Zhuang Qiting coldly glanced at the young man beside him.
Liang Sijie was still dressed in his crisp butler uniform, his refined and handsome face having matured considerably from the gentle and somewhat naive look he had a few years ago.
Having been by Li Yaru’s side for many years, he had also cultivated an air of nobility.
He even dared to challenge me.
After all these years, Zhuang Qiting had never really taken the trouble to look at Liang Sijie properly.
To him, this guy was just a Nissan lapdog—couldn’t stir up any trouble, diligent in his work, and since Li Yaru liked him, it was fine to keep him around; he was more of a nuisance than anything.
But today, that nuisance felt more than just a nuisance.
Zhuang Qiting continued forward, but Liang Sijie reached out to block him, gesturing politely, “Mr. Zhuang, may I ask you to temporarily move to the reception room?”
Zhuang Qiting sneered angrily, his dark eyes full of domineering amusement as he looked at the young man. “You think that just because Ah Rou supports you, you can swagger in front of me?”
Liang Sijie lowered his gaze. “Mr. Zhuang, I am only doing my duty.”
Zhuang Qiting curled his lips. “Who do you think you are? Without Ah Rou, you don’t even have the right to speak to me.”
“I am the butler of the Li Residence, and everything I do is for Madam’s reputation,” Liang Sijie said, head bowed but spine straight and proud.
Zhuang Qiting raised a finger slightly. His bodyguards immediately took the signal, swiftly binding Liang Sijie’s hands and dragging him away.
Zhuang Qiting calmly adjusted his tie and coldly threw out a line, “Remember this: I am the only man here. If you don’t want to be sent back to Japan, then just behave like a mute dog.”
The man, though over fifty, still exuded an imposing aura—like a fierce dragon or mighty tiger, his well-tailored suit accentuating his powerful legs as he strode with sharp, purposeful steps.
In the past five years, the reins of the Shenghui Group had gradually shifted to Zhuang Shaozhou.
Zhuang Qiting rarely involved himself in daily management, only appearing for major decisions.
Most of his energy went into social activities and… pursuing Li Yaru.
As he neared the garden, the atmosphere grew livelier—there were many guests today.
Zhuang Qiting slowed his steps, a gentle smile involuntarily curling at his lips as he stood by the French glass doors leading to the garden, silently watching his wife.
The fill light cast a soft glow, illuminating Li Yaru’s still vibrant face.
She lazily leaned against the sofa, hugging a cushion, her high heels kicked off, legs bent and tucked under the hem of her skirt, revealing only a pair of feet painted with pale gold nail polish.
She looked so at home, making this interview feel relaxed, natural, and casual.
Zhuang Qiting swallowed hard as his deep infatuation spilled out unchecked. His wife was the most dazzling, most beautiful woman in the world.
Li Yaru and Qi Xiaoxiao’s conversation gradually deepened.
Women of similar age and interests always had countless topics to discuss, far more than a few interview questions could cover.
What was meant to be a brief interview had already stretched over two hours.
“It’s well known you have a knack for raising children. Your eldest son is now a physics professor at Hong Kong University, your second son has taken over Shenghui Group, and your youngest is making waves in the international fashion world as a supermodel worth tens of millions. What’s your secret in parenting?”
Li Yaru’s answer was humble. “Honestly, I haven’t really ‘educated’ them. Sometimes I don’t even treat them like sons, more like younger brothers or friends. Children have their own ideas and lives, so I don’t control them too much. I just insist on guiding them in the right direction but leave the details alone. Let them grow freely.”
Qi Xiaoxiao nodded with a smile and continued, “In recent years, you’ve focused your career on art and environmental protection, investing in several large resort projects and founding your own Wildlife Conservation Foundation. Your career is flourishing. Are there any special experiences in your love life? I’m quite curious.”
Li Yaru knew this topic was inevitable and blinked. “Curious about what?”
“I heard you have many suitors. Has anyone captured your heart?”
Li Yaru smiled and nodded. “Of course.”
Qi Xiaoxiao smiled too but with a hint of mischief. “Speaking of suitors, the most famous has to be a certain… hmm… super big-shot man. Haha, Eleanor will understand who I mean.”
Li Yaru said nothing, just pursed her lips with a smile, waiting for her to spill the details.
Qi Xiaoxiao cleared her throat. “So has Mr. Zhuang won you over yet? He’s been pursuing you fiercely for so many years, and our Eleanor here might be the first to have him.”
“To be honest, I’m not sure if you two are even divorced. That matter seems never to have been confirmed, right?”
Li Yaru lazily tossed her long hair back, confidently facing the camera. “He’s still chasing me. I hope he can catch me soon.”
From behind the door, Zhuang Qiting chuckled softly, utterly indulgent. This little thing always made him both love and hate her.
How dare she tease him like that—tonight, he’d have to punish her mouth severely.
Qi Xiaoxiao was secretly impressed by the bold and provocative words. She thought, the super big-shot with a fortune worth trillions also has to endure having our magazine go bankrupt.
No matter what, this issue’s sales are rock solid.
Qi Xiaoxiao laughed to smooth things over. “So do you think women our age can still believe in love? Or is love still worth pursuing? Haha, a cliché question, but I do want to hear your thoughts.”
Li Yaru didn’t mock the question and seriously pondered for a moment. “I believe women at any age have the right to pursue love. Quality love and quality men are often the best elixir for keeping a woman young. I never think women should age at a certain year. Women can stay forever young, full of fighting spirit, and forever in love. Of course—” She laughed softly and coquettishly tossed a glance at the camera, “Dating doesn’t necessarily mean marriage. Especially for single women over thirty, be cautious about marriage. Don’t be fooled by men’s sweet talk.”
Laughter erupted on set.
Zhuang Qiting’s gaze fixed on Li Yaru grew deeper. He stepped out from behind the door slowly, soon noticed by the staff.
These workers had accompanied Qi Xiaoxiao to countless events, familiar with all kinds of celebrities, but Zhuang Qiting’s aura was overwhelmingly strong—no ordinary person could match it, and they instinctively lowered their breath.
“Shh, it’s Mr. Zhuang…”
“This is—”
This was Li Yaru’s residence, and Zhuang Qiting appeared openly here, acting like the master of the house, deepening the ambiguous and tangled nature of their relationship.
Li Yaru sensed the atmosphere shift. Qi Xiaoxiao, clearly enjoying the drama, looked over curiously and suddenly caught Zhuang Qiting’s meaningful gaze.
He smiled faintly, scanned the room, then spoke warmly, “Baby, are you filming an exclusive interview? So many guests at home, and you didn’t say a word beforehand. How about I ask Xiao Liang to order dinner for everyone?”
This shameless man’s air left Li Yaru stunned, speechless.
“………………”
Of course, the camera caught the whole moment. Regaining her composure, Li Yaru abruptly stood and told Qi Xiaoxiao, “Cut that part out, okay? Cut it!”
Qi Xiaoxiao covered her mouth. “Okay, okay, cut it out, I promise.”
Li Yaru’s face flushed bright red.
After Zhuang Qiting’s appearance, he returned to his study to work.
He thoughtfully instructed the secretary to order luxury boxed meals and dessert milk tea from a top hotel for everyone.
As the food was distributed, the mood grew cheerful and lively.
Qi Xiaoxiao gave Li Yaru a thumbs-up. “You’re right, Eleanor. The considerate tenderness of a quality man really is a woman’s aphrodisiac and tonic.”
Li Yaru glared at her. “I didn’t say that!”
.
Night had fallen deeply. The clear moonlight bathed the Li Residence, while waves could be heard in the distance.
Zhuang Qiting had finished his grooming early, radiating a fresh fragrance.
Draped in a smooth-textured robe over his broad, sturdy body, he quietly approached Li Yaru’s bedroom door and pushed it open.
Li Yaru was taking a shower; the bathroom echoed with the sound of running water.
A vase on the bedside table held a bouquet of red roses—his gift from yesterday.
The clean light outlined Zhuang Qiting’s deeply arched brows.
His fingertips brushed a petal, revealing a faint smile, then he skillfully climbed onto Li Yaru’s bed and solemnly took a book from the drawer, engrossed in reading.