[Ding! Li Xiao is angry. You obtained 789 emotional points]
Dragged away by Chu Xiaotian, Li Xiao was left fuming internally.
That’s it?
Where did all your bravado go? Isn’t Xu Hao someone on your level? What’s there to fear?
Although he tried to convince himself that there was nothing to be afraid of, Li Xiao knew deep down he wasn’t ready to face Xu Hao.
He dreaded the possibility of Xu Hao asking him to bring his sister-in-law again. Li Xiao hadn’t forgotten the previous encounter.
Xu Hao still had four days left on his "appointment" with his sister-in-law.
Recalling how she had spent an entire afternoon at work after their first meeting—her brows furrowed the whole time—made his heart ache.
If just one meeting left her like this, how many more could she endure?
His resentment festered, but his curiosity grew as well.
Why had Xu Hao come here?
Li Xiao couldn’t help but recall his own plans for Lin Chuqing, the icy CEO.
She was the epitome of composure and professionalism—cold and methodical. Winning her over would require persistence and patience, a gradual thawing of her iceberg-like heart.
Li Xiao had already crafted a perfect strategy. He intended to appear during her most desperate moments, offering solutions to her problems with the Chu family. By doing so, he’d earn her gratitude and curiosity, paving the way for a deeper connection.
Everything was meticulously planned.
But seeing Xu Hao today filled him with unease, as if his plans were about to be derailed.
Meanwhile, whispers filled the air as Xu Hao arrived.
"Wow, that’s CEO Xu of the Xu Group! He has seven daughters and still looks so young!"
"Exactly! He’s in his thirties but doesn’t look much older than me."
"Not only is he young, but he’s incredibly handsome—totally my type of mature, charming man. It’s a pity he’s so devoted to his wife..."
"What? If he weren’t so devoted, would you try to win him over? Dream on! I’ve seen his wife, and she’s as stunning as our CEO."
"The CEO of such a massive group attending a business expo? Could he be scouting for partners? I heard the Xu Group is reforming and entering the electric vehicle industry. Imagine if they partnered with us!"
At the Qingtian Electronics Co., Ltd. booth, several receptionists couldn’t stop gossiping as they watched Xu Hao enter.
Zheng Feifan’s expression darkened.
Hearing everyone praise Xu Hao grated on his nerves. These same people had once spoken highly of him, the man responsible for his father’s death.
Lin Chuqing also overheard the chatter, her expression shifting slightly as she glanced at Xu Hao.
She recalled something significant.
The Liu family’s new energy vehicle company—recently acquired by the Xu Group—had once been a partner of hers.
During her struggles with the Chu family, she had reached out to many collaborators but had overlooked the Liu family.
Initially, it was because the Liu family had been a small enterprise, and their tragic car accident made it seem inconsequential.
But now, she realized the company had been absorbed by the powerful Xu Group.
The Xu Group was a financial behemoth, equal in strength to the Chu family. They had the resources to ignore the Chu family’s pressure.
Her heart raced as she considered the possibilities.
If Xu Hao were interested in cooperation, it could provide a way out of her current predicament.
"Mr. Xu, we’re honored by your visit," Lin Chuqing greeted warmly, instructing her staff to prepare tea. She quickly led Xu Hao to a sofa.
"Mr. Xu, what brings you to this business expo?" she asked cautiously.
Xu Hao smiled enigmatically. "Just thought I’d take a look. I hope my visit isn’t causing any trouble."
It was no coincidence that he had come.
After researching the electric vehicle market, his intelligence had revealed Lin Chuqing’s presence here. The cold CEO of Qingtian Electronics was not only part of Zheng Feifan’s company but also one of the female leads.
Xu Hao had long been curious about her.
[Character]: Lin Chuqing
[Identity]: CEO of Qingtian Electronics Co., Ltd., Female lead of Urban Flower Protector
[Charm]: 95 (out of 100)
[Strength]: 11 (ordinary person: 10)
[Physique]: 10 (ordinary person: 10)
[Spirit]: 11 (ordinary person: 10)
[Favorability]: 0
She did not disappoint.
Her beauty and poise far surpassed the other female leads he had encountered.
Their small talk soon turned to her accomplishments.
"Mr. Lin," Xu Hao said, "it’s impressive how you transformed a failing company into one worth hundreds of millions. You have a bright future ahead."
"Mr. Xu flatters me," she replied modestly, though inwardly, she was delighted.
For someone like Xu Hao, a legend in business, to compliment her meant a great deal.
Seizing the moment, she changed the topic. "Your daughters are also remarkable. I’ve heard your eldest is a business genius."
"Ah, Mingkong," Xu Hao replied with a trace of sadness. "She’s focused on her career and hasn’t visited home since graduation."
Lin Chuqing regretted her choice of topic. She had hoped to build goodwill but felt she had instead soured the mood.
"Perhaps she’s trying to make her mark before returning home," she offered, attempting to lighten the atmosphere.
Xu Hao’s smile deepened. No matter what his eldest daughter thought, she would never escape his grasp. He had plans to gather all seven of his daughters eventually.
As their conversation shifted to business, Lin Chuqing found herself enlightened by Xu Hao’s insights.
Half an hour passed in what felt like an instant.
Xu Hao was preparing to leave when he noticed her hesitating.
"Mr. Lin, is there something you’d like to say?" he asked.
After a brief pause, she said, "Mr. Xu, your company is expanding its electric vehicle production. Would you be interested in cooperating with us?"
Xu Hao immediately understood her intentions.
Though he had come to observe her, this opportunity seemed promising.
"Cooperation?" he murmured, his eyes scanning the surroundings.
Realizing the situation, Lin Chuqing quickly suggested, "The tea in the lobby may not suit your tastes. I have a special Dahongpao in my office. Would you like to try it there?"
"Lead the way," Xu Hao replied with a smile.
Her subtle understanding of the situation impressed him.
As they moved to her office, Zheng Feifan’s unease grew.
Xu Hao’s reputation as a charmer wasn’t lost on him.
He had already taken the beautiful landlady Xiao Wanling, and now, Zheng Feifan feared he might target Lin Chuqing next.
Focusing on Xu Hao intently, Zheng Feifan swore he wouldn’t let that happen.
If Xu Hao dared to make any inappropriate moves toward Lin Chuqing, Zheng Feifan was prepared to act immediately.
But he was overthinking.
Xu Hao didn’t touch Lin Chuqing, at least not in public. However, the sight of Xu Hao chatting happily with the cold and aloof CEO, who barely exchanged a few words with him, was enough to enrage Zheng Feifan.
When Lin Chuqing invited Xu Hao to her office for a private discussion—a gesture prompted by Xu Hao’s subtle hint—Zheng Feifan sprang to his feet to stop them.
He didn’t trust the idea of a man and a woman alone in a room.
The memory of the beautiful landlady still haunted him, teaching him a bitter lesson.
He had promised his good friend to take care of his fiancée. Over time, however, he found himself captivated by Lin Chuqing’s cold elegance and striking beauty.
He couldn’t bear the thought of her being deceived by Xu Hao.
"It’s just a simple discussion. Why does it have to happen in the office?" Zheng Feifan questioned, his tone laced with suspicion.
Xu Hao didn’t even glance at him. He calmly sipped his tea, his demeanor composed and unbothered.
There was no need for him to respond.
Lin Chuqing, the cold-blooded CEO, spoke on his behalf.
"What do you mean by this?" she demanded, her tone sharp and eyes frosty. "Do you think you have any authority here? Didn’t you hear me invite Mr. Xu for tea?"
Her frustration with Zheng Feifan was evident.
He had already created enough problems by provoking the Chu family, their current enemy.
Now, just when she had finally found a potential solution to her predicament, he was interfering again.
For a brief moment, she even wondered if he had been planted by a rival company to sabotage her business.
Seeing her suspicious gaze, Zheng Feifan’s expression twitched as he scrambled to explain.
"That’s not what I meant. Xu Hao isn’t who he seems. He’s a hypocrite with a kind face but ulterior motives. I’m worried he might harm you..."
Lin Chuqing froze for a moment, her gaze shifting between Xu Hao and Zheng Feifan.
Xu Hao sat serenely, sipping tea with the demeanor of a gentleman, while Zheng Feifan in a security uniform, appeared unkempt and agitated.
It wasn’t hard for her to decide who seemed more trustworthy.
At this moment, Xu Hao set his teacup down with a faint smile.
"Xiao Fan, I’m disappointed. I’m a good friend of your late father, and you used to call me Uncle Xu. It hurts to see you like this, especially after the car accident..."
Zheng Feifan’s anger flared, his eyes blazing and his teeth clenched.
Hearing Xu Hao mention their past relationship only fueled his resentment.
"Don’t act so innocent! If you have the guts—"
"That’s enough!" Lin Chuqing cut him off sharply.
From Xu Hao’s words, she pieced together the situation.
It seemed Xu Hao had once been close to Zheng Feifan’s father, enough for Zheng Feifan to address him as "Uncle Xu."
Something had happened, leading Zheng Feifan to blame Xu Hao for his father’s death, turning their relationship into one of enmity.
While she didn’t know the full truth, Xu Hao’s calm and dignified demeanor didn’t align with the image of a treacherous villain.
On the other hand, Zheng Feifan’s loud accusations were disruptive and unprofessional, tarnishing her company’s image.
"Leave. Now. I don’t want to see you here again."
Zheng Feifan hesitated, his fists clenched, but finally retreated to the side, fuming silently.
Turning to Xu Hao, Lin Chuqing’s tone softened.
"I apologize, Mr. Xu. That man has been officially dismissed, but he shamelessly refuses to leave. I’m sorry for any inconvenience caused."
Xu Hao waved it off with a casual smile.
"It’s nothing to worry about."
With that, Lin Chuqing led Xu Hao to the adjacent office.
As Xu Hao passed by, Zheng Feifan’s rage boiled over, and he barely restrained himself from attacking.
Seeing Xu Hao play the role of a refined gentleman in front of the woman he admired infuriated him.
Bai Ling, Xu Hao’s bodyguard, kept a close watch on Zheng Feifan, ready to intervene at the slightest sign of aggression.
When the office door clicked shut, Zheng Feifan’s expression darkened further.
[Ding! Zheng Feifan is filled with resentment. You obtained 888 emotional points]
[Ding! Zheng Feifan is furious. You obtained 999 emotional points]
Inside the office, Lin Chuqing retrieved a tin of Dahongpao tea and began preparing it for Xu Hao.
Entertaining guests with fine tea was a common business practice, one she had learned to employ during negotiations.
However, her tea-making skills left much to be desired.
Xu Hao, watching her clumsy movements, smiled inwardly but made no move to assist.
In the past, he had occasionally used his tea-making skills to impress women, guiding them step by step and earning emotional points in the process.
But this situation was different.
Helping Lin Chuqing with her tea wouldn’t yield the same results. Instead, he decided to take a more patient, long-term approach to "conquering" this cold heroine.
Once the tea was ready, Lin Chuqing handed him a cup and said earnestly, "Mr. Xu, I truly hope we can cooperate. The price is negotiable."
Xu Hao sipped the tea, his expression thoughtful.
"I understand your situation, Miss. Lin," he began, "but there’s something you may not know. I happen to be good friends with Chu Xiong, the head of the Chu family."
Lin Chuqing’s heart sank.
She recalled Chu Xiaotian addressing Xu Hao as "Uncle Xu." If Xu Hao was close to the Chu family, how could she expect him to help her?
Her earlier hope turned to despair.
Xu Hao didn’t elaborate. He simply continued sipping his tea, letting her stew in her thoughts.
When he noticed the dejection on her face, he set down his cup and smiled slyly.
"I said I’m good friends with the Chu family, but I never said I wouldn’t cooperate with you..."