The Sugar Daddy was silent, but Zhuozhuo noticed his Stepfather’s mouth curving up and down repeatedly… and then the Stepfather started muttering to himself! He even chuckled at one point! It was as if he was wearing invisible headphones and talking to someone else!

The little cub was terrified: Is Stepfather’s illness getting worse?

The little cub hadn’t used his “grudge book” for a long time, and naturally hadn’t drawn any big pills for Stepfather in a while. On one hand, he was worried about Stepfather’s erratic behavior, but on the other hand, it was comforting. At least Stepfather wouldn’t revert to his old self. But is it really okay for him to stay sick like this?

Cheng Leyan had no idea about Zhuozhuo’s complicated feelings. He held Zhuozhuo’s hand, ready to take the little cub to eat some small cakes.

Dinner was over, and the post-dinner cocktail party was about to begin. Guests moved to another banquet hall, where waiters carried champagne around.

Rong’s Grandma went off to chat with some old friends, and Rong Papa and Mama Rong were busy as usual. Cheng Leyan took Zhuozhuo straight to the nearby buffet area.

After eating two small cakes and some fruit, it was almost time. The little cub usually went to bed at nine, so Cheng Leyan planned to take Zhuozhuo back to rest soon.

He didn’t forget to educate the child: “Look, that uncle over there, he smokes all the time, and his teeth are so yellow. And that uncle, he’s holding an e-cigarette! He took a few puffs when no one was looking! Oh my, he’s almost bald. Do you think e-cigarettes make people bald? Baby, we must never smoke e-cigarettes.”

The little cub nodded seriously, and Cheng Leyan thought, this time it should be fine, right? This time it must be fine, right? This time it’s definitely fine, right? Zhuozhuo surely won’t smoke, smoke cigars, smoke e-cigarettes, or any other weird stuff, right? Baby, don’t make your Stepfather lose face!

Just then, two people approached. One was a young girl, lively and energetic; the other was a young man with a cold face and an arrogant expression.

Cheng Leyan thought they wanted some cake too, so he politely stepped aside, but they walked straight up to him.

The girl spoke first: “Do you know Xiang Jinglin? Are you the one who exposed him for scolding a child? Was it this little friend he scolded?”

Cheng Leyan didn’t know if this person was a friend of Xiang Jinglin or what, so he asked, “And you are?”

The girl looked a bit embarrassed, hesitated for a few seconds, then decided to just say it: “Well, that bastard Xiang Jinglin was pursuing me before, and I almost fell for it. Luckily, I saw the audio you posted and realized he’s just a scumbag.”

Cheng Leyan was a bit surprised, as he didn’t know about this before. He laughed and said, “Yes, I was the one who posted it. Didn’t expect it to help you. But you almost fell for him? Can’t be, you don’t wear glasses, and your eyesight seems fine.”

The girl said, “He… he was good at pretending and sweet-talking, always saying things like ‘I want to give you the world.'”

Cheng Leyan looked shocked: “What, he wants to give you the world? What about the rest of us? Are we going to be kicked out of this world?”

The girl burst into laughter and said, “I’m here to thank you. You don’t know, before I blocked him, he said, ‘Since you don’t appreciate my love, why not try my hate?’ My friends keep calling me ‘Hate Sister-in-law.’ It’s so embarrassing.”

A legendary “Hate Sister-in-law.”

Cheng Leyan laughed: “Let me teach you a trick. Next time your friends call you ‘Hate Sister-in-law,’ just say, ‘Yes, I hate! Looking up at the Castle in the Sky, thinking of us drifting apart. I hate! Just consider it a brief love. I hate! The wind is rising, he must walk on.'”

The girl’s eyes widened: “Huh? What’s the point of that?”

Cheng Leyan: “If you work hard enough, soon you can go from ‘Hate Sister-in-law’ to ‘Hate Sister.’ That’s called, don’t be someone else’s sister-in-law, just be your own sister.”

The girl laughed out loud. She turned to the young man with her and said, “Xiao Meng, I think he’s really interesting! Not what we expected.”

The man called “Xiao Meng” kept a cold face, scrutinizing Cheng Leyan with a critical gaze. Cheng Leyan had no idea who he was and didn’t intend to engage in deep conversation, so he smiled politely and was about to leave with Zhuozhuo.

The man spoke up: “Cheng Leyan, right? I’m Ning Simeng, Rong Wangzhi’s ex-boyfriend.”

Cheng Leyan was genuinely surprised this time and instinctively said, “Ex-boyfriend? You? Isn’t Rong Wangzhi…”

Isn’t he a 0!!

It’s not that he looked down on Ning Simeng, but the other was slender and not even as tall as himself. What is this? A mini 1? Could it be that the boss likes this type?

Really!?

In his ear, Rong Wangzhi’s voice sounded steady: [Nonsense. Mr. Cheng, he is not my ex-boyfriend. He was just a blind date my mom set up for me. We’ve only met once at a banquet, and I didn’t even speak to him. I have no ex-boyfriends or ex-girlfriends. I stand by my words. Please don’t believe his lies; he’s delusional. Your smile is like a gale, dispersing all the haze.]

Cheng Leyan: …Although I’m not startled anymore, what the heck is a gale! What the heck is dispersing haze!

Is this even considered a love confession!

And it didn’t even trigger an error!?

And what’s with this mini 1 guy, pretending to be the boss’s ex, what’s he up to?

Over there, Ning Simeng, unaware that his cover was blown, continued, “Didn’t Aunt Zheng mention me? I really am Wangzhi’s ex.”

Cheng Leyan asked, “Mr. Ning, what do you want from me?”

Ning Simeng: “How is Wangzhi’s health? Can you really bring him good fortune?”

Cheng Leyan: “It’s a business secret, I can’t say. You can ask my mom for details.”

Ning Simeng glanced at Zhuozhuo: “And this child, when did Wangzhi suddenly have a child? Who’s the child’s mother?”

Cheng Leyan: “It’s a business secret, I can’t say. You can ask my mom for details.”

Ning Simeng: “Can I see him? Is he here today? I want to see him. They say people in a vegetative state can be awakened by familiar voices. Maybe my presence can wake him up?” His expression showed some urgency.

Cheng Leyan: “…Mr. Ning, may I ask, you said you’re his ex, did Wangzhi ever speak to you before?”

Ning Simeng: “Of course he did! And not just once!”

Cheng Leyan: “Eh?” The Sugar Daddy just said they never spoke, so who’s lying and who’s the mole?

The next second, Ning Simeng stubbornly said, “He said to me, ‘Welcome everyone to today’s banquet, please enjoy the food and drinks.’ And he said, ‘The dance time begins, I wish everyone a wonderful evening.’ And more! He really said a lot!”

Cheng Leyan: …………

This guy is really delusional!

The girl was a bit embarrassed and tugged at Ning Simeng, but he didn’t budge.

Cheng Leyan said, “No, that’s clearly something said to everyone. Did he say anything specifically to you?”

Ning Simeng: “There is. There was one thing he said specifically to me, just to me.”

He paused, and Cheng Leyan was anxious, thinking, what did he say, hurry up and tell me!

Then Ning Simeng, with a look of reminiscence and longing, said, “He said to me, ‘Excuse me.'”

As soon as he said that, both Cheng Leyan and the girl burst into laughter, and even Zhuozhuo took a step back, thinking this person had a screw loose.

Well… it really was said just to you! It really was just to you! But you remember those two words to this day?

Cheng Leyan even felt touched, thinking this guy might really love the Sugar Daddy. Could he really wake him up?

Rong Wangzhi’s voice quickly sounded: “He’s really crazy. Mr. Cheng, he’s the young master of Run Chang Xiang. I’m very sure; I’ve talked business with his father, played golf, but have nothing to do with him. Your eyes are filled with the brilliance of wisdom, leaving foolishness nowhere to hide.”

Cheng Leyan: !!!

Run Chang Xiang! Ah, wait, Ning Simeng, he’s the Ning Fourth Master of Run Chang Xiang!

Run Chang Xiang has some scenes in “Prisoner of Love,” it’s the largest pawnshop in the country, with some underground dealings. It’s also one of the strong supports for the villain later on. Ning Fourth Master of Run Chang Xiang was always accommodating to Rong Jishi.

When reading the book, Cheng Leyan found it puzzling, wondering why this person helped the villain so much. Now it all makes sense—it’s because of the Sugar Daddy! He has a one-sided love for the Sugar Daddy!

And come to think of it, in the original book, when Ning Fourth Master first met Rong Jishi, he said, “No wonder there’s a resemblance to an old friend, turns out it’s the child of an old friend.”

It all connects!

20 years later, he became Ning Fourth Master, but 20 years ago, he was just a delusional young man!

This is the future golden thigh for Zhuozhuo.

Cheng Leyan looked at Ning Simeng, his gaze becoming a bit more affectionate: “Mr. Ning, Wangzhi isn’t available to see guests right now, but you can look at our Zhuozhuo. He’s the child of an old friend, with the demeanor of an old friend.”

Ning Simeng glanced at the round-faced little cub, who blinked and looked at him somewhat timidly.

Ning Simeng: …

The face is too round, can’t see any resemblance to an old friend, my old friend’s face wasn’t this round.

He said, “Cheng Leyan, there’s another thing. Wangzhi’s Xingrong Manor project, is it true you’re looking for Zeng Qiao to update the design? I know Zeng Qiao, I can help with that, just let me see Wangzhi once.”

Cheng Leyan said, “We don’t need your help with that, Wangzhi has already taken care of it.”

Ning Simeng didn’t believe it: “What are you talking about? How can Wangzhi handle it in his current state? Xingrong Manor is Wangzhi’s brainchild, a project he values greatly, it’s very important to him. Cheng Leyan, I advise you to think carefully.”

Cheng Leyan smiled: “You can ask Designer Zeng if he’s willing to work for Xingrong Manor now.” He checked his watch, “Aren’t you going to talk to our Zhuozhuo? If not, I’m going back now, it’s about time, the child needs to sleep.”

He was about to leave with Zhuozhuo when the young girl called out, “Cheng Leyan, I’m Yan Mingtong, let’s add each other on WeChat.”

Cheng Leyan was about to refuse, but she said, “My aunt studies child psychology, if you need help with Zhuozhuo, you can ask her.”

Cheng Leyan was overjoyed, thinking this was perfect timing, and quickly took out his phone: “Let’s add each other.” Happily, they exchanged contacts.

After chatting a bit more, making the girl laugh heartily, he noticed Zhuozhuo yawning and said, “Excuse me,” taking the child to leave first.

It was a bit late, so the bedtime story was skipped. The little cub had a regular schedule and was genuinely sleepy. After washing up, he sat on the bed, and Zhuozhuo fell asleep almost instantly.

Cheng Leyan turned off the lights and quietly left, heading to Rong Wangzhi’s room.

The caregiver had already cleaned him up and changed him into clean loungewear. He lay quietly on the bed, like a beautiful, well-behaved sleeping beauty.

Cheng Leyan was amused by his own metaphor.

He chuckled and said, “Mr. Rong, did I do okay tonight? I’m going to talk to your parents about the will later, anything you want to add?”

Rong Wangzhi’s voice came steadily through the earphones: “You did well, nothing—Mr. Cheng, why did you add Miss Yan’s WeChat? You expanded my imagination of the universe.”

Cheng Leyan: “Huh? She said her aunt studies child psychology, isn’t that just perfect!”

Rong Wangzhi: “Yes, you’re right. I also want to explain again, Ning Simeng is really not my ex-boyfriend. Your eyes are like a dream under the starry sky.”

Cheng Leyan laughed: “Okay, okay, not your ex-boyfriend, I got it.”

Rong Wangzhi: “Please believe me. I don’t want this to affect our trust. Your laughter is the most beautiful melody I’ve ever heard.”

Cheng Leyan: “Yes, I really believe you. I mean, he doesn’t even look like a 1, Mr. Rong, you wouldn’t choose someone like that if you were a 0, right?”

He suddenly covered his mouth after saying that.

What did he just say?

Did he just say the boss is a 0?

Is it okay to say it so directly?

Ahhh, boss, don’t take away the villa, the golden apple, the golden watermelon you promised me!

Rong Wangzhi still lay there, and after a few seconds, his voice came steadily: “I’m not a 0. You plant flowers in the wasteland of my heart.”

Cheng Leyan: “…That’s really great.”

Rong Wangzhi: “What’s great about it? You’re the only voice in my silent world.”

Cheng Leyan: “It’s great because if the heavens have feelings, the heavens have feelings, the right path in the world is the right path. Ten years of life and death are vast, five years of life and death are vast.”

Internally screaming: [419!! What’s going on, he’s not a 0! You misled me!]

419: [Ahhh, the R18 group tasks are mostly for the right position, poor 250 senior, so many tasks can’t be done.]

Cheng Leyan: [Is that your main point!? It’s so awkward, what do I do now! It’s so awkward my toes are curling!]

419: [Actually, when the “flying underwear” buff appeared before, I felt something was off. This buff is always for the left position, turns out, that’s why!]

Cheng Leyan: [I’m cringing here, don’t mention underwear, okay!]

But he couldn’t help recalling some memories.

Like “Who the hell put sugarcane on my bed” and such.

Sugar, cane…

Cheng Leyan’s face turned red instantly, and he said, “Mr. Rong, I’m leaving now, I’m going to find your parents.” Then he hurriedly ran off, as if his butt was on fire.

After he left, Rong Wangzhi temporarily cut off the device, and the surroundings returned to silence.

His mood was a bit complicated, hard to describe.

It felt like he was a bit closer to Cheng Leyan.

But why did Cheng Leyan think he was a 0? Why would he have such a thought?

250 cautiously spoke: [Host, um, how are you feeling?]

Rong Wangzhi: [Speak.]

System: [Ahahaha, just that another new task was completed just now.]

Rong Wangzhi: [Speak.]

System: [The task was “Your lover thinks of you when your underwear is flying.”]

Rong Wangzhi: …

Rong Wangzhi: ……………

He gritted his teeth: [Two, five, zero! I’ll give you 50 points, never mention those three words in front of me again!]

250 shrank back, thinking, for the same three words, you gave Cheng Leyan ten thousand yuan, now just 50 points for me.

Such a difference in treatment.

50 points, what can it do, it’s like giving alms to a beggar.

Rong Wangzhi: [Yes, giving alms to a beggar.]

System: […I am the beggar, thank you, host, 50 points is fine. By the way, the reward for completing this task will make your cheeks blush with the most beautiful hue, as if gently touched by the juice of a rose…]

250’s flowery descriptions, but in Rong Wangzhi’s mind, he could only imagine a red-faced embarrassment.

It’s to the point where he doesn’t want to see Cheng Leyan today.

Ah, let it all end.

Rong Wangzhi calmly thought.

Cheng Leyan still didn’t know what happened to his husband’s face.

He ran out like his butt was on fire, stood on the terrace for five minutes, finally dispelling some images from his mind.

He still had serious business to attend to. Cheng Leyan thought, taking a deep breath.

The banquet was nearing its end, and Cheng Leyan told Mama Rong he wanted to talk to her and Rong Papa, then went to the study to wait.

It wasn’t long before Rong Papa and Mama Rong arrived together.

Mama Rong said, “Xiao Cheng, what’s up? What needs both of us to hear?”

Cheng Leyan looked serious, getting straight to the point: “Mom, this is important, and it concerns Wangzhi, so it’s best if Dad is here too. I haven’t told you two before, but I recently found out something.

“I used to have an online friend, id ‘Phantom,’ we were very close, almost intimate online, but lost contact a year ago. I recently discovered that it was actually Wangzhi.”

Rong Papa and Mama Rong exchanged a glance.

Rong Papa frowned: “How can there be such a coincidence? I’ve walked more bridges than you’ve walked roads, I’m experienced, don’t try to fool me. Or are you saying that Liu guy is a fraud, deliberately giving you the wrong birth date?”

Cheng Leyan: “I don’t know if Master Liu is a fraud, but it’s indeed such a coincidence, I was shocked too. Dad, I can only say, there’s a lot going on here, those who know, know, those who don’t, I might not be able to explain.”

Rong Papa still looked skeptical, so Cheng Leyan continued: “Because we were online friends, we spoke freely, Wangzhi once told me his will is in the study safe, the password is 241216, I mainly wanted to inform you of this. Whether the password is real, you can try it.”

Rong Papa said: “I know about Wangzhi’s safe, the password only has three tries, if wrong, it can never be opened. Cheng Leyan, you think these two sentences will make us believe you, you’re too naive. Fine, I’ll test you—”

Cheng Leyan said: “Test what, Dad, let me put it this way, I used to live in the Zilang Lake Villa.”

As soon as he said that, Rong Papa and Mama Rong’s expressions changed.

Mama Rong blurted out: “Really? Was it really you?”

Cheng Leyan: “It was me. You can go to the villa and see, the paintings on the wall are by a niche artist Andrew.J, mainly because I like them. The bookshelf has a complete set of Raymond Chandler’s books, which I was reading. The lazy sofa was my addition. There’s even a litter box, because I wanted to get a cat, so I bought it first, but never got one.”

Having been to the villa, he spoke with certainty, making it very credible.

Mama Rong immediately asked: “Then four years ago, when Wangzhi flew to Switzerland, was it to see you?”

Cheng Leyan hesitated for two seconds, Rong Wangzhi’s steady voice came: “Say yes. You’re like a flickering flame, who wouldn’t like fire?”

Cheng Leyan: …Alright. The boss has spoken.

He said calmly: “Yes, it was to see me, but we missed each other, didn’t meet.”

Mama Rong’s eyes widened, growing more excited: “Five years ago when he went to Sweden, was it related to you? Three years ago when he stayed up late, was he chatting with you? Two years ago when he wanted to create a natural-themed eco-resort, was it influenced by you?”

Rong Wangzhi: “Say yes. You’re a brilliant cloud of smoke.”

Cheng Leyan said: “Mom, it was all me. Do you believe I’m Wangzhi’s online friend now?”

But Mama Rong was already beaming, bouncing up from the sofa, excitedly grabbing Cheng Leyan’s hands: “What, Xiao Cheng, don’t try to fool me, you’re not just Wangzhi’s online friend, you two were totally in an online relationship, right? Totally in an online relationship?? Xiao Cheng, your connection with Wangzhi is so deep!!”

Rong Papa also looked complex: “So… so that’s it. Child, why didn’t you tell us earlier. I always felt there was more to you and Wangzhi, turns out you were in an online relationship.”

Cheng Leyan: “…Huh?”

No, I wasn’t?? Really wasn’t? You don’t believe me, but believe your workaholic “work machine” son?

Just as he was about to explain, Rong Papa was already reaching into his pocket: “Child, I apologize for my previous attitude. I didn’t know you and Wangzhi had this kind of relationship, I hope you don’t mind. Consider this a meeting gift.”

He took out a black card.

Rong Papa was ready for Cheng Leyan to refuse, thinking of how to persuade him to accept, but unexpectedly, Cheng Leyan swiftly pocketed the card.

He smiled like a flower, cheerfully saying: “Oh, Dad, this is too much, you came and even brought a gift. Come, Dad, sit here, let me bow to you!”

He seemed like he was really going to bow.

Rong Papa: “…No need, no need!”

He quickly helped him up.

Mama Rong couldn’t help but laugh.

It was like when she first met Xiao Cheng, it was the same situation.

…Wait.

That wasn’t the “first time.” Before that day, she had met Cheng Leyan many times, why did she feel it was the first time?

Mama Rong’s confusion surfaced, suddenly, her eyes lit up: “I get it! Xiao Cheng, I always thought you were strange, like you were reluctant to marry Wangzhi, was it because you were pressured to marry him, but your heart loved your online friend, so you were very reluctant?

“Ah, then one day, you changed, seemed willing to marry Wangzhi, cared for Zhuozhuo, satisfied with the situation, because you found out Wangzhi and your online friend were the same person! It all makes sense now!”

Mama Rong was very excited, talking to herself, explaining the cause and effect.

Cheng Leyan’s scalp tingled, thinking, this logic is too smooth, I’m almost convinced, Mom, you’re a logic master!

In his ear, Rong Wangzhi’s voice came: “Say yes. You’re a miracle in my life.”

…Come on, bro. There’s no such miracle.

He realized Rong Wangzhi was quite assertive. But then again, that’s the head of Rong Group, you can’t hold that position without being assertive.

He took a deep breath and said: “Mom, it’s just as you said. I was wrong, I was already married to Wangzhi, but felt awkward, so I did some wrong things, but luckily, Mom, you’re magnanimous.”

Mama Rong: “Oh, Xiao Cheng, we’re family, what are you saying! By the way, I never thought to ask, why did you marry Wangzhi? For money? You wouldn’t be that… kind of person… right…”

At the end, her voice hesitated.

From what she knew of Cheng Leyan now, he was exactly that kind of person! Exactly!!!

But, what about Xiang Jingzhou?

Mama Rong’s mind raced, then she suddenly understood, muttering: “I get it… Xiao Cheng, did you marry Wangzhi because of that bastard Xiang Jingzhou? Why?”

“Ah! I know!

“Could it be, you thought ‘Phantom’ was Xiang Jingzhou? He pretended to be Wangzhi, met you in person, gained your trust and affection, then tricked you into marrying into our family, to give him money!? My god, that scumbag, he did such a thing!”

She then cursed the scumbag.

Cheng Leyan: …

Too reasonable! I’m almost convinced!

Mom, your deduction skills are lacking, but your storytelling skills are top-notch!

Rong Papa even asked: “Xiao Cheng, what’s this ‘Xiang Jingzhou’ about? How much did he cheat you out of?”

Cheng Leyan: “Dad, he owes me 9,843,246 yuan, not counting interest.”

Rong Papa heard the precise amount, his face stiffened for a moment, and said: “Luckily it’s not a huge amount, but he cheated you, truly hateful. I’ll handle this, don’t worry, I’ll definitely get your money back.”

Cheng Leyan was about to speak, but in his ear, Rong Wangzhi said: “Refuse him. Mr. Cheng, when I wake up, I’ll help you recover the money. Don’t worry, it won’t be long. You’re the kindest person I’ve ever met, kind people shouldn’t be deceived.”

…Boss, you’re getting good at these love confessions. Don’t level up these weird skills!

Cheng Leyan said: “Dad, no need, Wangzhi will help me—ah, I mean, when Wangzhi wakes up. I have a feeling he’ll wake up soon.”

Mama Rong smiled, tears welling up: “Xiao Cheng, we’re so lucky to have you. Maybe this isn’t ‘bringing good fortune,’ it’s because you’re here, hearing your voice, feeling your presence, Wangzhi wants to wake up quickly. It’s the power of love.”

She added: “Old Rong, you all didn’t believe Master Liu, said he was a fraud, now you’re proven wrong! Master Liu is like a living god, he even predicted Xiao Cheng and Wangzhi’s marriage!”

She was overjoyed: “It had to be me, it had to rely on me, you useless bunch are no good!”

She poked Rong Papa: “Hey, Old Rong, what do you say? Your son is back today, are you still going to avoid him, not see him?”

Rong Papa’s face was complex, his expression mixed, finally he sighed, saying openly: “Xiao Cheng, you and Wangzhi, you both underestimated us. I’m not… Wangzhi and I… we had a past… but I…”

He tried several times, but couldn’t say a complete sentence.

Cheng Leyan just smiled: “Dad, you mean, you and Wangzhi had deep misunderstandings, but you actually love him, you’re very guilty and sad about what happened to him, if you could choose, you’d rather be the one injured and unconscious, you haven’t seen him because you’re afraid you can’t handle it, right?”

Rong Papa’s expression faded, his face blank, he opened his mouth slightly, but said nothing.

Cheng Leyan said: “You’re a good dad. My dad was great, but never expressed it well. I can tell what you’re thinking. Dad, as an online partner, I must speak for Wangzhi, I have to say what’s in his heart.

“Don’t be fooled by Wangzhi’s few words, he actually loves you, respects you, admires you. You’re his goal, the kind of person he wants to be. What he wants most is your approval.”

Rong Papa’s eyes widened, his expression shocked, as if his worldview was refreshed: “Re-really? He always loved me, respected me, admired me?”

Cheng Leyan: “Of course.”

Rong Papa: “Then why did he say my ideas were outdated, that I didn’t understand management, that I was short-sighted, that I should retire, that I should just take dividends and not manage anything, and even teamed up with the board to kick me out of the group?”

Cheng Leyan: …

Cheng Leyan: ……………

Saved my life!!! Is this really the relationship between you two!

Is it really like this!

And getting kicked out by your son, seriously! You two have your roles reversed!

How do I explain this, what do I say!

His lips trembled, his CPU was about to burn, finally he braced himself and said: “Maybe… he wanted to train you?”

That’s all he could say!