Chapter 385: Chain Reaction (Part Two)
Jiang Dawei's eyes widened, and he was too shocked to speak for a long time:
"Wife, how could Qianqian possibly--- Didn't she always tell us she hadn't gotten a Boyfriend at school?"
"Exactly. You know our daughter always has very high standards."
Zhou Li said with a conflicted expression, "I asked her who the father of the child is, but she won't tell me. I'm so worried!"
Jiang Dawei slowly calmed down and comforted his wife:
"Sigh, since the matter has already happened, what we need to do is not blame our daughter, but face this problem together with her.
First, we need to figure out who the 'culprit' responsible for this situation is."
Although Jiang Qianqian was a bit spoiled and had some Eldest Miss tendencies, overall, she was still very obedient.
She usually spoke frankly with her parents about anything, so Jiang Dawei and Zhou Li were actually very familiar with their daughter's social circle.
After a careful discussion, the two realized that the only age-appropriate male who was both close to their Baby daughter and possessed sufficiently excellent personal conditions was Cao Pingao.
Zhou Li looked incredulous:
"Wait, no way? Pingao has always called you Big Brother Jiang. If he and Qianqian are now--- wouldn't the relationships be completely messed up?"
Jiang Dawei thought to himself: That's because you don't know about the existence of my other biological daughter, Xinxin. My relationship with Pingao was messed up long ago--- "Then besides Pingao, who else could it be?"
Zhou Li frowned deeply and shook her head:
"I really can't think of any other possibility. Husband, what should we do now?"
Jiang Dawei looked serious: "What else can we do? Our daughter refuses to speak, so we can only invite Pingao over to ask him."
Just as he finished speaking, a housekeeper stepped forward and bowed, saying:
"Mister, Madam, Boss Cao has arrived. He is currently changing his shoes in the entrance hall."
Jiang Dawei: "Whoa, we just mentioned him and he's here."
--- The reason Cao Pingao arrived so quickly was that the Eldest Miss of the Jiang Family, Jiang Qianqian, who was hiding in her boudoir upstairs, had secretly sent him a message earlier:
Qianqian: { Husband~ Today my mom took me to the hospital for a check-up and they found out I'm pregnant--- My dad is coming back soon, and I don't know what to do right now~ Husband, hurry and come save me~~~ }
Weis surname is Cao: { Don't panic, Husband is coming right away. }
After receiving Jiang Qianqian's "distress" wechat message, Cao Pingao immediately had his driver Dian Wei prepare the car and headed straight for the large villa where the jiang family lived.
After changing his shoes in the entrance hall and being led by the housekeeper into the first-floor living room, Cao Pingao saw Jiang Dawei and Zhou Li, both wearing unusually serious expressions:
"Big Brother Jiang, Sister-in-law."
"Pingao, you're here. Quickly, have a seat."
After the housekeeper served Cao Pingao tea, Jiang Dawei and Zhou Li exchanged glances, momentarily unsure how to start the conversation.
Seeing their hesitation, Cao Pingao took a sip of tea and confessed proactively:
"Big Brother Jiang, Sister-in-law, I apologize. I really should have told both of you about Qianqian and me sooner."
Jiang Dawei, who had already had a premonition, sighed lightly and said, "Qianqian's mother and I already guessed. After all, Qianqian's social circle is only so big."
Zhou Li, sitting beside him, asked anxiously, "Pingao, I took Qianqian for a physical examination at the hospital today and found out she is pregnant with your Little Baby. What do you plan to do now?"
Cao Pingao looked calm: "Of course, I will take good care of Qianqian and the child in her belly."
Zhou Li pressed him further, "Then when do you plan to marry our Qianqian, and how do you intend to handle the other women around you?"
Cao Pingao frowned slightly when he heard this and said, "Sister-in-law, although I might be a little flirtatious, I am also a responsible man. I cannot disappoint other girls just for Qianqian alone."
Zhou Li immediately stated firmly, "Then I absolutely do not agree to you and Qianqian being together. I hope my daughter's future husband can be devoted to her wholeheartedly."
She then turned to Jiang Dawei, who was sitting silently beside her:
"Husband, say something?"
Seeing the situation freeze, Jiang Dawei, who still needed Cao Pingao's help, had no choice but to mediate:
"Pingao, Qianqian is the only Baby daughter that her mother and I have, so we hope you can understand our feelings as parents."
Cao Pingao nodded sincerely: "I understand. The decision of whether or not to accept a Son-in-law whose situation is a bit special like mine rests with you two.
I just hope that for Qianqian's sake, you will let her give birth to the Little Baby in her belly. After all, that is a small life, and your biological grandson."
Zhou Li watched Jiang Dawei with a cold face, remaining silent, while Jiang Dawei gave an awkward smile and said to Cao Pingao:
"Today's events were sudden. Qianqian's mother and I need some time to think it over.
How about Pingao, you go back and rest for today? We will talk to you after we have discussed and reached a conclusion."
"Alright."
Cao Pingao did not say anything further, stood up, and left the jiang family.
--- That night, Zhou Li talked heart-to-heart with her daughter in Jiang Qianqian's boudoir for several hours.
It wasn't until the early hours of the morning that she returned to her master bedroom.
Jiang Dawei, who was sitting at the head of the bed reading, quickly put down his book and asked, "How did the talk with our daughter go?"
Zhou Li sat down next to Jiang Dawei, pursed her lips, and said, "Qianqian said she genuinely likes Cao Pingao, doesn't mind that he has other Girlfriends, and is willing to give birth to his Little Baby.
Sigh, Husband, what kind of magic does this Cao Pingao possess to completely enchant our daughter, who has always had such high standards?"
Jiang Dawei put his arm around Zhou Li's shoulder and comforted her, "Our daughter is already 21 this year. She's an adult. A grown daughter cannot be kept at home forever."
Following this, he also confessed to Zhou Li the predicament currently faced by Jiang Shi Industrial and the fact that only Cao Pingao could step in to save his business.
"No wonder you acted the way you did today."
Zhou Li glared at Jiang Dawei and said, "So you were planning to trade our daughter for 500 million?"
Jiang Dawei quickly waved his hands: "I absolutely did not have that intention.
I know Pingao's character. Even if the two of us temporarily disapprove of his relationship with Qianqian, he would still offer his assistance.
It's just that I think what he said at the end makes sense too. After all, the child in Qianqian's belly is our biological grandson."
Zhou Li pondered for a long time, then let out a deep sigh:
"Sigh, since things have come to this, and since Qianqian herself is willing, we can only let her give birth to the child first."
//386//
Chapter 386: Jiangcheng City Entrepreneur Summit.
Two days later, in the morning.
Inside the Chairmans Office, on the 40th floor of Building A of the Donghu Bay Building.
Jiang Dawei placed a loan agreement, which used Jiang Shi Industrial's company equity as collateral, in front of Cao Pingao.
Cao Pingao glanced over it briefly, then picked up a pen and crossed out the clause "Annual loan interest rate of 3%":
"Big Brother Jiang, given our relationship, discussing interest when lending money isn't appropriate."
Looking at the smiling Cao Pingao, Jiang Dawei didn't say much and was the first to pick up a pen and sign the loan agreement.
Cao Pingao then signed the agreement as well, picked up his phone, and called General Manager Jian:
"General Manager Jian, arrange for the group's finance department to immediately transfer 500 million to Jiang Shi Industrial. Once it's done, just send me a wechat message."
After hanging up the phone, Cao Pingao smiled at Jiang Dawei and said:
"Big Brother Jiang, 500 million in funds will be in your company account shortly."
"Thanks, Pingao. Without your assistance this time, it would have been very difficult for me to escape the mess Ye Fan left me."
Jiang Dawei said emotionally, "I never thought that to repay the favor Old Ye did me back then, I almost lost the business I had worked half my life for—"
After a moment of silence in the spacious office, Cao Pingao proactively broke the ice and asked:
"Big Brother Jiang, what have you and my sister-in-law decided about Qianqian and me over the past couple of days?"
Jiang Dawei's lips curled slightly: "Since the raw rice has already been cooked into finished rice by you, what else can we do? We can only let Qianqian give birth to your Little Baby first."
He then changed the topic: "However, your sister-in-law still doesn't approve of Qianqian following you indefinitely without status. You need to be prepared for a long battle."
Cao Pingao's eyes lit up upon hearing this: "Judging by your tone, Big Brother Jiang, although my sister-in-law doesn't agree, it seems like you no longer oppose Qianqian and me being together?"
"Sigh, I'm almost 60 years old. I understand very clearly that we can't just oppose the affairs of you young people simply because we want to."
Jiang Dawei put one duplicate set of the loan agreement into his briefcase: "Pingao, regarding you and Qianqian, the most I can do is remain neutral. As for whether you can ultimately gain her mother's approval, you'll have to rely on yourself."
Cao Pingao nodded solemnly: "I understand, Big Brother Jiang."
After all, Jiang Qianqian was different from the girls living in the Donghuwan Villa Area—she was the only daughter born into a wealthy merchant family.
Therefore, Cao Pingao was quite satisfied that he managed to get Jiang Dawei and Zhou Li to accept the situation of "setting aside future disputes and letting the Little Baby be born first."
In stark contrast was Huang Panpan, who was also born into a wealthy family but was highly unwelcome.
Not long after Jiang Dawei left, Huang Dazu, who had previously teamed up with Ye Fan to deal with Cao Pingao, shamelessly came looking to borrow money for turnover as well:
"Pingao, what happened before was all a misunderstanding. I was completely fooled by that little bastard Ye Fan."
Huang Dazu leaned back on the sofa, crossing his legs, and said with a smile: "Now Panpan is also pregnant with your child, so we can be considered family.
Huangs Real Estate is currently experiencing some trouble with liquid funds. Shouldn't you, as the Son-in-law, lend a hand to me, your father-in-law?"
Cao Pingao looked coldly at Huang Dazu: "Who the hell is family with you? Did you ever treat Panpan as your daughter before?
In your eyes, she was nothing more than a small gift that could be given away to build connections."
Huang Dazu smiled without changing his expression: "If daughters aren't used this way, how else should they be used?
I let my daughters marry rich men; they get a good, comfortable future free from worry, and I gain the business interests I need. Two birds with one stone, what's wrong with that?"
Cao Pingao grinned: "Panpan, did you hear everything he just said clearly?"
Just then, an invisible door suddenly "appeared" on the adjacent gray background wall, and Huang Panpan, wearing a white dress, walked out:
"Husband, I heard it all clearly."
Huang Dazu: "Panpan, this—"
Huang Panpan gave her father a cold sidelong glance, then walked straight toward Cao Pingao and sat down right next to him.
Cao Pingao naturally reached out and wrapped his arm around Huang Panpan's slender waist, inhaling the scent of her hair while whispering in her ear: "Panpan, he is your father, after all.
If you want me to help him, I can let bygones be bygones and lend him some money.
But if you don't want me to help him, then even if he offered me huge interest, I wouldn't lend him a single cent."
Huang Panpan said almost without hesitation:
"No matter how well Huangs Real Estate develops, the only ones who benefit are my half-siblings. My mother and I have never received any benefit at all.
Husband, I don't want you to help him. I want to personally watch Huangs Real Estate go bankrupt and close down."
"You! How did I raise such an ungrateful wretch!"
Hearing Huang Panpan completely refuse to side with her own father, Huang Dazu slammed the armrest of the sofa in uncontrollable rage:
"I gave birth to you and raised you for all these years! Is this how you repay my nurturing grace?"
Backed by Cao Pingao, Huang Panpan retorted fiercely:
"Dad, don't worry, I will definitely repay your nurturing grace.
After your company goes bankrupt, I will pay for you to live in the best nursing home in all of Jiang City and take care of you until the end."
Huang Dazu: "---"
Cao Pingao hugged Huang Panpan's delicate shoulder, leaned down, and kissed her: "Hahahaha, good, very good. I like a girl who is so clear about who she loves and who she hates.
Old Dian, please see Boss Huang out."
"Yes, Boss."
Dian Wei, who had been standing by the office door, strode over to Huang Dazu:
"Boss Huang, please."
--- September passed, and October arrived. The scorching weather in Jiang City suddenly cooled down.
During the National Day holiday, Cao Pingao, who was spread thin, was busy as usual—
He first flew to Modu early, accompanying Chen Xue and their son, Pet name for their son, back to their hometown of Xiangyang to spend two days celebrating the holiday with both sets of parents.
He then flew to Ya'an, Sichuan, where he met Shen Qingyu's parents with her, and held a simple wedding banquet there.
Next, he flew to Anhui, where he held another wedding ceremony in the hometown of District Mayor's secretary, Lü Xiaomeng, Fuyang.
Finally, Cao Pingao flew with Jie Jie to her hometown of Wenzhou, Zhejiang, becoming a groom for the third consecutive time within three days.
Although the schedule was tight and the stay at each family was short, Cao Pingao, the tall, imposing, well-mannered, and generous Son-in-law, received unanimous praise from all three sets of in-laws across the country.
--- After the busy long holiday ended, it was mid-October.
In the banquet hall on the third floor of the Shangri-La Hotel in Jiangbei District, Jiang City.
The annual "Jiang City Entrepreneur Summit" was grandly held here.
Cao Pingao, whose rise had been rapid over the past two years, was naturally the most watched new star in the business world at the event.
At the dinner following the summit, quite a few people came over with wine glasses to ask for his business card and contact information. Even many business veterans who had been working in Jiangcheng for years proactively came over to greet him—
Among them was Qiao Weigong, the Chairman of Jinqiao Group, who had been running supermarket businesses in Jiangcheng for over 20 years:
"Boss Cao, the business community in our Jiangcheng hasn't seen a rising star like you in many years—someone who can achieve stunning success simultaneously across multiple industries!"
Cao Pingao smiled politely: "You flatter me, Boss Qiao. I still have much to learn from all the seniors."
"Hahahaha, Boss Cao is truly too modest."
Qiao Weigong, who had white eyebrows, glanced at the three beauties sitting next to Cao Pingao—Chen Shuting, Jie Jie, and Shen Qingyu—and then asked him:
"Boss Cao, I heard you are not married yet?"
Cao Pingao's lips curled slightly upward: "That's right."
Qiao Weigong's eyes lit up: "Oh, what a coincidence! My eldest daughter happens to be attending the summit with me today. I wonder if you would be willing to meet her?"
//387//
Chapter 387: The Two Qiaos of Jiangdong (Part 1)
Jiang City is adjacent to the Yangtze River and the Han River, and is naturally divided into three major districts—Jiangbei District, Jiangnan District, and Jiangdong District.
As a well-known entrepreneur in Jiangdong District, Qiao Weigong was famous for two specific things:
First, his keen business sense and stable management style—which was evident from the fact that his Jinqiao Group had consistently held the top position in Jiangcheng's large-scale supermarket industry for over a decade.
Second, it was rumored that his two daughters were exceptionally beautiful, earning them the nickname "The Two Qiaos of Jiangdong."
Therefore, when Qiao Weigong, who usually guarded his two precious daughters strictly, proactively suggested that Cao Pingao meet his eldest daughter, Jiang Dawei, Zhou Li, Chen Shuting, Jie Jie, and Shen Qingyu, who were at the same table, all simultaneously turned their gaze toward Cao Pingao.
Cao Pingao, who loved beauty as much as life itself, withstood the pressure and smiled, saying to Qiao Weigong, "It is my honor to meet Miss Qiao."
Qiao Weigong beamed with joy: "Hahahaha, then Boss Cao, please wait a moment. I will go bring my little girl over right now so you two can meet."
As soon as Qiao Weigong turned and left, Chen Shuting, who was sitting next to Cao Pingao in a wine-red evening gown, glared at him sharply and said sourly:
"That Boss Qiao is being overly solicitous for no reason; there's definitely something shady going on."
Jiang Dawei, sitting on Cao Pingao's other side, also leaned over and said:
"I heard that Qiao Weigong is currently negotiating a partnership with the Dongwu Group in City. For him to actively seek you out now, when your Cao Wei Group and the Dongwu Group have many overlapping business areas—Pingao, this is a murky situation."
Cao Pingao nodded easily: "Thank you, Big Brother Jiang, for the reminder. I won't wade into murky waters where the situation is unclear."
Soon, accompanied by countless gazes along the way, Qiao Weigong led a young beauty wearing a white off-the-shoulder evening gown to Cao Pingao and his companions—
[Name: Qiao Yunran]
[Age: 25]
[Unadorned Appearance: 92 points]
[Figure: 86 points]
[Master's Degree, Virgin, Non-smoker, No tattoos, Healthy]
[System Judgment: Qualified Reproduction Target]
Qiao Yunran, who wore only light makeup, had an exquisitely delicate oval face, and her features were gentle and dignified.
She was about 1.7 meters tall, with a long, fair neck, a graceful figure, a slender waist, and long legs; she was practically flawless from head to toe—
Cao Pingao: The Two Qiaos of Jiangdong truly live up to their name. I'm wading into this murky water!
Qiao Weigong, standing nearby, introduced them with a smile: "This is the Chairman of the Cao Wei Group, Boss Cao Pingao.
And this is my eldest daughter, Qiao Yunran. She is currently a Traditional Chinese Music teacher at the Jiangcheng Conservatory of Music."
"Hello, Boss Cao."
Although Qiao Yunran's smile was merely polite, it was enough to make Cao Pingao's heart flutter.
Under the watchful eyes of his three Girlfriends and a fiercely scrutinizing Future Mother-in-Law, Cao Pingao very politely gave Qiao Yunran's fingertip a light shake:
"Hello, Miss Qiao."
Next, Qiao Weigong introduced his eldest daughter to Jiang Dawei and his wife, as well as Chen Shuting, Jie Jie, and Shen Qingyu, the three female executives of the Cao Wei Group.
During the handshake process, Qiao Yunran keenly sensed the hostility directed at her from Chen Shuting, the envy in Jie Jie's eyes, and the curiosity from Shen Qingyu.
However, what surprised Qiao Yunran was that when she shook hands with Zhou Li, Jiang Dawei's wife, Zhou Li's eyes were also full of vigilance and hostility.
Qiao Yunran: I don't know this Mrs. Jiang. Why is she so hostile toward me?
---As the dinner was nearing its end, based on Jiang Dawei's suggestion, Cao Pingao and his group left the banquet hall early to avoid getting stuck in the hotel parking lot later.
Still slightly jealous, Chen Shuting deliberately linked arms with Jie Jie and Shen Qingyu, walking ahead and leaving Cao Pingao behind to walk with Jiang Dawei and his wife.
Seeing this, Jiang Dawei simply smiled without speaking.
Zhou Li, standing next to him, gave Cao Pingao a warning look and said: Your past philandering is none of my business, but now Qianqian has your Little Baby in her belly. You better watch yourself!
The hotel's underground parking lot.
After bidding farewell to Cao Pingao and the others, Jiang Dawei and Zhou Li got into their rolls-royce ghost.
Cao Pingao, having finished saying goodbye, turned around and realized that Chen Shuting, who had come in the same car as him, had gotten into the white rolls-royce phantom with Jie Jie and Shen Qingyu.
Cao Pingao shook his head, walked over to the car window while chuckling, and leaned down to speak to the three girls inside:
"Sister Shuting, are you really going to make me ride back alone?"
Chen Shuting, hugging Jie Jie and Shen Qingyu's slender waists on either side, wore a mischievous smile and looked straight ahead:
"You can wait here for a bit, and then ask that Miss Qiao, who looks like a celestial fairy, to ride with you."
Cao Pingao laughed helplessly: "Boss Qiao is a business senior, after all. I just went along with his suggestion to meet his daughter. Do you really have to be this jealous?"
Chen Shuting turned her head to look at Cao Pingao, smiling meaningfully: "Just meeting her? Do you dare say you weren't even slightly moved by that Miss Qiao?"
"Well—" Cao Pingao scratched the back of his head and chuckled honestly, "The love of beauty is common to human nature. A fair maiden is a fine prize for a gentleman."
Chen Shuting immediately seized the flaw in his words: "A fine prize for a gentleman? So you know Qiao Weigong set a honey trap for you, and you're still determined to walk right into it?"
Cao Pingao: "---"
"Xiao Jie, Qingyu, Sister Shuting is being ridiculously jealous and won't ride with me, so one of you two come down and ride with me."
Shen Qingyu smiled sweetly and leaned gently on Chen Shuting's shoulder: "Hubby~ I'm siding with Sister Shuting this time~"
Jie Jie actually wanted to go with Cao Pingao, but Chen Shuting held her waist tightly and signaled with her eyes not to go soft.
So, she reached out her small hand and stroked Cao Pingao's large face through the car window: "Hubby~ It's not far from our house here, we'll be home in about an hour. You should just rest in your own car for a bit~"
Chen Shuting chuckled as she said to Xu Chu in the driver's seat:
"Drive, Master Xu, let's go home."
Xu Chu glanced back at Cao Pingao, then replied, "Understood, Miss Chen."
Watching the white rolls-royce phantom leave the parking lot, Cao Pingao had no choice but to get into the black rolls-royce phantom by himself:
"What's wrong with Sister Shuting today? She never used to get jealous of other girls!
I only remember one time, when she was close to giving birth, she got a little jealous of Director Bai—Old Dian, why are women's minds so hard to figure out?"
Dian Wei gripped the steering wheel tightly and said seriously, "Boss, that was a rhetorical question, right?"
Cao Pingao: "---"
"Hahahaha, drive, Old Dian. Let's hurry home. I absolutely must appease Sister Shuting tonight."
//388//
Chapter 388: The Two Qiaos of Jiangdong (Part 2)
After the banquet concluded, inside a black Bentley.
Qiao Yunran quietly asked Qiao Weigong beside her:
"Dad, why did you introduce me to that Boss Cao today?"
Qiao Weigong said calmly, "The man is unmarried and the woman is unwed. Of course, I hope you can develop a relationship with a young talent like him."
Qiao Yunran tightly clasped her hands together, "But Dad, I already have a Boyfriend."
"What Boyfriend? Anyone your father doesn't approve of isn't qualified to be your Boyfriend."
Qiao Weigong said, his white brows slightly furrowed, "Daughter, don't be foolish. Sun Feng is just an illegitimate son of Sun Dajian. He doesn't even have a single point of stock in the Dongwu Group. How can he be worthy of you?
Moreover, the cooperation talks between our family and the Dongwu Group are not going smoothly at all. I suspect that old fox Sun Dajian is pretending to seek cooperation, but is actually looking for an opportunity to swallow us up and then seize the chance to enter the Jiang City market."
Qiao Weigong turned his face to look at Qiao Yunran, who looked sad, and stroked her head, saying:
"Daughter, you are my own child. I won't harm you. You and Sun Feng have no future. Break up with him sooner rather than later."
"But I genuinely like him," Qiao Yunran said, her beautiful large eyes reddened.
"Like? Young people's feelings change quickly."
Qiao Weigong smiled kindly, "Listen to your father. After you interact with Cao Pingao a few more times, you will like him too."
---Donghu Bay Villa Area, inside Grand Villa No. 8.
In front of a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the lake, Cao Pingao was admiring the stunning lake view under the moonlight while tightly embracing Chen Shuting's slender waist with both hands, saying into her ear:
"How is it, Sister Shuting? Are you still jealous of me now?"
"Stop talking and focus on your scenery~"
"Sister Shuting, after this year is over, how about we have a Little Sister for Lele next year?"
Chen Shuting, her pretty face slightly flushed, suddenly turned her head to look at Cao Pingao and asked, somewhat surprised:
"Are you serious?"
Cao Pingao smiled and nodded, "Of course I'm serious."
Cao Pingao would not easily let go of a mother like Chen Shuting, who had produced a child with the [prosperous husband badge].
"But I'm 35 this year, and I'm already very satisfied with two children, a son and a daughter—"
Chen Shuting said hesitantly, "Honey~ Maybe you should look for other, younger girls for this matter~"
Cao Pingao wore a mischievous grin, "They give birth to theirs, and you give birth to yours. It's unrelated.
Besides, you're only 35, which isn't considered a particularly high-risk older mother.
How about this: another day, you come with us to the obstetrics and gynecology hospital, and let Dr. Xu give you a check-up. If your body conditions are suitable, we'll have one. If not, we won't. How about that?"
Chen Shuting touched his large face with a conflicted expression, "Alright, since you put it that way---Honey~ Just how much do you like children? Don't you think there are enough kids in the house already?"
Cao Pingao grinned, "We're just getting started. There are still seven villas in the villa area that aren't occupied yet."
---After leaving Chen Shuting's bedroom, Cao Pingao first went to visit the glasses-wearing Lü Xiaomeng, who had just given birth to a pair of twin daughters for him.
Then he came to Xiao Ya's room and said to the female doctor with a large, round belly, "Xiao Ya, your due date is approaching. I'll accompany you to the hospital tomorrow."
Xiao Ya looked gentle, "Mhm, the Little Baby and I will listen to you~"
After chatting with Dr. Xiao for a while and kissing her goodbye, Cao Pingao walked into the study on the second floor—
As expected, Jie Jie and Shen Qingyu, who had already showered and were wearing nightgowns without underwear, were sitting opposite each other at a desk, each with a laptop, actively working overtime.
Seeing Cao Pingao walk in, Jie Jie raised her head and asked:
"Honey~ Did you manage to soothe Sister Shuting?"
Cao Pingao placed his hands on Jie Jie's shoulders, leaned down, and kissed her cheek, "Of course I did. It's not like you haven't experienced your husband's methods for coaxing people~"
Shen Qingyu, sitting opposite, covered her mouth and chuckled, "Xiao Jie has such a good temper; she's never been angry at you.
Strictly speaking, she really hasn't experienced your methods for coaxing people~"
"Hahahaha, that's true."
Cao Pingao walked around to the other side of the desk, placed his hands on Qingyu's delicate shoulders, and leaned down to kiss her pretty face, "Both of you are very obedient and rarely need your husband to coax you."
"Are you saying I'm the naughty one then?"
Chen Shuting, who had also showered and was wearing a spaghetti strap nightgown without underwear, walked into the study holding her laptop.
Cao Pingao quickly smiled and stepped forward, wrapping his arm around her waist, "No, no. Sister Shuting, you're easy to soothe, so you're quite obedient too."
Chen Shuting gave him a side glance, smiling, "Alright, go deal with your own matters. Don't stand here distracting the three of us from work."
Cao Pingao: "Okay, then don't work too late. Get some rest early."
Jie Jie and Shen Qingyu: "Mhm~ We know, Honey~"
Chen Shuting winked flirtatiously at him, "Go on, go on~"
---After leaving Villa No. 8, Cao Pingao stepped onto the soft lawn and strolled over to Villa No. 5—
Because among the first few girls who gave birth to his Little Baby, Yu Qian was the only one who hadn't conceived a second child yet.
In a bedroom on the east side of the second floor.
Yu Qian, who had already showered, was dressed according to Boss Cao's preference in a purple, ultra-short, tight-fitting hip-hugging skirt, and wore black stockings with red suspenders on her beautiful long legs.
She sat quietly on the edge of the bed, holding a black hair tie, patiently waiting for her man to arrive—Finally, the sound of familiar footsteps made Yu Qian's heart race. She quickly got up, went to the door, and opened it:
"Honey, you're here~"
"Mhm." Cao Pingao's gaze swept over Yu Qian's attractive figure. "Not bad. I quite like your outfit tonight."
Yu Qian's happy face flushed, "As long as Honey likes it~"
Cao Pingao strode into Yu Qian's bedroom and plopped down on the edge of her large bed.
Yu Qian quickly closed the door, used the hair tie in her hand to pull up her long, flowing hair, then quickly walked in front of Cao Pingao, lowering her head slightly with a bashful expression.
---[Congratulations, host, for successfully completing the Many Children, Many Blessings Mission]
[Breeding target Yu Qian successfully conceived naturally. System rewards 10 million yuan for prenatal care]
[Skill Reward: Loyalty Badge (Bronze)]
[When the host possesses the Loyalty Badge (Bronze), intimate interaction can slightly increase the loyalty of the opposite sex whose loyalty is below 85%]
[The Loyalty Badge will upgrade upon the successful birth of the Little Baby]
[Random Reward: 2 great tonic strengthening pills]
[Yu Qian's Loyalty +1.5. Current Loyalty: 85.25%]
---At approximately the same time, on the second floor of the Qiao Family Grand Villa.
Qiao Yueran, who had just returned from shopping outside, pushed the door open and walked straight into her older sister Qiao Yunran's bedroom:
"Sis, when I was buying clothes today, I saw a really beautiful skirt, so I bought one for each of us. Hurry up and get off the bed and try it on for me to see—"
Seeing the sorrowful Qiao Yunran slowly sit up from the large bed, her face still showing obvious tear tracks, her younger sister Qiao Yueran looked completely bewildered:
"Sis? Why are you crying out of nowhere?"
Qiao Yunran sniffed, forcing a small smile onto her pretty face, "I'm fine, Yueran. Bring the skirt over and let me try it on."
"You're crying, yet you say you're fine."
Qiao Yueran quickly put down the shopping bags, sat next to her sister, and hugged her, asking, "Did you argue with Sun Feng?"
"No." As soon as she heard her Boyfriend's name, Qiao Yunran's eyes immediately reddened again.
Qiao Yueran: "Then what else could you be crying about? Oh, Sis, stop making me worry unnecessarily. Tell me, and I'll help you figure it out."
Unable to withstand her younger sister's repeated questioning, Qiao Yunran had no choice but to explain the whole situation.
After listening, Qiao Yueran said angrily, "How could Dad do this? He clearly knows you already like someone, so how can he make you go on a blind date with that Boss Cao?
I'm going to go talk sense into him right now."
"Oh, Yueran, don't go." Qiao Yunran quickly grabbed her sister's arm to stop her from leaving. "Dad's attitude is very firm this time. Don't go making him angry and end up getting scolded yourself."
Qiao Yueran also knew her father's temperament—normally, he was completely compliant and extremely caring toward both sisters, but when it came to major issues, his word was law.
Qiao Yueran pouted, her large eyes darting around, and then she turned to Qiao Yunran and said:
"Sis, it's just a blind date, not a wedding. I'll go instead of you."
//389//
Chapter 389: Proud Little Qiao (Part 1)
Qiao Yunran's eyes widened: "Huh? You're going on a blind date for me? How can that be?"
"Why not?"
Qiao Yueran chuckled: "Dad hopes to build a good relationship with that Boss Cao through you, and use that to increase his bargaining chips with Dongwu Group—I can complete this task."
Big Qiao: "But—"
"Oh, there are no 'buts'." Little Qiao held Big Qiao's hand and said, "Sister, you already have someone you like in your heart. If you force yourself to get along with that Boss Cao, he'll definitely notice.
Then both you and Boss Cao will be unhappy, and Dad's business objective won't be achieved. Wouldn't that be counterproductive?"
Although she understood that her sister had a point, Qiao Yunran still shook her head repeatedly:
"No, no, Yueran, I can't let you talk about marriage with someone you don't like on my behalf."
"Who said I was going to talk about marriage with that guy named Cao?" Qiao Yueran wrapped her arms around her sister's neck again and laughed, "Can't I just be friends with him and have him do business with our family?"
Qiao Yunran looked worried: "This—I'm afraid it won't be easy to do, right?"
"Hmph~ Sister, don't underestimate me."
Qiao Yueran put her hands on her slender waist and said confidently:
"What kind of person am I, Qiao Yueran? The boys who chase me at school could fill an entire sports field.
As long as I slightly unleash my charm, that Boss Cao will definitely listen to my every word."
Qiao Yueran then asked: "Oh, by the way, Sister, how old is that Boss Cao, and what does he look like? He's not some greasy middle-aged bald uncle, is he?"
Qiao Yunran was stunned for a moment, then covered her mouth and chuckled: "It's not that bad. After all, I'm Dad's biological daughter."
Then she looked diagonally upwards, recalling: "As for that Boss Cao, well, he's quite tall, probably over 1.8 meters.
His looks are also decent; he has a more mature, masculine appearance."
Qiao Yueran also covered her mouth and chuckled: "Oh, hearing you say that, I'm actually a little curious about him now?"
After the two sisters finished laughing, Qiao Yunran's expression became somewhat serious again:
"Yueran, are you sure you want to do this?"
Qiao Yueran stared into her sister's eyes for a while, then lowered her head and burrowed into her embrace, wrapping her arms around her waist and softly saying:
"Sister, I was less than 7 when Mom left, and Dad is always busy with his company and business. You've been the one caring for and looking after me since I was little—don't even say it's just going on a blind date for you; I'm willing to do anything for you~"
---The next morning.
On the main road of Donghu Bay Villa Area, a luxurious maternity check-up motorcade consisting of two rolls-royce phantoms, one car model, and two mercedes-benz v300 commercial vehicles was parked.
Cao Pingao and Wang Lulu, who had just conceived their second child, carefully helped Xiao Ya, who had a large belly and was due next week, into the leading black Phantom;
Liu Sijie and Zou Huimin, also with noticeable bellies, were helped into the second white Phantom by Jin Yao and Li Jing;
Chen Shuting took care of Jie Jie, whose belly was slightly protruding, and together with Shen Qingyu and Deng Xiaorong, they got into the third car model;
The four girls from the "Yunan Faction": Qian Wan, Qian Jia, Wang Yuwen, and Liu Ruyan, all got into the fourth mercedes-benz commercial vehicle;
The remaining Fan Binbin, Huang Panpan, Sun Ying, plus two young girls from the Cao Wei Dance Troupe—Li Shihan and White Dove—all got into the last mercedes-benz commercial vehicle.
After everyone had boarded, the gatekeeper at the main entrance immediately opened the dark golden iron gate with a remote control, and then the luxurious maternity check-up motorcade smoothly and orderly drove out of the Lake View Villa Area.
---St. Marys Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, 3rd floor, SVIP exclusive area specifically for Boss Cao.
Xu Bei sat at her desk, carefully reviewing the two physical examination reports on her computer, then turned to Cao Pingao and Chen Shuting and Li Jing, who were seated on his left and right, and said:
"Ms. Chen and Ms. Li have both recovered very well postpartum, and their current physical condition should pose no problem for a second pregnancy."
Cao Pingao first reached out and touched Li Jing's small hand, then turned to look at Chen Shuting on the other side, saying with a grin:
"How about it, Sister Shuting? Give me another daughter next year?"
Chen Shuting smiled helplessly: "Alright, since Yao Yao and the others are having their second child—oh, wait a minute, what if I have another son this time? You won't make me keep having more, will you?"
Cao Pingao laughed: "Don't worry, Sister Shuting, whether this baby is a boy or a girl, I won't ask you to have any more little babies for me after this—unless you yourself want to continue."
Chen Shuting raised an eyebrow and smiled: "Please let me off the hook; three children are already enough for me—"
As Boss Cao, holding Chen Shuting and Li Jing by the hand, one on each side, was about to leave the consultation room, Xu Bei quickly called out to him from behind:
"Hey, Boss Cao, please stay for a moment; I have something to tell you."
Chen Shuting and Li Jing exchanged glances, then said to Cao Pingao:
"Then we'll go see Xiao Ya first. We'll meet in her room later."
Cao Pingao nodded: "Okay."
Once only the two of them were left in the consultation room, Xu Bei took out a B-ultrasound report from her desk drawer, then stood up and approached Cao Pingao, her face slightly flushed, and said:
"Since that night, my period hasn't come—a few days ago, I did a check-up myself at the hospital, and it turns out I really am pregnant."
Cao Pingao said with a smile: "This is my fault for not taking proper precautions. I didn't expect to hit the jackpot just that one time.
Dr. Xu, since it's already happened, what do you plan to do?"
Xu Bei asked back with an ambiguous look: "Then what do you think I should do?"
"Hahahaha."
Cao Pingao raised his hand and stroked her small face, laughing: "Me? Of course, I want you to move into my private villa area and live with everyone."
Xu Bei, who had been considering it for several days, bit her lip and nodded shyly: "The villa Xiao Ya lives in still has two empty rooms. I want to live with her~"
"No problem."
Cao Pingao smiled and slipped his large hands inside Dr. Xu's white coat, wrapped them around her slender waist, and lowered his head to kiss her in the consultation room.
---In Xiao Ya's luxurious single room.
The girls who had finished their maternity check-ups were gathered here, chatting and laughing.
Just then, Cao Pingao and a radiant Xu Bei walked in hand-in-hand, instantly drawing a lot of gossipy glances.
"Dr. Xu will be moving into the villa area to live with everyone in the next couple of days. She'll be your sister from now on too."
Hearing Cao Pingao say this, several of the younger girls who hadn't been with him for long, such as Qian Jia, Huang Panpan, Sun Ying, Li Shihan, and White Dove, all opened their mouths in surprise;
While the other girls who had been with Cao Pingao longer and had more experience didn't show much reaction.
Seeing this, Jin Yao proactively stepped forward and linked arms with Xu Bei: "That's wonderful, Dr. Xu! Now that we'll have two highly skilled obstetricians at home, the sisters will feel even more at ease~"
---At noon, after returning from the collective maternity check-up at St. Marys Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Cao Pingao once again took the Phantom alone to Jinqiao Plaza in Jiangdong District to meet Qiao Yunran, who had actively invited him.
In a coffee shop on the 4th floor of the mall.
As soon as Cao Pingao sat down and ordered a caramel latte, a young woman with a bun, light makeup, wearing a denim dress, and facial features very similar to Qiao Yunran, sat directly opposite him:
"Hello, Boss Cao."
Cao Pingao calmly activated his system to scan—
"Name: Qiao Yueran"
"Age: 21"
"Bare Face: 89 points"
"Figure: 85 points"
"Undergraduate student, virgin, non-smoker, no tattoos, healthy body"
"System determined: Qualified reproductive partner"
Cao Pingao: No wonder she looks so much like Qiao Yunran, so it's Little Qiao.
"Hello, you must be Miss Qiao Er?"
Qiao Yueran smiled and nodded: "My sister has something to do today and can't make it, so I'm here to meet you on her behalf."
"I'm afraid that's not appropriate," Cao Pingao said, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair. "I'm here for a blind date with your sister. Can you substitute for her in this matter?"
"Yes, I can."
Qiao Yueran blinked her beautiful large eyes and said, "I'm not afraid to tell you, my sister already has someone she likes, so there's no chance for you and her, and I'm still single."
"Then I also don't agree to you substituting for your sister."
"Why?"
Cao Pingao grinned: "Because you're not as pretty as your sister."
//390//
Chapter 390: Proud Little Qiao (Part 2)
"You---"
The proud and arrogant Qiao Yueran was choked speechless by Cao Pingao's single sentence.
Since childhood, no matter where she went, the naturally beautiful Second Miss of the Qiao Family was always surrounded by countless suitors—
She had never imagined that a man would actually tell her she was "not pretty enough" right to her face. Unable to refute Cao Pingao, Qiao Yueran's lovely face flushed red, and she said somewhat angrily:
"I might not be as pretty as my sister, but is my looks really not good enough for you?"
If this were in the past, facing a top-tier beauty like Qiao Yueran, Cao Pingao definitely would have turned into a simp.
However, Boss Cao, who now possessed the many sons, many blessings system, had already seen it all, so he was able to say without changing his expression:
"Miss Qiao, I didn't say you weren't good enough for me, but this blind date between me and your sister was personally arranged by your father. It involves the future development of two companies: Cao Wei Group and Jinqiao Group."
Cao Pingao calmly took a sip of the latte the waiter brought, then continued, "Are you sure you can marry me in place of your sister, as a guarantee for the alliance between the two groups?"
Qiao Yueran: "---"
After hesitating for a moment, she said somewhat guiltily, "I... I can, if necessary---"
Cao Pingao grinned, "Miss Qiao, do you even believe what you just said?"
"Since the Qiao Family doesn't have the sincerity to cooperate with me, I won't waste Miss Qiao's time."
After speaking, he immediately stood up and walked out of the coffee shop without any hesitation.
"He... just left like that?"
Qiao Yueran's eyes widened, stunned in her chair.
She was usually treated like a goddess, the center of attention, but today was the first time she had ever been rejected so blatantly and "ruthlessly abandoned."
---Cao Pingao's walking speed after leaving the coffee shop was much slower than usual—
Of course, he wasn't truly uninterested in the fair-skinned and beautiful Little Qiao.
He just knew that to win over a genuine Bai Fumei of Qiao Yueran's caliber, his usual "Add More Money Tactic" wouldn't work, and turning into a simp wasn't his forte either.
Only by leveraging the slight advantage that Qiao Weigong currently intended to befriend him, and using reverse PUA tactics, might he have a small chance of success. ---"Holy crap, why hasn't Little Qiao chased after me yet?"
"Did I overplay my hand?"
Just as Cao Pingao was starting to hesitate, Qiao Yueran, wearing a denim dress, "finally" chased him out of the coffee shop:
"Boss Cao~ Wait up for a second~"
Cao Pingao first suppressed the corners of his mouth from curling up, then turned around with a calm expression:
"Miss Qiao, is there something else?"
Qiao Yueran panted lightly, her lovely face slightly flushed as she said, "Boss Cao, our Qiao Family is sincere about cooperating. After all, this is our first meeting. You should at least give us a process to get familiar with each other~"
Cao Pingao remained silent, stalling Qiao Yueran for a moment longer, before finally speaking:
"Fine. Since Miss Qiao put it that way, let's schedule another date."
"Ah? We're not continuing our talk today?"
Qiao Yueran felt a little flustered inside because she had come to substitute for her sister on the blind date without Qiao Weigong knowing.
Qiao Yueran thought: If I mess up such an important blind date today, I don't care about getting scolded myself, but my sister will definitely get scolded along with me---and Dad might get so angry that he absolutely forbids my sister from seeing Sun Feng---then I would have done a bad deed with good intentions.
Cao Pingao noticed the panic in Qiao Yueran's eyes, so he said with a smile:
"No more talking. After all, I came here today prepared to meet your older sister for a blind date.
It's better if I communicate with your father again later to confirm whether it should be the older sister or the younger sister before proceeding."
Seeing the "stubborn" Cao Pingao continue walking toward the parking lot, Qiao Yueran, whose eyebrows were tightly furrowed, had no choice but to quicken her pace and follow him.
---The underground parking lot of Jinqiao Plaza.
As the two walked toward the black Phantom, Qiao Yueran turned her face and asked Cao Pingao:
"Um, Boss Cao, are you heading back to Jiangnan District?"
Cao Pingao nodded lightly: "Yes."
Qiao Yueran blinked her beautiful large eyes: "Could you give me a ride? I have something to do back at school, and my school is right in Jiangnan District."
Cao Pingao smiled and pointed toward a white Bentley not far away, and the male driver standing next to the Bentley, watching them:
"Miss Qiao, don't you have your own car and driver?"
"Oh, it's on the way anyway. It's more environmentally friendly if we take one car across the river~"
After Qiao Yueran finished speaking, she waved her hand at her driver, signaling him to go home first, then ducked into Cao Pingao's rolls-royce.
Cao Pingao glanced at the bewildered Bentley driver, smiled, and ducked into the back seat.
At this moment, Dian Wei, sitting in the front driver's seat, subtly looked at Qiao Yueran in the back seat through the rearview mirror—
The Boss is getting more awesome. In such a short time, he managed to charm another beautiful young lady.
"Old Dian, head back to Jiangnan."
Cao Pingao turned his head and asked Qiao Yueran, "By the way, which university do you attend?"
Qiao Yueran smiled sweetly: "I attend Jiang University."
"Old Dian, take Miss Little Qiao to Jiangcheng University first."
Dian Wei replied seriously, "Understood, Boss."
---On the way back to Jiangnan District, as the rolls-royce drove across the river bridge.
Qiao Yueran, who hadn't said a word for a long time, suddenly turned her head to look at Cao Pingao and asked with a hint of pleading in her voice:
"Boss Cao, if my dad asks, could you tell him that our blind date today went smoothly?"
Cao Pingao smiled crookedly, "You want me to help you deceive your father."
"It's not really deceiving," Qiao Yueran said, biting her lip. "If you help me with this, I'll owe you a favor, okay?"
Cao Pingao suppressed his laughter and said seriously, "I'll consider it."
After the car remained quiet for a while, Cao Pingao casually asked:
"By the way, you mentioned your sister already has a Boyfriend. Can you tell me about him?"
Qiao Yueran first glanced at him, then said, "Telling you might help you give up sooner.
My sister's Boyfriend is named Sun Feng. He's not as tall as you, but he's handsomer, and he's a top student who graduated from an Ivy League School in the Lighthouse Country.
He was in the same class as my sister in middle school and pursued her throughout high school.
Actually, my sister liked him too, but our family has strict rules, and dating is not allowed while studying."
Qiao Yueran turned her head to look at the river view outside the car window and continued:
"Later, he went to the Lighthouse Country to study abroad, and my sister went to the Central Conservatory of Music in the Imperial Capital.
For four years of undergraduate study plus two years of graduate school, they waited for each other for six years, relying on transoceanic calls and videos despite the time difference.
It wasn't until Sun Feng returned from abroad this year, and my sister returned from the Imperial Capital to become a teacher in the Folk Music Department at the Jiangcheng Conservatory of Music, that they officially established their relationship."
After listening, Cao Pingao chuckled, "Huo, what a pair of devoted lovebirds."
Qiao Yueran eyed him sideways: "So you should stop having ideas about my sister. You can't compete with Sun Feng."
Cao Pingao smiled without speaking, thinking: As long as the hoe is swung well, there's no corner that can't be dug up.
For a top-tier beauty as gorgeous as Qiao Yunran, and a virgin at that, there's no way I'm giving up so easily.
---Before long, the black rolls-royce phantom drove into Jiangcheng University and parked downstairs at Fengyuan Dorm 5.
Cao Pingao, sitting on the right, got out first to make room.
As Qiao Yueran, sitting on the inner side, got out of the car, she didn't notice a small stone on the roadside, stepped right onto it, and slipped:
"Oh dear~"
Cao Pingao, who possessed Max-Level Fighting Techniques, was quick-eyed and quick-handed, immediately supporting her fair arm and soft, slender waist:
"Miss Qiao, are you alright?"
Qiao Yueran's lovely face blushed: "No, I'm fine."
After steadying herself, she still felt embarrassed from the recent "skin-to-skin contact" and avoided looking into Cao Pingao's eyes, saying with her head slightly bowed:
"Um, Boss Cao, thank you for driving me back to school~"
"You're welcome, Miss Qiao."
"Yueran! Who is he?!" A mournful male voice came from the side.
Cao Pingao and Qiao Yueran simultaneously turned their heads to look.
Qiao Yueran looked surprised: "Zhou Lang? Why are you here?"
Cao Pingao grinned: "I am Miss Qiao's blind date. And who are you?"
//391//
Chapter 391: Summary List of Female Characters Introduced (Second Edition)
Sorted according to the order of pregnancy and childbirth.
1. Jin Yao. Entry Age: 26. Current Age: 28. Native Place: Province, Jingdezhen.
Bare Face Score: 79. Figure Score: 85 (D, Height 165).
First Child: Cao Xuanyi. Reward: Fighting Technique. Second Child: Reward: prosperous husband badge.
Former Profession: Real Estate Agent. Character Summary: Frugal, gentle personality.
---2. Zheng Jiaqi. Entry Age: 19. Current Age: 21. Native Place: Southern Henan, Luoyang.
Bare Face Score: 75. Figure Score: 70 (A, Height 161).
Former Profession: Female University Student / Part-time Billiards Assistant Coach. First Child: Cao Xuanmo, Cao Xuanli. Reward: None.
Character Summary: Simple personality, obedient and compliant.
---3. Liu Ruyan. Entry Age: 22. Current Age: 27. Native Place: Jiangcheng, Huangpi.
Bare Face Score: 83. Figure Score: 83 (B, Height 168).
Former Profession: Ex-wife. First Child: Cao Ang. Reward: Resurrection Armor. Second Child: Reward: Divine Archer.
Character Summary: Money-worshipping, indecisive, mama's girl.
---4. Qian Wan. Entry Age: 23. Current Age: 25. Native Place: Southern Henan, City.
Bare Face Score: 80. Figure Score: 84 (C, Height 168).
First Child: Cao Pi. Reward: Cuckold Warning. Second Child: Reward: Loyalty Badge.
Former Profession: mercedes-benz Sales. Character Summary: Money-worshipping, somewhat ambitious, enjoys palace scheming, possesses minor cleverness and schemes.
---5. Wang Lulu. Entry Age: 20. Current Age: 22. Native Place: Southern Hunan, Changde.
Bare Face Score: 80. Figure Score: 83 (C, Height 166).
Former Profession: University Student / Part-time Female Streamer. First Child: Cao Zhang. Reward: None. Second Child: Reward: Loyalty Badge.
Character Summary: Clear-headed and rational.
---6. Yu Qian. Entry Age: 24. Current Age: 26. Native Place: Shaanxi, Xiangyang.
Bare Face Score: 81. Figure Score: 85 (C, Height 170).
Former Profession: porsche Sales. First Child: Cao Xuanqi. Reward: Divine Marksman. Second Child: Reward: Loyalty Badge.
Character Summary: Money-worshipping, not very opinionated.
---7. Li Jing. Entry Age: 26. Current Age: 28. Native Place: Province, Jingdezhen.
Bare Face Score: 78. Figure Score: 80 (C, Height 163).
Former Profession: Housewife. Reward: Multiple Births. First Child: Cao Zhi, Cao Xuanyu.
Character Summary: Likes children, gentle personality, Jin Yao's Best Friend.
---8. Chen Xue. Entry Age: 18. Current Age: 32. Native Place: Northern Hubei, Xiangyang.
Bare Face Score: 83. Figure Score: 83 (C, Height 168).
Former Profession: Elite White-Collar Worker. Reward: Face-Preserving Technique. First Child: Cao Chong.
Character Summary: Devoted to the protagonist, strong career ambition, highly capable at work.
---9. Xu Tiantian. Entry Age: 19. Current Age: 20. Native Place: Northern Hubei, Huanggang.
Bare Face Score: 78. Figure Score: 87 (E, Height 162).
Former Profession: University Student / Part-time Female Streamer. Reward: Multiple Births. First Child: Cao Shuo, Cao Xuanli.
Character Summary: Money-worshipping, precocious, enjoys palace scheming, possesses minor cleverness and schemes.
---10. Liu Yun. Entry Age: 25. Current Age: 27. Native Place: Northern Hubei, Jiangcheng.
Bare Face Score: 81. Figure Score: 85 (C, Height 171).
Former Profession: Flight Attendant. Reward: Armor-Piercing Bullet. First Child: Cao Xuanyun.
Character Summary: Money-worshipping, masochist (Dojin M).
---11. Chen Shuting. Entry Age: 33. Current Age: 35. Native Place: Northern Hubei, Jiangcheng.
Bare Face Score: 85. Figure Score: 88 (D, Height 172).
Former Profession: Bar Owner. Reward: Prosperous Husband. First Child: Cao Ju.
Character Summary: Loves children, high EQ and IQ, highly capable at work.
---12. Zhang Yuwei. Entry Age: 20. Current Age: 22. Native Place: Southern Hunan, Shaoyang.
Bare Face Score: 82. Figure Score: 80 (B, Height 166).
Former Profession: University Student / Part-time Female Streamer. Reward: Divine Marksman. First Child: Cao Xuanwei.
Character Summary: Money-worshipping, cares about appearances, wants to become a famous internet celebrity, average EQ and IQ.
---13. Zhou Jing. Entry Age: 22. Current Age: 23. Native Place: Southern Henan, Nanyang.
Bare Face Score: 77. Figure Score: 80 (B, Height 161).
Former Profession: Female Nurse at St. Marys Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. Reward: Sharpshooter. First Child: Cao Xuan.
Character Summary: Money-worshipping, simple personality, obedient and compliant.
---14. Yang Zihan. Entry Age: 20. Current Age: 21. Native Place: Sichuan, Nanchong.
Bare Face Score: 82. Figure Score: 80 (B, Height 165).
Former Profession: University Student. Reward: Multiple Births. First Child: Cao Yu, Cao Lin.
Character Summary: Simple personality, obedient and compliant.
---15. Sophia. Entry Age: 18. Current Age: 20. Native Place: Saint Petersburg.
Bare Face Score: 87. Figure Score: 85 (C, Height 173).
Former Profession: University Student. Reward: Multiple Births. First Child: Cao Xuan, Cao Xuanbei.
Character Summary: Simple personality, obedient and compliant, somewhat opinionated.
---16. Jiang Xinxin. Entry Age: 19. Current Age: 20. Native Place: Northern Hubei, Honghu.
Bare Face Score: 83. Figure Score: 80 (B, Height 165).
Former Profession: University Student. Reward: Multiple Births. First Child: Cao Jun, Cao Biao, Cao Xuanchun.
Character Summary: Poor orphan, introverted personality, simple-minded.
---17. Wei Mengmeng. Entry Age: 20. Current Age: 21. Native Place: Sichuan, Deyang.
Bare Face Score: 78. Figure Score: 84 (D, Height 162).
Former Profession: University Student. Reward: Sharpshooter. First Child: Cao Xuanmeng.
Character Summary: Money-worshipping, worships the strong, precocious, enjoys palace scheming, possesses minor cleverness and schemes.
---18. Xia Tian. Entry Age: 23. Current Age: 25. Native Place: Sichuan, Mianyang.
Bare Face Score: 84. Figure Score: 84 (B, Height 169).
Former Profession: Female Streamer, Short Drama Actress. Reward: Sharpshooter. First Child: Cao Qin.
Character Summary: Dreams of becoming a famous actress, deep-minded, hides emotions well.
---19. Xu Yingying. Entry Age: 23. Current Age: 25. Native Place: Sichuan, Nanchong.
Bare Face Score: 79. Figure Score: 83 (C, Height 163).
Former Profession: Female Receptionist at Chengdu Branch Company. Reward: Sharpshooter. First Child: Cao Xuanying.
Character Summary: Money-worshipping, worships the strong, obedient and compliant.
---20. Li Yixuan. Entry Age: 18. Current Age: 19. Native Place: Northern Hubei, Shiyan.
Bare Face Score: 83. Figure Score: 87 (E, Height 160).
Former Profession: Little Daoist Nun. Reward: Yin-Yang Harmony Technique. First Child: Cao Xiong.
Character Summary: Simple personality, simple-minded, obsessed with the male protagonist's scent.
---21. Lü Xiaomeng. Entry Age: 25. Current Age: 27. Native Place: Anhui, Fuyang.
Bare Face Score: 80. Figure Score: 81 (B, Height 165).
Former Profession: District Mayor's Secretary. Reward: Multiple Births. First Child: Cao Cheng, Cao Xuanmeng.
Character Summary: Obedient girl from the system, outwardly cold but inwardly passionate, repressed personality.
---22. Xiao Ya. Entry Age: 32. Current Age: 32. Native Place: Southern Hunan, Zhuzhou.
Bare Face Score: 78. Figure Score: 85 (D, Height 165).
Former Profession: Obstetrician. Reward: Sharpshooter. First Child: [Blank].
Character Summary: Compassionate doctor, likes children.
---23. Liu Sijie. Entry Age: 27. Current Age: 28. Native Place: Shaanxi, Yulin.
Bare Face Score: 79. Figure Score: 86 (E, Height 168).
Former Profession: University Counselor. Reward: Sharpshooter. First Child: [Blank].
Character Summary: Outwardly cold but inwardly passionate, strong views on chastity.
---24. Zou Huimin. Entry Age: 28. Current Age: 29. Native Place: Southern Henan, Wancheng.
Bare Face Score: 80. Figure Score: 87 (F, Height 165).
Former Profession: Housewife. Reward: Loyalty Badge. First Child: Cao Xuan.
Character Summary: Gentle and virtuous, non-confrontational personality.
---25. Jie Jie. Entry Age: 25. Current Age: 27. Native Place: Zhejiang, Wenzhou.
Bare Face Score: 71. Figure Score: 80 (C, Height 162).
Former Profession: Female White-Collar Worker. Reward: prosperous husband badge. First Child: Twins.
Character Summary: Workaholic, loyal and capable.
---26. Wang Yuwen. Entry Age: 23. Current Age: 24. Native Place: Southern Henan, Zhumadian.
Bare Face Score: 82. Figure Score: 81 (B, Height 165).
Former Profession: Nutritionist. Reward: Sharpshooter Badge 96. First Child: [Blank].
Character Summary: Simple personality, money-worshipping, obedient and compliant.
---27. Shen Qingyu. Entry Age: 31. Current Age: 31. Native Place: Sichuan, Ya'an.
Bare Face Score: 90. Figure Score: 89 (C, Height 172).
Former Profession: Female CEO. Reward: prosperous husband badge. First Child: [Blank].
Character Summary: Naturally stunning beauty, extremely capable at work, independent personality.
---28. Qian Jia. Entry Age: 22. Current Age: 22. Native Place: Southern Henan, City.
Bare Face Score: 80. Figure Score: 81 (B, Height 165).
Former Profession: Graduating Female University Student. Reward: Divine Archer. First Child: [Blank].
Character Summary: Simple-minded, money-worshipping.
---29. Fan Binbin. Entry Age: 24. Current Age: 25. Native Place: Sichuan.
Bare Face Score: 91. Figure Score: 86 (C, Height 170).
Former Profession: rolls-royce Female Sales. Reward: Beauty Technique. First Child: [Blank].
Character Summary: Naturally stunning beauty, relatively capable at work, worships the strong and money-worshipping.
---30. Huang Panpan. Entry Age: 21. Current Age: 21. Native Place: Northern Hubei, Jiangcheng.
Bare Face Score: 79. Figure Score: 78 (A, Height 164).
Former Profession: Music Conservatory Female University Student. First Child: [Blank]. Reward: Multiple Births.
Character Summary: Simple personality, likes playing the piano.
---31. Jiang Qianqian. Entry Age: 20. Current Age: 22. Native Place: Northern Hubei, Jiangcheng.
Bare Face Score: 84. Figure Score: 80 (B, Height 163).
Former Profession: Eldest Miss of the Jiang Family / University Student. First Child: [Blank]. Reward: Loyalty.
Character Summary: Anime girl, straightforward personality, social terrorist.
---32. Li Shihan. Entry Age: 19. Current Age: 20. Native Place: [Blank].
Bare Face Score: 81. Figure Score: 83 (B, Height 167).
Former Profession: Cao Wei Song and Dance Troupe Member. First Child: [Blank]. Reward: Divine Archer Badge.
Character Summary: Worships the strong and money-worshipping.
---33. White Dove. Entry Age: 19. Current Age: 20. Native Place: [Blank].
Bare Face Score: 83. Figure Score: 81 (A, Height 168).
Former Profession: Cao Wei Song and Dance Troupe Member. First Child: [Blank]. Reward: Loyalty Badge.
Character Summary: Simple personality, worships the strong.
---34. Deng Xiaorong. Entry Age: 25. Current Age: 26. Native Place: Southern Hunan, Zhuzhou.
Bare Face Score: 83. Figure Score: 84 (C, Height 165).
Former Profession: Wealthy Widow / Ye Fan's Stepmother. First Child: [Blank]. Reward: Multiple Births.
Character Summary: Worships the strong and money-worshipping, deep-minded, possesses some business acumen.
---35. Sun Ying. Entry Age: 22. Current Age: 22. Native Place: Northern Hubei, Huanggang.
Bare Face Score: 76. Figure Score: 81 (B, Height 165).
Former Profession: Cao Wei Real Estate Female Receptionist. Reward: Divine Archer. First Child: [Blank].
Character Summary: Simple-minded, worships the strong and money-worshipping.
---36. Xu Bei. Entry Age: 32. Current Age: 32. Native Place: Northern Hubei, Jiangcheng.
Bare Face Score: 77. Figure Score: 84 (C, Height 165).
Former Profession: Obstetrician. First Child: [Blank]. Reward: Divine Archer.
Character Summary: Xiao Ya's Best Friend, compassionate doctor, likes children.
---37. Qian Yi. Entry Age: 21. Current Age: 21. Native Place: Southern Henan, City.
Bare Face Score: 78. Figure Score: 79 (A, Height 166).
Former Profession: Graduating Female University Student. Reward: [Blank]. First Child: [Blank].
Character Summary: Simple personality, not money-worshipping.
---38. Wang Hui. Entry Age: 28. Current Age: 28. Native Place: [Blank].
Bare Face Score: 79. Figure Score: 85 (D, Height 164).
Former Profession: Li Gui's Ex-wife. First Child: [Blank]. Reward: [Blank].
Character Summary: Simple personality, grateful and reciprocating.
---39. Director Bai. Entry Age: 28. Current Age: 29. Native Place: [Blank].
Bare Face Score: 85. Figure Score: 85 (C, Height 169).
Former Profession: Head of Hengda Song and Dance Troupe. First Child: [Blank]. Reward: [Blank].
Character Summary: Loves dancing, extremely high emotional intelligence.
---Special Character:
40. Anna. Entry Age: 23. Current Age: 25. Native Place: Saint Petersburg.
Bare Face Score: 88. Figure Score: 93 (C, Height 179).
Former Profession: Intern Diplomat. First Child: [Blank]. Reward: [Blank].
Character Summary: Passionate personality, dares to love and hate.
---Female Characters Pending Capture:
41. Qiao Yunran. Entry Age: [Blank]. Current Age: 25. Native Place: Northern Hubei, Jiangcheng.
Bare Face Score: 92. Figure Score: 86 (C, Height 168).
Former Profession: Folk Music Teacher at Jiangcheng Conservatory of Music. First Child: [Blank]. Reward: [Blank].
Character Summary: Gentle personality, devoted in love.
---42. Qiao Yueran. Entry Age: [Blank]. Current Age: 21. Native Place: [Blank].
Bare Face Score: 89. Figure Score: 85 (C, Height 169).
Former Profession: Female University Student. First Child: [Blank]. Reward: [Blank].
Character Summary: Lively personality, bold.
---43. District Mayor. Entry Age: [Blank]. Current Age: 39. Native Place: [Blank].
Bare Face Score: 85. Figure Score: 87 (D, Height 168).
Former Profession: District Mayor of Jiangnan District. First Child: [Blank]. Reward: [Blank].
Character Summary: Steady personality, outstanding capability.
---44. Wang Shanshan. Entry Age: [Blank]. Current Age: 26. Native Place: Northern Hubei, Xiangyang.
Bare Face Score: 78. Figure Score: 81 (C, Height 163).
Former Profession: Housewife. First Child: [Blank]. Reward: [Blank].
Character Summary: Gentle personality, hardworking, single mother, strong for her child.
//392//
Chapter 392: Miss Qiao's waters run too deep, you can't handle it.
Zhou Lang was the student union president of Jiang University's School of Economics and Management, and also the captain of the school's debate team.
Not only did he have excellent grades and outstanding talent, but he was also fair-skinned and handsome, recognized by all students in the School of Economics and Management as the'School Heartthrob'.
However, when the beautiful Qiao Yueran, a year his junior, entered the School of Economics and Management, Handsome Guy Zhou immediately broke up with his official Girlfriend and transformed into Qiao Yueran's 'lickspittle', pursuing her for three years.
What he didn't know was that Qiao Yueran didn't like 'lickspittles' at all—
Because ever since she was little, she had too many 'lickspittles' around her, and Zhou Lang was just one of the handsomer ones.
---That day, after Zhou Lang finished a student union activity, he, as usual, took a detour to stroll around Fengyuan Dorm 5, where Qiao Yueran lived, to see if he could 'accidentally' run into her.
Instead, he happened to witness the scene where Cao Pingao was half-supporting, half-embracing Qiao Yueran.
Seeing his beloved goddess fall into another man's arms, Zhou Lang's devoted heart instantly shattered:
"Yueran! Who is he?!"
Qiao Yueran turned her head to look: "Zhou Lang? Why are you here?"
Cao Pingao grinned: "I am Miss Qiao's blind date. Who are you?"
"Ah? Blind, date..."
Zhou Lang's eyes widened, and he asked Qiao Yueran with a trembling voice:
"Yueran, is he, is what he said true?"
Qiao Yueran's pretty face flushed slightly. She was too embarrassed to admit it, and didn't dare to deny it in front of Cao Pingao, so she could only change the subject:
"Zhou Lang, why are you loitering downstairs at our girls' dorm?"
"I—"
Zhou Lang was too embarrassed to say he was looking for an opportunity to 'accidentally' meet Qiao Yueran, so he casually made up: "I just finished a meeting at the school and happened to pass by here on my way back to the dorm."
Qiao Yueran cast a skeptical glance at Zhou Lang, then slightly raised her head and introduced him to Cao Pingao:
"His name is Zhou Lang, he's a senior from my department."
Cao Pingao laughed: "Senior? He reacted so strongly to me walking you back, could he be your Boyfriend?"
"Of course not." Qiao Yueran quickly shook her head, blushing. "I already said I'm single, where would I get a Boyfriend?"
Because Cao Pingao's car was an extremely eye-catching, blocky rolls-royce, and Zhou Lang had just shouted nearby, the crowd of onlookers grew larger and larger.
Qiao Yueran, who had originally intended to chat more with Cao Pingao, could only say to him: "Boss Cao, I'll head back to my dorm now. We'll chat on wechat later."
Cao Pingao: "Alright."
After watching Miss Qiao enter her dorm building, Cao Pingao was about to get into his car when he noticed Zhou Lang still glaring fiercely at him from the side:
"Little brother, you have such good looks, why do you insist on being Qiao Yueran's 'lickspittle'? Aren't there many young and beautiful female students at school who are more appealing?"
Zhou Lang was stunned, then frowned deeply and said: "Hmph! Don't think you're so great just because you have a bit of money! Yueran's father is the chairman of Jinqiao Group, her family is much richer than yours!"
Cao Pingao shrugged lightly: Forget it, good advice is wasted on the doomed. Respect others' green destiny.
After bending down and getting into the car, Cao Pingao thought that since he was already here, he might as well visit Jin Yao's two cousins, who also studied at Jiang University.
"Old Dian, go to the School of Law next door."
Dian Wei said with a serious expression: "Yes, Boss."
---In a milk tea shop on the second floor of Fengyuan Cafeteria, Cao Pingao, Jin Shiwen, and Jin Shiwu sat opposite each other:
"Shiwu, you've heard about Teacher Liu and me from your sister, right?"
Jin Shiwu nodded calmly: "Ah, actually, I always knew that Teacher Liu and I were impossible.
It was I who asked Brother-in-law to go to Teacher Liu's—in fact, when I found out that the child in Teacher Liu's belly was yours, Brother-in-law, I felt a sense of relief—because I knew she had found a good home and support."
Sitting next to him, Jin Shiwen couldn't help but laugh: "Brother-in-law, don't look at how calm he is now. Before, when he first discovered Teacher Liu's belly was getting bigger, he sighed for a month or two."
Jin Shiwu quickly retorted, a little embarrassed: "How could it be a month or two! At most, a week or two, alright."
Cao Pingao chuckled: "Hahahaha, it's all in the past. Shiwu, you don't need to be embarrassed. Heartbreak is an essential growth experience for every man."
Upon hearing this, Jin Shiwu immediately asked curiously: "Brother-in-law, have you also had such an experience?"
"Of course." Cao Pingao nodded and said with a smile, "Your Brother-in-law here also went through a failed marriage before.
After the divorce, I learned from my pain and focused entirely on my career, and only then did I achieve these small accomplishments today."
Jin Shiwen patted his cousin's shoulder and said: "See, Shiwu, we should learn from Brother-in-law: career first, women second.
You won't achieve great things if you're always so focused on romance."
Jin Shiwu pouted, a little unconvinced, but found nothing to refute.
"Hahahaha, you two should date female students at school and boldly enjoy your college life. After graduation, Brother-in-law will arrange jobs for you."
Jin Shiwen and Jin Shiwu looked happy: "Thank you, Brother-in-law."
After chatting for a while longer, Cao Pingao learned that Jin Shiwen had already started dating a Girlfriend from the same department:
"Very good, Shiwen. Next time we have dinner together, bring your Girlfriend so your sister and I can meet her."
Jin Shiwen nodded with a smile: "Okay, Brother-in-law!"
Cao Pingao then turned to Jin Shiwu and smiled: "Shiwu, you need to work harder."
Jin Shiwu scratched the back of his head, somewhat embarrassed, and said: "Actually, I already have a female student I like, it's just that she's not easy to pursue—"
"She's not easy to pursue?" Jin Shiwen shook his head helplessly. "Shiwu, the male students at our school who are pursuing Qiao Yueran could line up from the School of Law building to the school gate. I'm telling you, can't you find a more realistic target to pursue?"
"What do you know? How will I know if it's possible if I don't try?" Jin Shiwu turned to Cao Pingao. "Don't you agree, Brother-in-law?"
Cao Pingao's sword-like eyebrows furrowed slightly upon hearing this:
"Shiwu, listen to your Brother-in-law's advice: Miss Qiao's waters run too deep, you can't handle it."
---That evening.
At the Qiao family's grand villa, in the dining room on the first floor.
Qiao Weigong, the chairman of Jinqiao Group, was having dinner with his two daughters around a rectangular dining table.
"Yunran, how did your blind date with Boss Cao go today?" Qiao Weigong asked while picking up some food.
His older sister, Qiao Yunran, instinctively glanced at her younger sister first, then replied as calmly as possible:
"It went very smoothly. Boss Cao is very gentlemanly and quite humorous."
Qiao Weigong smiled and nodded: "That's good.
For the rest of this month, you should proactively ask him out a few more times and meet with him more often.
Next month, I will personally invite him to our home to formally discuss your marriage."
With a 'clatter', the chopsticks in Qiao Yunran's hand fell to the ground.