Volume Three: The Tenfold Dao Intent Chapter 72: The Pretend Boyfriend

Shenghao Hotel, the height of luxury, its top floor houses a spacious suite that can easily accommodate more than a dozen people. All the computer equipment was prepared and ready; excitement shone on every face. The group Ye Meier had gathered were all elite operators, yet none had ever played with such a vast sum of money. Were it not for Ye Meier personally calling each one, they would have thought it a joke.

To snipe Xinghai Investment Group? Absurd—wasn’t that suicide? In the past, it was always Xinghai sniping others while they watched helplessly. Now, they were the main force against Xinghai. If they succeeded, they’d have yet another accomplishment to brag about; the thought thrilled them. Cigarettes and fine wine were in abundance, and Wang Hao had even arranged for trusted attendants to serve them, ensuring no information could leak.

In the adjacent private room, a pot of clear tea simmered as he gazed at the hurried figures below, reflecting on how, in just half a year, he had surged ahead of so many. A hundred billion in assets—what did that even mean? Once unimaginable, now summoned at a mere gesture.

Ye Meier departed; it was time. With a hundred billion entering the market, every major capitalist sensed an unusual atmosphere in the stock exchange that day. The market, which should have soared, remained stagnant like dead water; turnover was rapid, but prices simply wouldn’t rise. Everyone was frustrated, especially retail investors who dumped their shares only to see them instantly bought up.

Stocks controlled by Xinghai Investment had already been driven high. Selling now meant astronomical prices. There was a rumor in the business world: someone was targeting Xinghai Investment. It had seemed unbelievable before, but witnessing the strange market, everyone knew it was true.

Xinghai Investment posted massive orders, but no one could swallow such volumes. Retail investors, sensing the stillness, dared not buy. The orders sat unanswered all morning; this oddity was noticed by all. With Ye Meier presiding, he felt at ease and hurried out, almost forgetting the whole affair if not for Wu Yaoyao’s text.

Cold Qianyu had vanished these past days, off somewhere wild, not a shadow in sight. Truthfully, that was just as he preferred; sharing his days with a “female devil” made restful sleep impossible.

When he left Shenghao Hotel, he noticed martial artists all around, his brows knitting. He knew their response would be quick, but hadn’t expected it to be instant. Narrowing his eyes, he considered that, even in broad daylight, their kind had reservations. He ignored them and drove toward the agreed destination.

He stopped to buy something; Wu Yaoyao said it wasn’t necessary, but come on—first visit to meet her parents, how could he show up empty-handed? Even as a fake boyfriend, he had to keep up appearances.

The Jingyuan Compound was one of Bincheng’s rare luxury communities. Wu Yaoyao had bought it while she was still in school, intending to sell it after it appreciated, but grew attached and didn’t want to move. Now, with her company so large and so much money earned, she could buy any home she wished.

He hadn’t even reached the door and found himself nervous, which struck him as absurd. Life’s a stage, after all, and he was merely acting. Besides, he was only a stand-in, not her real boyfriend—so what was there to fear?

He took a deep breath, about to knock, when Wu Yaoyao beat him to it.

“Yaoyao’s home!”

Once Wu Yaoyao entered, Qin Yang immediately regretted his timing—why were there guests? The house was packed. Was this all for him?

He felt like an animal in a zoo, paraded for show—utterly uncomfortable. Qin Yang could only steel himself and enter; standing outside would be too awkward.

“Hello, uncle. Hello, aunt. Hello, everyone. I am Yaoyao’s boyfriend. My family is from Beihai, but now I’m settled in Bincheng.”

His words hung in the air; everyone stared, especially Wu’s parents, who had always urged Yaoyao to bring her boyfriend home. Now she had, but they were bewildered.

“Ahem!”

“Come, have a seat. It’s so hot, have some water,” said a young man nearby, easing Qin Yang’s embarrassment.

Wu Yaoyao turned to him, “Qin Yang, this is my uncle, in the provincial public security bureau. This is my aunt.”

The other two needed no introduction—her parents, obviously.

“Uncle, aunt, I’m truly sorry. I was away on business recently. Yaoyao told me you’d arrived, and I’ve long wanted to visit, but had no time. Now that I’m back, I came right over. I hope you won’t hold it against me.”

Wu’s father nodded, showing nothing; Wu’s mother pulled Yaoyao inside, asking her something.

Qiu Zhiguo, Yaoyao’s uncle, had honed sharp eyes in the public security system. Watching Qin Yang, he felt a certain aura—something alarming. Qin Yang seemed to deliberately hide his sharpness, making it almost undetectable.

Qiu Zhiguo poured water. “Qin, who else is in your family?”

“My parents are back home, and I have a sister in high school.”

Wu Chun, Yaoyao’s aunt, asked, “Qin, where do you work?”

“I work at Yaoyao’s company, as Security Department Manager.”

Such an honest reply ended further questioning. Security Department Manager—what was that? Was he promoted just because he was Yaoyao’s boyfriend, to save face? Not impossible. Qin Yang drank water, his expression unchanged, but inwardly he laughed.

Wu Yaoyao, I’ve done my best; if I’m exposed, don’t blame me. Your uncle and aunt are formidable—each question strikes straight to the point.

Wu’s father frowned; Yaoyao had only said she was dating someone, but they knew little else.

“Security Manager—how much do you make a month?”

“Bincheng’s a second-tier city; have you bought a house?”

“I’m not sure about salary. I remember it was a bit over three thousand before; after promotion to manager, I didn’t pay much attention. I just bought an old house in Bincheng, a courtyard home, pretty spacious, I’m used to it.”

“The neighbors are quite friendly, though Yaoyao hasn’t visited yet. Next time, I’ll take her.”

Wu’s father reacted to the mention of an old courtyard home. He knew how expensive those were in Bincheng—millions for a remote one, tens of millions for a good one.

From inside came raised voices, and with his sensitive hearing, Qin Yang caught every word.

“No. I won’t allow you to be together.”

“A poor boy cannot marry my daughter, not a chance.”

“Mom, keep your voice down.”

“Why should I? Our Wu family is famous in Jiangnan—a prominent clan with billions in assets. You’re our only daughter; you must find a matching, handsome husband.”

“Him? I don’t approve.”

Qin Yang stood, his martial aura flickering. He’d come for Wu Yaoyao’s sake, but now they belittled him—unacceptable.

Previously, Qin Yang had restrained himself, like a silent sword, but now his edge was exposed, brilliant and intimidating. His brows drew together, a cold smile on his lips. “Yaoyao, since your parents don’t welcome me, I’ll come back another time.”

He strode toward the door, pausing to turn back with a smile. “And don’t look down on others. Maybe in your eyes I’m just a poor boy, but in mine, you are…”

He laughed softly, leaving the rest unsaid, and walked out.

He hadn’t wanted to say more, but he had no choice—pressure around him was mounting, someone was forcing him to leave.

The door closed gently; everyone pondered Qin Yang’s last words.

The house was packed, people everywhere. With a cold snort, he said, “Lead the way.”

Wu Yaoyao and Qiu Zhiguo, rushing after him, were stunned by the scene outside—hundreds of luxury cars, several large trucks packed with people. A team of a thousand.

Qiu Zhiguo trembled, incredulous.

Was it necessary to make such a spectacle to meet the parents? Bringing a thousand people for support—did Bincheng people always play so big? Was he really just a pretty face?

He might have suspected before, but now there was no doubt. To command so many people and cars—could a mere Security Manager do this?

Shenghao Hotel.

That afternoon, the market opened and stocks plunged, especially those controlled by Xinghai Investment Group, which were halved instantly, prices opening low.

Xinghai Investment lost ten billion in assets in a flash.

The battle had barely begun, but shareholders suffered heavy losses, waiting for prices to rebound to break even.

But Ye Meier had no intention of giving them any chance.

“Sell off all stocks controlled by Xinghai Investment—I want to see how they block this wave of shock.”

Two hundred billion in shares were dumped, the impact on the market immense.

Most crucially, no one dared accept them—the volume was overwhelming, and helping Xinghai Investment could drag others down. Who would risk it?

This was clearly a trap to incite hatred; whoever took the bait would suffer.

Ye Meier pursed her lips, her heart merciless. “Heh, not enough. Since they want to swallow it, let’s stuff them until they burst.”