“Xiaoke, how are things progressing between you two?”

Wang Xiaoke knew her father was asking about Chen Xiao. Looking at him, still looking frail after his illness, she decided it was best to keep him calm and avoid triggering any unnecessary complications.

She blinked and gave a forced smile, answering against her true feelings, “It’s going okay.”

“I knew it! The young man is good-looking, and I heard he speaks well too. He seems to be a good match for you,” Wang Chengyao sighed with relief. As long as his daughter was no longer hung up on Lu Ming, he was content with anything.

Wang Xiaoke had no idea what her father was thinking. Her main concern was something else entirely.

“This guy is interesting, sure, but where did you even find him?” She stared at her father, puzzled. She couldn’t understand how his taste in people could suddenly become so questionable.

And what was this about hearing things? Who had been saying what? Her suspicion deepened.

“Of course, this was all thanks to your Aunt Feng. She helped pick him out for you,” Wang Chengyao replied without a shred of caution, spilling everything in one breath.

“I know you still hold some resentment toward her because of what happened with Feng Ning, but this decision was your father’s idea. Don’t blame her for it, understand?” he warned, looking worried.

“How could I blame her? She introduced me to such an outstanding boyfriend. I’m too grateful to even think of blaming her,” Wang Xiaoke replied with an innocent smile. But in her heart, she had already slapped the image of Feng Jin’s meddling self countless times in her imagination.

“It’s getting late, Dad. You should rest early,” she quickly said, cutting short her father’s attempt to mediate her relationships with the other women. She made a strategic retreat before he could continue.

Not long after Wang Xiaoke left, Feng Jin approached Wang Chengyao, eager to know more.

“Chengyao, how are Xiaoke and Chen Xiao getting along?” she asked, her tone probing.

“It seems, from what that girl said, that she’s quite satisfied,” Wang Chengyao remarked, assuming Feng Jin’s inquiry was out of concern for Wang Xiaoke. He held Feng Jin’s hand and added reassuringly, “Feng Jin, Xiaoke is actually a child who lacks a strong sense of security. What happened with Lu Ming was such a heavy blow to her that it made her lose control emotionally. You never mention it, but I know you must have felt wronged too. Let me apologize on her behalf.”

“Chengyao, what are you saying? Xiaoke is your daughter, and in my heart, she’s no different from my own. Kids will be kids; a little conflict here and there is normal. Don’t worry, I won’t take it to heart,” Feng Jin replied warmly.

Her words left Wang Chengyao feeling deeply comforted. He joked, “To have married a wonderful woman like you, I must’ve done a lot of good deeds in my past life.”

“Oh, stop it! We’re an old married couple now. Why are you still saying such mushy things?” Feng Jin chided lightly, pretending to be annoyed. “We were talking about the kids.”

“Well, even when it comes to the kids, I have to thank you,” Wang Chengyao said with satisfaction.

“There’s no need to be so formal with me. As long as Xiaoke is happy, I’ll be relieved,” Feng Jin replied with a smile.

But in her heart, she wished Wang Xiaoke would marry Chen Xiao as soon as possible. Once Xiaoke became a married woman, she’d be less of a threat. And Chen Xiao? He was nothing more than a notorious playboy, with more women in his past than anyone could count. When that day came, Xiaoke would be busy trying to keep him loyal, leaving no time to compete with Feng Jin and her daughter for control of the Wang Group.

The Next Morning

The night passed uneventfully. The following day, Song Yi arrived at the office as impeccably dressed as ever in a tailored suit.

However, he was in an unusually foul mood. When he saw his assistant, Lin Xun, wearing a face full of joy, it only worsened his gloom.

“Lin Xun, are you in a relationship or something?” Song Yi asked casually, his tone tinged with mockery.

“President Song, am I that obvious?” Lin Xun asked, touching his face in surprise.

So it was true! Song Yi suddenly felt as if he’d been force-fed a giant serving of “dog food” (public displays of affection), leaving him utterly suffocated.