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

In the early winter of Jianghai City, the wind carried a chilly edge, but the city's capital fever reached its peak due to the upcoming IPO of "Qingche Entertainment".

Three days have passed since Alice Rothschild took Su Xiaoruan's hair sample. During these three days, Jiang Che acted as if nothing had happened, going to the company to handle the final procedures for the IPO as usual, visiting the film set as usual, and even having the leisure to cook an extremely elaborate fish maw and chicken soup for Shen Qingge at home. But deep within his seemingly calm eyes, a barely perceptible wariness lurked. He knew that once Pandora's box was opened, what would follow would not only be immense wealth, but also a potential abyss capable of swallowing everything.

The CEO's office on the top floor of the Qingche Building.

Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the neon lights of Lujiazui intertwined into a flowing sea of ​​light in the night. Shen Qingge, dressed in a smart business suit, held a freshly completed financial statement in her hand, her expression a mixture of excitement and a touch of daze.

"Jiang Che has gone mad. The market has gone completely mad."

Shen Qingge put down the report and walked to Jiang Che, who was sitting on the sofa with his eyes closed, resting. Her voice trembled slightly: "Just now, the roadshow ended. Our oversubscription rate reached an astonishing 500 times! More than three trillion yuan in funds were frozen! The opening price is expected to be 30% higher than our initial valuation of 100 billion yuan! In other words, once the bell rings, Qingche Entertainment's market value will directly exceed 130 billion yuan!"

"130 billion..." Shen Qingge took a deep breath. "Six months ago, I was still worried about the Shen Group's few billion in working capital. Now, we have actually built a trillion-dollar empire."

Jiang Che opened his eyes, reached out and pulled her into his arms, letting her sit on his lap. He nuzzled his chin against her neck and said, "You're satisfied with just 130 billion? President Shen, you need to broaden your horizons a bit more."

"This isn't enough?" Shen Qingge looked at him in surprise. "This is already the ceiling of the domestic entertainment industry!"

"A ceiling?" Jiang Che chuckled, his gaze drifting to the deep night sky outside the window. "For the domestic market, perhaps. But if we add what's about to happen... it's just a foundation."

"What's going to happen next?" Shen Qingge was taken aback. "You mean... Xiao Ruan's background?"

Just then, the office's private elevator door opened with a "ding".

Han Xiao walked in hurriedly, without even knocking. Behind him followed the powerful European noblewoman, Alice Rothschild, and four solemn-looking bodyguards in black carrying silver briefcases.

At this moment, Alice's face no longer held the composure and elegance of that day; instead, it displayed extreme excitement, tension, and even awe.

"Mr. Jiang, Ms. Shen."

Alice walked quickly to Jiang Che, and without even sitting down, she gestured to the bodyguard to open the silver briefcase.

"Click".

The box was opened.

Inside was an authentication report stamped with the Rothschild family's wax seal, and an antique-style rose badge inlaid with a rare red diamond.

"The results are in."

Alice's voice trembled, and her eyes reddened:

"Biological parentage probability... 99.9999%".

"Miss Su Xiaoruan is the only child in this world of my husband Karl Rothschild and that Chinese woman."

"She is also the only direct female heir of the Rothschild family."

Although she was mentally prepared, Shen Qingge still couldn't help but cover her mouth when the result was actually presented to her.

Rothschild.

This family, which has been mythologized in the Western world for two centuries, this behemoth that supposedly controls half the world's wealth, has actually gotten involved with Su Xiaoruan, who only eats snacks and acts cute all day long.

"The only one?" Jiang Che keenly caught the word. "Doesn't your husband have any other children?"

Alice took a deep breath, her eyes dimming slightly: "Yes. But his two sons with his ex-wife died in a skiing accident three years ago... And I, due to health reasons, am unable to have children."

"Therefore, the situation within the family is very delicate right now. Several uncles from the collateral branches are eyeing the position of patriarch with covetous intent."

"The appearance of Xiao Ruan is God's last blessing to Karl, and the only hope to save the direct bloodline of the family."

At this point, Alice suddenly bowed deeply to Jiang Che, her posture extremely humble:

"Mr. Jiang, I know this request is selfish. But given the current situation, with Karl seriously ill and internal strife within the family, I must ask you to allow me to take Xiao Ruan back to Europe to the family estate in Vienna to acknowledge her roots."

"Only when she's around can Karl feel at ease. Only when she's around will those collateral relatives dare not act rashly."

Jiang Che didn't speak. He picked up the red diamond rose badge and gently stroked its cold, icy facets with his fingertips.

He was weighing his options.

Going to Europe means Su Xiaoruan will rise to the top, becoming a world-class socialite with unimaginable wealth and status. But it also means she will be caught in a power vortex a hundred times more terrifying than that of the Ye and Song families.

"What does this badge represent?" Jiang Che suddenly asked.

"This is the 'Thorn Rose' medal," Alice explained. "Owning it grants you 30% of the voting rights in the Rothschild family's core foundation, as well as... the authority to mobilize the family's private army, the 'Iron Cross'."

"30% of the voting rights?" Shen Qingge gasped.

This isn't a badge; it's clearly a ticket to the center of world power!

"it is good."

Jiang Che put the badge back in the box, closed the lid, and his eyes became unusually firm:

"Recognizing one's ancestors and returning to one's roots is permissible."

"But it's not you who takes her. It's me who takes her."

"What?" Alice was taken aback.

"I said it." Jiang Che stood up, straightened his suit, and instantly exuded an aura of supreme authority. "She is my sister, an artist under Qingche Entertainment. Every step she takes must be within my sight."

"I will go to Europe. I will go to Vienna. But not as a 'protected person,' but as..."

Jiang Che's lips curled into a cold smile:

"In the capacity of her brother and the CEO of Sky Capital."

"I want to let those collateral branches of your family know that behind Su Xiaoruan stands not only a Rothschild patriarch father, but also... a Chinese brother they can't afford to offend."

Alice looked at the young man before her, a strange sense of awe washing over her. She had a feeling that his arrival would likely unleash an unprecedented storm in Europe's ancient and corrupt world of fame and fortune.

"Great! I'll arrange a private jet right away!" Alice said excitedly.

"No rush."

Jiang Che waved his hand: "Tonight is Qingche Entertainment's listing celebration banquet, and also Xiaoruan's movie wrap party. Let her have a happy night."

"As for those monsters and demons who want to intercept us halfway..."

Jiang Che turned to look at the dark night sky outside the window, a cold glint flashing in his eyes:

"Since you're here, don't be in such a hurry to leave."

……

8 PM, W Hotel on the Bund.

The celebration banquet for Qingche Entertainment took place on the entire rooftop terrace bar. Champagne towers were piled high, and countless celebrities from the entertainment industry and bigwigs from the business world gathered there, clinking glasses and glittering with elegant attire.

Su Xiaoruan was the absolute star tonight. She wore a white haute couture gown designed by Jiang Che himself, looking like a little angel who had fallen to earth. She wore the nine-dragon jade pendant around her neck, held a glass of juice in her hand, and was surrounded by a group of usually unapproachable movie stars, laughing carefree.

She was unaware of the truth about her background and only thought that everyone was celebrating the company's IPO.

Jiang Che and Shen Qingge stood on the edge of the terrace, holding wine glasses, watching Xiao Ruan being surrounded by a crowd.

"You really don't plan to tell her?" Shen Qingge asked softly.

"Let's leave it at that for tonight." Jiang Che took a sip of his drink. "Let her be carefree Su Xiaoruan for one more night. When she wakes up tomorrow, she'll be the eldest daughter of the Rothschild family."

Just then, Han Xiao walked over nervously and whispered in Jiang Che's ear:

"Boss, 'Shadow' has just intercepted a piece of intelligence."

"A bounty appeared on the dark web an hour ago. Target: Su Xiaoruan. Bounty: 100 million US dollars."

"The job was taken by 'Viper,' Europe's top professional assassin organization. Intelligence indicates that their people have already infiltrated Jianghai City, and may even be nearby."

Shen Qingge's hand trembled, and the wine glass almost fell.

"One hundred million US dollars?" Jiang Che's expression didn't change at all; instead, a bloodthirsty smile appeared on his face. "It seems that some people in Europe are more well-informed than I thought. They're in a hurry and want to nip Xiao Ruan in the bud before she can be recognized by her ancestors."

"Boss, should we stop the banquet immediately and move Xiao Ruan?" Han asked with a smile.

"Need not."

Jiang Che shook his head, his gaze sweeping over the brightly lit skyscrapers around him:

"This is China. This is my territory."

"Since 'Viper' dares to come, let's pull out its teeth, skin it, and send it back to the people over there as a return gift."

"system."

Jiang Che silently recited in his heart.

[Host, I am here. 】

"Activate [God-level Perception - Full-area Scan]".

[Ding! Skill activated. Coverage area: one kilometer radius.]

[Scanning for hostile targets...]

[WARNING! High-risk target detected!]

[Target 1: Rooftop of the building opposite, at 9 o'clock, 800 meters away, one Barrett M82A1 sniper rifle, one person with a thermal signature.]

[Target Two: Inside a black minivan in the downstairs parking lot, a high-explosive reaction has occurred.]

[Target 3: Inside the banquet hall, disguised as a waiter, carrying a cyanide-laced needle, 15 meters away from Su Xiaoruan.]

Jiang Che's pupils suddenly contracted.

A comprehensive, multi-dimensional attack from land, sea, and air? It seems the other side is going all out this time, determined to destroy Xiao Ruan.

"Qingge".

Jiang Che put down his wine glass and gently smoothed Shen Qingge's hair, his voice as tender as if he were whispering sweet nothings:

"Take Xiaoruan to the lounge to touch up her makeup. No matter what noise you hear, don't come out."

"And what about you?" Shen Qingge looked into his eyes, which were a bottomless black.

"I'm going to deal with a few rats."

Jiang Che turned around and made a "throat-slitting" gesture at Han Xiao.

……

Inside the banquet hall, the music was deafening.

A young waiter carrying a tray was approaching Su Xiaoruan casually, his head bowed. His right hand was hidden under the tray, with a tiny, hair-thin poison needle between his fingertips.

Nearly.

ten meters.

five meters.

Just as he was about to walk behind Su Xiaoruan and prepare to make his move...

A hand suddenly landed on his shoulder.

"Dude, the beer's good."

The waiter was startled. Before he could turn around, he felt a tremendous force coming from his shoulder, followed by a dizzying sensation.

Jiang Che put his arm around his shoulder, like two good brothers, and forcibly led him toward the emergency exit on the side.

"Let...let me go..." The waiter tried to struggle, but found that all his strength was blocked by that hand, and he couldn't even make a sound.

"Shhh."

Jiang Che whispered in his ear:

"Don't move. Otherwise, you might prick yourself with that poisoned needle."

The two entered the emergency exit.

The door had just closed.

"Snap!"

A crisp sound.

The waiter's neck was snapped, and he collapsed limply to the ground. The poisoned needle fell to the ground with him.

Jiang Che didn't even glance at the corpse, and directly pressed the microphone to give the order:

"Shadow Team, get rid of that black van in the parking lot. Make sure it's spotless."

"Shadow Team Two, take the sniper on the rooftop of the building across the street alive."

"Yes!" came a cold reply through the earpiece.

……

Meanwhile, on the rooftop of the building opposite.

The cold wind howled.

A sniper in camouflage was lying prone on the ground, his eyes glued to the scope. The crosshairs were locked onto Su Xiaoruan on the terrace. Although the opportunity was fleeting due to the crowd obscuring the view, he was very patient.

He is Viper's top sniper, codenamed "Hawkeye".

Goodbye, little princess.

Hawkeye muttered to himself as his finger slowly pulled the trigger.

Just then.

A chilling sensation suddenly ran down his spine from behind.

His instincts as a top assassin made him abandon the shot without hesitation, roll over suddenly, and draw the pistol from his waist to fire backward.

But, it's too late.

A dark figure appeared behind him like a ghost.

There were no gunshots.

Only a flash of cold light appeared.

Hawkeye felt a chill on his wrist, followed by excruciating pain—his pistol, along with half of his hand, was severed!

"ah--!!"

Just as Hawkeye was about to scream, his mouth was tightly covered by a hand wearing a tactical glove.

Several members of the "Shadow" team, dressed in black combat uniforms, pinned him to the ground and skillfully dislocated his jaw and limb joints.

"Boss, the sniper is under control."

A report came through the headset.

At this moment, Jiang Che was standing on the terrace of the banquet hall, still holding that glass of wine in his hand, as if he had never left.

"very good."

Jiang Che responded calmly:

"Find out who's behind this. Then... cut off his head and put it in a gift box."

"I'm taking this to Europe tomorrow to give to that 'relative' who wanted to kill my sister."

"clear."

……

Ten minutes later.

Shen Qingge led Su Xiaoruan, who had touched up her makeup, back to the banquet hall.

Su Xiaoruan, completely unaware that she had just narrowly escaped death, happily held Jiang Che's hand: "Brother! Look, is my makeup ruined? Sister insisted on dragging me to touch up my makeup, and I haven't had enough of that caviar yet!"

Looking at her innocent face, Jiang Che's murderous intent instantly transformed into endless tenderness.

"It's beautiful even without flowers."

Jiang Che patted her head:

"Want some caviar?"

"I'll take you somewhere tomorrow where the caviar is so good you can eat it as a meal."

"Really? Where to?" Su Xiaoruan's eyes lit up.

Jiang Che turned around, his gaze fixed on the distant west, on that ancient and mysterious continent:

Vienna.

"It's also your... hometown."

……

The celebration banquet concluded successfully that evening.

In the underworld of Jianghai City, a terrifying legend circulates: overnight, the top European assassin organization "Viper" was completely wiped out in Jianghai, and not a single body was found.

The next morning.

A giant Boeing 747 special plane painted with the Sky Capital logo (a larger plane was used because of the large number of people and the need to transport special "gifts") took off in the morning light.

Inside the cabin.

Su Xiaoruan looked out the window at the city growing smaller and smaller, clutching the forensic report and the rose badge tightly in her hand. Last night, after returning home, Jiang Che and Shen Qingge finally told her the truth.

She cried, made a scene, and couldn't believe it.

But in the end, she calmed down in Jiang Che's arms.

"elder brother."

Su Xiaoruan turned her head and looked at Jiang Che sitting next to her. Her eyes were a little red and swollen, but her gaze was more determined than ever before.

"I'm not afraid."

"Although I don't know this Karl daddy, and I don't want that money."

"But you said that if I don't go, they will keep sending people to kill me, and even hurt you and your sister."

"So I'm going."

Su Xiaoruan clenched her small hands into fists:

"I'm going to tell those bad guys that I'm Su Xiaoruan, that I have my brother to protect me, and that I'm not afraid of them!"

Jiang Che's heart skipped a beat.

That little girl who only knew how to act cute and charming has finally grown up at this moment.

"it is good."

Jiang Che grasped her small fist and pinned the thorny rose badge to her chest:

"remember."

"From today onwards, you are more than just Su Xiaoruan."

"You are still the queen of the Rothschild family."

"When you get to Europe, just walk with your head held high. Who dares to make you bow your head..."

Jiang Che glanced at the black custom-made gift box at his feet (containing the sniper's "gift" from last night):

"I'll make him bow his head to the dust."

The plane broke through the clouds and flew westward.

Meanwhile, thousands of kilometers away in Vienna, deep within an ancient castle, several elderly men in tailcoats sat around a round table, looking at the intelligence report that had just arrived: "Assassination failed, the entire army was wiped out."

"It seems that the Chinese man is more difficult to deal with than we imagined," an old man said grimly.

"Then let's activate Plan B." Another old man sneered. "This is Europe. This is our home turf. Here, even a dragon has to coil up before you."