C19 Father!

Lin Hao waved dismissively. "Alright, I know. Qiao Ying is waiting for you, right? You better hurry along."

"Sure thing. Just hang tight, Hao. We're off to get your surprise ready." Yu Zexin chuckled and headed for the third floor.

Shaking his head with a light chuckle, Lin Hao was left wondering about the surprise they were concocting so secretively.

Yinghuo International Group's sprawling headquarters in Wangjiang boasted a first floor dedicated to showcasing their latest products. Lin Hao browsed for quite some time until his eyes grew weary.

"These products for women sure come with a lot of fuss..."

"Hey! Look who it is if it isn't Lin Hao!" A familiar female voice rang out nearby.

Turning, Lin Hao saw Zhao Xiaoke, clad in a denim skirt that accentuated her figure to perfection.

Zhao Xiaoke's husband had been a department manager at a Yinghuo International branch but had just been promoted to regional deputy general manager the day before. Seizing the chance to revel in the headquarters' ambiance, Zhao Xiaoke had come to splurge on some of Yinghuo's latest offerings, never expecting to bump into Lin Hao.

"Lin Hao, did you come alone? Just a heads-up, Yinghuo International's merchandise doesn't come cheap. Can you even afford it? If you're short on cash, you might want to beat it before you're embarrassingly turned away for lack of funds."

Lin Hao's smile remained unflappable. "You needn't worry about my finances. But speaking of our last bet, you still haven't followed through on calling me 'Dad,' have you?"

At the mention of the bet, Zhao Xiaoke's complexion darkened, her face flushing with anger.

"Don't get cocky. Who knows what shady means you used to get that money!"

Lin Hao arched an eyebrow. "Regardless of how I managed it, the fact is I did. Are you considering reneging on our bet?"

Before she could respond, a portly, somewhat balding man approached.

"Honey, what's the matter? And who's this?"

It was none other than Zhao Xiaoke's husband. Lin Hao appraised him quietly, then glanced back at the vibrant and shapely Zhao Xiaoke, musing to himself: It's the classic tale of beauty and the beast.

Zhao Xiaoke pointed accusingly at Lin Hao, her voice laden with distress, "Honey, this is Shuran's husband, the one who married into her family. He was incredibly rude just now, and he even had the audacity to demand that I call him... call him 'Dad.'"

Her husband, Zhang Ping, notorious for his quick temper, bristled with rage upon hearing her complaint. "You son of a bitch, you expect my wife to call you 'Dad'? Aspiring to be my father-in-law, are you? Why don't you look in the mirror and check your own worth! If you're itching for a fight, just come out and say it."

Lin Hao met their fury with a derisive sneer, his composure unshaken. "You should know that it was your wife who made the claim. She bet that if she lost, she'd call me 'Dad.' As for wanting to be your father-in-law, I assure you, I have no such desire. The idea of being a son-in-law at my age is quite laughable."

"Damn it, you're asking for a beating. If I don't make you cry 'Daddy' today, then you can consider yourself tough!" Zhang Ping seized Lin Hao by the collar, his fist poised to strike.

Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaoke watched the scene unfold with a smug grin.

"Stop right there!" A thunderous shout abruptly silenced everyone, Zhang Ping included.

Zhang Ping's fist hung in midair as he turned to see Yu Zexin striding toward them, with Qiao Ying, dressed in a cheongsam, hurrying behind. He was taken aback.

"Boss Yu? And President Qiao... You're both here as well." Releasing his grip, Zhang Ping plastered a smile on his face and hurried to meet them.

Yu Zexin fixed him with a fierce look and brushed aside his extended hand. "And who might you be? What were you about to do, hit someone?"

"No, no, that's not it. This guy was causing trouble, and I was merely trying to intimidate him. Boss Yu, I've recently been promoted. I'm Zhang Ping, the new deputy general manager for the region. I understand that violence reflects poorly on the company's image. I'll have someone escort him out immediately, please don't take offense." Aware of Yu Zexin's close ties with CEO Qiao Ying and his own formidable reputation, Zhang Ping knew he had to ingratiate himself with Yu Zexin.

"Deputy Regional General Manager, is that it? Ying, handle it as you see fit." Yu Zexin couldn't be bothered to exchange another word with Zhang Ping, waving his hand dismissively and passing the issue to Qiao Ying.

Qiao Ying's face, once radiant, was now etched with cold fury. She could hardly believe that Lin Hao had nearly been attacked at her company!

"Go to HR tomorrow and process your resignation. Once your final paycheck is cleared, I don't want to see you here again."

Without sparing a glance at the ashen-faced Zhang Ping, she approached Lin Hao and bowed deeply. "Mr. Hao, it's such a relief to see you again."

Lin Hao quickly helped her to her feet, then just as swiftly released her. "What's this all about? As the president, and with so many employees around, this isn't a good look."

He then turned to Qiao Ying, giving her a thumbs-up. "You've done an impressive job. To achieve such success in just a few years is truly astonishing."

A blush of excitement warmed Qiao Ying's elegant features. "Mr. Hao, I owe it all to you. Without your support, we wouldn't be where we are today. Please, don't consider it a bother tonight. Let's move to another spot. There are two more people you simply must meet."

Lin Hao blinked, realizing the surprise was yet to be fully revealed, and smiled in agreement. "Sure, I'll follow your lead."

As the trio prepared to depart, Zhang Ping and Zhao Xiaoke finally snapped out of their daze and hurried after them.

"President Qiao! I realize my mistake! Please, I can't afford to lose this job," Zhang Ping pleaded, his face a mix of remorse and hope. Had he known earlier about Lin Hao's connections to Qiao Ying and Yu Zexin, and the significance of their relationship, he never would have acted so rashly.

Now, his priority was to keep his job, for he knew that with Qiao Ying and Yu Zexin's influence, finding other employment in Wangjiang City would be next to impossible if he were let go.

Zhao Xiaoke was even more stunned, unable to fathom how Lin Hao, who had always seemed so meek and ineffectual, could be acquainted with power players like Yu Zexin and Qiao Ying.

She was indeed more astute than her husband, clearly understanding who held the sway at the moment.

Forcing a few traces of a strained smile, she stepped forward and gently took Lin Hao's arm, her voice a soft plea, "Hao... Mr. Hao, I take full responsibility for tonight's mishap. Feel free to reprimand me as you see fit. However, my husband has just been promoted to the position of regional deputy general manager. I implore you, could you possibly put in a good word for him? Please, don't let President Qiao dismiss him."

Zhao Xiaoke had never imagined a day when she would be supplicating to Lin Hao, whom she once deemed worthless.

Lin Hao gave her a sidelong glance. "What did you just call me?"