Zhao Dongfu and Lin Ya exchanged glances, then both broke into relieved smiles. The tension in the air eased noticeably.
"You handle things your own way, son. We've never meddled in your affairs," Zhao Dongfu said gently, his eyes warm. "Just don't make us worry too much, alright?"
Lin Ya nodded in agreement, her expression softening.
Every parent loves their child fiercely. Even if that child makes mistakes, forgiveness comes easily—especially when the "mistake" is only a maid.
As long as their son didn't intend to *marry* her, they could turn a blind eye.
"Yes, don't worry." Zhao Yan nodded slightly, acknowledging their words.
Zhao Yue bit down on her chopsticks, resentment flickering in her chest.
She had hoped her parents would at least scold her brother a little—remind him of her awkward position in the family.
He had even warned her not to provoke "those two people."
But now… it seemed even her parents were willing to overlook everything.
*Of course my brother can do whatever he wants… but that despicable Gu Yufei is shameless!*
*I'm so unwilling to accept this!*
*How could that woman do such a thing?!*
If only she had known sooner…
"Cough, cough!" Zhao Yue cleared her throat sharply, forcing the bitter thoughts down.
"By the way," Zhao Yan continued casually, "I'll be taking care of some personal matters these next few days, so I won't be going into the company. Zhao Yue will handle things for me."
He had originally planned to tell her privately, but saying it in front of their parents would prevent unnecessary worry.
"Brother, what's wrong?" Zhao Yue asked immediately, concern flooding her face.
"Mind your own business," Zhao Yan replied coldly. "Just do as I say and manage the company well."
His expression turned icy in an instant. The gentle tone he'd used with their parents vanished, replaced by flat indifference—as if she were nothing more than an employee.
The unspoken message was clear: *You're just an adopted daughter. Know your place and obey.*
Zhao Yan felt a sharp pang in his chest as he watched Zhao Yue bite her lip, her eyes reddening.
But he stayed silent.
In the original plot, Zhao Yue *did* take over management of the Zhao Group during this period.
Handing her the reins now would help nudge the story back on track.
Zhao Yue's heart softened as she looked at her brother.
He was deliberately giving her credit in front of their parents—first yesterday's work, now full authority over the company.
*He's making them see my abilities… he's protecting me.*
She had never wanted to compete with him for anything.
But his trust—his willingness to entrust *his* company to her—even temporarily—filled her with quiet joy.
She didn't care if her parents were impressed.
As long as her brother believed in her, that was enough.
"Take care of yourself," Zhao Dongfu said quietly. "And be careful."
The unspoken warning was clear: *Watch Zhao Yue. Make sure her ambition doesn't grow too large.*
Their son was perfect in every way—except for being far too sentimental toward his "little sister."
But it didn't matter. Zhao Dongfu and Lin Ya were still here.
If Zhao Yue ever showed real ulterior motives, they could crush them without hesitation.
"Mm." Zhao Yan gave a small nod.
After breakfast, Zhao Dongfu and Lin Ya left for their respective schedules.
The moment they were gone, Zhao Yue could no longer hold back.
She threw her arms around Zhao Yan in a tight hug.
"Brother, thank you. I won't let you down."
*Father and Mother worry that I'm ambitious… but I'm not. I would never betray your trust.*
"What are you doing? Get off me. You're disgusting."
Zhao Yan pushed her away roughly, staring at her with cold, indifferent eyes.
*"So happy just because you've got temporary control of the company?"*
He scoffed inwardly, a trace of disdain on his face.
"Hehe…" Zhao Yue laughed happily, completely oblivious to the cruelty in his tone.
She didn't mind her parents' wariness.
They had been suspicious of her for years—she was used to it.
It was only natural, all for her brother's sake. She wouldn't complain.
But her brother's trust—letting her manage *his* company on his behalf—made her genuinely happy.
She was only acting as proxy.
If he ever tried to actually *give* her the company, she would refuse outright.
"Get lost. Get out of my sight. Just looking at you makes me sick."
He waved her off dismissively.
"Mm!"
Zhao Yue smiled sweetly, inwardly chuckling at her brother's "hypocrisy," and left with light steps.
*It's just Gu Yufei. What's the big deal?*
*Hmph~ My real opponent isn't her—and it never will be!*
Once the house was empty, Zhao Yan cracked his neck, then collapsed onto the sofa with a satisfied sigh.
After years of grinding in his previous life, quitting everything at once felt *incredibly* good.
"Young Master."
Butler Li appeared at his summons.
"Uncle Li, do me a favor?"
"Of course, Young Master. Your orders."
"Send a bouquet of roses to Su's Capital Company. Give them to Su Mengliu."
"…?"
Butler Li blinked, startled.
"You mean… roses for President Su?"
"Yes. Roses." Zhao Yan smiled calmly. "For Su Mengliu. And… one bouquet every hour until the end of the workday."
Butler Li's expression grew even stranger.
*Yesterday he was pursuing Gu Yufei… today roses for Su Mengliu?*
Had his young master suddenly decided to chase President Su? Or was this the master and madam's arrangement?
More importantly… did the young master even know what roses symbolized?
"What's wrong?" Zhao Yan asked, noticing the butler's hesitation.
"Nothing, Young Master. I'll arrange it immediately."
Butler Li left to handle the order.
Zhao Yan sprawled back on the sofa, utterly relaxed.
No wonder so many people loved being a salted fish.
It really was bliss.
He had successfully "coerced" Gu Yufei and "locked" Gu Xiaohan in the pigsty.
Now it was time for the final act: playing the simp.
The male protagonist, Ye Chen, would return tomorrow.
The stage was almost set.
Let him do whatever he wanted with it.
Zhao Yan had zero intention of actually becoming a simp—he simply couldn't stomach it.
But creating the *illusion* that he was one?
That he could manage.
He just couldn't fathom the mindset of people who willingly debased themselves like that.
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