I was utterly bored stiff in Xu Jing's office when I spotted Xia Hu-ren and initiated: "Tiger, what have you been busy with lately? Shall we ask Zhu Da and the Village Head to join us for drinks at noon?"

The moment I finished speaking, Xu Jing tapped me lightly. "Didn't we agree you'd quit drinking? I'll report you to Sister Qingqing."

Xia Hu-ren looked utterly perplexed. "Old Qian, you’re quitting drinking? Why?"

My old face flushed red. "It’s all because of my mother. She’s eager to have a grandchild, and I’m trying my hardest every day, but for various reasons, their bellies just aren't getting bigger."

Discussing childbirth in front of Xia Hu-ren made Xu Jing a little awkward, but she still managed, "Sister Qingqing says our constitutions are nearly ready for Substance B. You—you are absolutely forbidden to drink, or don't bother coming into the room tonight."

I chuckled slyly. "A little beer won't hurt, will it? Don't you want to go home and see your parents? How about we go to your place? Call ahead and tell your dad to prepare an old hen, and we’ll all have lunch at your house."

This proposal was quite tempting for Xu Jing. Although I had been relaxing lately, I couldn't often accompany her home. Her parents had complained several times that it had been half a year since anyone came over for her dad’s stewed old hen, and they worried everyone considered it beneath them.

"Fine, we'll make an exception just this once, but you can't get too drunk." Xu Jing was increasingly exhibiting the demeanor of a wife, and besides, her standing wasn't low—Old Six, after all.

After arranging for Zhu Da and Cai Bao’er to come along, I called the Village Head to remind him to return to Tie Niu Tofu Company early for lunch. Then, I notified my own household that I wouldn't be back for the midday meal. We set off to go shopping; after all, we couldn't visit my mother-in-law empty-handed.

When they learned we were coming, Xu Jing’s parents and Han Fen were naturally delighted. After all, I was still their savior. By the time we arrived, a tableful of dishes was almost ready. Zhang Er Sha sat grinning foolishly by the table looking at the food, while the Village Head ushered us to our seats.

Han Fen's daughter, the little girl, was already at school. After playing affectionately with us for a while, she went off to eat separately; she had afternoon classes and couldn't afford to be late. Han Fen and Xu Jing’s parents busied themselves in the kitchen, specifically creating a quiet environment for us to discuss matters.

Xia Hu-ren told me, "I came to see you because we've landed another job."

Since this business was important enough to summon me, it couldn't be ordinary. Zhu Da jumped in eagerly, "Could it be that some rich man’s daughter went six thousand years into the future? Let me handle this one."

Cai Bao’er retorted, "Why should you handle it? It's my turn! You’re always boasting about how handsome you are; you won't have trouble finding a wife. I’ll go! I hope I run into a great beauty like the Dragon Girl this time, though I wonder if I’ll even make it back from six thousand years later."

Xia Hu-ren completely denied their suppositions. "It’s not."

The two immediately quieted down. Xia Hu-ren continued, "A client named Liu Xue secretly contacted me, hoping the Red Dragon organization could send someone to protect her safety."

I didn't grasp it immediately—just a routine client protection detail. Zhu Da also chimed in loudly, "Tiger, don't take this the wrong way as your younger brother, but do you really need to bother Commander Zhao with such a small matter? He’s the Director of the Regional Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs now; he won’t have time for trivialities… Wait, what did you say the client’s name was?"

Cai Bao’er yelped and sprang up. "Liu Xue? Is it Liu Xue, the Hong Kong celebrity active in singing, film, and television?"

Xia Hu-ren said, "I think so. I doubt there's a second person named Liu Xue."

Zhu Da pressed urgently, "What do you mean, 'I think so'? Is it or isn't it? Tiger, stop making us wait! Liu Xue is my and Cai Bao’er’s idol! I even have her autograph."

Xia Hu-ren confirmed, "Then it must be her. In her email, she mentioned she's coming to the mainland to participate in the Spring Festival Gala performance and requested that the Red Dragon Security provide the most suitable staff member to escort her trip."

"I’ll go… I’ll go… Cai Bao’er, don't fight me on this this time. Even if I save you as an older brother… Big Potato, don't fight me either. You already have Liu Xue’s autograph; this time, it has to be me. If you fight me, you're no longer my brother…"

The two argued as if protecting Liu Xue meant marrying her. Ignoring the two loudmouths, I asked Xia Hu-ren, "Why are you coming to us? Wasn't her security fine without us taking charge before?"

Xia Hu-ren explained, "That’s one of the reasons I came to discuss this with you. In her email, she mentioned someone intends to harm her, but the company can't guarantee her safety one hundred percent. She needs a secret bodyguard—someone not too handsome and not too ugly, so as not to attract undue attention. But this person must be versatile, proficient in both literary and martial arts, and fit her preferences."

I was stunned while gnawing on a perfectly stewed chicken thigh. "Is she looking for a bodyguard, or a husband?"

Xia Hu-ren glanced discreetly at Xu Jing, then told me, "I think it’s close. That’s why I came to discuss it with you. Whether to take the job is up to you to decide."

Xia Hu-ren certainly had a touch of humor now. Knowing Liu Xue was a beautiful superstar, he wanted to pass the opportunity to me. However, I didn't seem suitable for the front line. I cleared my throat and said, "I think the three of you should choose one person for this. I voluntarily withdraw from the selection."

When the task was right in front of him, Zhu Da hesitated. "She specifically needs someone who isn't too handsome and ordinary. It seems I’m not suitable."

Cai Bao’er scoffed, "Stop being narcissistic. You fall into the 'too ugly' category."

Zhu Da shot back, "Are you any better? Between the two of us, neither can mock the other. Given our bulk, it’s hard not to attract attention. It looks like I won’t pass her scrutiny. Forget it, I also voluntarily withdraw, to avoid hearing Liu Xue say 'NO' and breaking my heart."

Cai Bao’er added, "Same here, I withdraw voluntarily. But whoever takes this mission, make sure they get ten autographs for me and a candid photo of Liu Xue. I want to sleep holding it later."

The Village Head chuckled, "Er Sha and I are obviously outsiders; we can't get involved in this."

I clapped Xia Hu-ren on the shoulder. "Tiger, you know my wives back home definitely won't agree to let me go. You must take on this mission. You’re not young anymore; seize the opportunity and don't disappoint everyone's expectations."

Xia Hu-ren was also troubled. "If the client were male, I wouldn't hesitate, but Qian, you know I’m terrified of girls. You need to reconsider."

Xu Jing suddenly interjected, "No need to reconsider."

I told Xia Hu-ren, "See? I told you no. Even Jingjing opposes it. Besides, I just started working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; I can’t just take more time off."

Xu Jing looked at me and said, "I just conducted a small informal poll. Except for four votes expressing neutrality, everyone else agreed you should take this mission!"

I nearly fell off my seat. Zhu Da also seemed skeptical and asked Xu Jing, "How did you tally that so quickly and accurately? Are you bluffing Commander Zhao?"

Xu Jing waved her phone. "While you were talking, I sent a group text message. Only Xiao Rou, Su Su, Xiao Yudi, and the Dragon Girl expressed neutrality; everyone else eagerly hoped Zhao Qian would go protect Liu Xue."

"Why?" I asked, leaning over the table.

Xu Jing explained, "Because all of us, including myself, are Liu Xue’s fans! If you go protect her, we'll have a chance to meet her. Getting an autograph or a photo shouldn't be hard, right?"

Zhu Da exclaimed, "Xu Jing, you can't throw Commander Zhao into a scorching pit! Besides, he’s too handsome; he probably won't meet Liu Xue’s requirements. We should reconsider. I think Tiger should go. He’s impervious to blades and bullets; he definitely won't be tempted to seduce Liu Xue."

Xia Hu-ren waved his hands frantically, desperately signaling for me to take over. I never realized he was that afraid of women—I’m defeated by him.

But Xu Jing smiled. "Brother Zhu, you don't know what the others want yet. Mengmeng, Fangfang, Su Xue, Qianqian—they all strongly requested…"

"Requested what?" Cai Bao’er asked anxiously.

"They requested Zhao Qian to 'take care of' Liu Xue. They really hope to have a superstar sister-in-law!"

Zhu Da and Cai Bao’er clicked their tongues and dared not speak. I sat up straight solemnly. "Everyone, stop joking about this. If Tiger genuinely doesn't want to take the job, I suggest sending in a Super Soldier. I recommend Xu Wenqiang. Besides his name intriguing me, his skills are evident to everyone. Of course, we can't send him alone; we need a large contingent to support his external operations. Commander Zhu, Commander Cai, and Tiger can handle the periphery. The reward isn't the main issue; the key is settling the matter of the autographs and photos for my wives."

Xu Jing anxiously said, "Brother Zhao, everyone genuinely wants you to pursue Liu Xue. Please don't misunderstand."

I replied, "Alright, Jingjing. Our fourth floor is almost full. I really can't do that anymore."

Xia Hu-ren said, "Liu Xue is urgently requesting a personnel list and profile. How about I send everyone's information over, and let her decide on the candidate?"

Zhu Da and Cai Bao’er both gave a thumbs-up. "Agreed! Tiger always has the best ideas. But if she picks you, you can’t back out. I really suspect you might be gay—you react to women like a mouse seeing a cat."

Since everyone agreed, I had no choice but to comply. "Tiger, send the profiles of the five Super Soldier captains to Liu Xue to increase her options."

This wasn't just for show for Xu Jing. I had met Liu Xue once before at Fang Chaoyang’s banquet and even shared a table with her; I had even gotten an autograph for Zhu Da back then. It wasn't that I disliked her—who wouldn't like a beautiful girl? But I was genuinely content now. There are countless beauties in the world; must they all join the Zhao family? That would be unfair to them and unfair to my current wives. After all, one more person means one more fraction of my attention divided.

Xia Hu-ren readily agreed to my suggestion. "No problem, I'll send it right away. I hope she doesn't get overwhelmed by choice."

The information was quickly sent via mobile phone network to Liu Xue’s personal email in Hong Kong. To our surprise, Liu Xue replied almost immediately via mobile. Xia Hu-ren opened the message and read aloud, "Zhao Qian." Then the message ended.

"What’s next?" Zhu Da and I asked anxiously.

"Nothing, just those two characters," Xia Hu-ren replied.

Xu Jing suddenly burst out laughing. "Brother Zhao, Liu Xue has sharp eyes. You can't refuse this time, can you?"

It seemed this was going to be troublesome—I couldn't refuse even if I wanted to. I’d just have to leave it to fate. Besides, am I really so incredibly blessed with luck regarding beautiful women that every stunning woman I meet can’t escape me?

When I returned home that evening for the family meeting, I discovered that behind the mature and capable exteriors, my wives were just a group of young girls. Although they weren't going as crazy for Liu Xue as the fans outside, the prospect of meeting her and taking a photo was something they desperately longed for. Yi Xiaorou and Cheng Susu, due to their age, weren't that interested in idols anymore, while Xiao Yudi and the Dragon Girl had a certain detachment from our world; besides me, the concept of an "idol" didn't exist in their minds.

After only a few minutes of discussion, they broke off into small groups researching celebrity fandom. Feeling depressed, I retreated to the room with Yi Xiaorou and Cheng Susu. Elena crept in quietly afterward.

My eyes lit up. "Tonight is a grand gathering of the three big chests in my house! Take off all your clothes and stand together so I can admire you."

Yi Xiaorou and Cheng Susu, knowing my playful nature, sat smilingly on the edge of the bed without speaking. Elena approached the two of them to negotiate. "Sisters, can I sleep holding both of you tonight? I'm so envious of your C-cups; they're the perfect size for him."

Yi Xiaorou replied, "Nana, we envy you too. Zhao Qian must look hilarious when he’s nursing. Why don’t you nurse him in front of us so we can watch?"

Elena retorted, "You two have nursed him before; what’s there to watch?"

Cheng Susu, when at home, couldn't hide her smiles, a complete contrast to her cold, emotionless demeanor outside. She told Elena, "That’s completely different; we don't have milk. Indulge our curiosity for once."

Elena stomped her foot. "Fine, you two have already sucked from me before anyway. Tonight, I’m sleeping while holding you both—do you agree?"

Yi Xiaorou said, "As long as Husband has no objections, we welcome you."

Elena declared, "Since Husband arrived in our room first, he definitely won't be spending the night here, so you two belong to me tonight! I really love your C-cups."

As soon as Elena finished speaking, Yi Xiaorou and Cheng Susu grabbed her arms and pulled her down onto the bed. The two women worked together, and Elena’s fair body was soon exposed before my eyes. Yi Xiaorou winked at me. "Let’s go, Husband, what are you hesitating for?"

I kicked off my shoes and dove headfirst into the twin peaks. My hands were not idle either, reaching for Cheng Susu's and Yi Xiaorou's breasts. Their clothes quickly followed, and finally, the first great collision between three sets of generous curves took place. The scene was so intoxicating that I forgot about nursing. I stripped and plunged into battle with the three women. Waves of cleavage surged in the sea of breasts, and the combat was unusually arduous and intense.

When I finally retreated, the three women lay on the sheets, barely able to speak, their bodies still shuddering from the aftershocks. Elena weakly raised a hand to grab Yi Xiaorou’s breast. "Sister Xiaorou, your elasticity is amazing! Ugh, why is it so dirty? It’s Husband’s… secretions!"

Yi Xiaorou wearily opened her eyes. "Huh? Don't you do breast maintenance? Look, Susu’s chest has some too. How about we share some with you?"

Saying that, Yi Xiaorou and Cheng Susu pinned Elena down on either side, pressing their six breasts tightly together. The viscous fluids mixed with milk under the pressure and smeared everywhere. Elena no longer cared about the mess; she hugged the two women and fell into a sweet sleep.

Given that every time I tried to be intimate with Su Xue, she always said she wasn't prepared, and to save the sixteenth spot for her, I hadn't touched any other girls for the past six months. Furthermore, Ning Shixuan and Zhou Ni both had their own reasons for not wanting intimacy, so we lived together in this ambiguous state.

The first thing I did upon arriving at work was attend the mandatory morning meeting—a routine for domestic organizations within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mondays and Thursdays were meetings for mid-to-high-level cadres, presided over by the Minister and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; other times, each department arranged its own schedule.

The Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan Affairs Department was a domestic organizational unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, primarily tasked with implementing the Central Government's policies and guidelines regarding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan in diplomatic matters, and coordinating foreign-related affairs concerning these regions.

The World Games had concluded successfully while I was down in the countryside. The secession attempt on Mingdao ultimately didn't gain traction, mainly because Ah Shui’s backer, the American Uncle, had suffered a major setback some time ago, leaving him unable to pay attention to Mingdao's affairs. Furthermore, the waters surrounding Mingdao were now firmly under the control of the Red Dragon organization, making it impossible for him to intervene and support Mingdao even if he wanted to.

After making a fuss, Ah Shui found it rather pointless. Unable to match the mainland's formidable strength, he had originally hoped the United States could mediate and pressure the mainland into recognizing his legitimate status. Now, it seemed the mainland wasn't afraid of the US, so he paused his useless agitation.

However, to publicize his achievements, Ah Shui decided to travel south to inspect the airport construction on Taiping Island before the Lunar New Year. Taiping Island is the only Nansha island with a freshwater resource, and its control has always been held by Mingdao. Permanent underground fortifications had already been built on the island, and now the Mingdao military intended to build an air force base there, turning Taiping Island into Mingdao’s southernmost anti-submarine aircraft carrier. In the event of war, Taiping Island would serve as an outpost, potentially restricting the navies of the mainland and the Red Dragon.

Today's morning meeting was to discuss how we should respond to Ah Shui’s southern tour. I'm not skilled at chairing meetings, so Chen Nan, the Deputy Director, always handled these matters. He shook a newspaper very seriously and said, "Comrades, Chen Shui’s action is an act of armed refusal to unify, splitting the country. We must lodge a severe protest. Furthermore, he plans to conduct a tripartite military exercise with Feilv and Japan, which seriously violates our nation's policy of peaceful reunification. We cannot remain indifferent to his actions."

Someone below asked, "We are only the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; at most, we can issue a protest statement. I'm afraid Ah Shui’s ears are calloused from hearing them. Will it be effective? Why not let the country try striking Mingdao? After all, the Red Dragon is currently blocking the US Navy for us. Given Mingdao’s limited strength, a single missile strike should suffice."

Chen Nan said sternly, "This is a formal meeting setting. Please refrain from bringing up those unrealistic, idle talks."

Another person stated, "Director Chen, I feel that after shouting empty slogans for so many years—pursuing peaceful unification, 'One Country, Two Systems'—is it useful in the end? Mingdao isn't Hong Kong or Macau. Hong Kong and Macau are matters between sovereign states; major powers cannot afford to treat them lightly or renege. But Mingdao is different; this is essentially our own internal affair. Frankly, is the mainland afraid of Mingdao's military power? The answer is no. So why allow the fragile Mingdao to continually act like a persistent irritant? The mainland is fully capable of recovering Mingdao now. The Red Dragon's fleet is cruising the East Pacific, while the US fleet has significantly retreated—it’s a golden opportunity to recover Mingdao by force! All comrades in this department implore Director Zhao to suggest to the Central Committee that we forcibly recover Mingdao; this issue cannot be dragged out any longer! The empty slogans shouted for decades need some practical action!"

Hearing the chorus of agreement below, Chen Nan’s face changed drastically. "These matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Central Military Commission; they are not for the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to casually discuss. Please watch your words and actions. If what you say threatens national security, you will bear full responsibility."

I said to Chen Nan, "Alright, Director Chen, I agree with everyone. I will submit feedback and suggestions on this matter to the Central Military Commission. The Mingdao issue has lingered for too long. There's also the issue of Zangnan and the large territories lost in the North. I understand everyone's sentiment. After all, Nansha has returned home; it’s time for the others to take their turn, and the Mingdao issue is paramount."

As the Director, Chen Nan couldn't openly object, but he still murmured quietly, "Director Zhao, the problem isn't as simple as you imagine. The Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan Affairs Department is only responsible for policy execution; we must not get involved in military matters. Since you've just arrived, I have to remind you of a few things."

I ignored Chen Nan’s words. At this moment, a comrade below asked me, "Director Zhao, we certainly support everything you just said with both hands, but there's one point I'd like to correct."

I signaled the comrade to continue. The person went on, "Are the Nansha Islands currently under our control? To be precise, they are controlled by the Red Dragon. As Chinese citizens, we must maintain a sense of vigilance; we must never drive away the jackals only to invite the leopards."

I nodded at the person. "Having this sense of vigilance shows your foresight is indeed quite long-range. However, there’s no need to worry about the Red Dragon matter. I can guarantee everyone that they will absolutely never do anything detrimental to our Great Dragon Country. This is evident in every documented action since their inception."

The assembled crowd below wholeheartedly agreed with my assertion. From the moment the Red Dragon first appeared, it posed no threat whatsoever to the security of the Great Dragon Nation; on the contrary, it consistently protected the nation's interests, even concerning the matter with the Ox Nation. Large tracts of territory in the Southern Tibet region, originally belonging to the Great Dragon Nation, were now gravitating toward the Red Dragon’s sphere of influence. It was certainly safer in the hands of the Red Dragon than under the control of those petty scoundrels in the Ox Nation, especially since the Red Dragon's actions in the Nansha Islands had already earned the affirmation of the vast majority of local fishermen.

Chen Nan muttered under his breath, clearly thinking I couldn't hear him, “Even though you're a Section Chief, what good is your guarantee in matters this serious?”

I smiled and ignored him. On the surface, I supposed I did appear somewhat arrogant. The phone rang, and I stepped out of the meeting room to take the call. The incoming number was a long-distance video call originating from Hong Kong. When the line connected, I was startled; it was Liu Xue, whom I hadn’t seen in a year. She looked just as youthful and beautiful as ever.

“Mr. Zhao, do you still remember me?” Liu Xue’s voice was thick with a Cantonese accent. I only managed to catch the title. Seeing me stunned, Liu Xue realized she had spoken Cantonese without thinking.

She laughed and repeated her question in Mandarin. I replied, “Of course, I remember. Ever since that dinner we shared, so many people have been immensely envious. Having a meal with a superstar like you is an extraordinary honor.”

Liu Xue’s expression darkened slightly. “You all view me as too much of a mystery. In reality, I’m just an ordinary person with flesh and blood, Mr. Zhao. I recall you were Miss Fang’s boyfriend, correct?”

“I used to be, but now that’s already…”

Before I could finish, Liu Xue cut me off. “I apologize, let’s not discuss that. I’ve reviewed your file. I will be arriving at Jingdu City International Airport tomorrow. From the moment I step off the plane, my safety will be entirely in your hands. Name your price for the compensation; as long as you can guarantee my life, I won't hesitate, even if it means losing everything I own.”

I had actually intended to make a lighthearted joke—I used to be Fang Yanmeng’s boyfriend, but now I was her husband. It seemed Liu Xue had misunderstood my meaning; she thought we had broken up. Never mind; there was no need to explain such a triviality to her.

“Rest assured, but there are many questions I need to clarify with you. Let’s discuss the details when we meet.”