Chapter 114: The Fear of Being Dominated! Dumpling Takes the Initiative! A Good Friend Is Covered With a Quilt:
"What?"
Li Xiao was stunned.
Xu Hao... their boss?
Didn't that mean the elegant, mature woman from earlier, whom they referred to as the boss's wife, was...
He had heard rumors about Xu Hao having a wife and seven daughters.
But he never imagined his wife would be this stunning.
Li Xiao had assumed Xu Hao was out prowling for other women, seducing the beautiful landlady or his sister-in-law.
He thought, "How ungrateful! You already have such a beautiful wife, and it's still not enough?"
Nima, threatening his sister-in-law on top of it?
Su Wanqiu was right—this was unbearable.
Thinking about Xu Hao, who already had such a gorgeous wife but still fooled around, made Li Xiao feel indignant on behalf of the landlady.
[Ding! Li Xiao is indignant. His mood value is +666...]
[Ding! Li Xiao is furious. His mood value is +888...]
...
After his emotional outburst, Li Xiao narrowed his eyes.
"The landlady probably doesn't know about Xu Hao’s misdeeds. What if I expose him?"
The more Li Xiao thought about it, the brighter his eyes gleamed with excitement.
He could already envision the scene of the beautiful landlady turning against Xu Hao.
He felt an overwhelming urge to rush to her and spill all of Xu Hao's dirty secrets—his affairs with young women, his threats to his sister-in-law, and his advances toward his friend’s wife.
Unfortunately, the security guard wouldn’t let him enter the beauty salon.
With no other option, Li Xiao decided to wait outside for the boss’s wife and sister-in-law to come out.
...
Inside the beauty salon, in Su Wanqiu’s office—
Yao Xinrui wasn’t in the mood for beauty treatments.
She had realized that the two "agreements" she fulfilled with Xu Hao—full-body massages included—worked better than any beauty regimen.
Though the process was both painful and pleasurable...
Her good friend Su Wanqiu didn’t press her for beauty treatments either.
Instead, Su Wanqiu had something else in mind—she wanted to recruit Yao Xinrui into her "cause."
She couldn’t understand how Xu Hao seemed like a perpetual motion machine, always energetic. She could barely endure it.
With her seven daughters now frequently returning home, her desire for a comrade in this struggle had grown urgent.
If her daughters overheard embarrassing noises at night, how could she maintain her dignity as a mother?
After careful consideration, Su Wanqiu concluded that Yao Xinrui was the best candidate.
After all, her own marriage was purely in name. There was no genuine affection.
As a woman in her thirties, she also yearned for some form of comfort.
While chatting online with Yao Xinrui, she had hinted at this several times, but her friend seemed oblivious.
So, she arranged a meeting.
After persistent invitations, Yao Xinrui finally agreed to meet her today.
Su Wanqiu led her friend to the sofa, asked her secretary to serve tea, and dismissed her staff.
Over afternoon tea, the two chatted about their recent lives.
When Su Wanqiu finished sharing her own experiences, she curiously asked, "Xinrui, what about you? You seem quite busy lately."
Yao Xinrui hesitated, her response vague.
Busy? Of course, she was busy... sneaking around with Xu Hao.
She wanted to tell her good friend about Xu Hao's behavior and expose him for the shameless, vile man he was.
But she held back, worried about hurting Su Wanqiu.
After some lighthearted conversation, their previous sense of distance faded, and they returned to their old closeness.
Feeling the timing was right, Su Wanqiu cautiously broached the subject.
"Xinrui, do you remember what I mentioned online?"
"What?"
Yao Xinrui, caught off guard, blinked in confusion.
"You know, about taking care of your body. You're not getting any younger, after all..."
Su Wanqiu paused before continuing.
"I used to complain to you about Xu Hao, but things are different now. He treats me so well these days. Look at my skin and my energy—they’re both so much better than before."
Her words flowed smoothly, though the real reason for her improved condition was the Marrow Cleansing Pill.
However, Yao Xinrui didn’t ask about it.
When she saw Su Wanqiu at the door earlier, she was shocked—her friend looked even more stunning than before, almost unrecognizable.
"Is this really all because of her time with Xu Hao?"
Yao Xinrui thought about the changes in herself after her two encounters with Xu Hao.
The effects were noticeable but not nearly as dramatic as Su Wanqiu's.
"Is it because I’ve only fulfilled the agreement twice?"
"Xinrui... Xinrui..."
Su Wanqiu waved her hand in front of Yao Xinrui’s face, snapping her back to reality.
Her friend was sitting right there, yet she had been lost in thoughts about Xu Hao.
Feeling guilty, Yao Xinrui asked, "What did you say?"
Su Wanqiu found her friend’s behavior odd but didn’t press further. Instead, she asked, "Xinrui, what do you think of Xu Hao?"
At the mention of Xu Hao, anger surged through Yao Xinrui, and she blurted out, "He’s a b*****d, a scumbag, a total lowlife..."
Midway through her rant, she realized her mistake.
Scolding someone’s husband in front of their wife was incredibly inappropriate.
Blaming Xu Hao for this embarrassing moment, she quickly tried to amend her words.
"Wanqiu, don’t take what I said too seriously. I didn’t mean it like that..."
But Su Wanqiu just stared at her, her expression blank.
She didn’t suspect her friend of lying.
In fact, to her, this confirmed Yao Xinrui’s true feelings...
"Xinrui, what’s going on? Did Xu Hao do something to you?"
"No... I told you, it’s nothing..."
Yao Xinrui tried to explain further, but her words trailed off...
"You won't tell me, will you? Fine, if you won't, I'll just ask Xu Hao myself."
Su Wanqiu's tone was resolute as she pulled out her phone, preparing to call Xu Hao.
Yao Xinrui panicked.
What if Xu Hao found out she had been badmouthing him behind his back?
In a fluster, she quickly stopped Su Wanqiu. Seeing her friend’s determined gaze, she had no choice but to spill everything.
She told Su Wanqiu how Xu Hao had threatened her, forced her to fulfill their five-day agreement, and even made her check into a hotel at night.
As Yao Xinrui finished speaking, she exhaled deeply, feeling as if a heavy burden had been lifted from her heart.
Finally, it was out in the open.
At least now, Su Wanqiu would see Xu Hao for who he truly was and not be deceived by his polished facade.
Su Wanqiu’s expression was complex, but it wasn’t what Yao Xinrui expected.
Instead of shock or disbelief, her reaction was oddly calm.
She was surprised by what Xu Hao had done but not entirely shocked.
She had known about Xu Hao’s true nature for a long time.
Rather than feeling anger, Su Wanqiu felt an odd sense of relief.
Convincing Yao Xinrui to join her in this "alliance" had always been challenging, given her friend’s aversion to men.
But now, it seemed Xu Hao had unintentionally done the hard work for her.
No wonder he had been absent from home so often lately—he had been with her best friend.
A flash of determination crossed Su Wanqiu’s eyes as she leaned closer, holding Yao Xinrui’s hand.
"Xinrui, don’t be upset. Isn’t this a good thing?"
Yao Xinrui blinked, confused.
"Good? How is this good?"
Su Wanqiu smiled faintly. "With Xu Hao taking care of you, both physically and emotionally, you won’t have to worry about being lonely as you grow older. Plus, with his support, your position in the Chu family will be secure."
Yao Xinrui nearly choked on her tea, staring at Su Wanqiu in disbelief.
"Wanqiu, aren’t you angry that Xu Hao is this... this insidious man who seduces and bullies women?"
Su Wanqiu rolled her eyes. "Of course I know what he’s like. Why else do you think I used to complain about him to you?"
She continued with a casual shrug, "Back then, he had my family under his thumb, so I couldn’t openly say anything."
Yao Xinrui stammered, trying to process her friend’s response.
"Wait... you knew what he was like, yet you’re still with him? And now you’re... encouraging this?"
Su Wanqiu laughed softly, seeing through Yao Xinrui’s thoughts.
"Xu Hao is different now. He’s good to me and to our daughters."
"..."
Her voice faltered for a moment, her face turning slightly red.
"Just what?" Yao Xinrui asked sharply, sensing there was more to the story.
"It’s just... Xu Hao’s a bit too much sometimes. Every time, I feel like I can’t handle it."
Yao Xinrui was stunned.
That’s it?
Her mind drifted to her own experiences with Xu Hao—each encounter leaving her utterly exhausted by dawn.
Her gaze sharpened as she stared at Su Wanqiu.
"I get it now. You can’t handle it on your own, so you’re trying to drag me into this mess."
"Oh, don’t put it that way," Su Wanqiu said, feigning indignation. "I’m just looking out for you. How lonely and unbearable it must be for you to live like this."
Yao Xinrui crossed her arms and sneered.
Su Wanqiu shifted uncomfortably.
"Xinrui, don’t mock me. From now on, we’ll be comrades in this fight—sisters closer than best friends."
Yao Xinrui hesitated.
The mere mention of Xu Hao made her uneasy.
"Xinrui," Su Wanqiu coaxed gently, "I know the way Xu Hao approached you was a bit... unpleasant. But now that you’re his woman, he won’t treat you poorly. He’ll take care of you."
Yao Xinrui looked skeptical, clearly unconvinced.
She was about to continue denouncing Xu Hao to sway Su Wanqiu to her side when the door suddenly opened with a soft click.
Both women turned toward the sound, their eyes widening.
Standing at the door was Xu Hao, his expression calm and a gentle smile on his face.
"What are you two chatting about so mysteriously?"
Su Wanqiu was surprised by his sudden appearance.
When Xu Hao approached, she pulled him to the sofa, motioning for him to sit beside her.
"We were talking about you," she said playfully. "How can you be so cruel? Poor Xinrui is terrified of you."
Over time, Su Wanqiu had come to understand Xu Hao’s personality.
As long as one didn’t cross his bottom line, he could be incredibly indulgent.
Her previous fear of him had all but disappeared.
She spoke with a mix of affection and mock resentment.
Yao Xinrui, on the other hand, couldn’t even meet Xu Hao’s eyes.
The moment he entered, her instinctive fear kicked in.
Lowering her head, she avoided his gaze entirely, terrified he might punish her on the spot.
Feeling suffocated, she abruptly stood up.
"Sorry, Wanqiu. I just remembered I have something urgent to deal with at the company. I need to leave."
"Xinrui, why are you in such a rush?"
Su Wanqiu, reluctant to let her friend go, reached out to stop her, but Yao Xinrui dodged her grasp skillfully.
It was clear she had made up her mind to leave.
Su Wanqiu grew anxious.
Yao Xinrui’s fear of Xu Hao was so strong that if she left now, it would be nearly impossible to invite her back.
But before Su Wanqiu could act, Xu Hao spoke in a calm, commanding tone.
"Return."
Just one word.
Yao Xinrui froze in place, as if her acupoints had been struck.
Under Su Wanqiu’s astonished gaze, Yao Xinrui slowly turned around and walked back to the sofa.
"Sit down," Xu Hao said, his voice steady.
Without hesitation, Yao Xinrui sat back down obediently.
Su Wanqiu was stunned.
Though she considered herself experienced and knowledgeable, she had never witnessed such a scene before.
She knew her best friend despised men, yet here she was, following Xu Hao’s every word without question.
Her eyes were clouded with uncertainty.
Does my mysterious husband know hypnosis techniques? she wondered.
Xu Hao smiled faintly. It wasn’t hypnosis—just the result of his honed skills and natural charisma.
"Alright, if there's anything to discuss, let's talk now," Xu Hao said casually.
Su Wanqiu sat back on the sofa. "Husband, if Xinrui agrees to be your woman, you won’t threaten her anymore, right?"
"Of course. I treat my women well. Aren’t you a perfect example?" Xu Hao replied with a nod, his tone confident.
But then, his expression shifted slightly.
"However... your best friend seems to still have some resistance toward me."
Su Wanqiu turned to Yao Xinrui and gently held her hand. "Xinrui, you heard him. As long as you acknowledge him, he won’t treat you badly anymore."
Yao Xinrui lowered her head, saying nothing.
Her mind was spinning. She had just spent so much time badmouthing Xu Hao to her friend, venting her anger and frustration. She had called him all kinds of names.
And now?
Here she was, sitting back down at his command, unable to defy him.
The shame was unbearable.
She couldn’t even lift her head in front of Su Wanqiu anymore.
"Alright," Xu Hao said with a slight smirk. "Wanqiu, Xinrui seems a bit shy. Why don’t you step out for a moment and get some tea? I’ll have a private chat with her."
Su Wanqiu hesitated.
"Tea? But there’s already some here," she said, puzzled.
Xu Hao’s gaze held a deeper meaning. Su Wanqiu understood instantly, and her heart began to race.
This was the office... Was he planning to treat Xinrui the way he treated her last time?
The realization made her cheeks flush, but she forced herself to stay composed.
"Sure, no problem. This tea has gotten cold anyway—I’ll replace it," Su Wanqiu said, picking up the tea set.
She glanced back at Xu Hao and Yao Xinrui before walking to the door.
But just as she was about to leave, Xu Hao called out, "Wait. When you’re done pouring the tea, come back. I’ll need you here too."
Su Wanqiu froze, stunned.
A moment ago, she had been smugly watching events unfold, but now the tables had turned.
Her plan to sit back and let someone else share the "burden" had backfired spectacularly.
She wanted to protest but couldn’t find the courage to refuse. Xu Hao’s tone left no room for negotiation.
With a forced smile, she nodded and left, closing the door behind her with a soft click.
Inside the office, only Xu Hao and Yao Xinrui remained.
The air grew tense, the atmosphere charged with unease.
Yao Xinrui sat stiffly, unable to decide whether to stay or leave. She felt like she was sitting on needles.
Xu Hao stretched his arms and spoke in a casual tone. "I’ve been driving for a while, and my shoulders are sore. Sister-in-law, could you give me a massage?"
Yao Xinrui’s expression shifted.
After a brief internal struggle, she finally gritted her teeth and forced a stiff smile.
"Fine..."
She stood up and walked toward Xu Hao.
As she moved to step behind the sofa, her foot caught on something.
She stumbled, losing her balance, and fell straight into Xu Hao’s arms.
"Xinrui, taking the initiative now? I didn’t know you had this side to you," Xu Hao teased, a playful glint in his eyes.
Yao Xinrui’s face burned with embarrassment.
What does he mean, taking the initiative?
"I just tripped—don’t twist the truth!" she wanted to protest.
But before she could get a word out, her lips were sealed, leaving her speechless...
Some time later, Su Wanqiu returned with the tea set in hand.
She paused outside the office door, her cheeks flushed with heat.
She stood there for a moment, hesitating, before finally knocking lightly.
Hearing a response, she pushed open the door and stepped inside.
After entering, she quickly locked the door behind her, as if sealing away her own conflicted emotions.