Chapter 46

The selection process for SCD Consortium's partner in the Asia-Pacific region had finally reached the most critical step: announcing the final bidder.
After months of scheming and overt power struggles among several prominent domestic corporations, the final curtain was about to fall. The winner was soon to be revealed.
On the day of the final vote, the CEOs of these corporations attended in person, each making a last-ditch effort. After all, the collaboration was too enticing, securing it would mean countless opportunities for international cooperation over the next five years, with boundless business prospects.
Among the CEOs, Shen Xiao stood out as the youngest and most accomplished. Although Situ Yi was only a year older, their circumstances were entirely different.
Situ Yi had left the entertainment industry two years prior to venture into the business world, backed by a professional team helping him adapt.
Over the past two years, many decisions at the Situ Group hadn’t been solely his to make. In other words, this period served as an adaptation and internship, allowing him to comfortably and steadily take over the group.
The path ahead had already been paved for him; all he needed to do was demonstrate his ability to steer the ship.
Shen Xiao, however, was different. At the age of 24, both his parents passed away unexpectedly, and he was thrust into leading the group without any buffer or guidance. Thrown into the role completely unprepared, he shouldered the immense responsibility of the entire corporation, working day and night until he collapsed from exhaustion and was hospitalized. In the end, he pulled through, though he was left with a slightly eccentric streak as a lingering side effect.
One grew up in favorable circumstances.
The other was reborn through adversity.
Their abilities and experiences simply couldn’t be compared.
In the eyes of the shrewd and seasoned business magnates, Shen Xiao’s individual capability far surpassed Situ Yi’s by several levels. Unfortunately, Shen Xiao was too unorthodox, making most people hesitant to collaborate with him.
Since the incident at the banquet where Shen Xiao had drenched Situ Yi with wine, the two hadn’t crossed paths. Meeting again in this setting, with old grudges and new tensions, even someone as composed as Situ Yi couldn’t manage to put on a pleasant face for Shen Xiao.
Shen Xiao, on the other hand, never bothered with others’ moods. In his view, it was always others who had to cater to his temperament.
So, despite Situ Yi’s obvious displeasure, Shen Xiao cheerfully approached him and said, “Well, well, Boss Situ, you’re looking rather grim today. Did you already know you’d just be along for the ride?”
Such a provoking remark would have likely sparked a physical confrontation with someone more hot-tempered.
Though furious inside, Situ Yi kept his composure. With many representatives from SCD present, causing a scene here wouldn’t just jeopardize the collaboration, it would likely tarnish his reputation as well.
"Who ends up chasing whom remains to be seen, President Shen. Don’t be too arrogant," Situ Yi said.
Shen Xiao, with one hand in his pocket, smiled with an air of effortless grace and replied, "I, on the other hand, believe one shouldn’t be too timid, much like you, Boss Situ."
Situ Yi: “…”
At that moment, Li Yuanhui cheerfully stepped forward and casually slung an arm over Shen Xiao’s shoulder. Since he was nearly a head shorter than Shen Xiao, the gesture made him look as if he were hanging off Shen Xiao.
Shen Xiao frowned in distaste and unceremoniously brushed off the hand on his shoulder. "President Li, please cherish your arm. Don’t just drape it over others’ shoulders, or one day it might just go missing."
Li Yuanhui chuckled awkwardly. He had assumed that with the private collaboration between their companies, Shen Xiao might treat him a bit more amicably. Instead, Shen Xiao remained as blunt and unforgiving as ever.
Trying to diffuse the awkwardness, Li Yuanhui said with a smile, "After this afternoon’s meeting, a few of us bosses have arranged a gathering to discuss future collaborations. Would you and Boss Situ care to join?"
Although the bidding competition was fierce, losing didn’t mean there were no opportunities ahead. Industries were interconnected, and there might still be chances for cooperation down the line. Someone was bound to organize such a post-meeting gathering, if not Li Yuanhui, then someone else. But Li Yuanhui, eager to take the lead, had spoken up first.
Both Shen Xiao and Situ Yi understood the underlying dynamics. Though they disliked each other, neither outright refused.
The final round of the meeting proceeded swiftly. Each boss made their concluding statements to the foreign evaluators, but judging by the representatives’ attitudes, they clearly favored Shen Corporation. During the Q&A session, the questions directed at Shen Xiao were more detailed and in-depth than those posed to the other companies.
Shen Xiao handled the barrage of questions from the foreign representatives with ease and composure.
His victorious demeanor made the other bosses grit their teeth in frustration. Some even began quietly scheming, wondering if they had daughters of marriageable age who could be matched with him. Having such an outstanding son-in-law would undoubtedly be a tremendous asset.
The outcome held little suspense: Shen Corporation secured the collaboration. Ultimately, however, the key to their success lay in Shen Xiao’s last-minute decision to partner with Li Corporation. Each group had its strengths, and their complementary advantages proved mutually beneficial.
Naturally, Li Yuanhui was overjoyed afterward. No matter how infuriating Shen Xiao’s attitude was, it couldn’t dampen his enthusiasm. This opportunity to collaborate with an international financial group would significantly boost his credentials as the heir to the Li family empire.
Afterward, the group relocated to a high-end club.
In formal settings, these bosses presented themselves as respectable, successful figures, but privately, they knew how to let loose. To strengthen his connections with the other executives, Li Yuanhui spared no expense, even hiring a few minor celebrities to liven up the gathering.
Bai Muqing’s appearance took everyone by surprise. Given her current status, there was no reason for her to attend such an event as a companion.
Shen Xiao raised an eyebrow in mild surprise when he saw her but didn’t initiate a greeting.
Situ Yi, on the other hand, immediately scowled. He held no lingering affection for this woman, only disdain.
In the end, it was Li Yuanhui who cleared things up for everyone, explaining that he knew Bai Muqing and had invited her along since she happened to be there for fun.
This kind of occasion was practically Bai Muqing’s natural habitat, and she quickly became familiar with the executives. Several times during the event, she tried to approach Situ Yi or Shen Xiao to chat, but both of them ignored her, leaving her secretly fuming and stomping her feet in frustration.
Shen Xiao didn’t join in the fun either, choosing instead to sit on the sofa, drinking and chatting with a few older executives. At one point, a young starlet tried to sit on his lap, but before she could even touch his clothes, he pushed her away.
The executives were used to such scenes and teased Shen Xiao, asking, "Do you have gynophobia? How are you ever going to get married?"
Shen Xiao scoffed and replied, "If I ever marry, it won’t be someone like that. The rolls of fat on her waist are practically spilling out. A woman should have a toned midsection to be attractive."
Situ Yi made his way over to the sofa just in time to hear this and joked, "I don’t think you need to get married at all. Just spend your life with your kid."
A nearby executive was surprised and asked Shen Xiao, "You have a child?"
Shen Xiao’s mind instantly conjured an image of Shen Yu, and he couldn’t help but smile as he nodded. "Yeah, and she’s a handful."
Several of the executives who also had children immediately chimed in, and the conversation quickly shifted from business strategies to the challenges of parenting.
"Kids these days are practically turning into little demons, and you can’t even scold or hit them."
"They spend money like it’s nothing, with no appreciation for how hard their old man worked to build a business."
"Spoiled like little masters, just looking at them is annoying."
Listening to everyone’s complaints, Shen Xiao frowned, somewhat disapproving. "My kid is actually quite adorable, well-behaved, considerate, and sweet-tempered. Last night, when she saw how tired I was, she even gave me a massage," Shen Xiao said with deep satisfaction. "When she plays with silly cats or dogs, she goes wild, running all over the house, and you can’t get her to stop."
The executives sighed with admiration. "Shen, you’re really lucky to have such a well-behaved child. But we heard you’re single, how do you have a kid?"
Situ Yi, the only one present who knew the truth, couldn’t help but laugh at the question, feeling a bit smug.
Shen Xiao replied, "Is there a conflict between raising a child and being single?"
The executives thought about it and realized the two weren’t mutually exclusive.
After that, the executives continued chatting about their children. Someone started the trend, and soon everyone was pulling out their phones to show off pictures of their kids. Though they complained endlessly, their faces were full of pride as they shared.
Feeling the itch to join in, Shen Xiao took out his phone, ready to show off a little too.
"This is a photo I took yesterday while she was playing with the husky," he said, opening the picture.
The executives crowded around to look, and in an instant, everyone froze.
The bosses: ...
Situ Yi spat disdainfully nearby, "Idiots!"
The party lasted until late at night before Shen Xiao finally returned home reeking of alcohol. By then, everyone in the family had retreated to their own rooms, and even Ergouzi and Xiaobai had returned to their own beds, no, they had gone back to Xiaobai's bed together.
In the vast living room, only a few small wall lamps were still diligently working.
The warm indoor temperature made Shen Xiao, already tipsy from the alcohol, feel a wave of heat. Without caring that he was still in the living room, he began taking off his clothes: first the long coat, then the suit jacket, and then he unbuttoned his shirt completely. Still feeling unsatisfied, he even took off his suit pants.
Now wearing only a shirt and a pair of underwear, he instantly felt much more relaxed.
After that, he went to the kitchen to get some water. Without turning on the lights, he leaned against the countertop under the glow of the open refrigerator, sipping cold mineral water intermittently.
Shen Yu was just about to fall asleep. Out of habit, she wanted to drink a few sips of water before bed, but there wasn't a drop left in the cup on her bedside table. She had no choice but to put on her slippers and go downstairs to get some.
As soon as she entered the kitchen, she saw Shen Xiao sitting on the countertop, his chest and abdomen exposed and wearing only underwear, lost in thought.
She was startled, her eyes darting around, too afraid to look directly at him.
Even though she didn't look, she knew very clearly that Shen Xiao had an excellent physique.
"Brother, why are you dressed like that? Aren't you afraid of catching a cold? Did you drink too much again?"
Seeing Shen Yu enter, Shen Xiao didn't feel embarrassed at all. Instead, he waved at her, signaling for her to come closer.
Shen Yu's gaze finally settled on his head, not daring to look anywhere below his neck, and she reluctantly walked over.
But as soon as she got close, Shen Xiao suddenly reached out a hand and placed it on her stomach, then casually rubbed it.
Shen Yu: “…”
Just as she was about to react, she heard him say, "You have abs and a toned waistline. Very good."
Shen Yu: “…”
Shen Xiao continued, "Keep it up, understand?"
Shen Yu uncomfortably swatted his hand away and nodded, "Got it."
Shen Xiao suddenly broke into a wide grin and said, "So obedient. Here's a reward."
With that, he lowered his head and leaned close to her cheek, "Mwah~"
Shen Yu: !!