Ignoring Qiao Chuxi’s anger, Xiao Yufan gleefully rubbed his hands together. He couldn’t help but admit—the sensation of touching that jade maiden peak was truly exhilarating…
“Must be around a D cup—never would’ve guessed! Our Miss Qiao is quite the hidden gem!”
Though Qiao Chuxi’s figure didn’t outwardly suggest such firmness, the actual sensation still sent shivers down his spine.
“Pervert! Lecher! Scoundrel! Shameless! Scum!”
At this moment, Qiao Chuxi hurled every insult she could think of. Her beautiful eyes brimmed with a fiery mix of anger and allure—this girl truly possessed the beauty capable of toppling kingdoms.
“If you keep glaring at me like that, just wait—don’t think I won’t do it again…”
Xiao Yufan threatened playfully, his hand suddenly coming into Qiao Chuxi’s view. Helplessly, the poor Miss Qiao could only tighten her coat, trying to shield herself from his wandering hands.
After being taken advantage of, Qiao Chuxi dared not argue further. This shameless pervert had even dared to do such things in front of Qing Luan and Tian Xuan—only heaven knew how much bolder he might become…
“Now you’re finally obedient. See how much better this is? From now on, be a good girl!”
Xiao Yufan was quite satisfied with her reaction. This fiery girl, after a little taming, actually turned out to be quite compliant. What he didn’t know was that inside her mind, Qiao Chuxi had already cursed him countless times—she just didn’t voice it.
Watching the two bicker like rivals fated to clash, Qing Luan and Tian Xuan couldn’t help but laugh. These two were truly all bark and no bite—pretending not to understand each other’s feelings despite clearly knowing the truth. As fellow women, they could sense Qiao Chuxi’s emotions clearly.
“Honey, I won’t be mean to you anymore, but you have to tell me how to resolve Qiao Group’s crisis, okay?”
A minute later, Qiao Chuxi’s attitude did a complete 180. Xiao Yufan himself hadn’t even caught on yet. Sometimes, he really suspected she had dissociative identity disorder—how else could she change so suddenly?
But that single term of endearment—”honey”—was enough to make Xiao Yufan smile. A slight grin tugged at his lips as his gaze lingered on Qiao Chuxi’s slender frame.
“If Bai family’s initial move was aimed at Qiao Group, then their current actions are likely just to save face. After all, Huihuang took what was originally theirs. So Qiao Group’s crisis is only temporary.”
Xiao Yufan understood the Bai family’s intent—they were merely using Qiao Group as a way to declare war on Huihuang. For a family so renowned in the north, it seemed they couldn’t maintain their composure any longer.
“But even if temporary, the combined losses across Qiao Group’s northern operations are still immeasurable…”
After a brief silence, Qiao Chuxi spoke softly. Unlike Xiao Yufan, she wasn’t so optimistic. Qiao Group was the family’s legacy, her own labor of love—she didn’t want anything to happen to it.
“Go into temporary retreat. Avoid direct confrontation with the Bai family for now. I’m sure it won’t be long before they come looking for us themselves…”
Feeling a sudden curiosity about the Bai family members, Xiao Yufan found himself eager to play along. After all, in the north, he hadn’t yet encountered a decent opponent. The Bai family might just serve as a perfect example to make an impression.
“And you’re so confident they’ll show themselves instead of continuing their covert attacks? You don’t even know them—how can you be so sure?”
Qiao Chuxi admired Xiao Yufan’s confidence, but that didn’t stop her from worrying. If the Bai family truly unleashed their full wrath on Qiao Group, the damage would be severe.
“The boss of Qiao Dream is probably that young master from Bai family. If he wants to target me, he won’t hide behind corners. What he’s doing now is simply trying to draw me out!”
Xiao Yufan had heard of the Bai family from the north before. But from what he knew, the Bai family had always kept a low profile. Even though he had taken something they wanted, it seemed unlikely they’d go to such extremes. Therefore, Xiao Yufan concluded that the Bai family was merely trying to provoke him into action.
After hearing Xiao Yufan’s explanation, Qiao Chuxi decided not to argue further. She knew she wouldn’t change his mind, and continuing the conversation would only be futile.
“Don’t you believe me?”
Qiao Chuxi’s subtle expression changes didn’t escape Xiao Yufan’s notice. He smiled slightly, his gaze oddly playful.
“How could I not believe you? Right now, you are the true boss of Qiao Group. As your employee, I have to follow your lead!”
Her tone carried a hint of pouting. Indeed, Qiao Chuxi felt a bit displeased. In her eyes, Xiao Yufan didn’t seem to take Qiao Group seriously. Otherwise, why would he allow the Bai family to act unchecked? Was the Bai family really stronger than the Siku and Su families?
“But I’ve never seen an employee quite like you…”
Responding calmly, Xiao Yufan sighed inwardly. He couldn’t scold her or punish her—this kind of employee was truly one he could do without.
“I…”
Qiao Chuxi wanted to say more, but held herself back. Every time she tried to maintain her ladylike composure, Xiao Yufan somehow provoked her anger again. Ever since meeting him, her life had completely changed.
Fortunately, she still trusted Xiao Yufan enough. Otherwise, she would’ve already lost her composure completely. After all, in the north, the Bai family was still an enormous force, and Qiao Group was but a tiny speck before them…
The atmosphere grew slightly tense. Xiao Yufan didn’t feel like explaining further—because he was certain the Bai family would soon make their move. He was absolutely sure of it.
Just then, Xiao Yufan’s phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number…
“Where are you?”
A melodious voice, like celestial music, came through the receiver. Xiao Yufan’s expression shifted slightly before a smile tugged at his lips—he recalled that perfect profile. In that moment, he suddenly realized how warm and gentle she could be once that icy exterior melted away.
“I’m in Linjiang. Anything wrong? Did someone offend our Miss Liu?”
Xiao Yufan’s tone softened. Thinking of this woman who had once been so intricately connected to him, a surreal feeling washed over him. Had it not been for Liu Hua back then, perhaps his path would have been completely different.
“I’m in Guan Gang. Do you have time? Can you come here?”
Though hesitant, Liu Hua still voiced her request. Having experienced so much, even she herself couldn’t quite figure out how she should feel about this man anymore.
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