Xu Ziyan suggested holding the birthday banquet at home. While decorating the house, they also needed to check the home surveillance system. She also proposed inviting Doctor Lin on the day of the banquet, just in case anyone felt unwell.
Fu Dongfeng knew she had the family’s best interests at heart and, of course, agreed. He even installed additional surveillance cameras, to be removed after the banquet.
Xu Ziyan also screened the guest list with Li Yunhui and finally found the name of Fu Dongfeng’s first love, Qin Yuexiang. Xu Ziyan pretended to be curious. “Who is this?”
Li Yunhui replied generously, “She’s your father’s ex. They haven’t been in contact for many years. A while ago, her daughter needed to see a doctor, and she asked your father to recommend a specialist. So now, she says she wants to bring her daughter to wish your father a happy birthday and express her gratitude.”
Fu Dongfeng nodded and added, “Weren’t you the one who reminded us to investigate people close to us? We checked Qin Yuexiang too. Over the years, she got married, had a daughter, settled in another city. After her husband passed away, she and her daughter lived a normal life, nothing special. They only returned to the capital recently because her daughter fell ill. The medical facilities are better here.”
Indeed, for Qin Yuexiang, choosing a husband with better prospects over Fu Dongfeng in her youth was a decision she later regretted as the Fu family recovered their standing and Fu Dongfeng became wealthy, while her own family circumstances became ordinary. That was fate, nothing more to say. Fu Dongfeng’s family was harmonious and grew increasingly distant from her. She never imagined they could have any further connection.
But this time, her daughter’s illness had cost a lot of money. When Ding Jie suddenly contacted her, offering money and promising to help her win back Fu Dongfeng to become Mrs. Fu, she couldn’t help but be tempted. She knew the Ding and Fu families were sworn enemies, but she didn’t think too deeply about it, simply believing Ding Jie just wanted to upset the Fu family.
She didn’t care about the reasons. In any case, she stood to gain. If she succeeded, she would become a wealthy wife, and her daughter would become a young lady from a rich family, marrying into wealth. Their lives would be set.
Even if she failed, Fu Dongfeng was a decent man and wouldn’t seek revenge. Any anger would be directed at Ding Jie. She could just leave the capital with her daughter. By then, her daughter’s illness would be cured, so she’d still come out ahead.
With this no-lose deal, Qin Yuexiang actively cooperated with Ding Jie’s preparations. She even recently started dieting, exercising, and getting beauty treatments, striving to be in her best condition to cause a scene at the birthday banquet.
Since Qin Yuexiang hadn’t done anything despicable yet, Xu Ziyan couldn’t outright say she was problematic. She could only joke, “Dad’s first love is coming? I’ll have to keep an eye on her and not let her get close to Dad.”
Li Yunhui laughed. “Good. A daughter really is her mom’s little helper. You help me keep an eye on your dad.”
Xu Ziyan thought to herself, 『This plot is just about drugging someone and then catching them in the act. I’ll get my cheap younger brother to help me keep watch. We’ll be on high alert.』
She suddenly spotted Father Ding’s name on the list and asked in surprise, “We’re inviting the Ding family too?”
Fu Dongfeng smiled. “Haven’t you been getting along quite well with that Ding Yao kid lately? This is also a signal to the outside that the next generation is willing to reconcile. As for Ding Jie’s little schemes, it shows our Fu family’s magnanimity in not holding a grudge. It’s a statement.”
『I see. Ding Jie stole the game and messed it up, embarrassing the Ding family. This is to give them a good, hard kick while they’re down. If Old Man Ding doesn’t come, he looks petty. If he does come, it will remind everyone of the Ding family’s humiliation. Didn’t realize Dad was such a player.』
Fu Dongfeng coughed a few times, suddenly feeling that not being able to hear the inner thoughts wasn’t so bad. At least he wouldn’t know how his well-behaved daughter was secretly roasting him. Thinking that this incident involved his first love, he was actually quite looking forward to it. If he couldn’t hear the inner thoughts afterward, it would mean his fate had been altered, and their entire family’s tragic cannon fodder destiny would be completely changed!
Therefore, this event was also of utmost importance. Nothing could go wrong.
Thinking this, Fu Dongfeng took Li Yunhui back to their room, saying they needed to discuss how to handle this milestone birthday celebration. In reality, they went to strategize how to resolve the crisis and how to set their traps.
Ding Jie had obtained the confidential materials stolen by Lin Xiaoyun and had been studying them. This secret project was something even Fu Qixuan had to research deeply for a period before discovering its flaws and shelving it. No matter how talented Ding Jie was, he couldn’t spot the issues so quickly. He just looked at it and thought the project was exceptionally good, perfectly matching the intelligence he had gathered. So it was true—the Fu Corporation really was preparing a secret project to reach the next level.
If he took this excellent project and launched it as the Ding family’s, he could definitely wash away his previous disgrace and make everyone in the company look at him with new respect.
Most importantly, through this test, he discovered that Xu Ziyan had genuinely helped him. There was no obstruction, no last-minute failure, and she hadn’t told the Fu family. According to Lin Xiaoyun, Fu Qixuan hadn’t noticed the files had been touched and treated her as usual. Their operation had gone completely undetected.
Having a long-placed pawn successfully accomplish such an important task restored some of Ding Jie’s pride. After a string of failures, he finally regained a sense of achievement, and his trust in Xu Ziyan was restored. It seemed the incident with the game really was Fu Qiming plotting against him, and Xu Ziyan had been kept in the dark.
Therefore, for this birthday banquet, Ding Jie contacted Xu Ziyan in advance again, meeting her at a cafe and bringing up Qin Yuexiang.
He was very cautious. He didn’t say he wanted Qin Yuexiang to climb into bed with Fu Dongfeng. He only said Qin Yuexiang was quite pitiful, that there seemed to have been a misunderstanding between her and Fu Dongfeng back then, and he hoped Xu Ziyan could help create an opportunity for them to be alone to clear the air.
Xu Ziyan found it amusing and agreed. Seeing the anticipation in Ding Jie’s eyes, she felt anticipation too. Once this plot point was done, most of the major plot would be complete. She was confident it would go smoothly. She really felt her luck had been improving lately, not in vain after relentlessly adding all her skill points to luck.
After finishing her coffee, Xu Ziyan suddenly heard the system remind her: 『Host, Bai Qingqing is nearby.』
Following the system’s prompt, Xu Ziyan spotted Bai Qingqing hiding behind a car in the distance. She raised her hand, took a photo, and placed her phone in front of Ding Jie with a knowing smile, tapping the screen. “What’s the meaning of this? Are you two serious? She even followed you here. Is she guarding against something happening between us? So you two are the real deal, and she sees me as the other woman?”
Ding Jie’s face darkened when he saw Bai Qingqing in the photo. He needed Xu Ziyan’s help right now. What was Bai Qingqing doing, causing trouble?
He stood up directly. “I’ll go talk to her. Don’t misunderstand. We’ve known each other for so long. When have I ever played ambiguous games with other women?”
Ding Jie walked out toward Bai Qingqing. Xu Ziyan watched Bai Qingqing look like a frightened little rabbit and clicked her tongue in admiration. 『No wonder she’s the female lead. This ‘innocent little white flower’ act isn’t something just anyone can pull off. The key is men fall for this set. Good thing I’m not the original host and don’t love him.』
Bai Qingqing struck first. “Did I disturb you? I’m sorry. I didn’t want to come either, but I don’t know what came over me. Knowing you were meeting her here, I couldn’t control myself. I wanted to see how you interacted. After all… after all, you publicly said before that she was your girlfriend…”
“You don’t trust me?” Ding Jie frowned, his tone not friendly either.
Bai Qingqing quickly shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. “I’m sorry, don’t be angry. I just… I just lack confidence. I can’t believe you would really choose me over her. My background is poor, I don’t have any special talents… I’m inferior to her in every way…”
When she positioned herself in absolute weakness, Ding Jie’s heart softened. This move worked every time. Sure enough, Ding Jie took a deep breath and sighed. “Don’t say that. You’re very good. You have many strengths she doesn’t possess. Don’t underestimate yourself. Don’t overthink things either. She and I aren’t what you think. It’s just a cooperative relationship. Do it for me, please go back first…”
Ding Jie turned back and found Xu Ziyan was already gone. His words trailed off. He immediately remembered this was a critical moment for his return to the Ding family business. To have annoyed Xu Ziyan over such romantic entanglements was dragging his own feet! Looking at Bai Qingqing again, he didn’t feel as tender-hearted. Instead, he felt somewhat annoyed. Why couldn’t she just obey and quietly stay put? Why cause trouble at such an important time for him?
Xu Ziyan had no interest in watching their performance. Hearing the system announce she had completed the plot point of ‘discussing how to trap Fu Dongfeng with Ding Jie,’ she left. Ding Jie was truly despicable. No matter how handsome he was, she didn’t want to look at him. Just listen to what he said earlier: ‘When have I ever played ambiguous games with other women?’
It sounded like a clarification, but in reality, it was word games. He and Bai Qingqing weren’t ‘playing ambiguous’—they were directly in a confirmed relationship. Telling Xu Ziyan not to misunderstand was just literal; it didn’t mean he was explaining himself as her boyfriend. But someone like the original host, who loved him and was strung along by him, would fall into the trap, taking his words as an explanation between lovers. Ding Jie was an expert at this.
Xu Ziyan called up the handsome young man her company had just signed. “Come shopping for clothes with me. How about being my male companion at my father’s birthday banquet?”
The other party agreed immediately. Xu Ziyan unceremoniously took out Ding Jie’s card. Not only did she give the young man a complete makeover, but she also bought many sets of men’s and women’s clothing to send to the company for the signed artists to wear when going out.
She, of course, didn’t hold back for herself either. She even specially called Ding Jie, asking in a sickeningly sweet, fake-nice tone, “You made me angry again earlier. I’m going to buy a limited edition bag as your apology gift to me. You don’t mind, right?”
Ding Jie was used to it and blurted out, “Of course I don’t mind. Buy a couple more if you like them.”
Xu Ziyan laughed. “They say where the money is, the heart is. By that logic, I shouldn’t care about that little white flower at all. You hardly spend any money on her. How could you possibly care about her?”
Bai Qingqing was sitting right next to Ding Jie and heard every word clearly. Her expression twisted for a moment. Afraid Ding Jie would see, she quickly lowered her head. Ding Jie also felt awkward. The impression Bai Qingqing gave him was always that of an independent, strong girl. He respected her and never thought of throwing money at her. Moreover, Bai Qingqing wasn’t a materialistic girl and wouldn’t accept expensive gifts.
But having it said out loud like this, and with Bai Qingqing hearing it, made him feel extremely uncomfortable. It was as if Xu Ziyan had hit the nail on the head—he really didn’t take Bai Qingqing that seriously.
Ding Jie perfunctorily said a few words and quickly hung up. He didn’t really listen to Xu Ziyan’s casual mention about buying clothes for her male companion and the company, having already agreed without thinking.
Xu Ziyan hung up the phone and smiled. If they were going to disgust her, she’d disgust them right back. Let’s see who felt worse.
Soon, the day of the banquet arrived. Many distinguished guests came to the Fu residence, all prominent figures. Wearing her gown, Xu Ziyan looked down from the second floor, filled with emotion. 『I never thought I’d get to attend a banquet of this caliber.』
Ding Yao and Yang Anni arrived. Seeing them, Xu Ziyan immediately went downstairs. There was still a plot point with Ding Yao she hadn’t completed. Today’s setting was perfect. Time to stir up some trouble!