The wonton shop sat tucked away in a narrow alley near the High-End Weaponry Research Institute. It occupied half of a storefront; the other half was dedicated to the kitchen, while a few tables filled the remaining space. Under the bright incandescent lights, sipping scalding wonton soup while watching the snow fall outside, it held a surprisingly romantic atmosphere.

Seeing Yi Xiaorou devour her meal, my heart ached. I ordered another bowl for her, insisting the owner add extra dried shrimp and seaweed. The broth was a rich stock made from pork bones—excellent in flavor and nutrition. The owners, a young couple, naturally showed us extra care, sensing the closeness between Yi Xiaorou and me.

Yi Xiaorou set down her spoon and said to me, "I can't eat anymore; I'm so full. I've worked here for so long and never knew about this delicious wonton shop."

Yi Xiaorou’s physical functions had fully recovered; only her extreme weakness required a few more days of recuperation. She was arguably the first woman I’d been with while fully conscious. No matter what, as long as she didn't betray me emotionally, I should do everything in my power to give her happiness. Perhaps I had been too petty before; a misunderstanding could simply be explained away.

It wasn't that cold, even though it was snowing. Yi Xiaorou wore only a woman’s military trench coat over her officer's uniform, which made her look even more striking and heroic. After paying the bill, I looped my arm around her waist, and we stepped out onto the street.

“Where to?” Yi Xiaorou asked, her bright eyes sparkling.

A thought struck me—my parents were waiting for me back home. “Dare you come to my house and meet your future genuine in-laws?”

Yi Xiaorou suddenly pulled her hand away and stepped aside, her head bowed. “Who agreed to marry you? I know I’m not good enough for you. You should marry Zhao Fen. I’d be happy just occasionally getting to see you.”

I embraced Yi Xiaorou from behind, gently blowing the snowflakes from her hair. “Don’t be silly, Xiaorou. You care about me deeply, and I care about you deeply too. We both know it in our hearts. The future is ours to control. As long as you have confidence, I believe all dreams can come true.”

Yi Xiaorou turned and hugged me back. “Zhao Qian, you are truly wonderful! But until I have completely severed ties with Tan Tian, our affair must remain secret. Firstly, I fear gossip, and secondly, it will bring trouble. After all, the Tan family highly values face, and having a daughter-in-law like me has made them furious.”

I wasn't afraid of that. The Beast Clan army and the mechanized soldiers, now indistinguishable from real humans, had already placed both layers of protection around those close to me. Coupled with readily deployable Super Soldiers, it could be said that it wouldn't be easy for Tan Zhong to touch me; he might end up bringing trouble upon himself instead.

A taxi approached just then, and I flagged it down, ushering Yi Xiaorou inside. We headed toward my home. In the rearview mirror, I saw Red Guard No. 10 following us in a Hongqi sedan. It seemed he and No. 11 were still faithfully protecting Yi Xiaorou.

When we reached the building entrance, Yi Xiaorou looked quite timid. “Actually, I should probably change my clothes. Wearing this might not be appropriate.”

I pulled her along as we headed upstairs. “No, I love you in this outfit. Besides, I secretly looked in your closet; you don't have many other clothes besides various uniforms anyway.”

Yi Xiaorou giggled. “Then buy me some! You like me in uniforms because you have a uniform fetish, don’t you? You have girls with such varied charms around you; are you trying to make me unique too?”

My old face flushed. “Don’t talk nonsense. It would be bad if my mom heard. I didn’t realize you had such a wicked mind.”

Yi Xiaorou didn't mind, following me into the house with a cheerful smile. Mom and Dad were watching TV in the living room; they looked up tensely when they heard the door open.

“Mom, Dad, I’m back. This is Yi Xiaorou; she... she... is my girlfriend.” I was suddenly at a loss for how to introduce her. Recalling how Fang Yanmeng and Xiao Chuchu were introduced, since I already had two, I might as well stick with this.

Mom and Dad were completely bewildered. Fortunately, Dad recovered quickly, subtly nudging Mom with his elbow. Mom then remembered the guest was still standing at the door. “Quickly, come in, come in! It must be cold out. We have heating inside; sit down and warm up.”

Yi Xiaorou couldn't hide the joy on her face at my introduction. She took off her trench coat and sat down tentatively on the sofa. Dad asked us, “Have you eaten? Your mother and I couldn’t wait for you and ate already.”

“We ate; we had wontons outside.”

Mom asked me vaguely, “The person you mentioned when you left…?”

“It’s her,” I didn’t hide the matter. They would have to know sooner or later. “She’s a victim of a feudal arranged marriage, but she’ll escape that misery very soon.”

Mom looked like she wanted to ask about the other two girlfriends, but luckily Dad stopped her. Now was not the time for those questions.

The atmosphere became a little awkward. Mom, being the quick-witted one, broke the silence. “How old are you, dear? Where do you work? Judging by your clothes, are you in the military?”

Just then, my phone rang, and I stepped aside to answer it, while Yi Xiaorou confessed everything like a prisoner under interrogation.

“Commander Zhao, can you make it or not? Is your backside still sore? How about everyone coming down for a few drinks? There’s a spicy street stall that hasn't packed up yet by the community entrance. Everyone’s already here.”

I looked out the window. Zhu Da, Xia Huren, the Village Chief, Er Sha, and Taozi were all there. The snow hadn't stopped, and a layer had settled on everyone’s heads, making them look like the White-Haired Girl.

I hung up and went to discuss it with Dad. “Dad, a few friends are waiting for me outside. Please grant me leave just this once more. We’ll talk for a bit and be right back.”

Dad was quite angry about how busy I was. “I feel like you’re busier than the State Chairman! This is the last time. Starting tomorrow, you will stay home quietly. You are not allowed to go anywhere without my and your mother's permission.”

Yi Xiaorou really wanted to come with me, but Mom held her back. “It’s cold outside; you should wait here. We can chat, just the two of us.”

Everyone ordered a large platter of spicy skewers and asked the vendor to heat up some baijiu. They sat around a large parasol, chatting and drinking.

Zhu Da and I grew up together; he was very familiar with my father’s methods of punishment, so I didn’t need to worry about losing face. “My dad has grounded me! He won’t let me out today, and starting tomorrow, the restrictions will be even tighter.”

Zhang Er Sha grinned foolishly, holding up a skewer of deep-fried cabbage. “Be a good baby, hehe, be a good baby.”

I shoved the cabbage into his mouth. “Eat your cabbage, stop talking about milk.”

The Village Chief said, “Our production is already on track. We have dozens of grinding machines running day and night in the workshop. Tofu skin, salted tofu strips, fresh soy milk, and tofu pudding are being supplied to supermarkets constantly. Sales are excellent thanks to the advertising support.”

Zhu Da added, “I saw there was still surplus money in the account, so without contacting you, I took the liberty of purchasing two more delivery vans. Our products have a very tight shelf life; if delivery is late, they spoil.”

I downed the drink in my cup in one gulp. “You guys make the decisions on these matters. I still have three other companies to manage. It’s almost the end of the year, so let’s figure out the profit distribution for this period. You can keep my share.”

“How can we do that?” Zhu Da and the Village Chief exclaimed together.

I waved my hand. “Earning money will be easier in the future. Don't quibble over these small accounts. There are no outsiders today, so I'll share my future plans with everyone, especially Tiger—you have an important mission.”

The owner frying the spicy skewers was far from us, but I lowered my voice and explained the plans for Huanyu, Dadi, and Honglong. “Fang Yanmeng and Xiao Chuchu are helping me with paperwork. After the New Year, we need to exert ourselves fully and strive to break into the Top 500 of the Great Dragon Country within a year.”

The Village Chief rubbed his hands excitedly. Zhang Er Sha just kept going, “Hehe.” Zhu Da punched me. “Good kid, I knew following you wouldn’t be a mistake.”

Xia Huren spoke calmly. “There are five Super Soldiers in total, but their individual combat power is formidable, capable of handling a hundred men. Should we start preparing personnel for Honglong Security right now?”

I bit into a crispy deep-fried sausage. “Personnel isn't that urgent. We prioritize quality over quantity; we’ll discover talent gradually. I brought back 100 mechanized soldiers from the base who have already undergone skin grafting. As soon as the company location is confirmed, I’ll deploy them. From now on, Tiger, you’ll be in charge of all Honglong Security matters. I think this suits your taste; should be fine, right?”

Xia Huren nodded solemnly. “No problem. I know quite a few old comrades from my previous unit who are retired. I’ll contact them.”

I added, “Right, we need experienced security personnel; otherwise, combat effectiveness won't improve.”

Taozi slapped the hand I had raised to grab more skewers. “Boss, you didn’t eat dinner? What about me? And what’s my mission?”

After the incident with the Ministry of State Security, Taozi’s situation was no longer a secret. Everyone knew it could send out brainwave signals, so they weren't surprised by our silent communication.

“You think your mission is light? You have so many Beast Soldiers to manage, and you’re also managing our stock market funds. Don’t tell me you lost it all, kid.”

“Damn it, Boss, what kind of person do you think I am? Is my Divine Cat that weak? I’ve been slaughtering it in the Star Country's stock and futures markets for two months. Including the existing holdings, we have a total capital of one billion—and that’s in M-dollars!”

I was stunned; it turns out making money this way is fast. “See? Divine Cat, you are so formidable. You should keep up the good work. Besides managing the Beast Army, you need to keep raiding the Star Country's stock and futures markets to rake in money. Once we have enough funds, we’ll establish a financial investment company, and you can be the Chairman, General Manager, CEO, CBO, OBO…”

Taozi cut me off. “Alright, Boss, stop drawing up grand visions. Anyway, I’m starting preparations now. I’ll establish it when we hit one hundred billion! Hehe, there’s something else I haven't reported to you yet. I sent ten Rat Soldiers to infiltrate Star Country illegally. From now on, we’ll have rats pulling strings both domestically and internationally—we need strength on both sides. With them laying the groundwork and gathering intelligence over there, making money will be even easier.”

Before, I only focused on managing the rats and snakes around the capital, neglecting those abroad. After a moment’s consideration, I told Taozi, “You did the right thing. I suggest not just deploying Rat Soldiers to Star Country, but to all unfriendly nations. First, to establish a complete Beast Army system for future use, and second, to facilitate intelligence gathering. If those sons of bitches dare to act presumptuously again, we’ll make them pay directly!”

Taozi nodded. “It seems my work is indeed quite heavy. Fine, you eat, but don’t overdo the spicy skewers, or you’ll get diarrhea.”

Everyone drank and laughed for a while. Given that I was still under ‘probationary observation,’ they soon took their leave. I walked back upstairs through the thick layer of snow.

The living room was empty, but Yi Xiaorou’s trench coat was still hanging on the rack. She definitely hadn't left; she must be in my room. Earlier, downstairs, I had praised the weather as romantically suited for beautiful scenery and whispered secrets; it suited my wishes perfectly that Yi Xiaorou wouldn't leave tonight.

Just as I was about to sneak into the room, my parents’ door opened. Mom walked out in her pajamas. “You, get in here!”

I sat on the small stool beneath my parents’ bed. They sat formally on the edge of the mattress; the atmosphere was identical to an interrogation.

Dad struck first. “You’ve really gone too far! Who did you have to provoke, to go after the daughter-in-law of the Minister of Public Security! You! You! You reckless brat, don’t you know when to stop before you lose your life?”

It seemed my parents had already investigated Yi Xiaorou’s identity. However, they likely didn't know about General Tan Zhong; otherwise, the rolling pin would have already smacked my backside.

“Dad, so what if he’s the Minister of Public Security? Tan Tian is unworthy of Yi Xiaorou. I won't let her fall back into his clutches.”

“You! You!…” Dad was too angry and agitated to speak coherently.

Mom interjected, “Son, we don’t object to how many girlfriends you have right now, but you shouldn’t steal someone else’s wife, especially one connected to a high official! Since ancient times, the common people do not fight the officials. Our little family can’t withstand the harassment from such powerful figures. Forget about her. Although Xiaorou is a good girl, the domestic affairs of powerful families are not something common folk like us can meddle in. Don’t make your father and me worry ourselves sick.”

I stated firmly, “Mom, Dad, no one in this world can do anything to us! Don't worry. If they don't come looking for trouble, fine. If they dare, I will make sure they meet a terrible end!”

My parents were clearly extremely shocked. Was this the son they knew? They exchanged a look, and Dad sighed. “We can’t control what you think in your heart, but we can control your freedom. From now on, you are not allowed to go anywhere. Stay home quietly. Your mother will monitor you 24 hours a day. If you dare sneak out, I won’t acknowledge you as my son!”

This was bad. Mom and Dad were genuinely angry. Unfortunately, Chairman Li hadn't given me any official identification, or I could show it to ease their minds. It seemed I really couldn't go anywhere for a while.

Mom, fearing Dad might strike me in his anger, quickly intervened. “You’re sleeping on the sofa tonight. Don’t wander into any other rooms. Go on out now.”

I quietly closed my parents’ door. Behind me, the two elders began discussing amongst themselves.

“Your son was spoiled by you, his mother. Old stubborn mule, if he hasn't suffered a loss, how can he know the world’s dangers?”

“Your son takes after you, aren't you just as stubborn? I think our son has truly grown up. He’s never faced anything with such courage before. And he’s gained presence. Didn’t you hear the spirit in his voice when he said, ‘make them meet a terrible end’?”

“You can praise your own son here all you want. Wait until the Tan family comes knocking, and then you’ll have reason to cry.”

“Yes, Old Zhao, you are also right. It seems our son only provokes girls from influential families. What should we do?”

“Let’s keep him confined at home for a period to let him quiet down, and then we’ll find a place that can control him. The military is out; he’s already completed his service. Where else can we send him?”

“Yes, we must find a strict place where he can’t meet those girls. Slowly, they will forget about him, and then we can find a daughter from an ordinary family for our son to marry.”

“I heard from people at the construction site that Longteng University has very strict management, and they are enrolling self-funded students from outside now. I have a childhood friend who is a director there; maybe I should consider…”

“Sending our son back to university? Is that appropriate?”

“What’s inappropriate about it? People in their sixties take university entrance exams too! What our son currently lacks is status. If he becomes a graduate of a prestigious university, he won't be seen as beneath those young ladies from elite families.”

“Old Zhao, deep down, you still favor those few girls, don’t you?”

“Who wouldn't want a good daughter-in-law? Preferably obedient, virtuous, wealthy, and influential. I think any of those girls meets the criteria. Now we just need to increase our son’s bargaining power. Once this major issue is resolved, we can leave this world without regret.”

...

Of course, I wouldn’t be honest enough to actually sleep on the living room sofa for the entire night, unless I was an idiot. After closing my parents’ door, I quietly opened my own door and slipped inside.

“Zhao Qian, have you been drinking?” Yi Xiaorou asked softly. She hadn’t fallen asleep and must have smelled the alcohol on me.

“Zhu Da, Tiger, and the Village Chief came over. We chatted at the spicy stall downstairs about setting up three major companies…” I recounted the events to Yi Xiaorou.

As I spoke, I realized Yi Xiaorou had started sobbing in my arms. “Zhao Qian, I am truly sorry. You trusted me so much, and yet I suspected you that day. I regretted it as soon as I hung up on you, but when I called back, your phone was off. I knew you had given up on me. I was desperate and terribly worried. Later, when I learned you were safe and had even brought Chen Wanzhi back, I finally felt a little relieved. Can you forgive me? I will never make that mistake again. Please give me one more chance; I cannot live without you…”

I held Yi Xiaorou close and smiled. “I can forgive you, but you have to kiss me.”

Yi Xiaorou’s tense mood finally relaxed, and then her fiery lips pressed against mine. We became intensely entangled, our tongues winding around each other, as if trying to make up for all the time we had spent apart...