Lei Zhengyang lay awake, mulling over the day's chaos. The LT system files were meant for his aunt first, to prove their worth before looping in the family—a classic "act first, report later" move. But he'd underestimated his father's research obsession. Still, he had no regrets. His four uncles each ran private empires, far larger than Aunt Xinping's, but as officials, they couldn't flaunt such assets publicly. Handing the system to Xinping was ideal—it kept her company independent, under his control.
His memories of the Lei family's downfall showed his uncles acting honorably, but Zhengyang wasn't naive. Faced with colossal profits, could they stay cool? Better safe than sorry. His choice wasn't just for himself—it was for the Leis. A clan's strength required political clout and economic dominance, fused to stand unyielding. Right now, Zhengyang didn't care about his uncles' opinions. His focus was building his own power.
To Beijing's elite, he was still a playboy—perfect cover to grow in the shadows. Only with real strength could he, years from now, pull the Leis from crisis and lead them to triumph.
Knock, knock. Before he could answer, the door swung open. Xu Miaoli entered, the only one who'd barge into his room this late. She carried a tray with a steaming bowl of soup, its rich, fragrant aroma hinting at rare medicinal herbs. In his frail childhood, she'd nursed him like this, unwavering for a decade. Touched, Zhengyang rose and took the tray.
"Mom, I'm healthy now. You don't need to make these tonics. You're swamped with Tianhua Group all day, then fussing over me at night—it's too much."
Her smile was warm, comforting. "Zhengyang, you've grown. Those words soothe my heart. Drink—it's black chicken soup, slow-cooked with a secret recipe. All the nutrients are in there, plus century-old ginseng. Very nourishing."
His body no longer needed it, but her care never wavered. Unable to refuse, he downed it in gulps. A warm glow spread from his core, soothing, perhaps amplified by her love. "Thanks, Mom. You've always doted on me most. But show Big Brother and Second Brother some love too—I don't want them jealous."
Xu Miaoli stroked his head. "All three of you are my sons, loved equally. Your大哥's independent, thriving in the military with a girlfriend now. Your二哥's the smartest—my fussing's wasted on him. But you, Zhengyang, you truly cherish my care. You still need your mom to look after you."
She chuckled, adding, "But now you're grown, making your own money. I'm starting to feel useless."
Zhengyang hugged her. "Mom, don't say that. I just want you to rest, not worry about us brothers. We're adults—we can handle ourselves."
She pulled back, holding his hand. "I'd love to drop this burden, but none of you are married! Especially you, messing with all sorts of women but never finding a proper girlfriend. Tell me, what kind do you like? I'll find her. A Lei grandson—girls will line up!"
A year without women had tamed his old reckless lust, as if he'd reverted to a virgin's purity. "It's about fate, Mom. Don't worry—your son's on it."
"The Leis have too much yang energy—we need women to balance it," she teased. "Look at your Third Uncle, still single at his age. Find a girlfriend to rub it in his face! Oh, your auntie—she visited before leaving. Know where she went? Her phone's off, and I'm worried."
At the mention of his aunt, Zhengyang's mind flashed to her intoxicating kiss, a memory that left him dazed. Xu Miaoli caught his look, alarmed. "Zhengyang, you're not getting ideas about her, are you? She's your aunt—don't mess with family ties!"
He met her gaze. "Mom, you should've told me the secret sooner. She's not really a Xu, is she?"
Xu Miaoli's face paled, gripping his hands. "How do you know? You can't know!"
"Don't ask how—I know. She's adopted, no blood relation." He couldn't reveal his forty years of future memories.
Xu Miaoli panicked. The secret was forbidden. Glancing around, she whispered, "I swore an oath—even your father doesn't know. If her identity leaks, she'll face grave danger. Promise me, no matter how you found out, tell no one."
Her fear confirmed his aunt's murky origins. His memories held only fragments of her identity, never fully clear. After the Lei collapse, she'd been injured thrice protecting them. When the Leis rose again, her old wounds forced her into seclusion, never reappearing. Those decades flashed in his mind, spanning twenty years.
"I understand," he said. "She told me she'll return in two years. As long as I'm here, no one will harm her. Trust me, Mom."
Xu Miaoli rolled her eyes. "Be honest—did knowing her identity make you do something bad? She was furious, nearly skewered you with her sword! I begged her to spare you. Don't rile her again—she scares even me when she's mad."
Zhengyang grinned slyly. "Then I'll marry her and make her your daughter-in-law. You can get back at her for all the face you lost."
She laughed, delighted. "If Luoyan agrees, perfect! But you, match her? Dream on. I think Song Yingfei's nice—perfect timing for a Song-Lei alliance. Should I ask Grandfather to propose?"
He shook his head. "Mom, I hate political marriages. I'll chase who I love. I hurt Yingfei once last year—no need to trouble her again. Plus, I'm not into her icy attitude, like I owe her millions. I don't sign up for misery."
"What about Ye Qingcheng?" Xu Miaoli pressed. "Last year at her grandfather's birthday, you couldn't take your eyes off her. She's still single, a top beauty alongside Yingfei and your aunt."
Zhengyang shuddered. "Mom, she's gorgeous, but an ice block. Marry her? Fine in summer, but winter? I'd freeze hugging her!"
"You stared her down despite her glares," she countered. "I was mortified, wanting to crawl into a hole. And you say you don't like her?"
He wiped his brow. "Back then, I was young and dumb, drooling over any beauty. I've grown up!"
Xu Miaoli wasn't buying it. "No excuses. This year, bring home a proper girlfriend, or come spring, I'll drag you to blind dates daily. My friends are eager to tie their daughters to the Leis—plenty of charming girls."
Zhengyang groaned. His mom used to nag him to avoid women; now she was pushing him to snag one. Times had changed. "Fine, I'll find a girlfriend this year."
But a girlfriend wasn't his goal. His heart was set on meeting her—the woman destined to be his wife in his memories. In this life, she'd be his again. Because she was worth his love.