C4 What Could a Cat Do?

He had heard Old Rowe recount the story of finding his son, but he had been too caught up in the euphoria of having his son back to give it much thought. Now, reflecting on the entire ordeal, he couldn't shake the feeling that it was all too orchestrated to be a coincidence. The elite are naturally suspicious, and Su Minghe, having climbed his way up from a mere son-in-law, was particularly attuned to any hint of deceit or manipulation. It seemed a seed of doubt had been firmly sown between father and son.

"I had planned to observe Su Li for a few more years to assess his character, but the whispers that had quieted down are showing troubling signs of flaring up again," Su Ziqing said, her analytical mind at work. "I fear someone might be stirring the pot. Su's Group is a towering tree that easily catches the wind, so caution is paramount. I thought it best to bring Su Li back first, see how he fares. After he graduates, perhaps give him a small subsidiary to cut his teeth on. Managing the businesses our mother left us is exhausting, and if this brother proves dependable, he could one day take over your legacy. Together, we could elevate Su's Group even further!"

"Excellent! That's wonderful!" exclaimed Su Minghe, his face beaming with pride as he grasped his daughter's hand. "My dear girl, your plan is sound! If Su Li proves himself capable, I'll rest easy knowing you two are supporting each other."

A pang of sorrow touched Su Ziqing's heart, but she breathed deeply, pushing it aside as she subtly shifted the conversation. "Lately, I've caught wind of some unsettling gossip. I had someone check into it at the school, and this afternoon, I brought in Young Master Chu for questioning. Su Li... he's become involved with Du Xinyu, even brazenly confronting Young Master Chu, leading to quite the uncomfortable scene. Dad, you really need to guide him in this matter. Romance is natural, of course, but he mustn't settle for just a pretty face. As someone who may one day lead the group, his partner must be his equal in every respect."

"Du Xinyu? The Chu family's scion? That sycophant, Chu Jiangchen?" Su Minghe's brow furrowed at once. He was no stranger to the rumor mill.

How could his son get entangled with her?

"Sycophant? That's a bit harsh," Su Ziqing protested with a hint of displeasure. "I made sure to ask him about it directly.

You're aware the Chu family doesn't have an illustrious background. They've worked tirelessly, and that's the only reason for their current success.

They've understandably paid less attention to Chu Jiangchen.

He's simply a good-hearted soul who encountered a girl in a destitute village, treated like livestock by her own kin. Young Master Chu figured a little money could turn her life around—a charitable act—so he took her in.

You've heard about how well he's treated her these past few years, haven't you?

But once Du Xinyu hitched her wagon to his star, she showed no gratitude. As soon as she had pocketed enough cash and learned of Su Li's status, she made a beeline for him.

They've been using Young Master Chu's money to carry on a heated affair, and it's common knowledge throughout the school!

Can our family really welcome someone who manipulates men for her own gain, with not an ounce of thankfulness?

Moreover, Du Xinyu is nothing but a plaything kept by Young Master Chu, and now she has the audacity to play the lady of our house? It's just inviting ridicule.

And let's not forget the individual who renamed himself Du Xinyu, with parents back home who still value sons over daughters, four uneducated brothers, and a whole host of meddlesome relatives.

Who knows what kind of drama they'll bring in the future."

"What a myopic kid!" Su Minghe couldn't help but pinch the bridge of his nose, grumbling under his breath.

Su Ziqing's fists tightened and then relaxed, her heart seething with indignation as she went on: "Su Li is just too problematic.

That's why I'm thinking we should skip the ceremony for now.

Let's have him move in straight away, and under my auspices, we'll host a gathering of our social circle. You'll preside, and I'll introduce him to everyone."

Once the dust settles and he's got a handle on the company, we could have a family recognition ceremony. Wouldn't everyone be overjoyed?

But if there's someone stirring the pot behind the scenes, rashly acknowledging Su Li could corner us.

Dad, what's your take on this?"

"Qingqing, you've really come into your own, thinking things through and keeping the big picture in mind," Su Minghe said with a proud smile. "I think your plan is excellent. Let's proceed with that.

You'll take the lead on the gathering. Once you've set the date, I'll bring in some of the elders to support you."

Their late-night chat wrapped up shortly thereafter.

Once Su Ziqing was back in her room, the smile on Su Minghe's face slowly disappeared. He dialed a number, "I need a thorough background check on Su Li, from his childhood to the present. I want to know it all."

Hanging up, he sipped his now lukewarm tea, content with the current state of affairs.

Not having raised Su Li himself, his character was an unknown. Choosing not to recognize him just yet was prudent.

If he lacked managerial talent, Su Minghe couldn't bear the thought of his hard-earned business being squandered. It might be wiser to have him marry and start a family soon, grooming a grandson to take over instead.

In the meantime, with his daughter at the helm, he had peace of mind.

Back in her room, Su Ziqing immediately texted Chu Jiangchen: Next Friday, at my family's country estate, all is ready!

Chu Jiangchen was busy teaching Xiaobai to play games on a tablet when the message came in.

The two were thoroughly enjoying themselves.

"Meow! I'm just too happy!" Xiaobai's fluffy paws tapped rapidly on the screen, his joy bubbling over. "The system next door keeps whining to me, saying its Host won't do the tasks and is driving it crazy.

But my Host is a gaming beast, and now he's even showing me the ropes. What a thrill!"

Chiang Chen's eyebrows lifted, "Really? Weren't you the one who said no mission completion, no rebirth?"

"That's true, but missions usually aren't timed," Xiaobai responded in a loli voice, not bothering to look up. "That Host from their family was pretty diligent with missions in the first two Plane Worlds.

Maybe the scripts were just too tragic and stifling.

The Host started to just let loose, indulging in food, drink, and fun every day, brazenly claiming that life's the same anywhere. If you can live the high life in the Mission World, why rush back to the original world just to suffer?

Oh, and the Host had worked himself to death in his previous life..."

Mid-sentence, Xiaobai suddenly halted his little paws, lifting his head to gaze at Jiang Chen with a hint of alarm, "You... You're not going to throw in the towel like he did, are you?"

"That makes me wonder..." Jiang Chen mused, "Which world is the real one?

The world I live in could merely be another Plane World for someone else's mission.

And this so-called Mission World is filled with real, living people.

Distinguishing between what's real and what's an illusion isn't so clear-cut.

But rest assured, I won't neglect my duties."

Reassured by the promise, Xiaobai patted his chest with his fluffy little paw, "Dear Host, you have to keep your word! Our system undergoes assessments too, and if we don't make the grade, we get terminated!

What harm could a little kitty like me do? I'm terrified of being destroyed."

Jiang Chen offered a slight smile, glanced at the script, and then froze, "Hold on, something's off. Why has the storyline changed?"