Darkness was once again brought about and the Peace Mansion was once again brightly lit. The warmth of the illumination brought tranquillity to the household. Typically, the owners of this mansion would’ve been asleep but the women of the family were adamant on waiting for their husband’s return. They would not be retiring to bed before their husband was home.
But this wait wasn’t spent idly by. While they continued to pace around the room, a heated family meeting was ongoing.
“I’m sure everyone is clear about the current situation.” Liang Siyao brought up the topic. “You’re all aware of Tang Yuyan’s feelings, right? If she doesn't mind her position in the family and insists on joining us, how would you react?
“I wouldn’t agree with it, of course.” Fan Fan huffed. “I know the Tang family and I understand the women from that clan. Tang Yuyan is the daughter of an ancient clan. She’s destined to serve and seek ways to benefit the family till death. If a woman like that joined our family, how are we supposed to get along with her if she’s so stuck up on seeking benefits for the Tang family constantly?”
It was Jiang Ruyi’s turn to speak. “I don’t wish for that to happen too. Things would end up like a television drama. The women would clash out of jealousy and a mind game would begin. They’d harm one another for as long as they lived. How are we supposed to live like that?
Long Bing merely listened to them, not expressing any opinion. Her face was calm, seemingly uninterested in the current topic.
Liang Siyao nudged Long Bing’s waist with an elbow. “Ah Bing, I understand that you’re not the most talkative person but you must say something this time. We’re a family. There’s no way you wouldn’t have an opinion?”
It was only then that Long Bing responded. “I’m fine with anything. You guys are free to decide.”
“Oh, come on. Tang Yuyan kicked you out of Bureau 101 for crying out loud. Are you not fazed by the idea at all?” said Fan Fan.
Long Bing mustered a smile. “My life is alright. Plus, no matter what wrong she had done, she was the one who saved us and our child. This alone is enough to make up for all her past mistakes.”
“This happened all because of that. True, she did save us and our child. But what if she uses this incident as leverage against us and demands a negotiation?” Liang Siyao frowned.
Jiang Ruyi’s brows were furrowed as well. “This is such a messy situation. If she manages to convince our husband and use that as leverage, it really will be difficult for us to reject her.”
“Alright, a show of hands please.” Fan Fan instructed, “Those who do not wish for Tang Yuyan to join this family, please raise your hands.” She was the first to raise a palm.
Liang Siyao and Jiang Ruyi mirrored her actions.
Long Bing was stunned. Under the tensed gazes of the other three women, she too slowly raised a palm.
“Mm, very well. Good to know that everyone’s on the same page.” Liang Siyao was pleased with the outcome.
Suddenly, the room’s door was pushed open as Xia Lei appeared with a smile. “Are you in the middle of a secret discussion? What's everyone on the same page for?”
“Hubby, you’re back. We were just discussing Tang Yuyan,” answered Fan Fan straightforwardly.
Liang Siyao explained, “Hubby, we have come to a decision. Tang Yuyan must not join our family. It is true that she has saved us, that is a fact that we won’t deny. However, we will not let her into this family unit just because of that. We will repay her kindness in other ways.”
Jiang Ruyi supported, “That’s right, hubby. If Tang Yuyan is wedded into the family, our family would be like those complicated rich families in dramas. Us women would be wrapped up in never-ending fights and our children would claw at each other’s throat for inheritance in the future.”
Xia Lei chuckled. “Are you sure it would be that awful?” He landed his gaze on Long Bing. “Ah Bing, why are you so quiet?”
Long Bing mumbled, “I… I share their sentiments.”
Liang Siyao, Fan Fan and Jiang Ruyi had shared the same stand on the matter. Even if Long Bing was not bothered by it, she too needed to be on their good side. Or else, their harmonized dynamics would face a rift.
“Hubby, this is a uniform decision. When you are together with her, please be more mindful. Don’t you dare make a mistake,” warned Liang Siyao.
Xia Lei was fully aware of what mistake she was referring to. He had to admit he was rendered a little speechless by the direct warning. “What do you see me as? Do I look like someone prone to mistakes?”
“Of course you are. Do you dare to deny that?” Liang Siyao curled a brow.
Ring… Ring…
In all of a sudden, Xia Lei’s phone started to ring. He slid the device out and immediately felt like exploding. In the midst of a heated debate about Tang Yuyan and his helplessness, Shentu Tianyin was trying to contact him.
Liang Siyao had always been blessed with a sharp eye. It took her only a second to notice the caller ID displayed on his screen. She pouted, “See, even your ex-wife is coming for you. You’re so popular with ladies. Everyone just can't keep their hands off you.”
Burning gazes were focused on Xia Lei.
The man hesitated briefly but declined Shentu Tianyin’s call eventually. He said, “Is this handling method alright?”
Smiles were immediately elicited from his wives. This was the first time they had seen him decline Shentu Tianyin’s call right off the bat. While the gesture may seem insignificant, this was a good start.
“What about Tang Yuyan? Hubby, I need you to announce your standing tonight,” said Liang Siyao.
Xia Lei replied, “I have never once thought of bringing her into the family. I only see her as a friend now. Regarding the incident, there is no need for four of you to repay her kindness. I’ll see to that myself.”
“You can’t be thinking of repaying her with your body, right?” Liang Siyao stared at him.
Xia Lei swung a palm lightly against her ass. “You’re such a rascal. I’m not going to repay her kindness like that. I have gotten a list of CIA agents planted in China. I will give that to her. I’m sure it will be a great boost to her career, it might even bring the Tang family some political assets.”
“Ah, that’s splendid.” Liang Siyao smiled. “You have saved her life and she has saved ours. Now, you’re even entrusting such an important list to her.”
“That’s great!” Jiang Ruyi was absolutely delighted.
“I’m planning to invite Tang Yuyan over to our place for dinner tomorrow to pass her the list and settle this once and for all. Is everyone okay with that?” questioned Xia Lei cautiously.
“Sure, I’ve got no issues with that,” Liang Siyao nodded.
“I’m alright with that too. I’ll cook dinner tomorrow,” offered Jiang Ruyi.
“Me too. It’s best to settle this as soon as possible. That way, we can be at peace throughout our pregnancy,” agreed Fan Fan.
There was a twitch to Long Bing’s lip before her delayed answer came. “I’ve got no problem with it either.”
The lack of resistance put a smile on Xia Lei’s face. “Then that’s settled. Ruyi, there’s no need for you to work a sweat in the kitchen. I’ll make tomorrow’s dinner. You four shall entertain our guest until dinner is served.”
Jiang Ruyi initially wanted to insist on having her work in the kitchen but Liang Siyao halted her with a sneaky nudge to her shin. “It’s better for us to entertain Tang Yuyan than to have our husband do it instead. Let him be in the kitchen. Perhaps we might even chase her out before the table is set.”
Jiang Ruyi giggled.
With a slight twitch, Xia Lei’s left and right eyes entered its new X-ray vision mode instantly. Here, his four wives bore no secrets. Jing Ruyi’s hips, Liang Siyao’s legs, Fan Fan’s chest and Long Bing’s waist. All sorts of data were fed into his brain, bringing him a whole new sensation.
It wasn’t appropriate to use this on other women, but it certainly wasn’t a crime to apply it onto his own wives. He enjoyed the view to his heart’s content without a hint of awkwardness.
But this certainly had its own side effects.
“My dears, should we head to bed? It’s getting late,” suggested Xia Lei.
His words were immediately responded with eye rolls.
“We really have spoilt you rotten. You always demand us four to sleep with you. Can’t you just sleep with us one on one?” Liang Siyao massaged her temples.
Xia Lei had no ounce of shame. “It’s boring to just sleep like that. It’s much livelier to sleep together.”
“I invented a new massage technique today, you’re in luck to try it out. Come on, let’s get snuggled up in bed,” urged Xia Lei eagerly.
“Wow, now you’re not even bothering to switch up your excuses.” Fan Fan grumbled below her breath.
To that, Xia Lei had nothing to retort.
No matter how they stalled, the outcome was always the same. How could the four pregnant women decline an alluring prompt for another eventful night?
They fooled around extensively. Xia Lei had only managed to catch a wink of rest before clambering out to the study.
There, he booted his laptop and checked the account statuses of the four female knights.
Xia Lei could not afford to care about the share market recently. It was when he logged in to the interface that he realized Honick had sold all Vientiane Group shares and bought shares of companies like Apple and Microsoft. While it was undeniable that those stocks were valuable and offered more security, their profits were pitifully measly. Last time, the total assets of the account had totalled to 2.188 billion USD. Now, it has increased slightly to 2.21 billion USD. Throughout this period, Honick had only managed to help him earn more than twenty million USD.
Usually, Honick’s profitability was impressive. But this was not enough to please Xia Lei. If he himself had manipulated the accounts, it would’ve been closer to three billion USD! Despite that, one of his shortcomings was his lack of time. Time was now his biggest enemy.
Taking in the information, Xia Lei went to check on the shares of the Vientiane Group. He gaped at the screen. The stock prices of Vientiane Group had fallen by thirty per cent. At this rate, Vientiane Group was at risk of a dangerous capital disconnection.
Xia Lei pondered internally, “Was Tianyin trying to reach out to me about this? Was she asking for my help?”
He quickly checked his phone. Just before he could call Shentu Tianyin, Xia Lei quickly abandoned the thought. If his wives were unable to accept a saviour, how would they possibly accept Shentu Tianyin? Plus, Shentu Tianyin had left a deep scar. He himself was also unable to move past himself.
“Ah, fuck it. I’ll just help her from the shadows.” Xia Lei’s heart settled on a decision. He then began to sell super company stocks from his accounts and bought Vientiane Group shares across the board.
His personal work was different from Honick.
It was a good thing to earn profits while helping out an ex-wife.
Meanwhile, in the headquarters of the Vientiane Group.
“Chairman, someone is buying all of our shares! Our shares have stopped falling!” Vientiane Group’s trader screeched excitedly.
“Oh my god! It stopped falling and it’s even rising now!” Cheers erupted among the employees of the Capital Operation Department.
“This is so weird! Who would buy our shares at such timing? That person is dealing with tens of millions!” Someone remarked curiously.
“I have no idea. But damn, he really saved us.” Another person sighed in relief.
Shentu Tianyin watched the displayed trend chart in complete silence. She remained rooted to her spot, not moving a single inch. As the realization hit her, she had already sent a text message a minute later. Thank you so much, my ex-husband.