Chapter 22 The Battle of the Dads: The CEO's Utter Defeat (Three Chapters Combined)...

twenty two

"dad!"

Children's voices are crisp, sweet, and warm.

Amidst the surrounding hustle and bustle, the sound clearly and directly entered Bian Xun's ears, as if automatically drawing a line between himself and everything that annoyed him at the kindergarten gate.

Bian Xun paused slightly, raised his dark eyes, and met Ning Zhitao's gaze.

The two, one big and one small, looked at each other.

Surprisingly, the child didn't find it very difficult to accept.

Although her round eyes were full of confusion and bewilderment, she seemed to quickly accept that Bian Xun had become her father.

In Bian Xun's original plan, he should at least have some explanation for becoming a father.

It seems that Ning Ye does indeed often talk about herself with the children.

This child may have lacked fatherly love during his upbringing.

Bian Xun's expression became inscrutable as he slowly and reservedly adjusted his suit cuffs.

"?" Ning Zhitao felt that what her father said was strange, but it didn't seem wrong either.

She scratched her head, not bothered by it, and her tone was very accepting.

"Dad! Why did you come to pick me up? Where's Mom?"

As he came to his senses, the title "Dad" fell upon his shoulders.

This was the first time in his life he had received such a title, an identity he never thought he would ever have—father. It was a powerful word, making one unconsciously feel both soft and hard.

After making this earth-shattering decision that could almost destroy the entire Bian family, Bian Xun's anxious mood, which had been rising for days, improved considerably.

But the thought that this title didn't actually belong to him, but that Ning Ye had given it to another man, made him feel uneasy.

Bian Xun's heart, though initially calm, was now stirred by jealousy.

Although he accepted the child, he was not his own, and he had no feeling or experience of being a father for a while.

So his attitude remained indifferent, but he tried his best to distinguish the child in front of him from the other unpleasant children.

This wasn't difficult for him, since the child really resembled her mother.

“Your mother is still a bit busy right now,” he answered the child’s question.

Ning Zhitao nodded, not surprised at all.

It was like this before. Dad said his job was more flexible, but Mom needed to print out business cards to and from get off work, so Dad always picked her up from school.

Bian Xun stood there for a while, not knowing what it meant to be a father, so he casually took out his wallet from his pocket, took out a very thick red envelope, and handed it to Ning Zhitao.

"Have your mom spend this money recently."

Bian Xun remained calm, saying that as long as he had a certain amount of money, he could spend it all.

Once the money is spent, you'll have to go find him.

Ning Zhitao took the large red envelope, which was about the size of her head, and hugged it in her arms with great difficulty, as if she were holding a kitten.

A nanny van parked at the alley entrance in the distance slowly moved forward, taking in the whole scene.

In fact, only Bian Xuncai had no concept of this behavior. A man who had long instinctively disliked children could only think of one way to show goodwill to children: by giving them money.

Generally speaking, children wouldn't dare accept such things when adults aren't around, especially if they have proper upbringing. Adults will tell children not to accept such valuable items on their own.

Inside the van, a pair of beautiful eyes witnessed everything with amusement. Bian Xun already knew about his illegitimate daughter, but his expression was anything but affectionate; he simply handed over the money.

Xu Lanyi is an excellent professionally trained actress, and she is extremely skilled at analyzing the subtle expressions of her characters. She could see that Bian Xun's expression contained a struggle and a barely perceptible resentment. He had gone through countless considerations in his mind before finally accepting it with reluctance.

Even after learning of the child's existence, Bian Xun showed absolutely no affection for his own flesh and blood. He was indeed cold-hearted and indifferent to family ties, but that was precisely what Xu Lanyi was attracted to.

So he simply gave her the money to settle the matter, because he knew that what Ning Ye wanted was money, and presumably her child would want the same.

When education goes wrong, the consequences are inevitable – if the upper beam is crooked, the lower beams will follow suit. Xu Lanyi shook her head regretfully and let the car drive away.

However, little Ning Zhitao was used to this scene.

Does Dad often give her things? Mom often says that the things Dad brings back are too expensive, but he still gives them to her.

Before she came here, her father gave her a card like this, saying that the card was for her mother to spend, and no one could stop her.

So Ning Zhitao didn't refuse. After carefully clutching the large red envelope in her arms, she opened her round, grape-like eyes and said, "Thank you, Daddy."

"Hmm." Bian Xun's expression softened.

He gave the money, and the child thanked him, just like giving a red envelope and greeting someone during Chinese New Year.

This reasonable and logical equation gives Bianxun a subtle sense of satisfaction, like solving a problem correctly.

He thought for a moment, then said seriously, without any expression, "Make sure your mother spends this money, understand? Don't use any other card."

Ning Zhitao seemed to understand, but not quite.

It's all Dad's money, what's the difference?

After giving these instructions and paying the money, I was at a loss as to what else I could do.

Ning Zhitao bounced around without any awkwardness, sharing important life events with her father, "I know Mom will be very busy today. She already soaked the soy milk this morning. She can just tap on her phone and it will start up. Then I can have hot soy milk when I get home. Dad, do you want some?"

Bian Xun raised an eyebrow. From the child's description, she could roughly understand that it was a remotely controlled timed soy milk maker or a high-speed blender. Ning Ye was afraid that she would be too busy to come back and make it, but she also wanted the child to be able to drink it hot, so she had taken all the things into consideration in advance.

Bian Xun seemed lost in thought, as if pondering something.

She always seems to be like this.

She has always been good at loving people.

When they were in school, after they got together, Ning Ye learned that he no longer drank those cheap milk teas, so she would sometimes bring him fresh tea. Those thoughtful and silent details might have gone unnoticed by others, but Ning Ye noticed them. For example, later on, after ordering her own milk tea, she would pay extra to get a double-cup takeout insulated bag, using the other cup holder to put his hot tea, and carry it to him like that.

For example, sometimes their classes were held in the same classroom, and when he finally found her, his usual seat was already taken up by her notebook, and there was a still-warm custard bun she had brought from the work-study canteen on the table.

Compared to him who only gives money, her kindness lies in the little things.

Has she loved others like this before?

Bian Xun refused to imagine the scene of that family of three, otherwise his hard-won calm would be stirred up again.

Ning Zhitao looked behind Bian Xun, her eyes lit up, and she waved her little hands with great effort, like a fledgling bird flapping its wings, or a swallow returning to its nest.

Her mother rushed over after get off work.

Bian Xun didn't look back. His fingertips, hanging by his side, tightened slightly, but his expression was unreadable. He turned and got into the Maybach and left.

…

"What? Your dad just came?"

As they walked hand in hand back to their apartment complex, Ning Ye asked in shock, and Ning Zhitao slowly nodded, "Yes."

Ning Ye was surprised. Bian Xun had already pinpointed the location to the kindergarten gate. Did he already know?

She asked, "What did your father say to you?"

Ning Zhitao scratched her head. "Dad said he's my dad."

Ning Ye's heart skipped a beat. They really did know.

She felt a little embarrassed and nervous at first, but after a moment, she felt relieved.

So what if he finds out? It was bound to happen sooner or later anyway. The plot will eventually push Bian Xun to discover his daughter so that the story can move forward. Even if she doesn't say it, Bian Xun will eventually find out that he is the child's biological father.

A faint sense of embarrassment lingered in my heart.

Suddenly, I felt a little unable to face Bian Xun. We were originally just ex-boyfriends and girlfriends, but now we've suddenly become parents of a child. Our relationship has gone beyond just being intimate; it's like we've skipped the proposal, marriage, and even married life and directly entered into a family of three.

This is so strange.

Of course, given their current complicated relationship, it would be difficult for them to become a family of three, since they can't possibly live together, right?

That's so strange.

Whether it was her moving into Bian Xun's mansion with her child, or Bian Xun, the big boss, moving into their small two-bedroom apartment, it was filled with awkwardness and discomfort.

But now that Bian Xun knows about the child's existence, it's not entirely without its benefits.

Ning Ye couldn't always manage on her own, especially when she was busy with work. She couldn't completely trust strangers, even gentle and reliable people like Jiang Xing, to take care of the child.

But the child's father is different; he is the only other person in the world besides her who she can trust when it comes to the child.

Moreover, now that Bian Xun knows he already has a biological daughter, they won't be unable to communicate when it comes time to bring the child into the world.

Although the storyline between the male and female leads is still progressing, Ning Ye can't help but feel relieved that someone can lend a hand.

Currently, Ning Ye is able to take good care of Tao Tao most of the time. She only needs him to help take care of the child when she is busy. The two are teammates and help each other.

Back home, the blender's pre-set program had already finished, and the small house was filled with the warm aroma of red beans. Ningye opened the lid, poured in fresh milk, and the red bean soy milk was ready.

She bought a small 1L blender, which is just the right amount for one cup each for the mother and daughter.

If another man were to enter my life, not only would my current life balance be disrupted, but I would also find it difficult to adapt to various habits.

Fortunately, Bian Xun didn't seem to have any intention of intruding into their lives.

Ning Ye and Tao Tao finished drinking the sweet red bean milk together, watched an English short film on TV, and learned new words. The workers' rest time after get off work passed by in a flash.

When it's time for the child to go to bed, the remaining one or two hours are when Ningye can truly relax.

She didn't really have any hobbies; in her spare time, she mostly took walks. Ning Ye tidied up the living room, bathroom, and kitchen waste, then carried it out the door to throw away the trash and take a stroll around the neighborhood.

As soon as he stepped out of the building, Bian Xun stood under the streetlight, arms crossed, looking rather indifferent.

Ning Ye was taken aback. This time, she could invite him up for a visit. She wasn't worried about him discovering her child, but they weren't really in a relationship where she could extend such an invitation.

I don't know when Bian Xun arrived, nor did he inform me.

Ning Ye momentarily forgot that they had long since lost all means of communication. The only phone number she knew was still the one the other person stubbornly refused to lift the last ban imposed six years ago.

So they could only wait downstairs.

The atmosphere became a little awkward for a moment. The last time they met, they were ex-boyfriends and ex-girlfriends, and the next time they met, they were each other's parents.

The question that first popped into their minds when they found the child was now simultaneously presented to both of them.

How could she possibly start a family with Bian Xun in the future?

The man's cool and deep gaze traced her features and expression.

He was here tonight, naturally, also for the sake of the child, but his purpose was to observe Ning Ye's attitude.

After all, he rashly declared that he wanted to be the father of her child.

The child agreed, but what about her?

Ning Ye was embarrassed for a moment, then stammered, "You knew everything?"

Bian Xun looked at her with a cold gaze. Although he didn't know exactly who the father of her child was, he already knew about it.

"Um."

Now that things were out in the open, Ning Ye's shoulders relaxed, revealing slender, gentle lines under the glow of the streetlights in the night.

"Well, actually I didn't intend to hide it from you at first," she said in a clear, melodious voice.

Bian Xun rubbed his fingertips by his side. Should he tell him who his lover was?

The president didn't think there was anything wrong with defining the other person as an adulterer in his mind.

Under the night light, Ning Ye looked up and earnestly discussed with him, "Then, in the future, if there are any things I can't handle regarding the children, I'll trouble you to do some of them as well. Of course, I'll put in as much effort as I can."

You'll have to pay more.

Bian Xun merely glanced at her sideways, paused slightly, and asked, "You agree?"

Ning Ye was stunned.

Does she even have the right to agree to being a father?

She then realized that what she was asking was whether they could still work together after the breakup. This was a way of clarifying boundaries and making it easier for the two of them to raise Ning Zhitao together in the future.

"I agree, it's all for the children." Ning Ye sighed softly, feeling that her tone was very sincere.

But the man's dark eyes were icy cold, as if he had just returned from the underworld. He stared at her like a demon for a long time before laughing in anger.

His thin lips curved into a cold, sinister shape, as anger and jealousy surged alternately in his chest.

So you just want to find a father for your child, right?

Bian Xun replied indifferently, "Then I have no objection."

He admitted it.

Ning Ye and he reached a consensus on the matter of the child, and she felt relieved. The sense of estrangement melted away, and a faint smile appeared on her porcelain-white and delicate face.

Bian Xun stared at her blankly for a moment, then suddenly asked, "That guy you were with before..."

Ning Ye looked up, her almond-shaped eyes reflecting the lamplight. "Which one—"

Bian Xun interrupted her expressionlessly: "Alright, that's enough."

He didn't want to hear it.

Ning Ye: "?"

Neurotic dad.

Thankfully, the infection wasn't transmitted to the baby.

…

The next day, the children at Xia Lu Kindergarten lined up to get their shots.

Ning Ye kept an eye on things at the company. When she turned her head, she saw that Jiang Xinghe's seat had been empty since morning.

He took the day off today. Every year when the local hospital gives injections to children in the surrounding kindergartens, he takes the day off to help. Ning Ye didn't understand why at first.

When she rushed to the kindergarten gate during her break, amidst the scene that resembled the mournful cries of a hundred beasts, she finally understood the helpless smile on Jiang Xing's face.

The scene was filled with howling and wailing, and strange and bizarre things. Unidentified children would occasionally dart from one end to the other or escape into the amusement park rides and not come out.

When Ning Ye arrived, Teacher Youzi was hunched over at the entrance of the slide, frantically trying to get the children out.

Ning Ye hurriedly searched around the scene and saw Ning Zhitao holding Zhang Sijie's little hand, the two of them standing obediently in Dr. Zhou's line.

She had told the children the night before that the doctor's injection wouldn't hurt at all, but seeing the situation, the two little girls were still terrified and turned pale, becoming tense due to the emotions of the other children.

Parents and teachers worked hard to maintain order, managing to get the children into a line.

The children's hospital vehicle was parked in the kindergarten. There were three doctors in total, each with a table and a nurse beside them. On the tables were syringes, disposable needles, vaccines, and iodine.

The air was filled with the cold, hygienic smell unique to hospitals. The children who had just stood up started crying again, and soon the disease spread from person to person, with cries rising and falling in waves.

Just then, a gentle voice rang out, "Children, today I'm going to tell you a very, very long story, okay?"

Ning Ye held Ning Zhitao's hand, and when she looked up, Jiang Xinghe, wearing a white protective suit, appeared before everyone.

He wore a gentle and refined smile, not the kind of white coat that would frighten children, but dressed like a bulky white ball. His calm and pure aura easily attracted the children's attention, making them forget even to cry.

He crouched down to be at eye level with the children, first posing a question, and then, under the children's curious gazes, he led the group forward while telling a story in a gentle and engaging manner, and order was quickly restored.

Ning Ye was amazed.

Is this guy a king of kids?

She was born with a sacred body that could bear children.

Even though he's only a year older than me and still single and unmarried, he has an unbelievable amount of experience taking care of kids.

When Sister Zhou was chatting with Ning Ye before, she mentioned that Xiao Jiang did not inherit the family's medical business, but he was like the pillar of their family, a kind of mascot. Perhaps it was because he grew up in the atmosphere of a children's hospital and had been in contact with too many children, so he had a special way of dealing with children. He was simply a rare man in modern society.

Of course, this was before Sister Zhou discovered that Ning Ye was President Bian's first love.

Later, Sister Zhou no longer dared to try to matchmake Ning Ye and Xiao Jiang, but Ning Ye could feel Jiang Xing's many good qualities without needing anyone's praise. He really was a very good person.

Of course, despite the presence of Jiang Xing and the maintenance of order, when the needle tip was sizzling and getting close to the child's arm, the child was still afraid and would keep trying to avoid it.

Ning Ye held Ning Zhitao's slightly cold little hand, trying her best to comfort the child and let her listen to the story Jiang Xinghe told.

Outside the kindergarten.

The CEO, dressed in a suit and tie, got out of the car and frowned as he looked at the people lining up for injections on the playground.

He got the information from the Little Genius smartwatch. Clearly, Ning Ye wouldn't trouble her stepfather with anything she could handle herself.

After scanning around, Bian Xun quickly found Ning Ye and her daughter.

Following their gaze, he saw familiar faces again.

Why is her colleague here too?

Bian Xun frowned, closed the car door, and started walking towards the kindergarten.

Suddenly, a discreet, low-profile van parked by the roadside opened its door. "Bian Xun?"

Bian Xun paused slightly, glancing sideways at Xu Lanyi's figure, but did not stop.

But after he took a few more steps, a voice suddenly came from behind him.

Do you know the pain of childbirth?

The gleaming leather shoes stopped.

Xu Lanyi seemed to have made up her mind to tell him her secret that she had kept buried for many years—because she knew that they were now facing the same situation, and they both had a child that shouldn't have been born.

The Bian family is currently unaware that Bian Xun has an illegitimate daughter. Once they find out, Old Master Bian will be furious, and everyone in the Bian family who has been suppressed by Bian Xun's power grab will seize the opportunity to retaliate, hoping to tear off a larger share of the property.

Xu Lanyi faces the same situation. Once the truth is revealed, her career-oriented fans will be the first to retaliate, and even worse, her haters will revel in the chaos, potentially attacking all the brands she endorses and the production companies involved, in an attempt to tear a few pieces off her idol.

They were people who shared the same plight.

“Gu Zixun is my son, and he is in the same class as Ning Zhitao.”

Upon hearing this, Bian Xun frowned and finally turned around.

Xu Lanyi looked relieved after saying those words, letting out a long sigh of relief as if she had lifted a heavy stone that had been weighing on her heart for many years.

Bian Xun was the first man to make her reopen her wounds.

Bian Xun stared intently at the person before him, his dark eyes fixed.

He was thinking about something.

—Their company's audio-visual product line and Xu Lanyi's endorsement have not yet expired.

If Xu Lanyi suddenly makes a bombshell announcement, revealing her secret marriage and child, her fans will boycott her.

How much compensation should I make her pay?

The president was impeccably dressed and exuded an air of nobility. His gaze remained calm, but he was already planning to have the legal department prepare contingency plans, thoroughly understand the contract beforehand, and lay all the traps.

I'll sue her to death then.

Thinking of this, Bian Xun nodded to her politely.

Before capitalists start exploiting people, they are usually well-dressed.

Xu Lanyi noticed the rare gentleness on his stern face, smiled and waved her hand, looking at her son who was queuing for a shot in the distance, "It's all in the past. The hardest time was actually when he was born."

"At that time, I had to consider the public eye and fight against physical pain. Giving birth to Zixun was the peak of my career, but my body was like a bursting balloon, which made me lose everything."

Bian Xun suddenly frowned.

Ning Ye also went through these experiences.

"On the day of delivery, I was in labor for more than ten hours. In the end, I had to have a C-section after trying to have a vaginal delivery, leaving me with a permanent, huge scar." Xu Lanyi's eyes were filled with melancholy. She gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled. "...But I'm not saying this to elicit sympathy. I just want to tell you how I feel. My movie is about to be released soon. It's about a mother and her child's life challenges. Would you like to watch it?"

Bian Xunmei's bone fracture was quite deep, but after thinking for two seconds, she reached out and took Xu Lanyi's "Mother" poster.

A hidden fire was burning within him.

He turned to look in the direction of Ning Ye and the child.

For which man did she suffer all this?

He wanted to kill him.

…

In the kindergarten, it was Gu Zixun's turn to line up for his vaccination.

This little boy was different from the other children; he displayed exceptional intelligence, composure, calmness, and outstanding qualities.

He stood in the same line next to Ning Zhitao, with the nanny by his side. He turned his head and saw Ning Zhitao clinging tightly to her mother's leg. She smiled proudly and said, "What's there to be afraid of? Getting vaccinated is for our health."

Ning Zhitao didn't want to be scared, but Sijie in front of her was trembling so badly!

The mother covered her eyes, but through her fingers she saw the needle piercing Zhang Sijie's arm!

Zhang Sijie's tears instantly burst forth like a fountain in a park, and she howled like a kitten that had been stepped on, her cries heart-wrenching.

It wasn't actually that painful, but the feeling was terrifying.

Song Hua hurriedly hugged her daughter, pressed down on the cotton swab, greeted Ning Ye, and took her aside to comfort her.

We finally arrived at Ningzhitao.

To be honest, Ning Ye was also a little nervous.

But she didn't show it. She squatted down next to the child and hugged her little shoulders tightly. "It's okay, Tao Tao. You didn't even realize it before the doctor finished the injection."

Ning Zhitao nestled into the crook of her neck, trying her best to keep her sobs quiet.

Just then, two figures appeared beside them at the same time.

Bian Xun, dressed in a dark black suit coat, had a cold expression and his handsome features showed no empathy for anything around him. But when he looked down at the mother and daughter embracing each other, he paused, and finally spoke in a gentle and deep voice.

"Don't be afraid."

Ning Zhitao looked up and vaguely saw her father.

Dad and Mom came to accompany Tao Tao to get her shot!

Ning Zhitao suddenly remembered how her parents used to take her out, and she immediately felt much better!

Ning Ye immediately felt the tension in her daughter's arms ease and soften, and she was slightly surprised.

The child hadn't shown it before, so she didn't realize how indispensable her father was in her child's development.

It turns out that children feel more at ease when their fathers are around.

...

Bian Xun looked up at Jiang Xinghe, who was walking towards him at the same time.

The two men, both tall, one dark-skinned and the other fair-skinned, possessed distinctly different auras, clearly separated from each other.

Bian Xun looked at the person with a cold and indifferent expression.

What's he doing here? There aren't any of his children here.

Dr. Zhou, who was giving the injection, was surrounded by goggles and a mask, so she couldn't feel the strange undercurrent. She quickly pushed the needle in and held the child's arm.

"It's about to start, Xiao Bao, don't move, it'll be quick."

Ning Zhitao knew she shouldn't look at the needle, but her peripheral vision seemed glued to the needle tip, and she couldn't help but tremble as she looked at how far it was from her arm.

Just then, a gentle, soft voice caught Ning Zhitao's attention.

Jiang Xing squatted down and asked, "Tao Tao, look what color Mommy is wearing today?"

Ning Zhitao was instinctively led astray and began to think.

"Mom is wearing beige."

The needle was quickly inserted into the child's arm, causing a slight stinging sensation for a moment, but before Ning Zhitao could react, the sound rang out again at just the right time.

"Great! What's 16 plus 8? Can Tao Tao figure it out?"

Ning Zhitao instinctively started calculating in her mind again.

When she said "24", the cotton swab tip was already gently pressed on her arm, and Ning Zhitao was picked up by her mother in a daze.

Huh?

Is it over already?

In just twenty seconds, Jiang Xing and a few words were exchanged, and the child didn't even utter a single cry.

Bian Xun: "..."

Bian Xun's breathing deepened: "..."

Ning Ye lowered her eyes to check the position of the cotton swab, then looked up with gratitude, "Xiao Jiang, thank you. Don't leave after get off work today, I must treat you to dinner."

Jiang Xing waved with a smile, turned around to help the other children, and gently brushed past Bian Zong, nodding politely.

Bian Xun crossed his arms in a mysterious manner.

How did you do that?

For the first time in his life, the CEO encountered a blind spot in his knowledge.

…

After get off work.

Ning Ye, Ning Zhitao, Jiang Xinghe—and their CEO.

Four people stood at the restaurant entrance.

As the autumn wind blew gently by, Ning Ye held her child's hand in one hand, her gaze silently shifting to the man beside her.

She said she would treat Jiang Xinghe to dinner, but she didn't say she would treat him to dinner?

Bian Xun remained calm, his dark eyes meeting hers, showing no sign of feeling presumptuous.

What are you doing?

Anyway, he won't make her pay.

Now he's the father of a child.

Bian Xun demurely straightened his collar.

This unusual combination created a slightly awkward atmosphere.

Fortunately, little Ning Zhitao didn't feel embarrassed. She happily looked left and right, and all the adults were people she liked.

Yay!

Ning Ye had no choice but to lead the child into the restaurant.

She chose the location herself; it was a Western restaurant near the company with pretty good reviews. On one hand, inviting someone to dinner naturally showed sincerity; on the other hand, Western restaurants had many non-spicy dishes suitable for children.

Jiang Xinghe glanced at Bian Xun, understanding what was going on. With a clean and upright demeanor and a calm expression, he opened the door first.

As the group entered the restaurant, the receptionist's eyes lit up.

Then it gets brighter.

Then it gets even brighter.

Finally, he lowered his head and then his eyes lit up again.

Although I don't understand what kind of group this is, they don't seem to be a traditional father, mother and children, but how come even the kids are so good-looking??

The waiter greeted us with a smile, "Do you have a reservation?"

Ning Ye gave her phone number and surname, and the waiter led them to a window seat with a view.

Luckily, she had booked a large table for four, otherwise there wouldn't have been enough room for everyone.

Ning Ye had just breathed a sigh of relief and looked out the window when she suddenly choked up again.

This restaurant is located near Wujiang Group, and the view from its window is of Wujiang's iconic, almost landmark-like modern skyscraper.

At that moment, the man who owned the entire building walked over slowly.

Ning Ye: "..."

She didn't choose this place to let her ex-boyfriend show off his wealth.

Bian Xun pulled out a chair with an air of nonchalance and sat down on the side.

His wealth and status, which are vastly different from those of ordinary people, have always made it difficult for him to lose in comparisons with males.

San Dian Shui Private Children's Hospital is quite large, and Bian Xun knew about it. He had even dined at the same banquet as Jiang Xinghe's father, Dean Jiang.

He sat in the main seat.

Therefore, Bian Xun did not believe that the young man in front of him could pose any threat to him.

An inexplicable tension filled the air, but Tao Tao remained oblivious, smiling as she watched the adults, her chubby little legs dangling in the air as she waited attentively for dinner to be served.

The seating arrangement became quite bizarre: Ning Ye and Tao Tao sat on one side, with two men sitting opposite them.

Ning Ye rubbed her forehead and handed the menu to the person opposite her, saying, "Order whatever you want."

Jiang Xinghe is a very reserved person. He won't insist on paying the bill with Ning Ye and hurt her feelings, but he is also very sensible and will consider her financial situation and order just the right amount.

Bian Xun naturally didn't care about those things.

Anyway, it's his money.

The man lowered his eyes and casually ordered Australian lobster and foie gras. Following the menu, he added several more dishes made with high-quality ingredients.

Ning Ye: "..."

Jiang Xinghe, who was standing nearby, stopped him in time, saying, "President Bian, don't waste it."

Bian Xun said calmly, "Don't worry, I wouldn't dare let her spend money."

Ning Ye: "?"

After ordering, Bian Xun lowered his eyes and asked Ning Zhitao a few times, "Do you want to eat these?"

Ning Zhitao never haggled over prices when she went out to eat with her father, and happily nodded, "Let's eat!"

Looking at the child's excited face, Ning Ye also smiled.

Kids can eat whatever they want.

It's not like she can't afford to invite her.

Of course, since she was treating, she wouldn't use Bian Xun's card.

With her current salary, affording a Western meal wouldn't be a problem.

When the food was ready, Bian Xun's fingertips lightly touched the table as he looked at the two faces, one big and one small, opposite him.

I regained a faint sense of control.

Given his current status, the person next to him is no match for him.

A stepfather is also a father.

Bian Xun arrogantly raised his chin.

The waiter printed out the order form and asked for detailed dining preferences.

Ning Ye didn't have any dietary restrictions, and the children ate with the adults, while Bian Xun wasn't there to eat.

Jiang Xinghe carefully confirmed with the waiter, "Children under 8 years old don't have enough bite force, so choose tender cuts of flank or ribeye for the steak, and cut them thinly."

"Keep raw and cooked food separate; the children's portion should be cooked."

Do you have any allergies?

The question was directed at Ning Ye, but after the words were spoken, the two adults remaining at the table fell silent for a moment.

Bian Xun, "."

Ning Ye waved her hands awkwardly, "No, no."

She, as a parent, didn't even notice these things; she's far behind others.

While observing coldly, Bian Xun secretly put pressure on Assistant Zhang, even though he had compiled knowledge about child care into a document and sent it to him.

In this silent contest, the president, who has hated children for nearly thirty years, emerged victorious.

…

Fortunately, the food at this restaurant was indeed quite good.

Ning Zhitao loved it and ate it until her face was covered in smears.

Ning Ye glanced at the situation on the table, then got up and went to the restroom.

It has to be said that having the child's father present made things much easier, allowing her to leave the child behind and go pay the bill first.

She sneaked to the front desk, afraid that Jiang Xing, such a gentle person, would quietly pay the bill, so she lowered her voice and asked the waiter to write down the bill.

The total price was over two thousand, which was about five hundred per person. Ning Ye checked the menu and saw that the Australian lobster that Bian Xun had ordered cost over five hundred, and he didn't even eat it!

That heartless capitalist.

Ning Ye smiled and looked at the counter, "Excuse me, can this dish be paid for separately?"

"Yes, ma'am~"

Just one minute later, the man strode over.

Ning Ye had just finished paying the bill and carefully put the two receipts away.

The 1,500 yuan she spent with Tao Tao and Jiang Xing was paid for by herself, and the remaining Australian lobster was paid for with Bian Xun's card.

I hadn't originally planned to invite him to dinner!

Very reasonable^^

As soon as he turned around, someone descended upon him, casting a shadow of cold sandalwood fragrance. "..."

He was just not paying attention when she paid the bill.

Given Bian Xun's ability to count, he naturally knew that she had deducted his per capita amount separately.

In the midst of conversation, Mr. Bian paid five million for himself.

He tightened his jaw slightly, pulling the person close, "...Where's the money I gave you?"

It's fine to pay the bill with his money.

Ning Ye looked up, momentarily confused, then remembered, "You mean the big red envelope you gave Tao Tao?"

Her voice was gentle.

“I’ve saved it all for my child! The bank next to our house just happens to offer a 2.5% interest rate.”

These days, a 2.5% interest rate is a golden opportunity.

The CEO remained silent.

The president had odds of 10,000.

"?"

I have something on my mind tonight.

-----------------------

Author's Note: I'm a little late because I exceeded the word limit! But look at the word count!

There will be 100 red envelopes in this chapter. See you at 2 PM tomorrow.