Upon hearing Chen Yan's words, Zhao Xuan fell silent for a while, then said, "I don't recommend dragging this out."

"Some things can't be judged merely by their appearances and the surface level of win or loss, you need to consider a series of impacts that follow."

"So, you must avoid leaving any leverage or loopholes, and face this issue head-on."

Chen Yan chuckled and countered, "I don't mind confronting it head-on."

"After all, my various agreements with Zhang Yonghao, as well as the processes, are all very clear and distinct."

"But are you sure the people behind him will give me a fair result?"

"If they have taken the offensive already, then they must have made up their minds."

"People do business at a loss, but who would fight a case they are sure to lose?"

"Moreover, I have no room to yield on this matter."

"Don't look at how well the other industries are doing; isn't Headline Technology still the most valuable?"

"If I were to give up on Headline Technology, I might as well hand over all my companies to them."

This time, Zhao Xuan fell silent for even longer.

After all, Chen Yan made a compelling argument.

If it were some minor benefits, giving them up would be fine.

The events involving Chen Yan recently have indeed been too much; conceding some interests to placate the enemy is worth it.

But now... what the opposition is targeting are Chen Yan's core interests.

This left Chen Yan with no possibility of retreat.

And the fact that the opponent dared to instigate Zhang Yonghao to take legal action officially probably meant they were confident.

What Chen Yan could do, after all calculations, seemed to be nothing but avoiding clashing heads and dragging Zhang Yonghao down...

However... although he felt what Chen Yan did was not wrong, Zhao Xuan always believed that with the power of that group, it wasn't as simple as Chen Yan wishing to drag it out...

So, after hesitating for a moment, he still said, "You proceed with that plan for now..."

Speaking of which, he asked another question, "Do you have a specific plan for how you're going to drag this out?"

When Zhao Xuan asked this question, Chen Yan counterquestioned, "Can I trust you?"

Zhao Xuan was literally laughed at by Chen Yan's question, "I'm already your hostage, and you're asking if I can be trusted?"

Chen Yan mulled it over and found it make sense.

Zhao Xuan has only one child, Zhao Ying.

If Zhao Xuan dares to betray Chen Yan, Chen Yan would dare to pay him back with interest next year...

However, although he felt Zhao Xuan wouldn't betray him, since Zhao Xuan had a history of backing out at the last moment, Chen Yan did not disclose his plan very clearly but simply said, "What else can I do? Use their own methods against them."

"Whatever Zhang Yonghao plans to do to me, I'll do the same to him."

Upon hearing Chen Yan's words, Zhao Xuan pondered for a while.

Although he was not directly involved in the original incident and unclear about Zhang Yonghao's specific plans against Chen Yan, the latter had been going around complaining recently, revealing quite a bit of internal information, so Zhao Xuan could guess certain details.

After running it through his mind briefly, he still felt somewhat pessimistic.

However, lacking any better ideas himself, he could only grunt in agreement.

Facing his future father-in-law, Chen Yan still couldn't be too excessive, so he actively softened the atmosphere just now, "Uncle, no matter what, I still thank you for calling to give me a heads-up."

Listening to Chen Yan's words, Zhao Xuan snorted coldly and said irritably, "Now it's not time to secretly curse me as a traitor, is it?"

Over the years, Chen Yan and Zhao Xuan had grown closer. Seeing Zhao Xuan sulking like an old child, Chen Yan suddenly laughed and said, "One thing at a time. I appreciate you now, but that incident still deserves to be scolded."

"You...," Zhao Xuan almost choked on his anger.

However, knowing he was in the wrong in that matter, he could only shake his head and not argue back.

At this moment, the smile on Chen Yan's face over the phone gradually faded, and after some thought, he asked Zhao Xuan, "Uncle Zhao, do you think... there's a shadow of Zhao Qingtian in this matter...?"

Upon hearing Chen Yan's words, Zhao Xuan's first reaction was, "Impossible."

"He promised..."

As the words reached his tongue, Zhao Xuan paused.

He involuntarily furrowed his brows, pondering the possibility.

However, Chen Yan continued on his own, "Not just this issue. Also, the trouble caused by Zhang Yonghao before."

"That matter, you investigated and said it was Xu Zhaorong who made the move. The person found doing the dirty work was an insignificant employee."

"But... isn't it too coincidental?"

"Two people who bear grudges against me, and both related to Zhao Qingtian, somehow mysteriously teamed up."

Zhao Xuan countered, "But if he made the move, he wouldn't arrange such a minor role."

"It doesn't fit his style."

Chen Yan hummed and said, "What if he wants us to think that way?"

Zhao Xuan on the other end of the phone shook his head again, "I still don't feel it's his style."

This time, however, he didn't categorically deny it but said, "Don't rush it. Give me some time."

"I'll investigate further."

"If he really's been doing so much behind my back, I won't let him off."

"As for the matter with Zhang Yonghao, handle it your own way for now. If I come up with a better method, I'll contact you then..."

After speaking, the two talked a few more sentences and then hung up the phone.

After hanging up, Chen Yan sat behind his desk and began to let his thoughts wander.

Whether Zhao Qingtian was secretly making moves against Chen Yan or not, honestly, Chen Yan didn't know.

But did it matter?

No, it didn't.

After all, there were too many conflicts and problems between Chen Yan and Zhao Qingtian.

Chen Yan just needed a reason to rightfully bring Zhao Xuan back to his side and restart his plans against Zhao Qingtian.

During this time, due to the explosion of Chen Yan's media, film, and game industries, his status in his own circles had also been constantly rising.

After all, before, Chen Yan had only shown his potential. But potential and actual power are not completely equivalent.

Now, he had realized his potential and even surpassed expectations, so everyone's evaluation of Chen Yan kept being adjusted upward.

Especially in the domestic environment, being able to dominate in one field is already a rare achievement, like Chen Yan influencing three major areas massively; anyone would understand what such achievements mean.

This is why, whether it was He Ruifeng or Zhao Xuan, they started treating Chen Yan with more equal respect and continually showed their good intentions toward him...

For instance, Zhao Xuan had told Chen Yan a lot of things which Chen Yan couldn't even hear through the "inner headphones."

That was when Zhao Xuan and Zhao Qingtian reconciled, not just because of family influence, but also because of Chen Yan.

Zhao Qingtian promised that as long as Zhao Xuan was willing to support him, then any and all conflicts with Chen Yan could be erased.

He would no longer take the initiative against Chen Yan.

That's why Zhao Qingtian had been so peaceful recently, even if several opportunities to move against Chen Yan arose, he held back.

However, Chen Yan did not trust that Zhao Qingtian would remain so honest.

Nor did he believe in turning swords into plowshares genuinely.

Chen Yan always felt that Zhao Qingtian must be secretly planning a major scheme, preparing to deliver a fatal blow to him.

Just then, Zhao Xuan revealed to Chen Yan that some celebrities' backers had sent intermediaries to secretly contact Zhang Yonghao, supporting him to refile the lawsuit against Chen Yan.

Chen Yan simply splashed that dirty water on Zhao Qingtian.

As for Zhang Yonghao filing the lawsuit... Chen Yan didn't care at all.

In the domestic scene, certain things could indeed be covered up by one hand, but if that hand always leaks, could it still cover everything?

Chen Yan had "connections."

With a call from his connections, Zhang Yonghao and his backers could be pierced through, no matter how much power they covered the skies with!

Meanwhile... he also wanted to test just how far his "connections" could go...

...

After sorting through his upcoming plans clearly, Chen Yan stretched lazily. Then he checked the time, and it was already over five in the afternoon.

These past few days, due to the new game launch and the matter with Zhang Yonghao, he had been extremely busy.

Perhaps knowing how busy Chen Yan had been recently, the women had all tactfully kept from bothering him, each busy with their own matters.

Only Sister Man Man, that little fairy, was doing something unknown on her own, mysteriously claiming she was preparing a New Year surprise for Chen Yan.

It wasn't until she mentioned it that Chen Yan suddenly realized: Oh... the New Year is almost here.

In his younger days, he always remembered every holiday clearly.

Because every holiday was undoubtedly the most relaxed, comfortable, full of the best food and fun of the time.

But as he grew older, Chen Yan realized, the only purpose of holidays seemed to be to remind him to take a day off.

Especially after becoming a boss, he didn't even remember to take breaks.

Like the past two or three New Years, Chen Yan had just returned to his parents' home for a New Year's Eve dinner, offered his new year's greetings, and then plunged back into his busy work schedule.

This resulted in him feeling like holidays had no difference from ordinary days.

So, when Sister Man Man mentioned intending to surprise him, he was quite stunned.

While thinking about it, Chen Yan contemplated whether to "ambush" Sister Man Man and see what exactly she had prepared as a surprise for him.

With this in mind, Chen Yan first took out his phone to check what Sister Man Man was currently doing.

But upon opening the Virtual Girlfriend Simulator, before Chen Yan could switch to Sister Man Man's status, he saw Sister Man Man's pixel character on the screen: she was with Yu Qiao Qiao.

Chen Yan was stunned.

Recently, since Mei Li Sister had been busier, Sister Man Man had been a bit more reckless, coupled with her remarkable achievements this year wanting to take a break at year's end, everyone couldn't be too demanding, so they just let her be.

Still, even supposedly taking a break, she wasn't idle.

Today she dragged He Mengxue shopping, tomorrow took Yang Rou for maintenance, the day after flew to Tiandu, and practiced Martial Arts with Zhao Ying.

As active as a fake celebrity...

However, Chen Yan just considered it her way of helping maintain his relationships with multiple women, so he didn't mind her actions.

But... having not watched over her for a few days, how come her clutches were extending towards Boss Qiao Qiao?

Someway, Chen Yan always felt like the "wind direction" in his harem was somewhat off.

Like... it seemed like it was sinking!

So, Chen Yan couldn't delay any longer: he decided to check what Sister Man Man was up to today. Get a preventive shot.

Lest when he got busy later, Sister Man Man, this little fairy, would steal his home.

His well-established Crystal Palace, if she turned it into a mess, how awkward... well, how embarrassing that would be!

Thinking thus, Chen Yan didn't even tidy his desk, grabbed his car keys, left his office, and headed straight for Sister Man Man's house...

...

Meanwhile, at Sister Man Man's villa, in the kitchen.

Sister Man Man, Yu Qiao Qiao, and Cotton Candy were here...

Sister Man Man stood in front of Yu Qiao Qiao, holding a piece of chocolate, then said to Yu Qiao Qiao, "Qiao Qiao, you have to understand, for a woman, while career is essential, love is equally important."

"And love needs to be kept fresh."

"Only by preparing little surprises, little fun, little gifts occasionally can you ensure a man's heart stays with you."

With that said, Sister Man Man asked, "Have you been feeling that Chen Yan is becoming more and more distant from you recently? Always saying he's too busy, no time?"

Hearing Sister Man Man's words, Yu Qiao Qiao hurriedly nodded cutely, then whispered, "He indeed always says he's busy, it's been a long time since he came to see me."

Hearing Yu Qiao Qiao's words, Sister Man Man chuckled and said, "That's right. This shows that your relationship is in crisis!"

While speaking, Sister Man Man secretly scoffed in her mind: He not only didn't look for you, but he also didn't look for anyone. He's been so busy lately that he couldn't care for anything else.

Although she knew the truth, it didn't stop Sister Man Man from continuing to mislead Yu Qiao Qiao.

She further said to Yu Qiao Qiao, "I remember you contacted me a while back, saying you felt there was something wrong between Sister Rou and Chen Yan."

"I don't know if they really have issues."

"But, from you having that thought, at least you sensed some crisis in your relationship and felt insecure about your responses."

"So, what I'm here to teach you today is how to win his heart back."

Yu Qiao Qiao timidly asked, "Sister Man Man, can it really be done?"

Sister Man Man nodded, "Certainly! You have to trust me! I'm a professional in this field!"

Yu Qiao Qiao cautiously glanced at Sister Man Man and said, "But... I remember you've never been in a relationship before."

Sister Man Man chuckled, "Just because I've never been in a relationship, does that mean I don't know how to handle your boyfriend?"

Yu Qiao Qiao: ???

Yu Qiao Qiao felt something was off about what Sister Man Man said.

But just as she was about to think deeper, Sister Man Man, who realized she had misspoken, quickly disrupted her thoughts, "Come here. Sit by me."

"What I'm going to teach you today is how to make a piece of chocolate that no man can resist."

Indeed, Yu Qiao Qiao's thoughts were diverted as she curiously asked, "What kind of chocolate can no man resist?"

————————

2021 ends, and 2022 arrives. Wishing every reader a healthy body, a perfect love, a thriving career, and a smooth new year in 2022!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.