As the nation declassified certain archives, my resume underwent a significant transformation. Everything indicated that after my military service, I had secretly joined the Ministry of State Security. After successfully apprehending the traitor Chen Wanzhi and recovering the intelligent navigation system, I was promoted to Deputy Minister of State Security. Following that, after rectifying the chaotic Public Security system in the capital city, I was further promoted to Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Public Security. During my tenure, I provided over a billion in aid, pro bono, to police officers in need, and established the Rectification Office, punishing a large number of corrupt officials who violated discipline. Simultaneously, my original military status was retained, and I was exceptionally promoted to the rank of Colonel.

Suddenly, I was showered with accolades from all directions. Coupled with the frenzied publicity campaigns launched by my wives, very few people, not just in the Great Dragon Nation but across the entire globe, hadn't heard the name Zhao Qian. Thanks to the pervasive signals of HuanYu Communications' satellites, the covert assistance of Pan-American Media, and strong promotion from the State Television network, even the deaf would have known about these matters.

I couldn't dissuade them now from what my wives had decided, because one voice can never win against a dozen. In the eyes of my wives, since the delicate barrier had already been broken, they might as well push the truth all the way through. If it weren't for concerns about national security, they probably would have exposed the masterminds behind Red Dragon, DiZhi, and HuanYu as well.

While everyone else was overjoyed, only my mother and father couldn't manage a smile. It wasn't that they didn't want their son to achieve success; they feared that being too successful would invite jealousy and frame-ups.

At the family dinner table that evening, my mother brought up the subject again: "Zhao Qian, I think you should speak to your superiors and resign from all those official posts. Let’s stick to running our businesses honestly and stay out of national affairs. You are too kind-hearted, and the bureaucracy has always been the darkest place. Mom worries about you. Our family isn't lacking in food or clothing now, and you have so many wonderful wives. Be content."

The only person at the large dining table who wasn't one of my wives was Liu Xue. She was now happily running around with the group of girls every day, a complete upheaval from her former life that made her utterly unwilling to leave. Although the media outside was in an uproar over her disappearance, it didn't affect her mood. Since she was joining Pan-American Media, she decided to let go of her past affairs.

The nature of my relationship with the women was quickly exposed in front of Liu Xue. Living within our circle, it was hard to keep much hidden from her. At first, Liu Xue was greatly confused. She couldn't imagine how so many people could share one boyfriend yet coexist as if they were sisters. She constantly pestered me for the secrets of how I managed to win them over.

I once joked that if she wanted to know, she should experience it firsthand when I pursued her. Liu Xue merely giggled sweetly without calling me shameless or vulgar. Now, my mother had encompassed them all, including her, as my wives, making Liu Xue blush slightly.

Li Qi reassured my mother: "Auntie, don't worry. No one dares to do anything to Zhao Qian. No one in the Great Dragon Nation dares, and no one in the world dares. Zhao Qian's extraordinary abilities dictate that his future must also be extraordinary. Living a mundane life would be a waste of the blessings bestowed by Heaven. Heaven wouldn't be pleased."

The other women chimed in with agreement. My mother sighed: "But he's not even twenty-six after the New Year. How can he manage all those official roles they talk about on television? As parents, how can we not worry about our own child?"

Yi Xiaorou interjected: "Auntie, we care about Zhao Qian even more than you do. Please rest assured, most of those titles are honorary deputy positions—the kind where one holds the title but doesn't do the actual work. You've seen these past few days; Zhao Qian has been relaxing at home, and several of us handle many things for him. Besides, we still have Zhu Da and the others; Zhao Qian won't be overworked."

My father spoke to my mother: "That’s enough. The child has grown up; you can't always keep him caged beside you. Let him try his best to do things on his own. Having a son like this is our pride. You don't realize how courteously people treat me outside now, afraid they can't fawn over us enough. We should be happy that we bring honor to the family. Hard work won't hurt a young man."

I praised my father: "Dad, you truly have the demeanor of a great leader. Your son intends to unite the world someday. We can't be felled by these small matters and minor honors; otherwise, how will we face greater glory in the future?"

My father said: "Your mother and I won't interfere with what you want to do in the future. Your nature is kind, and we trust you won't do anything wicked. However, you need to consider your lineage. Our Zhao family has been single-heir for three generations. Although I know you are capable and have brought back a whole bevy of daughters-in-law, you also need to produce something tangible. Even if you don't marry, with your current status, no one will question you having a few children, right?"

The women blushed and lowered their heads to eat. I coughed to signal Hua Qingqing to speak; after all, she was a doctor, and her explanation on this matter carried more credibility than any of ours.

Hua Qingqing addressed my father: "Uncle, Zhao Qian’s physical condition is quite unique. Based on the experiments conducted over this period, he is temporarily unable to impregnate us."

My mother immediately grew anxious: "Is this because he drank that snake blood? What are we going to do? You say something, dear!"

Hua Qingqing quickly soothed them: "Uncle and Auntie, please don't worry. This isn't an unsolvable issue. As long as our constitutions can meet the requirements of Zhao Qian’s unique physique, conception won't be difficult. However, this can't be rushed; it takes time. Besides, we are all still young; it’s not too late to have children before we turn thirty, right?"

What Hua Qingqing said carried weight, acting as an authority. My father wasn't as worried as my mother. He told her: "Enough. With Doctor Hua here, what is there to fear? The television reports daily on wealthy tycoons coming to Hua’s Hospital for treatment. Marrying Doctor Hua is Zhao Qian's fortune. Think about it: when you caught a cold, Doctor Hua personally came to give you an injection. How many people in the world receive that kind of treatment?"

My mother looked at the group of fairy-like daughters-in-law and repeatedly said: "They are all good, every single one is wonderful. I am extremely satisfied. Hmm, since Qingqing says there’s nothing to worry about, I can finally relax. You haven’t reached my age; you’ll understand worrying about your children then."

After dinner, no one rushed me upstairs. Some cleared the dishes, others swept the floor, and some accompanied my mother to watch television. My mother didn't know Liu Xue's identity; she was used to me bringing beautiful women home unexpectedly. But after the news segment about her son ended, a large photograph of Liu Xue appeared on the screen.

My mother looked at Liu Xue beside her and asked quizzically, "Why does this star look so much like you? She's missing? Is she your sister?"

Liu Xue smiled and shook her head: "Auntie, that’s me."

My mother exclaimed in shock: "Ah, you are her? The television stations have been going crazy looking for her these past few days! What exactly happened? Did Zhao Qian bully you?"

Liu Xue explained: "Auntie, I didn't want to work at my old company anymore, but they wouldn't let me leave and even threatened me with underworld connections. That’s why I didn’t go back after the incident a few days ago."

"Oh, so that’s what it was. These past few days, aside from Zhao Qian’s news, the television has been flooded with reports about you. They said you were filming a commercial, suddenly snapped the safety cable, flew up into the sky, and vanished. The director and a host of crew and producers were severely beaten by fans and music lovers who said they killed you. I never imagined you were right here in our house."

Liu Xue remarked: "Auntie, I didn't realize you followed entertainment news so closely."

My mother replied: "How could someone my age keep up like young people? It's just that I’ve been glued to the television watching for Zhao Qian recently. I heard that people from Country M and Mingdao had strong objections to Zhao Qian capturing that traitor and intend to cause him harm."

Xiao Yud spoke from behind my mother: "Auntie, there's no need to worry. The information our country released publicly contains no evidence whatsoever linking Zhao Qian to the destruction of the two bases in Mingdao and Japan. Even if they find proof, they wouldn't dare act, or it would be tantamount to seeking their own destruction!"

My mother was already well aware of her daughters-in-law's capabilities. When Xiao Yud said that, her mind was at ease. Seeing the wives finish their chores and gather around me, she said, "Go upstairs and rest. Your father and I will watch a bit more television and then go to bed."

As we headed upstairs, Zhou Ni deliberately lagged behind. As she passed by me, she whispered, "Brother Zhao, I need to tell you something."

I took Zhou Ni’s hand as we climbed the stairs. "What is it? Do you want me to come to your room tonight to keep you company? Fine. Since Su Xue isn't in a hurry, I can give you slot number sixteen and let her wait longer."

"No, no," Zhou Ni hurriedly explained. "I'm not saying that. It's about Zhao Ting."

I paused, surprised. "Zhao Ting? What about her?"

Zhou Ni said: "You haven't been to the school in a long time. Zhao Ting found out through the media that you are Director Zhao of the Rectification Office. She wants to see you and begged me several times. I truly couldn't refuse her any longer. What should we do?"

What did this goddaughter want? Did she insist on thanking me in person before she’d stop? "Then let's meet her."

"Really? That’s wonderful, Brother Zhao! I’ll go tell her right away." Zhou Ni joyfully ran back to her room.

I grabbed Hua Qingqing’s arm: "Qingqing, let's go to your room to discuss the pregnancy issue."

Hua Qingqing said: "There's nothing to discuss. Hurry up and work on Fenfen. Everyone nominated her to be the first mother; maybe it will happen tonight."

I picked up Hua Qingqing: "You are a doctor; you understand pregnancy and childbirth the best. We should start with you tonight..."