"Mr. Xiao, do you already have a place to stay in Longhai?"
"Not yet, I just arrived today. I was planning to rent tomorrow."
"No need. Just live with us."
"Huh?" Xiao Chen blinked. Live together?
Su Qing rolled her eyes. "Don't get the wrong idea. It's just more convenient for you to protect me and my sister if you're nearby."
"Ahem, I didn't mean it like that…" Xiao Chen coughed lightly. "You trust me this much?"
"I don't trust you. I trust my brother."
Xiao Chen nodded, a strange glint flashing in his eyes. "With me here, nothing will happen to you two. Whatever trouble you face, I'll handle it."
Su Qing smiled faintly, her impression of him already shifting. "Alright, thank you, Mr. Xiao."
"Hehe, no need for thanks. Your brother and I are sworn brothers."
"Then, stop calling you Mr. Xiao. It sounds too distant. I'll call you Xiao Chen… or Brother Chen."
"Good."
"Since you came all the way to Longhai to help me, I can't let you work for free. How about a monthly salary of XX?"
Xiao Chen was taken aback. Salary? This girl is too formal.
"If you think it's too little—"
"No need. I didn't come here for money." He smiled and shook his head. If he wanted to make money, offers of millions a year would line up for him.
Su Qing said no more. She called her assistant. "Xiao Chen, go sign a contract with Sister Lan. I have some matters to finish."
"Alright."
Xiao Chen followed the assistant next door.
---
"Sister Lan, looks like we'll be colleagues from now on. I'm Xiao Chen." He extended his hand with a smile.
The woman before him wasn't as stunning as Su Qing, but her mature charm was intoxicating, like a ripe peach begging to be tasted.
"Qin Lan, President Su's assistant."
They shook hands. She immediately sensed the subtle pressure of his grip—playful, but not over the line.
"Take care of me in the future."
Qin Lan chuckled. "Sit down, I'll prepare your contract."
When she handed it over, Xiao Chen signed without hesitation.
"You're not even going to read it? Aren't you afraid it's a contract of… well, slavery?"
"If I can sell myself to Su Qing, I'd call that a bargain."
"What about selling yourself to me?" Qin Lan teased.
"That would be even better."
"Shameless." She rolled her eyes, amused rather than annoyed.
They chatted idly, growing more familiar. Xiao Chen learned bits about Su Qing's company troubles, but he sensed these issues weren't why Su Qing truly needed help.
At one point, he casually read over some internal documents and scribbled suggestions. Qin Lan, startled by his insight and speed, stared at him as if he were some hidden talent sent to steal her job.
Before long, Su Qing herself reviewed Xiao Chen's notes. What she found shocked her—he had not only pinpointed flaws but solved a marketing headache she had struggled with for days.
"Is this guy really my brother's comrade? A pig farmer in the army, he claimed? Who'd believe that?" she muttered.
---
Meanwhile, Xiao Chen fetched a courier for Qin Lan. The package was wrapped so tightly he half-joked it might be a sex toy. Mischief sparkled in his eyes.
When he returned, Qin Lan leaned closer, her tone half-teasing. "Xiao Chen, why not help me with my workload more often? Don't worry, I'll make it worth your while."
"Sure… but I'll need a kiss first."
Without hesitation, Qin Lan brushed his cheek with her lips.
Xiao Chen froze. This woman was bolder than he imagined.
"Alright now?" she smiled, smug.
"…No, I meant on the lips."
"Get lost, you shameless brat!" She laughed, waving him away. "Go, President Su is waiting."
---
In the parking lot, Su Qing handed him the keys to her Maserati.
"You drive."
"Gladly." Xiao Chen grinned, starting the engine.
But just before they reached the gate, a mob of twenty or thirty thugs stormed in, all carrying sticks.
At the front was Ren Kun, face swollen like a pig's head, gripping a baseball bat.
"That's him!" one of his bodyguards shouted, pointing at the car.
Ren Kun's expression twisted with fury. "Stop the car!"
His gang rushed forward, blocking the road.
He leveled his bat at Xiao Chen behind the wheel. "Get out, now!"