After the group meeting, Zhuang Qiting returned to his office to review important documents and large expenditures.
These days, he was gradually handing over power to his son, much more relaxed than in his youth, focusing more on social activities to maintain the Zhuang Family’s network and reputation.
A Knock Knock sounded at that moment, the high-definition electronic screen clearly showing the visitor outside.
Zhuang Qiting pressed the silver button at his side. The heavy, bulletproof metal door unlocked and swung open.
A young man, bearing a striking resemblance to Zhuang Qiting in both looks and temperament, entered.
His suit was elegant, his bearing impressive. The young man walked to the desk, stood straight, and smiled, “Chairman, you wanted to see me.”
Zhuang Qiting eyed his son with displeasure, not liking his careless attitude.
“Be proper.”
“…How am I not proper?” Zhuang Shaozhou was speechless.
Did the old man eat gunpowder for breakfast? He’d kept a cold face all through the meeting, scaring the senior execs half to death.
“Your brother’s stepping down next year. If you don’t want to mess up his position, you’d better pull yourself together. Speak and walk with more composure— this isn’t America.”
“Got it.”
“If you got it, then sit up straight.”
“…………”
Zhuang Shaozhou was full of suspicion. His father rarely managed the three brothers, but when he did, it was always because their mother was out or the couple had quarreled.
Something’s brewing… Zhuang Shaozhou sat up properly. The two discussed business— this year’s major investment plans for the group. Zhuang Qiting gave instructions, and Zhuang Shaozhou took careful note.
As his son was about to leave, Zhuang Qiting suddenly said, “Call your mother when you have time. Ask if she’s enjoying her vacation.”
Zhuang Shaozhou raised an eyebrow. So Mrs. Li really was out enjoying herself. He grinned and shrugged, “If I bother her while she’s having fun, she’ll just scold me.”
That made Zhuang Qiting feel rather sour. He waved coldly, “Get out. Don’t be an eyesore.”
The ungrateful son left quickly.
Zhuang Qiting lit a cigar and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, standing silently.
Below was the bustling expanse of Victoria Harbour. His private yacht was moored at the Shenghui Group’s exclusive dock, tended by dedicated staff every month. Its white paint glinted dazzlingly in the sun.
Meanwhile, another luxury yacht was docked at the Laukala Hotel’s private pier, where several elegant yet sexy ladies disembarked at a leisurely pace.
This was the South Pacific, eight thousand kilometers from Hong Kong Island—a top-tier private island, surrounded by pristine rainforest and soft white sands, like an Eden lost to the world. Most visitors were wealthy elites, enjoying a carefree, pleasant holiday.
The ladies had just returned from snorkeling and birdwatching, already exhausted. The butler had prepared afternoon tea on the beach and a local aromatic spa.
Their money-nourished bodies lounged lazily on beach chairs, letting the therapists knead their tired calves.
“So relaxing, Eleanor! Thanks to you, I haven’t been this carefree in ages.” One lady sighed in contentment, stretching.
Vacationing without husbands or kids was the best!
“Yeah, every time I go on holiday, it’s with the whole family and a horde of nannies. My husband just enjoys himself, leaves everything to me—I have to worry if the itinerary suits him, and watch his mood.”
“Zhuang Xiansheng may seem stern, but in private he pampers our Eleanor the most.”
Li Yaru smiled, her hand resting on her forehead, the huge diamond ring warmed by the sun. The sea breeze billowed her champagne-gold silk robe, clinging to her voluptuous, dazzling figure.
Her figure had been famous for its beauty since youth— tall, sexy, like a ripe, juicy fruit. Even now, in her forties, she maintained her graceful shape, her firm, youthful face showing no sign of age, exuding mature allure.
“Men, they’re all useless.” After a while, Li Yaru finally spoke.
The other ladies immediately agreed.
“Especially older men— worse by the day, and so temperamental, it’s exhausting!”
“He used to be like a diamond, tireless. Now, days go by with no sign! I don’t even have time to pretend, it’s over in a flash.”
The lady in the white swimsuit burst out laughing, “That’s why young men are the real fun…”
The one with the big floral scarf gasped, “Darling, you wouldn’t…?”
She smirked, “Isn’t that how all marriages end up? He finds a young model, I can learn a thing or two from a mixed-race cutie.”
Married women’s conversations were naturally unfiltered.
Li Yaru didn’t join in. Her toes curled slightly, her body growing inexplicably restless.
I can’t admit it— Zhuang Qiting is still as strong as a twenty-year-old, full of vigor, no sign of middle age. Every time, he drives me crazy, makes me love and hate him, like I’d give him my life.
But even that can’t excuse his sins! Life isn’t just about the bedroom. These past years, his possessiveness and need to control have only grown, almost to the point of perversion— I can’t stand it anymore.
“My husband hasn’t cared about me for years. I turn a blind eye to his affairs— as long as he doesn’t bring home any trouble, I’m fine.” The lady in white was the Zheng Third Young Mistress. Her husband was notorious for his affairs, always in the tabloids.
She glanced at Liang Yongwen and Li Yaru, a bit envious, “Who doesn’t envy you two? Your husbands hold you in the palm of their hand.”
Liang Yongwen smiled helplessly, “But Yi Second Master is known for his bad temper— could you handle that?”
Zheng Third Young Mistress waved frantically, “I wouldn’t dare mess with Yi Second Master. I value my life.”
Liang Yongwen, seeing Li Yaru quiet, shifted the topic to her, “And you? Zhuang Xiansheng arranged everything so perfectly this time— clearly to please you. We’re all benefiting.”
Indeed, everything was well taken care of— Li Yaru’s friends had all expenses covered, private jet included. It was the height of hospitality.
Li Yaru flicked her hair, her slender waist curving as she lay sideways on the chair, “Because I’m going to divorce him.”
“Ah???” “Ah?” “?”
Three women stared at Li Yaru.
“You’re kidding, right? After so many years, why talk divorce now? Did Zhuang Xiansheng…?” Zheng Third Young Mistress was shocked. Are all men like this? No matter how beautiful the wife at home, they still want what’s outside?
But this was Zhuang Qiting! Head of the Zhuang Family! The most legendary boss of Hong Kong Island’s golden age! The boss of all bosses!
“It’s not that.” Li Yaru laughed, “I’d rather he spent a bit of energy elsewhere.”
Better than always milking this one sheep.
I don’t want a divorce either—don’t want to make a scene at this age and become a laughingstock. Men are all the same; I know that. But when I think of Zhuang Qiting’s possessiveness, I can’t bear it!
He’s always wanted to keep me as his canary, his private property, his forbidden fruit!
If I weren’t strong-willed, he’d have locked me up long ago!
Zheng Third Young Mistress pouted, pretending to hit her, “Alright, showing off your love now, are you!”
“Big Sis, you just don’t know how lucky you are! Don’t say that again. Next time, come to my place— eighteen, twenty, big and strong, whatever you want.” The speaker was Li Yaru’s cousin, Lu Junqiu, who ran two modeling agencies and four high-end clubs— she had plenty of male models at her disposal.
“Shh, don’t let your brother-in-law find out.” Lu Junqiu made a throat-slitting gesture.
Li Yaru was a bit tempted, thinking of the young guy who chatted her up yesterday, his sunny, adorable smile…
After the divorce, I’ll move to my little villa in Qianshui Bay! I’ll hire a few young, handsome manservants, strong bodyguards, gentle butlers…
Buzz Buzz Buzz— the vibration pulled her back to reality.
Zhuang Qiting’s call.
Li Yaru rolled over and sat up, stepping barefoot onto the sand, walking away before answering.
“Ah Ruo.”
The deep, mellow voice traveled through the distant airwaves, reaching her ear.
Li Yaru’s tone was cool, “What is it?”
The man chuckled, cigar pinched between cold, hard fingers, “Having fun? When are you coming back?”
“I’ve only just been here three days.”
“Only three days? Feels like forever, Ah Ruo. I can’t sleep without you.”
Li Yaru felt the seawater lapping at her toes, squinting comfortably, “Then go find another woman to sleep with. Boss Zhuang, there’s no shortage of pretty young ladies willing to share your bed. I’m not some fresh-faced girl—you don’t mind hugging an old woman to sleep?”
Zhuang Qiting’s face darkened, though his voice remained gentle— yet a sternness lingered, “Darling, the vacation is for your happiness.”
“Not for you to be charmed by some stupid, crude waiter. Don’t tell me your idea of young, gentle, and obedient is that kind of trash.”
Waiter? Li Yaru froze, then quickly understood, “Old bastard! You’re spying on me again!?”
Zhuang Qiting smiled as he clipped his cigar, “My darling wife refuses to call me, and I miss her very much. Why doesn’t Ah Ruo tell me what I should do?”
.