced at it, and said, "It's almost dinner time, let's have dinner together then."
In a high-end Western Restaurant near the company.
Li Xiaoman calmly ate the steak she ordered while drinking red wine.
After gathering his courage for a long time, Qian Feng finally spoke:
"Xiaoman, I know you used to dislike that my family background was ordinary and I earned little---but I've been promoted now, and my monthly salary before tax is over 20,000 yuan. I believe that through my efforts, my income will definitely increase further in the future!
Can we get back together?"
Li Xiaoman looked up at Qian Feng, put down her knife and fork, and picked up the stemmed glass to take a sip of red wine: "Are you paying for dinner tonight?"
Qian Feng quickly nodded: "Of course, I just got paid."
Li Xiaoman shook the stemmed glass in her hand: "Then do you know how much a bottle of the red wine I ordered costs?"
Qian Feng shook his head again: "I didn't pay attention to the menu just now."
Li Xiaoman said with a slight upward curve of her lips: "19,800."
Qian Feng was stunned for a moment, then immediately smiled and said, "It's okay, as long as you like drinking it, I'll pay the bill."
Li Xiaoman pressed further: "What if I want to drink this kind of red wine once a week? What if I want to drink wine that is even more expensive than this?"
Qian Feng: "---"
Li Xiaoman unhurriedly took another sip of the red wine in her glass, then said: "I know you've worked very hard for me, but the life I want is not something you can achieve just by trying hard.
Brother Feng, you are a good person. Don't wait for me anymore, go find a girl who is more suitable for you."
Having said that, Li Xiaoman stood up and left her seat.
Qian Feng looked at the receding figure of the goddess, wanting to hold her back, but opened his mouth and found he had nothing to say.
After sitting in silence for a long while, Qian Feng finally raised his hand and called the waiter:
"Excuse me, I need a takeaway box and the bill."
The waiter said: "Sir, your Girlfriend already paid the bill for this table when she left.
Which dishes need to be packed?"
---That evening.
Donghuwan Villa Area, Villa No. 3.
Xia Tian, Xu Yingying, Yang Zihan, and Wei Mengmeng, the four girls, were sitting in the living room, taking care of the children and chatting.
At this moment, Cao Pingao walked in holding the hand of the newcomer Su Xiaoqi:
"Her name is Su Xiaoqi, she is your new sister."
Su Xiaoqi shyly waved and greeted them: "Hello everyone."
"Hello."
Aside from Xia Tian, whom she already knew, Xu Yingying, Yang Zihan, and Wei Mengmeng all proactively introduced themselves to Su Xiaoqi.
Cao Pingao chuckled again: "Xiao Tian, Xiaoqi is your junior sister from Sichuan University's Performance Department, and she's also a fellow Sichuan native of yours. I'm handing her over to you, you must take good care of her for me."
"Okay, Hubby~"
Xia Tian handed the Little Baby in her arms to the Maternity Matron standing nearby, then took Su Xiaoqi from Cao Pingao's hand and led her towards the second floor: "Come on, I'll take you to choose a bedroom first."
Su Xiaoqi couldn't help but ask curiously in a low voice: "Sister Xia Tian, the Little Baby you were holding just now---"
Xia Tian smiled slightly: "He is my son, named Cao Qin."
Although she had been somewhat mentally prepared, Su Xiaoqi was still surprised:
"Sister Xia Tian publicly promotes a persona of being single and never having been in a relationship---who would have thought you are actually a young mother already."
//439//
Chapter 439: Ambition That Cannot Be Hidden (Part 2)
Cao Pingao, who remained in the first-floor living room, sat down between Yang Zihan and Wei Mengmeng, chatting with them while holding them in his arms.
Then he stood up and sat next to Xu Yingying, putting his arm around her fragrant shoulders and whispering with a smile in her ear:
"Yingying, in the blink of an eye, our daughter is already over a year old, and you've been resting for over a year. It's time to give me a second child."
Xu Yingying's face flushed. "I'll listen to whatever Husband arranges~"
Cao Pingao laughed. "Hahaha, then what are we waiting for? Give the daughter to the auntie, and let's head back to the room."
Xu Yingying obediently handed her daughter to the Maternity Matron standing nearby. Then, under the complex gazes of both envy and sympathy from Yang Zihan and Wei Mengmeng, she took Cao Pingao's hand and walked up to the second floor together.
---Just as Boss Cao was busy making babies in Villa No. 3, Qian Wan, who had been in the spotlight recently, brought her "confidant" Qian Jia to Villa No. 9.
Qian Wan first found Deng Xiaorong alone:
"Sister Xiao Rong, you're aware of the situation in the group. Chen Shuting, Jie Jie, and Shen Qingyu formed a clique long ago, and Chen Xue, who came later, has basically joined them as well.
People like you and me, who are temporarily excluded from the inner circle, need to strengthen our connections and support each other even more."
Deng Xiaorong didn't respond to Qian Wan's words; instead, she cast a wary look at Qian Jia, who was sitting beside her.
Qian Wan glanced sideways at Qian Jia and then said to Deng Xiaorong, "Jiajia is my most trusted first cousin. Sister Xiao Rong, you can speak freely."
Deng Xiaorong pursed her lips and said, "To be honest, it's not certain yet that I'll succeed Li Gui as the CEO of Cao Wei Real Estate.
Binbin has strong work capabilities and is so beautiful. You know how much of a face-con Husband is."
Qian Wan smiled. "Sister Xiao Rong, don't say that. You're currently the Vice President of the real estate company, while she's just a head of the marketing department.
Besides, you gave Husband two sons in one go.
Plus, I'll find opportunities to put in a good word for you with Husband. I believe the position of CEO of Cao Wei Real Estate will definitely be yours."
Deng Xiaorong pondered for a moment with her eyebrows slightly furrowed, then spoke:
"Xiao Wan, thank you for your kindness.
Husband surely has his own plans for such important personnel matters; it's better if we don't interfere too much.
If he wants to promote Binbin, I'm fine with just being a Vice President."
Hearing that Deng Xiaorong lacked "fighting spirit," Qian Wan didn't want to waste any more words on her and said with a beaming smile:
"I understand, Sister Xiao Rong. Regardless, I still think the possibility of you becoming CEO is higher.
When the time comes, we'll work closely together to break the monopoly of Chen Shuting and the others over the group's top management."
Deng Xiaorong smiled without giving a definitive answer and then politely saw Qian Wan and Qian Jia out of her room.
---After coming out of Deng Xiaorong's bedroom, Qian Jia whispered a complaint:
"Sister Xiao Wan, Deng Xiaorong doesn't seem very willing to cooperate with us."
"Hmph, a woman with no great ambitions. She's satisfied just being a Vice President of a mere subsidiary."
A look of disdain appeared on Qian Wan's face. "Since this potential ally won't lean toward me, I'll go talk to her competitor instead."
---After hearing a knock on the door, Fan Binbin got out of bed and opened it to see:
"Xiao Wan? Jiajia? Is there something you need?"
Qian Wan said with a smile, "Can we come in and sit for a bit to chat?"
"Sure." Fan Binbin stepped aside to clear the way and invited Qian Wan and Qian Jia into her room.
Unlike Deng Xiaorong, Fan Binbin held herself in high regard due to her outstanding beauty. Among the many girls in the house, she didn't have a single close sisterly relationship.
So when she heard that Qian Wan, the CEO of 'Cao Wei Human Resources,' wanted to form an alliance and help her become the CEO of Cao Wei Real Estate, Fan Binbin agreed immediately:
"Xiao Wan, you're right. The positions in the group's top management shouldn't be completely monopolized by Chen Shuting and those few. People like us, who rose through hard work, should have more of a voice in the group."
Although she said this, Fan Binbin still looked down on Qian Wan in her heart for being "average-looking" and moving her whole family to Jiangcheng:
You scheming woman who used to sell Mercedes-Benzes, I don't know why Husband would merge your crappy domestic service company into the group.
Since you want to help me, I'll use your strength to overtake Deng Xiaorong on the curve first. As for whether to cooperate in an alliance with you later, we'll see then.
Qian Wan was very happy to hear that Fan Binbin was willing to cooperate:
"Great. I'll find an opportunity to put in a few good words for you in front of Husband.
We'll discuss other matters in detail after you're officially promoted to CEO of Cao Wei Real Estate."
Fan Binbin smiled gracefully. "Alright."
---In a bedroom on the second floor of Villa No. 3.
A completely naked Cao Pingao lay on the large bed, holding the sweat-drenched Xu Yingying in his arms.
[Congratulations to the host for successfully completing the Many Children, Many Blessings Mission]
[Breeding target Xu Yingying has successfully conceived naturally. System reward: 10 million yuan]
[Skill Reward: Loyalty Badge (Bronze)]
[When the baby is born healthy, the Armor Piercing Badge will automatically level up]
[The host currently holds the Loyalty Badge (Gold): Intimate interaction can moderately increase the loyalty of females with loyalty below 90% toward the host]
[Random Reward: 2 great tonic strengthening pills]
Suddenly, Cao Pingao's phone on the nightstand vibrated.
Xu Yingying quickly covered her chest with a thin blanket and reached out to help him get the phone.
Cao Pingao unlocked the phone and saw that it was Qian Jia, who had sent him two "work reports" on wechat.
Xu Yingying snuggled in the man's arms, her fingers lightly stroking his firm chest. "Husband~ who's sending you wechat messages so late?"
Cao Pingao smiled. "It's my secret agent reporting work to me."
"Secret agent?" Xu Yingying became curious instantly. "Is it an agent at home or at the company?"
Cao Pingao: "At home."
Xu Yingying asked again, "Then who is the secret agent?"
"Hahahaha." Cao Pingao gave Xu Yingying's smooth cheek a firm squeeze. "If I told you, could they still be called a'secret agent'?"
---The next morning, Cao Pingao personally drove Wang Hui, who was pregnant with twins, to St. Marys Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital for hospitalization and delivery.
After returning to the company from the hospital, he invited Li Gui into his Chairmans Office.
"President Li, you've made no small contribution to the development of the group. After the anniversary celebration at the end of the month, the group will allow you to take early retirement as per your wishes."
Li Gui nodded. "Thank you for granting my wish, Chairman."
Looking at the gray-haired Li Gui, Cao Pingao added, "As for your retirement benefits, I'll have General Manager Jian raise them by one level, from the benefits of a subsidiary general manager to the retirement benefits of a group Vice President."
"This—" Li Gui's eyes were full of gratitude. "I don't even know what to say. Thank you, Chairman!"
After Li Gui left contentedly, Cao Pingao had Li Xiaoman call Qian Wan up to the 40th floor via the internal phone.
Wearing a purple tight-fitting hip-hugging skirt and the black stockings Cao Pingao liked most, Qian Wan walked into the office with a graceful gait:
"Husband, I'm here~"
Cao Pingao's sword-like brows furrowed. "No discipline. Use my title during work."
Qian Wan was startled and quickly stood up straight, saying, "Sorry, Chairman. Did you call me up for some work arrangements?"
While admiring Qian Wan's legs in black silk, Cao Pingao said in a stern tone:
"Do I still need to arrange work for you?
Haven't you been busy as a bee lately, trying to form your own little clique within the company?"
//440//
Chapter 440: Sun Shangxiang's Confidence (Part 1)
Qian Wan felt a sinking feeling in her heart: Oh no! Could someone have betrayed me?
Who could it be? Was it Deng Xiaorong or Fan Binbin?
"Hubby, what are you talking about? I'm not forming any little cliques of my own~"
Cao Pingao's gaze sharpened. "What, do I have to call Xiao Rong and Binbin over to confront you before you'll admit it?"
Hearing her man say this, Qian Wan's mouth immediately puckered, and tears began to well up in her eyes.
"Hubby, you're being unfair~ Chen Shuting, Jie Jie, and Shen Qingyu formed a little clique a long time ago, and you've never said anything about them."
Cao Pingao gave a cold laugh. "Sister Shuting, Xiao Jie, and Qingyu naturally became close because of work reasons. When Chen Xue joined later, they accepted her smoothly as well.
But you? You tried to form a clique with Xiao Rong and Binbin just to make it easier for you to keep climbing the ladder."
Two crystal teardrops slid down Qian Wan's cheeks. "Hubby, you're right. I do want to keep climbing—but what's wrong with wanting to make progress?"
"There's nothing wrong with wanting to make progress, but you're wrong in the way you're seeking it."
Cao Pingao crossed his legs and said, "Xiao Wan, I put up the money for the domestic service company you wanted to start, and I agreed when you wanted the company to join the group.
So what you should be doing now is managing your own little domain well and completing the two tasks I assigned to you. When the time comes, I will naturally give you an appropriate reward.
But you? You're daydreaming about taking shortcuts by forming factions and cliques. Do you still dare to say you're not in the wrong?"
Qian Wan lowered her head aggrievedly and remained silent.
Just then, there were a few knocks at the office door.
Cao Pingao: "Come in."
The door opened, and Jie Jie, wearing a standard black-and-white OL suit, walked in. "Boss, you were looking for me?"
As she approached, she noticed that Qian Wan actually had tears on her face. "What's going on?"
Cao Pingao smiled and said to Jie Jie, "It's nothing. Xiao Wan made a small mistake, so I gave her a bit of a talking-to.
Xiao Jie, starting today, you will concurrently serve as the CEO of Cao Wei Human Resources."
"Oh, okay, Boss," Jie Jie replied while pulling out a tissue and handing it to Qian Wan.
Cao Pingao turned back to Qian Wan and said expressionlessly, "As for you, I'm temporarily demoting you to Recruitment Department Manager. Go back and reflect on your actions."
---After Jie Jie and Qian Wan left, Cao Pingao called Deng Xiaorong and Fan Binbin into his office together.
Deng Xiaorong was wearing a light blue satin shirt, a black hip-hugging skirt, black silk stockings, and high heels.
Fan Binbin was wearing a white satin shirt, a light gray hip-hugging skirt, nude stockings, and high heels.
"I know both of you want to take the seat left vacant after Li Gui's early retirement, and both of you are capable of it."
Cao Pingao's gaze wandered wantonly over the two OL beauties. "However, I'll give this CEO position to whoever I want.
If I don't give it, you can't take it. Do you understand, Binbin?"
Fan Binbin's pupils dilated in shock, and she quickly lowered her head. "I... I understand, Boss."
Deng Xiaorong, who also caught the hidden meaning in Boss Cao's words, was overjoyed. As expected! With Hubby, not competing is the ultimate competition! It's a good thing I didn't fall for Qian Wan's trick last night.
"Mhm." Cao Pingao nodded and said, "After comprehensive consideration, I've decided to follow the order. Xiao Rong, as the Vice President, will take over the position of CEO of Cao Wei Real Estate."
Binbin, you will be promoted from Marketing Department Manager to Company Vice President.
Do either of you have any issues with this arrangement?"
Deng Xiaorong tried hard to suppress the corners of her mouth. "I have no problem."
Fan Binbin continued to keep her head down as she replied, "I have no problem either. I'll follow all of the Boss's arrangements."
Cao Pingao leaned back against the back of his chair. "Alright, the formal promotion appointments will be announced at the anniversary celebration at the end of the month. You can go back to your work now."
---Coming out of the Chairman's Office and taking the elevator downstairs together, Deng Xiaorong suddenly asked Fan Binbin beside her:
"Did Qian Wan go to see you last night too?"
Fan Binbin's eyes widened instantly. "She talked to you last night as well?"
Deng Xiaorong nodded with a smile. "But I rejected her overtures. Otherwise, Hubby might not have chosen me to take over as the company's CEO today."
Hearing Deng Xiaorong's words, Fan Binbin angrily went to the 22nd floor to the Cao Wei Human Resources company and pushed open the door to Qian Wan's General Manager's office.
"Qian Wan, didn't you say you'd help me get the CEO position at Cao Wei Real Estate so we could join forces against Chen Shuting and the others? Why did you turn around and tattle on me to Hubby?"
Qian Wan glanced up at Fan Binbin and then continued to expressionlessly tidy her desk.
"Binbin, you believe whatever Deng Xiaorong says. Do you only have a pretty face and no brain?"
"You—"
Fan Binbin was choked up by Qian Wan's words. After thinking for a moment, she asked again, "Are you saying the person who tattled to Hubby was Deng Xiaorong?"
Qian Wan: "Otherwise? What would be my purpose in tattling to Hubby? To get myself demoted?"
Fan Binbin looked surprised. "Xiao Wan, you were demoted?"
Qian Wan sighed and said, "Binbin, only you, I, Jiajia, and Deng Xiaorong knew about last night. Now, only Deng Xiaorong has benefited. If it wasn't her who spoke out, who else could it be?"
Fan Binbin said somewhat apologetically, "Xiao Wan, you're right. I shouldn't have been provoked by that scheming woman Deng Xiaorong—so what do you plan to do next?"
Qian Wan glanced sideways at Fan Binbin. "What else can I do? I can only keep a low profile for a while and find a way to make Hubby happy before doing anything else."
---In mid-July, the first Dongwu Shopping Plaza in Jiang City grandly opened for business.
Cao Pingao brought his core management team—Chen Shuting, Jie Jie, Shen Qingyu, and Chen Xue—along with the specific person in charge of the Cao Wei Plaza project, Qiao Yueran, to the scene for an on-site inspection.
After strolling around the bustling and lively Dongwu Shopping Plaza, Cao Pingao and the others all gave high praise to Sun Shangxiang's abilities—
Chen Shuting said, "The overall layout of the mall is very reasonable, the decoration style is very fashionable, and the shopping experience is quite good."
Chen Xue said, "Whether it's the pre-opening publicity or today's execution, all the details are in place. This Sun Shangxiang really has something."
Jie Jie and Shen Qingyu both nodded in agreement.
Cao Pingao looked at Qiao Yueran and smiled. "President Qiao, compared to this Dongwu Shopping Plaza, which of the two malls do you think will have better business—this one or our Cao Wei Plaza across the street, which is also officially opening the day after tomorrow?"
Qiao Yueran looked at the bustling crowds in the mall, her eyebrows furrowed as she said:
"Boss Cao, I suggest postponing the official opening of our Cao Wei Plaza by two weeks to try and avoid their opening promotion period."
Although Qiao Yueran's suggestion was equivalent to showing weakness to the Dongwu Group and Sun Shangxiang, Chen Shuting, Chen Xue, and the others actually agreed with Little Qiao's strategy after finishing their on-site tour of the mall today.
Cao Pingao grinned. "What? You want me to avoid her edge?
That won't do. I must go head-to-head with this Miss Sun!
I've made the decision. We open the day after tomorrow as planned."
---At the same time, in the main control room of Dongwu Shopping Plaza.
Sun Shangxiang, the General Manager of the Jiang City Branch of Dongwu Group, was watching the first day's business operations of the mall accompanied by Sun Feng and other deputies.
Sun Feng pointed to a screen on the upper right and said, "General Manager Sun, people from the Cao Wei Group are here too."
Sun Shangxiang looked full of confidence. "They're here to visit and learn.
However, their Cao Wei Plaza is officially opening the day after tomorrow. Learning a bit of the basics from us now will be of no use."
//441//
Chapter 441: Sun Shangxiang's Confidence (Part 2)
The newly opened Dongwu Shopping Plaza had been booming for two consecutive days.
On the morning of the third day, Sun Shangxiang, impeccably made up and dressed in a white suit, walked into her office on the 5th floor of Dongwu Shopping Plaza.
Soon, after the mall opened at 10 o'clock, customers began to enter the mall one after another.
However, unlike before, the customer flow did not gradually increase as time passed—
Even by noon, there were still only a few customers scattered throughout the vast mall.
Sun Shangxiang looked at the monitor with a deep frown on her sword-like eyebrows:
"What's going on? Today is Saturday. Where is the weekend peak flow?"
Suddenly, Sun Feng pushed the door open and walked in, saying breathlessly, "General Manager Sun, this is bad, we're in trouble!"
Sun Shangxiang glanced at Sun Feng with a hint of contempt. "Don't be so flustered. Catch your breath before you speak."
"Right, right."
After taking a few deep breaths, Sun Feng said, "General Manager Sun, the Cao Wei Plaza across the street still opened on time this morning, and their business is incredibly booming.
I didn't understand why, so I went over to take a look. I found that their opening promotion is 50% off storewide!"
"50% off storewide?" Sun Shangxiang was also shocked. "How did they persuade the merchants to give up so much profit to cooperate with their opening promotion?
Manager Sun, are those big brands on the first floor of their mall also 50% off?"
Sun Feng replied, "I'm not sure about that. There were too many people, so I didn't squeeze inside."
Sun Shangxiang looked at Sun Feng with an expression of disappointment. "Then what are you still standing here for? Hurry up and take a few more people with you to thoroughly investigate their opening activities. We need to come up with a corresponding strategy!"
Sun Feng: "Understood, General Manager Sun. I'll take some people to feel them out again."
---About an hour later, Sun Feng returned to the 5th-floor office with a livid face and said to the anxious Sun Shangxiang:
"General Manager Sun, I've investigated thoroughly with my team. The opening activity Cao Wei Plaza is running is a genuine 50% off storewide, including all luxury goods stores, high-end cosmetics stores, gold and silver jewelry stores, digital phone stores, and so on—"
Sun Shangxiang's eyebrows furrowed upon hearing this. "That's impossible!
Manager Sun, you must have made a mistake. Why would the merchants over there help them with an opening activity at a loss?"
Sun Feng explained with a complex expression, "According to our investigation, the merchants aren't losing a single cent; in fact, they're making money—the price difference for the customers' 50% discount is being fully subsidized by the Cao Wei Group's own funds."
Sun Shangxiang: "—"
"Is Cao Pingao crazy? How much money is he losing in a single day like this?"
Sun Feng shrugged and said, "In any case, their requirement is that before customers shop, they have to use their ID cards to register as a real-name member. Today, each member has a 50% discount spending limit of 10,000 yuan.
Many of our company's employees are already looking everywhere to borrow ID cards from family and friends, preparing to head over for a shopping spree after work."
Sun Shangxiang was so angry she laughed. "Who does business like this? Burning money and selling at a loss just to make a name for himself—how many days can Cao Pingao keep this up?"
Sun Feng remained silent, thinking to himself whether he should go across the street later to buy a tri-fold phone.
"Fine, go back to your work." Sun Shangxiang waved her hand at him and said:
"We just need to stay steady. Once they stop these exaggerated discount activities, the customers will naturally return to our side."
---That night.
Inside the study of Villa No. 1 in the Donghuwan Villa Area.
Five core members of the Cao Wei Group—Cao Pingao, Chen Shuting, Chen Xue, Jie Jie, and Shen Qingyu—were gathered here.
CFO Jie Jie had compiled various sales data into tables, printed them out, and handed a copy to each person present.
Chen Xue frowned as she looked at the data. "My god, today's sales figures are even more exaggerated than I expected."
Chen Shuting smiled. "We burned 200 million in cash in a single day. How could the sales data not be exaggerated?"
Jie Jie looked at Cao Pingao beside her with concern and asked, "Hubby, are you sure we're going to continue the opening promotion like this tomorrow?
With such an aggressive strategy, won't the group's capital pressure be too high?"
Cao Pingao relaxed his arm around Jie Jie's shoulder and laughed:
"Xiao Jie, don't worry about the funding issue; I know what I'm doing.
Besides, the two-day promotion has already been advertised. Tomorrow is Sunday, so we definitely have to go big for another day."
Chen Shuting asked, "What about next week?"
Cao Pingao smiled. "Starting next Monday, we will gradually reduce the daily 50% discount limit for each member, slowly dropping it from 10,000 to 1,000.
Once consumers have built up a certain level of loyalty and are used to spending here, we'll reduce the 50% discount time to one day a week, set on Thursdays."
Chen Xue nodded after hearing this. "Although your approach is a bit too simple and crude and requires a lot of initial capital, it is indeed a good way to come from behind and seize the market."
Chen Shuting looked at Cao Pingao, pursed her lips, and said, "Since your mind is made up, we'll just do as you say."
---Under Cao Pingao's unreasonable money-burning tactics, Cao Wei Plaza had been bustling with crowds and popularity every day since its opening.
Meanwhile, the Dongwu Shopping Plaza across the street, which had opened two days earlier, had completely lost its momentum; the mall was empty every day, with no one visiting at all.
Now, the merchants of all sizes who had moved into Dongwu Plaza were unhappy.
More than a dozen merchant representatives came to Sun Shangxiang's office together to express their dissatisfaction to her face:
"General Manager Sun, your Dongwu Group is big and powerful. You should also put out some funds to run some practical discount activities like Cao Wei Plaza across the street."
"General Manager Sun, if you don't find a way to solve the problem, won't we merchants be paying rent for nothing?"
"That's right! Is your Dongwu Group capable or not? If we keep losing money like this, we're going to collectively close our shops and withdraw our counters!"
Faced with the collective pressure from the furious merchants, Sun Shangxiang had no choice but to promise them that the company would immediately come up with a solution, asking them to go back and continue looking after their shops for now.
As soon as the crowd dispersed, she immediately dialed Sun Dajian's number in City.
After hearing his daughter's account, Sun Dajian asked in a somewhat cold tone:
"Shangxiang, I can give you the 500 million in funds you want, but I must see results once the money is spent."
Without waiting for Sun Shangxiang's reply, Sun Dajian hung up the phone.
Listening to the busy signal on her phone, Sun Shangxiang felt extremely depressed because she knew that the trust she had built up with her father had been mostly consumed this time.
Sun Shangxiang put away her phone, pulled herself together, and said to Sun Feng, who was standing nearby:
"Get the car ready. We're going to Donghu Bay Building."
---On the 40th floor of Donghu Bay Tower A, in the Chairman's Office.
In front of the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, Boss Cao was holding the slender waist of Director Bai, the head of the Cao Wei Song and Dance Troupe, and wiping the glass with her.
Suddenly, the internal line on the desk rang.
Cao Pingao walked back to the desk with Director Bai and used his free hand to pick up the receiver:
"Hello."
The voice of his female secretary, Li Xiaoman, came from the other end:
"Chairman, General Manager Sun from the Dongwu Group is here and says she has something to discuss with you in person."
"Then tell her to wait outside for a bit. I'll see her once I'm done with what I have on hand."
Director Bai waited until Cao Pingao hung up before turning her head and saying with misty eyes:
"Boss~ is there some important guest here to see you?"
Cao Pingao stroked her fair and smooth back and laughed. "It's fine. Let's continue wiping our window. We'll let her cool her heels for a while first."
//442//
Chapter 442: Backstab
Sun Shangxiang and Sun Feng waited in the secretary's room for over half an hour before the office door was finally opened from the inside.
Then, Director Bai, the head of the Song and Dance Troupe, walked out. Her face was flushed, her figure slender, and she was wearing a set of light blue yoga clothes.
"General Manager Sun, the Chairman can see you now."
At that moment, Sun Shangxiang and Sun Feng, who were sitting on the sofa, finally understood exactly "what" Boss Cao had been busy with in his office. Sun Shangxiang's pretty face flushed red as she cursed him as a "scumbag" in her heart before standing up and walking toward the inner office.
Sun Feng quickly stood up and followed. As he passed Director Bai, he couldn't help but steal a few more glances at her.
That son of a bitch Cao Pingao, he really eats well on a daily basis!
You're already engaged to Yunran, yet you still blatantly cheat in the office in broad daylight! I'm so damn jealous... Inside the Chairman's Office.
Cao Pingao sat on a single-seater sofa with a smile on his face and said to the entering Sun Shangxiang and Sun Feng,
"Please take a seat, the two General Managers Sun."
After sitting down, Sun Shangxiang said with a serious expression,
"Boss Cao, I've made a rough estimate. From the opening until today, in just over a week, your Cao Wei Plaza has already burned through more than 400 million in capital.
Why do you need to use such an aggressive marketing method, giving all the benefits to the customers and making it so that neither of our companies can make any money?"
Cao Pingao laughed. "The money-burning tactic does indeed look like a loss in the short term.
But by using this method to squeeze your Dongwu Group out of Jiangcheng, the supermarket market here will be dominated by me alone. So, in the long run, it's definitely profitable."
A trace of admiration appeared in Sun Shangxiang's eyes. "Boss Cao, it's impossible for our Dongwu Group to be easily squeezed out of Jiangcheng.
Since Boss Cao has no intention of stopping, then our Dongwu Shopping Plaza will also start a 50% off promotion starting this weekend. We'll see which group has stronger financial strength and can hold out longer."
After speaking, Sun Shangxiang stood up, prepared to leave.
At this point, Cao Pingao spoke behind her again, "Eh, wait a moment, General Manager Sun, please stay."
Sun Shangxiang turned back around. "Does Boss Cao have any other advice?"
"Actually, it's not impossible to stop the price war with the Dongwu Group so that both companies can coexist harmoniously and develop together.
However, I have one prerequisite."
Sun Shangxiang thought Cao Pingao was lacking follow-up funds and was feeling a bit guilty, so her face regained a confident expression.
"As long as Boss Cao is willing to let the two companies coexist peacefully and develop together, feel free to mention whatever conditions you have.
If it's something I can decide on, I can give you an answer right now. If it's something I can't decide, I will immediately report it to our group's Chairman and strive to get you a satisfactory answer."
Cao Pingao crossed his legs and smiled. "My condition is also very simple: our Cao and Sun families must first become related by marriage.
Only then can I feel at ease letting you in to share this big cake of Jiangcheng with you."
"Related by marriage?" Sun Shangxiang said with a look of surprise, "Boss Cao, you mean—"
The corner of Cao Pingao's mouth curled as he smiled. "As far as I know, General Manager Sun is currently unmarried, and I am also currently divorced and single."
Sun Shangxiang: "—"
Sun Feng: "—"
Sun Shangxiang's small face instantly flushed red. "Boss Cao, I came here today to seriously discuss business matters between our two groups. Please don't make such jokes!"
"Hahaha." Cao Pingao spread his hands and chuckled, "General Manager Sun, don't get excited. If you're unwilling, then forget it. I won't force you."
"Hmph." Feeling insulted, Sun Shangxiang's sword-like eyebrows knitted as she glared at Cao Pingao, then she turned around and walked out indignantly.
Sun Feng gave Cao Pingao, who was sitting steadily on the sofa, a complicated look before following her out of the office.
---On the way back to the company in the mercedes-maybach.
Sun Shangxiang was still visibly angry as she said to Sun Feng,
"This Cao Pingao is truly going too far! He actually dared to make such an unreasonable request to this young lady... Manager Sun, after returning to the company, draft a proposal for a 50% discount store-wide. Once it's drafted, bring it to me immediately for revisions."
Sun Feng nodded. "Understood, General Manager Sun."
Sun Shangxiang looked out the car window at the Jiangcheng street scenery, thinking indignantly in her heart:
Cao Pingao, since your follow-up funds are insufficient, now it's my turn to win back the customer flow.
To dare be rude to me, there will come a time when you're kneeling and begging me!
After returning to the Jiangcheng branch of Dongwu Group, Sun Feng immediately went to his office, locked the door, and then took out his phone to call Sun Dajian, who was far away in City.
"Hello, Chairman. I accompanied General Manager Sun to see Cao Pingao again. This time he proposed a condition for peace talks, but General Manager Sun rejected it on the spot."
Sun Dajian: "What? For such an important matter, why didn't Shangxiang report to me before making a decision?
Sun Feng, tell me the whole story in detail."
A wicked smile appeared at the corner of Sun Feng's mouth. "Uh, okay Chairman, here's how it happened—"
---After finishing his little report and handing the written proposal to Sun Shangxiang, Sun Feng drove to the Jiangcheng Conservatory of Music.
Although he knew that Qiao Yunran had already secretly gotten engaged to Cao Pingao, Sun Feng actually couldn't let go of his white moonlight.
Especially after seeing Cao Pingao enjoying himself and living a dissolute life in his office today, a strong impulse to win Qiao Yunran back surged in his heart.
Sun Feng parked the car downstairs of an office building, went upstairs to the door of the Folk Music Department teachers' office, and knocked.
A short-haired female teacher wearing glasses opened the door. "Handsome, who are you looking for?"
Sun Feng said with a smile, "I'm a friend of Teacher Qiao Yunran. I have something to discuss with her."
The short-haired teacher sized Sun Feng up. "Wait a moment then, I'll go call her for you."
"Thank you."
Soon, Qiao Yunran, wearing a loose black dress with a noticeably bulging belly, came to the door.
"Sun Feng? Is there something you need from me?"
Sun Feng's eyes widened as he looked at Qiao Yunran's protruding belly, saying in disbelief,
"Yunran, so soon you're already... carrying his child?"
To avoid the gossiping gazes of her office colleagues, Qiao Yunran led the somewhat dazed Sun Feng to the corridor outside.
"Sun Feng, didn't I make things very clear to you before? It's over between us."
Sun Feng said with a face full of pain, "But I've never been able to let go of you in my heart.
Yunran, Cao Pingao is a notorious womanizer and scumbag. You won't be happy following him!"
An unpleasant expression immediately appeared on Qiao Yunran's pretty face. "Sun Feng, please do not speak ill of my fiancé."
She stroked her belly and continued, "And whether I'm happy following him or not, I know it in my own heart. I don't need you to judge for me."
Sun Feng: "—"
When Qiao Yunran mentioned Cao Pingao, a different kind of brilliance would shine in her beautiful large eyes. And this kind of brilliance was something Sun Feng had never seen in her eyes before—Sun Feng's eyes instantly welled up because at this moment, he understood in his heart:
His once beloved white moonlight, whether in body or soul, already completely belonged to another man.
//443//
Chapter 443: Outstanding Entrepreneur of Jiang City
A few days later, at St. Mary's Maternity Hospital, Wang Hui gave birth to another pair of twin sons for Cao Pingao, named Cao He and Cao Xie.
After receiving 400 million in cash, the cash on hand for Cao Pingao rose to over 2.04398 billion.
At the end of July, the first anniversary celebration of the Cao Wei Group was grandly held in the grand ballroom on the 5th floor of the newly opened Cao Wei International Hotel.
Jiang Dawei and Qiao Weigong, who were already deeply bound with the Cao Wei Group, were invited to the celebration together and were both arranged to sit at the head table.
Jiang Dawei attended today's event with Zhou Li, while Qiao Weigong came with his new young Girlfriend, Li Ping.
Jiang Dawei looked at Li Ping, who was clearly not yet 30 and sitting next to Qiao Weigong, leaned in and smiled:
"Brother Qiao, you really are as vigorous as ever."
Qiao Weigong also laughed: "Brother Jiang is not far behind.
Looking at the size of Mrs. Jiang's belly, she must be at least five months pregnant, right?"
Zhou Li, sitting nearby, blushed slightly: "Brother Qiao guessed correctly, today is exactly the fifth month."
Jiang Dawei laughed again: "Brother Qiao, work hard too, and strive to add a younger brother for your two Miss Qiaos."
Qiao Weigong leaned toward Jiang Dawei and said with unconcealed pride:
"To tell you the truth, Xiaoping is already expecting—she's been pestering me to register our marriage lately."
Jiang Dawei said happily: "If a check-up in two months shows she's carrying a boy, Brother Qiao, you should give the young lady a formal status."
Qiao Weigong nodded: "Brother Jiang makes a good point."
---In August, Yu Qian's second pregnancy gave birth to another daughter for Cao Pingao, named Cao Xuanqian.
At the same time, the 500 million in funds in Sun Shangxiang's hands was quickly exhausted in the money-burning war with Cao Pingao.
---In September, Qian Yi gave birth to a son for Cao Pingao, named Cao Wen.
At the same time, Ma Shasha also gave birth to a son for Jiang Dawei.
To avoid Zhou Li's eyes and ears, with Cao Pingao's help, Jiang Dawei arranged for Ma Shasha and her son to stay in a large four-bedroom, two-living-room apartment in Phase 2 of Donghu Bay.
At the end of the month, the merchants at Dongwu Shopping Center broke out in a collective wave of store closures and lease terminations.
The mall had to close for rectification before the Golden Week in October, and Sun Shangxiang was recalled to the City headquarters by Sun Dajian.
Sun Feng, as he wished, once again became the head of the Jiang City branch.
---The morning of October 1st.
Cao Pingao took the sisters Yunran and Yueran back to the Qiao family's large villa in Jiangdong District.
When Yueran saw that besides her father Qiao Weigong, his young Girlfriend Li Ping was also standing at the door to welcome them, her little mouth immediately pouted.
She whispered in her sister's ear: "Dad is really something, why would he suddenly find such a young Girlfriend?"
The gentler Yunran, with her large belly, walked into the house supported by her younger sister while comforting her:
"Now that both of us are living in Tongque Garden with our husband, I think it's quite good for Dad to have a companion by his side."
Yueran still pouted: "But, Sis, this Li Ping is only two years older than you. Don't you feel uncomfortable about it?"
Yunran shook her head gently: "As long as Dad can be happy, I don't mind at all.
Yueran, don't talk too much when we eat together later. Don't make it difficult for Dad in the middle."
Yueran had always listened to her sister, so she could only nod: "I know, Sis."
After having lunch together and chatting in the living room for a while, Cao Pingao stood up to leave:
"Yunran, Yueran, you two stay at home and spend a couple of days of the holiday with your father-in-law. I'll come to pick you up back to Jiangnan the day after tomorrow."
That evening, in the large dining room of Villa No. 1 in the Donghuwan Villa Area, four large round tables were set up at once.
As usual, Cao Pingao gave the main seat at the head table to his parents, Cao Song and Wang Lan.
He himself sat between Li Yixuan and Sophia at the second table, putting his arms around the two young girls he preferred while eating and chatting.
After dinner, Cao Song and Wang Lan, one holding the eldest grandson Cao Ang and the other holding the eldest granddaughter Cao Xuanyi, said to Cao Pingao:
"Pingao, your mother and I have signed up for a tour group. Tomorrow we're leaving Jiang City for a week-long trip to Xi'an."
"Huh?" Cao Pingao said while holding his favorite Little Cao Chong, "Dad, Mom, you just arrived in Jiang City yesterday. Why not stay at home for a few more days and spend more time with your grandchildren before going on a trip?"
Wang Lan looked at the countless Little Babies in the large living room and smiled with a look of difficulty: "There are so many nannies and young maids hired at home; it doesn't make much difference whether your dad and I are here or not.
Besides, the two of us want to travel more while our legs are still agile, to make up for the regret of not having time to travel when we were young."
Cao Pingao laughed: "Alright then, you two be careful on the road and don't be stingy with money.
Yao Yao, later transfer 500,000 each to my mom's wechat and Alipay."
Jin Yao, sitting nearby, quickly responded gently: "Okay, hubby~"
---After spending a leisurely National Day holiday at home.
Mid-October.
In the ballroom on the third floor of the Shangri-La Hotel in Jiangbei District, Jiang City.
The annual "Jiang City Entrepreneurs Summit" was grandly held here.
After three years of "hard entrepreneurship," Boss Cao, who had already become somewhat famous in the Jiang City business world, was awarded the honorary title of "Outstanding Entrepreneur of Jiang City" by the assembly this year.
After receiving the award and stepping off the stage, the beautiful District Mayor, District Mayor took the initiative to find Cao Pingao:
"Boss Cao, congratulations."
Cao Pingao laughed modestly: "Heh, at my age, to be able to rank ahead of many business seniors and luckily win the award, I have to thank District Chief He for your strong recommendation."
District Mayor said with a smile: "Boss Cao, your Cao Wei Group operates with integrity, pays taxes according to the law, and has made significant contributions to the economic development of our Jiangnan District and the entire Jiang City. You truly deserve this year's award.
By the way, Boss Cao, did you see the news about the earthquake in the Aksu Prefecture of Xijiang last night?"
Cao Pingao nodded: "I saw it. Does District Chief He have any instructions?"
District Mayor said: "It's not an instruction. I hope Boss Cao can serve as a representative of our Jiang City business community and deliver some disaster relief materials collected from all sectors of Jiang City."
As soon as Cao Pingao heard this, he understood that District Mayor was giving him and the Cao Wei Group a chance to become famous:
"When one side is in trouble, all sides support. It's my duty to help our disaster-stricken fellow Chinese citizens.
Don't worry, District Chief He, I will definitely complete the task you've given me."
---Two days later, Cao Pingao arrived at Aksu Hongqipo Airport on a disaster relief material plane with Dian Wei and Xu Chu.
After getting off the plane, Cao Pingao followed the truck convoy carrying materials all the way to a disaster relief material camp in Wushi County.
After completing the handover work with the local government staff, Cao Pingao let Dian Wei and Xu Chu help everyone unload and move materials, while he wandered around the camp empty-handed.
Suddenly, a voice like a silver bell with a bit of a Western Regions accent came from behind Cao Pingao:
"Hey, you, the tall guy over there."
Cao Pingao turned around—only to see a female doctor wearing a white coat, a white hat, and a mask, with only a pair of large eyes visible, waving at him:
"Yes, you, big guy, come here and help me."
Cao Pingao was startled: My god, what a beautiful pair of eyes!
[Name: Gulireza Bahetili'er]
[Age: 25]
[Natural Beauty: 93 points]
[Figure: 87 points]
[PhD student, virgin, no bad habits, no tattoos, healthy]
[System evaluation: Qualified breeding partner]