I woke up to find it was already noon the next day. I must have been truly hammered this time; I swore I wouldn't challenge Cheng Susu to a drinking contest again.

I searched upstairs and downstairs, but everyone was gone—even Xiao Yudi and Xiao Hui, who usually stayed put at their posts, were missing. The other three women upstairs were busy with national scientific research, which made sense, but what about Xiao Yudi and Xiao Hui? Had they returned to the base for their research?

Xiao Chuchu and Fang Yanmeng weren't home either. I had intended to ask Xiao Chuchu what she’d managed to secretly photograph of my fourth wife, but since she wasn’t here, I let it go. Lying in bed, I realized that tomorrow was the Biannual Summit of the Top 100 Enterprises in the Great Dragon Kingdom. The Chairman wanted me there, and Cheng Susu needed me there too. There was a high chance of facing a verbal sparring match, and with my pitiful knowledge of finance, I could be exposed at any moment. I really needed to cram some knowledge.

To look up materials, I had to go to the National Library, thankfully. The Chairman had wired the back pay to my old salary card yesterday—a full 240,000. With all my positions combined, I made about 40,000 a month, and the back pay covered half a year. This money, used sparingly, would last me quite a while, so I didn't mind hailing a taxi.

Throughout the noon, I kept getting calls asking if I was coming home for lunch. Eventually, I just sent a group text, telling them I was studying at the library and to just grab something outside for lunch.

I returned home in the evening clutching a pile of reference books. My mother and the others were so pleased they didn’t ask a word. After dinner, they ushered me into my room to study. As it turned out, no one bothered me all night. I pored over finance books until the early hours. If I couldn't handle the Top 100 Summit tomorrow, I would truly have wasted this entire day of study.

In the morning, Cheng Susu drove over to pick me up. I suggested she come upstairs to meet the other women, but she hesitated and refused. Once in the car, I asked, "Why not go up? Everyone is really easygoing. You met Chuchu yesterday too; even though she acts one way with her words, she has already tacitly accepted our relationship."

Cheng Susu kept her eyes on the road as she drove. "That’s not what I mean. I didn't bring anything with me today for you to let me go up and see them. By comparison, I’m just a junior sister; it would make me look ridiculous."

"There aren't that many formalities."

Cheng Susu complained with a hint of grievance, "Can I afford to be casual? What if they really gang up and take you away? What am I supposed to do then?"

I was touched. "Susu, do you blame me for always deceiving you?"

"I do," Cheng Susu admitted without hiding her thoughts, "but I knew you were afraid I would leave you if I found out, so your lie was well-intentioned. I was very moved and forgave you right then."

"Thank you, Susu. I will never leave you for my entire life."

Cheng Susu laughed. "Did you say that to them too?"

"Can we not talk about them when it’s just the two of us?"

"No. You spend every evening with them; how long will it be before it’s my turn? I feel lost if I don't see you for a single day. What am I supposed to do?"

Sigh. If all else failed, I’d have to work on Xiao Chuchu and Fang Yanmeng to let Cheng Susu move in with them. Or perhaps I could just buy the adjacent unit, let Yi Xiaorou move downstairs to keep Cheng Susu company—then, that would be a great pleasure in life.

The conference was held in the main hall of the newly built Exhibition Center. Upon entry, my assumed identity was Cheng Susu’s assistant. Seeing the hall packed, Cheng Susu asked me, "Are Da Di and Huan Yu not attending? Both of those companies could easily rank among the world’s top hundred."

I replied, "Those two are state-owned enterprises; we had to do this for security reasons."

As we walked into the venue, Cheng Susu calmly and composedly greeted various people. After passing them, she quietly explained to me in private that so-and-so was the CEO of the Steel Group, so-and-so was the head of the Provincial Power Group, and so-and-so was the CEO of a certain commercial bank. In short, all these conglomerate companies were results of state-owned enterprise reform; I hardly saw any genuine private entrepreneurs.

"Hi, CEO Cheng, you’re looking more beautiful every day! I heard you recently secured a major contract, and your stock has soared again. You must be reaping huge rewards." A man in his mid-thirties stopped Cheng Susu.

Cheng Susu maintained her cool demeanor. "CEO Chen, how dare I compare myself to State Telecom? You have iron rice bowls; a small company like ours could be acquired tomorrow, not worth mentioning."

State Telecom’s CEO Chen didn’t seem to care what Cheng Susu said. He glanced pointedly at her chest, which looked ready to burst from her blouse, then casually said, "CEO Cheng, would you do me the honor of joining me out later? I have a few real estate friends who would love to meet you."

Cheng Susu looked at me for guidance, and I shook my head. Cheng Susu then told CEO Chen, "I apologize, CEO Chen. I’m swamped with company matters lately. If time permits, I will contact you."

CEO Chen again glanced indifferently at her décolletage beneath the business suit. "Very well, let's keep in touch."

Seeing we were clear of observers, Cheng Susu whispered to me, "Are you jealous? They just stole a few glances. Besides, I’m still fully clothed; I can’t exactly ask them not to look, right? CEO Chen is relatively honest; I’ve seen men far more forward than him, hee hee, not talking about you, of course."

Thinking about how I myself was a lustful man, I let it go. A few glances through clothes were fine, as long as they didn't cause trouble. I decided to be an honest man today too.

Cheng Susu gestured for me to look at a young man ahead. "That’s CEO Li from the China National Offshore Oil Corporation—quite influential. The Fang family's oil wells in the East Sea all got their development rights through him. Rumor has it he’s pursuing your friend, Mengmeng."

I glanced at CEO Li and then told Cheng Susu, "No worries. Even if he were the Jade Emperor, I have complete faith in Mengmeng. As long as it's a fair competition, I welcome it."

Cheng Susu lightly kicked me and motioned me to look elsewhere. "That one over there is Wu Gong. I really dislike him. You need to protect me in a little while."

I linked my arm through Cheng Susu's and deliberately walked past Wu Gong. That brat got a sound lesson from me last time; I hoped he hadn’t forgotten me already.

Thwack! A hand shot out from the side and grabbed me. "Where did you come from, you punk, daring to hold Susu’s hand!"

I turned and glared at Wu Gong, saying sternly, "Get lost!"

Wu Gong, enraged and about to lash out, recognized the person before him upon a second look. He immediately spun 180 degrees. "Greetings, Chief! I was blind just now and didn't recognize you. You two carry on holding hands; I'll go stand aside where it’s cooler."

Saying that, Wu Gong wiped the cold sweat from his brow and actually walked away. Cheng Susu looked at me in disbelief and asked, "What's going on, Zhao Qian? Does he know you?"

"I met him briefly at the library last time. I was afraid he might pester you in the future, so I just gave him a scare. I trust he won't harbor any more improper thoughts about you."

Cheng Susu asked, "Then why did he call you Chief? Are there other identities you haven’t told me about?"

I kept walking and replied, "Plenty. You can keep discovering them slowly."

"Mhm!" Cheng Susu nodded. "I told my father about us. He said he’d like me to bring you home for a simple meal when he has time."

"Your dad isn't going to be like those two old folks, is he?" I pursed my lips and gestured for Cheng Susu to look into the distance, where Fang Chaoyang and Director Xiao He of China Central Television were standing.

Cheng Susu thought for a moment before she understood. "Oh, so those two are your future fathers-in-law? Did they give you a hard time?"

I nodded. Cheng Susu said, "Don't worry, my father won't. He respects my opinion greatly. It’s just that I haven't dared tell him you have eight girlfriends. That is too preposterous; I wouldn’t know how to explain it clearly to him."

"Forget about eight for now; if I can manage one, that’s Amitabha," I said.

Cheng Susu laughed. "Then let's manage me first."

Bang! Two men ahead bumped into each other, apparently distracted by Cheng Susu's laughter. They rubbed their foreheads and stepped forward. "May we ask this lady’s name?"

Cheng Susu habitually extended her hand. "Cheng Susu, of Yuejin Construction Engineering Company."

"Shang Yu, from Guoqi North China Group Company, and Cheng Yan, from Dami Electronics."

Cheng Yan of Dami Electronics exclaimed, "So you are the rumored beautiful CEO Cheng Susu! Everyone says you are unsmiling and excessively serious; seeing you today proves the rumors false. CEO Cheng’s smile just now was enough to mesmerize every man here."

This Cheng Yan and Shang Yu were both young managers in their late twenties or early thirties, not very immune to beauty. With Cheng Susu’s current alluring professional attire complementing her fiery figure, she was undoubtedly the center of attention for every man present. I had to admit, I felt a thrill of satisfaction—men are generally proud when their women attract the gaze of other men.

Shang Yu gently held the tips of Cheng Susu’s fingers. "Is CEO Cheng interested in investing in Dami Electronics? Your company is developing impressively now. You should help out smaller companies like ours."

Cheng Susu replied, "You two are too kind. As the saying goes, every family has its own hidden problems; only those involved know the true hardships. If there's a chance, we will cooperate."

Shang Yu and Cheng Yan flanked Cheng Susu. "Let’s go, CEO Cheng, let's find seats. The meeting is about to start. Oh, is this gentleman behind you your secretary? Hehe, we all use female secretaries; it's perfectly normal for CEO Cheng to use a male one."

I couldn't tell if it was because I was overly protective, or if these two had ill intentions from the start. As they walked, one on either side, they craned their necks to look askance at Cheng Susu’s chest. Beneath her business suit, Cheng Susu was wearing a strapless white fitted top. Due to the exceptional size of her chest, it pushed the top away from her body, positioning it just right to reveal a swath of snow-white skin and a deep cleavage. Those close enough could catch a faint, lingering perfume.

Cheng Susu corrected them aloud. "No, he is not my secretary. He is my boyfriend, Zhao Qian."

"Oh!" The two stopped dead and scrutinized me again. They couldn't believe it; the name Zhao Qian was utterly unfamiliar. How could the CEO of a powerhouse ranked sixth in the nation choose a little-known man?

"A pleasure to meet you!" The two shook my hand respectively.

"The honor is mine," I replied coolly.

Cheng Yan asked, "What good fortune has CEO Zhao stumbled upon?"

I answered, "I don’t do anything; I just stay home and play."

My answer clearly stunned the pair, but I noticed a flicker of smugness in their eyes. Shang Yu said, "Then CEO Zhao must be from a distinguished family; otherwise, how could he catch CEO Cheng’s eye?"

I replied, "I’m sorry, my father just watches the construction sites and building materials for other people."

Thud! Cheng Yan and Shang Yu had to steady each other to maintain their balance.

Cheng Yan addressed Cheng Susu, "CEO Cheng, you aren't joking with us, are you? Do you really think the love story between a wealthy heiress and a poor scholar from TV novels is real? I apologize if I'm too blunt, but this is reality; it’s hard for two people with such a vast gap between them to end up together."

Cheng Susu ignored their remarks, looped her arm through mine, and said, "Let’s go. I’ll introduce you to some other friends."

I shot a triumphant glance back at the two stunned men behind me, then pressed close to Cheng Susu’s body, inhaling the faint perfume, occasionally sneaking a peek at her chest. We walked towards the center of the hall.

"Let’s sit here," Cheng Susu chose a spot that wasn't too conspicuous. We sat down. The morning was mainly for meetings, noon for a collective lunch, the afternoon for visiting enterprise exhibitions, followed by a grand evening banquet. The real summit among the titans would only happen after that. The Chairman had informed me he would only make a brief appearance then; he had no time for these preliminary activities.

There were very few people around us. Cheng Susu whispered to me, "You were secretly looking at my chest just now." I laughed, "Why are they allowed to look, but I’m not?"

Cheng Susu’s face flushed. "You see it every day; what’s so interesting about looking now? Why don’t you come to my place tonight? You can look as much as you want then."

"Looking in this setting is a different experience than looking in bed. How about you bend over a little so I can get a clearer view?"

Cheng Susu pinched me lightly. "Be serious! A lot of people here know me."

Two people sat down next to us. I was slightly annoyed; with such a huge venue, why did they have to crowd us? If it were just Cheng Susu and me here, I could sneak a few gropes during the meeting, but with them nearby, I wished I could cover Cheng Susu entirely, let alone expose her further.

"Look how affectionate you two are, acting like we’re invisible." Two familiar female voices spoke.

I jumped in surprise. Xiao Chuchu and Fang Yanmeng were here too? Da Di and Huan Yu weren't classified as state-owned enterprises!

"It’s you two! What trouble are you stirring up here? We are trying to research critical national financial matters," I told the two women.

Fang Yanmeng extended her hand to Cheng Susu. "Fang Yanmeng. Chu Chu sister told me about you last night, and I truly grasped your greatness. We yield to you now and hope that when you ascend to the throne in the future, you’ll give your little sister a helping hand."

Cheng Susu’s face blossomed like a peach. "Mengmeng, you’re hilarious! I wish I had called you last night. In the end, I drank so much I was utterly confused and remember nothing. Chu Chu was the one who took me home."

I thought to myself: You think Xiao Chuchu had good intentions? Based on what Fang Yanmeng is saying, you probably exposed yourself plenty for her to photograph. Xiao Chuchu probably even deliberately changed your pajamas for you. You sisters can just enjoy the fun; I'm the one who benefits in the end.

Xiao Chuchu chimed in, "Yes, Sister Susu, you’re quite heavy. It must be those two causing trouble. You should lose some weight."

Cheng Susu smiled and shook her head; she wouldn't diet. Xiao Chuchu was just trying to trick her.

Fang Yanmeng said, "Sister Susu, we’re borrowing him for a bit; we’ll bring him right back. Can you save our seats? We’ll chat later."

With that, Fang Yanmeng pulled me away, leaving Xiao Chuchu and Cheng Susu sitting there. I asked Fang Yanmeng, "Are we going to see your father again?"

Fang Yanmeng replied, "Yes. I refuse to believe that seeing him every few days won't change his impression of you. I must make him accept you, or I won't sleep at night."

"Don't!" I quickly said, "I just saw your father talking with Chu Chu’s father. They’ve met; what are we going to say?"

Fang Yanmeng replied, "Sooner or later, they’ll find out about us. They might even know already. There’s no use hiding it. We don’t have to make a direct, public announcement. Whatever they want to think, they can think it; in time, they'll accept it naturally."