C11 Mad Young Master Qin

Rather than seeing it as Tang Bao'er's attempt to be cute and coy, it was more accurately a tactic, a clever maneuver typical of a rich heiress. Tang Bao'er believed in the principle that "the one closest to the water tower gets the moon first," and she was hopeful that her sister's cast-off toy might soon become hers.

After receiving a promise from Qin Fann, Tang Bao'er was elated. She obediently went upstairs to do her homework, looking forward to the next night's revelries.

With her sister Tang Ruoyan's token in hand, her outings were not just for fun but rather a strenuous task.

In the social sphere, particularly among the affluent, one must play their cards right, and Tang Ruoyan's arrangements were impeccable. Bao'er, now a university freshman, would be entering the workforce in a couple of years. At this critical time, it was essential to start showcasing the luster of the Tang family name, as her lineage and capabilities would be instrumental in paving the way for her future.

Tonight, she was exceptionally well-behaved. With Tang Ruoyan still away, Qin Fann became restless. Their marriage was in name only, a charade for the outside world. However, even without the closeness of a true couple, living under the same roof was deepening their affection for each other.

During his time with Tang Ruoyan, Qin Fann, adept at discerning auras, could tell that she was nearly overextending herself. His careful observations stirred concern within him.

It was heartening to see the young one grow. In a year, maybe three, she would undoubtedly be able to support her sister Tang Ruoyan. The day when the Tang sisters would rise to prominence wasn't far off.

However, it was up to Qin Fann, the astute talent scout, to set things right. As he put it, "flirting" was also a strategy. Flirting with his sister-in-law, the cool CEO Tang Ruoyan, might seem challenging, but he was confident that there would come a day when even she could be swayed. And as for his sister-in-law, wasn't she already showing signs of being influenced?

Qin Fann smiled as he glanced upstairs, then turned his gaze back to the window. The air was growing more humid, a sure sign of rain. He wondered if Tang Ruoyan had an umbrella at her company, or if there was someone to cover the elegant CEO from the rain. Subconsciously, Qin Fann found himself hoping she had no such protection.

Just picture it: a stunning CEO with an ethereal beauty, accompanied by a handsome, suave gentleman holding an umbrella for her. They opt to walk in the rain, forgoing their luxury cars, as the raindrops seem to resonate with their souls.

Ugh!

Qin Fann shook his head vigorously, banishing that hormone-rattling scenario to the trash bin. He grabbed an umbrella and headed out the door.

Zhonghai City was alive with energy, particularly in the evenings when a sense of lavish inferiority was palpable. Under its glittering facade, each person felt small, secretly harboring an increasing lust for wealth.

Strolling down the sidewalk, Qin Fann might just be the sole person among millions not seduced by the allure of money.

The Tang's headquarters were still a ways off. Walking there could take three to five hours, but Qin Fann wasn't in any hurry.

Unnoticed, the young man who had been behind them a second ago disappeared in a fleeting shadow at the street corner, beneath the red light. Maybe a beggar rubbing his eyes was the sole witness, but who would believe such a story?

With each stride spanning hundreds of meters, Qin Fann walked leisurely, looking up to shake off the water from his umbrella.

"The skills the old ghost taught me really come in handy. Using 'Shrinking Earth to an Inch' for a stroll saves so much time."

He looked up to see Tang's imposing building ahead, a behemoth occupying a corner of Zhonghai, the envy of many a corporation. Yet, Tang Ruoyan's presence deterred them from making a move.

The Tang family's influence was deeply entrenched, and Tang Ruoyan was a business maven never seen before. With her extraordinary talent for commerce at just twenty, she had Tang's securely in her grip, making many who wished to nibble at the edges weep.

As the adage goes, the one with longevity wins the game. The big bosses eyeing the Tang family had completely lost their confidence. With Tang Ruoyan's youth as her asset, she had plenty of time to spare. One day, they might realize, perhaps on their deathbeds, that the enduring winner was always going to be Tang's.

Consequently, most had given up on the idea of swallowing Tang's whole. However, a few sinister eyes still lurked in the darkness, their crimson gaze flickering, ready to pounce at any moment. This was Tang Ruoyan's greatest worry. She had to remain steadfast for Bao'er, ensuring she could hold the fort until her younger sister was ready to take over.

Outside the office of Tang's CEO, Qin Fann's arrival set off a wave of whispered speculation.

"Isn't that Director Tang's husband?"

"What's he doing here? A man who lives off his wife and doesn't work a day in his life shouldn't have the nerve to show his face."

"Exactly. If I were him, I'd die of shame. I can't understand what Director Tang sees in him. It seems like behind every successful woman, there's an unsupportive man."

"Shh, keep it down, or you'll cause a stir."

"He probably hasn't even touched a hair on Director Tang's head. I've heard..."

"Really? Just a pretty face but useless, right? Maybe he's all bark and no bite?"

"Here he comes. Assistant Lil' Ye is tough to handle. This is going to be good."

A group of office workers, looking forward to the show, headed toward the office as they finished their shift.

Lil' Ye, the CEO's assistant, had worked with Tang Ruoyan for two years. From initial doubt to now complete admiration, she was thoroughly impressed by the female CEO. If there was a fork in the road ahead in her life, she would choose to follow in the footsteps of this formidable businesswoman.

While preparing files for tomorrow's meeting, Lil' Ye glanced at Qin Fann walking in with an umbrella, her emotions churning.

Director Tang dominated the business world, but in her personal life with Qin Fann, it was as if all energy had been drained. Everyone imagined the female CEO, Tang Ruoyan, would end up with a wealthy and handsome partner, leading a life of bliss, yet...

Lil' Ye felt that Tang Ruoyan deserved better.

Out of respect for Sister Tang, she suppressed the urge to confront and instead gave Qin Fann a professionally neutral smile.

"Mr. Qin, the CEO is still in a meeting. Would you like to wait?"

"Still in meetings at this late hour? That must be hard on her."

Lil' Ye's lips pursed into a tight smile. Yes, my dear son-in-law, you talk of peace and quiet, but it's Director Tang who's carrying the weight for you. Hopefully, fate will be precise with its lightning, freeing our Director Tang from your burden.

"Please take a seat and wait here for a moment. I'll call Director Tang shortly to let him know you've arrived."

Qin Fann nodded, maintaining a polite smile despite detecting a hint of dissatisfaction from Little Ye, the president's personal assistant. He sat down to wait.

However, the wait turned out to be longer than expected. Twenty minutes ticked by, and Little Ye was still preoccupied. Once she finished organizing the documents for the meeting, she turned her attention to fussing over the plants, occasionally presenting her back to Qin Fann as though he were invisible.

Feeling bored and slightly concerned that Little Ye might inadvertently step on his feet with her high heels, Qin Fann decided to stand up.

"I remember your name is Little Ye. Should I call you Sister Little Ye? Is this a Sorrow Orchid?"

"Huh? I'm surprised Mr. Qin has an interest in plants. Yes, it is a Sorrow Orchid. There are only two of these in the entire Asia. Director Tang cherishes them greatly. He's told me that I can put off other work, but not the care of this plant. Yet, there are very few who recognize it."

"Actually, they're not as rare as you're making them out to be. I know a place where there's an abundance of Sorrow Orchids. During the clear summer nights, I often lie in a valley covered with them, watching the moon."

Little Ye inwardly sneered, dismissing Qin Fann's words as if they were nonsense. This was one of Asia's most coveted botanical specimens. A single branch could be worth as much as a medium-sized publicly traded company. Who would believe such extravagant stories of lounging among fields of such precious blooms? It seemed utterly absurd.