Why is the system taking my request to photograph a cosplayer seriously?

Chapter 258 People coming to offer New Year's greetings

Fireworks exploded in the night sky, sending sparks flying everywhere.

The wind was stronger in the abandoned ruins of the suburbs than in the city, blowing the hair of several girls wildly.

Without Zhao Yanxi, no one was rushing to the front with a lot of fanfare, and the atmosphere of setting off fireworks felt less exciting; it was more like going through the motions.

After the last box of fireworks was set off, Ding Heng clapped his hands, stacked the empty boxes, and moved them aside.

"Let's go back."

The four of them got back into the car, said goodbye to their grandparents, and arrived home close to 2 a.m.

Wenjing hurriedly went to take a shower, Huaqing sat on the sofa to rest, and Linman went to the kitchen to pour a few glasses of warm water and brought them out.

Ding Heng opened his phone, and Zhao Yanxi bombarded him with a barrage of emojis starting from midnight, the last one being a voice message.

"Brother Ding Heng!!! Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Am I the first one to wish you a Happy New Year? I must be, right? I definitely am! Am I a good boy? Praise me, praise me, praise me!"

Zhao Yanxi's lively personality always makes people happy. Ding Heng's lips curled up as he pressed the voice button.

"Sweetie. Go to sleep early, we'll chat again tomorrow."

The message was sent out and received a reply almost instantly.

"No way~ just five more minutes! I missed you so much today. All my relatives kept asking me all sorts of questions, it was so annoying. My uncle even asked me why you didn't come. Didn't you say you'd pick me up on the second day of the Lunar New Year? Brother Ding Heng, you wouldn't lie to me, would you?"

Another long string of voice messages came out in a flurry.

Before Ding Heng could reply, the bathroom door opened.

Wenjing dried her hair and came to Ding Heng's side.

"Yan hope?"

"Um."

Ding Heng turned his phone screen towards her.

Wenjing leaned over to take a look, and next to Zhao Yanxi's profile picture, the number of unread messages was still rising rapidly.

She laughed out loud: "Can't she just stay quiet for a moment?"

"If she kept quiet, she wouldn't be herself."

Ding Heng put away his phone and pressed the voice call button: "You came early on the second day of the Lunar New Year, so you should keep your word. Go to sleep now, we have to get up early tomorrow to visit relatives and friends."

This time, Zhao Yanxi didn't reply immediately. She was probably satisfied and sent a [Little cat sleeping peacefully.jpg] emoji before falling silent completely.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, before dawn, the sound of firecrackers could be heard sporadically outside the window.

Ding Heng opened his eyes and saw Hua Qing's back of the head. Lin Man was nestled on his other side, fast asleep. Wen Jing was curled up on top of him.

He carefully freed himself from the three men's entanglement and got out of bed to wash up.

After changing my clothes, I went downstairs and turned on my phone. The screen was filled with New Year's greetings.

Half an hour later, Hua Qing was the first to come downstairs, wearing a light red modified Hanfu, which looked more festive than usual.

"Happy New Year."

Ding Heng complimented, "Senior looks beautiful today."

"Smooth-talking —"

Hua Qing picked up the water glass on the table and took a sip, her ears turning slightly red.

Lin Man came down second, wearing a wine-red velvet dress, her long hair flowing freely, exuding a languid and alluring charm.

She walked behind Ding Heng, bent down, and gently kissed him on the cheek.

Happy New Year, boss!

"Happy New Year."

Wenjing was the last one, wearing a simple bright red sweatshirt, with two braids hanging down in front of her chest, looking well-behaved and cute.

"Happy New Year."

Ding Heng pinched the little rabbit's cheek.

The group then went to their maternal grandparents' house for lunch, and left at 1 p.m.

Back home, the girls collapsed on the sofa, none of them wanting to move.

"boring----"

Lin Man was the first to speak: "The house feels so much quieter without Yan hope around."

Wenjing chimed in, "Indeed, the house is always lively when she's around."

Without Zhao Yanxi, the group did seem less energetic.

Lin Man suddenly sat up: "Let's play mahjong?"

Wenjing blinked: "I can't."

"It's okay, I'll teach you."

Lin Man had already started making arrangements: "It's very simple, draw cards, play cards, and if you can form a combination, you win."

"But----"

"No buts, we're just killing time anyway."

Hua Qing didn't object, and the group moved to the entertainment room and turned on the automatic mahjong machine.

Just as Lin Man was about to begin teaching, a message popped up on her phone.

During the Lunar New Year holiday, her work phone was switched off, and not many people could contact her.

"Boss, Secretary Huang."

Lin Man turned her phone screen towards Ding Heng: "I wanted to wish you a Happy New Year, and I was wondering if you were home."

Ding Heng leaned back in his chair: "Is she in Xingcheng?"

"Hmm—I took a flight very early this morning and came all the way here."

"Then let her come."

Lin Man nodded, then turned on her work phone, preparing to take a quick look.

As soon as I turned on the computer, the notifications started ringing non-stop.

Lin Man smiled wryly: "Boss, quite a few people still want to come and wish you a Happy New Year."

Ding Heng asked calmly, "Is there anything particularly important?"

Lin Man scrolled through the message list and shook her head: "Nothing much, most of them are people who received our investment, probably trying to get noticed."

A brief reply is fine.

"Okay."

Lin Man responded and her fingers flew across the screen.

The mahjong game was put on hold for the time being, and Wenjing quickly went to prepare melon seeds, peanuts, and candies to entertain the guests.

An hour later, Secretary Huang arrived, placed the gift box neatly on the entryway cabinet, changed her shoes, and came in.

"Mr. Ding, Happy New Year."

She stopped in front of Ding Heng, bowed slightly, and spoke in a more respectful tone than usual.

"Happy New Year."

Ding Heng raised his hand: "Sit down, don't stand."

Secretary Huang sat down properly, and Wenjing poured her a cup of hot tea.

"Mr. Ding."

"Um.

"About last time—"

She spoke sincerely: "I thought about it for a long time after I got back, and the more I thought about it, the more guilty I felt—no matter what the reason, a mistake is a mistake. I came here today, firstly to wish you a Happy New Year, and secondly to voluntarily ask for punishment."

Ding Heng didn't speak, waiting for her to continue.

"I will voluntarily deduct my salary and bonus next year. Consider it a lesson for myself and an explanation to the company."

From Secretary Huang's perspective, the more she thought about it, the more frightened she became.

How exactly did Ding Heng manage to track down those funds of hers?

She believed that her actions were flawless, layered and nested, and had passed through several intermediaries.

But Ding Heng was able to find it!

Not only did they find out the details, but they also knew the specific amount, the time, and the counterparty.

The boss didn't take it seriously and just let it go, which made her feel uneasy.

Ding Heng picked up his teacup and took a sip: "Manager Huang, you've known Aunt Qu Zhen for so many years, you should know her temper. The fact that she's willing to speak up for you means she thinks there's still hope for you."

Secretary Huang did not respond.

"I don't like to bring up the past. You've taken the initiative to admit your mistake, and I've seen your attitude. You don't have to work for me for free for a year; at least keep your basic salary."

Ding Heng put down his teacup: "Consider the deducted profit sharing and bonuses as bonuses for your subordinates. Consider it a lesson you learned!"

Secretary Huang stammered, "Mr. Ding, I—"

"Alright."

Ding Heng waved his hand, "It's the New Year, let's not talk about that. You've flown all this way, how about we have dinner together tonight?"

"I dare not disturb you—"

Secretary Huang stood up and bowed: "Thank you, Mr. Ding, for your magnanimity."

After seeing Secretary Huang off, the doorbell rang again; this time it was Wen Shu.

When she entered, Wenjing was about to go out to buy some seasonings. The two sisters met in the entryway and were both stunned for a moment.

"Xiao Shu, you're here?"

Wenjing asked in surprise, "Why didn't you say hello?"

"Come and wish your brother-in-law a Happy New Year."

Wen Shu spoke casually, changing into her slippers and walking inside: "What's wrong, sis? Aren't you welcome?"

"no----"

Wenjing temporarily gave up on going out and followed her younger sister: "You came by yourself? Do Mom and Dad know?"

"I know, Mom even asked me to bring some things."

Wen Shu placed the local specialties she was carrying on the coffee table and turned to Ding Heng, who was sitting on the sofa: "Happy New Year, brother-in-law."

"Happy New Year."

Ding Hengchong nodded and smiled at her.

Wen Shu sat down on the sofa, her gaze inevitably sweeping across the living room.

Hua Qing and Lin Man were resting on the sofa, dressed casually and relaxed, behaving as if they were at home.

The relationship between the man and the three women is self-evident!

Wenjing's expression stiffened slightly, and she subconsciously looked at Ding Heng, hoping he could explain.

Ding Heng seemed completely oblivious to Wen Jing's embarrassment, continuing to chat with Wen Shu.

"sister."

"Um!?"

Hearing the shouts, Wenjing snapped out of her daze.

"That—you—"

"sister!"

Wen Shu called out again, interrupting, "It's the New Year, don't think too much. I just came to wish you and your brother-in-law a Happy New Year, I'll be leaving in a little while."

The two sisters looked at each other, and Wenjing finally realized that her younger sister probably already knew all along.

She composed herself, calmed down, stepped forward, gently took Wen Shu's hand, and began to chat casually about everyday things.

Ding Heng then handed over a thick red envelope.

"Xiao Shu, if you get into a good university this year, your brother-in-law will give you a big surprise!"

"Thank you, brother-in-law!"

Wen Shu accepted the red envelope with a smile, without the slightest hesitation.

After Wen Shu left, Lin Man received another message.

"Boss, Duan Biao wants to come over and wish you a Happy New Year, what do you think—"

"Duan Biao? Your mother's henchman?"

"right!"

"Let him come."

Ding Heng chuckled and said, "That's perfect, I'd like to see him too."

Half an hour later, the doorbell rang again.

Ding Heng went to open the door himself.

A man in his fifties, not tall, rather thin, with dark skin, didn't look like someone who could fight and kill.

"Mr. Ding."

Duan Biao stopped at the door and bowed slightly: "Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year."

Ding Heng stepped aside to let him in, "Uncle Duan, come in and have a seat."

Duan Biao was taken aback by the title "Uncle Duan" and quickly waved his hand, "No, no, you can just call me Lao Duan."

Ding Heng smiled and didn't insist.

Duan Biao changed his shoes and walked in, his posture respectful.

Lin Man poured tea for him, saying, "Uncle Duan, please sit down."

"Why."

Duan Biao sat down on the sofa, took the teacup and held it with both hands, behaving as politely as a migrant worker who had just arrived in the city.

But before they could even settle in, after a few casual words, they hurriedly said goodbye.

Ding Heng saw him to the door, completely bewildered.

The door closed, and Ding Heng walked back to the living room and sat down next to Lin Man.

He asked curiously, "Why did Duan Biao make this special trip?"

Lin Man analyzed, "My mom probably heard something inside and sent him to check on you."

"Your mom? So I behaved well just now?"

"Um----"

Lin Man didn't answer, but instead asked, "Boss, do you think my mom would be furious if she knew her daughter was someone's mistress?"

Ding Heng was both amused and exasperated, and pinched her cheek: "Don't talk about these things during the New Year."

Lin Man snuggled into the man's arms, her posture alluring: "Who cares about her? I'm sticking with the boss!"

"Slutty fox."

"Hmm~"

Lin Man cooperated and wrapped herself around him, just as she was about to do something, Ding Heng's phone rang again.

The first day of the Lunar New Year is anything but peaceful!

Caller ID: Xie Baoyang.

"Feed?"

"Old Ding! Are you home?"

Xie Baoyang's loud voice boomed from the receiver.

"Yes, what's up?"

"I've got a few wild soft-shelled turtles, I'll bring you two. Which neighborhood do you live in? I'll use navigation to get there."

Ding Heng gave the address.

"Okay, wait for me, I'll be there in a bit."

The phone hangs up.

Forty minutes later, the doorbell rang for the fourth time.

Ding Heng went to open the door.

Xie Baoyang arrived on a shared bicycle, his hair was messy from the wind, and he was carrying two red plastic bags, which were bulging and moving inside.

"Holy crap, Lao Ding, this house of yours!?"

Xie Baoyang looked up at the entrance, then glanced into the room, and asked in an exaggerated tone, "How much will it cost?"

"Come in and we'll talk."

Ding Heng stepped aside to let him in.

Xie Baoyang changed his shoes, and Wenjing stepped forward to take the turtle.

Happy New Year, sister-in-law!

"Happy New Year----"

Wenjing responded politely and turned to go to the kitchen.

Xie Baoyang glanced again and saw Hua Qing and Lin Man.

Three girls, three styles, each beautiful in their own way.

Xie Baoyang sat down, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and unconsciously glanced around the living room again.

After that, the three girls went about their own business, leaving only him and Ding Heng in the living room.

Xie Baoyang asked quietly, "Old Ding."

"Um?

"You—and them—"

"You guessed right."

Ding Heng took the initiative to admit it and did not evade the issue.

Without a woman around, Xie Baoyang inevitably reverted to his true nature and started swearing again.

"Holy crap, you're really something now—!"

"Stop fucking it."

Ding Heng stood up: "Let's go for a drive."

The two changed their shoes and went downstairs. Ding Heng drove the black Mercedes out of the garage, and Xie Baoyang got into the passenger seat and touched the seat.

"This car—is it yours?"

"Um.

"Holy crap!"

"Could you use a different word?"

Xie Baoyang chuckled twice and fastened his seatbelt.

The car drove out of the residential area and merged into the main road.

Ding Heng gripped the steering wheel with one hand, his eyes fixed ahead.

"Old Xie."

"Um?"

"With your dad's skills, have you ever thought about opening a branch?"

Xie Baoyang froze, his expression extremely unnatural.

I'm serious.

Ding Heng said sincerely, "Your restaurant has been serving delicious food in Changsha for over twenty years and has always had a good reputation. With social media so prevalent now, it's not impossible to find a team to package it and turn it into a chain brand."

Xie Baoyang remained silent.

"If your dad is too busy, he can hire someone. He has the formula, but the core technology is still yours. When the branch opens, you can manage it, and your dad can handle the technical aspects. Isn't that great?"

Xie Baoyang stared at the empty road ahead, his expression somewhat dazed.

"Old Ding."

"Um.

"Why—why do you suddenly want to help me?"

"You're thinking of your brother even though you have a turtle, isn't it only right that I help you?"

Xie Baoyang choked.

After a while, he spoke again, his attitude suddenly becoming serious.

"Actually—my dad asked me to come today."

Ding Heng did not respond.

"He said you've made it big now, and he wants me to see you more often. Don't just stay home playing video games all the time, come out and broaden your horizons."

"and then?"

"Then I couldn't refuse, so I had no choice but to come to you."

Xie Baoyang shrugged: "He also asked me to bring the soft-shelled turtle, saying that wild ones are very nutritious."

What Ding Heng just said was exactly what his father had been thinking about recently; it was like someone immediately offering a pillow when you're about to fall asleep.

Logically, Xie Baoyang should have gone along with Ding Heng's offer at this point.

But—he felt uneasy!

"Old Ding."

"Um?

"That thing you mentioned—the matter of opening a branch."

"What's wrong?"

Xie Baoyang remained silent for a few seconds.

"My dad probably won't be able to handle it all."

He lowered his voice: "You know him, he's spent his whole life running that little shop. He doesn't have the ability to open a branch. He should just stick to making barbecue until he retires."

The green light came on, and Ding Heng stepped on the gas.

"Then forget it. Come find me again when you've figured things out."

The car stopped in front of Xie Baoyang's barbecue restaurant.

Xie Baoyang unbuckled his seatbelt: "Old Ding, why don't you stay for dinner tonight?"

"No, there are people at home."

"Okay."

Xie Baoyang got out of the car and turned back: "My house will be open on the second day of the Lunar New Year. You can come over if you're free, and I can arrange a seat for you anytime?"

"OK!"

"It's a deal then!"

Xie Baoyang grinned and waved at him.

Ding Heng watched Xie Baoyang's figure disappear and let out a long sigh.

The steady stream of people coming to pay their respects made Ding Heng realize that he had already achieved a certain social standing.

If he wanted, he could get Lin Man to loosen her lip even slightly, and the gifts would immediately fill the room's warehouse.

Those who came today are all relatively close to him, and each of them basically has their own agenda.

Some seek peace of mind, others seek wealth—and similar situations will only intensify in the future!

The phone rang again, and Ding Heng showed some impatience, but when he picked it up and looked at it, his expression softened.

"Feed?"

"Brother! Happy New Year!"

Bai Ma's clear and resonant voice eased Ding Heng's mood slightly.

He said sarcastically, "Oh, the first day of the Lunar New Year is almost over, and you only just remembered to call your brother to wish him a Happy New Year."

Baima chuckled and said, "Then let me ask you, am I the first sister to wish you a Happy New Year?"

"You're third."

"Huh? Who's here before me?"

"Wen Shu and Hua Yue."

Baima said "cut".

"They're not your biological sisters, so they don't count. I should be your first biological sister, right?"

"Who do you think you are, my dear sister?"

"Brother, you've hurt my feelings by saying that! It's the New Year, can't you at least try to comfort me?"

Baima pouted, then changed the subject: "Brother, were you unhappy just now?"

Ding Heng was taken aback: "How did you know?"

"Your voice sounds off, so listless. What's wrong? Tell me so your little sister can cheer you up?"

"Are you asking for trouble?"