"Wang Hao, should we arrange for a few brothers to secretly observe the auction event tomorrow?"

The traditional Chinese medicine auction event was set to begin tomorrow, and Cheng Yin and Song Jianjun’s influence in Zao City was not to be underestimated. They had private dealings with some officials in power, so Old Third Sun was still somewhat worried.

"It’s fine, this is a personal grudge between Cheng Yin, Song Jianjun, and me. You guys should stay out of it, I will deal with them personally."

Wang Hao’s eyes were resolute, and his tone became very firm.

Old Third Sun didn’t insist any further because he already knew Wang Hao was formidable.

"That’s enough, we’re just starting with the production of Pure Yang Pills. Focus all your energy on this for now. Everything is difficult at the beginning, you must keep a close watch!"

After giving his instructions, Wang Hao left the Deshan Game Hall.

To open up sales channels for Pure Yang Pills, Wang Hao had stayed up all night with Grandpa Gao, but luckily, with the protection of Heart of the Dragon energy, he was still full of vigor.

He arrived at the company early in the morning to find Chen Hongying already in the office, looking quite haggard.

"The traditional Chinese medicine isn’t in the purchasing period yet, so you could rest a bit more. There’s no need to push yourself so hard!"

Wang Hao walked directly into the office and placed the breakfast he had brought on Chen Hongying’s desk.

Chen Hongying was taken aback by Wang Hao’s arrival. Usually, she wanted to see him but never could, yet today she didn’t expect him to appear at the company so early.

He even brought such a lavish breakfast. But how did he know that Chen Hongying hadn’t had breakfast yet?

"Thank you!"

Chen Hongying said softly, setting the breakfast aside as she had no appetite at the moment.

"Are you still upset about the crap Cheng Yin spouted?"

Wang Hao shook his head helplessly.

Chen Hongying looked at Wang Hao in surprise, trembling, because she was sure she hadn’t told him about this matter. How did he know?

About her past, Chen Hongying hadn’t talked to anyone and didn’t want to bring it up, so when Wang Hao mentioned it, she still looked a bit uncomfortable.

"Don’t take what people like him say to heart, as long as you haven’t done anything you’re ashamed of. But..."

Wang Hao paused, then his eyes suddenly became fierce.

"He even shamelessly brought up the family members of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country to make a point. He’s capable of such despicable acts, so tomorrow I’ll go to the auction event with you, I’ll make sure you get your revenge."

Chen Hongying gazed at Wang Hao in surprise as his eyes were filled with determination. She knew Wang Hao was definitely going to settle accounts with Cheng Yin tomorrow.

But for Wang Hao, who had just entered the Zao City traditional Chinese medicine market, openly opposing Cheng Yin wasn’t a wise move.

"Maybe we should just let it go, I think we better..."

"No, this person has gone too far. Bullying me is one thing, but to dare mess with my woman, Wang Hao, I definitely won’t let him off. This is settled then, you’re coming to the event with me tomorrow."

Wang Hao didn’t give Chen Hongying the chance to continue, as whenever he felt something was worth doing, no one’s persuasion mattered.

But Chen Hongying was well aware of Cheng Yin’s background; one of Cheng Yin’s uncles held a substantial military post. If Cheng Yin was pushed into a corner and he pulled his uncle into the situation, what would Wang Hao have to counter with?

However, when it came to persuading Wang Hao, Chen Hongying honestly didn’t have the confidence; she noticed Wang Hao had become increasingly domineering.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

Seeing Chen Hongying staring straight at him, Wang Hao joked with a smile.

Chen Hongying then snapped out of her daze and quickly averted her gaze.

"What’s the matter? Am I that frightening? You don’t even want to take another glance at me?"

Wang Hao chuckled with an obvious lack of good intentions and quietly moved closer to Chen Hongying.

Chen Hongying could only silently curse her luck inwardly. Wang Hao was really too much to handle: looking at him was the wrong choice, but so was not looking. She certainly couldn’t just dig out her eyeballs and hand them to him.

But strangely, Chen Hongying wasn’t angry in her heart; it felt more like a lovers’ squabble, with a slight sense of anticipation.

"You..."

When Chen Hongying thought about her own identity, she hurriedly tried to clear her head. Her most pressing concern should be acknowledging and supporting Huang Dingfeng’s growth. What other luxuries could she afford to have now?

So, Chen Hongying turned around, intending to fire back a couple of sharp retorts at Wang Hao.

But as she turned, she couldn’t help but gasp. Wang Hao’s face was now right in front of hers, nearly pressed against her cheek.

While Chen Hongying was still in a daze, she felt a large hand slowly wrap around her waist, then slowly tighten, pulling her towards Wang Hao.

The two were pressed tightly together, leaving Chen Hongying’s mind utterly blank.

It had been more than ten years. Ever since Huang Dingfeng’s father passed away, although there had been many suitors, none made her heart flutter like Wang Hao did, as if it were her first love all over again.

Even during her time with Qin Xi, she hadn’t felt this way.

"So fragrant! What brand of perfume are you using?"

Seeing that Chen Hongying didn’t resist, Wang Hao leaned closer to the collar of her clothes and took a deep sniff, involuntarily admiring.

"This... It isn’t perfume, it’s... a kind of spice!"

Chen Hongying’s heart was pounding wildly, like a startled rabbit.

Seeing Chen Hongying looking so bewildered, Wang Hao couldn’t help but want to laugh.

Chen Hongying was much older than him. Logically, she should have had more experience than Wang Hao, so why did she look now like a young girl experiencing her first love?

However, this mature figure, coupled with a girlishly shy appearance, had its own unique charm. It made Wang Hao feel an unexpected stir of emotion, almost as if he couldn’t help himself.

"Let go of me..."

Suddenly, as if startled, Chen Hongying quickly struggled out of Wang Hao’s embrace, stammering as she spoke.

"Mr. Wang, don’t be like this. You’re still young and have plenty of opportunities. Besides, there are so many..."

"Whether I like someone is my choice, okay? You can dislike me, even reject me, but you can’t stop me from liking you!"

Wang Hao knew Chen Hongying still had some unresolved issues in her heart, so he cut off what she tried to say and continued.

"What matters most now is that I like you and I want to protect you from anyone who would bully you. Likewise, if anyone dares to bully you, I guarantee I’ll make them pay the price they deserve!"

Chen Hongying was stunned by Wang Hao’s forthrightness; she hadn’t expected him to speak so directly.

In fact, before saying these things, Wang Hao had given it a lot of thought. Chen Hongying was not like the young girls Qi Shihan and Su Lin, who liked to be surrounded by sweet nothings.

Having experienced much more, Chen Hongying was more realistic in her thinking, so a more direct approach was probably better.

"Whether you accept it or not, you must come with me to the venue tomorrow."

Having said his piece, Wang Hao left the office.

Chen Hongying was left standing there in a daze, her mind a complete blank, and it was a long while before she came back to her senses.