Fang Chaoyang and the others were surrounded by heavyweights; general managers of companies ranked below 20 wouldn't dare sit near them. Fang Yanmeng walked up behind her father. "Dad, you don't mind if I use your name to come in and observe and learn a bit, do you?"

I greeted Fang Chaoyang. "Mr. Fang, hello."

Fang Chaoyang remained inscrutable. "You're here too. Sit."

Just as I settled down, Xiao He, the director of the State Television Station, scrutinized me repeatedly. Finally, he recognized me. "You, aren't you the boyfriend Chu Chu brought to the station that day! How did you end up tangled with the Fang family's girl again? Old Fang, this guy is suspicious. He specializes in tricking our impressionable young ladies. We need to investigate his background carefully."

An elder nearby chimed in, "Old Xiao, didn't you say Chu Chu didn't have a boyfriend? I was still hoping to arrange a marriage alliance between our children."

Xiao He shot back, "When did I ever say Chu Chu had a boyfriend? I firmly deny any such thing."

Well, this was rich. Fang Chaoyang remained silent, but before Xiao Chuchu's father could say more, he spoke up first.

Fang Yanmeng addressed Xiao He. "Uncle Xiao, should I call Sister Chu Chu over so you two can talk first?"

Xiao He's face was grim, and he gave no confirmation. Fang Yanmeng waved towards Cheng Susu. In a moment, Xiao Chuchu came running over, her appearance immediately drawing the gaze of every man present. While she might not compare to Yi Xiaorou or Cheng Susu, she was still a D-cup, which was certainly ample compared to ordinary women.

"Dad," Xiao Chuchu announced, "what a coincidence. My boyfriend is the same person as Mengmeng's. We really have a connection, don't we."

Xiao He was furious. "You little brat! Are you deliberately trying to embarrass me in front of all these uncles and fathers?"

Though Fang Chaoyang said nothing, embarrassment was etched on his face. If this man were the son of a high-ranking Central official, it might be excusable for two daughters to fight over him. But this man had no discernible background. To have two rich heiresses publicly claim him as their boyfriend was surely an embarrassment to their families.

As fathers, they naturally couldn't fathom their daughters' intentions. The girls knew this matter would eventually surface before both sets of parents. Their goal today was to announce the relationship publicly: first, to discourage the scheming families watching them, and second, because in such a setting, the parents would prioritize saving face over delivering a harsh dressing-down.

Xiao Chuchu looked at her father. "Dad, I’m grown up. I have the right to choose the man I love. What’s wrong with both Mengmeng and me liking him? You don't need to worry about this aspect of my life anymore. In this life, besides Zhao Qian, I will marry no one."

"You!" Xiao He started to flare up but caught himself, seeing those around him. He sat back down, fuming in silence.

Conversely, Fang Chaoyang’s attitude was surprisingly conciliatory. "Old Xiao, let the children sort out their own affairs. You can’t pre-plan every step they take; that robs life of its meaning for them."

Xiao He’s hand trembled slightly as he pointed at me. "Old Fang, among everyone they could fight over, they choose him? Do you even know who he is? I certainly don't."

The others began to murmur amongst themselves. After a brief discussion, they concluded that I was merely a penniless pretty boy with no backing. Yet, they were perplexed as to why the daughters of these two titans would simultaneously fall for him. Both families had only daughters; wouldn't this pauper ultimately inherit their vast fortunes? They dared not voice this thought, but their expressions clearly betrayed their excitement: two beauties fighting over one man, particularly a supposed pauper when the women were heiresses—this was a spectacle.

Xiao Chuchu retorted angrily, "Hmph! You will all know who he is eventually. Don't come begging for his forgiveness then!"

Fang Chaoyang’s heart stirred. He quietly asked his daughter, "You’ve been reluctant to tell me. What is his hidden identity, exactly?"

Fang Yanmeng leaned close to her father's ear and whispered, "Dad, just think about it. What are my status and Chu Chu's? Could the man we both choose be wrong? Remember those international oil deals I helped you secure? Can you truly doubt our capability? Don't speak carelessly, or I won't be able to face him."

Besides domestic oil extraction and refining, Chaoyang Energy also imported petroleum and natural gas. Two months prior, several major Saudi oil suppliers abruptly and abnormally raised their prices. At the current domestic selling rate, this transaction would only result in losses. However, all preliminary preparations were complete, and withdrawing the tankers would incur significant losses. Upon learning this, his daughter made a few calls, and by the next day, those suppliers sheepishly lowered their prices and offered profuse apologies. Fang Chaoyang had asked his daughter how she managed it, but she only smiled and refused to answer. There was also a major overseas extraction project where two large foreign companies were competing alongside them. After his daughter made one phone call, the other companies canceled the tender outright and designated Chaoyang Energy as the sole recipient.

Reflecting on this, Fang Chaoyang nodded, feeling reassured. He knew his daughter's capabilities intimately. Yet, over the past six months, the girl had become mature and steady, often offering him insightful advice. He hadn't seen such a transformation in her previous twenty years. But since being saved by this man, his daughter had changed; her voice carried undeniable conviction. She often joked with him, "Dad, if you have a problem you can't solve, ask me. Our side has immense power."

With this realization, Fang Chaoyang pulled Xiao He’s arm. "Old Xiao, calm down. Adults shouldn't interfere with the children’s matters. The meeting is about to start; mind the impression you give."

Fang Yanmeng seized the opportunity and pulled me along. "Let’s go. Let the uncles chat amongst themselves."

Xiao Chuchu, still sulking, returned and sat down. She nudged Fang Yanmeng. "Chu Chu, how did you sweet-talk your dad into being so agreeable? Teach me."

Fang Yanmeng whispered a few words into Xiao Chuchu's ear, causing her to exclaim loudly, "Oh! You cheated! Zhao Qian, that’s unfair! Mengmeng cheated!"

Fang Yanmeng quickly covered Xiao Chuchu’s mouth. "How did I cheat? Did I say anything specific to my dad? I didn't repeat a single word the Husband told me. Everything requires strategy. What I did, if brought out into the open, no one could find fault with."

Xiao Chuchu looked regretful. "Why didn't you warn me sooner? The State Television Station truly believes it can lease the Global Signal Relay Satellite? I gave them such valuable service, and my dad thought he was getting a bargain unintentionally. I’m so dense. If I had said just a little more back then, my dad might have grasped something."

Fang Yanmeng remarked, "With your father's intellect, I doubt he'd grasp anything even if you said three things."

"You're mocking my dad," Xiao Chuchu retorted, moving to tickle Fang Yanmeng.

Fang Yanmeng quickly ducked behind Cheng Susu. "I'm not mocking your dad. The State Television Station evolved from a state-owned enterprise transformation. Leaders of these SOEs completely lack a sense of crisis. That’s entirely different from my dad, who built his success through sheer struggle. He has to be cautious because one wrong move could bankrupt the entire company. But your dad and his peers are different; if one venture goes belly up, they just move to another large company. Even if the whole SOE collapses, it won't touch their personal wealth. Over time, their awareness of the people and things around them drops significantly; they never notice the deeper implications in what you say."

Xiao Chuchu agreed. "That's true. Look at the leaders of the major state-owned groups present today—all broad-shouldered, stout, and lethargic. But the private enterprise leaders are lean, sharp, and bursting with energy. They are completely different states of being."

I pulled Cheng Susu forward. "This lady is also a private enterprise CEO. Take a look at her."

Xiao Chuchu and Fang Yanmeng glanced over simultaneously and declared, "Her? She's radiating vitality!"

There was no more time for horseplay; the moderator was already taking the stage. The conference proceeded according to schedule: one leader spoke, another gave a report, followed by presentations from corporate representatives. All this content was utterly devoid of substance to me, perhaps a side effect of having been a student for 12 years and a soldier for five.

The long morning passed bearably thanks to the three beauties surrounding me. Though people sat both in front and behind, preventing any open touching, inhaling their subtle fragrances, stealing occasional glances at their figures, and even secretly touching Fang Yanmeng’s foot or holding her hand beneath the table, was a pleasure in itself.

Since there was a facility tour scheduled for the afternoon, lunch was a communal working meal: four dishes and one soup, with a respectable standard. Everyone collected their stainless steel trays and found a spot in the dining hall.

The restaurant was packed. Some CEOs from companies outside Beijing, who might have planned to dine elsewhere, opted to stay when they saw the top 20 executives were all eating there. If one was lucky enough to be seated next to a titan, a collaboration opportunity might arise, potentially leading to an overnight ascent.

The four of us found the least conspicuous spot, away from any recognizable figures. While eating, Fang Yanmeng turned to Cheng Susu. "Sister Susu, I really like you. Would you consider moving in with us? Chu Chu and I share a room; you could have your own."

It was rare for Fang Yanmeng to be so considerate of me. I quickly tried to capitalize. "Yes, if your family doesn't object, you should move over. We can look out for each other. I think Xiaorou could move downstairs too; after all, there are already five of us upstairs."

Fang Yanmeng and Xiao Chuchu both lightly tapped me with their chopsticks. "Don't think we don't know what you're plotting! If they move in together, will there be anything left for us at night?"

Cheng Susu was genuinely moved. At this moment, she truly grasped what I meant by everyone being easy to get along with. She replied, "If you don't find me bothersome, I'll move in. You all have been so kind, and I don't have any chance to repay you."

Fang Yanmeng laughed. "Sisters, why talk like that? Just make sure you don't banish us to the cold palace when you become the Empress in the future."

The four of us erupted in laughter, attracting curious glances from several diners nearby.

"Premier Qiao is here! Premier Qiao is here..." Shouts erupted as people rushed toward the center of the dining hall. For anyone fortunate enough to shake the Premier’s hand and capture the moment on camera, it would become a source of corporate pride for years to come. Thus, everyone scrambled toward him, though the true heavyweights made no such effort.

The Premier had spoken on behalf of the Central Committee and the State Council that morning. During this lunch break, he decided to engage with everyone at a truly zero-distance level, listening to their opinions and requests regarding governance during their business operations.

"Greetings, comrades. You've all worked hard. Please eat well. The Central Committee sent me to gauge your opinions and suggestions regarding this summit, and to see if you have any other needs or requests..."

Despite the numerous security personnel maintaining order, people still fought to step forward and shake the Premier's hand. The Premier could only oblige everyone with a smile.

Cheng Yan of Damei Electronics and Shang Yu of China Auto North Group did not join the rush. They had other plans. After collecting their food, they found a table near Cheng Susu.

Cheng Yan remarked, "Manager Shang, look at those other two girls—both stunning beauties. What sort of charm spell has that kid cast?"

Shang Yu observed, "One is Miss Fang from Chaoyang Energy, and the other is Miss Xiao from State Television. Perhaps they are just friends of Manager Cheng; it might have nothing to do with that kid."

Cheng Yan was startled. "Those two families! If we could establish a connection with even one of them, we’d be set for life."

Shang Yu countered, "I'm only interested in Cheng Susu. If you chase the other two, don't compete with me. At my age, I should be thinking about romance, or I'll end up a lifelong bachelor."

Cheng Yan chuckled. "Manager Shang, you’ve calculated this well. Manager Cheng Susu is brilliant and has taken over Yuejin Construction. Marrying her means gaining not just a management prodigy but also a major company as a dowry—killing two birds with one stone."

Shang Yu asked, "Aren't the other two even wealthier?"

Cheng Yan replied, "Do you think I'm an idiot? Those two families still have their fathers firmly in control of their companies. Besides, those two look too delicate; we probably couldn't afford to keep them pampered at home. The mature Manager Cheng Susu is better."

Shang Yu retorted, "Let's be frank, you still want to compete with me."

Cheng Yan said, "Manager Shang, don't put it so crudely. We call this fair competition."

Shang Yu picked up his tray and started walking away. "If we don't move quickly, someone else will snatch them up. Talking here is useless."

"Mind if we join your table?" Cheng Yan and Shang Yu asked the four of us.

Cheng Susu nodded to them. As they sat down, they introduced themselves to Xiao Chuchu and Fang Yanmeng. The two women nodded, stated their names briefly, and then returned to their own conversations.

"Manager Cheng, perhaps we can partner up during the facility tour this afternoon. Our companies aren't based in Kyoto. You should fulfill the duties of a host, after all," Cheng Yan suggested.

Cheng Susu felt conflicted. Refusing such a request would be impolite, so she could only nod.

Cheng Yan continued, "Since the heavy losses sustained by the Japanese fleet in the East China Sea early this year, our country’s economy has accelerated dramatically. Large amounts of foreign capital are flooding in, and almost every sector is thriving. It’s hard to find an unprofitable industry. Take your Yuejin Construction, for instance. The renovation project for Kyoto’s old city district involves massive loans, but I hear that shortly after you submitted your application, the Central Bank approved it. How could there be so much hot money if the economy wasn't booming?"

Shang Yu added, "Manager Cheng clearly has her own methods for enterprise management. I read your personal interview; you emphasize employee quality. You believe staff quality is the deciding factor for a company’s survival..."