You Mingxu knew what he was thinking. Since Luo Yu had made this opening last night, her mind had been in turmoil, shrouded in fog. She said, “Yin Feng, since my deal with Luo Yu began, we’ve never been able to figure him out completely. Yet he keeps making demands. Since we’re supposedly dating, I can use this relationship to take the initiative. We can’t infiltrate their meeting tonight? No problem, I’ll go. I’m their ‘sister-in-law’—let’s see who dares stop me.”

Yin Feng said: “Whose sister-in-law are you?”

You Mingxu: “Be serious.”

Yin Feng finally said: “Fine. I’ll go with you.”

You Mingxu: “How will you get in?”

Yin Feng said: “Don’t worry about that. I’ll prepare the clothes; you follow the original plan. You’ll be visible, I’ll stay hidden. I’ll contact you if necessary.”

You Mingxu thought of his band of crafty underlings and figured it shouldn’t be difficult, so she said: “Alright.”

—

The sun was setting.

This was a small estate in the suburbs, with two villas, a swimming pool, grape arbors, and several acres of flower fields. Though it was mid-winter and the flowers had withered, Xiangcheng’s southern location meant the trees remained green. The entire estate appeared lush and tranquil.

This property belonged to Huang Long, and while usually open to the public, it was mostly used by the group itself.

Today, the estate had been cleared for the bosses’ arrival.

Cars filled the entrance parking area, with underlings drinking and carousing by the pool, many accompanied by various beautiful women, creating a lively atmosphere. Many of these men would be participating in the upcoming business deal, and knowing its importance and dangers—as well as its potential profits—they were taking full advantage of the boss’s generosity to enjoy themselves tonight.

The left villa contained several entertainment rooms, where some underlings were gambling at cards, while others were directly involved with women in the rooms. The right villa, however, remained quiet. The bosses were inside.

Xing Jifu had already arrived.

The evening’s atmosphere was relatively relaxed. They had just finished dinner and were resting in a room, all accompanied by women.

Xing Jifu never touched other women, but he wouldn’t spoil his subordinates’ mood, so he allowed women to sit beside him, serving tea and wine, though he never looked at them directly.

Huang Long and Guo Feirong had no such reservations about women, frequently touching and teasing them as if playing with kittens or puppies.

Luo Yu, usually cut from the same cloth as them, today only held a woman’s waist and occasionally accepted drinks she offered, showing little intimacy. He was the most handsome of the group, and the girl melted into his embrace, but he seemed disinterested, sometimes even frowning and pushing her away when she became too clingy.

This change didn’t go unnoticed.

Huang Long sneered: “Old Luo, gone vegetarian lately?”

Luo Yu just smiled and said: “Not interested.”

Guo Feirong said: “Hasn’t his woman just moved in to live with him? Guess other merchandise doesn’t appeal anymore.”

The girl in Luo Yu’s arms protested, pushing him reproachfully.

Luo Yu couldn’t even be bothered to pretend, saying coldly: “Get lost.”

The girl stood up and left angrily, but Luo Yu didn’t care, just poured himself another drink. Huang Long said with a mocking tone: “Has that lady cop got you wrapped around her finger?”

Luo Yu snorted: “That’s my choice.”

Xing Jifu laughed and said: “Who knew Luo Yu was such a romantic?”

Everyone laughed heartily, including Luo Yu, who said: “Not romance, just no choice. Mingxu has a fierce temper. Now that she’s with me, she inspects everything when I get home—can’t have lipstick marks or perfume scent. Otherwise, no bed for me.”

This made everyone laugh even harder, all teasing him for being henpecked. He didn’t mind at all, saying: “What’s wrong with fearing the wife? You don’t know a fish’s joy unless you are one.”

After they finished mocking him, they returned to their entertainment—drinking games, flirting, men and women mixing. In the quiet night, every face showed both abandon and intoxication.

Only Xing Jifu and Luo Yu remained quietly observing from the side.

Xing Jifu patted the girl beside him, signaling her to leave. Seeing this, Luo Yu refilled his drink, and they clinked glasses.

Xing Jifu asked: “Really settled down with her?”

Luo Yu took a drink and said: “Yes after this job is done, I’ll keep her by my side permanently.”

Xing Jifu studied his expression and smiled: “Seems you were bragging before—she hasn’t completely given herself to you, has she?”

Luo Yu quickly showed a flash of embarrassment, saying: “You saw through me. A girl like her, so stubborn—sometimes I don’t know what to do with her. I’ve never been this serious with a girl before, I…”

Xing Jifu was quiet for a few seconds, then said: “Let me give you advice: No matter what, regardless of the difficulties… once you’ve decided, don’t let go.”

Luo Yu froze.

Xing Jifu said: “Some women are like cats, powerless to resist. You can hold them gently in your palm. Such women are easy to manage, and entertaining, but not interesting for long. Some women are like eagles, with talons—one moment of carelessness and they’ll scratch your face, then fly away. As a man, you either need to fly higher than her, staying above her so she can’t escape or… permanently grip her wings, keeping her grounded with you. Her freedom or your desire—only one can remain. Sometimes, a man must make a choice.”

Luo Yu seemed dazed, dark light surging in his long eyes.

Finally, he said: “Boss, you’ve read my mind. Right now, I’m forcing her to stay with me—she hasn’t truly given herself to me. I want to possess her, completely and thoroughly. I’ve never loved another woman; no one compares to her. I want to marry her.”

Xing Jifu smiled, saying: “I hope you get your wish.”

As they were talking, someone knocked, and one of Huang Long’s underlings entered. Looking at Luo Yu, he said: “Brother Long. Luo Yu’s brother, and sister-in-law are at the door. She insists on coming in—we didn’t dare stop her.”

Everyone fell silent, all looking at Luo Yu.

Luo Yu was stunned too.

Xing Jifu suddenly laughed heartily, patting Luo Yu’s shoulder: “Go welcome her. What are you afraid of? If she dares come, you must dare to receive her.”