Chapter 45 He said hoarsely, “Then you make the move.”

Chapter 45 He said hoarsely, "Then you make the move."

After stepping out of the car, Cui Yuan hurried into the Hong Kong Office building.

Cui Yuan knocked on the director's office door, entered, and quickly shut it behind him.

Director Gao, busy all morning, finally picked up his teacup and asked, "What’s going on? You seem in a rush."

Cui Yuan whispered, "I bumped into Captain Zhuang from the Confidentiality Section on the street today."

Given their ties to the Confidentiality Section, even if they hadn’t actually met on the street, they’d have to claim they did.

"Which street?"

"Just two blocks behind us, less than 500 meters straight from here. You even got a haircut on that street last time."

Director Gao tried to remember, "What’s the building’s name?"

"Zhen'an Apartments. I saw Captain Zhuang head up to the third floor, and I think the fourth floor is theirs as well."

"It’s useful to know where the Confidentiality Section is located."

"Don’t interfere, and don’t let them realize we’re aware."

Cui Yuan pulled out a chair and sat down, "Director, aren’t you curious who their boss is?"

"Of course I’m curious. It’s one thing if we stumble on it by chance, but if we dig too deep and they find out, they’ll report it upstairs. Then I’d be inviting trouble, wouldn’t I?"

Cui Yuan nodded, "That makes sense. But I live right across from Zhen'an Apartments, so I can’t avoid it..."

Director Gao looked at him, "You moved?"

Cui Yuan explained in a low voice, "I was settled in my old place, but the landlord sold the building and kicked me out. So I found a small place nearby, close to the office. I moved last weekend, or I wouldn’t have spotted Captain Zhuang going into Zhen'an Apartments."

Director Gao realized Cui Yuan’s new place gave him a clear view of the Confidentiality Section’s base. Since he couldn’t stop him, he said, "If you see them, fine, but don’t actively spy on them."

"Understood."

Director Gao added, "The Confidentiality Section is part of the Military Command. We should steer clear of their business. You think you can watch them without being noticed? Remember, your team couldn’t even tail Zhao Zhiao’s wife. Do you really think you can take on the Military Command? Don’t end up getting shot."

Cui Yuan wasn’t foolish; he knew the stakes, "When I’m home, I’ll keep the curtains shut. I won’t peek, okay?"

"I suggest you find another place to live."

Cui Yuan hesitated, "I just paid six months’ rent and a deposit. I’m flat broke now. How about... Director..."

"Hey! Stop right there. The office is out of funds."

As soon as Cui Yuan’s tail started to wag, Director Gao knew what he was thinking.

Director Gao said, "Anyway, your life is your own. I’ve warned you not to deliberately keep tabs on them. If you don’t listen, I won’t be able to help you in the future. Also, don’t let anyone else know you’ve moved. Avoid unnecessary trouble."

Cui Yuan nodded repeatedly, "Got it, got it."

Seeing that Cui Yuan wasn’t leaving, Director Gao asked, "Is there anything else?"

"You asked me to investigate Zhao Zhiao’s three concubines, right?"

"Yes, how’s the investigation going?"

"The three concubines likely come from modest families and aren’t presentable, so no one knows their origins or what their parents and siblings do for a living. Before Zhao Zhiao married, he often brought out the most favored Fourth Concubine for social events, and sometimes the Second Concubine as well. The Third Concubine, however, is said to be in poor health and has never been seen in public."

Director Gao quickly zeroed in on the key point: "So, no outsiders have seen what the Third Concubine looks like?"

Cui Yuan: "Yes. The Third Concubine never makes an appearance."

Director Gao wondered if the Third Concubine might be the Dong Zhen Ji Shutong had mentioned.

After a moment’s thought, Director Gao decided it was best not to get involved: "We’ve got a lot on our plate right now. Just have Liu Pangzi keep tabs on it. Ideally, we’d get a photo of the Third Concubine. Don’t bother with other investigations for now."

Cui Yuan looked troubled: "Director, this is too tough of a task. We’d have to stake out the Zhao family garden around the clock, and we’d need a high-end camera to even have a shot at getting a photo of the Third Concubine..."

"Don’t you have an imported camera?"

"It’s been out of commission since last time and still hasn’t been fixed."

Director Gao fell silent, pondering.

Cui Yuan continued: "Besides, keeping watch on the Zhao family garden is too conspicuous. We’re understaffed, and it’s not worth having Liu Pangzi focus entirely on this. I’ll have him check on it when he can."

Director Gao thought for a moment: "Alright. It’s fine if we uncover the truth, but we can’t afford to upset Zhao Zhiao. Don’t do anything that’ll cause more problems than it’s worth."

Unless it’s a direct order from above, catching Communists isn’t a priority.

"Understood." Cui Yuan replied quickly.

After leaving the director’s office and returning to their team’s office, Cui Yuan had someone find Liu Pangzi and assigned him a pile of tasks.

Liu Pangzi, eyeing the heavy workload, wasn’t thrilled: "Didn’t the director just tell me to watch the Zhao family?"

Cui Yuan glared at him: "This is what the director and I agreed on. If you can handle it, do it. If not, get out."

Liu Pangzi retorted: "Since when do you get to boss me around?"

Cui Yuan lost his temper, grabbed a stack of papers, and threw them at Liu Pangzi’s head, but was stopped by others in the team.

His subordinate Wang Liu advised: "Captain Cui, don’t be angry. We’re all brothers."

Deng Kuan, standing nearby, nudged Liu Pangzi, signaling him to say less.

Cui Yuan then pulled out a chair and sat down.

Wang Liu gave Liu Pangzi a look, urging him to leave quickly.

Liu Pangzi left reluctantly.

After Liu Pangzi left, Wang Liu said: "Captain Cui, Liu Pangzi has repeatedly bypassed you to report to the director. I think he’s aiming for your position."

Cui Yuan spat: "I’ve noticed that long ago. Ambitious troublemaker."

"Captain Cui, calm down." Wang Liu quickly poured Cui Yuan a cup of tea. "There will be plenty of chances to deal with him."

Deng Kuan: "Bypassing the boss to report to the director, he’s just trying to climb up."

*

Lin Yufan, having little to do today, sat aside reviewing the development materials of Qunqing Press over the past few years, which Director Chen had asked her to organize and print out to be handed to the President.

It’s likely the President will pass these materials to the new owner.

The President of Qunqing Press, surnamed Liu, rarely comes to work and doesn’t manage much, enjoying a rather leisurely salary.

Wang Muxun turned around and handed her a manuscript: "I’ve finished all three chapters. If you have time, could you take a look?"

Lin Yufan softly replied, "I’ve got time now."

The novel, previously untitled, now had a name, "The Mantis."

The protagonist, Tang Lang, seemed to be a businessman but was actually an experienced Nationalist spy.

On the eve of Japan’s defeat in the war, he received a special mission named "The Mantis": to assassinate a high-ranking defector to the Japanese.

After careful planning, Tang Lang successfully assassinated the target. However, as he fled the scene and got into his car, thinking he had escaped, an explosion on the road killed him.

The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind—a metaphor for hidden danger.

Who was the hidden threat that killed the protagonist? The text hinted at it but did not explicitly state.

As they were heading out for lunch, Lin Yufan and Wang Muxun went to a roast meat shop together. She read the story while they walked.

By the time they sat down and ordered, she’d already finished reading.

Lin Yufan put down the manuscript and couldn’t help but praise, "It’s really well done."

Wang Muxun, sitting across from her, smiled happily, "I took your suggestions and made it easier to read."

"The writing is sharp and the style is polished, both easy to read and deep."

Hearing Lin Yufan’s comments, Wang Muxun couldn’t help but beam with pride, "Do you think people will like it?"

"I can’t guarantee everyone will like it, but with such a gripping story, curious readers will definitely enjoy it," Lin Yufan advised, "If you add a note at the start saying 'This story is based on true historical events,' it would be even more appealing."

Wang Muxun was surprised, "How did you know it’s based on real events?"

"You told me last time."

"I forgot I mentioned it, but I changed the background of the story."

Lin Yufan asked, "What did you change? Isn’t it a story set during the War of Resistance against Japan?"

Wang Muxun couldn’t very well say he was reborn, could he?

He smiled and waved his hand, "That’s a secret—I can’t say."

"Understood." Lin Yufan couldn’t help but be curious, "Who killed the main character?"

Their food arrived, and Lin Yufan handed two meal tickets to the staff. She’d ordered the Three Treasures Rice.

Wang Muxun countered, "Who do you think killed the main character?"

"Did the killer appear in the text?"

"Yes, they did."

Lin Yufan thought for a moment, then decided it would be more interesting to guess herself, "I’ll help you type it out later. I’ll read it carefully tonight and try to find out who the real killer is."

"Alright."

Zhao Zhiao got off the train, and Shen Te, who came to pick him up, asked if he was going to the company or home.

It was just past eleven-thirty, almost lunchtime. Zhao Zhiao thought for a moment. A few days ago, his wife had been giving him the cold shoulder, but she should have calmed down by now, so he asked, "Where’s the First Madam?"

Shen Te was slightly taken aback: "First Madam went to work like usual today."

"Then let’s head to Qunqing Press."

After getting off near Qunqing Press, Shen Te mentioned that First Madam was having lunch at the roast meat shop right now.

"Should we go get First Madam?"

There were Western restaurants, Cantonese cuisine, and Shanghai cuisine nearby.

Zhao Zhiao, who hadn’t eaten at a small roast meat shop in a while, thought for a moment and said, "I’ll go get her."

At the entrance of the roast meat shop, he didn’t let Shen Te follow him and walked in by himself.

The shop was filled with the rich aroma of roast meat, and the bustling crowd was lively. He scanned the room and spotted his wife eating while reading a manuscript.

Just as he was about to go over and say hi, he saw Lin Yufan pick up the manuscript and speak to the man across from her.

The man across from her took out a pen and made corrections on the manuscript.

Looking at the pen in the man’s hand...

Wasn’t that the pen his wife had bought earlier at the bookstore?

On closer look, the man holding the pen had slightly long hair and a pale, thin face—it was the frail scholar Lin Yufan had seen reading at the bookstall that day in the car.

He vividly remembered how her eyes had lit up when she saw him.

Zhao Zhiao stood still, feeling a spark of anger rising within him.

Wang Muxun finished correcting the typo Lin Yufan mentioned and happened to glance towards the entrance, then whispered, "Hey, check out the door."

Lin Yufan turned around and saw Yang Pinwen coming in with a man in his forties, who found a seat at another table.

Wang Muxun said, "That’s Yang Pinwen’s cousin, a small-time businessman with writerly aspirations. He’s always dreamed of publishing a book. Yang Pinwen wants to help him but can’t, and it’s been a thorn in his side."

Lin Yufan glanced over, not wanting to meddle in his business, and turned back to continue her meal.

Zhao Zhiao stormed back to the car, his face icy the whole way, so fast that Shen Te almost couldn’t keep up.

No one dared to utter a word in the car. It wasn’t until they got back to the office that Shen Te asked him what he wanted to eat.

Zhao Zhiao remained expressionless: "I’m not hungry."

Shen Te, having seen the scene earlier, cautiously probed, "That guy’s Wang Muxun. Should we let him go?"

Zhao Zhiao, already seething, shot him a glare that seemed to say, Who the hell asked you?

Shen Te immediately realized he had overstepped, "Sorry, boss."

Zhao Zhiao changed the subject, "How are the negotiations with Xiong Feng about building the plastic factory?"

"President Liao went to negotiate. Xiong Feng wants 15% equity, but President Liao didn’t agree and said he’d discuss it with you."

Zhao Zhiao was firm, "We can work with him, offer dividends, and a high salary, but not a single share of equity. That’s my principle."

In his domain, he didn’t like partners using small shares to stand on equal footing with him.

"Understood." Shen Te then took out a document, "Here’s the latest meeting minutes from President Liu at Qunqing Press."

Zhao Zhiao glanced at him, as if to say, "Do I really have nothing better to do than worry about Qunqing Press's meeting minutes? Buying a press would drain him of all his energy."

Shen Te reminded him softly, "The meeting notes contain information about the second young master."

Zhao Lixiang?

What could that kid possibly have to do with Qunqing Press?

Except for Lin Yufan, of course.

Zhao Zhiao took the meeting minutes and after carefully reading them, his anger was bubbling up. "Where is he?"

Shen Te replied, "Their department is out on fieldwork today and won't be back until evening."

Zhao Zhiao filed the meeting minutes away and remained silent.

*

When Lin Yufan got home from work, Zhao Zhiao was already there. The women of the household were gathered in the living room, snacking on chicken biscuits and wife cakes.

They invited her to join them, and the second concubine even handed her a chicken biscuit: "It's delicious. First Madam, please try it."

Lin Yufan accepted the biscuit graciously but later gave it to Gui Xiang upstairs.

Gui Xiang was aware of the tension between her mistress and the son-in-law. She whispered advice: "Mistress, if the son-in-law starts talking, just play along. Don't let yourself be hurt while others gain. If he still resists, perhaps you should be the one to give in..."

Lin Yufan washed her hands and didn't respond. She knew when to draw the line. A few days ago, during her period, she found herself unusually sensitive.

There was really no need for her to be angry. Once she cared, she lost.

But once angered, she couldn't bring herself to yield.

After resting in the bedroom for a while, Ms. Guan came to inquire.

"Madam's birthday is next month. Should we organize a banquet and invite guests?"

Lin Yufan: "Have you consulted Madam about this yet?"

"Not yet. I thought it best to seek your opinion first, First Madam."

Wang Junyao, being only in her forties, wasn't at the age to host a birthday banquet. Normally, a simple celebration at home would suffice.

But her wishes are unknown. We should consult Wang Junyao and Zhao Zhiao.

Lin Yufan nodded in acknowledgment: "I understand."

She headed to the dressing room to change and heard a car honking outside. Peering out the window, she noticed Zhao Lixiang coming back.

After a while, she looked up again and saw Zhao Lixiang and a young man crossing the garden, heading towards the house.

Looking closer, she recognized Ji Shutong.

Lin Yufan thought that the third concubine, who usually didn't receive outside guests, was downstairs eating chicken biscuits. She quickly picked up the phone and called the living room downstairs.

"This is First Madam, tell the third concubine to come up and see me."

The maid who answered the phone hurriedly replied: "First Madam, the third concubine just went upstairs."

It seems the third concubine hid in time, no need for her to worry.

Facing Ji Shutong's sudden visit, Wang Junyao greeted him with her usual warmth and concern.

The living room was crowded with people, and Ji Shutong recognized the Fourth Concubine, while the Second and Third Concubines were not downstairs.

Ji Shutong had come on the pretext of fetching something, so he didn’t stay long. After taking the news materials given by Zhao Lixiang, he left first.

Mrs. Wang didn’t press him to stay for dinner.

*

During dinner, with Lin Mingzhe, the talkative one, livening up the atmosphere, it was hard to tell that the master and mistress of the house were in a cold war.

Lin Yufan took the opportunity to bring up the topic, "Next month is Mom’s birthday, and Ms. Guan came to ask me how to arrange it. I’ve just started managing the household and don’t know the family’s customs…"

The subtext was, should we go big or keep it low-key?

Please give some guidance.

Mrs. Wang didn’t say anything. Naturally, she wanted to use this chance to throw a lively banquet, where she could meet some of the city’s socialites and affluent women, which would later help in selecting a suitable bride for Zhao Lixiang.

But she couldn’t voice this herself, so she kept quiet.

Zhao Lixiang spoke up first, "Mom’s never been one for mingling with outsiders. I think we should just celebrate at home."

All eyes turned to Mrs. Wang.

Mrs. Wang: "..."

Right then, she missed Qi Yunxin.

If Qi Yunxin were here, she would understand her intentions.

Zhao Zhiao silently ate his meal. He hadn’t eaten lunch and was so hungry that he quickly ate two lotus root fritters.

On this topic, he just listened without offering any opinion.

Lin Yuwu, sharp as ever, noticed that Mrs. Wang seemed to want a grand celebration, so he asked, "What does Mrs. Wang think?"

Having no other option, Mrs. Wang smiled and said, "We’ve been in Hong Kong for a few months now and haven’t met many people. Since my brother and sister-in-law have also settled here, how about we invite Mr. and Mrs. He, along with our relatives and old friends in Hong Kong, as well as Zhi Ao’s business partners, and simply have a meal at home?"

What a way to put it.

If relatives, old friends, and the elite were all invited, it wouldn’t be just a simple meal.

It would at least be a full-blown dinner party.

Lin Yufan knew Zhao Zhiao would be in a tough spot. If the family hosted a birthday banquet for Mrs. Wang, how could the three concubines of the eldest son not attend?

Just as she thought Zhao Zhiao would either refuse or act like he didn’t hear, he looked up at Lin Yufan and said, "Then let Ms. Guan prepare in advance. As for which guests to invite, we’ll decide by the end of the month."

Hearing this, Mrs. Wang’s face instantly brightened with a smile, and she added a few offhand remarks, "There’s no rush, we still have more than half a month."

Lin Yufan said to Mrs. Wang, "Mom, if there’s anyone you’d like to invite, just let me know ahead of time."

Mrs. Wang smiled, nodded, and, using the serving chopsticks, put a piece of sweet and sour pork ribs on Lin Yufan’s plate, "Yufan, here, your favorite sweet and sour pork ribs."

"Thank you, Mom."

After dinner, Zhao Zhiao got up and said to his brother, "Zhao Lixiang, come with me."

Once they entered the study, Zhao Lixiang asked, "What’s the matter?"

"I heard you’re planning to publish a book for a male friend?" Zhao Zhiao said, his tone laced with a hint of sarcasm.

Zhao Lixiang was taken aback, "How did you know?"

Zhao Zhiao suppressed his anger, "You still haven't answered my question."

"Yes. I want to help Ji Shutong publish a book. He has a novel he really wants to publish, but he hasn't succeeded in submitting it anywhere. He has helped me a lot at work, so if possible, I want to help him back. That's all there is to it."

"Do you have a lot of money?!"

"Self-publishing, if the print run isn't large, all the costs add up to just over a thousand Hong Kong dollars. I think I can afford it."

Zhao Zhiao sneered, "You think you can afford it? How much is your monthly salary? You haven't even made a thousand dollars since you started working. What makes you think you can help someone?"

Zhao Lixiang's daily expenses were covered by the family. Besides his salary, he could withdraw up to 1000 Hong Kong dollars from the accounts office each month for pocket money, and his mother also gave him a separate subsidy every month. So he was used to splurging and had no clue about money.

"In any case, I'm not asking you for money."

Zhao Zhiao glared at him coldly, "Doesn't it make you feel guilty to say that? You're not asking me for money, but your food, clothes, and everything you use are paid for by me. If you've got the guts, move out and never ask the family for a dime again. Then you can do whatever you want, and I won't interfere in your affairs."

Feeling a bit guilty, Zhao Lixiang softened his tone, "I've already spoken with the publisher. I'll just help Ji Shutong this once. The guy I'm helping isn't a stranger; it's Ji Shutong."

"How is Ji Shutong not an outsider? Is his surname Zhao, or is your surname Ji?"

Zhao Lixiang was silent.

Zhao Zhiao knew that just hinting wouldn't be effective with his brother, so he decided to be straightforward, "I'll be honest with you. Just like you, I don't like Commander Ji. Similarly, I don't like anyone from the Ji family. Now that Ji Shukuan is dead, we don't need to have any more dealings with the Ji family. You should curb your kindness. Ji Shutong has inherited a lot of the Ji family's estate, he has a decent job, and he's not going to die just because he can't publish a book right now! Do you understand?"

"Ji Shutong is not like his father."

Zhao Lixiang was as stubborn as a bull.

Zhao Zhiao was getting angry, "Why don't you get what I'm saying? Even if Ji Shutong isn't like his father, the resources and connections he has now come from his father. He is a member of the Ji family."

"Just because he's Commander Ji's son, you can't write him off, can you? And Ji Shutong can't even publish a book; what connections could he possibly have?"

"His connections aren't in publishing. Do you think he's short of a thousand dollars to self-publish a book? What he's after is recognition. If he pays to publish the book himself, that recognition is gone."

"I get that, so I didn't plan on letting him know I spent the money."

Zhao Zhiao knew arguing with his brother was pointless, so he decided to lay down the law, "Tomorrow, I'll call your President and have him transfer you to another department. Starting this month, the accounts office won't let you withdraw any money, and I'll also tell Mom to stop secretly subsidizing you."

Zhao Lixiang, kind-hearted but single-minded, said, "Brother, I didn't think you'd be such a snob. When Commander Ji was alive, you didn't like him, but you still played cards and drank with him. When Big Brother Ji was alive, you still maintained polite relations. Now that Big Brother Ji is dead, you're turning your back on them."

Zhao Zhiao's patience ran out, and he snapped, "Get out!"

"Fine! If the family doesn't give me pocket money, I still have my paycheck." Zhao Lixiang, though feeling guilty, was stubborn and left after saying that.

Zhao Zhiao didn't want to indulge him anymore. He picked up the phone and called Ms. Guan, "Starting tomorrow, the accounts office is not to give Zhao Lixiang a single penny, and we won't provide him with a car anymore. Let him walk to and from work."

After hanging up, Zhao Zhiao thought for a moment and then went to Wang Junyao's room to sit for a while. On this matter, it was rare for Wang Junyao to agree with him.

"That brat, he can't see clearly and doesn't know that we're all doing this for his own good. I'll go and deal with him."

Wang Junyao immediately went to Zhao Lixiang's room, using both soft and hard tactics, crying and making a scene to force her son to comply.

She forced Zhao Lixiang to finally compromise, "I can promise to stay away from Ji Shutong and his sister from now on, but I've already talked to the publisher about that book, and I've paid the deposit. I'll just help him publish this book, as a way to repay him for helping me in the office, okay?"

Wang Junyao twisted his ear, "You go ask your brother, and only if he agrees. Go apologize quickly."

"I didn't do anything wrong."

"If you refuse to apologize, the accounts office will stop your allowance, nor will I give you any more money. Also, your brother has taken back the car assigned to you. You'll have to walk to work tomorrow."

Zhao Lixiang gritted his teeth: "My brother is unbelievable!"

When he went to apologize, he found that his brother was no longer in the study but had gone to sleep.

He didn’t know which room his brother had gone to, so the apology had to wait.

*

Lin Yufan, after taking a shower, lay on the chaise lounge, ready to reread Wang Muxun's "The Mantis."

Hearing a noise at the door, she lifted the manuscript higher, completely covering half her face.

As the sofa dipped slightly, a gift box was handed to her.

"For you, a scarf."

Lin Yufan was unimpressed, "Is it just for me, or does everyone have one?"

Zhao Zhiao, recalling Lin Daiyu receiving palace flowers, couldn't help but place his hand on her knee: "I bought it just for you. It's yours alone."

Lin Yufan, hiding a smile, put the gift box aside and continued reading the manuscript.

At least she let him stay. Zhao Zhiao took the opportunity to ask her: "What happened to the fountain pen you bought recently? Why haven't I seen you use it?"

Lin Yufan was momentarily confused: "What fountain pen?"

Then she remembered, "That Parker pen? I gifted it to a colleague."

"What colleague?"

"A talented colleague who needed a pen."

Zhao Zhiao secretly thought to himself, no matter how talented, it can't be that much.

"Is your colleague married?"

Lin Yufan shot him a sideways glance: "Why are you asking that?"

"Can't I ask?"

Noting his shifting expression, Lin Yufan still said: "Not married."

Zhao Zhiao couldn't help but remind her: "You're a married woman, stay away from single men like that."

Lin Yufan put away the novel, her face flushed with anger: "Did you have someone follow me? So now I'm only allowed to talk to women? You can have multiple wives and concubines, sleeping on the second and third floors as you please, but I don't even have the right to talk to male colleagues? Even if we go back forty years, in the Qing dynasty, it wouldn't have been this extreme, right?"

So his wife was really jealous, Zhao Zhiao couldn't help but laugh, but before he could speak, she scolded him again: "What are you laughing at?"

"I'm not laughing." Zhao Zhiao gently rubbed her knee, "Then from now on, I'll only sleep in your room, only with you, and I won't pay attention to anyone else. Is that okay?"

Lin Yufan was slightly taken aback, suddenly feeling guilty about the two colleagues upstairs, and with his high demands, she alone couldn't handle it. She said contradictorily: "That's not what I meant. Don't act like you're so indispensable."

"Whatever you arrange, madam, you say, and I'll go east, not west."

"Deceptive words, one set after another, actually enjoying the blessings of multiple wives!"

Zhao Zhiao sighed: "I promised to take care of Geng Dongping and Chen Dandan, I can't break my promise."

Rarely did he take the initiative to explain, Lin Yufan sat up slightly and asked him: "Who did you promise?"

"Someone really important who's done a lot. I’ve told both of them that once things settle down, they can marry anyone they want, go wherever they want, and I’ll cover the costs." Seeing his wife soften a bit, he took the chance to wrap his arm around her and pull her into his embrace.

So, his ties with the Second and Fourth Concubines were just for show?

Lin Yufan pressed further: "Then why are you always heading up to the third floor?"

"I have a study and a bedroom on the third floor. If I never go up, people downstairs might get suspicious."

She held his hand, her mood lifting, and then remembered their earlier conversation. "I don’t care about your thing with the concubines, but you can’t stop me from talking to Wang Muxun."

"I’m not stopping you, I’m just saying you should keep some distance."

Lin Yufan: "I’m keeping my distance with him. I know my limits."

"Does he really mean that much to you?" Boss Zhao sounded both annoyed and a bit humble.

Lin Yufan spoke honestly: "I’m planning to start a publishing house. He’s the first person I want to hire."

"What?"

Lin Yufan repeated: "I want to start a publishing house. I’m giving you a heads-up. Don’t say I didn’t consult you later."

Zhao Zhiao rubbed her slightly cool arm: "Do I get a say?"

"If I can’t even object, how is this a discussion? This isn’t a consultation, it’s just informing me."

Lin Yufan insisted: "You don’t even tell me when you do stuff. At least I’m informing you. And starting a publishing house isn’t anything to be ashamed of. Why should you object?"

Zhao Zhiao patiently said: "You’re already out early and back late for work, working so hard every day. If you start a publishing house, wouldn’t that be even tougher? From what I’ve heard, publishing is a 24/7 job. Why go through all that?"

Lin Yufan: "I don’t think so. If I’m my own boss, I’ll have more freedom. I can decide when to work or not. I’ve never even seen our publishing house boss around."

Boss Zhao felt a knot in his throat.

After some thought, he softly advised: "That’s because Qunqing Press, though small, is an established publishing house. If you want to start your own, it’ll be from scratch. You’re giving up a cushy life as a rich lady for nothing. This is just looking for trouble."

Lin Yufan didn’t want to seek hardship either. She was willing to endure some difficulties now so she could live a life of ease later.

"Starting from scratch will make it more stable. My biggest wish is to run a successful publishing house. I believe I can do it. Do you want me to stay at home, competing for your attention and revolving around you all day?"

Zhao Zhiao tightened his embrace around his wife. His intention was to prevent her from working too hard, so he tentatively suggested: "I’ll buy you a publishing house."

Lin Yufan refused outright: "No. I want to start my own."

The two went back and forth, pulling and tugging at each other, until finally Zhao Zhiao had to soften his stance: "When the time comes, just let me know what resources you need."

Seeing that he was being reasonable, Lin Yufan raised her head and kissed him as a reward.

Of course, he couldn’t resist taking the opportunity to pin her down and kiss her until she was almost breathless, his hand naturally slipping inside.

She stopped him: "Don’t touch me, my period isn’t over yet."

Looking at his wife’s flushed cheeks and her lips glistening from his kiss, his entire body was tense.

"Then you touch me." He said hoarsely, taking her hand and placing it on his lower abdomen.

Something instantly grew, pressing into her palm.

While others serve their husbands with their looks, he served his wife with his. With such a beautiful body, she could certainly enjoy it to the fullest.