Chapter 463: Are You Cao Pingao?
March passed, and April arrived.
City, Sun family villa.
Sun Dajian called Sun Shangxiang, who had returned home to visit family, into his study alone and placed a black USB drive in front of her:
"Find an opportunity to plug this USB drive into the office computer of Cao Wei Group's CFO, Jie Jie, and then bring it back to me."
Looking at the black USB drive, Sun Shangxiang said with a complex expression, "Dad, our Dongwu Group has finally stabilized in Jiang City. Wouldn't it be better if we continued to develop hand-in-hand with Cao Wei Group?"
"Hand-in-hand development?" Sun Dajian raised an eyebrow. "Our Dongwu Group only got a 30% share of the entire Jiang City market, while he, Cao Pingao, controls 70% of it. You call that hand-in-hand development?"
Shangxiang, you haven't forgotten your own last name after living in Jiang City for just a few months, have you?"
Sun Shangxiang pursed her lips and said with a conflicted look, "Of course I remember my name is Sun and that I'm your daughter."
But I'm also Pingao's fiancée now, and I'm already pregnant with his child—"
"What?" Sun Dajian frowned. "Didn't I tell you to be careful?"
Sun Shangxiang curled her lip. "I was very careful."
Sun Dajian was silent for a moment, then said coldly, "While it's still early, hurry up and find a hospital to have an abortion."
Sun Shangxiang looked incredulous. "Dad, the child in my belly is your own grandchild."
"What grandchild? Having you get engaged to him was nothing more than a temporary measure."
Sun Dajian's eyes were icy as he said, "Once I annex Cao Wei Group, your engagement to Cao Pingao will be voided."
At that time, I'll find you a better match from a family of equal status, so this child must go."
"No!" Sun Shangxiang responded firmly. "Dad, I'm your daughter, not an object for you to manipulate and give away at will!"
I won't abort this child. Pingao is my fiancé, and I will never do anything to betray him!"
"You've gone too far!"
Sun Dajian slammed his hand on the table. "I spent so much effort and money to raise you into a talent, and this is how you repay me? This is your filial piety?"
If you won't listen to me, then get lost back to Jiang City! I, Sun Dajian, will act as if I never had a daughter like you!"
Just then, Wu Shufen, hearing the commotion, pushed open the door from outside:
"Old Sun, why are you losing your temper again? Our daughter has finally come home; can't you two talk things over calmly?"
"Mom~" Sun Shangxiang burrowed into Wu Shufen's arms, feeling wronged.
Wu Shufen quickly held her and comforted her, "Daughter, your father's health hasn't been good lately. You know his temper; try to go along with him a bit. Don't let him get so angry that something happens to him."
Afterward, under the combined pressure of Sun Dajian and Wu Shufen's "good cop, bad cop" routine, Sun Shangxiang eventually had no choice but to take the USB drive.
---The third day after returning to Jiang City.
Sun Shangxiang was called by Chen Shuting to a small meeting room on the 39th floor.
As she walked into the meeting room, Sun Shangxiang found only the six top executives of the group sitting there: Cao Pingao, Chen Shuting, Chen Xue, Jie Jie, Shen Qingyu, and Qiao Yueran.
Cao Pingao waved to her with a smile and motioned for her to sit down:
"Shangxiang, starting today, you are a member of Cao Wei Group's core management team."
Then, Chen Shuting took the lead in applauding, and the other girls also smiled and clapped to welcome her.
Sun Shangxiang was moved to tears. "Thank you, thank you everyone~"
She was so moved because, in the past, no matter how outstanding her abilities were, Sun Dajian always trusted his sons more.
The trust and recognition she never received in the Sun family, Sun Shangxiang found here with Cao Pingao.
So, after the brief meeting, she followed Cao Pingao directly back to the 40th floor.
Cao Pingao put his arm around Sun Shangxiang's slender waist as they sat on the large sofa. "What's wrong, Xiangxiang? Do you have something to tell me?"
Sun Shangxiang pursed her lips and said:
"Hubby, actually, my dad having me get engaged to you was just a temporary stalling tactic. He's always been looking for an opportunity to take over the Jiang City market and even annex your Cao Wei Group."
Cao Pingao smiled. "I've known about your father's intentions for a long time."
Sun Shangxiang bit her lip and then pulled a black USB drive out of her pocket:
"My dad gave this to me when I went back to City to visit family."
"If I plug it into Xiao Jie's office computer, it can copy all the group's financial records."
"Whoa, high-tech." Cao Pingao smiled as he took the USB drive from Sun Shangxiang. "But what does your dad want with my company's ledgers?"
Sun Shangxiang: "My dad thinks a group as large as yours will inevitably have some tax issues."
"He plans to use the ledgers to report you to the tax authorities, then retake the Jiang City market while you're busy dealing with them."
Cao Pingao chuckled. "So that's it. But your father miscalculated because my Cao Wei Group has always strictly paid taxes according to the law. Our accounts are clean and can withstand any inspection."
He placed the USB drive back into Sun Shangxiang's hand. "I know it's hard for you to be caught in the middle."
"If showing him the company's accounts will take some pressure off you, then I'll let Xiao Jie know right now to cooperate with you in copying the data."
With reddened eyes, Sun Shangxiang asked, "Hubby~ why do you trust me so much?"
Cao Pingao reached out and touched her chest, smiling. "I'm your husband; I know exactly whether you have me in your heart."
"Hubby~"
Moved beyond words, Sun Shangxiang wrapped her arms around Cao Pingao's neck and shared a deep kiss with him.
---At around 6 PM, just as the black rolls-royce phantom arrived at District Mayor's building, Cao Pingao received a wechat message from her:
{Pingao, I have an impromptu meeting and will be home a bit late. If you're hungry, go ahead and eat; don't wait for me.}
Cao Pingao typed a reply: {OK, I'll wait for you at home.}
"Old Dian, you can go back and rest now. Pick me up tomorrow morning."
Dian Wei nodded. "Yes, Boss."
After taking the elevator upstairs, Cao Pingao entered the code to open the door. "Eh? Why are the lights on? Did Sister Qing forget to turn them off when she left this morning?"
Cao Pingao put on his slippers and had only walked a few steps into the living room when he suddenly noticed a strange woman sitting on the sofa. "Holy crap! Who are you?"
The woman sized him up with a sharp gaze and countered with a question, "Are you Cao Pingao?"
"Yes, I am." Startled, Cao Pingao immediately activated the system—
[Name: He Xiaoxia]
[Age: 33]
[Natural Beauty: 87 points]
[Figure: 85 points]
[Doctorate degree, virgin, non-smoker, non-drinker, no tattoos, suffers from infertility]
[System Evaluation: Unqualified]
//564//
Chapter 464: You Don't Know How Good His Body Is
He Xiaoxia, sitting on the sofa, was wearing a long-sleeved white silk shirt on her upper body, and black trousers and black high heels on her lower body.
She had delicate features and long hair draped over her shoulders; her eyes and brows bore a few resemblances to the beautiful District Mayor District Mayor.
Pingao plopped down onto the single sofa next to her: "If I'm not mistaken, you must be Sister Qing's Paternal cousin, right?"
He Xiaoxia raised her dark eyebrows: "My sister mentioned me to you?"
Pingao crossed his legs and smiled: "Sister Qing said you're the smartest and most capable in this generation of the He Family. Currently, you're managing half of the He Family's business.
Did you come to Jiangcheng to visit her?"
A meaningful smile appeared at the corners of He Xiaoxia's mouth: "Coming to Jiangcheng is partly because I haven't seen her for a while and wanted to visit her, and partly because the elders of the family sent me to Jiangcheng to look into your background."
Pingao was stunned for a moment: "Investigate me? Why investigate me?"
He Xiaoxia: "Because Sister Qing officially filed for divorce from Hong Feng last week. Shouldn't we, the He Family, get a good understanding of you, the 'culprit'?"
Pingao's mouth twitched: "There is a reason for Sister Qing's divorce from her husband that involves me, but I won't accept being called the 'culprit'.
For all these years, Sister Qing has been living as a widow in Jiangcheng all by herself; as her relatives, don't you guys know that?"
Hearing Pingao's questioning, He Xiaoxia's sharp gaze proactively avoided him for the first time:
"I know that my sister's relationship with Hong Feng hasn't been good these years, and I support her wanting to start a new family, but I absolutely do not support her being with a scumbag like you."
Pingao pointed at himself: "Me? A scumbag?
How did you reach that conclusion?"
He Xiaoxia gave him a sidelong glance, then took out her phone, opened her email, and began reading out names one by one:
"Cao Wei Group CEO Chen Shuting, CFO Jie Jie, COO Shen Qingyu, Group Vice President and Modu Branch Company General Manager Chen Xue, Group Vice President Qiao Yueran, Cao Wei Plaza General Manager Sun Shangxiang, Cao Wei Real Estate CEO Deng Xiaorong, Vice General Manager Fan Binbin, Banana Film and Television actress Xia Tian, Zhang Yuwei, Xu Tiantian, and so on and so forth.
There are so many women in your company alone who have a lover's relationship with you, and you still say you're not a scumbag?"
Seeing that the other party came prepared, Pingao could only scratch the back of his head and smile: "I admit I'm a bit of a playboy, but I'm serious, responsible, and honest with every girl, and they are all with me voluntarily."
"Hmph, I've seen plenty of scumbags like you who have a bit of money; no need to flatter yourself."
He Xiaoxia frowned and said: "Just you wait. Tonight, I will tell my sister your true face as a scumbag, and then let her stay as far away from you as possible."
Pingao found it funny in his heart: Sister Qing has already been to my private villa area, and she knows the scale of my family better than you do. You still want to persuade her?
---Just as Pingao was unhurriedly making dinner in the kitchen, District Mayor, having finished her meeting, rushed back home in a hurry.
As soon as she entered the door, she shouted into the house while changing into her slippers, "Pingao, I'm back~ Have you had dinner yet?"
Pingao walked out of the kitchen and smiled: "No, I'm making it. Your Paternal cousin and I both wanted to wait for you to come back before eating together."
"Paternal cousin?" District Mayor put on her slippers and looked up, discovering that her Paternal cousin, He Xiaoxia, with whom she had the best relationship in the family, was standing in front of her with a smile.
"Oh, Xiaoxia, why didn't you call me in advance before coming to Jiangcheng?"
District Mayor happily held He Xiaoxia's hands, then led her into the house while asking all sorts of caring questions.
Before long, Pingao's meal was ready, and the three of them gathered around the dining table to eat.
After the meal, District Mayor reluctantly escorted Pingao all the way downstairs:
"Pingao, I won't accompany you tonight. It wasn't easy for Xiaoxia to come to Jiangcheng, so I want to stay with her tonight to talk and chat."
Pingao touched District Mayor's increasingly smooth cheek: "Spend good time with your Paternal cousin while she's in Jiangcheng for these few days. We'll have plenty of time in the future."
"Mhm~" District Mayor looked around, and seeing no one was nearby, she stood on her tiptoes and proactively gave Pingao a kiss. "Send me a wechat when you get home~"
Pingao smiled: "Okay."
---After seeing off Pingao, District Mayor took the elevator upstairs and returned home, continuing to sit on the sofa and chat with her Paternal cousin.
He Xiaoxia: "Sister, based on my observation just now, you really do like this Pingao quite a lot."
District Mayor nodded with a slightly red face: "I didn't expect that at this age, I would find the feeling of being in love again~"
Hearing District Mayor say this, the expression on He Xiaoxia's face became increasingly solemn:
"Sister, I know that having Hong Feng as a husband is almost the same as not having one for you, but this Pingao is definitely not a suitable person to entrust the rest of your life to."
Subsequently, He Xiaoxia told her Paternal cousin everything about her background investigation on Pingao, but she found that District Mayor actually wore a smile throughout the whole process, without the slightest anger or surprised reaction:
"Sister, this Pingao is such a scumbag, why don't you have any reaction? Do you not believe the results of my investigation?"
District Mayor smiled and shook her head: "I know Pingao is a bit of a playboy, but besides that issue, he also has many strengths and virtues."
He Xiaoxia looked incredulous: "Sister, I really don't understand. What kind of strengths and virtues could this Pingao have that could make you so infatuated with him?"
At the thought of Pingao's strengths and virtues, District Mayor's cheeks turned even redder: "Xiaoxia, you don't know how good his body is~
These two months with him have simply been the happiest period of my forty years of life---"
---Two days later.
Pingao and District Mayor came together to see He Xiaoxia off at Jiangcheng Tianhe Airport.
Outside the security checkpoint, District Mayor and He Xiaoxia held hands and bid a reluctant farewell.
"Xiaoxia, after you return to the Imperial Capital, tell Grandpa and the others that I am definitely getting a divorce, and as for the matter between me and Pingao, tell them not to interfere too much.
I have sacrificed so many years of my youth for the family; now it's time for me to freely pursue my own happiness."
He Xiaoxia nodded solemnly: "Sister, I want to have a private word with him. Is that okay?"
"Of course." District Mayor waved to Pingao, "Pingao, come over for a moment. Xiaoxia wants to say a few words to you."
"Coming."
After Pingao walked in front of her, He Xiaoxia said with a complex look in her eyes: "Although I personally still dislike you very much, I also have to admit that I haven't seen my sister this happy in a very long time."
Pingao smiled: "Does this mean you 'agree' to me being with your sister?"
He Xiaoxia gave Pingao a sidelong glance: "Who my sister wants to date is her personal freedom; I have no right to stop her.
However, if I find out you've done anything to let her down, I will definitely come to Jiangcheng personally to settle the score with you."
After saying that, He Xiaoxia went over to hug District Mayor goodbye, then dragged her suitcase into the security checkpoint.
Looking at He Xiaoxia's slender back, Pingao asked in his mind: System, can her infertility be cured by my Holy Healing Technique?
[Yes]
Pingao's mouth rose slightly: Next time you come to Jiangcheng, I'll find an opportunity to give you an injection to treat your illness.
//465//
Chapter 465: Keep Up the Good Work
At the end of April, Xiao Lili gave birth to a daughter for Cao Pingao, named Cao Xuanli.
In early May, Xu Yingying gave birth to a son for Cao Pingao as her second child, named Cao You.
In June, Gulina, who had completed her doctoral thesis and graduation defense, returned to Jiangcheng from the Imperial Capital.
--- This morning.
On the 39th floor of the Donghu Bay Building, in a small conference room.
Cao Pingao was holding a small meeting with the seven core management members of his group—Chen Shuting, Chen Xue, Jie Jie, Shen Qingyu, Qiao Yueran, Sun Shangxiang, and Deng Xiaorong.
CFO Jie Jie held a laser pointer and pointed at the financial charts on the projection screen, saying:
"According to statistics, our Cao Wei Group's total revenue for the first half of the year was over 3.14251 billion yuan, and the net profit after tax was over 435.89 million yuan, an increase of 28.8% compared to the same period last year."
Seeing the group's rapid development through everyone's joint efforts, the female executives present all showed looks of joy.
However, after hearing that his company had made a net profit of over 400 million in half a year, Boss Cao, sitting in the main seat, only smiled with a calm expression—
Because after waking up this morning, he had just received this month's "monthly reward":
[host holds the prosperous husband badge (Gold): Monthly reward of 5% of total assets]
[According to system big data calculation, the host's current total assets are: 16,141,320,000+ yuan]
[This month's cash reward is: 807.07 million yuan, which has been remitted to the host's designated bank account via the Central Bank]
[The host's current total cash balance is: 6,044,563,427.92 yuan]
It wasn't that Chen Shuting and the others' work performance wasn't excellent; it was just that Boss Cao, whose cash in pocket had already broken the 6 billion mark, really didn't feel much about an income of over 400 million in half a year.
Seeing Cao Pingao's very flat reaction, Chen Xue, sitting next to him, asked curiously:
"Hubby, the group earned more than 400 million in half a year. Are you still not satisfied with such performance?"
Cao Pingao smiled and shook his head: "Xiao Xue, you misunderstood me. I am very satisfied with your work performance in the first half of the year.
It's just that I'm not very interested in money now; money is just a number to me now."
As soon as he said this, Chen Shuting burst out laughing with a "pfft," and the other girls also covered their mouths and giggled.
At this time, Cao Pingao's gaze noticed Sun Shangxiang sitting not far away and her slightly bulging belly: in the blink of an eye, only she and Gulina were still pregnant in the family.
With the [prosperous husband badge] sending me money every month, not only am I lazy to manage the company's business, but I've even slackened on my great cause of Many Children, Many Blessings.
No, I have to keep up the good work. It's not the time to completely lie flat yet. At the very least, I have to upgrade the [prosperous husband badge] to the maximum level first.
So after the small meeting was over, Cao Pingao said to Shen Qingyu, who was holding Jie Jie's arm and preparing to go downstairs with her:
"Qingyu, stay for a moment. I have something to communicate with you privately."
"Oh, okay." Shen Qingyu didn't think much of it and let go of Jie Jie's arm, "Xiao Jie, you guys go down first. I'll find you in a bit."
After the other girls had left, Cao Pingao directly locked the door of the conference room, then grabbed Shen Qingyu's slender waist and lowered his head to kiss her cherry lips---after a long and lingering kiss.
Shen Qingyu said with a slightly red face: "I thought you really had work matters to talk to me about~"
Cao Pingao led her by the hand to the conference table and had her sit on the rectangular table: "Qingyu, our daughter is already over a year old. It's time for you to give me another son."
Shen Qingyu hugged his neck and smiled: "We already have over 60 little ones in our family. Don't you plan to stop yet?"
Cao Pingao raised his hand to touch her smooth, melon-seed-shaped face and smiled: "The birth rate in Huaguo is so low now. Families with conditions like ours should have more children to contribute more to the country.
Especially a natural beauty like you, such good genes should produce a few more?"
Shen Qingyu looked around the empty conference room and asked in a shy, low voice: "Right here? Will others hear us later~"
Cao Pingao grinned: "Don't worry, the soundproofing of the conference room is excellent."
---[Congratulations to the host for successfully completing the Many Children, Many Blessings Mission]
[Breeding target Shen Qingyu has successfully conceived naturally. System reward: 10 million yuan]
[Skill Reward: Loyalty Badge (Bronze)]
[When the baby is born healthy, the Loyalty Badge will automatically upgrade by one level]
[host currently holds the Loyalty Badge (Gold): Intimate interaction can moderately increase the loyalty of females with loyalty below 90% towards the host]
[Random Reward: 2 great tonic strengthening pills]
Cao Pingao: What a pity, I didn't get another [prosperous husband badge]. It seems the probability of getting two [prosperous husband badges] from the same girl isn't high.
While Shen Qingyu, who was wearing nothing but a white silk shirt, was gently helping Cao Pingao button up his shirt, the phone in his trouser pocket suddenly vibrated.
Boss Cao took out his phone and saw it was a wechat message from the beautiful District Mayor He Qing:
{Come to my house tonight. I have good news to tell you}
--- That evening.
Cao Pingao arrived at He Qing's house as agreed.
As soon as he entered the door, the beautiful District Mayor, wearing a purple lace nightgown, greeted him with a happy face:
"Pingao, you're here~"
While changing into slippers, Cao Pingao asked: "What good news is making you so happy?"
He Qing smilingly held out a small red booklet in front of him: "Look~"
"Divorce certificate?"
Cao Pingao took the little red book, opened it, glanced at it, and smiled: "Sister Qing, you're finally free again."
He Qing nodded with a smile: "Come, follow me into the room. Celebrate with me properly tonight~"
---[Congratulations to the host for successfully completing the Many Children, Many Blessings Mission]
[Breeding target He Qing has successfully conceived naturally. System reward: 10 million yuan for prenatal care]
[Skill Reward: prosperous husband badge (Bronze)]
[The Loyalty Badge will upgrade as the baby is successfully born]
[host currently holds the prosperous husband badge (Gold): Monthly reward of 5% of total assets]
[Random Reward: 2 great tonic strengthening pills]
Cao Pingao: Ho, the 8th [prosperous husband badge] is finally in hand!
At this moment, He Qing, snuggling in his arms, suddenly began to sob softly.
Cao Pingao quickly caressed her cheek and asked: "What's wrong, Sister Qing? Why are you crying all of a sudden?"
He Qing said with tears in her eyes: "Pingao, is it because I'm too old and can't have children anymore?"
Cao Pingao smiled: "How could that be? Where did you get that idea?"
"Then tell me, why have we been together for over 3 months and my belly still hasn't shown any reaction?"
He Qing sniffled and said with a sad look: "Your body is so good and you have so many children, it's definitely not your problem. Then it must be a problem with my body."
Cao Pingao lowered his head and kissed He Qing, smiling: "Don't worry, there's absolutely nothing wrong with your body. And I have a feeling that as long as we continue to work hard this month, you will definitely conceive."
Looking at the confident Cao Pingao, He Qing slowly stopped her tears: "Okay, I believe you."
//466//
Chapter 466: East Lake Bay International Kindergarten
June passed and July arrived; the temperature in River City soared, and the season when air-conditioning is indispensable had returned.
That afternoon.
Floor 23, Donghu Bay Tower A—Cao Wei Human Resources.
More than thirty young, pretty kindergarten teachers who had survived round after round of screening packed the conference room, waiting for their final interview.
"Hey, did you hear? The interviewer for our final round today is supposedly the chairman of Cao Wei Group himself!"
"Seriously? Why would the big boss bother with something as small as hiring kindergarten teachers?"
"What other reason could there be? Of course it's because the chairman's own children will be attending the new East Lake Bay International Kindergarten."
"But I searched online—this Boss Cao is River City's most famous diamond bachelor, and he's not married."
"Sis, don't be ridiculous. It's 2028; since when can't you have kids without a wedding ring?"
"Exactly. A young, loaded billionaire like Boss Cao—plenty of women would line up to have his Baby."
Listening to the girls nearby gossip about Cao Pingao, Wang Tongtong turned to her Best Friend Yang Liu beside her:
"Lend me the compact mirror again; I want to touch up my makeup."
Yang Liu fished the mirror out of her bag and handed it over. "Didn't you just fix your face?"
Wang Tongtong studied her reflection. "I want to leave Boss Cao with a perfect first impression.
"—Maybe he'll spot me in the interview and I'll soar straight to phoenix status."
Yang Liu giggled behind her hand. "Good luck."
Moments later Qian Jing pushed open the door with the candidate list.
"Interviews begin now. Numbers one and two, follow me."
The interviews flew by; soon it was number fifteen, Wang Tongtong, and sixteen, Yang Liu.
The two girls followed Qian Jing into an office next door.
Inside, a tall, imposing man in a crisp suit sat behind the desk—Cao Pingao—along with Qian Wan, who had interviewed them earlier.
"Good afternoon, interviewers," Wang Tongtong and Yang Liu greeted.
Qian Wan smiled. "Hello, please sit."
Cao Pingao said nothing; his gaze swept over them—
[Name: Wang Tongtong]
[Age: 23]
[Bare-face score: 77]
[Figure: 82]
[Bachelor's degree, four previous riders, non-smoker, non-drinker, no tattoos, healthy]
[System verdict: Not qualified]
—[Name: Yang Liu]
[Age: 23]
[Bare-face score: 80]
[Figure: 81]
[Bachelor's degree, intact, non-smoker, non-drinker, no tattoos, healthy]
[System verdict: Qualified breeding subject]
Cao Pingao: This Yang Liu is promising—of all the teachers interviewed, she's the only one still intact.
Qian Wan glanced at their résumés. "Please give a brief self-introduction."
"I'll start," Wang Tongtong said, sending Cao Pingao a flirtatious look.
"I'm Wang Tongtong, Central Normal University, early-childhood education. I taught for a year at Bright Road Kindergarten."
Yang Liu continued, "Tongtong and I were dorm-mates. Same major, same university, same year at Bright Road."
After a few routine questions, Qian Wan turned to Cao Pingao:
"Chairman, anything else?"
Cao Pingao smiled. "No questions. Solid degrees, matching major, experience—hire them both."
Hearing the big boss announce the result, Wang Tongtong and Yang Liu beamed:
"Thank you, Chairman—thank you, President Qian!"
Riding the elevator down, Wang Tongtong clutched Yang Liu's arm. "I can't believe it went so smoothly."
Yang Liu laughed. "Plenty of girls back there had more experience. I thought we'd be cut."
"Hey, Yang Liu," Wang Tongtong teased, "Boss Cao kept looking at you—like, really looking."
Yang Liu blushed. "Stop imagining things."
Wang Tongtong grinned. "What if he really did take a shine to you?"
"Oh, Tongtong," Yang Liu scolded laughingly, "Li Feng and I are getting married on National Day. Quit joking."
That evening, newly employed Yang Liu celebrated with her Boyfriend over dinner.
Li Feng: "Congratulations, Baby. Great new job."
Yang Liu smiled. "Your turn to hustle, Li Feng. East Lake Bay offers me 12,000 a month base. You can't let your girl out-earn you forever."
Li Feng chuckled sheepishly. "I'll grind for that promotion and give you a solid life."
Yang Liu added, "Keep an eye on the wedding-apartment décor. It's July—October will be here fast, and we need two months to air it out."
Li Feng: "Relax, Baby, it'll be finished to your specs before August."
Yang Liu: "And the 388,000 betrothal gift—you and your parents are good with that?"
Li Feng hesitated. "All set—car, apartment, dowry, exactly as you asked."
A satisfied smile lit Yang Liu's face. "Good. Let's order; we should rest early."
After dinner they walked back, laughing, to her rented one-bedroom.
Feeling her good mood, Li Feng tried to advance their intimacy:
"Baby, how about I stay tonight? Tomorrow's the weekend; we can keep shopping."
Yang Liu's smile cooled. "Li Feng, you know I'm traditional. Nothing physical before marriage."
Li Feng back-pedalled. "I only meant to crash on your couch—"
"Please, I know what guys 'mean.' I'm tired; I'm going up. Head home."
She turned and disappeared into the stairwell.
//467//
Chapter 467 – Roll Call on the First Day of School
(Thanks to patron [Exquisite Kisuke Urahara] for the [Great God Certification] tip. This chapter isn't an extra—any owed updates will be made up later~)
In the great living-room of Villa No. 1, Donghuwan Villa Area.
The girls, who had just finished dinner, were nibbling on fruit after the meal, each holding her own child, chatting away.
Jin Yao, seated beside Cao Pingao, hugged her youngest son Cao Zhen and asked, "Honey, I heard you and Xiao Wan have already hired all the kindergarten teachers today?"
Cao Pingao slipped an arm around her shoulders and smiled. "That's right—our dozen or so big kids will start kindergarten in September."
Chen Shuting, sitting nearby, chimed in, "Sweetheart, will our children have their own small class, or will they mix with the other kids?"
Cao Pingao: "I think it's better for them to make more friends at kindergarten; they can't always play only with their brothers and sisters.
Of course, you mothers will have the final say."
"All right." Chen Shuting rose from the sofa and handed her youngest son Cao Jing to the nanny:
"Sisters whose children are about to enter kindergarten, come with me to the study; let's hold a meeting."
So Chen Shuting, Chen Xue, Jin Yao, Li Jing, Zheng Jiaqi, Qian Wan, Yu Qian, Liu Ruyan, Wang Lulu, Liu Yun, and Xu Tiantian gathered in the first-floor study for a small conference.
In the end the girls voted: the first wave of fourteen Cao children would join a normal twenty-five-student kindergarten class.
——Late July, Jiangnan District government building, District Mayor's office.
Lü Xiaomeng, silver-framed glasses perched on her nose, white blouse and black skirt, asked with concern, "District Mayor, you look a little off today—are you feeling unwell?"
District Mayor He Qing beckoned her to sit beside her, then whispered, "Xiao Meng, don't worry, I'm not sick—just that my period is almost five days late…"
Lü Xiaomeng blinked, then whispered with a smile, "District Mayor, the Little Baby you wanted has finally arrived~"
He Qing's pretty face flushed. "Oh, I'm not sure if that's really it~"
Lü Xiaomeng: "Should I run out to the pharmacy and buy a test right now?"
He Qing's cheeks grew even redder. "Forget it—doing that at work would be so embarrassing. I'll test myself after I get home tonight."
Lü Xiaomeng nodded with a smile.
——After work, He Qing had barely stepped inside when she found Cao Pingao waiting on the living-room sofa.
"Pingao? How come you're free to come today~"
Cao Pingao strode up, slipped an arm around her slender waist, and kissed her. "Xiao Meng messaged me—said your period's late."
He Qing blushed. "I was going to test first and only tell you if there was good news—I was afraid of getting your hopes up for nothing."
Cao Pingao chuckled. "Silly, how could I let you face the test and the worry all alone?"
He Qing's eyes shone. "Pingao~ you're so sweet~
I'll go to the bathroom and do the test now."
Cao Pingao grinned wickedly. "Let's go together."
He Qing coyly protested, "Oh, don't~"
But the arm cannot twist the thigh; hand in hand they walked into the restroom.
After urinating, He Qing cautiously set the pregnancy stick on the counter beside the basin and waited nervously.
Cao Pingao wrapped his arms around her from behind and whispered against her ear, "Don't worry, Sister Qing, it'll definitely be two lines."
He Qing turned and hugged him. "What if it isn't?"
Cao Pingao stroked her long hair. "If today isn't two lines, we'll keep trying—I swear I'll give you a Little Baby of your own."
"Thank you, Pingao, you're wonderful~"
She lifted her arms around his neck and kissed him on her own initiative.
——Fifteen minutes passed quickly.
Seeing two lines on the tester, He Qing burst into tears of joy.
Cao Pingao said nothing, only held her tightly while she released all the pent-up emotion.
After she calmed, he cradled her in his arms and carried her back to the bedroom.
On the big bed, her dream finally realized, He Qing cupped his face and rained kisses on him.
Just as they were about to get even more intimate, He Qing suddenly stopped him. "Pingao, won't this affect the Little Baby in my belly?"
Cao Pingao caressed her increasingly smooth cheek. "Relax, I'm experienced—this little exercise is nothing to worry about."
Thinking of the girls and children in the villa area, He Qing's worries melted away and she sank back into his solid embrace.
——Next morning, third floor of St. Marys Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, the SVIP wing reserved for Boss Cao.
Cao Pingao gently accompanied He Qing through her very first prenatal check-up.
After all the tests, they went to Department Chief Xiao Ya's consulting room.
"Sister Qing, the embryo has implanted beautifully, and all your indicators are normal," Dr. Xiao Ya said with a smile. "What you need most is to relax and not be tense."
He Qing nodded solemnly. "I understand, Dr. Xiao."
Cao Pingao, seated nearby, laughed. "Dr. Xiao, Sister Qing's still worried about her age—why not tell her about some of the older mothers you've delivered so she can feel reassured?"
"Oh, of course." Xiao Ya moved beside He Qing and spoke softly:
"Sister Qing, although forty is indeed advanced maternal age, every body is different and the risks vary.
Judging by your condition, I don't see much risk—"
After hearing about several mothers around forty-five she had delivered, He Qing's remaining worries largely melted away.
He Qing clasped Dr. Xiao's hands gratefully. "Thank you so much, Dr. Xiao, for telling me all this."
Xiao Ya smiled. "No need to thank me, Sister Qing—we're family from now on~"
——In August, Gulina gave Cao Pingao a pair of dragon and phoenix twins, named Cao Shan and Cao Xuanxin.
Monday, 3 September—East Lake Bay International Kindergarten officially opened.
On the first day, Yang Liu, in charge of Class K1, took the register and began roll call.
As she read, a long string of children surnamed Cao appeared—
"Cao Xuanyi."
"Present."
"Cao Ang."
"Present."
"Cao Pi."
"Present."
"Cao Zhang."
"Present."
"Cao Zhi."
"Present."
"Cao Chong."
"Present."
"Hold on." Yang Liu lifted her head from the lectern, utterly bewildered. "What's going on? Out of twenty-five kids in my class, fourteen are surnamed Cao?"
//468//
Chapter 468 – Seize the Chance (Part 1)
After more than a week of contact, the two teachers in charge of Little Class 1, Yang Liu and Wang Tongtong, had basically figured out the personalities of the fourteen Cao children.
Led by the big sister, Cao Xuanyi, the seven girls were all obedient and well-behaved; the most timid were the twins, Cao Xuanmo and Cao Xuanli.
Among the boys, the eldest, Cao Ang, was born with natural leadership qualities; on the third day of kindergarten he had automatically become the 'boss' of Little Class 1.
Second brother Cao Pi was scheming even at a young age; although he didn't really accept Cao Ang in his heart, on the surface he still listened to his big brother.
Third brother Cao Zhang was the biggest and had the fiercest temper.
Once during break, a child from the next class accidentally bumped into the younger twin, Cao Xuanli, while chasing around; Cao Zhang saw it and instantly rushed over, making the other child cry.
Fourth brother Cao Zhi and fifth brother Cao Chong were the two brightest of all the Cao children—while the others were running, playing with toys and games, the two of them could still sit quietly in the classroom reading.
That noon, Yang Liu and Wang Tongtong accompanied the twenty-five children of Little Class 1 for lunch in the kindergarten cafeteria.
After glancing around the cafeteria, Wang Tongtong sighed to Yang Liu, 'The Cao kids are good-looking, have great skin, and are dressed in designer brands—the rich really do stand out.'
Yang Liu also sighed, 'Mr. Cao is really something—he fathered fourteen children with different women…'
'Little Liu, you're underestimating Mr. Cao,' Wang Tongtong laughed. 'You don't think these are the only fourteen kids in the Cao family, do you?'
Yang Liu: '…'
'Tongtong, do you mean little Cao Ang and the others are just the first batch of Cao children to start kindergarten?'
Wang Tongtong nodded with a smile, 'Just wait and see—next year there'll definitely be even more kids with the surname Cao entering East Lake Bay International Kindergarten.'
That afternoon, when school let out.
Today the ones in charge of picking up the children, Qian Wan, Yu Qian, and Liu Ruyan, brought the family's fleet of maybachs and parked at the kindergarten's main gate.
Before long, Little Class 1, led by Yang Liu and Wang Tongtong, emerged as the first group.
'See you tomorrow, Teacher Yang; see you tomorrow, Teacher Wang.'
After politely greeting the two teachers, the Cao children, under little Cao Ang's direction, lined up in an orderly fashion to board the cars.
At that moment Qian Wan, wearing a white Hermès dress, big sunglasses, and carrying a parasol, stepped forward.
'Teacher Yang, Teacher Wang, I'd like to invite you both to our home for dinner tonight—do you have time?'
'We have time,' Wang Tongtong blurted out almost instantly.
Yang Liu shot her Best Friend a sidelong glance. 'Manager Qian, you're too kind—won't we be intruding?'
Qian Wan smiled faintly, 'Of course not; several of the children's mothers would like to meet you two teachers and discuss the kids' education.'
Yang Liu and Wang Tongtong exchanged glances, then smiled and said, 'All right, we'll go to the office to get our bags and come right out.'
East Lake Bay International Kindergarten sits between Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Donghu Bay, so the maybach convoy took only five minutes to reach the lakeside private villa area.
After passing through the dark-gold iron gates, two rows of beautiful villas appeared before Yang Liu and Wang Tongtong.
Wang Tongtong's eyes lit up. 'Wow! Little Liu, look—this is where the rich live! Quiet in the middle of the city, such great greenery, such privacy, such grand villas—if only I could live here too.'
Yang Liu, sitting beside her, whispered with a smile, 'We might run into Mr. Cao at dinner tonight—work hard and seize your chance.'
Wang Tongtong pouted. 'Come on, don't tease me.
Judging by the looks of Manager Qian and the other two who came to pick up the kids, Mr. Cao's standards must be sky-high; I'm probably out of the running—maybe you still have a shot.'
'Hey!' Yang Liu laughed and slapped her Best Friend's arm. 'I'm getting married next month—what are you babbling about?'
Wang Tongtong wore a wicked grin. "Little Liu, I think Li Feng is decent enough, but he still feels a notch below you."
"When you interviewed last time, Boss Cao kept stealing glances at you. If he really is interested, would you still marry Li Feng?"
Hearing that, the image of Cao Pingao—tall, handsome, and debonair—flashed through Yang Liu's mind.
Her cheeks flushed. "Tongtong, stop imagining things. Get out; Manager Qian and the others are waving at us."
After they stepped out, Qian Wan led Yang Liu and Wang Tongtong on a stroll around the villa complex.
Seeing toddlers, barely one or two years old, playing on the lawns under nannies' watchful eyes, Wang Tongtong nudged her Best Friend Yang Liu.
"See? I told you Boss Cao has more than the fourteen kids in our class."
Yang Liu shot her a look in return: "Eye-opening. The world of the rich is beyond imagination."
After the outdoor tour, Qian Wan introduced them to Jin Yao, Li Jing, Zheng Jiaqi, Wang Lulu, and Liu Yun—stylish young moms—so they could chat about kindergarten.
That evening, in the dining room of her Villa No. 5, Qian Wan hosted a private dinner for Yang Liu and Wang Tongtong, joined by the core "Yunan Faction" members.
After the meal, while they lounged on the living-room sofas munching fruit, Cao Pingao strode in wearing a dark polo and black slacks.
The girls, led by Qian Wan, hurried to greet the master of the house: "Honey, you're back~"
Yang Liu and Wang Tongtong rose quickly. "Hello, Boss Cao."
Cao Pingao waved cheerfully. "Teachers, please sit; no need to stand on ceremony."
As the group chatted, his gaze met Yang Liu's again and again.
When the evening ended, Qian Wan had Qian Jia fetch two brand-new LV bags for Yang Liu and Wang Tongtong.
Unable to hide her grin, Wang Tongtong took the bag at once. "Manager Qian, this gift is way too generous~"
Yang Liu hesitated, but after a polite tug-of-war accepted it.
"Thank you, Manager Qian. Tongtong and I will take good care of little Cao Ang and the others at the kindergarten."
Outside Villa No. 5, Cao Pingao ushered Yang Liu and Wang Tongtong into the back seat of the rolls-royce phantom parked roadside, then took the front himself.
"It's late; for safety I'll drive you teachers home."
First stop: the apartment block where Wang Tongtong lived.
Before getting out, she whispered to her Best Friend: "Little Liu, grab the chance."
Then she smiled toward the front seat. "Thanks for the ride, Boss Cao~"
Cao Pingao half-turned and smiled. "My pleasure."
When the rolls-royce reached Yang Liu's building, Cao Pingao stepped out and walked her right to the lobby door.
Looking into her eyes, he grinned. "I'm suddenly thirsty—could I come up for a glass of water?"
Yang Liu's face reddened; she lowered her head. "I—I'm not sure…"
"If it's inconvenient, forget it."
"It's not that, only…" Her cheeks burned brighter. "My rented place is tiny and usually a mess."
"Hahaha." He laughed. "No worries. When I rented I never tidied either—whatever felt comfortable."
She looked up, curious. "You rented before, Boss Cao?"
He nodded. "Yep, I'm from an ordinary family. After some lucky breaks my start-up took off and I moved into a big villa."
"How about I come up for that glass of water, then tell you how I earned my first pot of gold?"
Yang Liu bit her lip, heart racing. "Alright—but promise you won't laugh at the mess.~"
//469//
Chapter 469: Seize the Opportunity (Part 2)
The two of them took the elevator upstairs together. After entering the house and turning on the lights, Yang Liu hurriedly cleared away a few express delivery boxes from the living room dining table, her face slightly flushed as she said:
"Boss Cao, please make yourself comfortable. I'll go to the kitchen to pour you some water."
Cao Pingao looked around the somewhat outdated one-bedroom apartment and sat down on the small sofa in the living room.
Soon, Yang Liu walked out of the small kitchen with a glass of water: "Boss Cao, here is your water."
"Thank you." Cao Pingao took the glass, took only a small sip, and placed it on the coffee table in front of him. "Teacher Yang, how do you usually commute to work?"
Yang Liu pulled up a chair and sat opposite Cao Pingao: "Oh, I take the subway to and from work."
"The subway?" Cao Pingao looked out the window. "This neighborhood is quite far from the nearest station; it must be inconvenient for your commute.
Teacher Yang, I still have dozens of apartments in Donghu Bay. Why don't I arrange for you to live in one?"
Yang Liu's eyes widened instantly: "This... this wouldn't be appropriate, Boss Cao—"
Cao Pingao smiled: "What's inappropriate about it? The unsold houses are just sitting empty anyway.
Living closer to the kindergarten would make your daily commute easier, allowing you to focus more energy on your work. I'm also considering this for the sake of my children."
Yang Liu bit her lip: "Thank you for your kindness, Boss Cao, but I'm getting married next month. My Boyfriend has already bought a house over in Jiangbei."
"Oh, so that's how it is." Cao Pingao said with a smile, "Then congratulations in advance, Teacher Yang."
Yang Liu: "Thank you."
Just then, Yang Liu's phone on the dining table suddenly rang.
She got up and walked over, seeing that it was a call from Li Feng.
Yang Liu hesitated for a moment before pressing the answer button: "Hello, why are you calling me?"
Li Feng said in a fawning tone: "Baby, after work today, I went to the fruit wholesale market and bought a box of your favorite imported cherries. You're at home now, right? Can I bring them over to you?"
Yang Liu glanced at Cao Pingao sitting on the sofa and said with a hint of guilt: "It's getting late today, and I'm about to rest. Why don't you bring the cherries over tomorrow instead?"
From what Yang Liu said, Cao Pingao guessed that the person on the other end of the phone was likely her Boyfriend.
So, a mischievous smirk appeared on his face as he stood up and said loudly to Yang Liu:
"It's getting late, Teacher Yang. I'll be heading back now so I don't disturb your rest any further."
When Li Feng heard that there was another man in his Girlfriend's home, he panicked instantly:
"What's going on? Who was that talking just now?"
Yang Liu hadn't expected Cao Pingao to speak up suddenly, so she had to explain in a fluster:
"Oh, it's a parent of one of the children at the kindergarten. I went to his house for a home visit today, and he drove me back tonight."
"A parent? If he drove you home, dropping you off downstairs should have been enough. Why did he go into your apartment?"
Li Feng felt a metaphorical green light shining over his head. With a sob in his voice, he said: "Baby, we're getting married next month. How could you do this to me?"
Yang Liu grew anxious upon hearing this: "Li Feng, what nonsense are you talking about? Everything between Boss Cao and me is perfectly innocent—if you keep talking like that, I'm going to get angry."
Hearing that his Girlfriend was about to get angry, Li Feng immediately switched back to his submissive mode:
"No, no, no, Baby, don't be angry. It's just that I love you and care about you so much, so I was a bit over-sensitive just now.
But one must always be on guard. It's late, and you're a girl living alone. It's better to let that Boss Cao person leave quickly."
"Fine, I get it," Yang Liu said irritably. "I'm hanging up now."
With that, she hung up on Li Feng.
Cao Pingao asked with a smile: "I'm sorry, Teacher Yang. Did my coming up for a drink of water cause a misunderstanding with your Boyfriend?"
Yang Liu hurriedly waved her hand and laughed: "It's fine. My Boyfriend is just like that; he often makes wild guesses because he's insecure."
Cao Pingao chuckled: "Actually, I quite understand him. With a Girlfriend as beautiful as you, it's only natural for him to feel a bit uneasy."
Yang Liu's face reddened at the compliment: "Boss Cao, please don't tease me. Your Girlfriends are the ones who are truly beautiful. Compared to them, I'm just too ordinary—"
"How could that be?" Cao Pingao stepped forward, standing very close to Yang Liu, and said with an ambiguous smile, "If you didn't already have a Boyfriend, I would definitely invite you to live in my private villa area."
"Oh, Boss Cao~" Yang Liu lowered her head shyly, "Don't make jokes like that~"
---After seeing off Cao Pingao, Yang Liu sat in her room and fell into deep thought:
Li Feng is very good to me. He has agreed to all my conditions, including the new car, the wedding house, and the betrothal gift.
But what Boss Cao said just now clearly wasn't a joke; he really is interested in me—should I choose to marry Li Feng and live a quiet, ordinary life together, or choose to become one of Boss Cao's Girlfriends?
Just as Yang Liu was feeling torn, a knock suddenly sounded at the door:
"Baby, I've brought the cherries for you! Open the door!"
"Li Feng?" Yang Liu walked to the door in confusion and opened it. "Didn't I tell you to bring the fruit tomorrow?"
"Hey, fruit should be eaten fresh, so I took a taxi to bring it over."
Li Feng walked into the room carrying a box of fruit, his eyes looking around warily: "Did that Boss Cao person leave?"
"Of course he left." Yang Liu looked displeased. "Li Feng, we're about to get married. Do you really have so little trust in me?"
Li Feng set down the cardboard box of cherries and chuckled sheepishly: "Baby, you've misunderstood. It's not that I don't trust you; it's that I don't trust other men.
I'm a man myself, and as a man, I know best what's going through a man's head, especially when facing a girl as beautiful as you."
Yang Liu rolled her eyes at him: "Just because you think that way doesn't mean everyone else does, okay?"
"Hehe, hehe." Li Feng gave a silly laugh. He didn't argue with his Girlfriend but instead began to open the cherry box, preparing to wash some for her.
Suddenly, he noticed a brand-new LV bag sitting on the nearby cabinet—
Li Feng instantly felt that green light over his head again:
"And you said that Boss Cao doesn't have designs on you? If he didn't, why would he give you such an expensive bag?"
Yang Liu was stunned for a moment, then she frowned slightly and said: "This bag wasn't given to me by Boss Cao. It was a gift from a mother of one of the children, whose surname is Qian.
I have Manager Qian's number in my phone. Do you need me to call her in front of you to prove it?"
Seeing that Yang Liu wasn't panicking at all and spoke with certainty, Li Feng believed her for the moment: "Such an expensive gift... even if it's from a parent, it's not quite right, is it?"
Yang Liu glanced at him sideways and said irritably: "Don't project your spending habits onto rich people, okay? This bag might be expensive to you, but to Manager Qian, it's just an ordinary gift.
Alright, you've delivered the cherries. Go back now; I need to rest."
---Over the next few days, her Best Friend Wang Tongtong kept urging Yang Liu to "seize the opportunity":
"Xiao Liu, once you've latched onto Boss Cao's big thigh, don't forget to give me a hand too."
Yang Liu looked at Wang Tongtong and smiled: "I haven't completely made up my mind yet."
Wang Tongtong looked anxious: "What's there to consider? Boss Cao hasn't taken an interest in me. If he showed even a tiny bit of interest, I would have thrown myself at him long ago!"
Yang Liu covered her mouth and laughed: "Don't rush me. This is a major life decision. Give me another two days to think about it."
In the afternoon, Li Feng drove his newly delivered Xiaomi SU7 to the entrance of East Lake Bay International Kindergarten, planning to give his Girlfriend a surprise.
Unexpectedly, just as he was about to pull over, a security guard in uniform walked over:
"No parking at the kindergarten entrance. Please drive 500 meters ahead and find a public parking space."
Li Feng pulled out a pack of Yellow Crane Tower cigarettes and offered one to the guard: "My Girlfriend is a teacher here. I'm just picking her up from work and will be gone in a moment."
The guard directly brushed aside Li Feng's hand: "Not even for picking someone up. Please keep driving."
Li Feng pointed to a black sedan parked right at the kindergarten's main entrance: "If I can't park, how come that car can?"
The guard looked back and chuckled: "Buddy, take a closer look. That's a rolls-royce phantom. It's our group chairman's vehicle.
Stop talking nonsense and move your Xiaomi out of here, or I'll have to lock your wheels."
Li Feng didn't want to get into a conflict with a lowly security guard and risk his brand-new car being scratched, so he angrily rolled up the window and went to find a parking spot further ahead.
By the time he finally found a spot, parked, and walked back, he saw Yang Liu from a distance, carrying her new LV bag, walking out of the kindergarten.
Just as Li Feng raised his hand to greet his Girlfriend, he saw her quickly walk toward that black rolls-royce and get inside.
//470//
Chapter 470: A Girl's Youth Is Too Precious
Seeing his Girlfriend get into Boss Cao's rolls-royce, Li Feng felt as if a bolt of lightning had struck his mind, and he stood there in a daze.
It wasn't until the rolls-royce had driven some distance away that he suddenly snapped back to his senses: "What the hell! What's going on!?"
Li Feng hurriedly pulled out his phone and called Yang Liu several times, but she rejected all of them. Then, she only sent him a wechat message:
{The principal is holding a meeting with us, I'll contact you later.}
Looking at the text on his phone, Li Feng's face was filled with tears: He had originally bought a new car to give her a surprise, but instead, she gave him a "surprise" and a "green hat"—on the back seat of a rolls-royce.
Cao Pingao saw that Yang Liu didn't answer the phone and asked with a smile: "Was that your Boyfriend calling?"
Yang Liu nodded: "Yeah."
Cao Pingao: "Then why didn't you answer?"
"It's nothing, I replied to him on wechat." Yang Liu bit her lip, turned to look at Cao Pingao, and asked with a slightly flushed face:
"Boss Cao, that night at my house, you said that if I didn't have a Boyfriend, you would invite me to move into your private villa area—were you joking with me then, or were you serious?"
The corner of Cao Pingao's mouth curled up: "Of course I was serious.
But Teacher Yang, you're getting married next month. It can only be said that our fate wasn't strong enough, and we didn't meet a bit earlier."
"Then what if I don't want to marry Li Feng anymore?" Yang Liu asked again with an ambiguous look in her eyes.
Cao Pingao said happily: "I still have 6 empty mansions in my private villa area. You can choose one you like to move into at any time.
But before that, you have to clear up the matters between you and Li Feng. I've always disliked giving other people green hats."
Yang Liu's eyes were full of excited light: "I understand, I will break up with Li Feng as soon as possible."
---That night.
Cao Pingao and Yang Liu had a lavish dinner in the executive restaurant of the Ruihua Hotel.
After dinner, the two took the elevator up to the 30th floor and came to the lake-view suite No. 3018 reserved by the hotel for Boss Cao.
As soon as she entered the suite, Yang Liu was captivated by the night view of Jiang City outside the floor-to-ceiling windows: "Wow, Chuhe Han Street looks so beautiful from here~"
Cao Pingao gently hugged Yang Liu's slender waist from behind: "No matter how beautiful the night view is, it's not as beautiful as you."
"Oh~ Boss Cao, you're so annoying~"
Yang Liu, who had always been pure and noble in front of her Boyfriend, now took the initiative to turn around and throw herself into Cao Pingao's embrace.
Cao Pingao lowered his head and moved his mouth close to Yang Liu's. Seeing that the young girl had no intention of avoiding him and instead obediently closed her eyes--- [Congratulations to the host for successfully completing the Many Children, Many Blessings Mission]
[Breeding target Yang Liu has successfully conceived naturally, the system rewards 10 million yuan]
[Skill reward: Loyalty Badge (Bronze)]
[When the Baby is born healthy, the Loyalty Badge will automatically upgrade by one level]
[The host currently holds a Loyalty Badge (Gold): Intimate interaction can moderately increase the loyalty of the opposite sex whose loyalty is below 90% towards the host]
[Random reward: 2 great tonic strengthening pills]
In the large bathroom of the suite.
Cao Pingao squatted by Yang Liu's legs, using warm water to help her clean the bloodstains on her calves.
Yang Liu held the man's shoulder and said coquettishly: "Boss Cao, I am yours now, you must take responsibility for me~"
Cao Pingao looked up and smiled: "You're already mine, why are you still calling me Boss Cao?"
Yang Liu bit her lip and called out bashfully: "Hubby~"
"Hahaha." Cao Pingao laughed happily, "I just like smart and sensible girls like you."
---The next morning.
Yang Liu asked Li Feng to meet at a cafe near the one-bedroom apartment she was renting.
As soon as they met, Li Feng asked anxiously: "Baby, why didn't you return my calls last night, and why didn't you come home?"
Yang Liu replied calmly: "Oh, I slept at Tongtong's house yesterday. I was too tired from work and went to sleep early, so I didn't return your call—"
"Don't lie to me!" Li Feng said with a look of grief, "I left work early yesterday afternoon to pick up my new car, intending to pick you up from the kindergarten and give you a surprise. Instead, I saw you get into that Cao Pingao's car—were you with him last night?"
"Of course not, what are you imagining again?" Yang Liu felt a bit flustered, but she immediately regained her composure:
"I had a meal with Boss Cao yesterday afternoon to talk about some work matters, and then I went to Tongtong's house to find her.
If you don't believe me, I can call Tongtong right now."
Li Feng asked with a sob: "Really? You're not lying to me?"
Yang Liu seized the opportunity and immediately said angrily: "You're always like this, you have no trust in me at all. How are we supposed to get married like this?"
Li Feng panicked instantly: "Baby, I was wrong, I was just overthinking. Please don't be angry, okay?
The wedding house is ready, the banquet is booked, and relatives and friends have all been notified. You can't make this kind of joke now."
Yang Liu's eyebrows furrowed: "It's precisely because marriage is a major event, a lifelong matter, that I'm being extra cautious.
You did buy a wedding house, but it wasn't paid in full.
The 388,000 yuan bride price—I heard part of it was borrowed from your relatives. You don't expect us to pay back these debts together after we get married, do you?"
Li Feng hurriedly explained: "Of course not, I borrowed that money, it's a pre-marital debt, I'll pay it back myself."
Yang Liu sighed softly: "You talk a good game, but with your meager salary, you have to pay the mortgage and the loans. What if it's not enough? Won't I have to use my money to help you pay?
I've thought about it over and over, and I really don't want to marry a guy whose income isn't even as high as mine."
Li Feng: "—"
"Baby, I'm already working hard. Can you give me a little more time, please?"
Yang Liu shook her head: "I'm sorry, Li Feng. A girl's youth is too precious, I can't afford to wait."
---In the following days, the undeterred Li Feng waited downstairs at Yang Liu's house every day, begging her to reconcile and go through with the marriage.
Meanwhile, Yang Liu had officially moved into Mansion No. 11 in the Donghuwan Villa Area.
During the day, she taught the fourteen children of the Cao family at the kindergarten, and at night, she accompanied the children's father in the villa.
---This afternoon.
By the roadside at the main entrance of East Lake Bay International Kindergarten, a black rolls-royce phantom and five black mercedes-maybachs were parked.
In a blue Xiaomi SU7 parked not far away, a haggard-looking Li Feng was staring intently at the kindergarten gate.
Before long, it was time for school to let out.
The children of Class 1 were the first to walk out of the school gates, led by the two teachers, Yang Liu and Wang Tongtong.
Cao Pingao also stepped out of the rolls-royce to meet his fourteen children.
Just as Li Feng opened the car door to get out, intending to go over and have a proper talk with Yang Liu face-to-face, a burly man with a round face and a full beard blocked his path.