In the evening, Ning Xingchen and Liu Mingyan left the company one after the other. Liu Mingyan valued her reputation and did not allow any blemishes, so she tried to keep her relationship with Ning Xingchen mysterious in front of the employees.
"Mingyan, my dear, I think you have the potential to be a secret agent!" said Ning Xingchen, sitting in his Ferrari and waiting in the parking lot, smiling.
"Why?" Liu Mingyan asked, slightly puzzled.
"You act discreetly, think meticulously, plan rigorously, and speak without a flaw!" Ning Xingchen praised her.
Liu Mingyan playfully retorted, "Why do I feel like you're not complimenting me?"
"Of course, I'm complimenting you, saying you're smart."
"But in reality, too smart women usually aren't happy. Only those who act cute have good lives," Liu Mingyan sighed.
"Hahaha, really? Come on, beautiful, act cute for me!" Ning Xingchen chuckled, gently pinching Liu Mingyan's cheek.
"Stop it, I can't act cute. If you like it, have An Yuqing do it for you every day. She's so adorable," Liu Mingyan said meaningfully.
"You mean Secretary An? Don't be ridiculous. That girl is so serious when she works that I wouldn't dare to flirt with her," Ning Xingchen laughed, suspecting that Liu Mingyan might be jealous. After all, a stunning young beauty spending all day alone with him could easily lead to feelings, and Liu Mingyan's concern was understandable.
"Oh? That's a bit surprising," Liu Mingyan said, slightly surprised because she wasn't very familiar with An Yuqing.
"Let's not talk about her. Dear, let's go home!" Ning Xingchen stepped on the gas and drove off.
On the way, they stopped at a supermarket to buy various ingredients for dinner. It took them almost an hour before they reached Liu Mingyan's rented apartment.
Initially, Ning Xingchen wanted to buy a luxurious villa for Liu Mingyan, but knowing her strong-willed personality, he held back and didn't mention it.
"Brother Xingchen, Aunt, you're back!" Qin Bao'er, lying on the sofa playing with her phone, stood up excitedly.
"Stop playing and go wash your hands. It's almost dinner time. You're always on your phone. No wonder your grades aren't good!" Liu Mingyan, still annoyed from the teacher calling her, scolded.
"Hmph, I'm not just playing. I'm reading e-books on my phone. I'm studying," Qin Bao'er immediately retorted.
"Alright, let's cook," Ning Xingchen intervened to prevent another argument, putting his arm around Liu Mingyan's waist and guiding her to the kitchen.
Clever and perceptive Qin Bao'er noticed Ning Xingchen's hand on her aunt's waist, looking thoughtful.
In the kitchen, Liu Mingyan started washing the vegetables.
While washing, Liu Mingyan said, "I really can't control Bao'er anymore. I say one thing, she has a hundred retorts ready."
"That's normal. Teenage girls are rebellious. I'll handle her. You know, opposites attract. Besides, for someone as handsome as me, from eighty-nine-year-old grannies to toddlers, everyone gives me some face!"
"Narcissist, I don't think you're handsome!" Liu Mingyan deliberately contradicted him, saying something she didn't mean.
"Really, dear? Then what attracted you to me if not my looks? Must be my talent!" Ning Xingchen smiled, hugging Liu Mingyan from behind as she washed the vegetables, inhaling her pleasant fragrance.
...
"I don't like you. Alright, stop messing around, or I won't be able to cook," Liu Mingyan said shyly.
That's just how Liu Mingyan was. No matter how much she liked someone, she would hide her feelings deep inside and wouldn't easily express them. She was a bit aloof by nature.
Ning Xingchen smiled lightly and didn't press further. It was already clear through her actions. Besides her father, he was the only man for whom Liu Mingyan would cook. If this wasn't love, what was it?
Cooking wasn't Ning Xingchen's forte, and he didn't want to make a mess, so he left the kitchen.
In the living room, Qin Bao'er was not only playing with her phone but also had the TV on, showing a popular cartoon, Peppa Pig.
"Bao'er, what game are you playing?" Ning Xingchen asked softly, sitting beside her.
"It's a beautiful, ancient martial arts game called Assassin's Legend, based on a historical story," Qin Bao'er replied, looking up with a smile.
"Isn't it boring?" Ning Xingchen wasn't fond of games that required frequent grinding.
"Not really. It's quite interesting. This game is the most popular this year. Everyone in my class is playing it. In the game, I'm relatively weak because I haven't spent any money," Qin Bao'er said, seemingly regretful.
"This game is worth spending money on?" Ning Xingchen asked, puzzled.
"Of course. To become strong, you have to spend money. A classmate of ours spent over a million just to craft a level 99 sword with a billion damage critical hit!" Qin Bao'er said, her face full of admiration and longing.
"I see," Ning Xingchen glanced at the game's logo in the top left corner—a little penguin—and understood everything.
This game company's motto was to make the wealthy happy, creating joy through spending money.
"Bao'er, help me with a survey. Ask your classmates what they think of MOBA mobile games!" Ning Xingchen planned to develop King's Duel before Tencent could, targeting students as the primary players. Talking to Qin Bao'er was the best way to get relevant opinions.
"Brother Xingchen, are you developing a mobile game? Can you tell me about your business idea? If it's a secret, never mind!" Qin Bao'er asked excitedly, unable to hide her enthusiasm.
King's Duel would feature many historical figures like Zhuge Liang, Dian Wei, Guan Yu, Zhen Ji, Sun Shangxiang, and more. Ning Xingchen planned to add even more characters of interest.
"It's a 5v5 team-based fair competition game. You can match across regions in 10 seconds and team up with friends to rank up, aiming to become the strongest king! Players can choose from various heroes, achieving first blood, pentakills, and dominating the game!" Ning Xingchen explained the game's concept and setup.
Qin Bao'er listened intently, completely absorbed. Even though the game hadn't been released yet, she was already deeply attracted.
"Bao'er, what do you think? Will this type of mobile game be popular?" Ning Xingchen asked curiously.
"Brother Xingchen, I think you're going to hit the jackpot!" Qin Bao'er said seriously.
"Hit the jackpot?" Ning Xingchen smiled faintly.
"Brother Xingchen, you're going to make a fortune," Qin Bao'er said earnestly.
4o