We're in the right, what do we have to fear Third Sister is the best

Normally, settling things would just require hosting a banquet and giving up some benefits.

For a company that's new to the circle, without much backing, you’ve got to show some goodwill, right?

You don’t even need to sacrifice too much profit—just a token gesture to acknowledge and respect the unwritten rules of the industry.

The best move would be to help them promote their talent, exchanging favors for mutual benefit.

After all, we’ll all be eating from the same pot eventually.

Truth be told,

Cao Cheng didn’t mind helping other companies push their people, because he never intended to make money from this project, nor did he expect to cultivate any major stars.

This wasn’t the era of viral fame.

Smartphones weren’t even widespread yet.

The age of internet stardom was still far off.

Even if the show became a hit, at best it’d produce a few semi-famous celebrities—hardly a lucrative payoff.

But…

The way they went about it—sneaky, underhanded, downright dirty—

Young Master Cao didn’t like it.

Youthful pride refused to bend.

And he couldn’t afford to bend—what he wanted was negative emotions; this was an entertainment war, after all.

Even if Cao Cheng lost in the end, all he’d forfeit was some money. In exchange, he’d gain heaps of negative—or even positive—emotions. Either way, he wouldn’t lose.

So,

There was no reason to shake hands and make peace.

Not only would he not reconcile, but now that the fight had finally started, he’d see it through to the end.

Otherwise, wouldn’t their efforts be wasted?

Besides,

As the saying goes,

They fired the first shot.

We’re in the right—what’s there to fear?

……

"Really not angry?"

On the way back, The Fourth cautiously studied Cao Cheng’s expression.

The girl still doted on him.

Sure, she always called him "stupid little brother" and never missed a chance to tease or mock him.

But you had to understand her family’s values.

She could "bully" him all she wanted—outsiders weren’t allowed.

If someone else messed with him, they’d close ranks in an instant.

"Angry about what?" Cao Cheng chuckled helplessly. All evening, everyone seemed convinced he’d be fuming.

When had anyone ever seen Young Master Cao lose his temper?

Having "lived" over a hundred years, how could he not see things clearly?

Anger served no purpose other than punishing yourself.

And it wasn’t even worth that.

Someone who’d died once saw the world differently from everyone else.

The Fourth snorted. "If you’re not mad, then I am."

"……"

This girl was a fool.

Holding back her anger, she prioritized comforting her stupid little brother first.

Only after confirming he wasn’t upset did she let herself feel it.

It even touched Cao Cheng’s heart a little.

Driving with one hand, he reached over and ruffled her hair in the passenger seat, stroking her head like a pet. "Don’t be mad. Later, your sweet big brother will get revenge for you."

"You’re the stupid little brother."

"Fine, fine, call me whatever you want. Just don’t stay angry—it’s bad for your health."

"Ugh—" The Fourth’s face flushed as she muttered under her breath.

Cao Cheng adopted a serious tone. "I mean it. I know a bit about traditional medicine. You know this. From a TCM perspective, anger disrupts emotional flow—what we call liver qi stagnation. It’s genuinely harmful."

"……"

The Fourth grumbled, "You want me to tell Mom you’re spouting nonsense?"

"You think she’d believe you or me?"

"Just keep provoking me." She punched his arm in frustration.

"Alright, alright, it’s not a big deal. Just watch how your sweet big brother handles this."

Her anger faded quickly—she was easy to placate. Curious, she asked, "That message you had Sister Ali spread earlier—was that aimed at them?"

"Just the first move. Wait and see. I’ve still got a dog up my sleeve."

"What dog?"

"Given your IQ, it’d take more than a sentence or two to explain." Cao Cheng sighed theatrically.

"Then use three sentences."

"……"

Bantering and joking, they drove home.

The Fourth’s mood stabilized, though a faint ache lingered in her chest.

She’d been genuinely furious.

Cao Cheng understood why she’d taken it so hard.

First, youthful impulsiveness.

From a TCM standpoint, it was a sign of robust vitality—the younger you were, the more vigorous your qi and blood.

But the main reason for her anger?

She’d initially blamed herself. She thought her interim management of the company had been lacking—that miscommunication between departments or other failures had delayed the project.

In short, she believed she’d failed the company and betrayed her stupid little brother’s trust.

She’d been heartbroken.

Full of self-doubt.

Then she found out some bastards had been sabotaging them behind the scenes.

And Sister Ali hadn’t even told her!

She got why—Sister Ali, as the company’s public-facing manager, had her own methods and timelines. She wasn’t ready to burn bridges yet.

But still.

It rankled.

Like they thought she couldn’t handle it.

"Still upset?"

"Hmph."

"Want me to help regulate your qi?"

"How?"

"With these miraculous hands, of course. A soothing massage?"

"Dream on." With a light humph, The Fourth turned and walked away, slippers scuffing, leaving behind a tantalizing silhouette.

Cao Cheng shook his head ruefully.

Ah, the wasted potential of these restless hands.

……

"Eldest Sister’s home."

"Mhm."

Glancing over, he saw her brewing coffee on the first floor.

Drinking coffee this late meant either overtime work or reading.

How she maintained this routine—late nights, early mornings—year after year was beyond him.

Cao Cheng certainly couldn’t endure it.

His gaze swept over Eldest Sister. The silk nightgown clung to her frame—thank goodness for the heating, or she’d freeze.

She stood a full 170cm tall.

Those legs…

How to put it?

Probably the finest in the household.

Her skin glowed as if brushed with honey, promising sweetness without a taste.

Second Sister’s legs couldn’t compare in complexion, but they radiated power—like they could kick a man to death.

Different strengths, different charms.

The appraisal lasted only a glance.

Had they interacted more often, he wouldn’t have bothered—familiarity bred indifference.

"Eldest Sister, working late again?"

"Mhm." Her demeanor was poised, gentle, and distinctly uninterested in Cao Cheng.

Probably because of their last bet. Things were still awkward.

"Eldest Sister, you still owe me from our wager, right? Ten sessions—one short."

"……"

Her cultured eyes flashed with rare irritation.

[Ding~ Negative emotions +2002]

Clenching her teeth to preserve her graceful image, she forced out, "The ten are done."

"Really? I could’ve sworn there was one left. Maybe I’m wrong—but you’d never renege. That’s not like you." He blinked innocently.

She rolled her eyes. "Save the flattery. I know you too well. The ten are over. Want another massage? Win another bet."

"……"

No dice.

She was supposed to be all about saving face!

After that setup, she should’ve caved.

She’s learned.

Oh, she’s learned.

Cao Cheng’s eyes gleamed as he leaned in, catching her shower-fresh scent.

"Eldest Sister, I’ve got a new project. Care to bet on how much I’ll make?"

Eldest Sister had finished brewing the coffee, holding the cup with a faint smirk. "No bets."

With that, she turned and walked away.

Even her retreating figure was strikingly elegant.

Another failed attempt.

Wait, didn’t you just say you’d win next time? And now you’re not giving me a chance?

I’m the chosen one of luck.

How am I supposed to show off if you won’t even gamble with me?

Damn it.

No one in this family is any good.

It’s been 59 years since the founding of New China—when will decent people finally get their due?

Sigh.

Whatever.

Time for bed.

Wonder if Second Sister is asleep yet…

And Third Sister?

"Sis~"

Cao Cheng went to Third Sister’s room and knocked on the door.

Third Sister exuded an intellectual beauty, her voice soft and gentle. "You’re back? Have you been drinking?"

There was a faint scent of alcohol.

Cao Cheng rubbed his temples. "I’ve got a headache, Sis."

Third Sister’s expression shifted slightly. "Come in."

She guided him to sit on the edge of the bed, then moved behind him, her slender fingers pressing gently against his temples. "Here?"

"Mmm~ Thanks, Sis."

Third Sister spoke softly, "Don’t drink so much in the future. It’s bad for your health. Even if it’s for socializing, try to drink less. And you should eat something beforehand. The Fourth is no help either—no idea why he didn’t stop you."

Cao Cheng sighed. "It’s not the drinking. It’s Eldest Sister’s fault."

"Eldest Sister?" Third Sister blinked in surprise.

"Yeah. I just tried to trick her into a bet so I could win some massage sessions from her, but she didn’t fall for it. My head started throbbing instantly. What do I do? She’s learning how to be sneaky now."

"..."

Third Sister caught on, her fingers pausing briefly before she chuckled and lightly swatted his shoulder. "You scared me. I thought it was from the alcohol. Next time, explain properly."

"Hehe, just wanted to tease you a little, Sis." Cao Cheng grinned.

This was how things were between them—around Third Sister, Cao Cheng was always on his best behavior.

No tricks, no schemes.

He told her everything, good or bad, without hiding a thing.

Because no matter what, Third Sister would always indulge him.

Third Sister lowered her voice. "Don’t provoke Eldest Sister. She’s really exhausted."

It was clear that Third Sister was genuinely kind to everyone in the family—but just a tiny bit more so toward Cao Cheng.

Cao Cheng shook his head. "I’m not provoking her. I’m trying to cure her."

"What’s wrong with Eldest Sister? Did you notice something?" Third Sister knew Cao Cheng had some knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine—enough to be impressive.

"A mental block. I’m working on it, but some things can’t be said outright. I need to figure it out."

Cao Cheng grew serious. "The gist is, Eldest Sister is suppressing too much, carrying too heavy a burden. Her usual smiles, her calm demeanor—it’s all an act."

Third Sister didn’t argue. She’d noticed it long ago.

Cao Cheng continued, "So we have to take it slow. First, break down her defenses. She can’t keep wearing that mask, holding herself so rigid. Like a volcano—if it stays dormant too long, it’ll erupt catastrophically. Better to let it vent little by little, release the pressure gradually."

"Otherwise, I’m afraid one day she’ll just snap, and then it’ll really be over."

"If that thread snaps, she’s gone."

"..."

Third Sister nodded solemnly. "Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help."

"I will, Third Sister. You’re the only one I’ve talked to about this. No one else knows—not even Eldest Sister. I don’t want her overthinking it."

"Mmm~ I’m counting on you."

"Hey, Sis, no need to curse at me."

Tap.

Third Sister gave his shoulder a light, playful smack. "Go lie down. Since Eldest Sister won’t give you a massage, I’ll rub your back for you."

"Third Sister is the best!"