He wants to adopt a younger sister, but his aloof wife disagrees.

Shen Qingge looked at him, and the ice in her eyes melted instantly, turning into a pool of spring water.

"A little." She nodded obediently, completely losing her queen-like demeanor from before.

Louis was completely ignored. This feeling of being treated like air infuriated him.

"You're Jiang Che?"

Louis sized Jiang Che up and down, his eyes filled with disdain: "You're dressed all smartly, aren't you? I heard you're just a gigolo?"

Jiang Che then turned his head and gave him a brief, indifferent glance.

His gaze was calm and unwavering, as if he were looking at an ant on the roadside.

Louis de Valois.

Jiang Che pronounced his full name accurately, his tone flat: "The third in line to the Valois family's collateral branch. He only owns two wineries on the verge of bankruptcy and a mountain of gambling debts. His trip to China is ostensibly for inspection, but in reality, he wants to use the Shen Group's investment to fill the 30 million euro hole you lost in Macau."

With each word Jiang Che spoke, Louis's face paled a little more.

By the end, Louis was sweating profusely and his legs were weak.

"How...how did you know?!" Louis pointed at Jiang Che in horror. "You investigated me?!"

Jiang Che chuckled, pushed away Louis's finger pointing at him, and disgustedly wiped his hands with a handkerchief.

"Investigate you? You're not worthy."

"This information is readily available on European financial blacklists."

Jiang Che took a step forward, closing in on Louis. He was half a head taller than Louis, and the oppressive feeling made Louis involuntarily retreat.

"Mr. Louis, the Shen Group's money isn't so easily swindled."

Jiang Che's voice was soft, yet it was like a thunderclap:

"You have three minutes. Take your roses and get out of here. Otherwise, I don't mind sending those videos of you in Macau to your family elders."

"You..." Louis completely broke down. If the family elders found out he had embezzled public funds for gambling, they would immediately strip him of his inheritance rights!

"I'm leaving! I'm leaving right now!"

Louis grabbed the roses from the table and rushed out of the office in a disheveled state, not daring to look back.

The office returned to silence.

Shen Qingge looked at Jiang Che, her eyes practically overflowing with admiration.

"Mr. Jiang, you've done a good job with the intelligence work," Shen Qingge teased with a smile.

"That's right." Jiang Che opened the food box and took out a bowl of steaming bird's nest. "In this house, besides cooking, you have to have some other skills, otherwise how can you keep things in order?"

Shen Qingge took the bird's nest, took a sip, and felt the sweetness in her mouth and warmth in her heart.

"Thank you, honey," she said sweetly.

Jiang Che affectionately patted her head: "Eat quickly, then go home. The birthday girl can't work overtime tonight."

……

Six o'clock in the evening, at Qingcheli Manor.

As dusk fell, the city lights began to illuminate the night.

Jiang Che was putting the finishing touches on things in the kitchen.

Tonight's birthday party was a private affair, with no outsiders invited, just the three of them (plus Han Xiao).

But the specifications are by no means low.

A white lace tablecloth covered the long dining table, adorned with exquisite silver candlesticks and crystal wine glasses. The flowers were Shen Qingge's favorite white tulips, air-freighted from the Netherlands, their petals still glistening with dew.

Su Xiaoruan is back.

She was changing clothes in her room.

This is a family dinner with no outsiders present, but it needs to be even more formal.

Twenty minutes later, Su Xiaoruan came downstairs.

She changed out of her business attire and into a champagne-colored cocktail dress. The dress was made of satin, with a halter neckline that revealed her delicate collarbones and rounded shoulders. The skirt was short, just reaching her knees, giving her a lively and playful look. She styled her hair in an updo and wore the pearl bracelet Jiang Che had given her before, making her look like a refined little princess.

"Brother, where's sister-in-law?" Su Xiaoruan walked into the kitchen and secretly ate a piece of sliced ​​ham.

"Go upstairs and change your clothes." Jiang Che slapped her hand away. "Go wash your hands, they're full of germs."

"Okay!"

Just then, footsteps came from the stairs.

Jiang Che and Su Xiaoruan looked up at the same time.

For a moment, they both held their breath.

Shen Qingge came down.

She was wearing a black velvet dress.

This dress was designed by Jiang Che himself.

The extremely figure-hugging cut perfectly accentuated her 1.72-meter-tall, devilish figure. The deep V-neckline revealed a large expanse of snow-white skin and a deep cleavage. The back, however, was draped open all the way to her waist, revealing her beautifully sculpted back and shoulder blades that gleamed alluringly under the lights.

The skirt had a high slit, and as she walked, her long, straight, beautiful legs were faintly visible, exuding a sophisticated sexiness.

She wore a set of ruby ​​jewelry. The rubies on the necklace were as big as pigeon eggs, as red as burning flames, which made her skin look even whiter than snow.

Her hair was permed into retro finger waves, her lips were as red as blood, and her eyes were captivating.

At this moment, she was no longer the capable female CEO, but a stunningly beautiful and alluring woman.

"Oh my god... Sister-in-law, you're so beautiful!" Su Xiaoruan exclaimed. "If I were a man, I would definitely steal you away!"

Jiang Che put down the spatula in his hand and stared intently at Shen Qingge as she walked down.

His Adam's apple bobbed up and down.

Even after watching her for so long, she still amazed him.

"It's beautiful."

Jiang Che walked over, took her hand, and kissed the back of it: "You're so beautiful that I don't want you to go out."

Shen Qingge smiled, a hint of allure in her eyes: "I won't go out; I'll just stay home and show you."

……

The banquet officially began.

The candlelight flickered, and the red wine smelled wonderful.

Jiang Che made Wellington steak, Shen Qingge's favorite dish, as well as French-style baked snails and cream of mushroom soup.

The three raised their glasses.

"Happy birthday, Qingge." Jiang Che looked at her with deep affection.

"Happy birthday, sister-in-law!" Su Xiaoruan raised her glass as well.

"Thank you." Shen Qingge took a sip of red wine, a happy smile on her face.

After the meal, it was time to give gifts.

Su Xiaoruan mysteriously took out a box.

"Sister-in-law, this is a gift for you!"

Shen Qingge opened the box.

Inside was a hand-knitted cashmere scarf.

Although the stitches are a bit uneven and there are even a few wrong stitches, it is clear that it was knitted with care.

"I spent the whole summer knitting this!" Su Xiaoruan scratched her head a little shyly. "I know you have so many designer scarves, but this one... is one of a kind! And it's made with the best cashmere yarn, it'll be absolutely warm!"

Shen Qingge picked up the scarf, wrapped it around her neck, and felt its softness.

"I really like it." Shen Qingge reached out and hugged Su Xiaoruan, her eyes slightly red. "This is the warmest gift I've ever received."

Su Xiaoruan smiled happily, revealing two small dimples.

Next came Jiang Che's gift.

He took out a black velvet box.

"Open it and take a look."

Shen Qingge opened the box.

There's a key inside.

A bronze-colored key that looks quite old.

"What is this?" Shen Qingge asked in confusion.

"This is the key to an 18th-century castle in Provence."

Jiang Che said calmly:

"I bought it and renamed it 'Qinggebao'."

"There are vast fields of lavender, and your favorite rose garden."

"When we get old, or when you want to rest, we'll go live there."

"This is your territory."

Shen Qingge looked at the key, her hand trembling slightly.

An ancient castle.

It is not only priceless, but also a weighty promise.

He was paving the way for their future, giving her a safe haven forever.

"Jiang Che..."

Shen Qingge's tears finally fell.

She threw herself into Jiang Che's arms, hugging him tightly, unable to utter a single word.

Su Xiaoruan watched from the side, feeling a little envious, but mostly touched.

"Brother, you really love her."

She quietly picked up her phone and took a picture of the scene.

……

Late at night.

The banquet ended.

Su Xiaoruan tactfully returned to her room, leaving the couple alone.

In the master bedroom, only Jiang Che and Shen Qingge remained.

Shen Qingge drank some wine and was slightly tipsy.

She leaned against the headboard, the shoulder strap of her black velvet dress slipping halfway down, revealing her rounded shoulders.

Jiang Che.

She called out, her voice tinged with a sweet, intoxicating slur.

"Um?"

Jiang Che had just finished showering, his hair was still wet, and he was only wearing a bath towel.

He walked to the bedside and leaned down to look at her.

"Have you given all the gifts?" Shen Qingge asked, looking at him with a dreamy expression.

"All delivered."

"No, there's one more."

Shen Qingge stretched out her foot, her jade-like foot, painted with red nail polish, gently stepping on his abdominal muscles and sliding upwards:

I want you.

Jiang Che's eyes darkened instantly.

He grabbed her ankle and leaned down to press against her.

"Mr. Shen, that's a different price."

"Then...forever."

Shen Qingge hooked her arms around his neck and kissed him.

This night was destined to be a sleepless one.

The moon outside the window seemed to shyly hide behind the clouds.

……

In the next room.

Su Xiaoruan did not sleep.

She was wearing her pajamas, leaning on the balcony railing, looking at the stars in the night sky.

The evening breeze lifted her long hair.

She was holding a half-finished glass of champagne.

"Eighteen years old...nineteen years old..."

She murmured to herself.

Time flies.

"Brother, you promised me."

"Twenty-five years old."

"I'll hold."

She raised her glass and clinked it against the moon:

"To the future."

"To...that uncertain, yet hopeful future."

Su Xiaoruan tilted her head back and drank the champagne, a stubborn smile playing on her lips.

She turned and went back into the house, closing the French windows.

Another photo has been added to that encrypted album.

That was the look in Jiang Che's eyes when he looked at Shen Qingge tonight.

"Someday."

"I want you to look at me like that too."

...

...

In November, the autumn colors in Jianghai City were already at their peak.

The plane tree leaves lining the streets have turned from golden to dark brown, thickly carpeting the sidewalks, making a crisp, crackling sound when stepped on. A distinct chill lingers in the wind, feeling like a cold knife against the face, a reminder that winter is about to take over the city.

The mornings at Qingche Manor are tranquil and warm.

In the master bedroom's walk-in closet, warm yellow light spilled onto the soft, plush carpet. A faint scent of white tea filled the air, a fragrance Shen Qingge had recently favored, cool yet with a hint of sweet warmth.

At 7:30 in the morning, Shen Qingge was standing in front of a huge full-length mirror.

She's going to Jianghai University's arts festival today, and although she's going as a "family member," as the queen of Jianghai's business world, her attire is never casual.

She chose a deep caramel-colored cashmere coat. The color perfectly captured the autumnal feel; it was a classic Max Mara design, with a clean, flowing cut and a luxurious, water-ripple sheen in the fabric. The coat was open, revealing a black turtleneck fitted knit top underneath, hugging her upper body and accentuating her full yet not bulky bust. She paired it with a matching wool straight skirt, the length falling past her knees, revealing only a sliver of her calves clad in semi-sheer black stockings, her ankles slender, and finished with seven-centimeter black pointed-toe ankle boots.

Shen Qingge turned slightly to the side, scrutinizing herself in the mirror. Her long hair was loosely pulled back, secured with a tortoiseshell hairpin, with a few stray strands falling at her temples, adding a touch of gentleness. Her face was adorned with a refined matte makeup, her eyebrows slightly arched, her eye makeup using earth tones to deepen the contours, and her lipstick a powerful reddish-brown that both brightened her complexion and commanded attention.

"How about this scarf?"

Jiang Che walked in. He was holding a Hermès geometric patterned silk scarf in his hand, with a contrasting design of orange and gray.

Today he wore a black turtleneck sweater, a dark gray wool overcoat, and crisp black trousers. This outfit made him look tall and slender, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, exuding an elegant and profound British gentlemanly air.

Shen Qingge turned around and looked at the man who had walked behind her in the mirror. The two of them were surprisingly harmonious in color, looking just like a couple on a fashion magazine cover.

"It's a bit too flashy." Shen Qingge frowned slightly, looking at the silk scarf. "Isn't it a little too ostentatious?"

"Won't."

Jiang Che walked up to her, folded the silk scarf into a long, thin strip, and skillfully and gently wrapped it around her neck, tying an elegant knot at the collar. The bright orange accents against the deep caramel coat instantly brightened the overall look, making her appear even more radiant and beautiful.

"We're going to a performance today, not a negotiation, so you don't need to dress so drab." Jiang Che looked down at her, his fingers gently adjusting the edge of the scarf, his fingertips inadvertently brushing against her delicate chin.

Shen Qingge raised her eyelids and looked at Jiang Che, who was so close to her. His gaze was focused and gentle, and his pupils reflected only her image.

"That's true." Shen Qingge smiled and reached out to straighten his trench coat collar. "That girl, Xiaoruan, has been so nervous about her debut today that she hasn't slept well for days. How can we make a good impression on her if we don't dress smartly?"

"Don't worry, I've got everything sorted out." Jiang Che took her hand, kissed it, and said, "Let's go have breakfast first."

……

Jianghai University, backstage of the auditorium.

At 10 a.m., four hours before the festival's opening, the backstage area was already in complete chaos. Makeup artists, costume designers, and props students were rushing around, their shouts and music blending together.

In her private dressing room (which Jiang Che had specially arranged), Su Xiaoruan sat in front of the makeup mirror, her body stiff as a stone.

Today she's performing a classic scene from the play "Romeo and Juliet"—but with a special adaptation. Because of Jiang Che's "domineering family rule" of "no kissing scenes, no intimate contact" (although Jiang Che didn't say it explicitly, Su Xiaoruan specifically asked the director to change the script to avoid suspicion), the play has become a psychological drama mainly based on Juliet's inner monologue.

The unfortunate "Romeo" was cast by the director as a "tool" who wore a mask throughout the film and was only responsible for posing in the background. He didn't even touch Su Xiaoruan once.

At this moment, Su Xiaoruan had already changed into her costume.

It was an extremely gorgeous European-style court dress.

The dress was made of heavy ivory silk, embroidered with intricate rose patterns in gold and silver thread. A tight-fitting corset cinched her waist, making it appear extremely slender, while the square neckline revealed a large expanse of snow-white skin and delicate, deep collarbones. The enormous skirt, layered and supported by a crinoline, occupied half of the dressing room.

Her hair was styled into an intricate updo, adorned with pearls and flowers. Her face was covered in heavy stage makeup, with a flawless, fair complexion and deep, expressive eye makeup. A few teardrop-shaped rhinestones adorned the corners of her eyes, sparkling under the lights. Her lips were painted a vintage rose red, full and alluring.

"Little Soft Senior, your hands are so cold."

The junior assistant next to Su Xiaoruan held her hand and said with some concern, "Is the air conditioning too cold?"

"No...no..." Su Xiaoruan took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly, "I'm nervous...this is my first time performing in a play in front of the whole school, and...and my brother is coming today."

"Jiang is coming?!" The junior's eyes lit up instantly. "Oh my god! Can I get his autograph later?"

"Can't you be a little more dignified!" Su Xiaoruan glared at her, but her palms were sweating even more.

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the door of the dressing room.

"Enter."

The door was pushed open.

Jiang Che walked in.

He carried a delicate insulated bag and was alone. His appearance instantly silenced the previously noisy dressing room for a few seconds. His powerful aura made the surrounding girls hold their breath.

"elder brother!"

When Su Xiaoruan saw Jiang Che, her tense nerves snapped instantly. She tried to stand up, but because her skirt was too big and heavy, she lost her balance and almost fell back down.

Jiang Che reacted quickly, taking two steps forward and reaching out to support her arm.

"Sit still and don't move around."

Jiang Che's voice was deep and steady, carrying a reassuring strength. He placed the insulated bag on the table and glanced at Su Xiaoruan.

A look of amazement flashed across his eyes.

Today, Su Xiaoruan truly resembles a medieval princess who stepped out of an oil painting. Her nobility and purity, combined with her unique girlish charm, make her so beautiful that it's impossible to look away.

"It's beautiful." Jiang Che didn't hold back his praise. "This outfit suits you very well."

"Really?" Su Xiaoruan looked up at him, her big eyes blinking. "But it's so tight and uncomfortable... I can hardly breathe."

"Bear with it, it'll be over in a few hours."

Jiang Che opened the insulated bag, took out a cup of warm honey water, inserted a straw, and held it to her lips:

"Drink some water first, to soothe your throat. Your voice was trembling a bit just now."

Su Xiaoruan drank a few sips of water from his hand; the warm liquid slid down her throat, relieving the dryness and tension.

"Brother, that 'Romeo'..." Su Xiaoruan cautiously observed Jiang Che's expression, "It was arranged by the director, but I swear, I kept a distance of more than a meter from him! We didn't even make eye contact!"

Jiang Che couldn't help but chuckle as he watched her nervously trying to show her loyalty.

He reached out, but instead of ruffling her hair (afraid of messing up her hairstyle), he gently brushed her nose:

"I know. The director already informed me."

"Huh? The director is reporting to you?" Su Xiaoruan was stunned.

Jiang Che sat down on the chair next to him, his long legs crossed, his posture relaxed and elegant.

"Otherwise, where do you think this separate, luxurious dressing room came from? And that top-of-the-line sound system that was just installed on stage, and this costume that was custom-made just for you?"

Su Xiaoruan's eyes widened.

She knew it! When did the school's funding become so plentiful? The quality of this costume is even better than what we have on set! Turns out... it's all thanks to her brother's "money power"!

"This is called...mystery investment."

Jiang Che looked at her, his eyes deep and gentle:

"This is your debut. I want everyone to know that Su Xiaoruan is not just a star, but the sole focus of attention on stage."

"As long as you stand there, all the light will come to you."

Upon hearing this, Su Xiaoruan's heart skipped a beat.

She looked at the excessively handsome man in front of her.

He's always like that.

He arranged everything quietly and subtly, giving her the best, the most expensive, and the most pampering.

"elder brother……"

Su Xiaoruan's eyes welled up with tears. She wanted to throw herself into his arms, but her heavy dress was an obstacle.

She could only reach out and tightly grasp Jiang Che's hand, which was resting on his knee.

"Thank you."

"I'll perform well. I won't let you down."

Jiang Che took her hand in his own; his palm was warm and dry.

"Don't try to make me look good."

He looked into her eyes, his tone earnest:

"You just need to enjoy the stage. Perform for yourself, and... perform for me too."

……

2 PM, Jianghai University Auditorium.

This is a century-old building with a soaring dome, exuding classical charm. At this moment, the auditorium is packed to capacity, with students even crowding the aisles.

In the VIP room on the second floor.

It offers the best view and is relatively private.

Jiang Che and Shen Qingge sat side by side. Exquisite tea, snacks, and fruit were laid out on the table.

"President Jiang, you've really gone all out." Shen Qingge looked at the Broadway-level lighting and stage design on the stage, a smile playing on her lips. "To let my sister perform in a play, you replaced all the lighting and sound equipment at the school."

"If you want to do a good job, you must first have the right tools." Jiang Che peeled a grape and held it to her lips. "If you're going to act, you should act the best. Besides, this is also a contribution to the school, making it easier for campus recruitment next year."

Shen Qingge opened her mouth and ate a grape, giving him a half-smile: "That's a good reason."

The lights gradually dimmed.

The curtain rises.

The whole place fell silent.

A spotlight shone on the center of the stage.

There stood a girl wearing an ivory-white long dress.

Su Xiaoruan.

She had her back to the audience, her shoulders trembling slightly.

The music began, a poignant cello solo.

She slowly turned around.

At that moment, a close-up of her was shown on the big screen.

That face was delicate, pale, and tragically beautiful. Tears welled up in her eyes, but stubbornly refused to fall.