A few days later, Moon Country finally issued a statement regarding Shrek Corporation’s activities at Wanan Shoal. Surprisingly, Moon Country expressed understanding for Shrek Corporation’s actions and even extended an invitation to the company’s representative, asking him to join Moon Country’s multi-nation economic sphere in the Nansha Islands.

This development annoyed me somewhat. It seemed Shrek Corporation’s reputation carried significant weight, causing Moon Country to shy away from conflict due to the power of the U.S. backing it. But if they wouldn't clash, how could the Red Dragon intervene in the Nansha dispute? Involving ourselves in the Nansha conflict without proper justification could drag the Great Dragon Country into endless trouble.

We held several meetings to discuss this issue, but for a time, we couldn't devise a better solution. However, Zhu Da and Cai Bao'er suggested sending people to harass the garrisons stationed on the islands occupied by Moon Country in the Nansha, hoping to provoke them into making trouble themselves.

I still needed time to consider this proposal. Due to these complications, progress on the Nansha issue stalled. Meanwhile, construction on the Mosquito Base proceeded at full steam. Despite threats from various countries led by the U.S., the Red Dragon ignored them, and for the moment, the other nations were powerless, as the outcome of any actual conflict remained uncertain.

That day, Li Qi excitedly sought me out at the library. She sat across from me and slid a few slips of paper across the table. I glanced down; they were notices for the civil service examination, and the photo and name on them were mine.

I picked up a book and walked toward the bookshelves, Li Qi following closely behind. We found a secluded spot and stopped. “Qi Qi, what trick are you pulling? Are you simply bored? Do you want me to assign you a task?”

Li Qi replied, “No need. I’m quite busy. The student union is holding elections these few days, and there are many things requiring my personal oversight. I have no time for anything else for you.”

“Then you have time to cause trouble for me.”

“Zhao Qian, haven't you considered your own future?”

“No. I’m not one to map out the distant future. As long as today and tomorrow are enjoyable and exciting for us, that’s enough.”

“You can think that way, but I cannot. I must consider the overall development trajectory of the Zhao family. With Zhao Fen, Zhao Fang, Yi Xiaorou, Little Raindrop, and Little Hui dominating military technology development, and with our super weapons combined with the strength of Liu Hu, Zhang Dahai, and Shen Jian making our military might number one globally, while others are unstoppable in the economic sphere—have you considered what your weakest point is right now? It’s politics!”

I said, “I never intended to involve myself in national affairs.”

Li Qi said calmly, “Some things aren't a matter of if you want to or not. As your strength increases, your political deficiency will quickly become apparent. I won’t allow that to happen. Besides my own interest in politics, I especially don’t want to see any missteps in your career, because I am also a member of your Zhao family; the fate of the Zhao family has bound us all together.”

“Hehe, Qi Qi, I’m happy you think this way. It’s just that I don’t want to be an official. That would constrain my actions. Even if I didn’t want to, I already hold quite a few positions. Why are you arranging a civil service exam for me?”

“All your previous positions were illegitimate and lacking proper foundation. The officialdom of the Great Dragon Country values seniority and reputation, and they delve deeply into your ancestors for eighteen generations. Any slight issue could potentially lead to the collapse of your political career. That’s why I suggest you start from the bottom, build a solid foundation for your political path, and leave them nothing to criticize.”

“Don’t I have you? Why do I still need to take the civil service exam?”

“My dear, you can be incredibly obtuse sometimes. I can only be your auxiliary; the real master is you. Don't you understand?”

“Tell me about your plan. Maybe I’ll find it interesting.”

Li Qi said, “I will also be applying for the civil service exam with you. Our current plan involves being dispatched personnel funded by the state to the western regions, with a term of five years. Afterward, based on performance during those five years, some of us will be recalled to the capital city to bolster the cadre ranks. With our capabilities, we certainly aren’t afraid we can’t be recalled. With this shining political background, we can then leverage the power we command to enter the high-level state apparatus and build our own base for the future.”

I nearly dropped the book in my hand. “Qi Qi, are you planning to seize your grandfather’s power!”

Li Qi silenced me by covering my mouth with hers. “Quiet! If this were the ** era, saying something like that would cost you your head! Why would I seize my grandfather’s power? I’m just selecting a successor for him, and I will be the one assisting you.”

We kissed for a moment. I said, “You need to let me consider this. One wrong step, and I fear I might sink into a quagmire.”

“Zhao Qian, I understand the affairs of officialdom better than you. Even if you harbor no such ambition, others won’t think well of you regardless. You might as well execute the plan openly, and let them judge your merits and faults. Moreover, I’ve spoken deeply with the sisters; your true aspiration isn't just the Great Dragon Country, but world unification, isn't that right? Have you considered that without a corresponding power base, suddenly aiming for world unification is nearly a delusion?”

I admitted, “I have come to realize that. That’s why regimes like Xijin and Mosquito Keep will continue to appear.”

“But those nations are puppets. What you need are people who genuinely support you, and the Great Dragon Country is the best choice. As descendants of the Dragon, we have the ability and the obligation to unify the entire world. Then we can establish an Earth Federation and expand outward to the star systems. This may seem distant, but with our sisters united, it can certainly be achieved within twenty years.”

I pondered deeply. “Perhaps you are right. Before, I was reluctant to consider these things because the Chairman has always treated me well, and I didn't want to cause him even a flicker of disappointment.”

“Silly husband, although I am your future wife, I am also Dad’s daughter and Grandpa’s granddaughter. Would I not consider them? As their child, how could I not understand what they think? If you refuse to act this way, they will be deeply disappointed in you. It’s the way of the world: the new generation replaces the old. Grandpa is very old; he will eventually retire from his post, and his greatest desire is to hand the country over to someone he trusts. Right now, the most capable person is you. If you remain inactive forever, that might truly cause him profound disappointment.”

I embraced Li Qi. “Honestly, I’m not interested in politics at all.”

“I’ll handle everything. You just need to give me your support when necessary; don't worry about the rest. Otherwise, do you expect me to be a decorative vase? I’d lose face in front of the other women. They would say I’m the daughter of a high-ranking official who knows nothing but flirting and throwing tantrums.”

“But I know you’re not that kind of person. Aside from having a slightly masochistic quirk in your psychology, you are a capable and beautiful woman, and a ** too.”

Li Qi reached out to touch my lower region. “Then do you want to ‘discipline’ me? Do you like my perversion? Am I swollen and throbbing—isn’t that stimulating?”

I reached out and fiercely tugged her breast a few times. “I’ll definitely have to deal with you properly when I have time. See if you dare be so perverse then.”

Li Qi cooed charmingly, “Master, I will be yours sooner or later. You can handle me whenever you like. But could you finish looking at this book first?”

Saying that, Li Qi produced a book from behind me. I saw it was supplementary material for the civil service exam—it didn’t look very thick. This was a trivial matter for me.

“No problem. From now on, we develop both military and political strength. Let’s see what the Tan family can do to me then?”

Li Qi said seriously, “Do you think the Tan family has been quiet recently? One-third of the People’s Congress representatives are now their people. This is why I’m rushing you to develop politically. Also, you need to recommend several capable and trustworthy people to me. You wouldn’t want me to have to show my face for every major and minor detail, would you? After all, I am a very beautiful girl. What if some handsome guy gets the wrong idea?”

I said with concern, “It seems I need to hurry up and ‘discipline’ you. What if a peerless beauty of your status is snatched away by someone else?”

Li Qi held my hands. “Unless there are two Zhao Qians in this world, I won’t spare another man a glance.”

I was deeply moved. In truth, these dozen or so girls were all exceptional. Although many were young mistresses from wealthy families, they were impeccable in their competence in handling affairs and in their deep affection for me. Such girls are rare treasures, and the fact that fate brought them to my side is my immense fortune. Naturally, I will cherish them.

After our talk, Li Qi left in a hurry for other matters, leaving me behind the bookshelf savoring the lingering scent from her lips. As I mused, a wicked smile involuntarily curved my lips. I squatted down casually and began flipping through the study materials Li Qi had given me. After some time, I was almost kicked in the body by a foot.

“Zhao Qian! Why are you sitting on the floor? What are you up to?”

I looked up and saw Ouyang Qian. What a coincidence—one wife leaves, and another appears. “Qian Qian, you don’t seem to like the library. It’s an honor to run into you here. You’re not here to borrow picture books, are you?”

Ouyang Qian playfully kicked my backside twice. “You’re the one looking for picture books! Why wouldn’t I like the library? There are many essential reference books here that I need.”

The books here were indeed complex and specialized, so few people came looking for them, which inadvertently made it a secret meeting spot for me. Ouyang Qian laughed, “Stop messing around. If you want to, let’s go to our dormitory. Nobody will be there this afternoon.”

I pulled Ouyang Qian’s hand. “Let’s go.”

Ouyang Qian stopped. “Wait a moment, I need to find a couple of books first.”

On the way, I asked Ouyang Qian, “What have you been up to lately? Why have you checked out so many specialized books on marketing management? Is the department working on a thesis?”

“These were specifically selected for me by Sister Jingjing. She said I’ll definitely need them in the future. Everyone is working hard; I can’t afford to slack off, or you won’t like me in the future, what then?”

“Hehe, you don’t need to worry about that. But learning more knowledge isn't a bad thing. I’m also planning to take the civil service exam. By the way, are you still recruiting recent graduates?”

“Li Qi discussed your civil service exam with us. You might be the last to know. The plan to recruit employees is progressing smoothly recently. Many classmates are referring graduates to me. I’m only selecting high-quality graduates now; many unsuitable people are filtered out at the first stage.”

“So you all have been making secret plans behind my back?”

“Not exactly. We just wanted to give you a surprise. Besides, Qi Qi is right. Now that we’ve developed our careers to this point, that future day is bound to come sooner or later. Preparing early is always better than being caught flat-footed.”

Security has been very tight at the girls' dormitories recently, but luckily, Ouyang Qian had already smoothed things over with the dorm auntie, so she didn't say anything when she saw me enter the girls' building.

However, I didn't expect Su Xue to be in the room. She burst out laughing when she saw us enter. “Qing Qian, are you two back for a clandestine meeting? Our afternoon compulsory class was suddenly canceled; I didn't expect to ruin your fun.”

Ouyang Qian said, “Then why don’t you be proactive and disappear from our sight?”

Su Xue held up her chubby little hand in a gesture of pinching money. “What’s the benefit? I don’t move until I see results. I don’t leave until I see the ghost.”

Ouyang Qian pulled out a few bills. “Go to the supermarket and buy some snacks to bring back. Let Zhao Qian eat here tonight.”

Su Xue took the money with a smile as she left. “Buying beer is a given, right? You two drink a little too much so you can get down to business. I think junior brother won’t be leaving tonight; he should stay and spend the night with Qian Qian. I want to see your ** performance.”

Ouyang Qian looked at me helplessly. “This Su Xue is the biggest mischief-maker.”

I chuckled at Ouyang Qian. “Hehe, weren't you like that before?”

Ouyang Qian blushed. “Before is before. That was to pursue you. I’ve toned down a lot now; look how conservative my clothes are.”

I reached out and grabbed the strap of Qian Qian’s slip dress, thinking I’d rip it off to see how conservative she really was. Just as Ouyang Qian revealed one breast, my phone rang. I apologized and touched the exposed breast while answering the call. Ouyang Qian leaned