Carrying a slight sense of disappointment for having let down her boss’s expectations, Zhong Ziyan headed home, stopping along the way to buy two scoops of ice cream. She paid using Hua Shuangshuang’s Alipay and ate them in a secluded corner of the mall where the driver couldn’t see.
Before their trip to Cloud Island, Wei Hanyun had already given her a disapproving look over that unhealthy bag of chips. If she spent another 428 yuan on ice cream, she’d be in for a lecture on self-discipline when she got back.
Hua Shuangshuang patiently listened to Zhong Ziyan’s woes: “…” She glanced at the Godiva cone in Zhong Ziyan’s hand, thinking that this luxury ice cream, priced at several dozen yuan, was already extravagant by most standards.
The Cold Stone Creamery next door wasn’t nearly as expensive, and their staff could even put on a little ice cream juggling show for customers.
“I wasn’t always like this with money,” Zhong Ziyan said between quick bites of her ice cream. “Not too long ago, I thought 2,000 yuan was a lot.”
Hua Shuangshuang: “…” Birds of a feather flock together. With Wei Hanyun’s full financial backing encouraging her to spend, money had quickly lost its meaning.
The problem was, Wei Hanyun approved of everything Zhong Ziyan bought—and his wealth could easily sustain such extravagance.
“Before I knew it, I became like this,” Zhong Ziyan mused. “In another ten months, I’ll probably find it impossible to go back to my old penniless lifestyle after getting used to splurging like this.”
Thinking back to her days of financial struggle, Zhong Ziyan found them almost distant now.
“I believe your marriage will remain this happy forever,” Hua Shuangshuang said gently. “You’re just experiencing some pre-wedding jitters.”
She then explained the concept of pre-wedding anxiety to Zhong Ziyan.
“It’s perfectly normal. Just relax and take each day as it comes.”
Today, the big shot was as adorable as ever.
Zhong Ziyan noncommittally changed the subject. “Since we’re here, let’s look around.”
Hua Shuangshuang prepared to play the role of a dutiful bag carrier, but three minutes later, Zhong Ziyan shoved a brand-new Prada crossbody bag into her hands.
Hua Shuangshuang: “?!”
“You stared at it for a full five seconds,” Zhong Ziyan said coolly, hands tucked into the pockets of her bomber jacket. “Was it because you thought it was ugly?”
Hua Shuangshuang felt like her moral compass was being tested to its limits every single day.
“Consider this hush money for the ice cream. Don’t tell anyone,” Zhong Ziyan said with a shrug, miming zipping her lips shut.
Hua Shuangshuang: “…” Adorable. Cool and adorable.
If she were a less scrupulous assistant, she could’ve easily swindled this naive, free-spending boss out of her entire fortune—
…and walked away filthy rich!
“Let’s go,” Zhong Ziyan said, turning to leave. “We’re buying you shoes too. The ones you’re wearing don’t look comfortable.”
The Prada sales associate bowed politely as they exited the store.
Zhong Ziyan gave her a slight nod, while Hua Shuangshuang hastily thanked her before catching up to Zhong Ziyan. “Miss Zhong, really, it’s unnecessary! These shoes are just stiff because they’re new. They’ll soften with wear.”
Zhong Ziyan stopped and turned, staring at Hua Shuangshuang expressionlessly for two seconds before drawling, “I don’t care. I’m buying them for you anyway.”
Hua Shuangshuang: “…” Whimper. I’ve been utterly defeated by the domineering CEO’s breathtaking beauty.
Under the watchful eyes of the sales associate and Zhong Ziyan, Hua Shuangshuang nervously tried on one pair after another of Ferragamo’s buttery-soft lambskin shoes, each more comfortable than the last.
But though the shoes were on her feet, she had no say in whether they were purchased.
“The beige pair suits the lady’s gentle temperament,” the sales associate said with a smile. “The black one you tried earlier is also lovely—sophisticated and professional, perfect for a businesswoman.”
Zhong Ziyan opened her mouth, her expression already telegraphing the words she was about to say.
Hua Shuangshuang, anticipating with 100% certainty that Zhong Ziyan was about to declare, “We’ll take them all,” quickly interjected, “The black ones! Black is more stain-resistant!”
Zhong Ziyan tilted her head, then nodded at the sales associate. “One beige, one black.”
For some reason, Hua Shuangshuang thought the big shot’s upper lip was slightly more pursed than usual, as if she were a little unhappy.
Hua Shuangshuang was immediately consumed by guilt: I’m such an idiot for refusing her kindness, waaah.
Meanwhile, Zhong Ziyan—whom Hua Shuangshuang saw as a naive, free-spending sweetheart—was busy contemplating how to sustainably fund her second “money tree’s” research materials.
After completing her obligatory shopping spree with Hua Shuangshuang as her unwilling accomplice, Zhong Ziyan bid her farewell in the mall’s underground parking lot and returned to Tingshan by car.
Spending money was fun, sure, but having to force herself to spend when she wasn’t in the mood was a bit of a hassle.
What’s more, scientific research could take years to yield results. Zhong Ziyan couldn’t guarantee she’d still have the funds to purchase californium a year from now.
Just the californium alone cost 600 million a year—and that didn’t even cover the other expenses.
Before, Zhong Ziyan had been stunned by Old Man Wei’s gift of what amounted to nearly 100 million. Now, she reconsidered.
A hundred million wasn’t much. She wouldn’t mind an extra zero tacked on.
…
At dinner, Zhong Ziyan formally proposed the californium purchase to Wei Hanyun.
“Three grams per year?” Wei Hanyun pondered—though it was more of a fleeting thought, lasting barely a second.
Then he nodded. “A stable supply can be arranged. Consider it an investment in him.”
Zhong Ziyan immediately assumed Wei Hanyun wanted a share of her money tree and generously offered, “Then you take 80%, I’ll take 20%.”
After all, while she’d discovered the talent, Wei Hanyun was footing the bulk of the expenses. Giving him the lion’s share was only fair.
Wei Hanyun chuckled. “You’ll lose money conducting business so generously.”
Finished with her meal, Zhong Ziyan rested her chin on one hand, tilting her head at Wei Hanyun in confusion. “How could you let me lose money?” Hasn’t the one losing money all along been you?
Wei Hanyun paused mid-motion.
“That research lab—I could transfer it to you if you’d like,” he said mildly. “But the paperwork would have to be handled overseas. If you’re interested, we can make time next week to go?”
Zhong Ziyan blinked.
She studied Wei Hanyun for a long moment before asking, “Why did you agree to this contract with me? Do you have too much money to spare?”
“It’s not about money. I’m not losing anything,” he replied evasively.
Even someone as socially oblivious as Zhong Ziyan could tell he was dodging the question.
—How is this not about money?! How could it possibly not be about money?!
“Does it make you happy to see me spend your money recklessly?” she pressed.
Wei Hanyun’s lashes lowered slightly, lingering for a moment on the dazzling diamond ring on Zhong Ziyan’s ring finger.
“If it’s you,” he said simply.
Zhong Ziyan frowned, thinking it over. “Like how some people eat so heartily that it makes everyone else at the table feel hungrier too?”
Wei Hanyun smiled again, his gaze softening. “What do you think?”
Zhong Ziyan decided she must be right.
Following this line of reasoning, she delved deeper into her thoughts: "So the reason you kept urging me... telling me to spend freely was for your own happiness?"
At this point, Zhong Ziyan had an epiphany.
Some people could splurge thousands on strippers in Las Vegas, watching the money vanish into thin air—all for the fleeting joy of revelry.
For Wei Hanyun, this was his form of entertainment!
Though admittedly expensive, he could afford it, so why not?
Zhong Ziyan saw the light, though the weight on her shoulders grew slightly heavier: "I understand now. I’ll keep working at it."
Wei Hanyun, who had been resting his cheek on his hand in imitation of Zhong Ziyan’s posture, lowered his head at her words, hiding a smile behind his palm.
"I never imagined all the sources of californium were in your hands," Zhong Ziyan sighed. "I thought I’d finally make the biggest purchase of my life."
A company capable of producing such an expensive product certainly wouldn’t come cheap.
Judging by the hints dropped by others, greasing the wheels with local government relations alone could rack up quite the additional expense.
Unfortunately, Zhong Ziyan couldn’t force Wei Hanyun to sell his company to her—and just as she predicted, he was planning to hand it over to her for free.
"I used to think spending money was simple," Zhong Ziyan complained to Wei Hanyun without thinking. "Turns out it’s harder than I imagined."
Having laughed his fill, Wei Hanyun lifted his head, his expression as composed and refined as ever. "Tomorrow, I’ll take you somewhere. It might give you some inspiration."
Zhong Ziyan, treating this as a crucial learning opportunity, nodded solemnly in agreement.
The next day, Wei Hanyun didn’t even bother stepping out in formal attire. Dressed in casual wear, he stayed at Tingshan, sharing breakfast with Zhong Ziyan before they left together.
Hua Shuangshuang and Fang Nan exchanged glances, nodding in greeting before taking their places beside their respective bosses.
"This is Hua Shuangshuang. She’s highly capable, just like Fang Nan," Zhong Ziyan introduced to Wei Hanyun.
Fang Nan: "..." Wait a minute. I did manage to offload Zhong Ziyan as a troublesome responsibility, so why does hearing her say that irritate me so much?
"Mr. Wei, it’s an honor," Hua Shuangshuang said with a slight bow, keeping a respectful distance, her demeanor somewhat reserved.
Wei Hanyun’s gaze swept over her briefly before he responded with a quiet, "Hello."
Hua Shuangshuang was inwardly stunned: As expected of a mega-tycoon’s husband—his manners and bearing are impeccable! Truly the pinnacle of the old-money elite!
"Oh, right," Zhong Ziyan added as if remembering something, "Fang Nan wants a raise."
Fang Nan, who usually remained unflappable even in the face of disaster, nearly lost his composure: "I do not!!"
Wei Hanyun turned to him with an amused glint in his eyes.
"He’s being tsundere," Zhong Ziyan said earnestly. "He had Shen Beibei relay it to me first, then hinted for me to pass it on to you. He must be desperate for that salary bump."
Fang Nan removed his glasses to rub his face. "Madam, please keep the jokes within reasonable limits."
Hua Shuangshuang, struggling to contain her laughter, discreetly pinched the back of her thigh.
In the end, it was Wei Hanyun who defused the situation—his method of diverting Zhong Ziyan’s attention was simple yet effective: "You can drive today."
Zhong Ziyan’s focus instantly shifted away from Fang Nan: "I’d like to take the Aston... uh..."
"Aston Martin," Wei Hanyun finished with a smile. "Let’s go."
The two of them headed for the underground garage, with Hua Shuangshuang and an already-exhausted Fang Nan trailing behind.
Fang Nan took several deep breaths before feeling slightly better.
Glancing at Hua Shuangshuang, who still had traces of laughter in her eyes, he asked, "Enjoying the show?"
"Actually, it’s not just you. Yesterday, Ms. Zhong also proposed giving me a bonus," Hua Shuangshuang admitted without hiding her amusement. "Don’t you think she’s kind of adorable like this?"
Fang Nan: "...Hold on. I hired you hoping you’d find a way to rein in her wild, impractical ideas—not to enable her in stirring up even more chaos."
