I just made the mistake that all guys would make.

At the entrance of the Xiao Family mansion.

Jiang Che swaggered up to the door, carrying several large shopping bags in his hands.

"Tsk tsk tsk, as expected of the world’s richest man. This place is even more luxurious than my own home," he remarked, glancing around with admiration.

The perimeter of the Xiao Family villa was patrolled by over a dozen bodyguards, while inside, the estate was guarded exclusively by highly trained female security personnel—even a few martial artists who had reached the level of "Hua Jin" mastery.

With security measures like these, no ordinary street punk would ever get close enough to lay a finger on the Xiao sisters.

The fantasy of an underdog rising up to marry a wealthy beauty was nothing more than a pipe dream—about as realistic as a gold-digger’s delusion of landing a handsome, domineering CEO.

Finding a sugar daddy (or mommy) was far more achievable.

...

"Mr. Jiang, the young ladies are inside, but... what are all these things you’ve brought?"

The Xiao Family’s housekeeper stared in bewilderment at the shopping bags in Jiang Che’s hands.

Inside the bags were... vegetables? And meat?

What was this? Was he planning a barbecue at the Xiao estate?

But given Jiang Che’s status, she didn’t dare voice her confusion outright.

"What, not allowed?" Jiang Che replied shamelessly. "Last time I went on a date with Sisi, I told her I’m an excellent cook. I promised I’d make her a romantic homemade dinner next time."

The housekeeper fell silent, forcing an awkward smile. "Young Master Jiang is certainly... down-to-earth."

If Xiao Chuan heard that Jiang Che was planning to cook a "romantic dinner" for Xiao Sisi, he’d probably explode in fury.

As the housekeeper, she discreetly sent a text to Xiao Chuan:

[Mr. Xiao, there’s a rat in the house! A rat in the house!]

Meanwhile, Xiao Chuan was enjoying a round of golf while discussing business over tea.

"A rat? What rat? Not even a mosquito could slip into my estate—where the hell would a rat come from?"

Puzzled at first, Xiao Chuan’s expression quickly darkened as realization struck.

His face twisted as if he’d just swallowed a plate of dog crap.

......

Jiang Che strolled into the Xiao mansion with the ease of a man walking through his own home.

Xiao Sisi was already seated on the living room sofa, her posture rigid, her delicate face clouded with worry.

Beside her sat a girl who looked nearly identical—Xiao An’an.

"Jiang Che..." Xiao Sisi started to rise upon seeing him, but Xiao An’an held her back.

Xiao An’an looked Jiang Che up and down with a scrutinizing gaze.

Hmm… he was undeniably handsome. Too bad he was a scumbag—a certified playboy. She couldn’t let her sister fall into his clutches!

"Sisi, sorry I’m late," Jiang Che said, his lips curving into a smile so warm it could melt snow.

"Jiang Che, what’s all this?" Xiao Sisi blinked, eyeing the shopping bags at his feet.

"Oh, just some premium ingredients I handpicked. Remember what I promised during our last date? A home-cooked dinner, made with love. Today, I’m making good on that promise."

"Ah?" Xiao Sisi’s composure cracked, her eyes lighting up with anticipation.

"Hey, hey! Sis, what are you doing? Remember your mission!" Xiao An’an tugged at her sister’s sleeve, whispering urgently.

"Oh... right, I almost forgot." Xiao Sisi gulped.

Love-struck individuals instantly lose 90% of their IQ around their crush—and Xiao Sisi was no exception.

"J-Jiang Che, d-don’t change the subject! I-I’m here to ask you something, not to eat your cooking!" Xiao Sisi clenched her fists, trying to sound firm, but her flushed face ruined the effect.

"Oh? You want to ask about the other girls around me, right?" Jiang Che remained unshaken, his smile unflappable.

"Mm! Exactly! If you already have so many girls, why are you chasing me?"

Jiang Che paused, then sighed dramatically.

"Sisi, you know... I just made the same mistake every man makes."

Classic. Absolutely classic.

Jiang Che had just ascended to the meta-tier of excuses.

Xiao Sisi and Xiao An’an were both rendered speechless.

Slowly, Jiang Che raised his hand, gently brushing Xiao Sisi’s cheek.

"It’s true, there are many girls in my life. But they all love me, and I love them too. And you, Sisi... you’re the most special one to me."

"If you love me, Sisi, shouldn’t you accept all my flaws?"

Xiao Sisi: "......"

Yeah right, you old fox!

But her love-addled brain had already taken over. Even though she knew Jiang Che was feeding her lies, her heart still swayed in his favor.

It’s always harder to see clearly when you’re the one involved. That’s why even the sharpest minds fall for scams, why elderly folks get swindled into buying overpriced "health supplements"—same principle.

"Jiang Che... am I really the most special one?" Xiao Sisi asked hesitantly.

Xiao An’an was done.

"Sis, he’s playing you! Can’t you see that?" She shook her sister’s shoulders, as if trying to rattle some sense into her.

Jiang Che’s gaze flicked to Xiao An’an, momentarily distracted by her... ahem impressive headlights. Damn, they were blinding.

Xiao An’an wasn’t as much of a brat as her second sister, Xiao Wanwan, but she was still a handful.

Xiao Sisi bit her lip. "Jiang Che, if I’m really the most special one... would you leave the other girls for me?"

Jiang Che: "???"

Oh hell no. Was she seriously asking him to ditch an entire forest for one tree?

"Sisi, you are the most special to me, but those girls have already given themselves to me. I can’t just cast them aside like some heartless playboy."

The sheer audacity of this man—turning his harem tendencies into a noble virtue.

"Of course, if you truly have no feelings for me, or if you can’t accept my imperfections... then I suppose we’re just not meant to be."

"My princess Sisi, this subject... shall take his leave. And once I go, it’s forever."

Jiang Che laid on the melodrama thick, but since this world hadn’t yet been exposed to such cringeworthy tropes, Xiao Sisi found it heartbreakingly sincere.

"N-no! Don’t go!" Her voice trembled.

"Sis!!!" Xiao An’an was at her wit’s end. How could her own sister keep throwing herself at this man?

No amount of pulling could reel her back in.

Jiang Che shot Xiao An’an a sidelong glance. You wanna ruin my plans? Fine. I’ll just have to shove something in your mouth to shut you up.

"Sisi, let’s set this aside for now. First, I’ll fulfill my promise—your romantic dinner."

He stood gracefully, his gaze lingering on Xiao An’an.

"Since none of you have eaten yet, why not give my cooking a try?"

"Okay! I’m actually really hungry," Xiao Sisi agreed eagerly.

"Sis, you're... gurgle~~~~"

Xiao An'an's words were cut short by the loud growl of her stomach.

The young girl's cheeks instantly flushed crimson with embarrassment.

Jiang Che suppressed a smirk. He'd timed his visit perfectly—right around mealtime. With his god-tier culinary skills, there wasn't a girl he couldn't win over with a single meal.