I messaged Taozi: "Commander Cat, what is our grand plan? To rule the entire universe? Now you won't even commit resources to conquering Earth. I'm starting to doubt you even proposed this magnificent strategy yourself."

Taozi sounded genuinely guilty. "It seems I still lack your vision. Fine, you are the boss, and I’ll follow your lead. I’ll have to stay up late this week to make up the lost time. Just try to keep the noise down at night with your wives so you don't disturb me."

Since Taozi had been staying at my place, that explained her comment. I replied, "No problem. I’ll move upstairs for the next few days; use my room however you like."

When Xiao Jian and the others heard my decision, they looked utterly incredulous. One billion RMB—that wasn't just a hundred million; most people present could probably muster one hundred million, but saying they'd fork over a billion? Only I dared utter such a thing.

"Minister Zhao, about this matter..." Xiao Jian didn't know how to phrase his concern.

I cut in, "Enough, no need to say anything else. Once the final list is ready, show it to me, and I’ll transfer the funds."

A knock sounded on the door, followed immediately by Su Xue bursting in. "Zhao Qian! This place is truly magnificent. Why did we agree to eat in the school cafeteria at noon? We should have just eaten here!"

Xu Chen entered right after and noticed the crowd inside. She tugged at Su Xue, cautioning her to mind her manners.

I stood up and addressed Su Xue, "Don't worry about that. I’ll order a full table for you tonight and have it sent over."

Su Xue pouted. "You’d be that generous?"

"Minister Xiao," Diao Chengshan peered cautiously into the room and spotted a familiar face.

Xiao Jian recognized him instantly. "Director Diao, what brings you here?"

Diao Chengshan had already fixed his gaze on the important target. He pointed, "I'm here to see Chief Zhao."

I didn't recognize Diao Chengshan. "Who are you? What are you lurking about for?"

Since Xu Chen had brought him in, she needed to explain the situation clearly. After her explanation, I finally understood what had happened. Xiao Chuchu, standing nearby, remarked, "Director Diao, no need for apologies; we aren't petty people. However, as for your Agricultural Bank, we intend to take it over completely. You should start packing your things to head home soon."

Diao Chengshan pulled out the same routine as before, dropping to his knees with a thud. "Chief, I was wrong. Please spare me this one time. I promise I’ll change my ways from now on. I even brought the two people who angered you; you may punish them as you see fit."

With that, Diao Chengshan called out to the door, and two bank tellers entered, heads bowed low. The three pleaded bitterly. I sighed. "Why the drama? If you were always polite and kind to people, none of this would have happened. I forgive you; you can go now. Don't interrupt our meal."

Diao Chengshan pressed on, "Thank you for your great benevolence, Chief. What about the acquisition of the National Agricultural Bank?"

Xiao Chuchu responded, "It’s a done deal, as I just mentioned. Leaving it in your hands is a complete waste of resources. We will reorganize and streamline everything, and 'talents' like you will all be laid off."

Diao Chengshan’s face drained of color. He was accustomed to a life lived high above others. If he were dismissed, he doubted even Zhou Dachuan at the Central Bank could help him. "Miss Xiao, your father and I are old friends. Please show me mercy for my sake. I am deeply devoted to the cause of the National Agricultural Bank; I cannot live without it! You are the Chief’s girlfriend; please beg him to spare me!"

Xiao Jian, worried that Diao Chengshan would blurt out my identity in front of others, stepped out to call security and had the three men forcibly removed. If this spectacle continued, no one would enjoy their meal.

Su Xue seized an opportunity and dragged me aside, her face flushed with anger. "Zhao Qian! Tell me honestly, what is your relationship with that woman?" She gestured towards Xiao Chuchu, who was standing beside Taozi.

I answered casually, "She's my girlfriend. What about it? Is that not allowed?"

Ouyang Qian interjected, "Don't lie! You’re just fooling around with Chenchen and plan to discard her later, aren't you? Isn't Fang Yanmeng your girlfriend?"

"That's right. I never said Fang Yanmeng isn't my girlfriend either."

Su Xue blinked slowly. "Are you implying you have two girlfriends?"

I chuckled. "More than two. I’m planning on putting together a 'Hundred Beauties Scroll.'"

Su Xue and Ouyang Qian were momentarily speechless. "You—you! Zhao Qian, you bastard!"

Seeing me arguing with the two girls, Xiao Chuchu approached. "What's wrong, Zhao Qian? Aren't these your friends? Invite them to sit with us."

Su Xue turned to Xiao Chuchu. "Thank you, beautiful older sister. We are Zhao Qian's senior female disciples. Are you really his girlfriend?"

Xiao Chuchu leaned against my side like a young girl. "Of course. Is that so strange?"

Ouyang Qian challenged, "But didn't you know he’s also fooling around with Fang Yanmeng?"

Xiao Chuchu admonished gently, "Little girls shouldn't use such loaded words. Mengmeng is also his girlfriend. What's wrong with being close to people?"

"Ah!" This time, even Xu Chen was shocked. She had never heard of such a thing before.

Su Xue asked timidly, "He’s such a flirt; aren't you angry?"

Xiao Chuchu sighed. "I am, but what can I do? Once you fall for him, there’s no turning back. A few more won't matter. It’s actually quite lively having everyone together."

Ouyang Qian and Su Xue spoke in unison. "Unbelievable! What's so great about him that you all act like this? You have an impressive background, and Fang Yanmeng is a major heiress. Have you both lost your minds?"

Xiao Chuchu laughed. "Why are you two so concerned about him? Unless you’ve developed feelings for him yourselves? In that case, I’ll have to step up my defenses. You two are so young and beautiful; I’m afraid I can’t compete!"

Su Xue and Ouyang Qian scoffed. "Hmph. We would never like him—he’s a notorious player. By the way, since you're his girlfriend too, we happen to have two candid photos of him committing crimes here. Take a look, and then show one to Fang Yanmeng. We all need to see the disgusting filth beneath his hypocritical exterior."

Xiao Chuchu looked at the two photos sent over and giggled. "You two took these yourselves, didn't you? Such great sacrifices. I'll treat you both to dinner another day to express my gratitude."

Su Xue and Ouyang Qian were surprised. "You're not angry?"

Xiao Chuchu replied, "I am. I’m angry he lacks courage. You two were so forward, and he didn't even make a move."

Su Xue and Ouyang Qian were completely defeated. These two, usually sharp-tongued and unforgiving, now found themselves entirely on the defensive. Xu Chen gently pulled them away. "Our mission is complete. Let's stop bothering Brother Zhao and leave."

Xiao Chuchu said, "Why don't you all stay? Let me toast you both with a couple of drinks to show my appreciation."

Su Xue and Ouyang Qian waved their hands. "We yield to you. Goodbye for now."

Xiao Chuchu and I walked Xu Chen and the other two women out. Watching their retreating figures, she mused, "I can't believe Diao Chengshan would use them to find you. You’ve only been in university for a few days, yet you've met so many beautiful girls already. That Ouyang Qian seems quite spirited—she’s your type. And Su Xue—her bust looks like it could definitely rival Little Rou's."

I wrapped my arm around Xiao Chuchu's slender waist. "I like my wife to be tempestuous in private, but reserved in front of others. As for Su Xue, I already have two super DDs at home; why would I covet a child's figure?"

Xiao Chuchu countered, "But she's plump and adorable! And yes, you do like spirited women—you enjoy that kind of fire, don't you?"

"Fine," I conceded. "I’ll go pursue them both later."

"Don't you dare! You let me test you with just a couple of lines, and you slipped up. Wait until we get home tonight; the family law awaits you."