Rong Wangzhi felt that if this awkwardness continued, his toes might start moving. He regretted it in his heart but had no one to confide in, and he didn’t dare think too much for fear Cheng Leyan would hear. In the end, he just said, “Of course, it wasn’t intentional. Please, Mr. Cheng, just ignore it. You—you have a really nice smile, like spring flowers.”

Once again, it turned into a dry and cheesy pick-up line.

Cheng Leyan’s toes curled against the floor, but he couldn’t help finding it funny. With the intention of helping his boss out of the awkward situation, he said, “Mr. Rong, let’s do it this way. I’ll talk more, and you talk less. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, you don’t need to speak.

“There are several things going on right now. First, I told your mom about what happened yesterday. I suspect someone, your cousin Rong Lizhi. But we can keep an eye on it.”

He then explained the conversation with Mama Rong.

“And also, this morning, Zhuozhuo had a conflict with your Second Uncle and Second Aunt. Those two, plus Zihan, ended up in a brawl. The good news is Zhuozhuo spoke, but the bad news is he can only say two words now, hahaha.”

He recounted the events of the morning.

Finally, he said, “Mom also told me about Zhuozhuo. I now know Zhuozhuo is adopted. Mr. Rong, you’re a kind-hearted person. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely treat Zhuozhuo well.”

After saying everything, he let out a long breath.

However, he didn’t mention anything about Rong Grandpa. It just didn’t feel like the right time.

Rong Wangzhi listened to everything and said calmly, “It seems that when I’m not around, anyone can bully you and the child. Your eyes are beautiful, like bright stars.”

Cheng Leyan: “Eh? It’s not really bullying, right? I even scolded your Second Aunt. We didn’t suffer any grievances.”

Rong Wangzhi: “Isn’t that considered a grievance? If I were awake, Rong Zhixian and Li Lili would be too scared to act like that towards you and Zhuozhuo. Your skin is very fair, like… um, like snow.”

His “sweet talk” was so perfunctory and awkward that Cheng Leyan wanted to laugh again. He squinted his eyes and said, “Don’t worry, Mr. Rong. I won’t let Zhuozhuo be bullied. Li Lili won’t dare speak to me like that again. I’ll give her a piece of my mind.”

Rong Wangzhi: “I can’t help but worry. Here’s the thing, Mr. Cheng, remember this: Rong’s has a downstream supplier called Weilin, dealing in river sand. Rong Zhixian receives large kickbacks from Weilin every year. As for Li Lili, she lost billions in Macau two years ago and sold the Rong Family’s heirloom yellow diamond and many other jewels. Next time they bother you, just hint at this and see if they dare. You… you’re too kind, like… like Snow White.”

The last sentence was completely made up, making it even funnier.

Cheng Leyan couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow after laughing.

No wonder when Rong Wangzhi was around, he had complete control over Rong’s, and his dad and Second Uncle were sidelined. It turns out he had all the dirt on the second branch of the family firmly in his grasp.

Rong Papa and Mama Rong are still fighting fiercely with the second branch, but in the past, those two from the second branch probably wouldn’t even dare to sit at the table in front of Rong Wangzhi.

In short, the boss is awesome.

Cheng Leyan sincerely said, “Thank you, Mr. Rong. I’ll remember these things. I won’t misuse them, but I also won’t just take it lying down.”

Rong Wangzhi: “Hmm. There’s one more thing. Rong Zihan claims to be Rong Lizhi’s child, but actually, he’s Rong Zhixian’s illegitimate son. Rong Lizhi and Li Lili probably don’t know about this yet. When necessary, reveal it and watch their family of three fight among themselves. Your eyelashes are long, like little fans.”

Cheng Leyan: “!!! Oh my, there’s more to this! I heard from your mom that Rong Lizhi is currently unmarried, and Zihan is considered an illegitimate child, but the truth behind it is this! What a juicy piece of gossip! Are all the scandals in your wealthy family this colorful? I can’t wait to see Li Lili’s reaction when she finds out. She might scratch Rong Zhixian’s face off!”

He was getting a bit too excited about the gossip.

Rong Wangzhi’s heart skipped a few beats: “If you’re interested, there’s a lot more I can tell you. Your cheeks are red, like red apples. What? This line doesn’t work? Why not? Fine, I’ll change it. Everything and I are absurdly silent, and at this moment, I miss you.”

The Sugar Daddy’s voice was so close, too close, and he always spoke with such steadiness, making it sound extremely sincere. When he said the last line, Cheng Leyan felt a bit of a tingling sensation on his scalp, and his face instantly turned red.

He couldn’t help but say, “…I think ‘cheeks red like red apples’ is just fine!! Why isn’t it considered sweet talk? It is, it is! Who’s judging this? I say it counts, I just like ‘cheeks red like apples’!”

He didn’t like the latter part! It gave him goosebumps.

He rubbed his arms.

Then he cleared his throat twice and quickly changed the subject: “Mr. Rong, let’s talk a bit about Zhuozhuo’s education. I’m worried that Zhuozhuo doesn’t have the right view on love, but I don’t know how to teach him. Do you have any suggestions?”

Rong Wangzhi: “Hmm? What did Zhuozhuo do to make you think that? Your… your face is round, like an egg.”

This sweet talk sounded like nonsense!

But maybe it was because of Cheng Leyan’s earlier statement, “I just like this kind of talk, I say it counts,” that it actually worked, and this nonsense sweet talk was deemed successful, so Rong Wangzhi didn’t have to repeat it.

But his question…

How should he put it, how should he say that he saw the “Future Guide” and learned that Zhuozhuo would really become a legal troublemaker in the future?

Cheng Leyan was momentarily conflicted, but just then, the door behind him was pushed open.

Turning around, he saw it was Zhuozhuo. Well, that was convenient; he didn’t have to answer the Sugar Daddy’s question.

Facing the little one, Cheng Leyan’s voice instantly became soft and sweet, “Baby, you’re awake? How did you sleep?”

The little one nodded. He had just woken up from his nap and had been texting with Brother Gu Qin, talking about the morning’s misunderstanding and recounting Cheng Leyan’s words of support for him.

Gu Qin was deeply moved, repeatedly saying, “Your stepdad is so good,” “How is your stepdad so good,” making Zhuozhuo feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Yes, his stepdad is just that good. He has the best stepdad in the world.

The little one looked at Cheng Leyan and gave a shy smile.

His two round dimples were too cute, and Cheng Leyan couldn’t resist hugging the little one and giving him a good rub, then tickling him, making the little one giggle.

After playing for a while, Zhuozhuo was tired from laughing and lay down on Cheng Leyan’s lap.

Looking at the obedient, sweet, and soft little one, Cheng Leyan thought of the “Future Guide” he had seen earlier, and his mood instantly became very complicated:

Zhuozhuo! His Zhuozhuo!

Clearly so cute, so well-behaved, so angelic, so filial, how could he become that future troublemaker, the legal troublemaker, the villain who locks people to the bed!

Oh, and he even smokes e-cigarettes!!

E-cigarettes, for crying out loud!

No, he must nip the e-cigarette in the bud!

Cheng Leyan quickly picked up Zhuozhuo and said, “Baby, today stepdad is going to teach you something new, which is to recognize e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes are harmful, they contain nicotine, and they’re really bad for your health.

“And as a trendy CEO, smoking e-cigarettes would make your trendiness plummet. Imagine, one CEO is talking about billion-dollar deals, giving orders with authority, and another CEO is puffing on an e-cigarette! And when it runs out of battery, he has to charge it! How untrendy is that, right?”

“Baby, do you still want to smoke e-cigarettes?”

The little one listened, bewildered, wondering why his stepdad was teaching him this. What does “giving orders with authority” mean? What does “trendy CEO” mean? Why would someone want to own a fish pond? I don’t get it, I need to ask Brother Gu Qin.

But “don’t smoke e-cigarettes,” he understood.

Besides, we’re a poor ghost family, we probably can’t even afford e-cigarettes…

He nodded vigorously. No more smoking, definitely not.

Cheng Leyan was very pleased: “Yes, yes, baby, stay away from e-cigarettes and be happy every day. The next thing is, stepdad wants to teach you not to tear books, especially the ‘Criminal Law.’ Why tear it? It’s not easy to tear, your hands would hurt, and it would trouble the cleaners to clean up, which isn’t good. With that energy, you might as well make hand-torn chicken.”

Zhuozhuo nodded. ‘Criminal Law’ is expensive, can’t tear it, our poor ghost family doesn’t have much money to buy books. Got it, I need to cherish ‘Criminal Law.’

Cheng Leyan continued, “And baby, if stepdad ever… um… anyway, baby, stepdad is teaching you to read ‘Criminal Law’ so you don’t break the law, not to follow it as a guide. Sigh, stepdad has to say it again, love and affection are all illusions, the most important thing in the world is money!

“Like your dad, he’s very generous, giving away villas just like that. That’s great, he gives money, I do the work, I have to work hard, sometimes I even feel embarrassed, he gives so much—”

At this point, he suddenly got stuck.

Ahhh, the Sugar Daddy can hear now!

Sorry, Sugar Daddy, I didn’t mean it that way, I’m not complaining you give too much!

As if hearing his thoughts, Rong Wangzhi’s voice came through the earpiece: “Mr. Cheng, don’t belittle yourself. No matter how much I give, it’s based on one thing, and that’s—you deserve it. This time, my real-time communication lasts 24 hours, and the earpiece won’t be detected by others. You can keep wearing it in case you need it during the banquet. You—thank you for being here, you saved me.”

Cheng Leyan: … Look at that emotional intelligence, no wonder he’s the big boss! No wonder he can make so much money! If he doesn’t make money, who will!

You’re welcome, Sugar Daddy! You spent the money, this is what I should do!

I’ll work even harder to save you.

Cheng Leyan: “Your dad gave so much, so I’m working hard to bring him good luck, right? Look how hard I’m working as a stepdad.”

Then he picked up the iPad and started tapping the electronic wooden fish for the Sugar Daddy, tapping with great enthusiasm, showing the little one what “money can make Cheng tap the fish” really means.

Zhuozhuo: … Yes, stepdad is really working hard.

After tapping for a while, Mama Rong sent a servant to call Cheng Leyan to change clothes, so Cheng Leyan took Zhuozhuo and left. The little one didn’t forget to give his dad another magic kiss.

Rong Wangzhi temporarily turned off the “sweet talk” tool and then said to 250: [What’s going on? I noticed the points suddenly increased by over 300. Could it be…]

250: [Ah! Host, you noticed too!]

Rong Wangzhi: [Hmm.]

Actually, when he started paying attention to the system and points, his first research should have been the points income details. But due to some unknown mindset, Rong Wangzhi wanted to understand the available tools first, so he looked at the tools, which is why he only discovered the extra points now.

Rong Wangzhi: [Could it be—because Cheng Leyan truly loves me, and true love can save everything, and it can also turn into points?]

250: [… Host, what nonsense are you talking about.]

Rong Wangzhi: [Then it’s because Cheng Leyan can really bring good luck? When he’s around, he can bring in points?]

250: [Host, please stop talking nonsense.]

Rong Wangzhi: [It can’t be that the electronic wooden fish Cheng Leyan made really works, right?]

250: [Host, I’m begging you, stop talking nonsense. I’ll tell you the truth, it has nothing to do with Cheng Leyan, it’s more related to Zhuozhuo. Since the first day he gave you a ‘magic kiss,’ you’ve been getting points, and the points just now were also because of Zhuozhuo’s magic kiss.]

Rong Wangzhi: [… What? He knows magic? My son is a great magician?]

250: [Impossible, there’s no magic setting in this world. I suspect Zhuozhuo himself has the world’s luck.]

Having said this much, the system decided to spill the beans: [Host, these things have nothing to do with our task, I shouldn’t be telling you. But since you’re a vegetative state, the situation is so bad, I’ll just be honest. I used to be in the plot group, went through hundreds of worlds, and I’m very familiar with these things.

[Zhuozhuo is most likely the protagonist or antagonist of this world, with sky-high luck. His background fits the protagonist setting, growing up in an orphanage, with a wealthy but vegetative adoptive father, surrounded by a bunch of quirky relatives causing trouble, growing up in a complex environment—everything makes sense, except for one thing.]

Rong Wangzhi: [Hmm.]

System: [Except for Cheng Leyan. Normally, Zhuozhuo’s stepdad should be a malicious stepdad, but Cheng Leyan’s behavior is abnormal. Remember when you first woke up and heard him arguing with the nurse at the sanatorium? The nurse said he used to abuse you there, didn’t you wonder why he changed so much?]

Rong Wangzhi: [Get to the point.]

System: [I suspect Cheng Leyan has a system, a plot group one. His task is either to care for the beautiful and tragic protagonist or to prevent the antagonist from turning evil, something like that, just different in form but the same in essence, revolving around Zhuozhuo.

[Your setting is likely to be a destined cannon fodder, providing money for Zhuozhuo. You not waking up is actually good for Zhuozhuo. Your health is gradually improving, but there’s still a long way to go before you can wake up. If we can cooperate, it would be a win-win, but I’m afraid the plot might hinder you. If that’s the case, our interests might conflict later. So I haven’t figured out how to handle it.]

Rong Wangzhi was silent for a few seconds, then said: [I’ll think about it.]

The system breathed a sigh of relief: [Alright.]

Rong Wangzhi: [One more thing, can you connect to the internet?]

System: [Yes, 1G of data costs 100 points.]

Rong Wangzhi: [Okay. I’ll give you 5G of data, go—go search for how to say sweet talk. Don’t make it too awkward.]

System: …………..

The system said in despair: [I’m really good! I’m really good! I can do many things! Can’t you give me something else to do? Isn’t there any other work I can do??]

Rong Wangzhi: [No job picking. I’ll give you 500 points, keep the rest for yourself.]

250: [Okay, thank you, boss.]

250 left, and Rong Wangzhi recalled everything that happened after he met Cheng Leyan.

He didn’t think too deeply, afraid the system would catch his thoughts, but he was sure of one thing: regardless of any system or task, Cheng Leyan was still a good person.

He was sure.

Actually, if you recognize this one point, it’s already enough, isn’t it?

At this moment, Cheng Leyan, who had been given a good person card, had already changed into a suit and was being styled in front of a mirror by a makeup artist.

Cheng Leyan felt a bit awkward: “Mom, I’m a guy, why do I need styling?”

Mama Rong was also sitting nearby, having her makeup done by a makeup artist. She said naturally, “Guys need styling too. Look at our Wangzhi, when he had pouty lips and big eyes, wasn’t he quite handsome?”

Cheng Leyan couldn’t help but burst into laughter. He thought, Mom hasn’t seen the Sugar Daddy’s ‘hiss-ha’ hand yet, that’s also super cool and awesome.

At this moment, Mama Rong received a call, looking a bit awkward. After hanging up, she said to Cheng Leyan, “Old Deng finally came home, he’ll come over to see Zhuozhuo later.” Zhuozhuo had already changed into his suit and was sitting obediently nearby, playing with his iPad.

Cheng Leyan: “Great, I haven’t met Dad yet, it’s a good chance to meet him.”

Mama Rong: “I didn’t introduce you to him before because his relationship with Wangzhi is really… sigh, you see, he didn’t even come home last night, and today he came back so late, probably because Wangzhi is at the old residence, and he doesn’t know how to face Wangzhi, so he just avoided it.”

Cheng Leyan curiously asked, “Is his relationship with Wangzhi not good?”

Mama Rong rubbed her temples: “Xiao Cheng, I consider you one of us, so I’m not afraid to tell you. When Wangzhi was young, their relationship was quite good, but after Wangzhi’s teenage years, their relationship plummeted.

“His dad is stubborn and rigid, competitive, and very stubborn. Wangzhi… he’s not the kind of kid without his own ideas, so they clashed. Before Wangzhi’s accident, they hadn’t spoken for six months.

“And then… the day Wangzhi had the accident.”

Mama Rong sighed again: “That day, he and Wangzhi had a phone call, and they had a big argument. In a fit of anger, he said, ‘My biggest regret is having a son like you.’

“He didn’t hear Wangzhi’s response, only a commotion—Wangzhi had the car accident then and became a vegetative state.”

“Isn’t it ridiculous? The last words he left for his son were actually that.”

Cheng Leyan, who was usually cheerful and could find joy in any situation, felt a heavy weight in his chest at this moment.

In the original ‘Prisoner of Love,’ these details weren’t mentioned, and even the description of Rong Wangzhi was very limited. It only mentioned that when Zhuozhuo was 18, during a critical moment in the Rong family power struggle, Rong Wangzhi, who had been in a vegetative state for years, suddenly woke up, called a lawyer to make a will, leaving everything to Zhuozhuo.

Not long after, he passed away. Like a tool person providing resources for the protagonist, he had even less presence than his own cannon fodder role.

To this day, Rong Wangzhi was no longer the tool person from the original ‘Prisoner of Love’ in his heart, nor was he the unconscious vegetative person lying in bed, but a real person with whom he had a connection.

Holding the phone, hearing his father say, “My biggest regret is having a son like you,” and the next second experiencing a violent collision, excruciating pain, and when he regained consciousness, he was already a vegetative state…

How unbearable it all was.

He couldn’t help but murmur, “Those words were too hurtful. Mr. Rong must have been in so much pain hearing them.”

Mama Rong also said, “Yes. How heartbroken Wangzhi must have been.”

Both sighed at the same time.

In the earpiece, Rong Wangzhi’s voice came through: “No. No pain, no sadness, none of that. Because I actually didn’t hear those words at the time. I knew he was going to say something harsh, so I put the phone aside. Mr. Cheng, does it make you feel a bit better if I say it like this? Your name is the shortest love poem I’ve ever read.”

Cheng Leyan: … Uh, this.

This.

What is this!

Is this some kind of dark humor!

It does make it a bit better, since you didn’t hear those hurtful words, but it also doesn’t make it better, since you’re still a vegetative state…

I can’t quite describe my feelings, what’s going on!

Rong Wangzhi continued, “My dad isn’t a bad person, just too much of an Old Deng. The issues between us aren’t something that can be explained in a few words. Mr. Cheng, if he’s not friendly to you, please don’t mind. Your eyes hold an ocean I’ve never seen.”

… Help, hearing “Old Deng” from the Sugar Daddy’s mouth feels so strange and out of place, what’s going on!

So just how much of an Old Deng is he?

Really can’t wait to see for myself.

Cheng Leyan was curious, and after more than ten minutes, Rong Papa finally arrived.

Seeing him in person, Cheng Leyan was taken aback: he originally thought he would be like Second Uncle, with a big belly, but he wasn’t!

Rong Papa was nearly 60, but well-maintained, looking only in his forties or fifties, with a tall and straight posture, wearing glasses, exuding a dignified yet elegant demeanor. The strands of white hair at his temples showed his rich experience.

He didn’t look like an Old Deng, more like a handsome uncle.

Rong Papa’s attitude was quite good, first explaining to Mama Rong why he was late, then greeting Zhuozhuo and even bringing a gift for him.

Finally, his eyes fell on Cheng Leyan.

Cheng Leyan put on a smile and cheerfully called out, “Dad.”

But the other party acted as if he hadn’t heard, completely ignoring him, not even giving him a glance, and directly moved on.

Mama Rong frowned and said, “He greeted you, why didn’t you say anything? Are you deaf?”

Rong Papa confidently replied, “You’re wrong, you’re looking at it too shallowly. Let me put it this way, not all efforts are rewarded, young people don’t understand, but you should. But it’s okay, at my age, you understand everything.”

Cheng Leyan: … Help! 

So he really is an Old Deng! Very Deng! Deng to the peak! How can he look so good on the outside, but as soon as he speaks, he’s so Deng!

In his mind, 419 was shouting: [This Old Deng dares to treat the host like this, what kind of person is he, curse him!]

Cheng Leyan: [System Father, let me tell you, I have a secret to being a sales champion, and that’s to always keep a smile on my face, no matter if the person can become my client or not.]

After being subjected to the other party’s Deng words, Cheng Leyan’s expression didn’t change at all, his smile remained enthusiastic and energetic, and he even calmed down the angry Mama Rong, continuing, “Dad, do you remember me?”

Rong Papa gave him another look.

Cheng Leyan: “We didn’t know each other growing up, I grew up in my house, you grew up in yours.”

Rong Papa: …

Cheng Leyan: “Dad, you’re not young anymore, you should understand things, you’ve eaten more salt than I’ve eaten rice, let me give you some advice, meeting is fate, meals should be eaten often, faces should be seen often, don’t waste the chance to meet in the sea of people, don’t miss the encounter in the song of time!”

Rong Papa: …………

Cheng Leyan: “Dad, how about now, do you find me more pleasing to the eye?”

Rong Papa took a deep breath and looked at Mama Rong: “Nian Nian, I told you before, you didn’t listen, you’re too naive! How can you let Wangzhi marry someone so glib, let Zhuozhuo be raised by him? This idea won’t work, I’m telling you, Zhuozhuo will move back to the old residence tomorrow, I’ll take care of him myself!”

Mama Rong instantly got angry: “You’ll take care of him? How? Ask Zhuozhuo if he wants you to take care of him? And, what’s wrong with letting Wangzhi marry him, letting Zhuozhuo live with him, Wangzhi’s condition is improving, his health is getting better, and Zhuozhuo is speaking now!”

Rong Papa was momentarily stunned, then extremely delighted: “Zhuozhuo, Zhuozhuo is speaking?”

Mama Rong proudly said, “Of course! It’s all thanks to Xiao Cheng!”

Rong Papa’s next move was: “Zhuozhuo, come, let grandpa test you—”

Mama Rong: “Test what, I feel like hitting someone!”

Hearing that he was going to move back to the old residence, Zhuozhuo instantly became very nervous, and quickly stepped forward, hugging Cheng Leyan’s hand. The little one looked at Rong Papa with teary puppy eyes, his face full of “I don’t want to leave stepdad.”

Rong Papa was taken aback, then turned back to scrutinize Cheng Leyan again, this time much more seriously.

Cheng Leyan smiled and let him look, then extended his hand.

The other party frowned and didn’t take it, but Cheng Leyan wasn’t bothered, smiling, “Rather drink 52° liquor than touch a 36° hand? Dad, you’re being impulsive! Let me test you, Dad, tell me, is Rong’s better or worse now compared to when Wangzhi was around?”

Rong Papa’s face darkened, and he left as if his pants were on fire.

Mama Rong chuckled, “Old Deng, first time seeing him at a loss, well done, Xiao Cheng!”

She explained, “Xiao Cheng, don’t mind him, he’s mainly targeting me, not you.”

Cheng Leyan said, “It’s nothing, Mom. Besides, how is he targeting you, I think you two have a pretty good relationship.”

Mama Rong: “… Xiao Cheng, you’re a bit harsh.”

Cheng Leyan chuckled too.

He really didn’t mind, after all, Rong Papa didn’t hit or scold him, he was quite decent.

Then in his earpiece, Rong Wangzhi said, “Mr. Cheng, I’m sorry my father wasn’t very polite to you. Here’s the thing, in my collection room, there’s a golden watermelon, I’ll give it to you as an apology. You are my today and all my tomorrows.”

Cheng Leyan: Ahhh!

Gold! Watermelon!!

Isn’t that bigger than my golden apple?

Ahhhhhh!!

President Rong, do you have any other dads, may I ask?!

Any more?

He was so happy he couldn’t close his mouth, the joy radiating from within, causing Mama Rong to look over and say, “Xiao Cheng, what’s up, why are you smiling?”

Cheng Leyan looked at her with bright eyes: “Mom, are there any other Old Dengs to meet? I really want to meet Old Dengs! Really want!!! I feel like I can meet ten Old Dengs in one go!”

Then he quickly added, “No, no, how can I call them Old Dengs, they’re clearly God of Wealth!”

Mama Rong: … Oh no, Xiao Cheng has been driven crazy by that Old Deng.