Yi Xiaorou’s face instantly flushed red.

“Qingqing told you everything? Your relationship is quite abnormal.” I chuckled.

“Qingqing didn’t say much, just mentioned a couple of things when we were bored traveling in Africa.” Yi Xiaorou lowered her voice.

“Next time, I’m definitely confronting her.

Telling tales to my husband!” I smiled without replying.

Yi Xiaorou, her face still red, picked up my shirt.

“Put some clothes on.

Auntie is back; it’ll look bad if she sees you like this.” “What did you buy to eat? Are we really having a big feast for lunch today? Is there any wine?” Yi Xiaorou looked at me with concern.

“We were all worried sick when you were fighting that mosquito infestation these past few days.

Now that you’re back safe, of course, we must celebrate.

Drink as much as you like, but no playing dirty after drinking!” I put on my shirt while replying, “Playing dirty after drinking usually means molesting you ladies, and you aren't afraid of that.” Stepping out of the room, I realized that all the wives had been eager to show off today.

My mother, the undisputed ruler of the kitchen, had been sidelined and was sitting on the sofa chatting with the remaining wives.

Seeing me emerge, my mother beckoned me over.

“Zhao Qian, come here.” Not knowing what my mother wanted to say, I walked over nervously and sat beside her.

My mother began, “Your father is on duty this afternoon and won’t be home…” “Ah, my dad’s not home? Does that make me the director of the women’s association?” The women secretly covered their mouths to stifle laughter.

My mother swatted my arm.

“Listen to me! Stop interrupting with nonsense.

Since your father isn't here today, there are some things I’ve long wanted to ask you all.” Yi Xiaorou, Cheng Susu, Fang Yanmeng, and the others saw the seriousness in my mother’s expression.

They couldn't quite gauge her intentions, but sensing it concerned them, they all became intensely focused.

“I actually know some things, children.

You all talk about borrowing books every day, but I’ve never actually seen a single book borrowed.

What exactly are you all doing? As someone who has been there, I won't elaborate further.” Not only did the women blush, but I did too.

Every time, they used ‘borrowing books’ as an excuse, when in reality, they were cuddling and fooling around together every night.

“None of you girls are ordinary people.

I don’t understand what you all see in my son that makes you value him so much.

This worries me as a mother.

Although you all seem harmonious now, utterly devoted to Zhao Qian, I know exactly what my son is capable of.

Don’t get upset when I say this, but I fear my son might end up with nothing to show for it in the end!” The women exchanged glances.

My mother’s words genuinely stung them, but they were smart girls.

They knew this stemmed from a mother's concern for her son, especially since she knew little about my true situation or the depth of our relationships.

Yi Xiaorou, acting as the elder sister among the wives, called over the women working in the kitchen, asking everyone to gather in the living room.

Then, she solemnly addressed my mother.

“Auntie, at this point, we won't hide anything from you.

There are ten sisters present today.

We are all determined to marry none other than Zhao Qian.

Those who agree with me, please raise your hands.” Nine hands shot up high.

Only one hand rose hesitantly, timidly, and awkwardly—it was Zhou Ni’s.

She hadn't slept with me yet, so suddenly discussing marriage was naturally embarrassing for her, which was understandable.

Xiao Chuchu exclaimed, “Auntie, you were worried we would dump Zhao Qian? Oh dear, you’ve got it all backward.

We are worried that Zhao Qian will dump us.

If such a day comes and Zhao Qian decides to leave us, you must advocate for us! We are agreeing to Zhao Qian’s proposal right in front of you today.” I objected.

“When did you propose? Don’t say things like that in front of my mother.” Fang Yanmeng and Zhao Fang took the lead, saying, “Then we propose to you now—will you marry us or not?” I answered readily, “I will, but it seems we won’t be getting a marriage certificate.

A simple meal and entering the bridal chamber will suffice.” Fang Yanmeng retorted, “Who said anything about entering the bridal chamber with you? We just needed to hear those words from you.

Auntie, you heard it just now—Brother Zhao Qian agreed to marry us.

If he dares to go back on his word in the future, you must rule in our favor.” My mother looked somewhat dazed.

“Children, children, I don’t understand.

Is my son that wonderful? All of you have very special statuses.

Doing this makes me feel scared, and I feel you are mistreating yourselves.” Cheng Susu said, “What special status, Auntie? Without Zhao Qian, we would be nothing.

Everything we have, Zhao Qian gave to us.

We are willing to stay by his side because we don’t know how to live without him.” My mother asked, “Isn’t my son just resilient and a bit strong? Is there something else he’s hiding from me?” Yi Xiaorou interjected, “Auntie, Zhao Qian keeps certain things from you for your own protection.

To tell you the truth, we are all working for Zhao Qian.

Your son is very capable and very talented, but his work requires extreme confidentiality.

He hides things from you and Uncle partly because he fears worrying you.” My mother was starting to figure things out.

If my son were just a good-for-nothing, these beautiful girls wouldn't all be clinging to him.

Now that Yi Xiaorou had pointed things out, my mother’s mind began to settle.

“Then, is my son’s frequent disappearing act related to his work?” Zhao Fen confirmed, “Yes, Auntie.

Recently, Brother Zhao has had a lot of business overseas, forcing him to lie to you and Uncle.” All along, my mother worried that my son wouldn't be able to keep these girls.

Now that she knew the girls were pursuing him, and that he was more capable than them—even their leader—she was delighted and finally put her worries to rest.

“Alright, you are all grown up now, and you all have careers.

As your mother, I shouldn't be too autocratic and force you to reveal your secrets.

I will cover for you with your father from now on.

And I guarantee it here today for all ten of you: if this rascal Zhao Qian dares to let any of you down in the future, I will beat him half to death!” The ten women were so overjoyed they nearly floated to the ceiling.

With my mother’s backing, even if I tried to play games, I couldn’t escape their grasp.

My mother was like the Buddha; wherever she told me to go, I would go.

As long as I kept my mother happy in the future, I wouldn't have to worry about soaring through the clouds.

After her excitement passed, my mother became concerned again.

“You all like Zhao Qian, but what about marriage? The country has no such regulations! Your father and I are waiting to hold grandchildren.

Zhao Qian is not young anymore; by age, he should be marrying and having children.” Yi Xiaorou said, “Auntie, don’t worry.

We have discussed this.

None of the ten of us can live without Zhao Qian.

So, we’ve decided that regardless of who Zhao Qian officially registers his marriage with, we will not leave this family.

Furthermore, the one formally married cannot become complacent and exclude the others.

Besides, given Zhao Qian’s current status, having over a dozen wives marrying him simultaneously is entirely achievable.

To some extent, Zhao Qian can transcend the law.” Since the girls moved into this house, my mother couldn't bear to look away from one only to look at another; she wished all ten girls could become her daughters-in-law.

Imagine the prestige that would bring when talking to those other old ladies—who in the entire Great Dragon Country could marry ten wives? Even if they dared, they wouldn't have the ability.

My son must be a high-ranking official if he can transcend the law? “I, as a mother, will not meddle in this matter anymore.

You all have the capability to resolve it yourselves.

All I care about is holding grandchildren.

However, I do want to know: is everyone here today? This is our first reunion dinner, right? Don’t leave anyone out.

Your relationships are too complicated.

I still don’t know how you all met Zhao Qian, nor do I know if the little brat has other girlfriends outside.” Zhao Fang pouted.

“Auntie, you have to ask Brother Zhao about this.

Only when you ask him won’t he dare to lie.

This man loves keeping beauties hidden away; who knows if there’s another beautiful maiden out there.” My mother gave me a stern look.

“Everything has been laid out in the open today, and you’ve confessed everything.

If you dare to wrong them again, I’ll be the first one not to forgive you.” The issue with Ouyang Qian would surface sooner or later, and rumors had likely already spread at Longteng University, so it was better to confess early and seek leniency.

“There is one other person I’ve been intimate with; she is my classmate.” Fang Yanmeng shouted first, “Ouyang Qian!” I asked curiously, “How did you know it was her? It could have been Li Qi.” Fang Yanmeng said indignantly, “Hmph, that enchantress’s allure is something you can’t resist.

In truth, I’ve long been mentally prepared for this.” Yi Xiaorou, Cheng Susu, and the others had never met Ouyang Qian.

Hearing there was another girl outside with whom I had been intimate, though they were slightly displeased, they wouldn't dwell on it since the situation was already established.

“Do you have a photo? Let us see what this enchantress Mengmeng talks about looks like.

A girl that even our Zhao Qian couldn't resist must be quite something.” I did have a normal photo of Ouyang Qian on my phone, one she sent me herself.

I opened my phone and showed it to everyone, which indeed elicited gasps of admiration.

“She is so seductive; she truly has the face of a fox spirit designed to lure men.

No wonder Mengmeng says her allure is irresistible.” My mother looked at the picture.

“Son, I think this girl is not simple.

Can you guarantee she will be completely devoted to you?” Even my mother could sense the seductive quality of Ouyang Qian.

But if I couldn’t even tame a fox spirit, how could I cultivate myself, govern the nation, and pacify the world? I thumped my chest and assured my mother, “It’s a small matter.

I have her completely subdued now.” Xu Jing added, “Yes, Ouyang Qian is a good girl.

Although her features are overly charming, I can see she is utterly devoted to Brother Zhao.” The other women cried out, “Good job, Jingjing! So you knew about them! How could you help Zhao Qian hide this from us?” Xu Jing quickly explained, “I just interacted with her twice through work.

Brother Zhao hadn't specified their relationship before, so I didn’t think much of it.

It’s only looking back now at some of the things she said that I realize how deeply devoted she is to Brother Zhao.” Fang Yanmeng asked, “How did you have work interactions?” Xu Jing replied, “The Bai Xing Shopping Group is undergoing restructuring, and many management personnel need replacing.

Brother Zhao asked her to help me recruit staff at Longteng University.

She’s already hired a hundred people; their quality is good, and they can be operational after minimal training.” My mother said, “In that case, call her quickly.

Don't forget her in future gatherings.” The women urged, “Auntie has spoken, call her immediately!” Fine, I’ll call.

Ouyang Qian is the real tenth one; Zhou Ni’s position will have to wait.

I moved aside to make the call, with Fang Yanmeng and Zhao Fang trailing behind to eavesdrop.

“Qianqian, what are you doing?” Ouyang Qian replied, “Just boiling noodles with Su Xue.

Are you coming over for dinner? We can boil more.” “No, come to my place for dinner; my mom invited you.” Ouyang Qian was clearly stunned, pausing for a moment before answering.

Su Xue spoke up instead, “Qianqian, is that Junior Brother? Is he coming for dinner? I should boil more noodles too.” “No, he asked me to eat out.” Su Xue insisted, “I’m coming too! Don’t even think about leaving me behind!” Ouyang Qian explained, “It’s his mother, my future mother-in-law, who invited me.

Are you coming too?” Su Xue said, “Then maybe not.

I’ll wait for Chenchen to come back, and we’ll have noodles together.” Ouyang Qian asked me, “Do I really have to go? I’m not psychologically prepared yet.” “Yes, you absolutely must come.

We’re missing you today; my mom said we can’t start eating until everyone is here.” “What? Everyone else is there? Is it appropriate for me to come?” “It’s appropriate.

Hurry and take a cab over; I’ll text you the address…” When I sat back down, my mother asked me, “There are no more, right?” I hastily confirmed, “None, none at all.” “Then what about Qiqi?” Fang Yanmeng and Xiao Chuchu inquired.

They were closer to Li Qi and knew a little about the situation between us.

Li Qi was indeed extraordinary; she had managed her relationships with the other women quite well.

Since Fang Yanmeng and Xiao Chuchu brought her up, the others naturally started speaking on her behalf.

My mother asked me, “And who is Qiqi?” Zhao Fang pulled out a photo of Li Qi and handed it to my mother.

“Auntie, look for yourself; her status is not simple.” My mother glanced at it.

“Oh my, this girl is unusually beautiful.

Of course, you ladies are no less attractive than her.” Yi Xiaorou said, “We all know Qiqi is the type of girl whose beauty is astonishing, but Auntie, do you know who her grandfather is?” My mother waited for Yi Xiaorou’s next words.

Yi Xiaorou subtly sought my permission with her eyes, then told my mother, “Her grandfather is Li Zhenyu, the Chairman of the Military Commission of our Great Dragon Country.” My mother’s face turned slightly pale.

“Son, who do you dare to provoke? She is high royalty! If anything happens to her, how will you face the Chairman?” I replied with difficulty, “Mother, I’m also not in control of the situation.

I didn’t actively pursue her.

She tried to kill me initially, and naturally, I couldn’t just let her slaughter me.

So, as we fought, things just developed that way.

I know her status is special, and I've been worried about this very issue.” Fang Yanmeng said, “I’ll call Qiqi to come over.

After all, she has feelings for you.

We’ll leave how to resolve this matter to fate.” Yi Xiaorou took a call and quietly approached me.

“Zhao Qian, Qingqing called me and asked me out for dinner.

I told her I was at your place, and she said she wants to come too.

What should I do?” “What else can we do? Of course, let her come along!” Good heavens, without realizing it, everyone was arriving.

This time, truly no one would be missing.

Every girl whose body I had touched, whose breasts I had felt, was about to gather at my house.

Was this the first real gathering of our extended family?