Chapter 0409

"True masters don't reveal their skills—my mistake for underestimating you."

Lin Ran narrowed his eyes. "Now, call me 'Daddy' ten times, and I'll give it to you."

Luo Wushuang fell silent. He finally understood why Lin Ran had been provoking him.

So this was his way of proving that even without Luo Yao, he still had formidable people by his side.

Luo Wushuang smiled faintly, though inwardly, he sneered.

Did Lin Ran really think this would stop him?

Little did he know, Jiang Feihua was at home, slipping poison into his food every single day.

"What are you smiling at? Got no manners?"

Luo Wushuang: ???

"Who’s the one with no manners here? Are you calling me 'Daddy' or not? If not, I’m leaving. Either way, I’ve already got your money."

Luo Wushuang gritted his teeth so hard his molars nearly cracked. He never imagined he’d be outplayed by some young upstart today.

"Leave some dignity for yourself—DaddyDaddyDaddyDaddyDaddyDaddyDaddyDaddyDaddyDaddy!" Seeing Lin Ran turn to leave, Luo Wushuang finally gave up bargaining and spat out the words in one breath.

"That’s more like it. Here, take it." Lin Ran tossed the fake key along with its box to Luo Wushuang, who caught it nervously.

Ten "Daddies" for a fake key—what a cheap price for such a title.

But it felt damn good to hear.

The gloom in Luo Wushuang’s eyes melted into a smile.

No point arguing with a dead man anyway.

"If that’s all, Daddy’s leaving. Take your time admiring it."

Watching Lin Ran walk away, Luo Wushuang’s gaze burned with fury. He waited a long while before finally departing.

---

Nuanyao Group’s headquarters—Lin Ran found himself here again. Every visit, the place seemed to have changed.

As soon as he entered, he spotted two receptionists, both juniors from his alma mater.

??? They hired another one?

"Chairman Lin!"

Xiao Xiaole and the new receptionist greeted him in unison.

"Is President Wu in?"

"Yes, should I notify him?"

"No need, I’ll find him myself."

Lin Ran preferred not to trouble anyone.

On the 12th floor, he paused outside the office door, listening for a few seconds before knocking.

Inside, Wu Zhishang was buried in paperwork at his desk.

He looked up, startled to see Lin Ran, and immediately stood.

"Bro Lin, how’s Sister-in-Law doing?"

He’d attended Luo Corporation’s annual gala and witnessed Luo Yao collapse on stage.

Worried sick, he’d wanted to visit, but Lin Ran had stopped him every time.

Now that they were face-to-face, he had to ask.

Lin Ran knew his old friend cared deeply. He’d come to reassure him—and discuss other matters.

"Relax, it’s just a coma. Nothing serious."

Wu Zhishang: ???

"A coma isn’t serious? What kind of illness is it?"

Lin Ran had prepared his explanation. He wouldn’t reveal the full truth, but he wouldn’t lie either.

Let him read between the lines.

"It’s the kind where she’ll wake up after New Year’s."

Wu Zhishang: ???

Even more confused.

"So… Sister-in-Law is faking—?" He trailed off, but the realization dawned on him.

"Keep it to yourself. Just focus on running the company. No need to worry."

Wu Zhishang nodded. He knew Luo Yao’s "battles" were beyond his paygrade.

As long as she was safe, that was enough.

"I invited my cousin over. Came to tell you—we might spin off a film division. Chen Qingtian will be CEO."

Wu Zhishang: ???

Just then, a young assistant rushed in. "President Wu, trouble! Assistant Zhang is fighting a man and woman downstairs!"

Wu Zhishang frowned. "That woman’s getting out of hand. Send someone to handle it."

The assistant hesitated. "But she’s fighting because of you. Are you sure you won’t go down?"

Wu Zhishang froze. So did Lin Ran.

"Because of me?"

At the assistant’s frantic nodding, Wu Zhishang fell silent.

"Understood. You can go."

Lin Ran smirked at Wu Zhishang’s expression.

"Old Wu, I gotta say—you’ve got that domineering CEO vibe now."

Wu Zhishang’s face twitched for 0.1 seconds.

"Domineering? I’m just a regular president, and only thanks to you."

He threw on his wool coat. "I’ll check on Zhang Xinyan."

Lin Ran: "Trying to ditch me?" He followed, grinning.

No way he’d miss this drama.

Outside the office, Wu Zhishang nearly jumped at the sight of Abu, Lin Ran’s new bodyguard, stationed like a sentinel.

---

Downstairs, Zhang Xinyan was panting, cursing loudly.

Brash but petty, she never forgot a grudge.

Her enemies fell into two categories: those who crossed her, and those who disgusted her.

Today’s pair fell squarely into the latter.

This wasn’t their first time causing trouble at Nuanyao Group—third time this month, in fact.

Every time, the woman made a scene while the man followed with snide, manipulative remarks.

Zhang Xinyan loathed male "green teas"—phony, scheming types.

It wouldn’t have escalated if Zhao Miaomiao hadn’t recognized her outside and grabbed her, demanding she fetch Wu Zhishang.

Zhang Xinyan refused, but Zhao Miaomiao wouldn’t let go. So she unleashed her verbal knives.

"Zhao Miaomiao, ever heard the saying ‘Late affection is cheaper than grass’? You’re that weepy, worthless weed. Just give up."

That set Zhao Miaomiao off. "Don’t act all high and mighty, you bed-hopping assistant! If you hadn’t seduced Wu Zhishang, he wouldn’t have dumped me!"

She remembered how Wu Zhishang had used Zhang Xinyan to reject her before.

Zhang Xinyan’s eyebrow twitched. She was officially disgusted.

So she shed her coat, watch, and bag—and lunged.

Slapping and clawing, she spat venom. "Two-timing bitch! Trash! Whore! You’re not fit to lick Wu Zhishang’s shoes! Why don’t you crawl back to hell? You’re Lin Jian 2.0!"

Zhao Miaomiao fought back just as viciously, yanking hair and scratching faces.

Lv Jian hovered nearby, wringing his hands. "Stop! Stop it! Don’t fight anymore!"

Please, you mustn’t fight!

"Miaomiao, it’s my fault. If not for me, Wu Zhishang wouldn’t have left you. Let me explain—don’t blame him!"