As Long as You're Happy

Young Master Cao's single statement left many people around the world utterly bewildered.

Breaking the law?

What law?

And it’s not like they’re asking you to play in your own country—it’s abroad, alright?

Domestic fans chimed in:

"Wait, boss, they’re inviting you to watch the game live and place bets on-site. What law is that breaking? The U.S. allows it. You can bet, and heck, even take some substances—no big deal."

"Exactly, this is hilarious. What law? What kind of law are we even talking about?"

"Are you legally illiterate? Ever heard of the principle of personal jurisdiction?"

"Nope."

"I’m a lawyer, and I can tell you straight up—even if you’re playing overseas, you’re still bound by domestic laws. Otherwise, you might face consequences…"

"Damn, seriously?"

"Yeah, get some legal awareness, will you?"

"If you do it quietly, fine, no one reports you, no problem. But who is Cao Cheng? With his massive influence, fame, and following, if he goes and bets tens of millions or even billions, that’s a clear-cut case of severe circumstances…"

"No wonder he’s a billionaire. Dude really knows the law."

"Just seems a bit cowardly."

"Cowardly my foot. He can buy as much as he wants through the Sports Lottery Administration—totally legal. Plus, 30% or even 40% goes to charity. What’s not to like?"

"Charity? Pfft. Who knows whose pockets that money really ends up in…"

"Got any proof? And the Sports Lottery isn’t the Welfare Lottery. Those fitness equipment in your neighborhood parks? All funded by charitable donations. Still not enough to shut you up?"

"…"

The online uproar grew intense.

No official institutions stepped in to clarify.

They just let the rumors spread.

The betting company that invited Young Master Cao issued another statement an hour later.

They admitted they hadn’t fully understood the local laws earlier.

So they’d done some research.

But they still insisted on inviting Cao Cheng to the finals, offering him some free chips—no payment required, so it wouldn’t count as gambling.

Just think of it as a gift.

This left the public speechless but unable to argue.

A betting company giving away chips as gifts—sounds reasonable, right?

After all, what else would a betting company produce besides chips?

…

This whole thing was just a minor sideshow.

All in good fun.

Money wasn’t the point.

Neither was gambling.

The real takeaway? Young Master Cao wasn’t going anywhere.

Too lazy to leave.

He hadn’t traveled abroad in years, and he wasn’t about to start now.

Not that he was worried about safety or anything.

Just didn’t see the need.

Cao Cheng hadn’t even explored his own country’s tourist spots yet.

With thousands of miles of stunning landscapes, it’d take immortality to properly traverse such a vast map.

Besides,

Cao Cheng didn’t have time for tourism.

With the acceleration of extraterrestrial research, habitable planets would soon be discovered.

Then interstellar travel would begin.

…

…

That day,

the World Cup had already kicked off.

Cao Cheng was at home, playing with the kids and watching the game.

Lingling had come back.

Though in her mid-thirties, age was just a number for her.

She still lived up to her name—fresh, radiant.

Her skin was flawless.

Her eyes sparkled brilliantly.

Even though she’d secretly had a child,

if you claimed she was still a virgin in public, 90% of her fans would believe it.

Over the years,

the family had grown.

Little Caos and even littler Caos kept arriving—boys and girls alike.

But none were as cherished as Little Cao.

As the eldest grandson, he only came home once a year.

So every time he returned, Ren's mother spoiled him rotten, to the point where he forgot his own last name.

The kid had grown a lot.

Just one more year, and he’d be starting middle school.

Right at that mischievous age.

At home, Ren's mother indulged him; before leaving, Young Master Cao disciplined him back into shape.

Yet once back in the capital, he remained the little tyrant of the courtyard.

…

The boy had potential, though.

At least, according to his grandfather, he was a bright, unpolished gem—worth nurturing.

But Cao Cheng didn’t care much for that.

The future was the cosmos. Power and wealth were fleeting.

What truly mattered was personal strength and family legacy.

Naturally,

Cao Cheng valued unity above all.

Siblings supporting each other, no scheming—that’s what he wanted.

Of course,

this didn’t mean they had to be overly formal. Competition was fine, as long as they followed the family’s rules.

Especially when facing outsiders—united, with all personal grudges set aside.

That’s what Cao Cheng cared about.

…

Cao Cheng understood the past and future too well.

He often reflected on himself.

Gradually,

he’d realized many truths.

Whether it was a dynasty, a family, or even an ordinary household,

the root of decline always included internal discord.

Without exception.

Even the weakest dynasty could hold off a powerful enemy if united.

At worst, it’d be a mutual destruction.

But…

with traitors or infighting, even the mightiest—like the Han—would fall to ruin.

…

This was how Cao Cheng taught his children.

He also wasn’t worried about inheritance battles turning siblings against each other.

Not happening.

Dad’s not dying anytime soon.

What inheritance?

Go earn your own fortunes.

At most, Dad might give you some seed money.

That was the Cao family motto:

Three words—Rely on no one!

Besides,

resources weren’t an issue.

The future was the stars—endless resources to claim, seize, or take.

So aim higher.

The further, the better.

Don’t fixate on Dad’s meager stash. He worked hard for it—with your moms’ help.

You really wanna take that?

Show some filial respect, got it?

…

During halftime,

with the kids running outside and ads playing, Lingling finally got a moment to snuggle up to Young Master Cao.

Lingling whispered, "After summer break, I’m starting as a professor at the music academy."

Cao Cheng raised an eyebrow, amused. "Why give up being a star to teach? That’s exhausting."

"More free time," Lingling replied with a soft smile.

Cao Cheng understood.

Makes sense.

Lingling had always been gentle, uncompetitive.

If back then… well, no use dwelling. If Young Master Cao hadn’t rejected her pursuit, she might not have pushed her career so hard.

Fate worked in funny ways.

Now everything was perfect.

No official title, but she had everything she needed.

Wasn’t that enough?

So now,

she didn’t care about being some piano queen.

She just wanted more time at home—with the kids, with Cao Cheng.

And the occasional class, with all the holidays that came with it.

Besides, as a professor, she didn’t have classes every day.

With her reputation, she would only be assigned special open lectures.

"Sure, as long as you're happy with it."