Young Master Cao thus established his own 'clan', with a separately created family tree

After lunch,

I went to Eldest Sister's place for some tea and chatted about how to scam money—uh, I mean, how to make luxury goods so exclusive that people can't afford them.

Young Master Cao didn’t leave until past two in the afternoon.

Back home,

the wine enthusiast was there.

Already drinking!

Though her posture was… both alluring and slightly improper.

Those long legs, casually draped over the sofa, skin glowing—clearly a result of Miracle Beauty’s skincare products.

Second Sister used to have scars on her legs.

It was unavoidable, given how often she trained. A little "battle-worn" look was normal.

But ever since using Miracle Beauty’s products, as long as she wasn’t fighting, Second Sister looked every bit the delicate, fair-skinned lady.

The TV was playing New Three Kingdoms, this year’s new drama starring "Fat Orange" and "Keep the Music Playing, Keep the Dance Going"!

This version wasn’t bad.

Second Sister was engrossed.

"When did you get off work?"

"Today."

Second Sister glanced at Young Master Cao and pointed at the wine bottle nearby. "Want some?"

Cao Cheng smiled. "Sure. You seem in a good mood today—I’ll join you for a couple glasses. Scoot over…"

Without hesitation, Young Master Cao sat right beside her legs and gave one a light pat.

Second Sister let out a soft hum and pulled her legs back slightly.

No work talk—just casual conversation between sips, occasional comments on the show.

It was rare for Second Sister to show interest in entertainment. She pointed at the screen. "I really enjoy watching these veteran actors perform."

"Want their autographs? I can make a call and get you some signed photos," Cao Cheng offered.

Second Sister shook her head. "I like the characters and their acting, not the actors themselves. No need for autographs."

She was ruthlessly rational.

She could separate fiction from reality.

Unlike some young girls…

Like what Young Master Cao and Wang Haodong had discussed earlier—female fans had something off about them. Not about being dumb, just prone to obsession, unable to distinguish between fantasy and reality.

Cao Cheng mused, "If you like period dramas… next year, I’m investing in a few. You might enjoy them."

Second Sister perked up. "Also political intrigue?"

Cao Cheng considered. "More like harem politics—short version: palace scheming."

"Pass. That stuff’s boring."

"...This one’s different."

"Still just women fighting and scheming. No thanks." Second Sister took a sip.

Cao Cheng chuckled. "Fine. In a couple years, I’ll make a male-centric political drama. Want a role?"

"Me?" Second Sister blinked.

"If you’re up for it, why not? With your looks and presence, you’d make a striking female general."

For a moment, she seemed tempted, eyes flickering—but then she shook her head. "Nah. I can’t act, and I don’t want to. If I got famous… how would I keep doing my job? I won’t give up my work for a role."

They kept watching.

Chatting idly.

Cao Cheng’s hands grew… restless. Mostly because she started it, resting her foot on his thigh.

He took the opportunity to massage it, working out the tension.

Silky smooth.

Time slipped by.

Click.

The security door behind them opened.

Ren's mother and Old Cao were back.

The sofa’s high back hid their compromising positions—just two people sitting together, watching TV.

Second Sister hurriedly retracted her legs and stood. "Mom~~"

A closer look would reveal a faint flush on her cheeks… probably from the alcohol.

Meant her tolerance had dropped. She used to drink without a hint of redness.

Now, just a little, and her face gave her away.

Old Cao headed to the kitchen with groceries.

Ren's mother smiled warmly…

Cao Cheng’s brow arched as he studied her.

"Mom, you…" His gaze dropped to her stomach.

No visible change, but Young Master Cao’s senses were sharp—he could practically feel the overflowing "maternal aura" radiating off her.

Ren's mother nodded gently. "Yes. And it’s all thanks to the tonic recipe you gave me. The checkup went perfectly."

A strange, indescribable feeling twisted in Cao Cheng’s chest.

Never thought he’d live to see the day he’d have a new sibling—a full-blooded one.

He stepped forward to support her. "Mom, congratulations. You got your wish."

Ren's mother laughed softly. "No need for such a fuss. The risky first few months are over. Everything’s stable now."

Second Sister had been slow on the uptake.

But now, piecing together their exchange, her eyes widened. "Mom! You—you’re pregnant?!"

Probably the same mix of emotions as Cao Cheng—elation, but also a weird dissonance. Being this old and suddenly getting a baby brother or sister…

But…

Everyone knew the family dynamics.

Ren's mother had waited decades. Now, past forty, nearing fifty, she’d finally gotten her wish. A late-life… (Well, "old oyster" sounded rude.)

And honestly, she didn’t look her age.

Thanks to Young Master Cao’s little "gifts," she’d maintained herself well.

……

Second Sister sent a single message in the group chat: "Come home. Now."

No one worked overtime that evening. They were all back before sunset.

Ren's mother made the formal announcement.

She’d kept it secret for months, waiting until the pregnancy was stable.

The Fourth circled her curiously. "Brother or sister?"

Ren's mother shook her head, serene. "Didn’t check. Doesn’t matter."

And it didn’t.

This wasn’t about heirs or inheritance—just fulfilling a lifelong regret.

Besides, this family didn’t squabble over assets. Whether a brother or sister, it wouldn’t affect anyone’s interests.

Especially Young Master Cao.

He operated outside the family framework anyway.

In the future, when he had kids (and he’d definitely have more than one), some would go into politics, others business—inevitable, given his father-in-law’s stature.

Some paths were predestined.

Then, he’d have his own "clan."

A new branch on the family tree!

But…

No matter what, this "newcomer" would probably outshine Young Master Cao in their parents’ affection.

……

Night fell.

Ren's mother left.

The four sisters lay awake—again.

As mentioned before, their refusal to marry or date wasn’t just coincidence. It was an unspoken pact…

Ren's mother was their emotional anchor.

None of them wanted to leave home.

Frankly, it was psychological.

Not an insult—just fact.

So,

when Ren's mother suddenly announced she was moving out, all four had struggled. Sleepless nights followed.

Luckily, Young Master Cao had filled the void.

His antics brought laughter, harmony, and… chaos.

They’d grown used to him. When he traveled for work, the house felt emptier.

Proof that, beneath their varied personalities, all four sisters shared a deep, clingy, separation anxiety.

They feared being apart.

And now…

Ren's mother had truly established her own family now and was about to have her own child.

The sisters seemed to feel as though they were losing some kind of emotional pillar.

The feeling was subtle.

Indescribable, really.

Deep down, each of them knew they should have their own lives, their own families…

After all, they weren’t getting any younger.

But they had deliberately turned a blind eye to it, avoiding any serious reflection on the matter.

That was, until today, when Ren's mother said something during dinner—especially that one line: "You girls aren’t young anymore. If there’s a boy you like, go after him boldly. I’m still waiting to hold my grandchildren…"

That single sentence shattered all four sisters.

The scene that followed? Even Young Master Cao shuddered just thinking about it.

Four pairs of eyes.

Some direct.

Some sidelong.

All locked onto him in unison.

It was downright lethal.

From that day on,

Young Master Cao continued his usual routine—waking up late, sleeping soundly, occasionally sipping tea, watching TV, chatting idly… or teasing the sisters.

On the surface, life seemed unchanged.

But Young Master Cao was far too perceptive.

He could clearly sense that something had shifted in the sisters’ demeanor after that day.

Not that it was bad, exactly.

It was just that whenever they were alone with him, there was a new kind of… closeness?

The Fourth was the least affected.

She remained her usual bubbly self, with little noticeable change.

Or perhaps she had always been this way—unbothered by getting closer to Young Master Cao—so the shift was harder to detect.

The Third, as always, doted on Fifth Brother.

The biggest transformation was in Second Sister.

The look in her eyes made Young Master Cao feel like she was just waiting for an opportunity to "pick a fight" with him.

Was she really that intense?

Especially whenever she came home and found herself alone with Young Master Cao—she’d always steer the conversation toward him and Tang Xin.

On the surface, it made sense. Second Sister and Tang Xin were best friends, so of course she’d be concerned about her bestie and her little brother’s relationship, right?

If not for Young Master Cao’s sharp intuition, a less observant person might’ve missed the change in Second Sister entirely.

Fortunately,

the tension didn’t last long.

Second Sister got busy again.

She was promoted—from Deputy Team Leader Ren to full-fledged Team Leader Ren.

More responsibilities, more cases!

Young Master Cao breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness. A few more days of that, and things might’ve gotten messy.