Jin Yaotiao interrupted him, not knowing what he was trying to say.

She thought for a long time but still couldn’t figure out what he meant, so she simply took out her phone and directly searched for the news that Lei Qiu had shown her.

She handed the phone to Jia Bingyang: “Look at this first.”

Jia Bingyang looked at the phone with tearful eyes, stunned for a moment: “Huh? How was I photographed?”

He actually didn’t know… That made sense; the news wasn’t that popular. Jin Yaotiao asked, “…Who’s the girl on the other side?”

Jia Bingyang sniffled: “She’s the designer I hired to renovate the new house. I didn’t dare let Lei Qiu know, so I always secretly went to discuss the plans, but it seems the word got out.”

Lei Qiu: “…”

Jin Yaotiao: “…”

Jia Bingyang continued with anguish: “I know I’m a toad wanting to eat swan meat…”

Jin Yaotiao turned around and looked at Lei Qiu. Lei Qiu was frozen, staring foolishly at Jia Bingyang in the yard, too afraid to approach.

Jin Yaotiao thought for a moment, then turned back and patted her shoulder: “I told you, you’re no worse than anyone else. This is up to you now, say everything you need to say, don’t keep it inside.”

After saying that, she smiled and picked up the little child who had excitedly run out shouting “Uncle Jia” and left the two people outside: “Let’s go eat, don’t disturb Mom!”

Outside, Lei Qiu slowly raised her head and looked at the sky. Tears immediately slid down her face.

She covered her face, squatted down, and cried and laughed at the same time.

The sticky trotters and knuckles were rich in broth, perfect to pair with rice. Jin Yaotiao propped her chin and wiped the rice off the child’s mouth before taking a bite of steamed cake.

The sweet and sour flavor spread across her tongue.

She listened to the sounds coming from outside, showing a faint smile.

---

In the depths of winter, the online storm had passed, and the participants in the controversy were quietly dealt with in the unnoticed corners.

The Spring Festival was approaching, and once again, every city in China fell into the frenzy of purchasing New Year’s goods.

The biting cold wind couldn’t extinguish the excitement buried deep in people’s hearts. In the cities of Mingde, the restaurants’ New Year’s Eve set menus sold out again.

The annual meeting of Mingde Group came as scheduled, with the management of each subsidiary gathered.

On the screen were the expansion plans for restaurants under each subsidiary after the spring break, starting with Beijing and moving on to the next territories.

The head of Yinyan subsidiary finished presenting the market research for Beijing, then joked to Jin Yaotiao, “Chairman Jin, we leaked the news a few months ago, and the feedback from the Beijing market has been very positive. It can be said they’re eagerly waiting.”

The head of Mingde Courtyard gave him a sidelong glance, stood up, and tried to win favor: “Chairman Jin, now that the company’s efficiency and reputation are mature, if the personnel can keep up, I think next year we can take down more than one city. At least, I can vouch for Mingde Courtyard, if not, I’ll bring my head to you.”

The head of Xunxiang Banquet coughed lightly: “Although our Xunxiang Banquet follows a more upscale route, which means we can’t expand like Brother Wang and Brother Zhao, but we are the brand most suited for international expansion. Chairman Jin, the international market has high expectations because of our frozen products. After we finish a few cities in the domestic market, I think we can consider using Xunxiang Banquet to open restaurants in these countries.”

They continued discussing, until Jiang Bai stood up, and the room fell silent.

The person in charge of the frozen food subsidiary had truly opened the international market.

Although it was easy to gain international recognition, a large part of the reason was the excellent products created by Chairman Jin herself. But this person was also really impressive—stable and ruthless, using the initial heat provided by Debbie for Mingde, never missing any opportunity and skillfully opening up sales in several continents.

As a result, the biggest task of the subsidiary now was to constantly build factories…

As long as production could be expanded, no one doubted that one day he could sell products in the Arctic.

Jiang Bai had nothing much to say. Jin Yaotiao already knew everything he needed to know, and his only suggestion was to build more factories.

If the markets in Shenzhen and Linjiang weren’t enough, they’d build outside the province.

If one day the domestic market wasn’t enough…

He was already contacting Southeast Asia.

Because of these matters, Jiang Bai was busy every day, but the more he worked, the happier he was. His success was gradually erasing the shadow of his past entrepreneurial failures.

Mingde was like a stage given to him by the heavens, everything fit perfectly.

Jin Yaotiao, sitting across from him, was a rare and great leader. She trusted him enough to let him show his abilities, while also having a sharp market sense to occasionally fill in any gaps.

More importantly, the products she developed were really good.

The boss was the company’s biggest technician and had enough management skills, providing the highest foundation for company stability. So, Jiang Bai only had to charge forward without worrying about the rear.

After Jin Yaotiao finished reading the report he provided, she smiled at him: “Good. There’s one more thing.”

Jiang Bai smiled: “Please go ahead.”

The boss continued, “After the year-end holiday, remember to get a physical checkup. Next.”

Jiang Bai: “…”

His boss was great at everything, except she cared too much about employees’ health.

He had already had three physicals this year.

He figured next year wouldn’t be any less.

It was both painful and joyful.

The annual report meeting ended, but the executives didn’t leave. Instead, they stayed at their seats exchanging glances, awaiting the upcoming major announcement.

After a long wait, the shareholders, led by Jin’s father, arrived from another meeting room. Jin Yaotiao sat at the head seat, closed the document, stood up, and smiled: “Sorry for the wait.”

Under her management, Mingde had split into four subsidiaries, a move that shook the group and reduced the influence of the shareholders present.

They naturally had objections, but with Jin’s father around, they were more respectful. However, with Jin Yaotiao in charge, no one dared to act recklessly.

Fortunately, their dividends had increased significantly, so after weighing the options, the elders chose to remain silent.

Though Jin Yaotiao was polite, no one dared to challenge her. All faces wore smiles, and some of the more timid ones even looked at her smiling face with a bit of fear: “No, no, it’s just a regular meeting, we should wait.”

The shareholders took their seats, and Jin Yaotiao exchanged a look with her father.

Jin’s father smiled at her and walked toward her.

Everyone in the room knew—the time had come.

The recorder in the corner was so nervous that her hands trembled. Then Jin’s father spoke: “It’s time for me to retire. Let’s begin the meeting about the change of the chairman of the group.”

The shareholders all shuddered, their eyes turning toward Jin Yaotiao, who sat next to her father, her smile inscrutable.

The day of the transition had finally arrived.

A long time ago, no shareholder had ever imagined that the future head of Mingde would be a girl.

But everyone knew—no one could stop it from happening.

---

The internal news of Mingde started spreading wildly in their message group—

【Breaking news！！！！！！】

【Her Highness has ascended the throne！！！！！】

This news was like an iceberg being dropped into water, instantly creating a massive wave—

【Ahhhh Her Highness, she’s ascended the throne！！！】

【Now she’s the Queen, right?! Right?! Ahhhhh】

【I’m shouting long live the Queen, so emotional!】

【How much is your department’s year-end bonus this year?】

【Please, can we not reveal that?】

【Hehehe, don’t need you to tell me, I know it’s a lot. Because I got a lot! Our Queen is so wise, I’m crying】

【I’m finally a close minister to the emperor! I will protect the Queen’s kingdom!】

【My Queen, you’ve finally ascended the throne, when will you confer titles? I’m waiting!】

The news of Mingde’s leadership change instantly overwhelmed countless employees with ecstatic joy, so much so that before the official announcement was even made, netizens had already spread the news like wildfire—

【Holy crap, is Chairman Jin officially in charge? Has she ascended the throne?】

【So it’s indeed Chairman Jin… impressive, I’ve never seen employees so thrilled over a board chair change before】

【Aaaaaah, my fellow supporters!! Good news!! From today on, we must address her as Your Majesty!!】

【Ahh, retweet this post to enter a giveaway of 9 lucky red envelopes congratulating Her Majesty’s reign for eternity!!】

【Our Mingde!!! We’re soaring now!!】

【Hurry and check out President Shen’s Weibo!! Retweet for a chance to win one of 100 red envelopes worth 10,000!! Holy crap!! The battle for the succession is too extravagant!】

---

On the internet, Mingde’s change of leadership sparked a nationwide celebration.

Jin Yaotiao smiled and nodded at the employees who congratulated her as she stepped out of Mingde’s main doors, raising her head.

Outside the door was the bustling street and the cold winter wind.

From today onwards, she was the true ruler of this corporation.

She would drive this beast across every corner she had dreamed of.

Just thinking about it made every vein in her body burn with excitement.

---

On New Year’s Eve, Jin’s family’s celebration after her ascension to the throne seemed to be much like any other year.

But there were fewer guests, and it wasn’t as lively as in the past years.

The others had stable jobs now, so they were naturally spending New Year’s at their own homes. Lei Qiu had taken her children back to Beijing with Jia Bingyang, which made Jin’s mother feel a bit disappointed—

“I thought Lei Qiu would stay and celebrate the New Year with us.”

Jin Yaotiao smiled as she poured corn kernels into the small stone mill her father had set up, replying to her mother, “She has her own life too.”

Jin’s mother paused, then seemed moved, “You’re right. Lei Qiu has it tough, being divorced for so many years and still raising kids. Jia Bingyang seems reliable, and he really is a good match for her.”

Jin Yaotiao waited a moment but didn’t hear her mother say anything more, so she smiled and asked, “I thought you were going to urge me to get married.”

Jin’s mother glared at her, “You’ve just taken over Mingde, and you’re so busy. I won’t make things more complicated for you. Your personal matters, you’ll make your own decisions.”

Jin’s father, holding a large piece of dried ham, came downstairs from the sunroom and heard his wife’s words, but didn’t argue.

He just sniffed at the ham and said to Jin Yaotiao, “The ham you cured is really good. It’s even more fragrant than the cured meat from before.”

The ham from the free-range black pigs was of top quality, and after being properly processed, it turned out even better.

When sliced thin, it released a rich aroma just from steaming it lightly.

Jin’s father carefully carried the ham away to study it, and Jin Yaotiao ground corn for a while. Her phone rang, and after a brief conversation, she stood up to go outside.

It was particularly cold outside, with the wind swirling dry leaves around.

At the gate, Shen Qiming stood next to his car, waving his phone at her. He wore an ordinary black coat, but somehow still stood out like he was under a spotlight.

Jin Yaotiao walked up to him. “What are you doing here?”

Shen Qiming handed her the box he was holding. “I brought you dumplings, homemade by my family.”

This time, the dumplings were in a proper insulated box, not a transparent Lock&Lock container. Jin Yaotiao opened it in front of him, took a look, and smiled, “They’re wrapped better than last time.”

Each dumpling was thin-skinned and plump, steaming hot, round, and cute.

Shen Qiming smiled upon hearing this. Both he and his mother had clearly improved their skills over the year.

He fixed Jin Yaotiao’s hair, speaking softly, “Come inside. I’m heading back. Don’t let the dumplings cool down, eat them while they’re hot.”

Jin Yaotiao lifted her head, about to say something, when the sound of an engine approached. She turned around and saw the familiar bright yellow sports car stop behind Shen Qiming’s sleek black business car.

She froze for a moment, then saw Xu Wan get out of the driver’s seat, her expression not particularly happy, though she still smiled when she saw Jin Yaotiao. “Yaotiao, Happy New Year.”

Jin Yaotiao looked at her in confusion. “Aunt Xu, what brings you here?”

Xu Wan was silent for a few seconds. “Don’t ask.”

Then she turned to Shen Qiming, saying, “I knew you’d be here.”

When she left the house, her mother was still preparing the New Year’s Eve dinner. Shen Qiming asked, “Why did you leave?”

Xu Wan adjusted her luxurious fur coat and said, sounding annoyed, “I heard from a tip-off that your dad was coming to find us, so I quickly snuck out.”

Shen Qiming didn’t expect this reason and frowned. “Isn’t he in London?”

“How should I know,” Xu Wan sneered. “But we don’t need to pay attention to him.”

Although it seemed similar on the surface, Xu Wan’s situation with her husband was entirely different from Jin Yaotiao’s relationship with Shen Qiming. That old man was a complete disaster. After the divorce, Xu Wan wanted nothing to do with him.

Shen Qiming was obviously not very interested in his father either. After hearing this, he didn’t give it any further thought.

Xu Wan was a bit disappointed that the dishes at home were only half done, and after some thought, she gave up and said, “Forget it. We won’t have time to go to your house to eat, we can just go to a restaurant for the New Year’s Eve dinner, it’s the same. Anyway, there’s only the two of us.”

Shen Qiming nodded indifferently. “Whatever.”

He then looked at Jin Yaotiao. “It’s cold outside, let’s go inside.”

As the mother and son were about to leave, Jin Yaotiao, holding the insulated box, thought for a moment and spoke up, “It’s New Year’s Eve, and at this hour, it might be hard to find a restaurant with available seats.”

Xu Wan sighed upon hearing this.

What should they do now? Maybe they should just buy some dumplings and head to their son’s house to make do.

Jin Yaotiao smiled at her. “Since we’re already here, why not come inside and eat together?”

Shen Qiming paused.

Xu Wan seemed a little embarrassed. “This… is it okay?”

Jin Yaotiao shook her head. “It’s just adding a few extra chopsticks. My mom likes a lively atmosphere.”

---

The two of them braved the cold wind to enter the house, where Jin’s mother, seeing them, was more surprised than pleased. “Aunt Xu, Qiming, what brings you here?”

Shen Qiming’s back stiffened slightly, feeling more awkward than ever. His voice dropped a bit, “Uncle, Auntie.”

Fortunately, Jin’s parents were very relaxed about it.

Jin’s mother had already started chatting with Xu Wan, and after hearing the reason for Xu Wan’s departure, she clapped her hands. “It’s good to hide out. It’s unlucky to see unhappy people during New Year. Don’t worry, stay here and eat with us!”

The Jin family’s living room was bright with warm lights, filled with the bustling sounds of TV news, and the air was thick with the aroma of food, making it feel like the very essence of New Year.

Shen Qiming took off his coat and turned around, seeing this cozy, homely scene.

He lowered his eyes, and his stiff back gradually relaxed.

---

Jin Yaotiao was about to continue grinding corn when her task was swiftly taken from her. Shen Qiming sat down on her small stool, rolled up his sleeves to reveal his strong arms, and spoke in a low voice, “I’ll do it.”

He quickly spun the stone mill, as if he could toss the grinding plate into the air and play with it.

She watched silently for a while, then stood aside, moved to the kitchen, and started washing vegetables.

Before long, her task was again taken from her. “I’ll do it.”

Jin Yaotiao: “…Weren’t you grinding corn?”

Shen Qiming: “I’m done.”

Jin Yaotiao: “!”

She turned her head, and sure enough, the corn kernels had already been turned into a thick corn paste.

Shen Qiming’s long fingers gently peeled the cabbage heart. She remained silent, thought for a moment, and then took a chicken from the fridge to chop its bones.

Before she could finish preparing the chicken, her knife was once again taken away. “I’ll do it.”

Jin Yaotiao looked at the sink, where all the vegetables were washed and neatly arranged in the strainer.

Shen Qiming made a swift motion, and the chicken’s head detached effortlessly, like it had no bones.

Jin Yaotiao fell into long silence.

Fine. You’re the boss now. You do everything!

---

Jin Yaotiao proudly carried the golden crispy fried meat out of the pot. Her father, about to speak, paused when he saw Shen Qiming stewing soup in the kitchen, then nudged his daughter. “How can we let a guest do all the work?”

“Cooking?”

What was more surprising, however, was that Shen Qiming actually did most of the tasks quite well.

This was something Jin Fu found rather surprising.

Jin Yaotiao glanced back and smiled, “Anyway, he’s just making a few dishes, let him do it.”

By the time of the evening event, the dining table was already filled with dishes, and everyone in the house had helped out, except for Jin’s mother.

The most eye-catching was, of course, the eight-treasure mandarin fish made by Jin Yaotiao, with its head and tail raised high in the center.

There were also fat, roasted goose, tender marinated meat, sweet red bean rice, and soft, sticky corn cakes…

The light shone down, and the steaming, fragrant aroma filled the air.

Jin Yaotiao opened her vibrating phone, filled with well-wishes.

From business partners, company subordinates, and even Cheng Chen had sent one—

“President Jin, congratulations on your promotion. Would you be interested in collaborating with me? By the way, this is Cheng Chen, here’s my number, make sure to save it!~”

She stared at it with a blank expression, deleted the message, and added the number to her blacklist.

Ye Baiqing sent a video of the family’s New Year’s Eve dinner along with a video of her child, who had already begun to babble—

“Godmother, Happy New Year! This little rascal learned to say your name as the third word after ‘mom’ and ‘dad.’”

Luna sent a big red envelope, chattering about how this was the first money she had earned.

Debbie, overseas, sent a picture of a table filled with frozen food packaging, saying she was celebrating the New Year as well.

Apart from her, Mingde’s frozen foods had also appeared on many other families’ New Year’s tables.

Online, many people mentioned that they were eating Mingde’s dumplings while watching the show, because the taste was so good that they didn’t have to go through the trouble of making their own this year.

Netizens in Beijing were especially happy, eating while discussing rumors they’d heard about a Mingde branch opening in the capital.

Jin Yaotiao, as she scrolled, received a video invitation from Rachel. On the other end of the phone, Rachel’s son was sitting on Jia Bingyang’s shoulders, smiling and saying Happy New Year to her.

Jia Bingyang, holding the child’s hand, raised his voice, excited beyond measure: “President Jin!!! Rachel has agreed to my proposal!!”

Rachel shot him a glare, then retreated to a corner, the usually cold and aloof woman showing a rare blush: “Yaotiao, thank you. If it weren’t for you, I might’ve gotten too stuck in my own head and missed it.”

Jin Yaotiao smiled unconsciously: “Looks like good things are close?”

Rachel bit her lip and softly said, “Yeah, my parents have no objections. Jia Bingyang… his parents are also here in the capital. They’re really nice, they brought me things from their hometown, and his mom, who’s usually so frugal, specially bought me a big gold bracelet before coming, and even bought so many clothes for the baby. They all… really welcome me.”

That gold bracelet was actually quite tacky. The clothes weren’t fashionable at all.

But the moment she received them, she just felt touched.

Jin Yaotiao looked at her gently: “As long as you’re happy, that’s good. Go for it, I’m your backup.”

Rachel looked at the screen, her eyes instantly turning red: “You have to be happy too.”

Jin Yaotiao: “I will.”

She put down her phone and gazed out of the window.

It was dark now, and countless lights had illuminated the night.

The familiar voice of the host floated from the speakers, blending with the fragrance of the food around her, everything perfectly warm.

Suddenly, a hand reached out in front of her. Long fingers slid across the window.

It was so cold outside that the window had already fogged up. The scent of cedar drifted in, mixing with body warmth.

Jin Yaotiao looked at the perfect heart shape on the window, then lifted her gaze. Shen Qiming, with his head lowered, stood bathed in the light, his eyes soft: “Happy New Year.”

Jin Yaotiao smiled and returned the greeting: “Happy New Year.”

Shen Qiming looked at her for a moment, then asked seriously: “Now that you’ve ascended to the throne, when will you consider appointing a queen?”

Jin Yaotiao pondered for a moment, then slowly raised an eyebrow.

“When I have gathered all the lands and unified the world.”

Shen Qiming curled his lips, then looked up at the heart he’d drawn on the window.

Outside, under the warm light breaking through the darkness, snowflakes gradually began to fall.

The first snow of the New Year had arrived as expected.

Shen Qiming said, “That day will come.”

[ END ]