Chapter 414: Senior's Experience (Part 1)
In the study.
When Cao Pingao had completed all of his 'reception work' for the evening and was chatting and laughing with Wang Lulu in his arms, a few knocks suddenly came from the door.
Cao Pingao raised his head and asked, "Who is it?"
Chen Shuting's voice came from outside the door, "It's me and Jin Yao."
"Sister Shuting, you can come in directly."
After Chen Shuting and Jin Yao entered the room and sat opposite Cao Pingao, Wang Lulu, who was sitting in his arms, keenly felt that the two older sisters had serious business to discuss:
"Honey, you guys chat~ I'll go keep my parents company."
"Okay."
Cao Pingao released Wang Lulu's small waist, let her leave the study, and then asked Chen Shuting and Jin Yao:
"Two beauties, what brings you to me?"
Jin Yao first looked sideways at Chen Shuting, and after seeing Chen Shuting nod to her, she turned to Cao Pingao again:
"Husband, it's like this. The business of my uncle's construction company hasn't been very good for the past two years, and in the second half of last year, it reached the point where there was no work to do.
And many of our Jin family's relatives work in his construction company, so if his company goes bankrupt, a large number of people in our family will be directly unemployed."
After listening, Cao Pingao asked with a smile, "Jin Yao, what do you want me to do to help you?"
"The solution is very simple, let Cao Wei Real Estate be the client of Jin Yao's uncle's construction company."
Chen Shuting, who was sitting next to Jin Yao, interjected, "Anyway, after the start of the year, we will be facing Dongwu Group head-on. There are a lot of new projects that need to be launched simultaneously, such as shopping malls, supermarkets, and hotels. Just give two of them to Jin Yao's family to do."
Cao Pingao smiled and said, "This method is quite good.
Jin Yao, your uncle's construction company has been out of work for half a year, why are you only asking your husband for help now?"
Jin Yao's face was slightly red, and she said a little embarrassedly, "Because I'm worried that if I get business for my uncle's construction company like this, the other sisters in the family will have ideas---"
"Hahahaha."
Cao Pingao said happily, "Jin Yao, you're overthinking it. Your uncle's business is in trouble, what's wrong with me helping him out? Who would gossip?"
Chen Shuting looked at him with a rich expression and said, "Most of the sisters will definitely not gossip, but I don't know if Qian Wan will."
Cao Pingao smiled and said, "Don't worry, I also paid for Xiao Wan to open a Maternity Matron company, and I agreed to arrange jobs for her family's relatives.
If she dares to take advantage of it and still speak ill of Jin Yao on the side, I will definitely punish her severely."
Jin Yao said with a grateful expression, "Thank you, husband~"
Cao Pingao smiled and waved at her, asking her to go around the desk and sit on his lap:
"Silly girl, it's just such a small matter, and you need Sister Shuting to accompany you before you dare to talk about it? Don't do this again next time."
Jin Yao's eyes were full of attachment: "Yes~ I know~"
At this time, Cao Pingao waved to Chen Shuting again, asking her to sit on his other leg, and then put his arms around their small waists, and started chatting with them intimately.
"Hey, that's right, husband." Chen Shuting suddenly asked again, "I heard that Qian Wan's two cousins will also stay in Jiangcheng to work after the New Year. You won't let them live with us in the villa area, will you?"
Cao Pingao smiled and said, "Of course not, only our own people live in the villa area.
Because it is the New Year now, I will temporarily allow the parents and relatives of various families who come to Jiangcheng to visit relatives to temporarily live in the 7 empty villas opposite."
Cao Pingao looked at Jin Yao again:
"Jin Yao, after these few days, no idlers can continue to stay in the villa area."
Jin Yao nodded with a gentle expression: "I understand, husband~"
---Time quickly came to 10 p.m.
The people gathered in Villa No. 1 put on their coats one after another, and then went out to their respective villas.
The Qian family's 5 sisters, plus Qian Feng and Li Xiaoman, walked and chatted together, and soon arrived at the entrance of Villa No. 5.
After saying "good night" to each other, Qian Wan led Qian Jia and Qian Yi into Villa No. 5.
Qian Juan, Qian Jing, Qian Feng and Li Xiaoman turned around together and crossed the asphalt road in the middle of the villa area to Villa No. 13 directly opposite.
When several people were choosing bedrooms in the villa, Li Xiaoman found that Qian Feng was sticking to her like a tagalong.
"Hehehe, Xiaoman, why don't---we two live in one room tonight?"
Li Xiaoman, of course, understood what Qian Feng was planning, but she understood that she still needed to rely on Qian Feng's relationship to gain a foothold here since she had just arrived in Jiangcheng this afternoon.
"Brother Feng~~Thank you so much for bringing me to Jiangcheng to play, and for asking your brother-in-law to arrange a job for me~"
Li Xiaoman smiled sweetly, and said in a delicate voice:
"I did promise to be your Girlfriend before, but you also know that I am a very strict, very conservative girl~
I don't think it's a good idea to live in the same room just after confirming the relationship--- "
Qian Feng smiled awkwardly, and then quickly explained:
"Xiaoman, don't get me wrong, I'm just worried that you won't be used to living outside, and I just want to keep you company, I definitely don't mean anything else!"
"Of course I know that~ Brother Feng, you are not like other stinky men, you have always been very gentlemanly~"
Li Xiaoman showed her signature sweet smile again, and said to Qian Feng while slowly closing the door:
"Good night, Brother Feng~ See you tomorrow~"
"Good night, Xiaoman."
After closing the door, the smile on Li Xiaoman's face disappeared instantly, and then she rolled her eyes:
Qian Feng, you really are a toad trying to eat swan meat. You want to sleep with me just because you introduced me to a job?
If I'm going to sleep with someone, I'll let Boss Cao sleep with me. How could I waste my precious first time on a loser like you?
Li Xiaoman took off her coat and lay down on the soft big bed in the middle of the room, muttering to herself:
"Hey~ There are so many beauties around Boss Cao, can I find an opportunity?"
"But although there are many great beauties around him, there are also some with similar looks to me, and some even look less pretty than me~
For example, Qian Feng's own sister looks average, and her figure is also mediocre---if she can gain favor, then I can definitely do it too!"
---Qian Feng, who was rejected by his Girlfriend, was not sleepy for the time being, so he came to the terrace on the second floor to smoke to relieve his boredom.
At this time, Zhan Peng, who was also arranged to live in Villa No. 13, also came to the terrace to smoke:
"Hey, buddy, can I borrow a light."
Qian Feng glanced at Zhan Peng, then took out his windproof lighter and handed it to him.
Zhan Peng lit a burst bead Kuanzhai, and stretched out his right hand:
"My name is Zhan Peng, I am Zihan's cousin."
Qian Feng also stretched out his right hand when he saw this:
"My name is Qian Feng, Qian Yi is my own sister."
Zhan Peng spat out a puff of smoke and smiled, "Do you think we two are considered relatives?"
Qian Feng: "---"
"Hahahaha, buddy, don't be so serious."
Zhan Peng said happily, "We are all relying on our respective sisters' relationships to make a living under the big tree of Cao Pingao---we can contact each other more in the future, exchange information, and help each other.
By the way, which subsidiary and department of the group did Chen Shuting arrange for you to go to?"
Qian Feng glanced at Zhan Peng: So you already started paying attention to me when everyone was in Villa No. 1.
"President Chen arranged for me to go to the post-production and operation department of Banana Media, as the leader of Operation Group 3."
Qian Feng spat out a puff of smoke and asked, "Brother Zhan, what about you?"
Zhan Peng grinned: "I am the general manager of the Chengdu Branch Company of Banana Media."
"Damn!" Qian Feng's eyes immediately showed envy, "Brother Zhan, you are awesome, you are equivalent to a 'regional governor'!"
Zhan Peng waved his hand and smiled: "What 'regional governor', just a small figure on the periphery.
It's better to be in Jiangcheng headquarters like you, closer to the center of power, and you will definitely climb faster than me in the future."
Qian Feng smiled a little unconfidently: "I know my own worth, so I don't ask to be rich and powerful.
As long as I can slowly rise to the middle level in the group, have a decent income, and then marry my goddess and live a happy life together."
After listening to Qian Feng's words, Zhan Peng suddenly said meaningfully:
"In fact, as long as you can understand the core corporate culture of our Cao Wei Group, it is not difficult to be promoted to the middle level in the group at all."
Qian Feng's curiosity was aroused: "Core corporate culture? Please enlighten me, Brother Zhan."
Zhan Peng took another top-level drag, and then said with a smirk on the corner of his mouth:
"The core corporate culture of our Cao Wei Group is——Dedication and Green."
//415//
Chapter 415: A Senior's Experience (Part 2)
Qian Feng looked bewildered: "Devotion and green? What does that mean?"
Zhan Peng lit another Kuanzhai cigarette, then, while puffing, vividly told him about the Cao Wei Group's most famous Green-Hat Father-and-Son duo—Li Gui and Li Feng—and their climb up the ranks.
After hearing the tale, Qian Feng's eyes bulged in shock, his mouth agape for a long while.
"Damn—one gave up his wife, the other his Girlfriend… the price for promotion is that steep?"
Zhan Peng chuckled: "Is it really that high?"
You've no idea how many people in the company are begging to 'contribute,' desperate for a green hat personally bestowed by Boss Cao, yet can't find the door in."
Qian Feng shook his head: "I just can't wrap my head around it."
Suddenly he noticed Zhan Peng, cigarette dangling, eyeing him with a meaningful smile.
"Funny thing is, the young marketing VP Li Feng happens to share your name."
"This—"
In an instant Qian Feng caught the implication: "No way, absolutely not!
I'd never trade the girl I love for my own future!"
Zhan Peng flicked the ash and laughed: "Why so jumpy?"
I only said you happen to share Li Feng's name."
Qian Feng took several hard drags to steady himself, tightened his coat collar, and fell silent.
Having had his fill of smoke
"—Right, I'm off to bed."
He'd taken only a few steps toward the terrace's glass door when he turned back: "Oh, which department did your Girlfriend get assigned to?"
Qian Feng shot him a wary glance: "Floor 37, group HQ receptionist."
Zhan Peng nodded with a smile: "Good—so long as she's not working on the fortieth."
Qian Feng frowned: "What's wrong with the fortieth floor?"
"The entire fortieth is Cao Pingao's Chairmans Office," Zhan Peng grinned.
"There's an iron rule every veteran here knows—"
"Any girl who becomes the chairman's secretary is guaranteed pregnant within six months."
Qian Feng: "—"
—While Zhan Peng and Qian Feng talked on Villa 13's second-floor terrace, Boss Cao himself was in a bedroom of Villa No. 6, having an in-depth exchange with Li Jing.
[Legendary Archer Badge Active]
[Congratulations, host: Many Children, Many Blessings Mission completed]
[Breeding target Li Jing naturally conceived; System rewards 10 million yuan prenatal fee]
[Skill reward: Loyalty Badge (Bronze)]
[While host holds Loyalty Badge (Bronze), intimate interaction slightly raises loyalty of opposite-sex targets below 85%]
[Badge will upgrade once baby is safely born]
[Random reward: 2 great tonic strengthening pills]
After easily giving Li Jing her second child, a smug Cao Pingao left Villa No. 6 for Villa No. 8.
Second floor, east master bedroom.
Fresh from her bath with Lele, Chen Shuting—silk nightgown on—was toweling her daughter's hair.
Three knocks sounded at the door.
"Come in, it's open."
As Cao stepped in, Lele chirped: "Daddy~"
Cao smiled: "Lele, shall Daddy dry your hair?"
"Yes~" Lele beamed.
Cao took the towel and patiently finished drying the little girl's hair.
"Lele, tonight Daddy needs to talk with Mommy alone; can you sleep in your own room?"
Little Le Le's round eyes rolled: "I get it! You two want to make me a baby sister, right?"
Cao laughed: "Goodness, Lele, you're only in second grade—when I was your age I just played in sandboxes."
Leaning against the headboard, Chen Shuting giggled behind her hand: "Kids these days are nothing like us—so smart."
Cao stroked Lele's head: "Lele, would you like a baby sister?"
"Mm~ I already have plenty; Xuanyi's sweet and cute." She put on a grown-up face. "But if you two want to, one more is fine~"
With that she slipped off the bed, slipped into her slippers, and trotted to the door.
Before closing it she cooed: "Good night, Mommy and Daddy~"
"Good night, Lele."
The door shut; Cao turned only to be tackled onto the big bed by Chen Shuting—[Legendary Archer Badge Active]
[Congratulations, host: Many Children, Many Blessings Mission completed]
[Breeding target Chen Shuting naturally conceived; System rewards 10 million yuan prenatal fee]
[Skill reward: Loyalty Badge (Bronze)]
[Badge will upgrade once baby is safely born]
[Random reward: 3 great tonic strengthening pills]
Cao Pingao: Damn! Second kid and still no prosperous husband badge?
Looks like the money-printing prosperous husband badge only drops more from women like Sister Shuting, Xiao Jie, or Qingyu.
Flushed, Chen Shuting lay on his chest, caressing his cheek: "What're you thinking so hard about?"
Cao smiled: "Company and making money."
Chen Shuting smirked: "Really? I'd swear you only care about pretty girls and making babies~"
"Hahaha, fair enough."
"Hey, hubby~"
Chen Shuting traced circles on his chest: "Your two secretaries—Qian Jia and Sun Ying—both start maternity leave after New Year.
Li Xiaoman looks decent enough; why not make her your chairman secretary instead of having me find her a post?"
Cao rubbed her smooth back: "Because she's Qian Feng's Girlfriend; a gentleman doesn't steal another's love."
"Hmph~ you, a gentleman?"
Chen Shuting lifted her head, eyes dancing: "I bet we've just spoiled your taste; you simply didn't fancy the girl."
Cao: "Hahaha, you know me best, Sister Shuting."
—Days flashed to the Eighth Day of the New Year.
The In-Laws who'd come to Jiangcheng to visit their daughter and grandson began heading home.
Cao Pingao's parents, Cao Song and Wang Lan, quickly burned through their saved-up grandparent enthusiasm.
They couldn't keep up—simply couldn't.
So Cao drove them back to their hometown Xiangyang, then fetched Chen Xue and their son, who'd stayed at her parents a week, back to Jiangcheng.
Donghu Bay Villa Zone, Villa No. 1.
Chen Xue, holding Xiao Chongchong, walked into the big living-room with Cao and saw three smartly dressed girls on the sofa.
"Xiao Xue, this is Sister Shuting—you two met when we acquired Oriental Exhibition Company in Modu."
Cao continued: "This is Xiao Jie, and this is Qingyu."
Jie Jie and Shen Qingyu greeted with a smile: "Hello."
Chen Xue returned politely: "Hello, everyone."
Chen Shuting, seated between them, gestured "sit" and told Cao:
"Hubby, out you go—let us four have a proper chat."
//416//
Chapter 416: It's Time to Prepare Another Table
Four career-minded women were chatting in the house. Cao Pingao was pushing Pet name for their son around on the lawn in front of Villa No. 1, enjoying the sun.
An hour passed in the blink of an eye.
The closed-door meeting in the villa showed no sign of ending. Chen Shuting even called Jin Yao to join them in the discussion.
At this moment, the news that "Cao Pingao's high school white moonlight has arrived" began to spread throughout the entire villa area.
At the entrance of Villa No. 5, Qian Wan, Qian Jia, Qian Yi, Yu Qian, Liu Ruyan, and Wang Yuwen, six core members of the Yunan Faction, gathered together, looking towards Villa No. 1 and chatting about gossip.
Liu Ruyan, who was pregnant with her second child and sporting a large belly, asked, "Hey, do you think that Chen Xue will stay here?"
Qian Jia, standing next to Liu Ruyan and also pregnant with a large belly, frowned slightly and said, "She'd better go back to her Modu.
The competition at home is already fierce enough. If her 'white moonlight' also moves in, it will be even harder for us to get our husband's attention."
"I don't see it that way," Qian Wan, standing among the women, interjected. "I think it would be more beneficial for us if she stayed."
Qian Jia: "Ah? Why?"
"Because one mountain cannot accommodate two tigers—Chen Xue has a strong personality, and Chen Shuting is equally assertive.
This means that as a newcomer, it will be difficult for her to quickly integrate into the small circle formed by Chen Shuting, Jie Jie, Shen Qingyu, and Jin Yao."
Qian Wan's lips curled into a meaningful smile: "After adding the variable of Chen Xue, the existing power structure in the household will definitely change.
Change brings chaos, and chaos is our opportunity."
---Another hour passed, and the gate of Villa No. 1 was finally opened from the inside. Then Chen Shuting, Jie Jie, and Shen Qingyu walked out together.
Cao Pingao quickly went to meet them:
"Sister Shuting, how was your discussion?"
Chen Shuting said with a mischievous smile, "Don't worry, your white moonlight has agreed to merge her exhibition company into our Cao Wei Group, and she will also join the core management of the group."
Cao Pingao beamed, "That's wonderful."
"But don't be too happy too soon."
Chen Shuting continued with a playful smile, "She has agreed to cooperate with us on business matters, but whether she will stay depends on how her conversation with Jin Yao concludes."
Cao Pingao laughed, "Hmm, as long as you and Chen Xue interact more on business and get to know each other, she will agree to move in sooner or later.
Sister Shuting, Xiao Jie, Qingyu, thank you for your hard work."
Meanwhile, in the living room of Villa No. 1.
Jin Yao said sincerely, "Sister Chen Xue, please stay at home.
That way, our husband won't always have to worry about you and Pet name for their son, and won't have to travel back and forth between Jiangcheng and Modu every month."
Chen Xue looked at Jin Yao, who was earnestly considering Cao Pingao, and felt a mix of emotions: "But the main business of my exhibition company is in Modu—"
"Technology is so advanced now, some things can be done remotely,"
Jin Yao continued to persuade, "Moreover, our husband's business is so big now, it's a better choice for you to stay in Jiangcheng and help him.
Sister Chen Xue, please stay. From now on, you can manage all the household affairs—I'm not very good at it anyway, I'll just help you manage the accounts."
Chen Xue looked at Jin Yao in surprise: "Don't say that—although I don't know much about the situation here in Jiangcheng, I've heard from Pingao that you manage the household very well and have helped him solve many worries.
So even if I finally decide to stay and live with you all, it would still be better for you to continue managing this household."
Seeing Chen Xue soften, Jin Yao quickly smiled and said, "As long as Sister Chen Xue is willing to stay, everything else is negotiable~"
At this moment, Cao Pingao walked in, holding his son's hand:
"How are you two beauties doing? How was the chat?"
Chen Xue took Pet name for their son from his hand and gave him a meaningful look:
"You sent such a powerful negotiation team to reason with me and move me with emotion, what else could I do?"
Cao Pingao sat down next to Chen Xue, put his arm around her slender waist, and asked, "Does this mean you've agreed to stay in Jiangcheng?"
Chen Xue sighed softly, then nodded: "However, the exhibition company in Modu cannot be fully managed remotely for now, so I'll probably still need to go to Modu for about ten days each month."
Cao Pingao laughed, "No problem, in a couple of days I'll buy you a private jet to make your commute between Modu and Jiangcheng easier."
---Time quickly arrived at 6 PM.
The women living in the villa area successively arrived at the large dining hall of Villa No. 1, taking their seats and waiting for dinner.
Suddenly, Cao Pingao walked in from outside, holding Chen Xue, who was wearing a white qipao with red floral patterns. They then made their way to the main table under the watchful eyes of all the women.
Cao Pingao calmly said to Qian Wan, "Xiao Wan, all of you ladies sitting on the left side, please move back one seat to let Chen Xue sit next to me."
Upon hearing this, Qian Wan immediately rolled her eyes at the "newcomer" Chen Xue, but on the surface, she could only stand up obediently and give up her seat.
Seeing that Qian Wan had given up her seat without a word, Yu Qian, Liu Ruyan, and the others dared not say anything more and all followed suit, moving back one seat.
Jin Yao, Chen Shuting, and the others on the opposite side felt a surge of secret delight, suppressing the corners of their mouths as they exchanged glances.
At 6:30 PM, with the combined efforts of over a dozen young maids, delicious and visually appealing dishes were served one by one onto the three large round tables.
Cao Pingao, as the head of the family, sat in his usual main seat at the head table.
To his right sat: Jin Yao, Li Jing, Chen Shuting, Lele, Jie Jie, Shen Qingyu, Lü Xiaomeng, Deng Xiaorong, Director Bai;
To his left sat: Chen Xue, Qian Wan, Yu Qian, Liu Ruyan, Liu Yun, Liu Sijie, Xiao Ya, Xu Bei, Zou Huimin;
The women seated at the second round table were: Zheng Jiaqi, Zhang Yuwei, Wang Lulu, Xu Tiantian, Zhou Jing, Fan Binbin, Huang Panpan, Jiang Xinxin, Jiang Qianqian, Sophia, Li Yixuan;
The women seated at the third round table were: Xia Tian, Xu Yingying, Yang Zihan, Wei Mengmeng, Li Shihan, White Dove, Sun Ying, Wang Hui, Wang Yuwen, Qian Jia, Qian Yi.
Surveying the 39 unique beauties in the dining hall, Cao Pingao thought proudly:
When Big Qiao and Little Qiao also move into the private villa area, it will be even more perfect!
Cao Pingao: "Start eating."
After the head of the family spoke, the women picked up their chopsticks and began eating dinner, chatting and laughing.
Cao Pingao, meanwhile, swirled the red wine glass in his hand and said to Jin Yao, who was sitting to his right:
"Jin Yao, it's time to prepare another table at home."
//417//
Chapter 417: Old but Vigorous (Part One)
After finishing dinner and chatting together in the living room for a while, the girls left Villa No. 1 one after another and returned to their respective residences.
Along the way, the girls of the Yunan Faction couldn't help but complain quietly to each other:
"Chen Xue received all sorts of special treatment on her very first day here. That's too unfair~"
"Exactly. What contribution has she made to the family? Why should Sister Xiao Wan give up her spot the moment she arrives?"
"Yeah, and Husband even let her live directly in Villa No. 1—isn't that obvious favoritism?"
"Enough, say less." Qian Wan, however, appeared very calm. "The higher you stand, the harder you fall.
Given the current situation, we are definitely not the only sisters who have an issue with her. We should bide our time and accumulate strength. When the time comes to strike, I will act."
---Meanwhile, in the master bedroom on the second floor of Villa No. 1.
After Chen Xue successfully coaxed Mr. Cao Chong, who was lying in the crib, to sleep, she turned and climbed into the large bed, snuggling into Cao Pingao's embrace.
"Husband, your judgment is good. Chen Shuting, Jie Jie, and Shen Qingyu's work abilities are all comparable to mine.
And Jin Yao is gentle and devoted entirely to you—how did you manage that?"
Cao Pingao laughed, "Naturally, it's thanks to my personal charm and a body as tough as iron."
Chen Xue pouted slightly and playfully punched his chest with her small fist:
"Hmph~ You big playboy~"
Cao Pingao took the opportunity to grab her fair little hand and kissed it on his lips:
"Xiao Xue, are you satisfied with this large villa I prepared for you and our son?"
Chen Xue rested her small face on his shoulder and said with a nuanced tone, "It's quite nice~
It would be even better if there weren't so many young, beautiful girls living next door."
"Hahahahaha." Cao Pingao lowered his head and kissed her cherry lips. "Xiao Xue, no matter how many beautiful girls live around us, you are the most important person in my heart."
"Really?"
Cao Pingao looked sincere: "Of course it's true."
The clever Chen Xue knew that Cao Pingao's words contained elements meant to please her, but she still chose to believe what her man said:
"Husband~ Didn't you want me to give birth to another daughter for you?"
Before Cao Pingao could answer, his mouth was sealed by Chen Xue's soft lips. ---The next morning, after eating breakfast with Chen Xue, Cao Pingao took his black rolls-royce from the Donghuwan Villa Area to the Tongque Garden.
As soon as he entered the villa gate, Qiao Yueran, whose mouth was pouting high, immediately spoke up for her older sister:
"You heartless fellow, why haven't you come home for so many days? Why did you leave my sister alone to guard the empty room?"
Cao Pingao chuckled internally: Who says I didn't come home? I spent the night at home every day during this period.
He smiled at Qiao Yueran, "Something came up back home, so I went back to handle it.
Besides, doesn't Yunran have you, her sister, accompanying her? How could she be guarding an empty room?"
Qiao Yueran put her hands on her slender waist and said, "Can that be the same?"
Cao Pingao didn't argue with Little Qiao. He asked, "Where is Yunran?"
Qiao Yueran's small mouth was still pouting high: "She's practicing the zither in the music room."
---In the music room on the first floor of the villa.
Qiao Yunran, sitting in front of the Guzheng, was staring blankly at the sheet music, her mind filled with thoughts of her long-unseen fiancé.
Suddenly, a pair of large hands wrapped around her from behind.
"Oh dear—you startled me~"
Qiao Yunran, her pretty face slightly flushed, turned sideways and asked, "When did you return from back home?"
Cao Pingao didn't hide anything: "I've been back in Jiangcheng for a few days. After I finished handling the matters at hand, I rushed back to be with you as quickly as possible.
Have you missed me during this time?"
Qiao Yunran didn't answer, her face full of shyness, but her increasingly flushed cheeks already provided her answer.
Cao Pingao wasted no more words, immediately lowering his head and kissing her soft lips.
"Mmm mmm mmm~ Husband~ Stop, not here~"
Cao Pingao tightly embraced her slender waist and smiled, "It's fine. I locked the door when I came in."
Qiao Yunran shyly buried her small face in Cao Pingao's chest: "But it's too bright in the music room—can we go back to the bedroom instead~"
Cao Pingao smiled, "Alright, whatever you wish."
---That afternoon.
Cao Pingao brought the Big Qiao and Little Qiao sisters from Jiangnan District to the Qiao family villa in Jiangdong District to pay a New Year's call to Qiao Weigong.
While eating dinner together that evening, Cao Pingao proactively suggested that Qiao Yueran should be put in charge of the "Cao Wei Plaza" project, which was scheduled to start immediately after the New Year holiday.
Qiao Weigong said with a look of shock, "Pingao, Yueran is so young, and she has no prior experience managing large projects.
For you to hand the 'Cao Wei Plaza' project directly over to her—isn't that a bit inappropriate?"
Cao Pingao laughed, "It's alright, Father-in-law. If she doesn't participate in projects and gain practical experience, where will Yueran accumulate it?
Furthermore, the team helping me manage Cao Wei Plaza is composed of elite talents selected from your Jinqiao Group. Yueran only needs to oversee the general direction; there are plenty of experienced Vice Presidents below her to serve as consultants and help her supervise the work."
He then turned to Little Qiao, who was also somewhat shocked:
"How about it, Yueran? Do you dare to take on the 'Cao Wei Plaza' project?"
Qiao Yueran slightly lifted her chin and said, "What is there to be afraid of? As long as you dare to let me do it, I dare to take it on."
---After the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, Cao Pingao personally accompanied Shen Qingyu to St. Marys Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital to be admitted for delivery.
Although Shen Qingyu's due date was still half a month away, she was carrying Cao Pingao's third prosperous husband badge—
This meant that once Shen Qingyu successfully gave birth, the monthly reward Boss Cao received would rise to the next level.
In a luxurious single room in the 3rd-floor SVIP area.
Cao Pingao sat by Shen Qingyu's bed, chatting with her.
Suddenly, Fan Binbin and Deng Xiaorong, both pregnant, walked in together and said mysteriously:
"Husband~ We ran into Boss Jiang when we were having our prenatal checkup."
Cao Pingao raised an eyebrow: "Big Brother Jiang is at the hospital? Didn't Qianqian just have a prenatal checkup before the New Year?"
Fan Binbin smiled meaningfully, "He didn't come with Qianqian."
Cao Pingao laughed, "Ah? Did Mrs. Jiang get pregnant again?"
Deng Xiaorong shook her head, her eyes conveying a lot as she said:
"The person who came with Boss Jiang for the prenatal checkup wasn't Zhou Li either, but a young girl who looked only a few years older than Qianqian."
//418//
Chapter 418: The First Management Meeting of the New Year
As Cao Pingao followed Fan Binbin and Deng Xiaorong to the west corridor on the 3rd floor, he saw Jiang Dawei carefully helping Ma Shasha, the Vice Head of the Song and Dance Troupe, out of the examination room.
"Big Brother Jiang."
Jiang Dawei looked up at the sound: "Oh, Pingao, Miss Deng, Miss Fan, what a coincidence."
Ma Shasha's face flushed slightly as she greeted them: "Hello, Chairman~ Hello, General Manager Deng, Hello, General Manager Fan."
Cao Pingao said to Deng Xiaorong and Fan Binbin, who were still a bit confused beside him: "She is Ma Shasha, the Vice Head of our Cao Wei Song and Dance Troupe, and an old friend of Big Brother Jiang."
Only then did Deng Xiaorong and Fan Binbin react: "Oh~ No wonder you look so familiar, we must have met at the company."
Cao Pingao then turned to Jiang Dawei and smiled: "Big Brother Jiang, are you and Vice Head Ma also here for a prenatal check-up today?"
Jiang Dawei nodded happily, then leaned close to Cao Pingao and whispered:
"Isn't it all thanks to the 'Golden Scale Root Strengthening Formula' you recommended to me? Otherwise, at my age, how could I have achieved new results?"
Cao Pingao chuckled: "Hey, Chinese medicine is just an aid. Big Brother Jiang is still strong and healthy, with a good foundation."
"By the way, Pingao." Jiang Dawei pulled Cao Pingao aside again and asked in a low voice, "Do you still have the kind of medicine you gave me at first?
—Why do I feel that the Golden Scale Root Strengthening Formula I took later wasn't as effective as the one you gave me initially?"
Cao Pingao found it amusing: Of course, it's nonsense. What I gave you was the great tonic strengthening pills rewarded by the system. What you took later was ordinary Chinese medicine. How could they be the same?
"Big Brother Jiang, what I gave you at first was also the Golden Scale Root Strengthening Formula, but it was a concentrated version.
The old Taoist priest who gave me the formula said that older people should not take too much of the concentrated version, otherwise it will cause side effects."
Cao Pingao wasn't reluctant to part with the m&lisu he had saved; he was genuinely worried about over-tonifying his father-in-law to death.
"So that's how it is."
Jiang Dawei said with a conflicted look in his eyes: "But now Shasha is pregnant. If I don't quickly work harder to get your sister-in-law pregnant too, it will be hard for me to explain!"
Cao Pingao pondered for a moment, then "pulled out" two m&lisu from his jacket pocket and sternly instructed:
"Big Brother Jiang, you still need to divide one pill into four portions, just like before. Absolutely do not take too much in a short period of time."
Jiang Dawei quickly took the two pills, put them into his pocket, and then nodded gratefully:
"Don't worry, I'm still hoping to have another son, so I won't mess around."
—February passed, and March arrived.
After an extended New Year holiday, the colleagues of Cao Wei Group returned to Jiangcheng from their hometowns, full of vigor, and began a new year of work.
Inside the large conference room on the 39th floor of Building A, Donghu Bay Building, the Cao Wei Group's first management meeting of the new year was being held.
Cao Pingao, the Group Chairman, sat in the center seat of the rectangular conference table.
Chen Shuting and Jie Jie sat to his right, and Chen Xue sat to his left.
Of course, in addition to the middle and high-level management cadres of all the group's subsidiaries, Qian Wan, who voluntarily attended the meeting, and Qiao Yueran, who was specially invited to participate, were also present.
"First, let me introduce you all to General Manager Chen Xue, who is sitting next to me."
Boss Cao smiled and introduced her to everyone: "She is my newly appointed General Manager of Cao Wei Group's Modu Branch, and also the Group's Vice General Manager."
Chen Xue, impeccably made up and wearing a black OL suit, stood up from her chair and greeted her colleagues present generously: "Hello, everyone."
Everyone: "Hello, General Manager Chen."
After Chen Xue sat down again, Cao Pingao continued:
"Everyone, our group's main focus this year is very simple: to 'welcome' the Dongwu Group, who wants to come to Jiangcheng to make money.
If they open shopping malls, we open shopping malls; if they open supermarkets, we open supermarkets; if they open hotels, we open hotels.
In short, we must, at all costs, drive all of Dongwu Group's businesses out of Jiangcheng."
—After the brief New Year kick-off meeting concluded.
Cao Pingao, Chen Shuting, Chen Xue, and Jie Jie stayed behind for a small meeting.
"Deng Xiaorong can be responsible for the supermarket project, and Fan Binbin can be responsible for the hotel project."
Cao Pingao said, looking at the materials:
"As for Cao Wei Plaza on Donghu Avenue, Qiao Yueran can be responsible for it."
After hearing his words, the three female executives all looked up.
Chen Shuting asked: "Are you sure you want to entrust our group's first large-scale shopping mall project to Miss Qiao?"
Cao Pingao looked relaxed: "I know you think she's young and inexperienced, but she has the professional team from Jinqiao Group helping her, so I don't think it's a big problem."
Seeing that her boss and husband had made up his mind, Chen Shuting said no more, but gave Jie Jie a look that meant, "Keep a close eye on her."
Jie Jie, who already had a good understanding with Chen Shuting, instantly understood her gaze and nodded lightly.
"Xiao Xue, besides its main base in City, Dongwu Group also has a lot of business in Modu.
If your Modu Branch can also put pressure on Sun Dajian from the east, I estimate that Dongwu Group will withdraw from Jiangcheng even faster."
Chen Xue nodded: "I understand. Just leave the matters in Modu to me."
—40th floor, Chairmans Secretary Office of Cao Wei Group.
At this time, the three female secretaries sitting in the office were all visibly pregnant.
However, Qian Jia and Sun Ying's bellies were already very large, while Wang Hui's belly had only just begun to swell slightly.
As soon as Cao Pingao walked in, the three female secretaries immediately stood up and said:
"Good morning, Boss~"
"Mm, good morning to you."
Cao Pingao looked at Qian Jia and Sun Ying and said:
"Jiajia, Xiao Ying, after you two finish lunch, go home and rest immediately.
Starting tomorrow, you'll be on paid maternity leave. Don't come to work with such big bellies anymore."
Qian Jia and Sun Ying were both beaming: "Thank you, Boss~"
Cao Pingao then turned to Wang Hui and said: "Xiao Hui, notify the Human Resources Department and tell them to quickly recruit a few new secretaries for me."
Wang Hui replied obediently: "Okay, Boss, I'll call the Human Resources Department right away."
"Mm."
After giving his instructions, Cao Pingao strode towards the inner office.
As soon as he settled into his large executive chair, Qian Jia walked in with her pregnant belly:
"Boss~ I have new news to report to you."
Cao Pingao pointed to the armchair opposite the desk: "Sit down and speak."
"Thank you, Boss~"
Qian Jia happily sat down and said: "After the New Year, Sister Xiao Wan rented a large three-bedroom, two-living-room apartment in Donghu Bay Phase II across the street for Eldest Maternal Cousin Sister, Second Maternal Cousin Sister, Qian Feng, and Li Xiaoman.
However, for some reason, Li Xiaoman is unwilling to share a room with Qian Feng, so Qian Feng can only temporarily sleep in the living room."
Cao Pingao's lips curled slightly: Classmate Qian Feng, you need to work harder.
Otherwise, when your Girlfriend finds an opportunity to actively offer herself to me, do you think I should take her or not?
//519//
Chapter 419: A Beautiful Misunderstanding (Part 1)
Cao Pingao stroked his chin and asked Qian Jia, "When I had dinner before, I let Chen Xue sit in front of Xiao Wan. What was her private reaction to this?"
Qian Jia hesitated for a second, then answered truthfully:
"Although Sister Xiao Wan didn't show it on the surface, I feel like she still holds a grudge inside.
Sister Xiao Wan also said that she would wait for Sister Chen Xue and Sister Shuting to start fighting over work matters, and then she would act according to the situation, looking for an opportunity to snatch Sister Jin Yao's position."
Cao Pingao smiled, "Huo, first accumulate strength, then win in chaos. Xiao Wan has some ideas. Is there anything else to report?"
Is there anything else to report?"
Qian Jia shook her head, "Not for now."
As soon as Qian Jia left the office, Jin Yao came in with her uncle, Jin Dazhong.
After the three sat down on the leather sofa in the office, Jin Dazhong looked around the spacious Chairman's Office with pleasant surprise:
"Aiya, Pingao, I didn't expect your business to grow so big all of a sudden!"
Cao Pingao put his right arm around Jin Yao's slender shoulder, held her fair hand with his left, and smiled:
"It's alright, just average."
Jin Dazhong smiled fawningly, "Pingao, I really have to thank you for giving my construction company two projects this time. Otherwise, at the beginning of this year, many of our Jin family relatives would have been jobless."
Cao Pingao said with a smile, "You are Yao Yao's uncle, which means you are my uncle. There's no need to be so polite about such a small matter.
From now on, your construction company can gradually move from A county to Jiangcheng, and then just work wholeheartedly with my Cao Wei Real Estate."
Jin Dazhong's eyes were almost gone from smiling, "Alright, alright, we'll do as you say, Pingao!"
After expressing his gratitude, Jin Dazhong, who was very good at reading people, immediately stood up and left the office, leaving the space to Cao Pingao and Jin Yao, who were sitting close together.
"Yao Yao, your family's affairs are my affairs. In the future, if any relatives of the Jin family need job arrangements, just have them come directly to Jiangcheng to find me."
Jin Yao's eyes were filled with emotion, and she gently leaned her small face against Cao Pingao's chest:
"Thank you, husband~ You're so good to me~"
Cao Pingao lowered his head and kissed her lips, "Silly girl, if I'm not good to you, who should I be good to?"
---Two days later, Shen Qingyu, who was awaiting childbirth at St. Marys Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, successfully gave birth to a baby girl for Cao Pingao.
[Congratulations to the host for having a biological daughter]
[host completes the task of having many children and many blessings, task reward 100 million yuan]
[The prosperous husband badge (bronze) has been upgraded to the prosperous husband badge (silver), and three Baiyi badges have automatically merged into a gold badge]
[host holds prosperous husband badge (gold): rewards 5% of total assets every month]
[According to system big data calculations, the host's current total assets are: 6.72372 billion yuan]
[The current month's cash reward is: 336.19 million yuan, which has been transferred to the host's designated bank account via the Central Bank]
[The host's current total cash balance is: 2.468451160.93 billion yuan]
In the luxurious single room.
Cao Pingao sat by Shen Qingyu's bed, happily holding the newborn baby girl:
"You've worked hard, Qingyu."
A tired Shen Qingyu asked with a smile, "Husband~ Have you chosen a name for our daughter?"
Cao Pingao smiled, "I've already thought of it. Our daughter will be named Cao Xuanyu."
---Since Qiao Yueran started to be responsible for the Cao Wei Plaza project, she usually lives with her sister in Tongque Garden in Jiangnan District, except for weekends when she returns to Jiangdong District to visit her father, Qiao Weigong.
This is because Tongque Garden is closer to both the project site and her school.
During the day, Qiao Yueran often interacts and communicates with Cao Pingao due to work.
At night, she always couldn't help but eavesdrop on her sister and Cao Pingao playing ranked games together—
Therefore, Cao Pingao began to appear frequently in Qiao Yueran's dreams.
From one to two erotic dreams a week, it gradually developed into almost nightly dreams.
---This afternoon.
In the Chairman's Office on the 40th floor of Building A, Donghu Bay Building.
While Deng Xiaorong and Fan Binbin reported their work to Cao Pingao and Chen Shuting in turn, Qiao Yueran, sitting nearby, was secretly looking at Cao Pingao while recalling the "very excessive" things "he" did to her in her dream last night---"General Manager Qiao, is the work at Cao Wei Plaza going smoothly?"
Chen Shuting, who received no response, looked up and saw Qiao Yueran staring blankly in Cao Pingao's direction:
"General Manager Qiao?"
"Oh, sorry, General Manager Chen."
Qiao Yueran, who had just snapped out of her daydream, quickly picked up the materials in her hand and began to report on her work, her face slightly red.
Qiao Yueran's unusual reaction was noticed not only by Chen Shuting, but also by Jie Jie, Deng Xiaorong, and Fan Binbin, who were sitting nearby.
After the meeting, Chen Shuting stayed behind alone.
Cao Pingao sat next to her, put his arm around her slender waist, and asked:
"What is it, Sister Shuting? Do you have something to tell me?"
Chen Shuting smiled meaningfully, "You scoundrel, isn't it enough that you got the eldest Miss Qiao? Now you're after the second Miss Qiao too?"
Cao Pingao chuckled, "You're wrong, Sister Shuting, I really haven't done anything to Yueran."
Chen Shuting looked unconvinced, "Is that so? Then why was she secretly looking at you with that kind of gaze during the meeting just now?"
"How would I know? Maybe it's because I'm too handsome and charming, hahahaha."
"Hmph~ You're really thick-skinned."
Chen Shuting then touched his cheek and said, "Anyway, you should be careful. Just don't let the two sisters have a rift because of you."
"Don't worry, Sister Shuting, I'll handle my relationship with Big Qiao and Little Qiao well." After saying that, he lowered his head and kissed Chen Shuting's soft lips---In late March, Qiao Yunran, as the team leader, took the folk music band of Jiangcheng Conservatory of Music north to the Imperial Capital to participate in a week-long exchange and performance event.
After saying that, he lowered his head and kissed Chen Shuting's soft lips---In late March, Qiao Yunran, as the team leader, took the folk music band of Jiangcheng Conservatory of Music north to the Imperial Capital to participate in a week-long exchange and performance event.
In the evening, Qiao Yueran returned to Tongque Garden as usual after work.
After eating alone, taking a bath, and getting into bed to prepare for sleep, she suddenly had another idea—
Then she jumped out of bed and walked out of her room, tiptoeing to the master bedroom where her sister and Cao Pingao lived.
After entering the bedroom, Qiao Yueran gently lay down on the side of the double bed where her sister slept, and then gently stroked the side where Cao Pingao usually lay, before falling asleep peacefully hugging his pillow.
Qiao Yueran slept exceptionally soundly that night.
For the next week, Qiao Yueran would sneak into her sister's room to sleep every night.
On the morning of the seventh day, Qiao Yunran, who was far away in the Imperial Capital, called:
"Yueran, the weather in the Imperial Capital hasn't been good these past two days, and many flights have been delayed. I probably won't be able to come back today."
Qiao Yueran: "Mhm, sister, be careful in the Imperial Capital. We'll talk on the phone tomorrow~"
---That night.
After Qiao Yueran showered in her own bedroom and changed into her pajamas, she routinely went to her sister's bedroom and slept with Cao Pingao's pillow.
Just as she was half-asleep, she faintly heard a slight sound of a door opening and closing.
Then there was a series of familiar footsteps, getting closer and closer---Suddenly, Qiao Yueran felt a pair of fiery hands tightly embrace her waist. Just as she was about to speak, her mouth was completely covered by the other party.
//520//
Chapter 420: A Beautiful Misunderstanding (Part 2)
Two hours ago.
Inside a bedroom on the second floor of Villa No. 4 in Donghuwan Villa Area.
Cao Pingao was embracing the former Flight Attendant Liu Yun, who was wearing a blue and white Flight Attendant uniform, from behind as they cleaned the glass in front of the floor-to-ceiling window facing Donghu Bay.
Suddenly, the phone Cao Pingao had placed on the large bed beside them began to vibrate.
Liu Yun, her face flushed, turned her head and asked dazedly, "Hubby~ Your phone is ringing~"
Cao Pingao lowered his head and kissed her little mouth:
"Ignore it. Let's finish cleaning the window first."
"Mhm~ Okay~"
---After a session of intimate labor.
Cao Pingao carried Flight Attendant Liu Yun from the window and lay back down on the large bed to rest together.
[Legendary Divine Archer Badge Activated]
[Congratulations, host, on successfully completing the Many Children, Many Blessings Mission]
[Fertility Target Liu Yun successfully conceived naturally. System rewards a prenatal care fee of 10 million yuan]
[Skill Reward: Loyalty Badge (Bronze)]
[The Loyalty Badge will upgrade upon the successful birth of the Little Baby]
[host currently holds Loyalty Badge (Silver): Intimate interaction can moderately increase the loyalty of the opposite sex whose loyalty is below 85% towards the host]
[Random Reward: 2 great tonic strengthening pills]
Cao Pingao: Legendary-grade badges are truly awesome. Now I can make anyone pregnant whenever I want!
Liu Yun, her face rosy, snuggled affectionately into his arms and said sweetly:
"Hubby~ I hope the second child I bear for you will be a son~"
Cao Pingao stroked her smooth back and laughed, "Son or daughter, either is fine. I'm not picky."
Liu Yun touched Cao Pingao's chin with her fair little hand and said, "But I feel like if I don't give you a son, I won't be able to hold my head up among the other sisters at home~"
"Hahahaha, Xiao Yun, you are overthinking it. As long as you give birth to and raise Little Baby well for me, I will treat everyone equally."
While chatting with Liu Yun, Cao Pingao reached for his phone and saw that the person who had just called him was Qiao Yunran, who was attending an event far away in the Imperial Capital.
He casually called back, but the other party didn't answer.
"Oh no."
Cao Pingao suddenly sat up in bed: Today is the day Yunran returns to Jiangcheng. We agreed that I would wait for her at Tongque Garden tonight—she must be angry now because I'm not home and didn't answer her call.
"Hubby, what's wrong?" Liu Yun also sat up and asked, covering her chest with her hand.
Cao Pingao first called the villa area's Security Center, asking the on-duty driver to prepare the car, and then told Liu Yun beside him:
"Xiao Yun, help me get dressed. I have to go out for a bit."
"Oh, okay, Hubby~"
Although the Flight Attendant was reluctant to have her man leave her at that moment, having been very well-trained and obedient, she quickly put on a slip dress without underwear and started helping Boss Cao get dressed.
After he was dressed in his shirt and pants, she knelt before Cao Pingao and gently helped him put on his socks and shoes:
"All dressed, Hubby~ Be careful when you go out tonight~"
"Mhm, I know."
Cao Pingao pulled Liu Yun up from the floor, kissed her little mouth, and then strode out the door.
---Just as he walked out of the gate of Villa No. 4 downstairs, Cao Pingao saw the black rolls-royce phantom steadily parked by the roadside.
He got in and saw that the driver on duty tonight was the round-faced, bearded Xu Chu.
"Old Xu, go to Tongque Garden."
Xu Chu nodded: "Yes, Boss."
Before long, Cao Pingao arrived at his "Traveling Palace," shrouded in the night.
He walked through the courtyard into the quiet villa and arrived at the master bedroom on the second floor without disturbing any maids.
After gently opening the door, Cao Pingao saw that the bedroom light was off, as usual, and "Qiao Yunran" was already lying in bed, asleep.
He quietly closed the door, climbed onto the bed in the dark, then wrapped his arms around his fiancée's slender waist, and kissed her cherry lips.
"Mmm mmm mmm~"
The awakened "Qiao Yunran" was clearly still angry with him, struggling lightly in his arms while simultaneously accepting his passionate kiss.
"Yunran, don't be angry. I didn't answer your call, but haven't I rushed back to be with you as quickly as possible?"
Cao Pingao stroked "Qiao Yunran's" smooth, tender cheek in the darkness: "It's been a week since we were intimate. I missed you."
After speaking, he lowered his head and kissed "Qiao Yunran" again.
This time, "Qiao Yunran" only resisted slightly, and soon her body went limp in Cao Pingao's embrace—Wait! This feeling—it's not Yunran!
Cao Pingao quickly activated the system to scan the girl beneath him:
Holy crap, why is it Yueran? Why is she in my bedroom?
---[Legendary Divine Archer Badge Activated]
[Congratulations, host, on successfully completing the Many Children, Many Blessings Mission]
[Fertility Target Qiao Yueran successfully conceived naturally. System rewards a prenatal care fee of 10 million yuan]
[Skill Reward: prosperous husband badge (Bronze)]
[The prosperous husband badge will upgrade upon the successful birth of the Little Baby]
[host currently holds prosperous husband badge (Gold): Rewards 5% of total assets every month]
[Random Reward: 2 great tonic strengthening pills]
Cao Pingao lay back on the large bed, his mouth curving into an unstoppable smile: Holy crap, another prosperous husband badge.
I must properly coax Little Qiao and ensure she gives birth to the Little Baby for me.
With a "snap," Qiao Yueran switched on the yellow bedside lamp.
She pulled the quilt up to cover her chest and stared at Cao Pingao with a conflicted look:
"You scoundrel, can't you even tell the difference between me and my sister?"
Cao Pingao smirked: "I couldn't tell at first, but after we did that, I figured it out."
Qiao Yueran blushed and complained coyly, "Then why didn't you stop immediately?"
Cao Pingao grinned: "You didn't ask me to stop, either."
Qiao Yueran: "You—you scoundrel~"
Cao Pingao laughed: "I'm a scoundrel? Then tell me, what were you doing in my room? And when I just came in and climbed onto the bed, why didn't you say anything?"
Qiao Yueran's small face instantly became even redder: "I was half-asleep just now—I thought I was dreaming."
Cao Pingao: "Hahahaha, so you often dream about me?"
Qiao Yueran shyly turned her head away and said, "No way~"
After that, neither of them spoke, and the bedroom was quiet for a while.
Cao Pingao asked again, "Is your sister not coming back tonight? I didn't receive her call earlier."
"The weather in the Imperial Capital is bad, so her flight was delayed. She probably won't be back until tomorrow."
Qiao Yueran lowered her head slightly, bit her lip, and said, "Uh, what happened tonight was a misunderstanding—let's just pretend nothing happened."
Cao Pingao laughed: "Don't you need me to take responsibility for you?"
"No need. Just take good care of your responsibilities toward my sister." Qiao Yueran covered her chest with one hand and waved the other hand at him:
"Turn around. I need to get dressed."
Cao Pingao first turned around, and then, while Qiao Yueran was dressing with her back to him, he wrapped both arms around her from behind.
Qiao Yueran's pretty face flushed crimson: "Oh my~ You big scoundrel, what are you doing~"
Cao Pingao chuckled mischievously into her ear: "Since it's already a misunderstanding, why don't you just leave after dawn?"
//421//
Chapter 421: Transfer Application (Part 1)
The next morning.
Li Xiangxiu, dressed in a maid outfit, was tidying up Cao Pingao's bed when she suddenly noticed a small red flower on the pristine white sheet.
"Xiangxiu, dispose of this sheet for me. Make sure no one else sees it."
Li Xiangxiu turned around at the sound—the speaker was Cao Pingao, who had just finished showering and had a large white bath towel wrapped around his waist.
"I understand, Sir~" Li Xiangxiu lowered her head slightly and replied obediently.
Cao Pingao strode into the cloakroom to get dressed, then went downstairs to the dining room, where he sat across from Qiao Yueran, who was already up, and they ate breakfast in silence.
After finishing breakfast, the two silently walked out of the villa together.
At the gate of Tongque Garden, a black rolls-royce and a white Bentley were waiting for them.
Just before getting into the car, Qiao Yueran reminded him, "My sister's plane arrives in Jiangcheng at 4:30 PM. Remember to pick her up at the airport."
Cao Pingao: "Alright."
Qiao Yueran glanced at him with a somewhat complicated look, then lowered her head and got into her Bentley.
"Master Li, drive."
"Yes, Second Miss."
The Bentley quickly left Tongque Garden and drove onto an elevated bridge.
Qiao Yueran looked at the tall buildings outside the car window, but her mind was filled with the images of her repeated intimacy with Cao Pingao last night.
---At 4:00 PM, Cao Pingao arrived early at Jiangcheng Tianhe Airport.
Soon after, the students and teachers of the Jiangcheng Conservatory of Music Folk Orchestra, who had finished their exchange activities in The Capital, walked out of the arrival gate, chatting and laughing.
Qiao Yunran, wearing a white dress with long hair draped over her shoulders, and stunningly conspicuous in the crowd, saw Cao Pingao, who had come to pick her up, at a glance.
She quickly greeted her colleagues first, then dragged her suitcase over to him:
"Husband~"
Cao Pingao smiled and reached out to take the suitcase from her hand: "How was the trip back? Smooth?"
Qiao Yunran looked delighted: "Mhm~ It was quite smooth~"
Cao Pingao laughed: "Let's go, let's head home."
Qiao Yunran: "Okay~"
---In the back seat of the rolls-royce phantom, Cao Pingao put his arm around Qiao Yunran's delicate shoulder and asked:
"You were in The Capital for an exchange for over a week. Did you miss me?"
Qiao Yunran nodded shyly: "I missed you a little bit~"
"A little bit? Was it this much, this much, or this much?"
"Oh my~ You're annoying~"
Qiao Yunran hooked her arm through Cao Pingao's and gently leaned her head on his shoulder:
"Husband~ I have something I need to tell you."
Cao Pingao: "Mhm, go ahead and tell me."
Qiao Yunran bit her lip, then blushed and whispered, "Um, I haven't had my period in almost two months---"
Cao Pingao smiled with "surprise" on his face: "You're pregnant? That's wonderful news, Yunran."
Qiao Yunran lowered her head slightly and said, "But I haven't mentally prepared myself to have a Little Baby yet."
Cao Pingao pulled her into his embrace and leaned down to kiss her: "Yunran, are you willing to bear a Little Baby for me?"
Qiao Yunran looked up at him, her beautiful large eyes showing a look of affection: "I am willing~"
"That's all that matters. Most first-time pregnancies with a Little Baby are unexpected, without full mental preparation."
Cao Pingao stroked her smooth, tender face and smiled: "But you don't need to worry, I will be by your side the entire time."
On the way home, the two stopped at a pharmacy to buy a pregnancy test stick.
Upon testing at home, it was, predictably, two lines.
Accompanied by Cao Pingao, Qiao Yunran immediately called Qiao Weigong to tell him the good news that "he would soon become a maternal grandfather."
Qiao Weigong was naturally overjoyed and immediately planned to come to Tongque Garden to visit Qiao Yunran.
Not long after hanging up the phone, Qiao Yueran returned home from work.
"Sister, was your trip to The Capital fun?"
The two sisters, who hadn't seen each other for a week, held hands and sat on the sofa in the living room, chatting intimately.
After recounting the exchange activities in The Capital, Qiao Yunran said to her sister with a shy expression:
"Yueran, I'm having Pingao's Little Baby~"
Qiao Yueran was stunned for a moment, then immediately said happily, "That's wonderful, Sister~ That means I'll soon be upgraded to an aunt!"
---At 7:00 PM, after Qiao Weigong rushed over from Jiangdong District.
Cao Pingao and the other three had a sumptuous dinner together at home.
After dinner, Cao Pingao and Qiao Weigong discussed business in the study, while Qiao Yunran took her sister back to the master bedroom on the second floor to continue their conversation.
"Yueran, did you and Pingao have a fight while I was away these past few days?"
Qiao Yueran felt guilty: "Huh? No, why would you ask that, Sister?"
Qiao Yunran looked into her sister's eyes and said, "Because I noticed that you seemed to deliberately avoid Pingao's gaze during dinner, and you barely spoke to him.
Before I went to The Capital, weren't you two always bickering and teasing each other when the three of us ate together?"
Qiao Yueran answered evasively: "Isn't it because Dad was here today?
If I didn't act a little more obedient, Dad would definitely scold me again."
Qiao Yunran could tell her sister wasn't telling the whole truth, but she chose not to expose her for now. She put her arm around her sister's slender waist and said:
"Alright, as long as you two haven't had any conflict, that's fine."
---March passed, and April arrived.
The weather in Jiangcheng gradually warmed up.
That afternoon, on the 37th floor of Building A of the Donghu Bay Building, in the reception area of the Cao Wei Group.
Three Front Desk Young Ladies, uniformly dressed in black suits, white shirts, black skirts, and black stockings, were chatting about company gossip.
Xiao Mei: "Hey, did you two hear? The Chairman is hiring a new secretary again."
Xiao Li nodded: "I already submitted my resume and application to the Human Resources Department two days ago. I just don't know if the Chairman will select me this time."
Li Xiaoman, who had recently started working at the Group, asked curiously, "Is the pay good for being the Chairman's secretary?"
Xiao Mei and Xiao Li exchanged glances, then said to her:
"Light work, high pay, starting salary of 10,000 yuan after tax, and great room for advancement~"
"But it's not really suitable for you, Xiaoman."
Li Xiaoman raised an eyebrow: "Not suitable for me? Why?"
Xiao Mei covered her mouth and laughed: "Because you already have a Boyfriend."
Li Xiaoman: "Huh? What does that have to do with me having a Boyfriend?"
Xiao Li said with a meaningful look: "Because there's a rumor in the company—all the girls who have served as the Chairman's personal secretary ended up getting pregnant with his child."
Li Xiaoman: "---"
"Is that true?"
Xiao Li: "Anyway, that's what the veterans in the company say."
---6:00 PM.
As soon as Li Xiaoman clocked out and left the Donghu Bay Building, she saw Qian Feng waiting for her by the roadside.
"Xiaoman, it's the weekend, I'm treating you to a big meal!" Qian Feng smiled happily, "Tell me, should we have hotpot or Japanese cuisine?"
Li Xiaoman smoothed the hair near her ear: "Qian Feng, this afternoon I submitted a Transfer Application to the Group's Human Resources Department."
Qian Feng: "Huh? Xiaoman, are you unhappy with your job as a Front Desk Young Lady? Which department do you want to transfer to?"
Li Xiaoman said calmly, "I want to transfer to the 40th floor to be the Chairman's secretary."
//422//
Chapter 422 – Transfer Application (Part 2)
When Qian Feng heard his Girlfriend was going to become Cao Pingao's secretary, his face instantly turned green.
"No way! You can't work on the 40th Floor!"
Li Xiaoman's delicate brows knitted. "Qian Feng, what do you mean? Applying for a transfer is my personal freedom. Who are you to interfere so crudely?"
Seeing his Girlfriend getting angry, Qian Feng immediately softened his tone.
"Aiya, Xiaoman, you've misunderstood. I'm not trying to interfere with your freedom.
Cao Wei Group is huge; if you're unhappy at the Front Desk, I'll support a transfer to any department—except the Chairman's Secretary Office on the 40th Floor."
Li Xiaoman gave him a sidelong look. "Why not?"
Qian Feng instinctively glanced at the Cao Wei employees streaming out of Donghu Bay Building, then leaned closer and whispered,
"Xiaoman, you've only just joined; you haven't heard the company rule—every girl who's been Cao Pingao's secretary gets pregnant soon after."
Li Xiaoman chuckled. "Come on, you believe that boring gossip?"
Qian Feng's face was dead serious. "Better safe than sorry."
Li Xiaoman pouted, exasperated.
"My Front Desk salary is only five thousand a month. If I land this transfer to the 40th Floor as Cao Pingao's secretary, my pay will double overnight.
Once I get on good terms with him, plus your sister's connection, you'll shoot up the ranks and be indispensable to the group.
A win-win like this—should I give it up because of some groundless rumor?"
Li Xiaoman folded her arms, glaring at him with a look that said he was hopeless.
"Brother Feng, you're neither confident nor trusting."
Qian Feng hurriedly explained, "No, no, Xiaoman, of course I trust you.
I'm just afraid Cao Pingao might—"
Li Xiaoman waved him off impatiently. "Enough, stop worrying. I've only applied; I might not even be selected.
Come on, I'm starving—treat me to Japanese tonight."
Qian Feng beamed ingratiatingly. "Yes, yes, let's go for Japanese."
That same night, Donghu Bay Phase II, Block 18, Unit 2, Apt. 2001.
Seeing Li Xiaoman emerge from her bath and disappear into her bedroom, Qian Juan and Qian Jing exchanged glances from the living-room sofa. Qian Juan nudged Qian Feng, who was glued to his phone, and whispered,
"Hey, you found her a job and you're paying her rent—don't tell me you're planning to camp on this sofa forever?"
Without looking up, Qian Feng kept tapping his screen.
"Eldest Maternal Cousin Sister, Xiaoman's from a strict, conservative family.
I totally respect her no-cohabitation-before-marriage rule."
Qian Jing rolled her eyes. "Qian Feng, not to rain on your parade, but if you keep simping, you'll probably end up with nothing."
"No way—Xiaoman's different!"
Qian Feng set his phone down to defend his goddess. "Back in college and after graduation, Xiaoman's always had crowds of suitors—
rich playboys, company execs—but she's stayed single.
She takes relationships seriously!"
Seeing Qian Feng completely wrapped around Li Xiaoman's finger, Qian Juan and Qian Jing dropped the subject.
"Fine. If you've made up your mind, hurry up and propose. We'll be waiting for the wedding wine."
Two mornings later.
40th Floor, Tower A, Donghu Bay Building.
Seated in his executive chair, Cao Pingao had just interviewed six young women applying to be his secretary—still no qualified candidate.
Cao Pingao: Damn it—any girl who's even slightly pretty is used goods by graduation.
A second-hand car at ninety percent new is already a rarity.
Just then Wang Hui, her belly gently rounded, walked in cradling a stack of résumés.
"Boss~ still no one you like?"
"Nope."
Cao Pingao crooked a finger; Wang Hui scurried around the vast desk and perched obediently on his lap.
One arm circled her thickening waist, the other caressed her belly.
"Xiao Hui, tell HR not to limit the search to top-university grads or experienced hires—find me some inexperienced female college students for part-time Little Secretary roles."
"Yes, Boss~ I'll pass it on right away."
Wang Hui neatly set the résumés on the desk.
"These are recent internal transfer requests—all female employees volunteering for the 40th Floor."
Cao Pingao kissed her cheek. "Fine. If we can't poach from outside, we'll scout from within."
He toyed with her breast while flipping résumés—until Li Xiaoman's file appeared.
Wang Hui, still on his lap, recognized her too.
"Li Xiaoman? Isn't she Qian Yi's brother's Girlfriend? Why's she applying?"
Cao Pingao grinned. "People seek higher ground; water flows downhill—she wants to move up."
Wang Hui's eyes glinted. "Boss~ shall I invite her up for an interview?"
Cao Pingao smirked. "Since she's asked, give her a shot."
37th floor. The Cao Wei Group reception's internal line rang.
Xiao Li, closest to the phone, picked up.
"Hello, Cao Wei Group."
"Secretary Wang? Hi—oh, she's right beside me."
Xiao Li handed the receiver to Li Xiaoman, voice dripping vinegar. "Call for you."
"For me?" Eyes sparkling, Li Xiaoman took the phone. "Hello, this is—yes, Secretary Wang. Okay, I'll come up right away."
She hung up, whipped out foundation, eyebrow pencil, lipstick and a compact, and began touching up meticulously.
Xiao Li and Xiao Mei watched, green with envy.
"Xiaoman, are you going upstairs to interview for Chairman's Secretary?"
"Yep~"
After a final mirror check she flashed them a sweet smile and headed briskly for the elevator.
//423//
Chapter 423 – Rapid Advancement (Part 1)
Floor 40, Chairman's Office.
Cao Pingao lounged comfortably in his executive chair, eyes roaming freely over Li Xiaoman, who stood opposite him.
Her make-up was flawless, long hair draped over her shoulders, a white blouse tucked into a black skirt, shapely legs sheathed in black stockings, feet in black high heels.
Cao Pingao asked with a smile, "Weren't you happy with the reception job the company gave you? Why the sudden request to transfer here as my executive secretary?"
Li Xiaoman flashed a sweet smile. "Because I think I can learn more by the chairman's side, and the salary is much better than working reception downstairs."
Cao Pingao chuckled. "I can't promise you'll learn anything, but being my secretary is mostly idle work—easy money, few responsibilities."
"However," he added, "I usually don't hire girls with boyfriends; it complicates things."
Li Xiaoman bit her lip, cheeks faintly red. "If the job requires me to be single—then I can be single."
Cao Pingao studied her for a moment, then asked with a smile,
"There's a rumor in the company: any girl who becomes my secretary ends up pregnant soon after. Heard it?"
Li Xiaoman gave a small nod. "I've heard."
Cao Pingao grinned. "Do you believe it?"
After a brief pause, she answered with a suggestive look, "I hope it's true~"
Facing Li Xiaoman's direct pitch, the boss—currently short on capable female secretaries—considered moving her upstairs.
But Qian Feng was Qian Yi's brother; tonight he'd go home and ask first.
"All right, no more questions. Wait for my call."
Li Xiaoman gave a shallow bow. "Okay, Chairman. Take your time."
With that she exited Cao Pingao's office.
—That evening, first-floor living room, Villa No. 1.
After dinner the girls gathered as usual, some nibbling fruit, some minding babies, some chatting.
Cao Pingao played with his daughter Cao Xuanyi for a while, then sat beside Qian Yi and slipped an arm around her waist. "Xiao Yi, I'm hiring a new secretary. Li Xiaoman put in a transfer request—she wants to come upstairs and work for me."
Qian Yi's eyes widened. "Li Xiaoman wants to be your secretary?"
"Honey, maybe she hasn't been here long enough to know what that job really means?"
Cao Pingao smiled. "She knows exactly what it means."
Qian Yi: "—"
"Hubby, are you asking my opinion?"
Cao Pingao pinched her cheek. "Xiao Yi, you're getting smarter.
Li Xiaoman is your brother's Girlfriend; if you're uncomfortable, I'll leave her at reception."
Qian Yi barely hesitated. Looking up, she said,
"Honey, it's not just me—Sister Xiao Wan, Jiajia, the two older cousins, all of us think my soft-hearted brother can't hold onto a scheming, ambitious girl like Li Xiaoman.
And he's so love-struck he won't listen; every yuan he earns goes to her, nothing for himself or the family."
She slipped her arm through his. "Better a short pain than a long one.
If Li Xiaoman's throwing herself at you, don't dodge—maybe it'll 'wake' my brother up."
Cao Pingao smiled. "Got it."
—Next morning.
Floor 27, Banana Media, Tower A, Donghu Bay Building.
Qian Feng, busy drafting a proposal at his desk, received a wechat from Li Xiaoman:
{Feng, the chairman hired me! Starting today I'll be working on the 40th floor}
A blinding green light flashed before Qian Feng's eyes.
He pinched his thigh to steady himself, jumped up, abandoned his work, and strode to the elevators.
Riding up, he kept telling himself: Don't panic, Xiaoman's only going to be Cao Pingao's secretary.
I'm Qian Yi's big brother—he wouldn't touch my Girlfriend… The elevator stopped at 37.
The doors opened and he saw Li Xiaoman outside holding a small box of personal items.
"Eh? Feng, what are you doing up here?" she asked, stepping in and pressing 40.
Qian Feng's face twisted. "Xiaoman, can you… not work for Cao Pingao?"
Li Xiaoman frowned. "We've talked about this. HR already processed the transfer; I can't just back out."
"But—" Qian Feng said miserably, "I'm afraid he'll take advantage of you."
She shot him a sideways glance: What's there to fear? I'm afraid he won't!
"Feng, you're overthinking. The chairman's surrounded by beauties—why would he grope me at work?"
The elevator reached 40.
Still uneasy, Qian Feng tried to follow her, but two burly guards blocked him.
"Private floor. Invitation?"
Qian Feng stammered, "I—I came with Xiaoman."
The bearded guard glanced at Li Xiaoman. "She's the new secretary; you're not. Go back downstairs."
Li Xiaoman said, "All right, Feng, I'm here. Stop imagining things and get back to Banana Media."
She tucked the box under her arm and headed toward the Chairman's Secretary Office.
Qian Feng watched his Girlfriend disappear through the gap between the two towering guards.
—Back on 27, he drifted to his desk like a ghost.
His body was present; his heart stayed upstairs with Li Xiaoman.
Anxious and unable to focus, he didn't finish a single slide all day.
At quitting time he raced to punch out and waited at their usual spot to go home together.
Soon Li Xiaoman emerged in an OL suit with the stream of commuters.
"Xiaoman, how was your first day?" he asked, rushing over.
"Fine," she answered calmly.
They crossed the footbridge back to Phase-II of Donghu Bay.
Qian Feng chattered non-stop; Li Xiaoman replied half-heartedly.
Besides her low spirits, he sensed something indefinably off.
Walking half a step behind, he scanned her—hair fine, white blouse fine, black skirt fine, lovely pale legs…
"Wait!" he froze.
Li Xiaoman turned. "What's with the drama?"
Eyes full of despair, Qian Feng said, "Xiaoman, when you left this morning you were wearing black stockings—"