C11 The Main Character Was Really Crazy!

"How do you know?" Su Ziqing's eyes widened in disbelief. "He's bound to return to the Su family eventually. Why the rush?

All that... gossip has dragged his mother's name through the mud.

To lose all dignity and be the subject of whispers just to return a bit sooner?"

Chiang Chen just shrugged. He couldn't exactly tell her it was all in the script, could he?

That was the storyline before he crossed over into this world as the male supporting role. It was definitely accurate.

"Don't underestimate some people's thick skin. For financial gain, Su Li's shamelessness is par for the course. Plus, there are advantages to his approach: first, it deflects suspicion;

Your father will also feel a deep sense of guilt for not having protected him.

Once Su Li's humble origins are known, expectations will be continuously lowered.

He's not wrong to be impatient. If he waited another two years to return to the Su family, your grip on power would be much firmer, making his bid for control significantly harder.

All things considered, Su Li is my prime suspect.

Start with this lead. Once you uncover something, your father will be clued in."

"Hmm?" Su Ziqing paused, confused. "What do you mean? Are you saying... he's been scheming behind the scenes...?"

Her naivete, fueled by a romantic's mindset, had never allowed her to question Chiang Chen.

Whether it was her speech or her intentions, Su Ziqing's persona didn't lend itself to overthinking.

Noticing her anxious glances around, Chiang Chen chuckled, "Relax, your father isn't that bold yet.

But if he ever feels he's losing his grip on you, he might tamper with your phone. Better brace yourself for that possibility.

If I'm not mistaken, he's definitely planted informants among your circle.

Everything you do, everyone you meet, it's all being reported back to him.

Think it over; there are signs everywhere.

Even I, an outsider, have noticed these patterns. As someone on the inside, you'll see it too once you give it some thought."

Su Ziqing was exceptionally sharp-witted; otherwise, she wouldn't be capable of running a company at such a young age.

After a moment's reflection, she involuntarily gasped in realization.

Her father was indeed monitoring her every move!

"Let's set aside our troubles—we finally managed to go out on a date," Chiang Chen said as he lightly turned the steering wheel, guiding the car off the main road onto a more secluded yet spacious highway. "Let's fully enjoy our first date. I'll take care of those pesky issues for you!"

They arrived at a quaint farmhouse estate.

It was clear from the well-tended surroundings that someone had been caring for the place, even though no one else was in sight.

The windows sparkled; the flowers were pruned to perfection; the vegetable garden boasted ripe fruits on the vines, and there was even a row of greenhouses filled with off-season produce and vibrant flowers.

The country-style house had been thoughtfully designed and decorated with a minimalist flair, complemented by the vivid colors of the flowers and vegetables. It was as if they had stepped into a landscape from a painting.

"This is my Secret Base. I've never brought anyone else here but you," Chiang Chen revealed as he pushed open the rose-covered fence gate, inviting her inside. "Later, we can pick vegetables together, and I'll whip up something tasty for you."

A soothing breeze caressed Su Ziqing's face, bringing a sense of relaxation and a joyful smile. "Sounds wonderful!

But you should've given me a heads-up, Chen. I would've dressed for the occasion.

Now, look at me—how am I supposed to help you pick vegetables in this outfit?"

Chiang Chen's gaze boldly swept over her from head to toe, making Su Ziqing blush. He then leaned in and whispered, "If it doesn't bother you... you can wear something of mine."

Her cheeks flushed even deeper, and with a playful glare, Su Ziqing headed towards the bedroom he indicated.

Xiaobai, hopelessly addicted to his game, exclaimed with a "tsk" and covered his eyes with his paws, exclaiming, "Don't you have any shame?

I'm still a kid, don't corrupt me!

I used to think you were so dedicated to studying the script to better complete your tasks.

Turns out... you were just scheming to woo girls!"

"Do you have a problem with that?" Chiang Chen retorted with a raised eyebrow. "Falling in love within the rules is perfectly fine and reasonable."

Xiaobai licked his paw nonchalantly, "As long as you get the job done, I couldn't care less about your flirting.

Since you two are occupied, I'm off to play my game."

"Oh, and don't forget to save some of that delicious dinner for me tonight!"

Hefting a tablet much larger than himself, he bounded upstairs with a few leaps. Settling into a cozy nook, he powered up the device and whispered to himself, "Chasing girls? Games are way more entertaining than any girl!"

In the living room, Chiang Chen brewed a pot of tea and settled in to wait. Soon enough, Su Ziqing emerged from the bedroom.

Her long hair was pulled back into a ponytail, adding a touch of youthful vigor to her lessened allure;

She had swapped her elegant long dress for one of Chiang Chen's oversized white shirts, which subtly hinted at her braless state beneath.

The black shorts were also too big for her, but the elastic waistband thankfully kept them from slipping off.

Their bagginess added an unexpected allure.

Her pale, long, straight, and slender legs were bare, adorned only by a pair of Chiang Chen's flip-flops on her delicate feet.

"How does it look?" Su Ziqing leaned forward, resting her hands on the table, a playful smile on her face as she asked, "Fits well enough, doesn't it?"

Chiang Chen took a sip of tea, his gaze fixed on her as he said earnestly, "No need to cook tonight—you're a feast for the eyes."

"It's just us two anyway, so you decide!" Su Ziqing took a sip of tea from his hand and chuckled, "I never realized you had such a way with words..."

As dusk fell, the cozy mountain farmhouse glowed with a warm and intimate light.

In a secluded spot where the path meanders, one could park and sit beneath the maples as evening falls, with frost-touched leaves redder than February's blooms...

"Is there a plot update?"

The next morning, the first thing Chiang Chen did upon waking was to check the script.

He read through the new updates, his mouth twitching involuntarily. He cast a glance at the little furball still snuggled up and snoring in the blankets.

It looked like he needed to act fast and strategize!

"Swish!"

Half an hour later, Chiang Chen drew back the curtains, flooding the room with dazzling sunlight.

"Ha..." Xiaobai, who had gamed into the wee hours, stretched and yawned, asking in a drowsy drawl, "Host, didn't you get tired last night?"

"Why get up so early on a big weekend?"

Chiang Chen adjusted his collar and explained with patience, "There's been an update to the script. Su Li is veering off onto a dangerous path. Should we intervene?"

Xiaobai coiled into a ball, settling into a cozy position to read the script. Barely a glance in, he leapt up, his usually soft, loli voice nearly cracking, "Has the male lead lost his mind?

He's... He's committing a crime!"

"That's why I'm seeking your advice. Should we get involved?"

"Ah, this..." Xiaobai fretted. In principle, his only duty was to assist the Host in completing tasks, yet the plot's turn was irksome.

Following the drowning episode, Su Li confronted Du Xinyu about her proactive search for Chu Jiangchen.

Given the discrepancies between the surveillance footage and reality, Du Xinyu adamantly claimed it was Chu Jiangchen who coerced her into the meeting, declaring the entire video a fabrication.

Determined to uncover the mastermind, Su Li shockingly removed a servant from the Su Family Manor and detained him for a brutal interrogation!

The servant held out for several days, but eventually, his psychological defenses shattered, admitting he acted under Su Ziqing's orders during the banquet.

Once Su Li had the confession he sought, he quickly reconciled with Du Xinyu and handed the recorded admission to Su Minghe. Thus began their counterattack, with father and son joining forces to wrest control of Su's Group from Su Ziqing.

The unfortunate servant, later on, was made to look like a casualty of an 'accident' by the protagonist, who settled the matter with a payout.