Chapter 366 Father and Son (Part 2)
Looking at the voluptuous, young, and beautiful married woman Wang Hui, Cao Pingao thought to himself:
Old Li, you sure know how to enjoy life. The second wife you married is so young, only a few years older than your son Li Feng. She could practically be your daughter.
"Excuse me, Madam Li, but I have something I need to discuss privately with CEO Li."
"Oh, alright."
Wang Hui picked up her small LV handbag and said to Li Gui, "Then you chat with the Chairman, I'll head back to the room first."
Li Gui nodded, "Go ahead."
Only after Wang Hui left the dining hall did Cao Pingao and Li Gui sit down again.
"CEO Li, at tomorrow's anniversary celebration, the company will announce the establishment of the Group Headquarters. I have a few personnel changes I want to discuss with you beforehand."
Although Li Gui didn't quite understand why Cao Pingao suddenly came dressed in casual clothes to discuss company personnel matters with him, he still replied earnestly:
"Chairman, please speak."
Cao Pingao leaned back in his chair and said casually, "Fan Binbin, the Deputy General Manager of the company's Marketing Department, has performed well recently. I plan to promote her to General Manager of the Marketing Department."
"Manager Fan is young, beautiful, smart, capable, and dedicated to her work. She is indeed very suitable for the position of General Manager of the Marketing Department."
Li Gui smiled outwardly, but muttered inwardly: Why are you asking me about promoting your own woman? You and Chen Shuting could finalize this, and then just have me, the Deputy CEO, execute it. Is it necessary to consult with me?
Just as Li Gui was completely bewildered, Cao Pingao continued, "As for the vacant position of Deputy General Manager of the Marketing Department left by Manager Fan, I want Li Feng, the team leader of Marketing Group Two, to take over."
Li Gui's pupils instantly constricted: "---"
"Hahaha, CEO Li, you don't need to be so nervous."
Cao Pingao looked utterly relaxed and said with a smile, "It's perfectly normal human nature for you, a father who is a Deputy CEO in the company, to secure a good position for your son here. The company has no intention of blaming you."
Sweat broke out on Li Gui's palms, and he smiled fawningly, "Hehehe, thank you for your understanding, Chairman.
It's already hard for young people to find jobs after graduating from university, and my son isn't great at studying, nor does he have a strong academic background—thank you for your kind offer, Chairman, but Li Feng has only been with the company for a little over a year. I feel that letting him serve as a small team leader in the Marketing Department is enough; he probably isn't capable of handling the Deputy General Manager position yet."
Cao Pingao grinned and laughed, "What is there that he can't handle? With you, his father and Deputy CEO, backing him up, won't he be able to walk sideways in the company?"
"Oh, Chairman, absolutely nothing of the sort exists."
A guilty Li Gui was so frightened that he immediately stood up and bowed to Cao Pingao, saying, "I have always strictly instructed Li Feng to keep our father-son relationship confidential. There is absolutely no situation where I use my authority to give him special treatment—"
"Alright, alright, I was just joking with you. Why are you taking it so seriously?"
Cao Pingao waved his hand at Li Gui while laughing, motioning for him to sit back down: "I've checked with CEO Chen. Li Feng is indeed very tight-lipped. He has never used your name to show off in the company, and he completes his duties quite well.
Therefore, I have decided to let him try out the position of Deputy General Manager of the Marketing Department."
"But, Chairman—"
Just as Li Gui was about to decline further, Cao Pingao raised a hand and interrupted him: "The Deputy CEO position I'm giving him comes with a condition."
Li Gui paused, then said, "Chairman, please state any condition you have. I will ensure he handles it with full effort."
Cao Pingao's eyes narrowed, and he spoke with a hint of menace:
"My condition is that he must keep all matters concerning Sun Ying confidential. I do not want their former relationship as a Boyfriend and Girlfriend to be known by any other colleagues in the company."
Upon hearing this, fine beads of sweat immediately appeared on Li Gui's forehead:
"I understand, Chairman. I will definitely handle Li Feng's ideological work properly. He absolutely won't utter a single word he shouldn't."
"Very good."
Cao Pingao smiled again, speaking kindly, "Li Feng is only 24 this year and is still very young. As long as he is down-to-earth and hardworking in the company, taking one step at a time, I believe he will definitely surpass his teacher and won't do worse than you, his father and Deputy CEO."
Li Gui was filled with excitement, and stood up again to bow to Cao Pingao, "Thank you, Chairman, for cultivating Li Feng. I will certainly strengthen my discipline over him and ensure he doesn't disappoint the Chairman's earnest expectations."
--- In a standard room at the Poly Rosewood Hotel.
Li Feng was lying against the headboard, video calling Sun Ying.
"Xiao Ying, I miss you so much. If only you could come and stay with me, we could swim together in the hotel pool, and then stroll on the beach while watching the sunset—"
Sun Ying, on the other end of the phone, "suddenly" said in a resolute tone, "Li Feng, let's break up."
"Huh?"
Li Feng "shot" up from the bed: "No, Xiao Ying, what are you talking about?"
"I said I want to break up with you."
"Why?"
Sun Ying bit her lip and said somewhat conflictedly, "Because I didn't feel it when we were in school—but now that I've started working, I feel like you're not mature or stable enough, and you can't give me the sense of security I want."
"Sense of security? How have I failed to give you security?" Li Feng asked anxiously, "Is the 388,000 betrothal gift we discussed before not enough? If it's not enough, I can ask my parents to add more!"
"It's not about the amount of the betrothal gift."
Sun Ying suddenly turned the tables and asked, "Li Feng, do you genuinely like me?"
Li Feng held his Apple phone and said excitedly, "Of course, Xiao Ying, I genuinely like you and truly love you!"
Sun Ying: "Since you truly love me, you should let me pursue someone more suitable for me, shouldn't you?"
Li Feng: "---"
Sun Ying: "I hope you also meet a girl more suitable for you soon. Goodbye."
"Xiao Ying—"
Before Li Feng could say anything to try and keep her, Sun Ying immediately ended the video call.
When he tried to initiate another video invitation, Li Feng found that his Girlfriend was no longer his wechat friend.
After sitting stunned on the bed for a long time, Li Feng suddenly jumped off the bed, quickly put on his clothes and shoes, preparing to take a taxi directly to the Capella Resort where Cao Pingao and his group were staying, intending to win back his Girlfriend Sun Ying, who wanted to break up.
But when he opened the door, ready to rush out, he found someone standing outside:
"Dad?"
Li Gui frowned, "Where are you rushing off to in such a panic?"
Li Feng said, on the verge of tears, "Xiao Ying suddenly wants to break up with me, I have to go find her!"
Li Gui grabbed his son's arm, dragged him back into the room, closed the door, and said:
"Since she's broken up with you, stop looking for her. I have something I need to talk to you about."
"Dad, can't whatever it is wait until later?"
Li Feng couldn't help but shed sorrowful tears: "I need to go find Xiao Ying right now and tell her face-to-face how much I love her, and ask her not to break up with me."
"You are not allowed to go anywhere right now. I have something much more important to tell you, something that concerns your future."
Li Gui sighed, looking at the dejected Li Feng with a disappointed expression:
"Are you interested in the position of Deputy General Manager of the Cao Wei Real Estate Marketing Department?"
--- After hearing his father Li Gui's words, Li Feng suddenly realized:
"I knew it. Xiao Ying and I were fine before, but ever since she became Cao Pingao's secretary two weeks ago, her attitude toward me slowly changed.
Cao Pingao, that bastard, actually dared to steal my Girlfriend—"
"Hey! Keep your voice down!" Li Gui quickly reached out and covered Li Feng's mouth.
Li Feng pulled away from his hand and said tearfully, "Dad, I genuinely love Xiao Ying. I don't want to trade her for some Deputy General Manager position in the Marketing Department."
Li Gui frowned and said, "Look at how spineless you are! Once a real man has a career, are you afraid you won't be able to marry a wife prettier than Sun Ying?"
Li Feng looked miserable: "Dad, it's easy for you to say. It's not like you're giving Aunt Wang to Cao Pingao in exchange for a future. Aren't you just speaking without feeling the pain?"
Li Gui's expression instantly changed. He took out a box of 1916 cigarettes and a lighter from his trouser pocket, lit one up, and took a deep, lung-filling drag:
"Son, I'm not speaking without feeling the pain—for the sake of our future, your father's sacrifice may not be less than yours."
--- On the private beach of the Capella Hotel.
Boss Cao was holding the hands of Li Yixuan and Jiang Xinxin, one on his left and one on his right. Behind him were several other young girls, including Sophia, Jiang Qianqian, Zheng Jiaqi, Yang Zihan, and Wei Mengmeng, all chatting and laughing while strolling in the afterglow of the sunset.
Suddenly, Cao Pingao saw a somewhat familiar figure sitting on the beach not far ahead, rubbing her ankle.
Taking a closer look, it really was Li Gui's young wife—Wang Hui, wearing a red bikini swimsuit.
Cao Pingao looked down at the two full, snowy-white areas and asked with a smile, "Madam Li, what happened to your foot?"
"Boss Cao?"
Wang Hui looked up in surprise, glanced at Cao Pingao and the group of young, beautiful girls beside him, and replied:
"I accidentally twisted my ankle while walking alone just now."
//367//
Chapter 367 Li Guitai Wants to Improve
The experienced Cao Pingao instantly saw that there was a problem here—
"This afternoon, I just talked to Li Gui about Li Feng and Sun Ying's matter, and now, before the sun has even completely set, I encountered Li Gui's young wife while taking a walk, and she just happened to be alone, and her foot just happened to be twisted."
"How can there be so many coincidences in this world?"
However, Boss Cao, filled with curiosity, decided to play along with this beautiful married woman first to see what Li Gui was really up to:
"Madam Li, do you need me to call Boss Li for you?"
"Old Li went out to run errands; he's not at the hotel."
Wang Hui's eyes were downcast; she was too embarrassed to look into Cao Pingao's eyes: "Actually, my foot isn't twisted badly. It'll be fine after a night's rest in the room—Boss Cao, would you mind helping me back to my hotel room?"
"Of course," Cao Pingao said, a slight smile playing on his lips, as he directly squatted in front of Wang Hui. "When your foot is twisted, you should try to walk as little as possible. I'll carry you back to your room."
Wang Hui, her small face flushed, hesitated for a second, then obediently climbed onto Cao Pingao's broad and strong back.
Boss Cao stood up easily with her on his back and then said to Li Yixuan, Jiang Xinxin, and the other young girls:
"The few of you, don't separate or run around. After your walk, go back to the sea-view villa yourselves. I'm going to take Madam Li back to her room."
"Okay, husband~"
The scene of a small group of young, beautiful girls collectively calling Cao Pingao "husband" in a sweet voice directly stunned Wang Hui, who was on his back.
--- Poly Grand Hotel.
Li Gui and his son, Li Feng, were sitting together by the large window in the room, solemnly puffing on cigarettes.
"Li Feng, when I, your father, started out, I had no background and no connections. I relied entirely on my own wisdom, adapting to circumstances and playing all sides, to climb step by step from a low-level employee in the company to today's Vice President.
But in the blink of an eye, I've been a Vice President for almost 10 years. The company's name changed from Hengda Real Estate to Cao Wei Real Estate, and Boss Xu also became Boss Cao."
Li Gui took another deep drag, exhaled a cloud of smoke, and then said meaningfully:
"Son, your father is already 55 years old this year. I won't be able to work for many more years before I retire. My only wish now is to sit in the company CEO's position before I retire—
Firstly, to pave the way further for your future in the company, and secondly, to experience what it feels like to be 'one person below, but above ten thousand'—"
Li Feng also imitated his father and took a deep drag:
"Dad, but is it really worth it for all this to let Aunt Wang accompany that Cao Pingao?"
Li Gui felt a pang of heartache but still forced a carefree smile in front of his son:
"Hmph, it's just a woman."
"Son, you only graduated from university last year; you're still lacking experience.
Don't think that Cao Pingao didn't pursue the matter of me hiring you exceptionally, and even wants to promote you and give you a raise because of Sun Ying. But in reality, our father-son position in the company is very delicate right now—if I don't use some special means to show my loyalty to him at this critical time, he might very well let Zhao Gang or Wang Yong take Chen Shuting's position."
Li Feng listened, then said with a conflicted expression: "Dad, I still feel that your sacrifice is a bit too great—"
"A true man can bend and stretch. For the greater good, what's wrong with wearing a green hat?"
Li Gui lit another cigarette: "And once I become the company's CEO, I'll have an even better chance to get close to Director Bai!"
Li Feng was surprised: "Director Bai? Head Bai of the Song and Dance Troupe?
Dad, didn't you say she was also Cao Pingao's lover?"
"She is indeed Cao Pingao's lover now, but with so many women around Cao Pingao, she will slowly fall out of favor sooner or later."
Li Gui's eyes were filled with anticipation, and a lewd smile appeared at the corner of his mouth:
"When Director Bai is neglected by him, it will be my turn, as the company's CEO, to take good care of her."
--- Capella Resort here.
Cao Pingao, carrying Wang Hui on his back, deliberately walked with a steady rhythm, and from his back, he continuously felt the soft, bouncy touch of two masses.
Wang Hui, her small face slightly flushed from the jostling, was too embarrassed to speak. She just held onto Cao Pingao's strong shoulders with both hands, trying to steady herself, while inhaling the somewhat intoxicating male pheromones from him.
Soon, the two arrived at the door of an executive suite on the 6th floor of the hotel.
After swiping the card and entering, Cao Pingao gently put Wang Hui down from his back and then helped her sit on the edge of the bed.
"Boss Cao, I have Yunnan Baiyao in my suitcase. Would you mind getting it for me?"
"Sure."
Cao Pingao rummaged through a white suitcase against the wall and pulled out a small can of Yunnan Baiyao spray. Then he turned and sat down next to Wang Hui, picked up her "sprained" jade foot, placed it on his thigh, and sprayed some medicine on her ankle:
"Madam Li, does this hurt?"
Cao Pingao asked gently while lightly massaging her ankle.
Wang Hui, blushing, was too embarrassed to look up into his eyes:
"It's… it's fine. It wasn't a very serious sprain to begin with."
Cao Pingao chuckled inwardly: "Not a very serious sprain," I see no sign of a sprain on your ankle at all.
"Alright, since you're not seriously injured, I'll head back now. Madam Li, please get some good rest."
Seeing Cao Pingao getting up to leave, Wang Hui, who hadn't "completed her mission," quickly stood up with him:
"Then I'll see you out."
Then, after only two steps, she twisted her ankle, cried "Oh dear," and fell into Cao Pingao's arms:
"I'm sorry, Boss Cao, I'm really too clumsy~"
Cao Pingao embraced Wang Hui's soft, slender waist and chuckled: "It's alright."
"Boss Cao~ Old Li actually went to have a heart-to-heart with Li Feng."
Wang Hui leaned against his chest, her small face flushed, and whispered:
"Old Li also said he'd be staying with Li Feng for the next few days and wouldn't be coming back to stay here—"
Faced with the young and beautiful married woman actively throwing herself into his arms, Cao Pingao naturally felt a stir—he couldn't lie to himself; he indeed liked this type.
Just as Cao Pingao's head heated up and he was about to cup Wang Hui's small face and lean down to kiss her, a doubt suddenly surged into his mind:
"Could this be a honey trap set by that old fox Li Gui? If hidden cameras were installed in the room beforehand, subsequent matters would be very troublesome—" So, for safety's sake, Cao Pingao immediately put on the demeanor of a gentleman, politely helped Wang Hui sit back on the bed:
"Madam Li, I think you've misunderstood.
I am a passionate man, but not promiscuous. Having a brief, fleeting affair with a married woman like you has never been my style."
After speaking, he turned and left the room without further ado.
Wang Hui: "—"
Looking at Cao Pingao's tall retreating figure, she let out a soft sigh of relief, while at the same time, a hint of regret involuntarily arose in her heart.
//368//
Chapter 368 The Cao Wei Group is Formally Established
Li Gui held his phone, listening to Wang Hui on the other end reporting the situation to him.
"That shouldn't be the case. The look he gave you this afternoon clearly showed he was interested in you, didn't it?"
Wang Hui, who had already taken off her bikini and changed into pajamas, leaned against the headboard and said:
"But I was already proactive enough just now, just as you requested—Old Li, could you have been mistaken?"
"Impossible."
Li Gui said definitively, "Men understand men best. I wouldn't misread the look he gave you.
Hui, repeat exactly what he said to you last."
Wang Hui: "Boss Cao said, 'Having a brief affair with a married woman like you does not align with my style of conduct.'"
"A married woman—a brief affair?"
Li Gui couldn't help but frown deeply: Could this be Cao Pingao hinting to me that he hopes to permanently keep my wife?
"Hui, stay there alone for the next few days and try to find more opportunities to get closer to him."
Wang Hui pursed her lips. Although she was reluctant, she still agreed over the phone: "I understand."
--- After leaving Wang Hui's place, Cao Pingao took the elevator downstairs, walked through the hotel lobby, and strode toward the sea-view villa area where he was staying.
After walking down a small path lined with tropical plants, a person-high white wall and a white, double-leaf wooden door appeared before him.
Standing on both sides of the wooden door were four security personnel, including Dian Wei and Xu Chu—
When they saw Cao Pingao, they quickly pulled open the white wooden door: "Hello, Boss."
Cao Pingao: "Mhm, thank you for your hard work. Have Yixuan and Xinxin returned from their walk yet?"
Dian Wei nodded seriously: "Miss Li and Miss Jiang have both returned."
"Mhm, good." Cao Pingao patted Dian Wei and Xu Chu on the shoulder, then strode inside.
The sky had completely darkened by now, but the four large sea-view villas were brightly lit, and bursts of melodious laughter occasionally drifted out.
Cao Pingao, whose desires had been slightly stirred by Wang Hui earlier, immediately turned into Villa No. 1 and walked into the bedroom where Jin Yao was staying—
Jin Yao was wearing a purple silk slip nightgown, lying on her side on the bed with her chest partially exposed, nursing her daughter.
Seeing this scene full of maternal love, Cao Pingao nimbly climbed onto the bed and lay on his side, pressing close behind Jin Yao.
"Oh my~"
Jin Yao turned her head and gave him a shy look:
"Husband, why are you like this~ I'm feeding Xuanyi right now~"
Cao Pingao embraced Jin Yao's sensual, slender waist, a mischievous smile on his face: "It's fine, you keep feeding her, and I'll keep busy. I won't delay you."
Jin Yao couldn't resist Cao Pingao, so she could only continue nursing her daughter while lying on her side, letting her man hold her from behind—Suddenly, the system notification sounded in Cao Pingao's ear:
[Congratulations, host, for completing the Multi-Child Blessing mission. Initial Second Child Achievement reward of 10 million yuan.]
[Breeding target Jin Yao has successfully conceived naturally. System rewards 10 million yuan as pregnancy maintenance fee.]
[Skill Reward: prosperous husband badge (Bronze)]
[When possessing the prosperous husband badge, the system will issue a cash reward on the 15th of every month based on the total value of the host's assets.]
[Bronze Badge: Rewards 1% of the total asset value every month.]
[Silver Badge: Rewards 2% of the total asset value every month.]
[Gold Badge: Rewards 5% of the total asset value every month.]
[Legendary Badge: Rewards 10% of the total asset value every month.]
[When the Little Baby is born healthy, the prosperous husband badge will automatically upgrade by one level.]
[Random Reward: 2 great tonic strengthening pills.]
Holy crap, another prosperous husband badge!
My Yaoyao is truly amazing!
Cao Pingao happily pinched Jin Yao's little face and fiercely kissed her from above.
Jin Yao, whose eyes were hazy from the kissing, asked blushingly, "Husband~ Why are you so happy?"
Cao Pingao laughed: "With such a gentle and considerate good girl like you by your husband's side, of course your husband is happy."
--- After lying down and chatting for a while with Jin Yao and his eldest daughter, Cao Xuanyi, Cao Pingao got up, left the bedroom, and went to the bathroom on the second floor of the villa to shower.
He had only been washing for two minutes when Li Shihan and White Dove, both wearing matching white bikinis, came bursting in hand-in-hand.
"Hey, hey, hey, I haven't finished yet." Cao Pingao laughed at the two dancers who insisted on squeezing into the shower stall, "There's a bathroom on every floor of the villa. Do you two absolutely have to crowd in and shower with me?"
"Aiya, since we're already here, we're too lazy to change locations."
Li Shihan mischievously untied the white strings around her neck and back, then turned her flawless, snow-white back toward Cao Pingao:
"Husband, scrub my back for me~"
Cao Pingao smiled and picked up the bath pouf nearby: "Alright."
After scrubbing Li Shihan's back, Boss Cao, who was accustomed to treating everyone equally, then scrubbed the slightly more introverted White Dove.
After finishing their shower, they each grabbed a clean, large bath towel and began drying themselves.
Li Shihan, sitting on the toilet lid and wiping her slender, straight legs with a towel, said, "Husband~ Little Dove and I have something we want to ask you."
Cao Pingao: "Mhm, go ahead and ask."
Li Shihan glanced at White Dove, then asked: "If both of us have your Little Baby, will we also receive the same treatment as the other girls—30,000 yuan in living expenses and 100,000 yuan in pocket money every month?"
Cao Pingao laughed while drying his hair: "Of course. However, having a Little Baby will interrupt your time for learning and practicing dance, so you must consider this carefully."
This time, White Dove, whose eyes were resolute, spoke first: "We have considered it clearly. Both of us are willing to have a Little Baby for our husband~"
"That's right." Li Shihan also nodded in agreement, "Since we are both still young now and our bodies have strong recovery capabilities, as long as we exercise diligently after having the Little Baby, returning to shape to continue dancing shouldn't be a big problem."
Cao Pingao's lips curved slightly upward, and he opened his arms to the two young dancers.
Li Shihan and White Dove quickly nestled into his embrace, one on the left and one on the right.
Cao Pingao stroked their smooth, tender little faces and said, "Shihan, Little Dove, if you two want to enjoy the treatment of my Girlfriend, besides the condition of having my children, you must also achieve absolute loyalty and absolute obedience to me.
Can you two achieve these two points?"
Li Shihan said impatiently, "Yes, we definitely can~"
White Dove also quickly nodded with a docile expression.
Cao Pingao smiled proudly: "Mhm, as long as your performance satisfies your husband during these days in Sanya, after returning to Jiangcheng, you two can start enjoying the same treatment as everyone else."
Li Shihan and White Dove exchanged excited glances, then simultaneously lowered their heads shyly.
--- The next morning.
In the grand conference hall on the 3rd floor of the Atlantis Hotel.
The management and core employees of the three companies—Cao Wei Real Estate, Banana Media, and Banana Film and Television—gathered here.
Boss Cao, standing on the podium, was radiant and full of vigor:
"Today is not only the day we celebrate the second anniversary of Banana Media, but it is also the auspicious day of the official establishment of the Cao Wei Group.
In just two short years, the company has grown from a startup MCN Company into a comprehensive enterprise spanning four major sectors—self-media, film and television entertainment, real estate, and investment. This growth is inseparable from the joint efforts of everyone here and all our colleagues in the other satellite venues.
Therefore, today I announce that everyone, as a member of the Cao Wei Group and as the Group's first batch of employees, will uniformly receive a year-end bonus equivalent to six months' salary!"
"Ah ah ah ah ah!"
The main venue and several satellite venues erupted almost simultaneously:
"Chairman is awesome! Long live the Chairman!"
"I vow to dedicate my life to the Cao Wei Group, sparing no effort!"
After everyone's excitement subsided slightly, Cao Pingao, standing on stage with one hand in his pocket, continued speaking into the microphone:
"Next, please welcome the CEO of the Cao Wei Group, General Manager Chen Shuting, the CFO, General Manager Jie Jie, and the COO, General Manager Shen Qingyu, to the stage to speak."
//369//
Chapter 369 Chasing the Sun on the Sun Chaser (Part 1)
Amidst warm applause, Chen Shuting, Jie Jie, and Shen Qingyu, all uniformly dressed in white shirts and black trousers, walked onto the main stage with smiles.
After taking the microphone from Cao Pingao, the three beautiful executives each delivered a brief inaugural speech.
Finally, Chen Shuting stood in the middle of the stage again and said to the audience:
"Next, I will read out a promotion list. The colleagues on this list are all outstanding employees who have performed exceptionally well in the past year's work."
"The company's management has also unanimously decided to award them the '2027 Cao Wei Group Outstanding Employee Award' and a cash prize of 30,000 yuan."
After hearing the new CEO of the Group speak, the venue stirred once again:
"Wow! This is too good!"
"Exactly, not only do they get a promotion and a raise, but there's also a 30,000 yuan bonus on the spot!"
Chen Shuting took an A4 paper handed to her by Jie Jie and said into the microphone:
"Colleagues whose names are called, please come to the stage to receive your awards."
"Chen Hang, Team Leader of Post-Production Operations Department 1 at Banana Media, will be promoted to Deputy Head of Post-Production Operations Department starting next month."
--- Every time Chen Shuting read a name, a small burst of cheers and applause would erupt in the venue.
"Fan Binbin, Deputy General Manager of the Marketing Department at Cao Wei Real Estate, will be promoted to General Manager of the Marketing Department starting next month."
"Li Feng, Team Leader of Marketing Department Marketing Team 2 at Cao Wei Real Estate, will be promoted to Deputy General Manager of the Marketing Department starting next month."
At this moment, colleagues from Marketing Team 2, sitting in the back of the venue, collectively cheered:
"Wow! Our Brother Feng also won an award!"
"Brother Feng, you are truly amazing, promoted to Deputy General Manager of Marketing at such a young age! Your future is limitless!"
"Brother Feng, when you become successful, you can't forget us old team members. Remember to promote us if you get the chance!"
Amidst the flattery and congratulations from his team members, Li Feng squeezed out a few smiles with great difficulty, then swallowed his bitter tears while walking towards the highly anticipated award stage.
--- After the morning conference and awards ceremony concluded.
At noon, everyone gathered for a group meal in the grand ballroom on the 3rd floor of the hotel.
Li Gui, sitting at the second table with his wife Wang Hui, seized the opportunity and, holding a wine glass, approached the head table to toast Chen Shuting, General Manager Jian, and Shen Qingyu:
"General Manager Chen, General Manager Jian, General Manager Shen, under the leadership of the three of you and the Chairman, our Cao Wei Group will surely develop better and better, becoming the leading enterprise in Jiangcheng City!"
"I'll drink to that, the three of you please enjoy yourselves."
After speaking, Li Gui tilted his head back and drained the red wine in his glass.
Chen Shuting was still breastfeeding, and Jie Jie and Shen Qingyu were both pregnant, so all three of them used fruit juice as a substitute for wine, lightly toasting Li Gui in return.
Then Li Gui refilled his red wine glass, walked over to Cao Pingao, bowed slightly, and whispered respectfully:
"Chairman, thank you for nurturing Li Feng."
Cao Pingao did not look directly at Li Gui, but continued eating his dishes while casually clinking his own stemmed glass with Li Gui's:
"An obedient and sensible young person is worth the company's cultivation."
"As long as Li Feng continues to work hard at the company, he will definitely have an even brighter future."
Li Gui quickly bowed with a grateful expression: "Thank you again, Chairman, for your guidance. After I return, I will accurately convey your guiding spirit to him."
After speaking, he drank it all in one gulp, while Cao Pingao raised his hand and took a small sip of wine as a gesture.
Li Gui, having finished his toast, did not leave directly, but bent over again and whispered: "Chairman, I have another matter I'd like to report to you."
Cao Pingao glanced at Li Gui from the corner of his eye, guessing that it was probably related to Wang Hui:
"Go ahead."
"It's like this, Chairman. I just heard from a colleague in the Human Resources Department of Banana Media that you haven't been able to find a satisfactory administrative secretary.
My wife, Wang Hui, happens to be a postgraduate with a major in Administrative Management from Central University of Finance and Economics, and is currently unemployed at home.
I was thinking, since one should not avoid recommending relatives if they are capable, would it be possible for her to have a private interview with you when you're not busy? Perhaps she could meet your standards for a secretary?"
Cao Pingao paused his chopsticks, turned his face to look at Li Gui, and thought: Damn, this guy is really determined to sacrifice his wife for his own 'advancement'.
"General Manager Li, being my secretary is a very demanding job that often requires overtime. Can Madam Li sustain that long-term?"
Li Gui understood Cao Pingao's subtext, gritted his molars, and nodded with a smile:
"Chairman, rest assured, Wang Hui can handle the hardship of overtime; she can definitely sustain it long-term."
Cao Pingao calmly picked up his wine glass and took another sip: "Alright, then send me her resume later."
Li Gui immediately said earnestly: "Understood, Chairman."
--- After the gathering, Li Gui took Wang Hui to the hotel's executive lounge and chose an inconspicuous small booth in a corner to sit down.
"Xiaohui, I just sounded him out, and his meaning is very clear: he is willing to let you be his secretary, but it must be long-term."
Wang Hui asked: "Long-term? How long is 'long-term' roughly? Half a year? A year?"
Li Gui was expressionless and did not answer her question.
"Li, why don't you say something?"
Wang Hui asked softly, with slightly furrowed brows: "Do you really want your wife to be someone else's mistress for life?"
"Xiaohui, I don't know exactly how long you'll need to be with him, but I truly have no other better options..."
Li Gui said with a conflicted expression: "This opportunity, one could say, is my last good chance before retirement—I really want to advance further and sit in the top position of the company!"
"Xiaohui, please, help me fulfill this dream, okay?"
Wang Hui looked at Li Gui, who was pleading with her, and softened, saying:
"Alright, since you're begging me like this... I hope my sacrifice will have the effect you anticipate, and that you won't end up losing both your wife and your troops."
--- In the afternoon, Sanya Hongzhou Yacht Marina (former site of Hainan Rendez-Vous).
After finishing his official business, Cao Pingao took his female companions aboard the luxury yacht "chasing the sun," which they had sailed on last year, and went out to sea for recreation.
The sea was clear and sunny, and the luxury yacht with 3 decks slowly sailed along the coastline.
On board, girls in various bikini swimsuits were either swimming in the pool on the bow deck, or sitting in the cabin drinking afternoon tea and chatting, or taking photos around the yacht in pairs.
On the second deck, in the shaded lounge area at the stern.
Cao Pingao, wearing a floral shirt and beach shorts, crooked his mouth and said with a mischievous smile to the dozen or so young girls in swimsuits standing in front of him:
"The rules of this game are very simple: I will blindfold myself and try to catch you, and your hiding area is limited to this outdoor leisure area on the second floor."
"Then, whoever I catch will have to *hehehe* with me tonight."
"Do you understand?"
All the beauties laughed together: "Husband, we understand~"
"Alright then." Cao Pingao put on a blindfold. "The game begins, everyone hide quickly, I'll start counting down from 10 and then I'll start catching people."
"Ten."
"Nine."
The girls immediately scattered, looking for places to hide behind the water bar, sofas, and other spots in the leisure area.
Only Yixuan, wearing a white bikini and possessing a pair of E-cup breasts, stood still.
"Three."
"Two."
"One!" Cao Pingao, blindfolded, spread his arms and swiped at the air, laughing, "My concubines, your emperor is coming."
However, he had only taken two steps forward when he was bumped into by a voluptuous girl.
Cao Pingao reached out and touched: "Yixuan, why aren't you hiding? And you're even throwing yourself into the net?"
Li Yixuan wrapped her arms around his waist and laughed: "Because I want to *hehehe* with you tonight, Husband~"
//370//
Chapter 370 Chasing the Sun on the Sun-Chasing Ship (Part 2)
Hearing the youngest and most innocent Li Yixuan frankly speak her mind, many of the girls hiding nearby chuckled softly.
Cao Pingao also smiled, taking off his blindfold. Stroking the pigtails of Little Yixuan, who was nestled in his arms, he laughed, "It seems Husband didn't set the game rules properly."
"How about this: the rule is now changed. Whoever is caught first and whose name I guess is eliminated. Only the final winner of each round gets the chance to serve me tonight. How does that sound?"
When Li Yixuan heard this, she quickly lifted her head and whined playfully in his arms, "Then this round doesn't count! I lost on purpose~"
Cao Pingao chuckled, "Hahahaha, it doesn't count, it doesn't count. Let's start over."
He put his blindfold back on: "Ten, nine."
Li Yixuan immediately let go of his hands and ran off to hide nearby.
"Three, two, one, I'm going to start catching people."
Cao Pingao fumbled along the sofa and quickly caught a slender young girl:
"Let me feel her for a moment. Let's see who I caught---arms and waist this thin, it must be either Shihan or Little Dove."
He lowered his head and sniffed the girl's hair and body fragrance:
"Lavender scented shampoo, it's Shihan, right?"
Li Shihan, her face slightly flushed, covered her mouth and giggled, "Husband, you guessed correctly~"
Cao Pingao happily lowered his head and kissed her. "Not bad, a good start! Shihan, sit on the sofa and don't move. I'm going to keep catching people."
Soon, Cao Pingao simultaneously caught two more girls behind the bar counter:
"Stand still, both of you. I'll guess one by one."
"Hmm, this E-cup figure, this height... the one on the right must be Tiantian."
Xu Tiantian, with her baby face and ample bust, stood on her tiptoes and proactively gave him a sweet kiss, laughing, "Oh my, Husband, you guessed correctly~"
Cao Pingao's large hands then moved to the girl on the left:
"Hmm, so slender, this height." He leaned down and sniffed near the girl's ear. "She likes using lemon-scented Safeguard, just like me. It's Xinxin."
The pure-looking Jiang Xinxin smiled with a blush, "It's me~"
"Hahahaha, successfully caught two more! Tiantian, Xinxin, you two go sit on the sofa and don't move. Don't interrupt my game."
"Okay, Husband~"
--- The fun and pleasant afternoon passed quickly.
At dusk, in the outdoor dining area on the stern deck.
Cao Pingao and his Girlfriends enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the sunset dyeing the sea red while eating the sumptuous seafood feast prepared by the female chefs aboard the yacht.
After nightfall, the girls started singing KTV in the brightly lit main cabin;
A few of the girls from the Sichuan faction opened the automatic mahjong table and started playing Bloodshed to the End;
The rest of the girls who neither liked singing nor playing cards sat on the nearby sofas, eating desserts and chatting.
Cao Pingao carried his wine glass out of the cabin and, sure enough, found Jin Yao standing by the stern railing.
He walked up and gently wrapped his arms around her slender waist: "Yaoyao, what are you thinking about?"
Jin Yao looked back and saw it was Cao Pingao, then naturally rested her head on his shoulder: "I miss Xuanyi a little. Tonight is the first time she's slept away from me since she was born."
Because the chasing the sun was only a medium-sized yacht and space on board was limited, Cao Pingao only brought over 30 female companions with him on this trip.
All of his children were staying in the hotel's sea-view villa tonight, looked after by their respective Nannies and wet nurses.
Cao Pingao smiled and comforted her: "Don't worry, Yaoyao, it's just one night. We'll be back at the hotel tomorrow afternoon."
"You've been busy for over a year, raising the child and managing the affairs of the whole family. You've worked hard."
"Since we're out at sea to have fun, don't think about all that. Just relax properly."
Jin Yao nodded gently, her eyes soft: "Alright, Husband, I'll listen to you. I'll treat today as a day off for myself~"
After she relaxed her mind a bit, she proactively stretched out her two jade arms, wrapped them around Cao Pingao's neck, and they embraced and kissed under the bright moonlight.
After kissing for a while, Jin Yao suddenly turned around, her small face slightly flushed, resting her hands on the railing, and then looked back at her man with suggestive eyes.
Seeing this, Cao Pingao grinned: "My Yaoyao truly understands me more and more, and is getting better and better at this."
Suddenly, a gust of sea wind struck, and the waves violently slapped against the hull of the yacht, making a loud smacking sound.
--- Just as Cao Pingao led the rosy-faced Jin Yao back into the cabin, Li Yixuan, who was wearing a pink T-shirt on top and white bikini bottoms below, immediately burrowed into his arms and started whining playfully:
"Husband~ I won the hide-and-seek game this afternoon. When are you going to give me my reward~"
At this moment, Qian Jia, prompted by a look from Qian Wan, also came closer: "Brother-in-law, I also won a round this afternoon~"
"And me, and me~"
Seeing this, Jiang Qianqian, Sophia, Li Shihan, and White Dove also gathered around.
--- The next day at noon.
Cao Pingao, who had drunk a lot of alcohol last night and played games until three or four in the morning, slowly woke up on the large bed in the master bedroom.
He got out of bed and walked into the bedroom's bathroom, first urinating, then brushing his teeth and washing his face.
{brother tongzi, I drank too much last night. Report my battle results again.}
[According to System data, the System awarded a total of 80 million yuan in prenatal care fees.]
[Deng Xiaorong's skill reward is: multiple birth badge (Bronze)]
[Li Shihan's skill reward is: Marksman Badge (Bronze)]
[White Dove's skill reward is: Loyalty Badge (Bronze)]
[Jiang Qianqian's skill reward is: Loyalty Badge (Bronze)]
[Sun Ying's skill reward is: Marksman Badge (Bronze)]
[Random reward: 12 great tonic strengthening pills]
Cao Pingao grinned at his handsome reflection in the mirror: Last night's results were quite fruitful!
Eh? Wait a minute---Qianqian also won a prize?
He raised an eyebrow and clicked his tongue:
"This is troublesome. I haven't figured out how to come clean to Old Jiang yet."
//371//
Chapter 371 A Brand New Divorce Certificate (Part 1)
That afternoon, the chasing the sun, having spent a passionate night at sea, slowly sailed back to the Hongzhou Yacht Marina.
The girls lined up, walked down the gangway, and boarded the luxury coach that had been parked by the dock, waiting to take them back to the hotel.
As he got onto the bus, a somewhat reluctant Cao Pingao glanced back at the "chasing the sun" yacht, which had brought him good luck twice—
"It's a pity, the boat is a bit small and can't meet my needs for taking the whole family out to sea.
It looks like I'll have to get myself a bigger boat next year."
--- As soon as everyone returned to the hotel's sea-view villa area, the young mothers went back to their respective rooms to see their Little babies, whom they had been separated from for a day.
Cao Pingao, meanwhile, changed into his swimming trunks and swam in the pool located in the center of the villa.
As he swam, a pair of beautiful jade feet appeared by the edge of the pool.
Cao Pingao followed the two shapely, fair legs upwards and saw that it was Wang Lulu, wearing a sky-blue bikini:
"Lulu, did you feed Little Zhangzhang so quickly?"
"Little Zhangzhang is always the fastest eater~"
Wang Lulu first turned her back and used the nearby steps to enter the pool, then turned around and swam to Cao Pingao, wrapping her arms around his neck and saying with a slight blush:
"Hubby~ I've thought it over, I want to have another baby for you~"
Cao Pingao embraced her slender waist in the water and laughed, "Lulu, I'm certainly happy that you're willing to have a second child for me, but you could totally wait until you graduate from university next year."
"It doesn't matter. When school starts in September, I'll be a senior. I don't have many classes, and I don't need to worry about finding a job, so there's really no pressure."
Wang Lulu pressed the two full curves of her chest tightly against Cao Pingao's chest:
"Besides, I want to have a daughter with you, Hubby, while I'm young, healthy, and have strong recovery capabilities~"
"Hahahaha, Lulu, just like you, I also prefer daughters more."
Wang Lulu, looking shy, actively untied the thin string behind her neck, giving him a suggestive look:
"Hubby~"
Cao Pingao, whose passion was ignited by her teasing, immediately pinned Wang Lulu against the side of the pool, and they began kissing passionately in the water.
Soon, a sky-blue bikini floated to the surface and drifted further and further away with the spreading ripples --- [Congratulations to the host for successfully completing the Task of Many Children, Many Blessings]
[Breeding Target Wang Lulu successfully conceived naturally. The System rewards a 10 million yuan Fetal Stabilization Fee]
[Skill Reward: Loyalty Badge (Bronze)]
[When the host possesses the Loyalty Badge (Bronze), intimate interaction can slightly increase the loyalty of the opposite sex towards the host]
[The Loyalty Badge will be upgraded upon the successful birth of the baby]
[Random Reward: 2 great tonic strengthening pills]
--- After dinner, Cao Pingao went to the room where his Ex-wife, Liu Ruyan, was staying.
Liu Ruyan, who was sitting by the bed nursing Cao Ang, looked surprised and pleased: "Hubby~"
Cao Pingao plopped down next to her, observing his eldest son nursing while saying:
"Hurry up and feed the child. Once he's done, we have important business to attend to."
Upon hearing this, Liu Ruyan understood that Cao Pingao was referring to having a second child for him.
She bit her lip, gathered her courage, and whispered:
"Hubby~ After I have a second child for you, could you let me help my mother pay off those previous external debts?"
Cao Pingao glanced at her sideways: "It is your obligation to bear children for your husband. How dare you use this to negotiate terms?"
Liu Ruyan was so frightened that she quickly lowered her eyes and said:
"That's not it, Hubby~ Please don't misunderstand--- It's just that my mother is almost 60, and she still has to work odd jobs outside to pay off debts, while I, her daughter, enjoy a life of luxury provided by you every day--- I always feel a bit guilty about that."
After speaking, she couldn't help but shed tears of mixed emotions.
The thing Boss Cao couldn't stand the most was a beautiful girl looking pitiful and tear-stained in front of him:
"Alright, alright, stop crying."
He grabbed a tissue from nearby and wiped the tears from his former beautiful Ex-wife, now his Girlfriend:
"I promise you, once you've given birth to our second child, I will lift your spending restrictions. Your allowance will then be freely disposable, just like the other girls', and it won't be managed by Yaoyao anymore."
Upon hearing this, Liu Ruyan immediately burst into a smile through her tears:
"Thank you, Hubby~ You are so good, Hubby~"
Cao Pingao grinned and said, "Alright, hurry up and feed our son. Once he's full, it'll be my turn."
Liu Ruyan's face flushed: "Mm, okay~"
After a period of 'clouds rolling and relaxing,' Cao Pingao's great endeavor of Many Children, Many Blessings advanced another step.
[Congratulations to the host for successfully completing the Task of Many Children, Many Blessings]
[Breeding Target Liu Ruyan successfully conceived naturally. The System rewards a 10 million yuan Fetal Stabilization Fee]
[Skill Reward: Sharpshooter Badge (Bronze)]
[The Badge will be upgraded upon the successful birth of the baby]
[Random Reward: 2 great tonic strengthening pills]
--- After spending a week playing in the sea-view villa in Sanya, Cao Pingao finally took his family members and returned to Jiangcheng via chartered flight.
Time shifted from the scorching July to the equally scorching August.
That morning, at the Wanda International Office Building, Tower A, 20th Floor.
As Cao Pingao walked into his Chairmans Office, he saw that besides his two female secretaries dressed in OL suits, Qian Jia and Sun Ying, there was a third girl sitting among his secretaries—
The young and beautiful married woman, Wang Hui.
She wore a white shirt on top and a tight black pencil skirt on the bottom. On her slightly plump, beautiful legs, she wore the ultra-thin black stockings that Boss Cao favored most, and black high heels on her feet.
Qian Jia and Sun Ying stood up simultaneously and greeted him, "Good morning, Boss~"
Wang Hui immediately stood up too: "Good morning, Chairman~ I'm here for an interview~"
"Mhm, come in with me."
Cao Pingao didn't even look directly at Wang Hui, striding straight into the inner office.
Wang Hui quickly followed, under the strange gazes of Qian Jia and Sun Ying.
Qian Jia thought: After this period of interaction, this seemingly quiet Sun Ying is actually a bit difficult to deal with--- If another female colleague joins, it will be even harder for me to get my brother-in-law's attention at the company.
Sun Ying thought: Isn't she Li Feng's stepmother? I saw her twice when I went to Li Feng's house for dinner before--- Why is she also interviewing to be the boss's personal secretary?
Inside the inner office.
Cao Pingao sat steadily in his boss chair, calmly flipping through the resume Wang Hui handed him.
As he read, he suddenly noticed the word "Divorced" conspicuously written in the "Marital Status" column of the resume.
Cao Pingao raised his head in surprise, looked at Wang Hui standing opposite him, and asked:
"Madam Li, what is the situation regarding this 'Divorced' status?"
Wang Hui took a small red booklet from her LV bag and handed it to him with both hands.
Cao Pingao looked closely—it was a brand-new divorce certificate.
//372//
Chapter 372 A Brand New Divorce Certificate (Part 2)
Wang Hui smoothed the hair near her temples and said with a complicated look:
"Chairman, Old Li said that only this way can I be completely unburdened and dedicate myself wholeheartedly to being the Chairman's personal secretary, serving all of the Chairman's work needs well."
Cao Pingao opened the brand new divorce certificate in his hand, glanced at it, and then sighed softly:
"Ah, Manager Li's intentions, ah---"
He looked up again at Wang Hui, whose eyes were lowered, and asked:
"Madam Li, oh no, Xiao Hui, may I ask why you married Li Gui originally? After all, there is a generation gap between the two of you."
Wang Hui replied truthfully in a calm tone: "I was born into a rural family with poor economic conditions. I have older brothers and sisters above me, and younger brothers and sisters below."
Later, when I was admitted to Central University of Finance and Economics and came to Jiangcheng to study, my family didn't give me a single penny. I relied on student loans, scholarships, and the money I earned from part-time jobs to barely support myself.
I met Old Li when I was working a summer job during my sophomore year—he was then the Deputy Manager of the Human Resources Department at Hengda Real Estate, and I served as his part-time secretary for two months.
After he understood my situation, he sponsored me unconditionally, from my junior year until I completed my postgraduate studies and graduated.
Later, after he divorced his wife, he came to me and said he had always liked me and wanted to marry me---I didn't think too much at the time, so I married him."
After listening to Wang Hui's account, Cao Pingao stroked his chin and asked:
"Then, regarding your divorce from Li Gui this time, how were the family assets divided?"
Wang Hui looked up at Cao Pingao and said with a hint of grievance in her tone:
"I signed a prenuptial agreement before marrying him, so in this divorce, besides my personal belongings and tens of thousands of yuan in savings, I didn't ask for anything else.
Whether you believe it or not, I married Old Li purely to repay his kindness, not for his money."
Cao Pingao crossed his legs and asked meaningfully:
"You are so grateful, yet Li Gui didn't cherish you at all, instead personally treating you like an object and giving you to me. Don't you resent him? Why are you still obeying his wishes and coming to be my secretary?"
Wang Hui gently shook her head: "I don't resent him, because he has been much kinder to me than my biological parents. I am willing to help him however I can."
Cao Pingao leaned back in his executive chair and chuckled: "Then, if I weren't me, but a fifty or sixty-year-old, pot-bellied, bald, nouveau riche bumpkin, would you still be willing to help Li Gui?"
Wang Hui paused, then said with a slight blush: "In that case, I probably wouldn't be willing~"
"Hahahaha, I like girls who tell me the truth."
Cao Pingao stood up from his executive chair, walked around the large desk, approached Wang Hui, and asked:
"Since you have already divorced Li Gui, where are you living now?"
Wang Hui replied, blushing: "Chairman, actually, ever since I returned from Sanya, I have moved out to live alone---my savings are not very substantial, and I hope you can accept me and allow me to be your private secretary~"
Cao Pingao reached out and touched Wang Hui's cheek. Although she looked shy, she did not flinch.
"A good girl like you, who is highly educated and knows how to repay kindness, of course, I am willing to let you be my private secretary."
His large hand moved down to her shoulder, and then slid to her slender waist:
"Xiao Hui, since Li Gui didn't know how to cherish you, let me take good care of you from now on."
"Thank you, Chairman~" Wang Hui said shyly, lowering her head slightly.
---That night, Yuhu Shijia Building 6, 3601.
Chen Shuting, who had picked up Little Le Le from her parents' house, quickly noticed Wang Hui sitting on the living room sofa after entering the room.
She quickly pulled Cao Pingao aside and asked: "What is going on? We just finished dealing with Li Feng and Sun Ying's matter, and now Li Gui's wife has been brought back by you?"
Cao Pingao scratched the back of his head and chuckled honestly: "Xiao Hui has already divorced Li Gui. She is currently divorced and single."
Chen Shuting: "---"
"Honey, you're not joking with me, are you?"
Cao Pingao laughed: "How could I joke about divorce.
Besides, you know me, I have always been a 'gentleman who doesn't covet what others love'."
Chen Shuting gave him a helpless glare: "You, a 'gentleman who doesn't covet what others love'?
Be honest with me, did you make a deal with Li Gui using the position of CEO of Cao Wei Real Estate, which is why he divorced Wang Hui?"
Cao Pingao quickly waved his hand, saying with an honest expression: "Heaven knows my heart, I absolutely did not do that. It was Li Gui who was too eager for advancement, repeatedly insisting on giving Wang Hui to me. I had no choice."
Chen Shuting stared into Cao Pingao's eyes for a long time, confirming that she couldn't find any trace of him lying:
"Hmph, fine. I was originally planning to suggest that you arrange my position for the slightly younger Zhao Gang."
Cao Pingao laughed: "Hey, Li Gui is already 55 this year. Let him hold the top position until retirement to fulfill his wish.
Zhao Gang is only in his forties; he will have plenty of opportunities later."
"Alright then." Chen Shuting glanced sideways at Cao Pingao and said crossly, "Anyway, based on seniority, Li Gui has enough prestige. I will proceed according to your wishes as the Boss then."
---At the same time, in the Chairmans Office of Huangs Real Estate.
Huang Dazu frowned deeply and said to Ye Fan:
"Didn't you say before that you had thoroughly investigated Cao Pingao's background?"
"Then where did he get such abundant funds to wage a price war against both our companies simultaneously?"
Ye Fan also looked confused: "I did thoroughly investigate him before. He only has less than 3 billion in assets in total, and there are no other influential figures among his parents or family back home.
I also don't understand why his cash flow keeps increasing steadily---"
Huang Dazu took a puff of his cigar and suddenly asked: "Could Old Jiang be supporting him behind the scenes?"
"No," Ye Fan said with certainty, "Uncle Jiang has already lent me 1 billion yuan in total. How could he still have the capacity to help that fellow Cao Pingao?"
Hearing that Ye Fan had borrowed over 800 million yuan from him, and another 1 billion yuan from Jiang Dawei, Huang Dazu's old face twitched slightly---
I need to thoroughly check later, just how much money has this kid Ye Fan borrowed outside?
If this guy causes Jiaye Real Estate to become insolvent, won't all the shares of Jiaye Real Estate I hold turn into worthless paper?
Huang Dazu flicked the ash, and said calmly:
"Ye Fan, the price war between us and Cao Wei Real Estate has reached a critical stage. As long as we hold on, the entire real estate market in Jiangcheng will be dictated by our Huang and Ye families in the future."
Ye Fan nodded, then smiled flatteringly: "Hehehe, Uncle Huang, my liquid capital is a bit tight this month again. Can you lend me another 200 million yuan?"
Huang Dazu: "---"
"My funds are also very tight. I can only support you with 50 million yuan at most."
Ye Fan pouted: "Fine, 50 million it is. I will figure out the remaining funding gap myself."
---After returning to his large villa, Ye Fan went to the study on the second floor and started rummaging through things.
Deng Xiaorong heard the noise, followed the sound to check, and asked in surprise:
"Ye Fan, what are you looking for? Why have you made such a mess of the house?"
Ye Fan looked up and saw it was Deng Xiaorong, so he asked: "Aunt Rong, do you know where the property deed for our villa is kept?"
Deng Xiaorong frowned slightly: "Why are you looking for the property deed?"
Ye Fan frowned and said impatiently: "Why are you asking so many questions? Just tell me where my dad put the property deed."
Deng Xiaorong walked into the study, stepped over the scattered office supplies, books, and documents, took a folder from the second shelf of the bookcase, and handed it to Ye Fan.
"Thanks, Aunt Rong. You can leave now."
Deng Xiaorong: "Then I'll call the maid to help you clean up."
Ye Fan took out his phone and said: "No need. I'll call the maid myself later. Just close the door behind you when you leave."
"Alright."
After Deng Xiaorong went out and closed the door, she did not leave immediately but stood by the door and eavesdropped.
After listening through the door for a while, she immediately hurried back to her bedroom, took out her phone, and called Cao Pingao.
Boss Cao was currently lying in a bedroom in 3501, holding a naked young woman in his arms:
"Hello, Xiao Rong, what do you need? Mmm, mmm, you said Ye Fan is already considering whether or not to mortgage the family villa?
Mmm, mmm, I understand. Okay, report back to me anytime there's a situation."
After hanging up the phone, Cao Pingao happily embraced Huang Panpan's delicate shoulder and kissed her cheek:
"Panpan, it looks like your fiancé is already standing on the edge of a cliff. Shall we push him together?"
Huang Panpan, who had long been persuaded by Cao Pingao, looked obedient: "Husband, whatever you say to do, I will do~"
"Go get your phone."
Huang Panpan obediently brought her phone.
Cao Pingao pulled an air-conditioned quilt over both of them:
"Come, use your phone to take a picture of us lying together, and then send it to your fiancé using wechat."
//373//
Chapter 373 Ye Fan Above
Ye Fan sat in the study, which he had thoroughly trashed, contemplating whether he should mortgage his family's villa to alleviate Jiaye Real Estate's current funding shortage.
Just as he was hesitating, he suddenly received a wechat message from Huang Panpan on his phone.
"Huh? This little bitch actually took the initiative to send me a wechat message?"
Ye Fan casually picked up his phone and tapped it open, finding that Huang Panpan had sent a photo. He then tapped the photo and zoomed in—
He saw a man and a woman sitting against the headboard in the photo. Although they were covered by a blanket, it was clear neither of them was wearing clothes.
The man was smiling at the camera, giving a thumbs-up gesture with one hand while the other arm was wrapped around the woman's bare shoulder.
The woman was affectionately hugging the man's neck, her mouth pressed against the side of his face.
Ye Fan's mind instantly went blank.
After a long moment, a heartbreaking roar echoed throughout the entire Ye family villa.
"Ah ah ah ah ah ah!"
"Cao Pingao! What the hell!"
Ye Fan used all his strength to smash the phone against the study wall. The phone shattered into pieces, and a small dent was left on the wall.
Next, he transformed into a desktop clearing master, sweeping everything off the desk onto the floor.
Then, the desk, the chair, the bookshelf, the large vase, the floor lamp—nothing in the room that could be smashed was spared, all shattered by the utterly enraged Young Master Ye.
The maids and aunties who rushed over upon hearing the noise all stood outside the study door, afraid to knock. Only Deng Xiaorong, who arrived shortly after, dared to push the door open and walk in.
Looking at the completely unrecognizable study, Deng Xiaorong widened her eyes and asked, "Ye Fan, what happened to you?"
Ye Fan, though red-faced with anger, had not completely lost his mind. He would never admit to being cheated on by Cao Pingao in front of so many of his household staff.
"What are you looking at? Get out, all of you!" Ye Fan roared at the maids and aunties outside the door.
"Yes, Young Master."
The maids and aunties quickly scattered, fleeing this place of trouble.
Ye Fan walked over, closed the door, and stared fiercely at Deng Xiaorong, asking:
"Aunt Rong, didn't you tell me that Huang Panpan went to stay at her Best Friend's house?"
Deng Xiaorong, who had already rehearsed this, answered without changing her expression, "That's right. After Panpan and I returned from our trip, that's what she told me. Is there a problem?"
Ye Fan gritted his teeth and asked, "Then which Best Friend's house did she go to?"
Deng Xiaorong looked completely calm: "Panpan didn't tell me, and I didn't ask.
Ye Fan, you shouldn't have laid a hand on Panpan in the first place. She is a Young Miss of the Huang family, after all.
It's understandable that she's angry at you and moved to her Best Friend's house for a while."
"Moved to her Best Friend's house? That little bitch has moved onto another man's bed—"
Ye Fan, blinded by rage, nearly let the secret slip.
The highly skilled actress Deng Xiaorong looked concerned: "Ye Fan, what exactly is wrong?"
Ye Fan clenched his back teeth and said, "It's nothing. Company matters have been frustrating lately, so I just smashed a few things.
Aunt Rong, you should go back and rest. I still have a few calls to make."
Deng Xiaorong nodded: "Alright, Ye Fan. Excessive anger harms the body. Take the company matters slowly; there will always be a solution."
"I know."
After Deng Xiaorong also left, Ye Fan closed the door, sat in the armchair whose back he had broken, took out his second phone, and made a call:
"Hello, is this Bank Manager Zhang? I've made up my mind. When can we sign your 120 million mortgage plan?
Okay, I'll bring the property deed over tomorrow morning. Goodbye."
--- Although Ye Fan did not like Huang Panpan at all, she was still the fiancée he had publicly married and brought home.
For his fiancée—whom he hadn't even touched—to be touched by an outsider was, in itself, a great humiliation for the arrogant Ye Fan.
Moreover, that outsider was his sworn enemy, Cao Pingao.
Thus, the enraged Ye Fan immediately took all of his previous real estate—the large villa, one rolls-royce, three mercedes-benz S-Class cars, and several other properties—to Jiangcheng Commercial Bank for mortgage, securing a total loan of 150 million yuan.
He then used his 55% share of Jiaye Real Estate as collateral and borrowed 100 million and 200 million yuan respectively from Huang Dazu and Jiang Dawei.
Holding a massive 450 million yuan in cash, Ye Fan was full of confidence:
"Cao Pingao, you bastard, how dare you cheat on me!
Once I destroy your damned Cao Wei Group, I will take all your women, including Chen Shuting, Sophia, and Lü Xiaomeng, and then I'll give you back twenty green hats right in front of your face!
We'll see who the real clown is then!"
--- "Achoo!"
Cao Pingao, sitting in his boss chair, suddenly let out a big sneeze.
Little Secretary Qian Jia, who was kneeling on the carpet nearby studying, looked up and asked, "Boss, are you catching a cold?"
Cao Pingao took a tissue and wiped his nose: "No, my nose just suddenly felt a little itchy."
Suddenly, the System's broadcast sounded in his ear:
[host holds the prosperous husband badge (Silver): Rewards 2% of total assets on the 15th of every month.]
[According to the System's big data calculation, the host's current total assets are: 5.83809 billion yuan.]
[The cash reward for this month is: 116.76 million yuan, which has been transferred via the Central Bank into the host's designated bank account.]
[The host's current total cash balance is: 1.850491516.56 billion yuan.]
Cao Pingao: Holy cow, the 15th came around again so quickly. Now, even just sitting here, I can earn over 100 million yuan every month. This is absolutely awesome.
It looks like I need to conquer more high-quality women in the future to level up the [prosperous husband badge] to max!
As for Sister Shuting, Xiao Jie, Qingyu, and Yaoyao, they definitely need to have more children in the future. The probability of them producing another [prosperous husband badge] probably isn't low either—
Just as Cao Pingao was planning his great enterprise of having many children and abundant fortune in his mind, the landline on his desk rang.
Cao Pingao reached out and picked up the receiver: "Hello."
The voice on the other end was Wang Hui: "Boss, General Manager Jian is here. She said she needs to see you about something."
"Got it. Tell her to wait for me for a moment."
After hanging up the phone, Cao Pingao lowered his head and spoke to Qian Jia, who was still diligently reading and studying:
"Alright, pack up. Xiao Jie needs me for something."
Qian Jia obediently nodded quickly: "Oh, okay, Boss."
--- Qian Jia, her face slightly flushed, applied lip gloss as she walked out of the inner office, politely saying to Jie Jie, who was waiting outside the door:
"General Manager Jian, the Boss said you can go in now."
Jie Jie glanced at the ponytail behind Qian Jia's head and sighed softly in her heart: The female secretaries have changed several times, but the lustful Boss is just as lustful as ever.
//374//
Chapter 374 The Qian Family's Resurgence (Part 1)
Seeing Jie Jie walk in, Cao Pingao quickly stood up and led her to sit down on the large sofa in the office. While gently stroking her slightly bulging belly, he said tenderly:
"Xiao Jie, if you had something to tell me, you should have just called me on the internal line and had me come over to you. Why did you run over yourself?"
Jie Jie covered her mouth and laughed, "My belly isn't big enough yet to make walking inconvenient~
Besides, is it appropriate for me, a small company Vice President, to call you, the big boss, over to see me?"
"What's inappropriate about it?" Cao Pingao chuckled. "Your belly is carrying our Little Baby. What's wrong with me walking a few steps for you two?"
"Hmph hmph hmph, alright, I won't banter with you anymore."
Jie Jie spread out the documents in her hand in front of Cao Pingao and said, "Latest news: Jiaye Real Estate just acquired a small MCN Company in Jiangcheng and renamed it Jiaye Media."
Cao Pingao looked at the information and laughed, "It looks like Young Master Ye has been cornered by us and is now desperately trying anything.
He has never run a self-media company, yet he wants to challenge our Banana Media in Jiangcheng. That is truly hilarious."
Jie Jie nodded, "It's probably because our continuous online exposure of Jiaye Real Estate's construction quality issues has affected his property sales. That's why he decided to open his own media company, hoping to compete with us in online public opinion."
"Compete? Does Ye Fan even have the qualifications?"
Cao Pingao's lips curled into a slight smile, and he said nonchalantly, "Xiao Jie, I will transfer another 300 million yuan into Banana Media's corporate account shortly.
I want you to go all out digging up dirt on Jiaye Real Estate and Huangs Real Estate. Then, buy traffic and trending spots. Don't let the negative news about those two companies drop off the hot search lists for even a day."
Jie Jie nodded with a serious expression, "I understand."
Just as she was about to get up and return to her office, Cao Pingao suddenly pulled her onto his lap:
"Oh dear, what are you doing~" Jie Jie said, her small face slightly flushed.
Cao Pingao flashed a mischievous smile: "Do it."
"Oh, Boss~ It's work hours right now~~"
"What about work hours? Shouldn't you listen to the boss even more during work hours?"
"Then, then you must be careful~ Don't press down on our Little Baby~"
"Hahaha, don't worry, I have experience."
Cao Pingao stroked Jie Jie's smooth, tender face, then lowered his head and kissed her soft, warm cherry lips.
--- Shortly before 5 PM.
Cao Pingao, his three female secretaries, the company's four female executives—Chen Shuting, Jie Jie, Shen Qingyu, and Fan Binbin—and Jie Jie's administrative secretary, Qian Yi, left work early together under the envious gazes of their colleagues.
Although Yuhu Shijia Residential Area was just across the road from the office building, requiring only about 10 minutes to walk home, the outdoor temperature in Jiangcheng in August was simply too high, even at 5 PM.
Therefore, Cao Pingao and the others took the elevator directly down to the underground parking lot, then split into three rolls-royces—two Phantoms, one black and one white, and a white car model—to head home.
After entering the residential area, the three cars drove straight into the underground parking lot, ensuring Cao Pingao and his girls did not feel the heat at all during the entire trip.
Upstairs, 3601.
Upon entering, Sun Ying and Wang Hui immediately squatted down to change Boss Cao's slippers.
At this time, Lele, holding Cao Xuanyi's small hand, came to the entrance hall together to greet Cao Pingao:
"Daddy is home~"
"Daddy~ Daddy~"
"Hey, my two good daughters."
Treating them equally, Cao Pingao simultaneously picked up 6-year-old Lele and 1-year-old Xuanyi, then sat on the sofa in the living room to watch cartoons with them.
Chen Shuting, holding Pet name for their son, and Jin Yao, wearing silk homewear, exchanged smiles and then sat together to chat about domestic matters.
Qian Wan, who had been silently observing everything nearby, got up and went over to her cousin Qian Jia, whispering to her:
"I bought the thing for you. After dinner, go test it yourself in the bathroom."
"Okay, Sister Xiao Wan." Qian Jia nodded with a solemn expression.
--- 6:30 PM.
Everyone gathered in the dining room of 3601.
Because the attendance was particularly complete today, the original two large round tables were no longer enough and were replaced by three smaller round tables.
The seating arrangement for the girls was also adjusted according to Boss Cao's plan—
The head of the family sat at the main seat of the first table. To his right sat, in order: Jin Yao, Li Jing, Chen Shuting, Little Le Le, Jie Jie, Shen Qingyu, Lü Xiaomeng, Director Bai;
To his left sat, in order: Yu Qian, Liu Ruyan, Liu Yun, Liu Sijie, Xiao Ya, Zou Huimin, Deng Xiaorong;
Sitting at the second table were Zheng Jiaqi, Zhang Yuwei, Wang Lulu, Xu Tiantian, Zhou Jing, Fan Binbin, Huang Panpan, Jiang Xinxin, Jiang Qianqian, Sophia, and Li Yixuan;
[Sitting at the third table were] Xia Tian, Xu Yingying, Yang Zihan, Wei Mengmeng, Li Shihan, White Dove, Sun Ying, Wang Hui, Wang Yuwen, Qian Wan, Qian Jia, and Qian Yi.
Soon, three tables of identical delicious dishes were brought to the tables one by one by the Housekeeping Aunties responsible for cooking.
Under the gaze of all the girls, Cao Pingao picked up his chopsticks and said:
"For the next few days, everyone will have to squeeze together and make do. Next month, we can all move together to the large villa in Donghu Bay.
Start eating."
The slightly crowded dining room immediately became lively.
Cao Pingao swirled the wine glass in his hand while glancing around the three tables of beautiful women—of various shapes and sizes, each with her own unique charm—who were eating, chatting, and laughing. He felt exceptionally content. The only slight regret was that Chen Xue and Pet name for their son were still living in the Capital of Magic---it would be even more perfect if she could integrate with them.
Suddenly, a thought flashed through Cao Pingao's mind, and he looked at Jie Jie on his right and said:
"Oh right, Xiao Jie, didn't you mention before that the person in charge of Banana Media's Capital of Magic branch wasn't performing well? Have you found a replacement candidate yet?"
Jie Jie wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin and replied, "I have two candidates. I've been discussing this matter with Sister Shuting these past couple of days."
Chen Shuting glanced at Cao Pingao, then turned and smiled at Jie Jie, saying:
"Xiao Jie, Husband wouldn't ask about such a'small matter' without reason. I bet he already has someone in mind---I suspect it's his white moonlight in the Capital of Magic.
Chen Shuting then looked back at Cao Pingao and laughed with a hint of intentional jealousy, "Am I right?"
Cao Pingao chuckled, "Hahahaha, Sister Shuting knows me best."
Jie Jie was quick to catch on: "I understand, Husband~ You want me to interact more with Sister Chen Xue through work, so she can learn more about our life in Jiangcheng from me, right?"
Cao Pingao: "Hahahaha, Xiao Jie knows me best too."
At this moment, Jin Yao, sitting on his right, asked gently:
"Husband~ Tomorrow is your 32nd birthday. Are you really sure we don't need to make any special arrangements?"
Cao Pingao reached out and stroked Jin Yao's shoulder, smiling as he said:
"No need, Yaoyao. You just need to dress up beautifully and have a meal with me at home, just like today."
Compared to the joy and liveliness of the first and second tables, the dining atmosphere at the third table was noticeably subdued.
The reason was simple—Qian Wan, who once sat close to the master of the house, along with her two cousins and Wang Yuwen, had all been "exiled" here.
Compared to the low spirits of the three Qian sisters and the young Nutritionist, the girls of the "sichuan faction" led by Xia Tian were still eating, drinking, chatting, and laughing, not overly concerned about being placed at the third table.
"Why is Brother-in-law like this? Why make us sit so far away, sitting with Xia Tian and the 'newcomers'?"
Qian Jia pouted dramatically, complaining softly to Qian Wan and Qian Yi next to her, "If this continues, aren't we all going to be marginalized in the family?"
Qian Wan gave Qian Jia a look and lowered her voice, saying, "What are you panicking about? There are so many women in the family; competition is inherently cruel.
I already have a plan. As long as you follow what I say, we will definitely succeed in turning things around."
--- That night, Cao Pingao followed the schedule and arrived at 3501 downstairs.
As soon as he entered, Qian Wan, wearing a purple silk slip dress, came forward holding a blindfold:
"Husband, please put this blindfold on first. I have a special birthday gift to give you~"
"What kind of special gift? You're being all mysterious."
Cao Pingao didn't think much of it, put on the blindfold, and was slowly led into the room by Qian Wan.
After turning left into a room, Cao Pingao heard the door behind him gently close, and then a warm, soft, slender body suddenly leaned into his embrace.
"Hmm? Jia Jia? No, you're a bit slimmer than Jia Jia."
"Yuwen? Also incorrect. Yuwen isn't as tall as you---"
Cao Pingao felt a wave of confusion: Strange. I know the height, measurements, and physical characteristics of every girl in the family like the back of my hand. So who is this girl in my arms?
"Xiao Yi?"
Qian Yi, nestled in his arms, already had a flushed face:
"Brother-in-law, you guessed correctly~"