After five years of a cold marriage, I can no longer hide the child I secretly gave birth to.

"Baby, do you like pig's trotters and shrimp?"

In the evening, Xu Daikui stir-fried crayfish stewed with pig's trotters, corn and pork ribs, and bamboo shoot slices, and also cooked rice. The two of them ate happily.

She peeled several shrimp for Xu Meng.

Xu Meng nodded and chewed in small bites.

Xu Daikui then looked at her and said, "Mengmeng, starting tomorrow, Mommy won't go to work anymore. I'll just pick you up and drop you off every day."

Xu Meng blinked her small eyes.

Xu Daikui then explained with a smile, "My mother lost her job and plans to start her own business in the future."

Xu Meng wiped her hands and wrote a sentence in her notebook.

"Mom, I can support you by drawing, and you can draw too! We can be little artists together, and you won't have to work so hard traveling around."

When Xu Daikui was a child, she loved to draw when she was alone.

At that time, painting helped her relieve her depressed mood.

But now she doesn't want to paint anymore.

I don't want to isolate myself anymore.

She wouldn't give up on herself; she still has her daughter, and she wouldn't easily abandon her life.

"Drawing can only be a hobby, don't worry, Mom already has a direction to work towards."

Seeing her mother's genuine smile, Xu Meng stopped thinking about it and nodded.

Anyway, as long as Mom is happy, I will support whatever she wants to do.

Just then, Xu Daikui's phone rang; it was Wang Guang calling.

I think we were discussing the specific details of opening a pet hospital, because she immediately went to the balcony to pick me up.

...

Zhou's Group.

It was nearly nine o'clock, and the entire office building was empty except for Zhou Yanci, who was sitting at his desk.

The room was dimly lit, and the light from the computer screen illuminated his handsome features.

The light flickers, making it difficult to discern whether it's sunny or cloudy.

At this moment, Mu En walked into the office with a stack of photos and respectfully placed them on Zhou Yanci's desk.

Zhou Yanci looked up and glanced at the photos, which were all of Xu Daikui.

There are photos of her sitting in the passenger seat of Wang Guang's car, photos of her having dinner with Shen Jun, and recent photos of her frequently visiting real estate agencies.

"The wife is still buying that villa. Should we continue to stop her?"

Mu En said cautiously.

Zhou Yanci stared at the photos, his gaze fixed on them. After a moment, he threw them all into the drawer.

"want."

Since they haven't divorced, it's considered joint property, and he has the right to decide where it goes.

"Did you go and take a look?"

Thinking of something, Zhou Yanci suddenly asked again.

"Yes, everything is proceeding as you wish."

Mu En nodded.

...

The following afternoon.

Wang Guang said he had already found a location for the pet hospital, and Xu Daikui went with him to the building to observe it for a while.

Located in the city center, it boasts convenient transportation and an excellent location.

After that, he met with several investors, one of whom was in the pet food industry.

He can be considered a leading figure in the pet world.

It just so happens that Wang Guang is an acquaintance of theirs. If they can persuade him to invest, their hospital's reputation in Beijing will surely soar, and it will also attract more investment.

When the two arrived at a high-end business club private room, Xu Daikui was surprised to find Zhou Yanci sitting among a group of investors.

"Mr. Wang, you brought such a beautiful young lady to discuss cooperation? Is she your new secretary?"

President Shi's gaze swept over Xu Daikui's fair and clear face with ill intent.

Wang Guang gracefully shielded Xu Daikui to his side, smiling politely, "President Shi is too kind. She is a partner in my pet hospital and will also be the future vice president of our Kangnuo Hospital."

Upon hearing this, President Shi found it even more interesting. "Oh, so young and already a vice dean? You must be a great drinker, right? Come on, have a drink with us."

As he spoke, he began pouring wine in a blatant manner.

Wang Guang explained, "She's a doctor, and she's usually very busy with work, so she doesn't drink alcohol."

Shi Pengtao, a successful businessman, had seen countless ordinary women. But when he saw Xu Daikui's pure and bright eyes, he couldn't help but be moved and wanted to get to know her.

He frowned. "How can a vice president not know how to drink? Little sister, what's your surname? Come sit here with me and tell us about your future plans for the pet hospital. If you do a good job, we'll definitely invest in you today."

Xu Daikui paused.

The saying that drinking venues represent the business world is quite accurate.

To get investment from these sleazy men, you have to flatter them while they're drinking.

Whether or not they vote seems to depend on whether they're happy or not.

Seeing her freeze, Wang Guang lowered his head and whispered in her ear, "You just need to tell him about our plan. I'll drink the wine. Don't be afraid."

Xu Daikui knew very well that socializing was essential for starting a business. Whether in the early or later stages, drinking and chatting with clients was unavoidable.

Especially when she caught a glimpse of Zhou Yanci sitting in the main seat under the lamplight, his legs crossed and his face so indifferent as if he didn't recognize her, she felt even more confident.

Now there's nothing she can't risk.

Fortunately, she dressed up for business today.

She wore a caramel-colored suede short suit jacket on top and a dark leather mini skirt on the bottom, with five-centimeter stilettos on her feet, and strolled gracefully to Mr. Shi's side.

As soon as Mr. Shi saw her approaching, he immediately moved to the side.

Zhou Yanci was right next to him.

Xu Daikui did not rush to sit down, but politely extended her hand.

"Mr. Shi, hello, I am Xu Daikui."

Mr. Shi immediately smiled and reached out to grasp her soft, white hand.

Xu Daikui gave a symbolic handshake and was about to pull it back when she noticed the man's rough fingers were secretly stroking her palm.

Goosebumps instantly rose all over her body. She tried her best to suppress her panic and forcibly pulled her hand away.

Fortunately, Mr. Shi realized that she was resisting strongly, so he didn't go too far and let go after a few seconds.

Then, he jokingly added, "The man to your right is Mr. Zhou from the digital economy industry. He's a well-known and powerful figure in the business world. Although he doesn't work in the animal industry, there are exceptions, who knows? Miss Xu, perhaps you could get to know him and get some business for your hospital."

Among this group of business people, Zhou Yanci held the highest position.

When they encounter a beautiful woman who catches their eye, they naturally prioritize Zhou Yanci; only if he doesn't want her can they have a chance.

But President Shi was confident that Zhou Yanci would never be interested in Xu Daikui.

After all, he is usually not interested in women and would not easily lower his head and open his wallet for a woman.

Xu Daikui turned her head to face Zhou Yanci, her gaze fixed on President Shi's face. "No need, President Shi. Dean Wang and I came here today mainly for you. We won't bother you any longer, Mr. Zhou."

After saying that, she sat down next to President Shi and poured a glass of wine for both of them.

"To show my sincerity, before I discuss the plan, I'd like to offer you a toast."

"Great, Miss Xu is such a straightforward person, I like her!"

As Mr. Shi spoke with a smile, he patted her exposed fair legs a few times with his large hand, the implication being quite clear.