The Scheming of a Woman

"Who is it?"

"It's Zhou Yi!"

A look of surprise flashed across Qiao Zhengguo's face.

"That's Zhou Yi? The boss of Huanyu? The founder of Moyin!?"

Zhou Yi had become famous in City A's business circles for two main reasons.

First, the benefits at his company had become the stuff of legend, constantly talked about by employees, and even Qiao Zhengguo had heard the rumors.

Second, there was the founding of Moyin. Some said the Kong family had invested in it, while others claimed Zhou Yi had close ties with them. Whether it was true or not, no one could say for sure.

These were the only two impressions Qiao Zhengguo had of Zhou Yi.

"Before this, the rumors said Zhou Yi was still a college student. I could hardly believe it, but now... he really is young."

Qiao Zhengguo was astonished.

But then again, it made sense—only a young man would dare to be so bold.

Both Huanyu and Moyin were brimming with idealism and the relentless drive of youth.

"Right, Dad? You think he's impressive too, don’t you?"

Qiao Yu’s voice was eager. Hearing her father’s approval of Zhou Yi only strengthened her resolve to win him over.

Qiao Zhengguo took one look at his eldest daughter’s expression and knew exactly what she was scheming.

"You’ve taken a liking to him?"

"Zhou Yi is miles better than those other useless men. He’s connected to the Kong and Su families, and he’s bound for City A. What woman wouldn’t want him?"

Qiao Zhengguo chuckled and shook his head. "A man like that is out of your league. Don’t even think about it."

Qiao Yu lifted her chin defiantly. "Don’t underestimate me, Dad."

Being a man himself, Qiao Zhengguo laughed again. "When you walked in, his eyes didn’t linger on you at all. Instead, he kept looking at your sister. He’s not your friend, is he?"

Qiao Yu pouted. "Someone as weak as Qiao Xi could never handle Zhou Yi."

Qiao Zhengguo patted her shoulder. "You don’t understand. Winning a man’s heart isn’t about who’s stronger."

"If he likes your sister, she wouldn’t need to lift a finger—he’d willingly let her lead him around. At the end of the day, a man only bends to a woman if he wants to. If he doesn’t like you, nothing you do will change that."

"To him, your sister’s meekness might just be endearing."

His words left Qiao Yu displeased.

She knew how to play the delicate, innocent role too. Qiao Xi had never outshone her before—why would she lose to her when it came to men?

What Qiao Yu didn’t realize was that her "victories" over Qiao Xi had less to do with her own skills and more with their father’s favoritism and Qiao Xi’s willingness to endure for the sake of family harmony.

Her tricks wouldn’t hold up in the real world.

Seeing that he couldn’t dissuade her, Qiao Zhengguo let it go.

After all, it made no difference to him whether Zhou Yi chose Qiao Yu or Qiao Xi—both were his daughters. If Zhou Yi became his son-in-law, the Qiao family would thrive.

After leaving the study, Qiao Yu went upstairs to change.

She hadn’t dressed up much earlier, wearing only work attire that didn’t highlight her femininity.

While Qiao Yu was upstairs, Qiao Zhengguo sat in the living room and made small talk with Zhou Yi.

Though stern and old-fashioned, he was still a businessman—he knew how to navigate social niceties.

His attitude toward Zhou Yi was warm, mostly praising him for his achievements at such a young age while subtly probing his connections to the Kong and Su families.

Zhou Yi didn’t dodge the topic. He answered honestly, except for the ambiguous relationship between him and Kong Huaijin.

He mentioned the other influential figures the Kong family had introduced him to, as well as his network in City A.

His goal was simple—to ensure Qiao Zhengguo treated Qiao Xi better in the future. Now, she wouldn’t be alone. She had him.

Qiao Zhengguo was stunned, his opinion of Zhou Yi soaring even higher.

Qiao Xi glanced between her father and Zhou Yi, bewildered.

She had expected Qiao Zhengguo to criticize Zhou Yi, maybe even say something harsh. But this amiable man chatting pleasantly—was this really her father?

He had always preached about girls needing to be "proper," keeping their distance from boys, and seeking his permission before dating in college.

Yet here he was, smiling and chatting with a man she’d brought home. It felt like her entire worldview had been turned upside down.

Dazed, Qiao Xi didn’t notice Zhou Yi’s amused gaze until he spoke.

"Why are you spacing out, Xi?"

Snapping back to reality, she smiled. "Just thinking about dinner. It’s your first time here, Yi. I want to make sure you’re treated well."

No matter what, seeing Zhou Yi get along with her family was a relief.

Her father seemed to regard Zhou Yi as a potential son-in-law, his eyes practically gleaming with approval. Blushing, Qiao Xi hurried off to the kitchen.

Qiao Zhengguo shook his head fondly at her retreating figure. "My youngest has always been reserved. This is the first time she’s brought a friend home. It seems the two of you really hit it off."

Zhou Yi caught the implication and smiled. "Xi and I do get along well. She’s a lovely girl."

Qiao Zhengguo’s smile deepened.

"How about a drink later, Zhou Yi?"

"I drove here, Uncle Qiao. I shouldn’t drink."

"Ah, right. Next time, then. There’s always time."

The word "next time" carried unmistakable meaning.

Zhou Yi lowered his eyes with a faint smile.

This was how the world worked—without power or status, no one respected you. But with wealth and influence, doors opened everywhere.

Even Qiao Zhengguo, who had always favored Qiao Yu, now prioritized his own interests. As long as Zhou Yi chose one of his daughters, it didn’t matter which one.

Just then, Qiao Yu descended the stairs in a new outfit.

Her hair cascaded loosely, exuding a soft, lazy elegance. She wore a white sweater similar to Qiao Xi’s, but shorter—accentuating her slender waist and curves.

The look was gentle and serene.

Perhaps knowing Zhou Yi preferred delicate women, she had deliberately styled herself after Qiao Xi’s fashion.

Her jewelry was gone, replaced by a meticulously crafted "no-makeup" makeup look.

No eyeliner, no mascara, no eyeshadow—nothing overtly colorful.

But Zhou Yi saw through her little tricks.

She had applied foundation for flawless skin, a touch of blush to plump her cheeks—all to appear naturally radiant.

The lipstick was applied subtly—a muted rosewood shade to brighten her complexion, paired with a touch of lip balm that left her lips looking dewy and plump.

Even the few stray strands of hair framing her forehead were deliberately left there, the ends treated with hair oil to enhance their softness and shine.

As she drew closer, Zhou Yi caught a faint, elusive fragrance—something delicate, almost like a natural body scent, neither overpowering nor cloying, just pleasantly soothing.

If he had to describe it, it resembled the gentle aroma of a high-end shower gel, yet without any hint of cheapness.

This was no accident; Qiao Yu had carefully selected this perfume, infused with a whisper of milky sweetness, designed to put others at ease—a scent utterly devoid of aggression.

Whenever she aimed to craft a specific impression, she tailored everything—her outfit, makeup, and even her perfume—to match the desired effect.

Right now, she wanted Zhou Yi to see her as nothing more than a gentle, approachable, and endearing woman—soft, unthreatening, and utterly charming.