This lotus blossom is no internet sensation; she is a genuine, pure beauty, radiating nobility and tranquility amidst her elegance. I find it difficult to reconcile the woman before me with that sexy MTV video.

A starlet with her pure image should truly pursue the 'jade maiden' path. While adopting a sexy persona might create a momentary sensation due to the contrast, the long-term side effects would be severe.

Why would she do this? Isn't this ruining her career trajectory? Is she completely bound by her contract with the same company?

Liu Xue’s voice was sweet, as expected of a singer, though her Southern accent was quite strong. It sounded a bit unusual, but amusing nonetheless.

“Friends from the capital city, thank you for your enthusiasm. Xue’er can only repay you all by working harder to produce new material. Over the next six months, the company has arranged several tour stops for me across the mainland, and I will be shooting a few films here as well… For your warm support, please accept this cup of water-wine from Xue’er instead. Thank you all!”

Zhu Da had long stopped paying attention to me. He lunged forward, shouting and yelling, hoping to catch Liu Xue’s eye, but alas, one’s affection is met with indifference.

After leaving the dais, Liu Xue dined at the same table as Fang Yanmeng and Meng Lili, naturally surrounded by bodyguards. Seeing those men in black suits, I realized the person wearing a flat cap I ran into by the restroom must have been Liu Xue.

Fang Yanmeng had no time to spare for me, and I was happy for the peace. I found a corner and ravenously attacked the food on the table.

“Commander Zhao, you absolutely must do me a favor this time. Have your little wife ask Liu Xue for an autograph later,” Zhu Da said, settling down beside me.

I continued chewing my drumstick, “We’ll see. If there’s a chance, I’ll help you get what you wish for.”

“Everyone,” my future father-in-law, Fang Chaoyang, abandoned his meal and walked up to the dais, wondering what he was about to say again, “We have a very important friend joining us today. I would like to introduce him to you all now.”

Who else? I wondered. Although I didn’t recognize anyone present, surely none of them were famous, right?

“He is the savior and a good friend to my daughter, and he also manages a very promising company, Tieniu Tofu. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Mr. Zhao Qian!”

The direction of Fang Chaoyang’s pointing finger instantly became the focus of everyone’s attention. Especially since the name Tieniu Tofu Company was now famous—it had just acquired a large corporation worth hundreds of millions in assets. Everyone strained to see who this formidable figure was.

I was vigorously gnawing on that large chicken leg, inwardly complaining that the wretched thing hadn't been steamed properly, hurting my teeth as I tore at it. I regretted not staying home to eat Xu Jing’s stewed hen. As the gazes of the crowd bore down on me like giant spotlights, I felt a chill despite the summer heat, and the drumstick slipped from my grasp, landing with a peng on the plate.

Hiss! A wave of jeers rose from the crowd. Ah, my entrance image was utterly lackluster! I wouldn't be getting any sleep tonight; Fang Yanmeng would surely torment me to death, perhaps even forcing me to give her 200 manual massages.

Fang Chaoyang beckoned for me to come up to the dais. I grumbled inwardly, Old Father-in-law, old Father-in-law, you’re not deliberately trying to embarrass me, are you? My mouth is stuffed with semi-chewed chicken, and my hands are greasy, yet you want me on stage!

I hastily grabbed a napkin, wiping my hands while desperately chewing the mouthful of chicken, trying to swallow the mess before I reached the dais. Zhu Da kept urging me from behind not to forget the autograph.

“Mr. Zhao, I haven’t had the chance to properly treat you to a meal. Please accept this small gesture tonight. Would you care to say a few words to everyone?” Fang Chaoyang said once I reached the dais.

What should I say? Besides Fang Yanmeng and Zhu Da, I wasn’t familiar with anyone down there. I swallowed the last bite of chicken with effort, then leaned into the microphone: ‘Comrades…’ (A burst of laughter erupted from below). ‘Please enjoy the food and drinks. That is all I have to say. Since everyone’s hands are busy, there’s no need for applause.’ Sure enough, there was no applause, but there were a few sounds of people spitting out food. Damn it, what was so funny? This is just how I am! Suddenly, I felt the fearless spirit of Zhu Da, who fears nothing when he’s already hit rock bottom.

The crowd began murmuring. Some wondered if he was from the countryside. Some questioned if he was mentally unstable. Others debated how the eldest Miss Fang could be friends with someone like this, and how he had saved her—was it a self-staged hero-saves-the-beauty act?

Finally, someone couldn't resist shouting loudly, “Mr. Zhao, we’d like to know how you successfully acquired the Baixing Shopping Chain. Please tell us. As far as we know, Tieniu Tofu Company didn't have nearly enough capital to complete the acquisition. Where did you secure the massive funding?”

This question was relatively insightful. I cleared my throat; a piece of chicken was still lodged there. “Um, I can tell you honestly that Tieniu Tofu Company has actually changed ownership, so I cannot comment on your question.”

It seemed my decision to change the legal representative was entirely correct; otherwise, I would be subjected to endless harassment.

“Oh!” everyone looked enlightened, thinking to themselves, Looking at him, he clearly isn't rich. So that’s how it is. Even if that suit he’s wearing is expensive, who’s to say Miss Fang didn’t pay for it when he arrived?

“Then, Mr. Zhao, can you tell us about your relationship with Miss Fang?” This gentleman definitely has the makings of a gossip reporter.

This was a tricky question to answer. I first needed to consult Fang Yanmeng. Although she had asked me to propose to her father, she hadn't specified whether it should be announced publicly. If I misspoke and caused friction between her and her father, it would be troublesome.

Fang Yanmeng had naturally heard the question from below. She looked at me and gave a solemn, encouraging nod. So, I announced loudly to the crowd, “Miss Fang is my girlfriend. I am also here today intending to propose to Mr. Fang, hoping the elder can bless our union.”

I hadn’t known how to bring it up initially, as this was my first time proposing. This was a perfect opportunity to state it openly and see what Fang Chaoyang intended to do.

Fang Chaoyang acted as if he hadn't heard, sitting below and chatting with Liu Xue over dinner. It was the crowd below that erupted—Boom! Fang Yanmeng, the jewel of Chaoyang Energy, and yet this seemingly ordinary man dared to propose to her! He must have been kicked senseless by a donkey or hadn't woken up from last night's sleep.

Some people started frantically searching for rotten eggs and tomatoes, and when they couldn't find any, they crumpled napkins into balls and threw them toward the dais. Some even threatened to castrate me as soon as I left the banquet hall. Several young masters started aggressively crowding around Fang Yanmeng; if the man on stage could propose, why should they feel inferior?

“Enough!” Fang Yanmeng finally couldn't watch anymore. She pushed through the crowd and ran up to the dais. “I love Brother Zhao Qian, and Brother Zhao Qian loves me! What’s wrong with us being together? Why are you all making such a fuss?”

The men started listing their objections. The first one said, “Are you foolish, Miss Fang? You are your father’s only daughter; you will inherit the family business in the future. If you marry someone who can’t even manage a tofu company, aren't you going to anger your father to death?”

Fang Yanmeng retorted, “What do you know? Actually, Brother Zhao Qian…”

I shook my head at Fang Yanmeng. Let them say what they want; I am still me. Did Fang Chaoyang only value me because of my status before agreeing to marry his daughter to me?

Another person asked me, “How can you guarantee happiness for Miss Fang? I have sufficient money and enough power; you have nothing. You should just step aside.”

I asked him, “May I ask the gentleman below, what is happiness? Is happiness building a house of gold and paving it with banknotes? Does that mean people eating coarse grain and salted vegetables have no happiness? Is happiness the patent of the rich?”

That fellow was struck speechless by my question. Zhu Da below clapped and cheered for me, but Fang Chaoyang remained unmoved, continuing to chat and eat with Liu Xue. He seemed utterly unconcerned with what was happening here, though the superstar Liu Xue appeared slightly moved by my words.

Fang Yanmeng said emotionally, “Brother Zhao Qian, thank you. I know you are the best to Mengmeng, but I’ve let you suffer such injustice. I’m sorry. Actually, you could totally tell everyone who you really are.”

I took Fang Yanmeng’s hand. “Mengmeng, Brother Zhao Qian feels no injustice. I feel this is very dashing and comfortable. If I have to rely on those empty titles to move your father, what will others say about you two? That you are vain and greedy for fame and fortune, latching onto official power and wealth? That would make your father even more embarrassed and likely cause him to strongly oppose us.”

Fang Yanmeng obediently lowered her head and whispered, “Brother Zhao Qian, I’ll listen to you. Mengmeng is clueless and fears making you unhappy later, making you dislike me. Today, no matter what happens, please don't blame my father, okay? He doesn’t know the truth, and he’s only acting out of concern for me.”

Even a fool could see Fang Chaoyang’s intention in pushing me onto the stage. On the surface, it was praise and recognition, but with my current status, I was entirely unworthy of standing on the dais in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse banquet hall. He wanted to use the ridicule of others to sow discord between me and his precious daughter. I just wonder if he considered that love is not a transaction, not a pawn to be traded for certain benefits, nor is it the superficiality built by money.

Given the current depth of my and Fang Yanmeng’s feelings, even if I married someone else in the future, Fang Yanmeng would be the first to insist on staying by my side. Although she was fiercely fighting for that one legitimate position, every night when she lay in my arms, the deep attachment and love already bound her too closely to leave me.

We spoke in low voices. The people below could only see us whispering and exchanging glances. Some were envious, but most were jealous. The guests present today were predominantly young men, suggesting my prospective father-in-law had set up a veritable Hongmen Banquet.

Looking at the noisy scene below, and then at her father sitting calmly above the fray, Fang Yanmeng said to me in annoyance, “Let’s go, Brother Zhao Qian. Let’s go eat stewed hen at Sister Jingjing’s house. If my dad has another banquet, I’m never coming!”

Fang Yanmeng wanted to slip away immediately, but I insisted on going over to inform Fang Chaoyang first. Since I chose to be high-minded just now, maintaining propriety was necessary.

Fang Chaoyang said, “Don’t be in such a hurry to leave, Mr. Zhao. Come, sit. Let me introduce you to two friends. This is Miss Liu Xue from Hong Kong, this is Young Master Bao from the Ministry of Energy, and this is my wife, Meng Lili.”

This Young Master Bao looked quite fair-skinned, dignified, and possessed an extraordinary demeanor—clearly from a prominent family. And the Ministry of Energy—that sounded like Fang Chaoyang’s supervising department.

Fang Yanmeng pulled out a chair for me to sit beside her. On her other side was her mother, Meng Lili. Across from me was Liu Xue, and on the other side was Fang Chaoyang.

Fang Chaoyang turned to Young Master Bao, “Little Bao, please continue what you were saying. Let everyone hear your insights.”

Young Master Bao had been staring at me with eyes full of resentment and envy ever since Fang Yanmeng pulled out the chair for me. Then, he glanced at Fang Yanmeng with ill intent. It was clear he wasn't very interested in Liu Xue beside him. That was understandable; Liu Xue was, after all, an artist. In terms of looks, Fang Yanmeng was no less beautiful than Liu Xue, and she possessed superior family standing. This Young Master Bao was quite astute.

“Uncle, then I will speak presumptuously for a moment. I believe the current energy sector is experiencing polarization. On one side, there is oil and gas energy represented by traditional sources. The other side is new energy represented by high-energy batteries. However, ultimately, both types of energy originate from the same source, as electricity and traditional oil/gas are both conversions of light energy. But high-energy batteries solve the defects of electricity being hard to store and suffering huge losses during transportation, giving them bright and vast development prospects.”

Fang Chaoyang asked, “I heard the Ministry of Energy is researching our country’s own high-energy batteries. How much do you know about this, Young Master Bao?”

Young Master Bao replied, “My father mentioned this. Our country has dismantled a high-energy battery from Da Di Energy. Based on analysis, its structure is not much different from ordinary batteries, with a few improvements, but none of them are the key technology for high-energy storage. Therefore, I believe the core technology of the high-energy battery lies in its charging system.”

Fang Chaoyang noted, “But no one knows the production base for this Da Di Energy high-energy battery. It’s as if countless batteries are emerging from underground. They can supply as many as you want. To charge so many high-energy batteries, the required space would be enormous. It’s quite remarkable that their company has managed to keep this hidden from the world for so long.”

Young Master Bao nodded, “Uncle is absolutely right. Da Di Energy is indeed mysterious. Nobody knows who the behind-the-scenes boss is, nor who the CEO is. Even the few high-level executives are secretive. Yet, their distribution network, which spans the globe, receives sufficient stock from the nearest base daily. Those who try to track and investigate return empty-handed. Some speculate their massive production lines must be hidden deep underground, and that the energy they purchase worldwide is mostly transported to these underground bases. Reports say that U.S. agents once infiltrated an underground base somewhere, but they found the tunnels inside crisscrossing endlessly, and they triggered the alarm system not long in without success.”

The bases Young Master Bao spoke of were not the production bases beneath the T desert; they were the smaller bases scattered globally. They didn't contain much—mostly renovated abandoned mines used to store ore and finished high-energy batteries. Xiaohui deployed large numbers of robotic soldiers to guard them; intrusion was simply impossible.

Fang Chaoyang sighed, “It is indeed mysterious. The company is registered as an offshore entity, untraceable, and their technology is so advanced. Crucially, they have also solved the environmental issues of the batteries, which has drawn intense attention from countries worldwide. Many nations are already promoting these batteries. I believe it won't be long before they replace traditional diesel and gasoline-powered systems. At that point, those of us in traditional energy enterprises will be the most impacted; we will either become their suppliers or be eliminated.”

Fang Yanmeng sipped her lips and secretly giggled. Fang Chaoyang was her father; how could she eliminate him?

Young Master Bao sighed, “Uncle’s concerns are not groundless. On the surface, they don’t have a single refinery, yet barrels of crude oil mysteriously vanish, only to reappear as high-energy batteries. This means they possess their own entirely independent refining system. Some scientists have calculated that the energy Da Di recovers from around the world is significantly less than the high-energy batteries they release. This proves they are secretly extracting energy from unknown regions of the Earth. In other words, their company now integrates extraction, refining, energy conversion, and sales. Once they become too powerful, it will spell doom for the world energy sector. Major powers like the U.S. and Russia have already begun formulating measures to resist high-energy batteries, but for some reason, all our country’s proposals have been vetoed by the Chairman.”

Fang Chaoyang lamented, “It can’t be stopped. Too many electronics manufacturers see the business opportunities high-energy batteries bring. All current mobile phones and laptops now use them. Every day we hear of another traditional battery company collapsing; even Sony and Toshiba’s battery sectors are shrinking significantly. On one side stands overwhelming dominance, and on the other, everyone is pushing against a wall. The day Da Di Energy monopolizes the world energy market is not far off.”

Young Master Bao agreed twice, then suddenly turned his attention to me: “Mr. Zhao, might you share your thoughts? A man favored by Miss Fang should certainly be extraordinary.”

After the two had conversed at length, I felt that the last sentence was the real point. First, they displayed the distinction and elegance of high society, and then they sought to embarrass me in front of Fang Yanmeng, thereby damaging my image in her eyes.

“Well, well… Although I served in the army for a few years and managed a tofu company for a few days, I know very little about these high-tech gadgets. After listening to your discussion, I have benefited immensely. As for my thoughts, I have none. However, if I ever have the chance, I will certainly convey your words to the leadership at Da Di Energy. I trust they won't throw the Earth into chaos; they probably already have meticulous plans and arrangements in place.”

Fang Yanmeng finally couldn't hold back her laughter. Meng Lili glared at her, and she quickly stopped, though Young Master Bao chuckled a couple of times and said to me, “Mr. Zhao, you are very amusing.”

I didn't want to play along anymore, so I stood up to take my leave. “I recently took a part-time job at Honglong Security and have to work night shifts daily. I truly must leave and get home to sleep. Thank you for the lunch, Mr. Fang. If I have another opportunity, I will certainly reciprocate the invitation.”

Young Master Bao snorted dismissively from the side, clearly implying, Do you even have the money to treat them?

Fang Chaoyang nodded. He hadn't revealed much of his intentions from beginning to end. I suspect the 'old fox' merely wanted to present these worldly, conventional perspectives to his inexperienced daughter so that she could recognize and understand them herself. This could be considered an indirect strategy on his part.

“Miss Liu, could you sign this for me? I have a friend who is your fan; he admires you greatly and hopes you can fulfill his wish.”

Liu Xue looked up at me, then delicately raised her finger, sketching something on the notepad. She tore it off and handed it to me. “Thank you for your friend’s support.”

I carefully took the autograph and then said to Liu Xue, “He’s that big fellow over there. He mumbles your name every night before sleeping.”

Liu Xue smiled faintly toward Zhu Da. Zhu Da nearly fainted from excitement.

“Brother Zhao Qian, I’ll escort you.” Fang Yanmeng clearly didn't wish to stay any longer. She grabbed my hand and pulled me away, leaving Meng Lili shaking her head behind us, while Fang Chaoyang looked deep in thought.