The Tang Household.
A stern middle-aged man listened to the butler’s report. Beside him sat an elegant middle-aged woman, her features bearing a faint resemblance to Tang Xin.
The butler reported, "Master, Madam, this is all we’ve managed to uncover. After all, the young lady has purged her bodyguards three times. Anyone who could’ve leaked information has long been removed."
His meaning was clear—the information was hard to come by and not entirely reliable.
The middle-aged man was Tang Xin’s father.
Tang's Father spoke gravely, "So, it’s highly likely that Tang Xin is involved with this Cao Cheng? Dating him?"
"Yes," the butler replied with an awkward smile.
Beside him, Tang's Mother interjected, "Has this girl lost her mind? How could she make such a big decision without consulting the family? I need to bring her back immediately."
Tang's Father didn’t stop her but added, "The information isn’t 100% confirmed, so approach it carefully. If it’s true, then we’ll deal with it. And regardless of whether they’re just business partners or more, we need to assess Cao Cheng’s character. Even if it’s purely professional, he must meet our standards."
Under his breath, Tang's Father muttered, "I’d like to see just who this kid is, to make Tang Xin resign from a top-tier company and start some small, insignificant venture with him."
In his heart, Tang's Father had already accepted the news as fact.
Otherwise, there was no explaining why Tang Xin would abandon such a prestigious company, with its clear career trajectory and learning environment, to strike out on her own.
Starting her own business wasn’t inherently wrong.
But it clearly deviated from Tang Xin’s original plans.
Before this, she had never intended to branch out so soon.
At the very least, she was supposed to wait until after the family arranged her marriage, then establish a joint venture with her spouse, leveraging resources from both families to build the new company.
Now, she had clearly strayed from that path.
Tang's Father refused to believe there wasn’t an emotional factor at play here.
Moreover, he knew his daughter—she was a rational woman.
Yet now, it seemed she was either blinded by love, or this Cao Cheng had something extraordinary about him.
What worried Tang's Father most was the former.
After all, he’d just reviewed the kid’s profile. He was undeniably handsome, and young—four years younger than Tang Xin.
The thought of his daughter "robbing the cradle" made Tang's Father’s temples throb.
He couldn’t shake the feeling that this kid was a gold-digger.
And then there was the Ren family…
This kid wasn’t even a Ren, yet both father and son seemed to live off others!
As for the claims that Cao Cheng had made a fortune in the stock market, Tang's Father dismissed it outright. He suspected it was Tang Xin pulling the strings behind the scenes—perhaps even trading on insider information.
He couldn’t bear the thought of his daughter losing her rationality over a relationship, risking legal trouble for some young boyfriend.
So,
This had to be stopped before it went too far.
…
After giving her instructions, Tang's Mother left with her entourage.
The next morning.
She cornered the young couple in Tang Xin’s apartment.
"Mom?" Tang Xin gasped as she opened the door.
"Mom?" Cao Cheng echoed, momentarily stunned.
So this was Tang Xin’s mother.
And she was no ordinary woman…
From his memories, he recalled that in the future, she would hold a high-ranking position overseeing internet regulations.
The agency didn’t even exist yet!
Once it was established, she’d at least be a municipal-level director.
"Mom, what brings you here?" Tang Xin’s usual composed, domineering demeanor faltered, replaced by nervousness. Her eyes darted around, and she shot Cao Cheng a meaningful look.
Cao Cheng instantly understood—or so he thought. He stepped forward and greeted warmly, "Mom, what a surprise! Please, come in, come in…"
"……"
"……"
Both Tang Xin and Tang's Mother froze.
Tang Xin gritted her teeth. Damn you, Cao Cheng.
That look was supposed to tell him to slip away quietly, not to call her Mom and confirm their relationship!
Couldn’t he read the room?
Now they were screwed.
She had assumed Cao Cheng understood when he nodded confidently.
If they’d played dumb and denied everything, her parents might’ve turned a blind eye—everyone would pretend nothing was happening.
But now that it was out in the open, the consequences would be dire.
At the very least, they’d be forcibly separated.
Tang's Mother smirked. "What did you just call me?"
"Mom," Cao Cheng repeated innocently.
"……"
Tang's Mother chuckled. "Not bad. At least you’ve got nerve."
Cao Cheng shot Tang Xin a triumphant look, as if to say, See? Your mom approves.
Tang Xin clenched her fists.
This infuriating man was doing this on purpose.
Was that approval?
She knew her mother too well—she always spoke in sarcasm when she sounded pleasant.
"Mom, let’s talk inside," Tang Xin urged quickly.
Without protest, Tang's Mother instructed her assistants and bodyguards to wait outside, then strode in.
The sharp clicks of her high heels carried an air of authority.
Only then did Cao Cheng realize where Tang Xin’s natural domineering aura came from—it was inherited.
But in comparison,
Tang's Mother was the true queen, the epitome of a powerful woman.
Tang Xin still had some growing up to do, lacking that full maturity.
Normally, Tang Xin held her own just fine, exuding confidence.
But people were always judged in context.
No matter how clever a young fox was, next to an old fox, it would always seem naive.
…
Seated on the sofa,
Tang's Mother crossed her legs elegantly.
Then, with a swift motion, she reached under a cushion and pulled out a few scraps of fabric.
Tang Xin’s face burned red.
Unfazed, Tang's Mother tossed the lingerie at her daughter. "Impressive. I barely recognize you anymore, Tang Xin."
Tang Xin hastily stuffed the garments behind her back, standing meekly before her mother.
Cao Cheng returned with a glass of water. "Mom, have some water."
Tang's Mother didn’t correct his address, merely giving Cao Cheng a sidelong glance…
She had to admit, this kid had something.
At the very least, his skin was thick enough.
And under her pressure, he remained completely unfazed—genuinely so.
Even Tang Xin was wilting under her gaze.
From this alone, Tang's Mother knew this boy wasn’t as simple as Tang's Father assumed.
And,
He was ridiculously good-looking.
Up close, there wasn’t a single flaw in his appearance.
"Handsome" was a vague term, subject to personal taste—what one person found attractive, another might not.
But Cao Cheng’s appeal was something deeper, an innate charm.
His physique, face, and aura all harmonized into an undeniable handsomeness—the kind even rivals couldn’t dismiss.
Tang's Mother had seen her share of elite young men.
In her circles, the so-called "young masters" all behaved properly in her presence, but she could see through their facades.
She could distinguish their true natures with ease.
Yet this boy in front of her… she couldn’t quite pin down.
Still,
Her first impression wasn’t bad at all.
Perhaps it was because I had been overly worried beforehand and had mentally belittled the pretty boy too much.
So when we actually met, he turned out to be much better than I imagined.
...
Tang's Mother glanced at Cao Cheng, all sorts of emotions flashing through her in an instant.
Then she turned to Tang Xin: "You have a boyfriend now, and you didn’t even think to tell your family?"
"W-we just got together. I haven’t had the chance to say anything yet!" Tang Xin explained in a low voice. It was a rare sight to see the usually composed young woman acting so timid.
Cao Cheng found it quite amusing.
His mind buzzed with all sorts of scenarios and witty comebacks.
Tang's Mother nodded. "Fine, I’ll take your word for it that you just started dating. So now, tell me—what are your thoughts? Do you need me or your father to relay any messages?"
Tang Xin stammered, "I... I just like him."
Hearing this,
Tang's Mother shot a glance at Cao Cheng beside her. "And you?"
Cao Cheng replied earnestly, "I’m honored!"
"..."
Tang Xin nearly burst out laughing.
Are you serious?
Is that really what my mom meant by her question?
Oh, so you’re just sharing your feelings, huh?
This was the first time she’d seen someone dare to be this cheeky in front of her mother.
She glanced at her mother.
Tang's Mother also seemed momentarily stunned, trying to parse the meaning behind his words.
What is this?
Are you giving an acceptance speech here?
Tang's Mother chuckled. "Not bad, young man."
"Thank you for the praise, Mom. I still have many shortcomings—I’m not as perfect as you might think. But I’ll strive to be the best and give Xin’er the love she deserves!" Cao Cheng replied humbly, exuding an air of ancient refinement and modesty.
"..."
Xin’er?
How nauseating.
Even Tang Xin found it cringeworthy.
He was definitely doing this on purpose—he never called her that normally.
And his audacity was truly something else.
Tang Xin started to worry.
She was afraid her mother and her cheeky boyfriend would end up arguing, leaving her stuck in the middle.
After all, one was family, and the other was love.
Tang's Mother saw right through him—this kid was slick.
Not only was he unafraid of her, but he seemed to be deliberately trying to provoke her.
Though,
she couldn’t quite figure out his angle, but strangely, she wasn’t angry.
Instead, she found it... kind of amusing.
No wonder her daughter had taken a liking to him—he was definitely different from those flashy, superficial types out there.
These absurd exchanges gave Tang's Mother a peculiar sense of "closeness" to him.
Maybe it was that old saying: the more a mother-in-law looks at her son-in-law, the more she likes him.
Tang's Mother asked, "I’ve heard you’ve been doing well in the market—making decisions with foresight beyond most, earning quite a bit?"
"Just enough to get by," Cao Cheng replied, still playing modest.
"Excessive humility is just pride in disguise."
Tang's Mother snorted. "But no matter how much you’ve made, do you know what kind of standing Tang Xin’s former company had in the industry?"
Cao Cheng shook his head. "No matter how prestigious, it wasn’t the Tang family’s. She was still just working for a salary—and not even a high one. Meanwhile, even the smallest fund under her own name is still hers. So, Mom, what exactly are you trying to say?"
"..."
Tang's Mother’s breath hitched.
You’ve already countered me, and now you’re asking what I mean?
This kid... he’s downright cunning.
"How do you know it wasn’t the Tang family’s? Maybe the Tangs held shares?" Tang's Mother shot back.
"Even if they did, those would belong to the Tang sons, right? Daughters don’t usually get inheritance rights. At the end of the day, she’d still just be working for the family—probably for even less pay!" Cao Cheng retorted.
"..."
[Ding~ Negative emotions +1002]
Well, well.
Thought you wouldn’t snap.
Tang's Mother scoffed. "You sound resentful."
"Why would I be resentful?"
Cao Cheng chuckled and shook his head. "I don’t have inheritance rights either. I’m just speaking up for my girlfriend. If you think that’s wrong, then I’ve got nothing more to say."
"Silver-tongued devil," Tang's Mother said, her tone edged with displeasure. "If you’re so concerned about your girlfriend, then why did you co-found Miracle Capital with the Ren Family's Third Son?"
"No particular reason. Tang Xin’s Skyward Fund is public, while Miracle Capital is private. Different baskets—no conflict there!"
"Besides..."
"Finance is just a tertiary industry. Even if I started two more companies, what’s the issue? As long as they make money, it’s not like my girlfriend will go hungry, right?"
Tang's Mother narrowed her eyes. "If you care so much, why not just gift all your shares in Skyward Fund to Tang Xin?"
"No," Cao Cheng refused outright.
Tang's Mother smirked coldly. "All that grand talk, and I thought you’d give up anything for her."
Cao Cheng grinned. "What I mean is, right now, Tang Xin is still part of the Tang family. Once she marries me, I’ll gladly give them to her—but not before."
Tang's Mother paused, then laughed in irritation. "Are you implying the Tang family would covet your pocket change?"
"I never said that. But it doesn’t hurt to be cautious," Cao Cheng replied with a smile.
"..."

th】 【No prior gaming knowledge required】【The First Cultivation + Game Design Novel on the Platform】 In a world where the righteous path dominates and crushes the demonic sects, Lu Ze unlocks the "Son of the Demon Path" system. Killing righteous cultivators now grants him power-ups. Wait—deaths in illusions count too? As a former game designer, Lu Ze decides to give the cultivators of this world a little—no, a massive—shock... Sect Elders: "What is this 'Escape from the Demon Sect' game? Why have all our disciples abandoned cultivation to play it??" Elite Disciples: "You're saying... mastering 'Demon Slayer' can help us counter demonic schemes?" Reclusive Masters: "Why did I leave seclusion? Ask that backstabbing rat who ambushed me in 'Eternal Strife' yesterday!" Rogue Cultivators & Civilians: "'Immortal Abyss Action' is addictive! You can even earn spirit stones by loot-running..." Sect Prodigy: "My Dao heart is unshakable... except for that cursed black hammer." Royal Scions: "Can skins have stat boosts? I’ll pay 10,000 spirit stones for one!!" Sect Leader: "WHO IS CORRUPTING MY DISCIPLES?!!!"

d intelligence to keep the plot moving, and sometimes even the protagonists are forced into absurdly dumb decisions. Why does the A-list celebrity heroine in urban romance novels ditch the top-tier movie star and become a lovestruck fool for a pockmarked male lead? Why do the leads in historical tragedy novels keep dancing between love and death, only for the blind healer to end up suffering the most? And Gu Wei never expected that after finally landing a villain role to stir up trouble, she’d pick the wrong gender! No choice now—she’ll just have to crush the protagonists as a girl!

【Prologue: The Beginning of It All – Use holy water to heal the saintess tainted by demonic energy, then converse with her.】 Shen Nian stared at his older sister sipping yogurt, lost in thought. So you’re telling me my sister is the saintess, and yogurt is the holy water? 【Main Quest 1: Brave Youth, Become an Adventurer! Reward: Rookie Adventurer Title.】 【Side Quest 1: Find the Adorable Kitty! Reward: 1000 Gold Coins.】 Shen Nian: "Wait, I’m a high school senior here—did some guy who got isekai’d accidentally bind his system to me?" Hold on, completing quests gives gold rewards? Titles even boost stats? Is this for real? (A lighthearted, absurd campus comedy—not a revenge power fantasy.)

g Yu was preparing for retirement when her organization decided to eliminate her. She transmigrated to a zombie apocalypse world. However, a tiny unexpected situation occurred: She somehow transformed into an adorable little girl?!