?Everyone in their social fabric seemed to skirt around this truth, maintaining a facade as though all was in perfect order.

And it wasn’t just her own family; almost every household she knew harbored similar dark secrets.

Keeping a mistress seemed to be almost a societal norm, compelling her to establish a strict condition for any potential boyfriend: absolutely no affairs with other women, before or after marriage.

Initially, she proposed this condition to Cheng Xin more as a jest than a serious ultimatum, doubting anyone would sincerely adhere to it.

To her delight, however, he took it seriously and agreed, which pleasantly surprised her.

As a result, through a considered sequence of events, she found herself in a steady relationship, and she was genuinely happy about it.

“You have a brother?” Zhang Wei asked, his eyebrows arching in surprise at her causal mention.

Bai Wenling nodded as she turned the ignition key, the engine humming to life beneath them. “Yes, a younger brother. He’s currently navigating his last year of high school and will graduate next year… He’s very much your type,” she added, a playful tone coloring her words.

“What?” Zhang Wei expressed his surprise.

Bai Wenling smiled, “I mean, he shares the same hobbies as you—drinking, playing, and causing a bit of trouble with his small circle of friends.”

Zhang Wei nodded; he had been dismissing this girl for some time, yet she persistently found ways to needle him with her playful teasing.

If it weren’t for his strategy to not spook the prey before the final pounce, he would have long since taught her a lesson in humility.

“Don’t lump me with him; I’m better,” Zhang Wei asserted, feeling the need to protect his distinguished reputation from being tarnished by unfavorable comparisons.

Bai Wenling’s eyebrows arched inquisitively. “Oh, how so?”

“My tastes are more refined,” Zhang Wei stated confidently, his gaze piercing hers through the rearview mirror, which brought a hint of discomfort to Bai Wenling’s expression.

She cleared her throat, “You sure do.” She nodded, reflecting that Xiong Mei indeed operated in a completely different realm compared to the circles her brother frequented.

Shifting the conversation away from personal jibes, Zhang Wei asked, “Are you interested in the business side of things?”

“Yes… My brother shows no interest in taking over, and I’ve had a passion for the sea and boats ever since I was a child. Dad used to take us on sailing trips when we were young.” Her eyes sparkled with determination and a clear vision as she continued, “I want to branch out into cruise ships; owning one has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember.”

Zhang Wei listened attentively, careful not to interrupt her, although another one of their kind wasn’t so courteous.

[Host, are you not going to extend your claws to her? It’s the ideal opportunity!]

The system’s voice shrieked in his mind, prompting Zhang Wei to furrow his brows as he stole a glance at Bai Wenling, who remained focused and calm while navigating the car.

He briefly entertained the idea of stretching his hand toward her thigh to test his luck.

‘System, I’d smash your face if you continue with this nonsense,’ he warned sternly.

System, [Host, better my butt than my face!]

Zhang Wei was momentarily speechless, before he dryly remarked, ‘Should I also add some oil?’

System: [Absolutely, host! Lubrication is crucial!]

Zhang Wei: ‘Hot boiling oil, then.’

System: [I’m hotter than that, host! *Wink*]

Zhang Wei: “…”

Zhang Wei shook his head, trying to focus on the conversation with Bai Wenling rather than engage further with the perverted AI in his head.

At the end, Zhang Wei, asked Bai Wenling to drop him to he same hotel he came from, outside the Porsche was still parked illegally, it meant Cai Wenxi and Zhang Ming were still there.

His lips can’t help but curve seeing that.

_______

Inside the hotel room, a tranquil darkness enveloped the space, the only light filtered through the tightly drawn curtains that shielded the room from the outside world.

The plush bed in the center bore the gentle imprint of tranquility, its white sheets slightly disheveled, thanks to the restful sleep of the woman nestled within.

She was dressed in a simple black sleeveless top and matching shorts, suitable for the coolness provided by the air conditioning, which was blasting to its maximum chill to combat the heat of the day.

As she slept, her abdomen pressed gently against the mattress, a contented smile played upon her lips, her face the epitome of peace.

Every so often, she would shift slightly, her movements fluid and relaxed.

“Mm…”

Her hand gently rubbed her eyes, a soft purr escaping her as she savored the comfort of her dreams.

Gradually, she turned over, the sheets whispering softly against her as she moved.

Reaching out with a languid stretch, she pulled a nearby pillow into her embrace, hugging it tightly to her chest.

Her murmurs filled the room, a quiet melody of happiness in her slumber.

With a final adjustment, she drew the blanket up to fully envelop herself, cocooning her body in warmth.

Settling deeper into the cushioning embrace of the mattress, she let out a final, satisfied sigh.

The steady hum of the air conditioner blended with her gentle breathing, lulling her back into a deeper, more restful sleep.

“What a peaceful sloth…” Zhang Wei muttered under his breath, watching Cai Wenxi nestled comfortably in her blissful slumber. “Wasn’t she complaining of brain strokes earlier this morning? But how can someone without a brain even have brain strokes?”

A smirk played on his lips as he quipped, “Ah, I’ve got it! She must’ve been having retard strokes instead!”

Shaking his head with a mix of amusement and resignation, Zhang Wei stealthily approached the bed. He reached out and gently grasped the edge of her blanket and the pillow she was tightly hugging.

Whoosh!

“!!!”

“Wha—”

Cai Wenxi’s eyes snapped open in startled confusion, feeling an unexpected weight pressing down on her. Before she could react, she felt a hand firmly cover her mouth.

“Shhh! Don’t shout,” Zhang Wei whispered urgently, his eyes locking with hers to convey the seriousness.