Since we are both reborn, of course I would choose the rich woman!

Chapter 348 I'm good at building graves for people

Tong Fuli came over, originally intending only to tell Jian Xiaojie and Lü Yao that she had found a business partner, but proposing marriage... was not something she hadn't considered.

But I didn't expect it to be so soon.

Jian Xiaojie, in the lake, steered the fishing boat back to shore. Looking at the somewhat bewildered Tong Fuli, she said in a lecturing tone, "Hey, you've been on the island for so many days now, have you brought any of the handsome guys back to your room? There are so many things to do here, what have you tried?"

"You haven't done anything. Something that could have been decided the next day has been dragged on until today. What are you hesitating about?"

Tong Fuli was rendered speechless by the reprimand. She opened her mouth and said, "I..."

But she kept the words to herself, unable to speak them. She didn't know if it was because Jian Xiaojie's gaze was too aggressive, or if she was also struggling with her own thoughts.

Jian Xiaojie ignored everything and continued to vent, seemingly wanting to take out her frustration at losing to Lü Yao on Tong Fuli: "You are a very ambitious woman, I can see that, but ambition requires the corresponding capacity to support it. Since you have already chosen the future you want, then don't hesitate, and don't fight amongst yourselves."

"The stumbles and setbacks of the world will only drain your strength, kill your time, and ultimately harm you."

As she spoke, Jian Xiaojie raised her hand and placed it on Tong Fuli's shoulder: "Have fun when you're having fun, but don't let personal feelings get in the way when you're doing things, and don't let yourselves cause internal conflict."

Under Jian Xiaojie's barrage of words, Tong Fuli gradually lowered her head and murmured softly, "I...I understand."

Seeing that Tong Fuli was so sensible, Jian Xiaojie smiled again and said, "Don't suppress your emotions too much after listening to me. When your emotions conflict with your interests, you might as well listen carefully to what you really think. Of course, there's no need for me to dwell on your relationship with Zhou Xiangyang."

"Because you have no feelings for each other, it's ultimately your sense of morality and expectations that are causing this."

Under Jian Xiaojie's words, Tong Fuli felt ashamed and wanted to disappear.

All her struggles and pain over the past week were precisely and viciously summarized by Jian Xiaojie, making all her struggles seem naive and pale, like a joke.

But Jian Xiaojie clearly wasn't saying this to mock Tong Fuli: "I'm telling you this because you're smart enough. With these clues, you should be able to see into your own heart more quickly and know what you really want. I wouldn't say this to just anyone."

Tong Fuli is indeed very smart; sometimes, smart people are easier to fool than stupid people.

If you want to fool a smart person, all you need to do is come up with a "theory" that is superior to their thinking and can crush their worldview. This theory doesn't even need to be correct. In fact, smart people don't believe in any absolute positive or negative arguments. They only believe in the diversity and differences in the world.

Therefore, this theory only needs to be self-consistent.

As for fools...

It's actually quite easy to fool a fool, but the same tricks used to fool smart people will definitely not work on a fool. This is because a fool has a set of self-logic that is independent of the outside world. When the code running by this logic conflicts with the outside world, the fool's strong core code will ruthlessly and mindlessly destroy the code outside the world to maintain its own "purity".

So to fool a fool, you have to go along with the fool.

Jian Xiaojie knew from the beginning that Tong Fuli was a smart person, so she persuaded her in the same way that a smart person would do. The smart Tong Fuli naturally listened and was willing to follow Jian Xiaojie's arrangements.

Seeing that Tong Fuli had been persuaded, Jian Xiaojie waved her hand and said, "Go back and discuss the matter of going back with everyone."

As for Lü Yao winning the fishing game, no one cared anymore after Jian Xiaojie's actions.

Jian Xiaojie walked ahead with a proud air, while Tong Fuli walked side by side with Zhou Xiangyang, her head down, seemingly lost in thought. Lü Yao and Lin Yongzhen brought up the rear.

Lin Yongzhen stood with her hands behind her back, wearing a white short dress and straw sandals. She looked fresh and clean. The bright early autumn sunlight shone on her, reflecting a fluffy white light. The light effect made Lu Yao next to her feel that it was all a little unreal.

A strange tremor surged into his heart, causing Lu Yao to momentarily lose his senses, followed by an overwhelming sense of familiarity.

"It feels like I've experienced a similar scene somewhere before..."

Suddenly, this thought popped into Lü Yao's mind.

He didn't know if it was some memories left over from studying in the future that were causing the problem, or the so-called "déjà vu" that arose after returning from studying in the future.
Lü Yao couldn't tell the difference.

During that brief moment of hesitation, Lin Yongzhen suddenly leaned close to Lü Yao, tilted her upper body, and waved at him: "Hey, are you alright?"

Lu Yao snapped out of his daze, but before he could speak, he suddenly heard Jian Xiaojie, who was walking ahead with a haughty air, turn around and shout, "You two behind, hurry up!"

A gentle breeze was blowing.

The lake water rippled.

The sounds coming from beside him made Lü Yao feel incredibly comfortable and nostalgic, to the point that he began to doubt the scene before him.

Lü Yao took a step forward and then took Lin Yongzhen's hand.

Lin Yongzhen was taken aback by Lü Yao's sudden ambiguous action, but she didn't say anything. She just followed Lü Yao with a smile on her lips. She liked this moment too.

Holding Lin Yongzhen's hand, Lü Yao asked, "You won again fishing with Jian Xiaojie today. Did you help me?"

Lin Yongzhen laughed and said, "How could I be so amazing? You guys are having a fishing competition. How can I control that? I can't just dive down and catch the fish for you and put it on the hook, can I?"

Lü Yao smiled.

Yes.

Of all competitive events, fishing is the fairest. No matter how expensive your fishing rod, how high-end your fishing line, or how amazing your bait, when you're going to go home empty-handed, everyone's the same. But when you're going to catch something, you can catch something even if you're using a bamboo pole.

The strange thing is that many anglers can actually catch everything except fish.

Lü Yao smiled, then suddenly asked, "Do you think it's possible that we're living in a giant illusion?"

Lin Yongzhen laughed and asked, "What do you mean?"

Lü Yao laughed and said, "I've heard that before a person dies, a revolving lantern of their entire life flashes before their eyes, and they can even start all over again, weaving their complete life story. Or... people go mad and can't distinguish between reality and illusion. I once read a novel where the protagonist thought he could travel between two worlds, one the real world and the other the world of mystical cultivation."

"The protagonist thought he could travel between the two worlds to help his family in the real world alleviate some of the pressure of treating his mental illness, and then he would bring back the gold from the Xuanxiu world and secretly give it to his mother."

Lin Yongzhen listened intently.

She is indeed knowledgeable, but what Lü Yao is saying now goes beyond what mere knowledge can encompass; this is utterly absurd...

Lu Yao continued, "The protagonist's mother was overjoyed to receive the gold, saying that her son was truly filial. The protagonist was also happy to see his mother so happy, because he was finally no longer a burden to his family."

Hearing this, Lin Yongzhen thought it was a fantasy novel story, so she nodded and said, "Isn't that great? It's quite perfect."

Lu Yao laughed and said, "Later, after the protagonist fell asleep, the mother got up to look outside the ward. Then she took out the gold from her pocket and saw that it was all bloody fingernails with flesh still attached. The protagonist had pulled out his own fingernails and given them to his mother as gold."

Lin Yongzhen suddenly felt a chill run down her spine; this was too crazy.

She hugged herself, trying to smooth the goosebumps off her body: "Where did you read these novels? This doesn't look like it was written by a normal person."

Lü Yao laughed and said, "That's true. The author of this book did indeed stay in a mental hospital for a long time."

Lin Yongzhen didn't know what to say: "You should read less of these kinds of novels in the future, they're so creepy. I'm ignoring you."

After saying that, Lin Yongzhen quickened her pace and caught up with Jian Xiaojie and the others, leaving Lü Yao behind.

Looking at the group of people walking together ahead, Lü Yao cast aside all his distracting thoughts and chased after them, saying, "Wait for me!"

Why do we have to wait for you? Hurry up!

……

Nighttime on the artificial beach.

After Jian Xiaojie returned and discussed it with everyone, they decided to leave the island and go back the next day.

Rong Nianqing and the others didn't care at all. To them, this was a place with meticulous and thoughtful service, where they would hardly have any worries about life. The staff on the island could solve almost all the trivial things you could think of.

However, such meticulous service can become quite tedious after a while.

But Ruan Xueqiang and his group were different; they soon discovered that this place was simply paradise!

In particular, there are "staff activity areas" and "staff dormitory areas" on the island, and during the daily shift change, they would sneak into these places to experience the "after-get off work" time of the staff.

These "activities" outside the regular areas are absolutely addictive.

Even now, Ruan Xueqiang and Huang Tianbo still believe that they "discovered" all of this themselves, and that it was the result of their "reckless behavior".

That's why they lingered here, reluctant to leave.

So when they had dinner together that evening, Ruan Xueqiang and the others pleaded, "Sister Jian, we want to stay here for a few more days."

"Yeah, yeah, let's go back later."

Jian Xiaojie firmly refused: "No, you're already here because I used my privileges to bring you here. It's definitely not okay for me to leave you here."

Huang Tianbo and his team were extremely disappointed.

Seeing their disappointed looks, Jian Xiaojie was trying her best to suppress a laugh.

As one of the island's managers, Jian Xiaojie has considerable authority. All the "after-get off work" and "employee areas" are just part of the island's entertainment. Jian Xiaojie is aware of Huang Tianbo and Ruan Xueqiang's antics, and her mischievous nature even led her to share these absurdities with Lü Yao.

Lü Yao didn't actually care about these absurd things, while Jian Xiaojie really enjoyed observing the drama of human nature.

Seeing Huang Tianbo and Ruan Xueqiang's dejected expressions, Lü Yao and Jian Xiaojie found it rather amusing. At this moment, Lü Yao even felt a bit of empathy for Jian Xiaojie's joy. On the manor's artificial beach, everyone drank and chatted, spending their last moments on the island.

When it was time to go back to rest, Lu Yao had just finished taking a shower and was about to lie down when he suddenly heard the sound of a lock being opened at the door.

When Lü Yao walked out of the bedroom, he saw Jian Xiaojie come into his room dressed in a dress inspired by ancient Greek style and closing the door behind her.

Upon seeing Lü Yao emerge, Jian Xiaojie laughed and said, "I've lost to you twice in a row recently, and I lost so badly. I'm not convinced."

Looking at the universal room key in Jian Xiaojie's hand, Lü Yao said speechlessly, "As the manager here, aren't you being a bit too unscrupulous?"

Jian Xiaojie grinned mischievously: "So what?"

“I told you on my first day here, the core rule of this island is ‘do whatever you want,’ and I’m going to win tonight.”

As she spoke, Jian Xiaojie strode toward Lü Yao.

Ancient Greek clothing is very distinctive, one of its characteristics being its shabbyness. So shabby is that the little fabric available is completely insufficient to cover Jian Xiaojie's body. As Jian Xiaojie steps toward Lü Yao, her long, white, python-like legs begin to wreak havoc, relentlessly closing in on Lü Yao, as if to strangle him.

Lu Yao took a deep breath; he knew that tonight was definitely not going to end well.

……

The next day, morning.

Lu Yao and his group packed their bags and left the island. Half an hour after they boarded the yacht and left the island, everyone on the yacht was listless, including Jian Xiaojie.

Lying on the second floor of the yacht, Zhu Junyan said in a depressed and dejected tone, "Damn, why do I feel so sad and down? This feeling is so unbearable."

Gan Xiaoxi also said dejectedly, "It's the island's problem. That island is similar to the casinos I've been to before."

Some large casinos deliberately increase the oxygen concentration inside, while making the environment, lighting, and even services exceptionally comfortable, and completely blurring the concept of time, thereby increasing the length of time gamblers stay in the casino.

Many newcomers to casinos are initially able to stay alert and even make some money through clever tricks.

However, the longer you stay in such a setting, the lower your judgment will become. In addition, the excitement of winning and losing at the gambling table is amplified, and people's gambling instincts are easily aroused.

of course.

Many people don't understand this. Before becoming a gambler, no one thinks they can't quit gambling. They even think gambling is nothing special and that it's absurd to put it alongside the other two beasts.

But in real life, many ordinary people can't even resist the Elo system of "Honor of Kings", let alone addictions like smoking or sugar.

People tend to overestimate their abilities before they get involved.

When Lü Yao heard Gan Xiaoxi say this, he thought of his trip to Haogang when he still had some money before studying abroad. On the first night there, he earned about 300,000 yuan. Later, he got numb and lost his sense of money. In the end, he lost 150,000 to 160,000 yuan.

Fortunately, Lü Yao was still alert. Sensing something was wrong, he woke up the next day, figured it out, and immediately slipped away without even stopping.

From then on, he dared not touch the word "gambling" again.

Of course, the influence of Sin Yai has always been present in Lü Yao and has never left him.

The island that Jian Xiaojie brought them to was similar in nature, except that the activities here were more explicit and more unforgettable than those in Haogang.

Therefore, people can never withstand the test.

Hearing Gan Xiaoxi say that, Ruan Xueqiang took a deep breath and looked at Jian Xiaojie expectantly: "Sister Jian, when will we have a chance to come again?"

Jian Xiaojie rummaged through the medical kit on the yacht, pulled out an oxygen tank, took a deep breath, and then laughed loudly, "Work hard with your General Manager Lü! When you all become truly successful people in the future, I'll turn this place into your annual vacation paradise, so you can come twice a year."

This motivational approach was very effective. Ruan Xueqiang and the others became extremely excited, shouting that they would go through fire and water for Lü Yao and Jian Xiaojie.

But you can just take these kinds of words with a grain of salt.

After returning to Shangnan, Lü Yao and his group rested for two days. Then, Lü Yao found Tong Fuli and Zhou Xiangyang, hosted a banquet, invited Zhou Xiangyang's parents, and told them the news that Zhou Xiangyang and Tong Fuli had decided to be together.

When Zhou Xiangyang's parents heard that he had found such an outstanding girlfriend—no, fiancée—they were overjoyed and extremely grateful to Lu Yao, the matchmaker.

Lu Yao also seized the opportunity to have Zhou Xiangyang's parents pick an auspicious day to propose marriage.

Zhou Xiangyang's parents naturally agreed without hesitation.

Although Zhou Xiangyang is the second son in his family, this is not ancient times anymore. Even in ancient times, it was not uncommon for families to favor the younger son. Therefore, Zhou Xiangyang's parents were very happy to see Zhou Xiangyang and Tong Fuli together.

I had a very enjoyable time at the banquet to meet my in-laws.

After the banquet ended, Zhou Xiangyang's parents asked Zhou Xiangyang and Tong Fuli to escort Lü Yao back home.

On the way back, Tong Fuli snapped out of her act at the dinner table and, after calming down for a while, asked, "Mr. Lü, when you come to my house to propose marriage, won't you go in person? Wouldn't it be better if you went in person?"

Lu Yao, who was dozing in the back seat, said softly upon hearing this, "No."

"The purpose of going to your house to propose marriage so early is nothing more than to support you and establish my authority in front of your stepmother who has no official status. But I'm not good at establishing authority."

Tong Fuli smiled involuntarily upon hearing this: "Then what is President Lü good at?"

Lü Yao laughed and said, "I'm better at building graves for people."

Tong Fuli: "..."

Zhou Xiangyang: "..."

Silence is the norm in the train carriage tonight.

After a while, Tong Fuli continued to ask, "So, this is the solution you came up with for me, President Lü? A marriage alliance, and then all the problems will be solved?"

Lu Yao took a deep breath in the back seat and laughed, "Of course not. Strengthening your power through marriage is only part of it. Next, we'll rely on this marriage to solidify your position in Lebao Water Industry."

"I've done my research. Your mother passed away early, and your father is very protective of his reputation and holds very traditional views. This is a very easy point to exploit. So before you go back this time, you need to try your best to adjust your mindset and be a good daughter who 'loves her father.' You must 'think' of your father."

"Even your father's illegitimate children, you should find a way to ensure their future. For example, set up an overseas foundation to ensure their well-being. Men will always invest some feelings in their children, even their own illegitimate children."

As Lü Yaoyue spoke from the back seat, Tong Fuli's brows furrowed more and more.

These things that actually happened to her, and the things that Lü Yao made her do, almost made her vomit.

Lu Yao could guess Tong Fuli's reaction, so he simply sat up from the back seat, leaned forward to the middle of the front passenger seat, and asked in a seductive voice like a sycophant: "Are you feeling very uncomfortable?"

"But you must remember this."

“None of this is your father’s fault, nor is it even the fault of that stepmother who has no official status. No one is at fault in this matter. It’s just that after your mother has been gone for so many years, your father does need someone to take care of him and talk to him about his feelings.”

Tong Fuli's face was twitching.

But Lü Yao continued his attack: "Of course I know your relationship with your father is strained, but this kind of strain is easy to exploit. As the eldest daughter of the first wife, you certainly have a different status in your father's eyes. Your father must also be eager to reconcile with you..."

At this point, as if suddenly remembering something, Lu Yao was overwhelmed with emotion.

After a moment of silence, Lü Yao took a deep breath to calm himself down and continued with a faint smile, "No matter how much resentment you have towards your father's illegitimate son and your father's wife who has no legal status, put it away. As long as you can obtain the inheritance rights, the rest of our operations will be much easier."

"So you have to act, act until you have complete control of the situation."

Tong Fuli fell silent.

After a while, Tong Fuli said, "I thought President Lü would have some brilliant ideas to solve my problem more effectively and efficiently."

Lu Yao laughed and said, "Want to feel exhilarated and carefree? Sure, but the price for these two emotions is very high. Miss Tong, what do you have to pay for these prices? Even if the price is as high as Lebao Water Industry, are you willing to pay it?"

Tong Fuli pursed her lips tightly.

Lu Yao closed his eyes again, feigning sleep, and said softly, "Personally, I think that the current approach is the best and most beneficial for you, and it will even maximize your personal growth."

Tong Fuli, with a stern face, said, "I understand."

Lü Yao: "That's good."

Soon, Zhou Xiangyang took Lü Yao to his current residence.

After seeing Lü Yao inside, Zhou Xiangyang turned to Tong Fuli and asked with a smile, "Where are you going? I'll take you back."

Tong Fuli maintained a straight face, but her tone was somewhat awkward and shy. She tilted her head slightly and asked, "Do you live alone?"

Zhou Xiangyang was taken aback, then shook his head and laughed, "I have several houses in Shangnan, and I live in them most of the time. However, I don't think there's any need to rush, otherwise you'll only dislike me more in the future."

Tong Fuli was a little surprised. After thinking for a moment, she said, "You think I'm not good-looking and you're not interested in me?"

Zhou Xiangyang shook his head and smiled gently, "You are very good-looking, so I hope you can be less resistant to me."

Tong Fuli: "..."

(End of this chapter)