This is almost a tacit invitation signal between adults.

In Xie Wanqing's mind, for a fleeting moment, scenes from works with taboo themes, such as "Yosuga no Sora," flashed through her mind, and her cheeks couldn't help but feel slightly hot.

But at the same time, a complex emotion welled up in her heart. Along with excitement and anticipation, there was a hint of barely perceptible difficulty and hesitation—Chen Ming's intentions were so straightforward, without any roundabout means, which meant that if she agreed to the appointment, it would be tantamount to accepting some kind of underlying "rule," a silent statement.

Once this step is taken, there may be no turning back.

She was indeed eager to seize the opportunity, but when the moment came, her inherent feminine reserve and a slight fear of the unknown made her hesitate for a moment.

Holding her phone, she paced around the room, gazing at the bright sunlight outside the window, her mind racing with a difficult decision.

To go or not to go? That is the question, a choice that could directly impact the trajectory of her future life.

While she was pondering, her high school best friend, who had married a Singaporean tycoon, sent her photos of her luxurious life in a villa in Myanmar and invited her to a birthday party. Her words were filled with an air of financial freedom.

Seeing her best friend, whose figure and looks were inferior to hers, living the life she had always dreamed of, Xie Wanqing felt a huge sense of disparity.

That sense of resentment and competitive spirit almost suffocated her.

In order to prove herself, Xie Wanqing immediately made up her mind!

Chapter 261: Multi-tasking

Xie Wanqing then replied:

[Pear Blossoms in the Rain, Evening Sunshine: Cousin~ What do you want to do with me? I recently lost my job and am busy looking for one~]

This message carries a hint of coy reluctance, highlighting the speaker's current "vulnerable and helpless" state of unemployment while also implying a sense of "I'm busy and need a legitimate reason."

This was Xie Wanqing's last struggle, a subtle maneuver to try and gain more initiative and leverage. She hoped Chen Ming could give a more "formal" or "enticing" reason for the invitation, rather than such a casual "just browsing."

However, the moment her slender fingers released the send button and the message bubble appeared at the top of the chat box, her phone screen was suddenly completely covered by a striking transfer notification!

That wasn't a small red envelope, nor a tentative tip; it was a huge sum of money that many urban white-collar workers might not be able to save up even after a year of hard work—a full 200,000 RMB! The cold number was followed by several zeros, yet it exuded a scorching, heart-stopping allure.

Xie Wanqing's eyes widened instantly, her pupils contracting slightly in extreme shock, and her breath caught in her throat for a moment. She even subconsciously rubbed her eyes, wondering if she was hallucinating from the anxiety and anticipation of the past few days.

But the clearly visible "JPY200,000.00" on the screen, along with the official transfer interface, unmistakably proclaimed this as an undeniable reality.

"???"

An exclamation mark exploded in her mind like fireworks.

What... what kind of operation is this? She hadn't even met the person, hadn't even met them, and hadn't even decided what to "shop" or where to go, yet a huge amount of "pocket money" had already been poured into her account like a rainstorm.

This simple, brutal, and direct approach to "solving problems" completely overturned all of Xie Wanqing's knowledge about interpersonal communication accumulated over the past two decades.

She felt that all her carefully laid plans and meticulously designed defenses melted away instantly in the face of this "bombshell" forged with money, like ice and snow under the sun, leaving her no room for resistance whatsoever. This wasn't like boiling a frog in lukewarm water; it was like being hit by a torrent of molten lava!

Immediately following, Chen Ming's message arrived as if timed perfectly, his tone as casual as if he were simply handing over a piece of candy:

[Unlimited Quantitative Easing: Honey, don't go to work anymore, it's hard work and you get bullied. Your big brother will support you... Here's your allowance for this month!]

"Support you"... "Pocket money"...

Every word felt like a heavy hammer blow to Xie Wanqing's heart.

Only one thought echoed wildly in her mind: "Amazing! Absolutely amazing! This distant cousin's power and wealth far exceed my wildest imagination! I was right, this golden road is even wider and smoother than I imagined!"

A dizzying sensation like being hit by a giant pie, along with a tremor of being "captured" by absolute power and... a secret excitement, filled Xie Wanqing's heart.

The fact that my cousin dared to transfer such a large sum of money to a distant cousin he hadn't seen for over ten years sends a very strong signal: he has absolute confidence and strength, doesn't care about this "small amount of money," and has enough confidence to ensure that no matter what she has in mind, she will ultimately be "unable to escape" his control.

Moreover, the monthly allowance of 200,000... this number seemed to have a magical power, instantly washing away all her trivial worries. Honestly, faced with such a comfortable life that required almost no real effort (at least for now), did she really still have the slightest thought of running away?

The answer is brutally clear, and heart-poundingly realistic.

After a brief, almost symbolic hesitation—a hesitation that felt more like a trivial farewell to her more than twenty years of dedication—Xie Wanqing's fingers began to dance across the screen again, this time much faster, with a do-or-die resolve and an undisguised urgency:

[Pear Blossoms in the Rain, Sunshine After Evening: Perfect timing! What a coincidence! My interview scheduled for this afternoon was just canceled! Cousin, where are you? I'll get ready and head out right away!]

She even proactively found a perfect and dignified "stepping stone" for herself, effortlessly transforming her previous "busyness" into "just happened to have free time".

Seeing the rapid change in attitude on the screen, Chen Ming's amused smile deepened. Without another word, he decisively sent the location of a high-end shopping mall.

Just as the location information was successfully sent and the dialog box displayed "read", a new message notification suddenly popped up on Chen Ming's phone screen from a contact named "Toolman No. 2 - Shi Ci".

Chen Ming tapped his finger to exit the chat interface with Xie Wanqing, and then clicked on Shi Ci's avatar.

[Poetry: Boss, Zhang Wanzhen has successfully accompanied her mother, Ms. Zhang Xuanni, to Ling'an City today. According to the plan, I'm scheduled to receive them next. Would you like to come over in person and meet Aunt Zhang?]

Upon seeing this message, Chen Ming suddenly remembered this important subplot.

Previously, in order to repay her family's huge debts, Zhang Wanzhen reached a sugar daddy agreement with him and returned to her hometown to handle the debt repayment matters.

Her mother, Zhang Xuanni, was a traditional woman who was always suspicious that her daughter could suddenly come up with a huge sum of money to pay off her debts. She worried that her daughter had been wronged or gone astray, so she insisted on accompanying her daughter to Ling'an City to see the "benefactor" her daughter had mentioned in person to ensure her daughter's innocence and safety.

Chen Ming hesitated for a moment, then quickly typed a reply:

[Unlimited quantitative easing: It's inconvenient for me to show up directly; it would be most appropriate for you to handle all the arrangements...]

He was well aware of Zhang Wanzhen's concerns.

This kind and filial girl's biggest fear was that her parents would fall into endless self-blame and pain after learning the truth, believing that their daughter had "sacrificed" herself to save the family. That kind of mental torment was far more unbearable for her parents than the financial hardship.

Therefore, Chen Ming cooperated with her to weave a white lie: a "god-sister" named Shi Ci, who came from an extremely wealthy family, admired Zhang Wanzhen's innocent character and, out of affinity and sympathy, generously helped her.

In this meticulously crafted story, Chen Ming must remain behind the scenes.

If this young man were to suddenly appear, it would be difficult not to arouse Zhang Xuan Ni's suspicion and vigilance. On the contrary, it might backfire and ruin the peaceful facade that Zhang Wan Zhen had worked so hard to maintain.

Therefore, at this time, Chen Ming keeping his achievements hidden is the greatest protection and support he can give to Zhang Wanzhen.

Shi Ci's reply came again soon, raising a practical and actionable question:

[Poetry: Okay, Boss. However, according to Wanzhen's previous description of her mother, my identity is that of a 'very wealthy, low-key heiress.' How can I arrange the details to support this identity, such as the scale of the reception, the vehicles, and the quality of the temporary accommodations, to make it seem realistic and believable without being overly exaggerated?]

Chen Ming had already considered this and replied:

[Unlimited quantitative easing: I will immediately arrange to resolve any issues regarding your identity and social standing. Someone will contact you shortly, providing a vehicle, driver, and venue befitting your status as a 'heiress.' Simply remain natural and respond according to our pre-arranged script. Make sure Aunt Zhang is completely at ease.]

[Poetry: Understood! I will handle it well, please rest assured, Boss.]

After a brief conversation with Shi Ci, Chen Ming immediately contacted Long Zixuan.

As the eldest daughter of a branch of the Long family, Long Zixuan possesses the resources, connections, and pomp that allow her to perfectly complement Shi Ci's portrayal of the "mysterious heiress."

After the call connected, he briefly explained the situation to Long Zixuan, hoping she could provide the necessary support to help Shi Ci complete the reception of Zhang Wanzhen's mother.

Hearing this somewhat unusual request, Long Zixuan was a little surprised, but she readily agreed to her beloved man's request: "Yes, my husband, leave it to me. I will arrange everything properly and make sure that aunt doesn't become suspicious."

She believed that Chen Ming had his reasons for doing things, and since he had spoken up, she would do her best to cooperate.

After receiving a positive reply from Long Zixuan, Chen Ming smiled and gave her Shi Ci's contact information before ending the call.

He then sent Shi Ci Long Zixuan's contact information.

Having arranged everything, Chen Ming turned his gaze back to the window, where the sunlight was just right. On one hand, there was the upcoming appointment with his "cousin," filled with childhood memories and the allure of reality; on the other hand, there was the well-intentioned lie that needed to be carefully maintained, concerning the peace and tranquility of Zhang Wanzhen's family.

As a master of time management, he always operates on multiple fronts with precision.

After expressing his feelings, Chen Ming got up and found Han Xueyi, Qing Zijin, and Hua Qianhui, who were resting, and briefly told them that he had something to do and needed to go out.

He didn't explain the details, and the girls obediently didn't ask any more questions, only gently reminding him to come back soon.

This tacit understanding is one of the reasons why he was able to calmly build his harem.

Chen Ming then entered the garage, his gaze casually sweeping over the dazzling and expensive cars. Finally, he picked up a key and unlocked a sports car with sleek lines and an understated yet extraordinary aura.

The engine emitted a deep and pleasant roar, carrying him out of the villa, merging into the city traffic, and heading towards the place he had arranged to meet his distant cousin, Xie Wanqing.

……

Meanwhile, on the other side...

After receiving the contact number and address from Chen Ming, Shi Ci didn't dare to delay in the slightest. She immediately waved down a taxi and gave him her destination: the most central and bustling area of ​​Ling'an City.

The taxi weaved through the bustling traffic and finally stopped at the entrance of a commercial street lined with famous shops.

Shi Ci paid and got out of the car, her high heels making a crisp sound on the smooth, mirror-like sidewalk.

She looked up and saw rows of skyscrapers before her, their glass curtain walls reflecting the dazzling sunlight, showcasing the wealth and status of the place.

Following the address, she soon arrived at the entrance of a shop decorated in an antique style, yet resplendent in gold – Lao Long Xiang Gold Shop.

Taking a deep breath to calm her slightly nervous mood, Shi Ci took out her phone from her bag and dialed the number she had just received.

The call was quickly connected, and a pleasant, mature female voice came through the receiver.

"Hey?"

Shi Ci immediately responded respectfully, "Hello! Are you President Long Zixuan?"

The voice on the other end of the phone seemed to soften slightly: "It's me. You must be Xiao Ci."

Because Chen Ming provided Shi Ci with Long Zixuan's extremely private direct contact number, which is usually only known to very close people, she was able to easily guess the caller's identity.

Upon hearing the other party accurately state his name, Shi Ci felt reassured, knowing he had found the right person, and the connection went smoothly.

So she immediately changed her form of address, her tone unconsciously becoming slightly ingratiating, after all, the person on the other end of the phone was one of the boss's wives, and a genuine heiress at that:

"Yes, yes, it's me, boss lady! The boss should have already told you the details, right?"

"Yes, I've given you a general idea. Are you coming now?"

"I've arrived at the entrance of Laolongxiang Gold Shop. Which floor are you on?"

Shi Ci looked up at the towering building and asked.

The impressive building housing the Lao Long Xiang Gold Shop is also one of the Long family's businesses.

The first floor is a gold shop open to the public, while the upper floors are the offices of the Long family's related companies in Ling'an City.

"Top floor. Just take the private elevator up inside. Once you're inside, just tell the manager your name. I've already told them beforehand."

Long Zixuan's arrangements were simple and clear.

"Okay, okay, I'll be right up," Shi Ci replied quickly.

After hanging up the phone, Shi Ci straightened her clothes and stepped into Laolongxiang Gold Shop.

The store was glittering with gold, and although there weren't a lot of customers, they were all dressed smartly, creating a quiet yet luxurious atmosphere.

She walked straight to a pretty saleswoman in uniform and explained her purpose: "Hello, I'm Shi Ci, I have an appointment with your boss, Mr. Long..."

Before she could finish speaking, the saleswoman flashed a professional, sweet smile and bowed slightly.

"Hello, Ms. Shi. The manager has already given instructions. Please come directly with me."

Clearly, Long Zixuan's instructions have been efficiently transmitted to the lower levels.

Guided by the saleswoman, Shi Ci soon met the store manager—a composed middle-aged woman. The manager was very polite to her and personally led her to an elevator that was not open to the public and required a card to enter, pressing the button for her to go directly to the top floor.

The elevator ascended smoothly and quickly, with almost no noise.

When the elevator doors opened again, Shi Ci was secretly amazed by the sight before her—the entire top floor was less of an office area and more of an extremely luxurious and fully-equipped private club. The view was expansive, the decor blended modern minimalism with classical Eastern charm, the materials were exquisite, and every detail exuded silent wealth and refined taste.

The spacious area was rationally divided into offices, lounges, meeting rooms, activity rooms, etc., and was also staffed with several sharp-eyed and composed female bodyguards.

As soon as Shi Ci stepped out of the elevator, a beautiful and elegant female secretary immediately came forward, wearing a perfectly appropriate smile, and said respectfully:

"Hello, Mr. Shi. Miss is waiting for you in her office. Please come with me."

Chapter 262: The Revenge Begins

The address "President Shi" startled Shi Ci slightly, and then an indescribable feeling of comfort rose from the bottom of her heart, instantly spreading throughout her body.

She was originally just a car saleswoman. When had she ever been addressed as "General Manager Shi" with such respect?

This instantaneous elevation of status, even if it was only temporary and formal, gave her an unprecedented sense of vanity and satisfaction.

Shi Ci couldn't help but think: As long as I follow the BOSS wholeheartedly and do my job well, I might be able to truly deserve the title of "President Shi" in the future! A simple title unexpectedly aroused her strong ambition and sense of belonging.

Led by her pretty secretary, Shi Ci walked down a softly carpeted corridor to a heavy solid wood door. The secretary knocked gently, then opened the door and stepped aside to let her in.

This is an extremely spacious and well-lit office with a grand and elegant decor, overlooking most of the bustling city of Ling'an.

Long Zixuan was sitting behind a large desk. When she saw Shi Ci enter, she stood up gracefully, walked around the desk, and extended her right hand to Shi Ci with a gentle and friendly smile on her face.

"Hello Xiao Ci, you must have had a long journey. I am Long Zixuan."

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