Financial freedom starts with cracked apps.

Zhonghai Lingdi Jiuxu.

Inside detached villa number 007.

Su Youji sat upright on the sofa, her hands clenched tightly on her thighs, her gaze timidly glancing up from time to time.

At that moment, a man who looked to be in his early fifties was sitting on the sofa opposite her.

His face was serious, his expression tense, and he crossed his legs, carefully flipping through the documents in his hands, occasionally furrowing his sharp eyebrows.

He is Su Youji's father—Su Zhenqing.

Sitting next to Su Yuki was her mother, Tsurudo Asami.

Compared to Su Zhenqing's cold and stern demeanor, Tsurudo Asami's expression was more gentle, and she looked to be in her early thirties.

She has a petite and delicate figure, with the charm of a classical beauty, and is in the most beautiful and charming age of a woman.

Snapped--!
After an unknown amount of time, Su Zhenqing threw the documents in his hand on the table, rested his chin on his hand, and fell into a brief state of deep thought.

Seeing this, Tsurudo Asami gently put her arm around Su Yuki's shoulder and then asked softly.

"Honey, is there a problem with this document?"

"It's a huge problem."

Su Zhenqing frowned, his words filled with doubt.

"Whether it's the distribution of benefits or the division of responsibilities, it's too biased towards Yuki."

what?
Asami Tsurudo was taken aback. Although she didn't understand much about the business world, she could deduce a conclusion from Su Zhenqing's words—

Isn't it a good thing to favor Yuki?
"Then why do you still look a little worried?"

Asami Tsurudo looked puzzled, but Su Zhenqing explained softly.

"Mami, you don't understand. There's an old Chinese saying: 'There's no such thing as a free lunch.' The cheaper something is, the more expensive it will be!"

“In business negotiations, no one will offer you benefits for free. The contract that this kid named Lin Shen offered to Yuki seems to have no problems at first glance, but that is the biggest problem!”

Su Zhenqing emphasized in a cold voice.

"Do you think a stranger would offer Yuki such great help for no reason?"

"Why not?"

Asami Tsurudo patted Yuuki Su's hand and smiled.

"Maybe it's because our Yuki is so charming."

"Mami, don't be so naive."

Su Zhenqing crossed his arms and said coldly.

"This is also my biggest worry. This guy named Lin Shen might be trying to use this opportunity to get close to Su Youji!"

"No no no."

Upon hearing this, Su Youji, who had been silent all along, immediately waved her hand.

“Father, you’ve misunderstood. Lin Shen has a girlfriend. I’ll show you the short film he made for her, and you’ll understand.”

After saying that, Su Youji took out her phone, found Jiang Wan's Douyin (TikTok) homepage, and found her most popular emotional short film.

The number of likes has exceeded three million, and the number of comments has even exceeded two hundred thousand, which means that the fan base is extremely loyal.

Is it that popular?
Although he doesn't know much about Douyin's operations, as Su Youji's part-time manager, Su Zhenqing is very clear that videos with high likes definitely have the advantage of going viral.

So he got up and sat down next to Asami Tsurudo to watch intently.

The video depicts the poignant love story of the male and female protagonists, from their first meeting to falling in love, and ultimately being separated by death.

The short film uses well-timed camera transitions, filters, and background music selection, along with a soothing yet tightly-knit narrative structure, to create a tender yet touching story.

Su Zhenqing's expression changed from initial confusion to gradual immersion in the video, and finally to uncontrollable sadness and sorrow.

Tsurudo Asami, who was being held tightly by him, burst into tears, wiping away her tears with tissues handed to her by Su Yuki, her voice choked with sobs.

"What a touching story! It reminds me of the movie Love Letter. The two have similar narrative styles, both depicting a subtle sadness amidst the ordinariness of life. It's really well-made!"

"Yes."

Even the usually very strict Su Zhenqing couldn't escape the flaws in this short film.

If I had to point out a problem, it might be that it has a strong artsy vibe, which sometimes makes some people feel uncomfortable.

However, none of this is a problem. As long as the values ​​conveyed are good, even artsy types can gain a large number of fans.

Su Zhenqing can now understand why this short film became so popular: it was based on genuine emotions and deeply resonated with the longing of contemporary young people for true love.

In this online society where gender antagonism is so severe, the emergence of a short film that promotes arduous love is simply a game-changer!
In addition, Lin Shen's filming techniques and narrative style are indeed top-notch, which made it a natural outcome for this short film to become a hit.

"This little guy's got something..."

If Su Zhenqing initially harbored a hint of hostility towards Lin Shen, like a father-in-law eyeing his son-in-law, he is now filled with curiosity about this young man.

"Yuki, I heard Lin Shen is only in his twenties?"

"Yes."

Seeing Su Yuki nod, Tsurudo Asami showed a surprised expression.

"Starting your own media company in your early twenties? That's impressive!"

"Tch, what's so great about that?"

Su Zhenqing crossed his arms and curled his lip in disdain.

The competitive spirit between men is often more terrifying than the jealousy between women.

"I could believe it if he started his own media company in his thirties, but starting his own company in his twenties? How is that possible! He probably relied on his family's resources to get it started."

"Back then, I didn't rely on anyone. I started this Japanese BBQ restaurant, Charcoal Grill, when I was in my thirties, and now I've even expanded Charcoal Grill into a nationwide chain!"

"Stop bragging."

Upon hearing Su Zhenqing boasting about his rise to wealth again, Tsurudo Asami couldn't help but glare at him.

"If I hadn't given you our family's secret spice blend, would you have been able to stand up to this?"

"So this is all thanks to you, Mami."

Upon hearing Tsurudo Asami bring up the old story again, Su Zhenqing, who had been indifferent just moments before, now gently embraced his wife in a conciliatory manner.

"I'm belittling this kid so much because I'm afraid that if you give him too much of a nice look when he comes later, he'll think he can take Su Youji away."

"Take it or leave it."

Asami Tsurudo patted Yuuki Su's head and smiled.

“Yuki, you’re not young anymore, you’re twenty. It’s time to find a boyfriend. If Lin Shen is really as successful and capable as we see him, it’s not a bad idea for you to go with him.”

"No, no, no! Absolutely not!"

As a doting father to his daughter, Su Zhenqing had no intention of giving his innocent and adorable Yuki to a man her own age.

What's more, this man already has a girlfriend!

"I disagree! I strongly oppose it!"

"why?"

"Yuki is too young."

"Twenty years old is still young?"

Tsurudo Mami raised an eyebrow and pursed her lips in displeasure.

"When you got me pregnant with Yuki, why didn't you say I was too young? I remember I was only in my early thirteens back then..."

"Shh!"

Su Zhenqing quickly covered Tsurudo Mami's mouth, stole a glance at Su Youji's curious eyes, and then quietly begged for mercy.

"Honey, can you give me some face and let's skip this for now?"

"Hmph." Tsurudo Asami snorted softly, then said with concern.

"Of course, I also need to see what this little guy named Lin Shen looks like. If he's too ugly, it won't do."

“Our Yuki is so cute, we have to find her a satisfactory one. Besides, I heard that Lin Shen has a girlfriend? Then it’s even more impossible to hand Yuki over to him.”

"But what do you think, honey, about whether or not Yuki should sign with his media company?"

"Um……"

Su Zhenqing fell into deep thought again.

To be honest, the contract template Lin Shen sent seemed to have no problems. In fact, it showed the utmost sincerity and offered very generous concessions, leaving Su Zhenqing, the father, with nothing to criticize.

Moreover, Lin Shen also has certain filming skills. Since he was able to create a viral video, there will be a second and a third one.

But Su Zhenqing was worried about the development of his company.

In today's fast-paced society, with new generations constantly pushing out the old, a company could face bankruptcy if it makes even the slightest decision-making risk.

Not to mention media companies where luck plays a significant role.

Sometimes you can't even take a viral shot when you want to, while other times you can just casually take a shot and it becomes a viral hit.

In the era of internet traffic, no one can predict who will receive the traffic.

Therefore, Su Zhenqing pondered repeatedly, struggling with whether or not to let Su Youji cooperate with Lin Shen.

Whether Lin Shen's media company succeeds or fails is none of his business, and he doesn't care about it.

But the key thing is, if he goes bankrupt later, it can't affect my daughter!
After pondering for a moment, Su Zhenqing suddenly turned the topic to Su Youji.

As parents, they can offer advice, but the final decision rests with the child.

"Yuki, what are you thinking?"

"Hmm... I think Lin Shen is a good person."

Su Youji hesitated for a moment, her hands clasped together in front of her.

“He is excellent in every way and has a very sincere personality. It just so happens that I am currently stuck in a bottleneck in my filming and need someone to help me break through.”

"Let's take a look."

Su Zhenqing glanced at the clock on the south wall and realized it was already 3:30 in the afternoon.

This was also the meeting time he had arranged with Lin Shen.

Has he not arrived yet?

Su Zhenqing frowned slightly. He has a strong sense of time and hates people who are late the most.

However, at that moment, Su Youji's cell phone rang.

~ああいつものように~

~日ぎる日々にあくびが出る~

"Moshi Moshi!?"

After Su Youji answered the phone, her expression instantly became excited and thrilled.

"You're at the door? I'm coming right now!"

After hanging up the phone, Su Youji immediately ran out of the villa.

"Father, Mother, Lin Jun has arrived!"

Lin Jun?

Upon hearing Su Youji's address to Lin Shen, Su Zhenqing felt a surge of crisis.

He knew very well that this was a term of endearment used only for close friends and family, and Yuki had never used it for any other boy.

Lin Shen was the first.

I want to see what charm this kid has that made Yuki, who has always disliked being tied down, willingly sign a contract with him!

Su Zhenqing was led into the courtyard by Tsurudo Mami, who was holding his arm.

At this moment, on the long street in front of the courtyard, a black and white two-tone Maybach S680 with an extremely luxurious and prestigious appearance slowly pulled up in front of the villa.

Immediately, the driver's side door opened, and first a long leg in dress pants emerged, followed by a young man in a suit getting out of the car.

When Su Zhenqing saw the tall, well-proportioned, and extremely handsome boy in front of him, his heart skipped a beat.

Asami Tsurudo covered her mouth with one hand, looking utterly astonished.

What a handsome young man!

"Uncle, aunt, hello."

After getting out of the car, Lin Shen did not rush into the villa. Instead, he opened the trunk, took out cigarettes and alcohol, and then slowly walked up to Su Zhenqing and Tsurudo Asami with a smile.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Lin Shen. I brought a small gift with me. I wonder if you will like it?"

A small gift?

Su Zhenqing glanced at what Lin Shen was carrying, and his pupils immediately contracted.

Actually, Moutai is nothing special; he can afford to drink it even if it costs several hundred yuan a bottle.

But this black and gold packaging of Moutai looks quite unusual!

It must cost several thousand dollars, right?
What surprised Su Zhenqing the most was that Lin Shen had brought cigars.

Even the Behike cigars that he had always wanted to buy, but Asami Tsurudo had always prevented him from buying!

It's even a limited edition gift box!
As a heavy smoker, this was Su Zhenqing's favorite thing. So, his expression, which had been serious and earnest, turned into a cheerful one as he accepted the gift from Lin Shen, a smile he had never shown before.

"Oh my, you just came like that? Why did you bring a gift? Please come in! Please come in quickly!"

"it is good."

Lin Shen smiled slightly. Seeing Su Zhenqing's attitude, he knew that this gift had truly touched his heart.

Maybe this deal will go through!

After following Su Youji and her family into the villa, Tsurudo Asami went to pour tea, while Su Zhenqing's gaze remained fixed on the Behike cigar box, unable to look away for a long time.

Seeing this, Lin Shen smiled and picked it up to introduce it to him.

"Uncle, do you know a lot about this cigar?"

"Of course, it's a limited edition from Behike, and one costs over a thousand!"

Su Zhenqing has a deep understanding of this area. He speaks fluently about the Behike brand, even more professionally than the female sales assistant selling Lin Shen cigars, and speaks with great enthusiasm.

Seeing her usually stern father transformed into this state, Su Youji felt a surge of secret joy.

As expected, Lin Jun is very worldly-wise; she even knew that her father liked cigars!
"This box is a gift from me to you when we first meet."

so much?
Upon seeing the forty cigars in the box, Su Zhenqing kept wiping his hands on his clothes, unsure whether to accept them or not.

He couldn't resist the temptation; it was such a good opportunity, and he was itching to take it.

After all, he was under Asami Tsurudo's supervision and couldn't buy these things at all.

Lin Shen's gift this time gave him a perfect excuse to accept it, which was fantastic!

But if he accepts it, it means he has to agree to Lin Shen's purpose for visiting, which is to get Su Youji to sign a contract with him.

This is practically selling my daughter!
Seeing Su Zhenqing's conflicted expression, Lin Shen's lips curled up slightly, and then he bewitched him like a devil.

"Uncle, please accept it."

"it is good!"

After much deliberation, Su Zhenqing couldn't resist the temptation of the cigar.

I'm sorry, Yuuki. Don't blame Dad. If you have to blame someone, blame Lin Shen for giving you too much! (End of Chapter)