Who the hell started the rumor about me

A year had passed.

Cao Cheng was living life on easy mode.

All thanks to the rise of short videos.

Not that short videos alone could make Young Master Cao kick back completely.

But this was just the beginning.

Whether it was the idol industry, gaming circles, film and television, finance, or business...

After years of relentless effort,

Nearly every closed-loop system had been perfected.

From now on, there wasn’t much left for Young Master Cao to do personally. Even when action was needed, he could just lounge in his recliner, barely opening his eyes between cultivation sessions to issue a lazy command...

Besides, the explosive potential of short videos in later stages rivaled any industry.

Even if it seemed like mere entertainment at its core,

Its true power lay in propaganda.

Right now, short videos might still be flying under the radar, not yet as wildly popular as they would become. Many people didn’t see their significance.

But when the short video boom finally hit,

Even the Americans were stunned.

Who could’ve guessed something so trivial—just silly little clips—would win over hearts so completely?

...

In the blink of an eye,

Their child was almost three.

One day, after Tang Xin had collected her "marital dues" from Cao Cheng,

The couple chatted for a while.

Tang Xin seemed slightly hesitant.

Cao Cheng noticed.

Raising an eyebrow, he teased, "You get what you want and suddenly turn shy? What, was it not enough?"

Tang Xin smacked him, half-amused, half-exasperated.

"Honestly, aren’t you too old for this? Our son’s three already!"

With a mock scowl, she added, "And watch your mouth—don’t let our boy pick up your bad habits."

Cao Cheng chuckled, then sobered. "Alright, out with it. What’s on your mind?"

Tang Xin knew she couldn’t hide anything from him.

After a brief pause, she finally spoke: "My father asked me a few days ago... He wants us to consider sending De Cheng to Beijing."

"??"

Cao Cheng was momentarily confused.

Then it clicked.

His father-in-law was offering to groom their son.

Truthfully,

Cao Cheng didn’t care either way.

Whether little Cao grew up to be a businessman, a politician,

Or even some celebrity chasing skirts—

It made no difference to him.

Life was short.

Grass withers in autumn.

A brief immortality—no, wait! A mere century. Might as well enjoy it.

Besides, Cao Cheng was practically immortal.

This wouldn’t be his only child.

At most, this one was special as the firstborn.

Sure, by Chinese tradition, the eldest son carried more weight.

But Cao Cheng couldn’t care less.

With memories spanning over a century,

And having died once already,

Such things meant little to him.

As long as the kid was happy.

And with his own longevity, there was no need to pressure children into perpetuating some family legacy.

But...

That said,

Cao Cheng recognized his father-in-law’s good intentions.

To the old man, sure, Cao Cheng might live longer than most—but not forever, right?

Eventually, the next generation would have to carry the torch.

And as a businessman—

No matter how successful, there were always limits, both domestically and abroad.

But if De Cheng went to Beijing, raised under his grandfather’s wing in a family with three generations of accumulated influence...

If the boy entered politics later, resources would flow endlessly.

If he proved capable,

The Cao business dynasty could seamlessly transition into something greater...

The benefits spoke for themselves.

No empire lasts a millennium,

But families do.

...

In an instant,

Cao Cheng grasped his father-in-law’s plan.

And Tang Xin’s stance too.

She probably wanted this.

Having grown up in such a family, she understood its advantages.

Maybe less carefree than staying here,

But far more accelerated in growth.

Plus,

That environment meant a built-in circle.

Children raised alongside future power brokers formed bonds deeper than mere partnerships.

Yet,

Tang Xin wouldn’t agree unilaterally.

Even seeing the benefits, she deferred to Cao Cheng at home.

Otherwise, goodwill could sour fast.

After some thought, Cao Cheng said, "I’m fine either way. And I’d never force the kid into any path."

"But De Cheng’s too young now. We can’t exactly ask him what he wants to be."

"Still,"

"We can ask if he’d like to stay with his grandparents for a while."

"If he hates it, we bring him back."

"If he loves it? Then we respect that."

Tang Xin beamed. "You’re the best, husband."

"The best?"

"Then let’s make another."

"If De Cheng really goes into politics later, we won’t see him much—not like regular families enjoying their kids’ company."

"Old Cao and Ren’s mother would be heartbroken."

"Next one’s a girl."

Tang Xin laughed. "Since when can you choose? Just snap your fingers and it’s a daughter?"

"Wanna bet?"

"No thanks. Everyone says never gamble with you—zero chance of winning. Where’s the fun?"

"Who?" Cao Cheng feigned outrage. "Who’s slandering me now?"

"The Fourth," Tang Xin grinned.

Cao Cheng huffed. "That bratty sister—always spreading rumors. Just wait till I deal with her."

Tang Xin added, "She also claims you use bets as excuses to bully her."

"Damn it—"

Cao Cheng’s face twisted in theatrical fury. "Not just slander, but dirty slander now!"

Tang Xin giggled, snuggling closer to pinch him. "Oh please, I know you too well."

With a dramatic sigh, Cao Cheng lamented, "Ah, the times are corrupt. Prejudice weighs like a mountain upon men’s hearts."

Amid the playful bickering,

The noble cause of procreation continued.

Plans for a second child were underway.

With her own career milestones achieved and a rare break in her schedule, Tang Xin finally had time to breathe.

The next day, Cao Cheng and Tang Xin discussed the Beijing idea with Ren’s mother.

Old Cao, however, objected.

"De Cheng’s just a toddler! Shouldn’t he be playing, not training?"

"And besides—"

He grumbled, "Acting like we can’t raise him right. Look how well this little rascal turned out under me! Where’d you be without my parenting?"

The others couldn’t help but laugh.

Father and son were cut from the same cloth—

Both shameless in taking credit.

Old Cao continued, "No offense, daughter-in-law. Just saying kids need childhoods. And we’d miss him! Right, Ren’s mother?"

He glanced at her for backup.

Ren’s mother, too, was reluctant to part with her grandson.