Courtyard houses: Those who are capable are rewarded, and many children bring many blessings.

Only after Lou Xiao'e reminded him did Niu Chengye recognize his elusive father.

She timidly called out "Dad," and then fell silent.

Niu Hejia had been hiding behind Lou Xiao'e the whole time. Niu Dazhuang spoke to her gently for a long time before little Hejia timidly called out "Dad".

"E'zi, Jiajia may be a little girl, but she's too timid. You need to take her out to meet more people."

"Little girl, what's wrong with being a little timid? We're not timid, we're just quiet. We don't know you well yet. Once you do, you'll understand. She's the only one who's causing trouble at home!" He then instructed the Filipino maid behind him, "Take them to the backyard garden to play for a while. Keep a close eye on them; don't let them play in the dirt!"

"Don't listen to her, son. Let your sister play as much as she wants. If she gets dirty, she can just take a shower when she gets back."

The two little ones both turned their gazes toward their mother.

"Go have fun!"

This was an implicit agreement; the two siblings skipped and hopped off to the back garden.

After watching them leave, Lou Xiao'e turned and sat on Niu Dazhuang's lap without him even having to lift a finger.

Lou Xiao'e is also a normal woman.

The aircraft carrier has started using manual navigation...

"How's the situation up north? Can we go back now? Hmm..."

"Things are a bit better than before, but it's not time for you to go back yet. Just wait, another four or five years should be enough. Now that the kids are older, shouldn't you be learning something new?"

"By the time you reminded me, it's too late. I've already graduated, and now I'm managing all the businesses here."

"How's Sister Mei doing?"

"You'll have to ask her when she gets back for the specifics. I estimate it's doubled in size compared to four years ago. The newspapers are all calling her the real estate queen of Hong Kong Island! But from what I've heard her say, she seems to have taken out a lot of loans. All that work has been for the banks."

They've made some pretty big strides these past few years, not only developing commercial and residential land, but also acquiring several plots of industrial land, and even collaborating with a few companies to build a port..."

The villa was bustling with activity.

The Furama Hotel in Central, Hong Kong, has its rooftop revolving restaurant, and almost all the businessmen on the top floor of Hong Kong Island have arrived.

Just after Paula Tsui finished singing one of her signature songs, Roman Tam took over the microphone...

This was a small gathering, attended by some of Hong Kong's top tycoons at the time.

Lin Yongmei and Brigitte Lin, aunt and niece, were both wearing evening gowns with long trains. The only difference was the color.

Each person held a wine glass, politely nodding and clinking glasses with others. The social circle on Hong Kong Island is quite small, and the top tier is even smaller. Besides the four top families, there are only about ten other first-class families.

Lin Yongmei is the biggest dark horse in the past ten years. In just over ten years, she has climbed ahead of the four major families in terms of wealth.

The only area where I'm lacking is in networking.

After toasting with the family representatives of the guests, Lin Yongmei led Lin Qingxia to a seat by a large glass window.

Lin Yongmei glanced at Zhao Yazhi, who was backstage in the center of the stage. She pouted and said, "Xiaoxia, you see? So what if she's a popular star? She's just here to warm up the crowd. What star is she if she's nothing in front of capital?"

"Auntie, that's all in the past. I was a bit carried away by the talent scout's praise back then."

"The British are open-minded. You'd better make the most of your studies there. If you leave in September, you should be able to see Dazhuang!"

"Auntie, stop trying to brainwash me. Can't things just develop naturally between us?"

"No good. You haven't seen each other for years. How can things develop? I've told you everything. You want to take my place, or start your own department in the company? Do you think that's possible without his approval? If you want to marry into a wealthy family, you've forgotten all your other ambitions. You may not want it, but plenty of other women do." Zhao Yazhi, who was walking onto the stage, said this.

"This woman is just as good-looking as you, believe it or not, as long as Dazhuang can reach her finger, she'll climb into bed with him that very night."

Love... is the most beautiful lie in this world. No matter how much two people love each other, after being together for a long time, the love fades away.

Brigitte Lin, with her head held high, hummed softly in response.

Seeing her behavior, Lin Yongmei became worried. "Tell your sister-in-law the truth, have you found someone outside?"

Brigitte Lin quickly shook her head: "No, it's just that you're pressuring me like this, and I'm feeling a little uncomfortable!"

"If you run into Dazhuang today, you two should consummate your marriage to avoid any unforeseen complications. I still believe in the power of time to develop feelings."

These words made Brigitte Lin's delicate face flush red: "Auntie, you're so rude!"

"What do you mean I'm rude? That's just human nature. That's how I was conquered by him back then. So many years have passed, so I have nothing to hide from you anymore. Haven't you always been curious about why I disappeared for a few years when you were little?"

"I'll tell you today, I've been sent to the mainland to infiltrate..." Since she had already said it, Lin Yongmei didn't hide anything at all.

She recounted everything about how she had been tamed by Niu Dazhuang like a slave.

"Oh! That's so cruel!"

"Without the cruelty of that time, I wouldn't have the privileged life I have now. I'm truly grateful to Dazhuang; he rescued me from that cannibalistic department. You might not understand what I mean by saying that, so let me give you a specific example."

During our initial training, to ensure that we undercover agents, especially the women, had no sense of shame, and that we would stop at nothing to achieve our goals, including using our bodies to exchange for intelligence or for assassinations...

Their instructors... took turns giving us in-depth exchanges of experience... and because they were worried we'd get pregnant, they even gave us medication, which is why I still can't conceive...

Lin Qingxia broke out in a cold sweat after hearing this, and grasped Lin Yongmei's hand to comfort her.

Lin Yongmei gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes with a silk scarf.

"I'm fine, it's all in the past. There's another reason why I'm telling you all this."

"Oh, Auntie, go ahead, I'm listening."

"Men are all the same, except for Niu Dazhuang. I was brainwashed back then; how could I be so easily conquered, and still follow him so devotedly?"

"Could it be...?"

"Yes, just like you think. Ever since being bombarded by cannons... it's indescribable. You'll understand later!"

"Could it be even more than the big boss..." Brigitte Lin said, then quickly covered her mouth with her hand.

"Did you secretly watch the videotapes at home?"

"I didn't mean to. I was just at home that day with nothing to do, so I thought I'd watch a movie..."

"It's nothing. I've heard Elena talk about Tsarist Russia. There used to be a wicked monk named Putin who slept with all the noblewomen and young ladies of Tsarist Russia, including the Empress and princesses..."