Chapter 98: The Grand Finale, Part Two (1)

Yao Jia wasn’t sure how she fell asleep. It seemed like after being thoroughly exhausted time and again, she simply drifted off from sheer fatigue.

Early the next morning, she suddenly woke up.

The moment she opened her eyes, she was still groggy, wondering why she had woken so abruptly. It wasn’t until her vision cleared that she turned her head and saw Meng Xingzhe lying on his side, propping his head with one hand, watching her intently.

His gaze was unwavering, deep, and affectionate. The corners of his mouth were slightly upturned, carrying a hint of satisfaction from being thoroughly indulged by her.

—It turned out she was awakened by his gaze!

Yao Jia finally understood why she had woken up so suddenly.

Facing Meng Xingzhe’s deep gaze, images of their mischief from the previous night flooded Yao Jia’s mind. Her face flushed hotly with embarrassment.

She quickly pulled the blanket over her head, muttering in a muffled voice, “What are you looking at? Stop staring!”

In the next second, Meng Xingzhe yanked the blanket away, pulling her out from under it completely.

Yao Jia let out a sharp yelp.

Meng Xingzhe rolled over, using the familiar method from last night to ‘treat’ her again.

Yao Jia melted into a puddle under his ministrations.

After a long while, Meng Xingzhe, feeling quite pleased with himself, leaned close to her ear and teased in a husky voice, “Yao Xiaojia, you need to build your stamina. We’re just getting started, and you’re already out of breath, hmm?”

Yao Jia, fuming, used all her strength to push him away.

Meng Xingzhe seemed delighted by her push, lying back with a hearty laugh.

Then he turned to face her again, propping his head on one hand, and with a voice both raspy and magnetic, he asked, “Yao Xiaojia, tell me, do you regret giving yourself to me?” He was continuing the discussion they had after dinner last night.

His gaze felt like a tender caress, making Yao Jia both shy and flustered.

But she met his question with the calmness of someone who had been through life’s experiences: “Oh, it was quite enjoyable, why would I regret it?”

Her face was burning red, and though she was nearly dying of embarrassment, she forced herself to say it was enjoyable, her contradictory demeanor turning Meng Xingzhe’s steely resolve into gentle affection.

He leaned in, gently kissed her forehead, and looked down at her, murmuring softly, “I won’t regret it either.”

He wouldn’t regret last night. Nor would he regret merging Xingbei into Kunyu.

The two of them lay on their sides, facing each other, unwilling to blink, unwilling to let the smiles fade from their lips.

Suddenly, Meng Xingzhe thought of a question.

He immediately asked Yao Jia, “Yao Xiaojia, you slept with me last night. Shouldn’t you make my status official?”

Yao Jia stifled a laugh in her heart, keeping her face stern. She blinked at him and said, “But I haven’t given out all ten of my heart cards yet. We agreed that once all ten cards are given, you can exchange them for a girlfriend.”

“Do I really have to wait until all the cards are given?” Meng Xingzhe pulled back the blanket, revealing himself, gesturing from top to bottom, “Even though we’re lying here so openly together?”

Yao Jia yelped when he pulled back the blanket, then grabbed a pillow to cover his face.

“Have you no shame? Exhibitionist!”

Yao Jia hurriedly wrapped him back in the blanket, refusing to let him use his body as a weapon.

Meng Xingzhe chuckled, his laughter muffled in his throat.

“Then tell me, we’ve done more than just what couples do, we’ve even done what married couples do. If you still don’t acknowledge me as your boyfriend, then what am I to you?” he pressed Yao Jia.

Yao Jia immediately countered, “You could still be my… friend with benefits!”

“…Damn!”

Meng Xingzhe was defeated. He thought he had cornered her into admitting he was her “boyfriend.”

Who would have thought she could come up with “friend with benefits” as an alternative?!

He listened to Yao Jia giggle under the blanket; she even had the nerve to laugh while saying she was hungry and wanted fried dough sticks for breakfast.

Thinking of the sweet, mischievous person under the blanket, laughing and claiming to be hungry, Meng Xingzhe found himself utterly charmed.

“Alright, alright, whatever you say.” He accepted the ‘friend with benefits’ title Yao Jia had just bestowed on him, as if bearing a great burden, “I’ll go downstairs and buy you some fried dough sticks, my dear ancestor!”

He said this as he got up to wash, preparing to do something he had never done before—go downstairs to buy breakfast for his beloved little ancestor.

Yao Jia listened to the sound of water in the bathroom, pulling the blanket over her head again to hide her uncontrollable smile.

She thought Meng Xingzhe was truly silly, actually believing he had to collect all ten cards before he could be her boyfriend.

In her heart, he was already her boyfriend; otherwise, would she allow him to kiss and hold her?

The more she thought about it, the more she felt he was a fool, one who could act cool but was genuinely pure-hearted.

As she thought about this, she pressed her lips together, trying to contain the sweet smile bubbling up from her heart, not letting it escape.

Suddenly, the blanket was pulled away from her head, exposing her. Her smile froze in the air, her eyes wide, making her feel foolish in that moment.

She stared blankly at Meng Xingzhe, who had pulled her out from under the blanket again. He was freshly washed, looking handsome and vibrant.

He propped one hand beside her ear, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned in a teasing smile, looking down at her as he said, “Since we’ve already done what married couples do, once I collect all ten cards, why don’t we skip the girlfriend stage and go straight to being husband and wife?”

Yao Jia looked at Meng Xingzhe’s face, listened to his voice, and felt her heart pounding.

She wondered if this was a pre-proposal.

Afterward, Meng Xingzhe coaxed and persuaded her to agree to his proposal. She was worn down by his persistence and finally agreed. Satisfied, Meng Xingzhe left to buy breakfast.

Yao Jia put on Meng Xingzhe’s silk pajamas—though they were a bit flashy, they were incredibly comfortable, like a second skin. She realized once again that Meng Xingzhe never shortchanged himself.

Wearing his pajamas, she went to the bathroom to freshen up.

Perhaps because she was wearing his clothes, his scent lingered faintly around her nose. It was clean and masculine, tinged with hormones, wafting into her nostrils.

She looked up at the mirror and found the corners of her mouth involuntarily lifted.

Pausing, she realized that far from regretting giving herself to him, she was actually quite happy.

After rinsing her mouth, she splashed her face with cool water to calm down.

She cupped her face and looked in the mirror, trying to hide her smile in her hands. But the happiness in her eyes escaped into the air, into the mirror, revealing her feelings clearly. She thought, blushing, that Meng Xingzhe was right. Since they had already done what married couples do, when the ten cards were collected, they might as well become a couple. It seemed like a pretty good idea.

After breakfast, Yao Jia quietly returned home to change clothes before heading to work.

Though last night had been quite eventful, leaving her body a bit weary, she felt inexplicably invigorated. Despite the slight ache in her waist and legs, her spirit was vibrant.

She felt a sense of unprecedented fulfillment.

She thought it was no wonder lovers were willing to engage in such activities, as the physical pleasure was matched by an intimate connection that was deeply satisfying.

The entire morning, she worked with great energy. At noon, Ling Xiaoxin, who was nearby, invited Yao Jia to lunch.

Yao Jia decided to bring Ling Xiaoxin to experience the Kunyu company cafeteria.

As they found a place to sit and were about to eat, Yao Bingkun happened to pass by.

Ling Xiaoxin immediately greeted Yao Bingkun, standing up and calling him “Uncle Yao,” blushing as she praised him for being so approachable despite his high status, even eating at the company cafeteria.

Yao Bingkun smiled faintly, glancing at her and then at Yao Jia, saying, “Weren’t you two together last night? Still inseparable by noon.”

Ling Xiaoxin was taken aback, “Huh?” while Yao Jia quickly kicked her under the table.

Ling Xiaoxin seemed to catch on, immediately smiling sweetly, “Yes, Jia and I are inseparable like sisters.”

She seemed a bit shy, looking so innocent that she managed to fool even the sharp-eyed old fox, Yao Bingkun.

Yao Bingkun simply said, “Sit down and eat,” and then headed to the executive dining area with his assistant.

As soon as Ling Xiaoxin sat down, her eyes lit up. She glared at Yao Jia, leaned forward, and asked, “Where did you go last night? Why did you use me as a shield? Are you hiding something?”

Yao Jia tried her best to stay calm and composed, resisting the urge to blush or feel her ears burn. However, her nervous voice betrayed her.

“No, nothing happened. Stop guessing!” She rolled her eyes at Ling Xiaoxin.

Ling Xiaoxin immediately exclaimed, “Something’s up, definitely something’s up!” She leaned in closer and whispered, “Jiajia, tell me the truth. Did you… turn from a girl into a woman last night?!”

Yao Jia’s face turned crimson. She felt as if she were sitting in a blaze, a fire ignited by her own embarrassment.

“This is the cafeteria, there are so many people around. Stop talking nonsense!” she chided Ling Xiaoxin.

After quickly finishing their meal, Ling Xiaoxin dragged Yao Jia to a nearby café. She wanted nothing more than to thoroughly interrogate Yao Jia about where she had spent the previous night, which was supposedly at “Ling Xiaoxin’s” house.

Yao Jia was so embarrassed by the questioning that she wished she could bury herself in the sofa cushions. She mumbled her confession—yes, she had indeed turned from a girl into a woman last night.

Ling Xiaoxin shook her head with a series of tsk-tsk sounds, marveling, “I knew it! I was right! Jiajia, just look at you now, every frown, every smile, every pout, and every glare is so full of womanly charm! You might not realize it, but every move you make now carries the grace and allure of a woman.”

Despite her blushing, Yao Jia didn’t miss the chance to turn the tables on Ling Xiaoxin. “You’re so good at spotting when a girl turns into a woman. Tell me, is this experience from your own life?”

Ling Xiaoxin’s face turned beet red, like a boiled shrimp, shy and bashful. Yet her words were bold and unrestrained, “Of course! With Beibei and me, it’s like dry wood meeting a raging fire. How could we hold back?”

Yao Jia nearly spat out her coffee.

Ling Xiaoxin glanced around shyly, making sure no one could overhear them. She leaned closer and whispered to Yao Jia, “Jiajia, let me give you some advice. You need to keep fit. Once these men get a taste, they’re insatiable, more ferocious than beasts. If you’re not in shape, you won’t be able to handle it!”

“……………” Yao Jia’s hand shook, nearly dropping her coffee cup.

She pointed a trembling finger at Ling Xiaoxin, “If you keep talking like this, I’m going to have to deal with you!”

Ling Xiaoxin squealed softly, “Look at you, even when you’re scolding me, you have such a womanly charm! It seems all it takes to make a girl mature and juicy is one man and one night! Hey, Jiajia, who do you think will get married first at the rate we’re going?”

Yao Jia couldn’t take it anymore. She hurriedly sent Ling Xiaoxin away, warning her that if she kept making such bold jokes with that innocent face, she would report her to the authorities for indecency.

After Ling Xiaoxin left, Yao Jia sat there, patting her flushed cheeks. As she did, she pondered Ling Xiaoxin’s question.

Indeed, who would get married first? It seemed like Bei Luonan was more eager than Meng Xingzhe, so it was likely to be him and Ling Xiaoxin.

A few days later, news spread throughout the industry that Kunyu Electric was planning to acquire Xingbei Technology. Sharp-eyed reporters quickly arranged interviews with Yao Bingkun and Meng Xingzhe for an in-depth report on the matter.

Yao Bingkun saw no harm in it and gladly accepted the interview.

Once the news article was published, it was met with widespread optimism. Industry experts wrote analyses, stating that the home appliance industry was rapidly moving towards smart technology. Jiangfeng Electric had already established a preliminary smart home ecosystem, while Kunyu Electric lagged slightly behind. However, by acquiring Xingbei Technology, Kunyu Electric could leverage Xingbei’s expertise in smart technology to make up for its shortcomings. In the near future, Kunyu Electric, after acquiring Xingbei Technology, might even change the industry landscape.

After reading the expert analysis, Yao Jia checked the expert’s name to confirm she didn’t know them—otherwise, she would have suspected that the article, which was so favorable to Kunyu and Xingbei, was commissioned by them.

Although Heyi.com had removed Xingbei Technology’s products, with the help of Kunyu Electric’s sales channels and the positive news of the acquisition, both Kunyu Electric and Xingbei Technology’s products experienced a surge in sales.

The future looked promising.

Soon, Yao Jia heard something unexpected from Yao Bingkun—Wen Zhihe had proactively contacted him, expressing a desire to have a serious discussion and find a win-win cooperation opportunity.

Sitting in Yao Bingkun’s office, Yao Jia was astonished. “Wen Zhihe? Win-win cooperation? What’s this ambitious capitalist plotting now? If he’s as sincere as he claims, he should start by reinstating Xingbei Technology’s products on the shelves.”

She was baffled and resentful of Wen Zhihe’s actions.

“How can he have the nerve?” she couldn’t help but exclaim, feeling indignant on behalf of Meng Xingzhe and Xingbei Technology.

Yao Bingkun, however, advised Yao Jia that her current attitude was too impulsive and needed to change.

“In business, there’s no such thing as shame or no shame; it’s all about negotiating for what you want. Some people want both profit and integrity, while others only care about profit. I hope you become the former, but inevitably, you’ll encounter more of the latter, like Wen Zhihe,” Yao Bingkun instructed Yao Jia. “With such people, it’s best to avoid conflict rather than make enemies. So, listening to what he has to say doesn’t hurt.”

Yao Jia calmed down. She realized there was still much she needed to learn and hone in the business world.

Yao Bingkun took Yao Jia to the meeting with Wen Zhihe.

Across the conference table sat a strikingly handsome man with a refined smile and sharp, ruthless eyes—a legendary figure in the business world. Listening to his subtle yet sharp exchanges with Yao Bingkun, Yao Jia had to admit the rumors were true. Wen Zhihe was indeed an unfathomable person.

During the meeting, Yao Jia listened carefully to Wen Zhihe’s proposals: he admired Xingbei Technology’s smart technology strategy and had wanted to help it grow faster and better—he managed to make his intention to acquire Xingbei Technology sound so grand and noble—but Kunyu Electric had acted faster, reaching an acquisition agreement with Xingbei Technology before he could.

“But that’s okay,” Yao Jia saw Wen Zhihe smile as he spoke to her father. “After Kunyu acquires Xingbei, if President Yao allows me to become a strategic investor in Kunyu Electric, I can exchange capital for some of Kunyu’s shares. In the future, our three companies could form a powerful alliance, which would be even better than my original plan to only partner with Xingbei!”

Hearing this, Yao Jia understood that Wen Zhihe wanted to buy into Kunyu Electric.

In the future, when Kunyu acquires Xingbei, goes public, and completes its smart home ecosystem, the company’s value will surely continue to rise. If Wen Zhihe holds Kunyu’s shares by then, the returns on those shares will multiply dozens or even hundreds of times.

Yao Jia thought that Wen Zhihe was truly a capitalist who dared to dream and act, his calculations as precise as the clattering of an abacus.

But why did he think Kunyu would agree to his proposal?

Just then, Yao Jia heard Wen Zhihe say to Yao Bingkun, “To be honest, President Yao, Jiangfeng Electric has been in contact with me, hoping to form a strategic partnership. They also have a smart home production line. Whether I collaborate with Kunyu or Jiangfeng, both are good options for me. However, I admire your character, President Yao, so if I had to choose, Kunyu would be my first choice.”

Yao Jia watched Wen Zhihe coldly from the side. He smiled with a clear and bright expression, his outstanding looks giving off an innocent air, and every word he spoke seemed filled with sincerity.

Yao Jia almost believed him. But in a flash, she realized that Wen Zhihe was using this sincere and harmless demeanor to subtly threaten Yao Bingkun and Kunyu Electric: if Kunyu didn’t accept his proposal, he would partner with Jiangfeng instead, since they also had a smart home industry. Wen Zhihe’s capabilities were well-known, and the situation could become unfavorable for Kunyu.

Yao Jia thought that if there were a search for a spokesperson for a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” Wen Zhihe would be the best candidate.

Fortunately, her tough father wasn’t easily intimidated. No matter how soft or hard the threat, it didn’t work on him.

Yao Bingkun finally responded with the usual polite phrases, thanking Wen Zhihe for his appreciation and stating that the internal management needed to discuss before making a decision.

Later that evening, while having dinner with Meng Xingzhe, Yao Jia recounted Wen Zhihe’s visit to Kunyu Electric.

As she described how Wen Zhihe, despite his dignified appearance, was a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” she couldn’t help but sigh.

After she finished speaking, she noticed Meng Xingzhe hadn’t responded or shared his thoughts.

She looked up from her plate and urged him for a reaction.

Meng Xingzhe furrowed his brow, staring intently at her.

Yao Jia almost felt nervous under his deep, serious gaze, thinking he might have uncovered some hidden mystery about Wen Zhihe from her story.

But when he finally spoke, her tension vanished instantly.

“Tell me honestly now, between me and Wen Zhihe, who’s more handsome? Why would you use ‘dignified’ to describe another man besides me?”

Yao Jia nearly dropped her chopsticks.

She was both amused and exasperated. “Meng Xingzhe! Can you focus on the main point? The emphasis in my statement was clearly on him being a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’!”

Meng Xingzhe persisted, “His character doesn’t concern me. I just want to know who’s better looking!”

Yao Jia thought that both men had their own charm and were equally matched in terms of looks. Meng Xingzhe had a bold and intense handsomeness, while Wen Zhihe was elegantly refined. One seemed difficult and aggressive at first glance, but once tamed, he was as obedient as a loyal dog; the other appeared easy-going and non-threatening, but upon closer interaction, he was a cunning mastermind.

But to make Meng Xingzhe happy, Yao Jia decided there was no need to tell the truth.

“You’re more handsome,” she replied simply and bluntly.

“Honestly, I think so too,” Meng Xingzhe replied with unwavering confidence.

“…” Yao Jia thought, Xingxing is still Xingxing, the moon is still the moon, and the king of arrogance is still the king of arrogance.

Having confirmed his unparalleled looks, Meng Xingzhe was in high spirits, his previously furrowed brows relaxed, and he happily tried to persuade Yao Jia to come home with him.

Yao Jia refused, holding her waist. Even in her youth, she couldn’t handle physical exertion every day.

“No way, my dad thinks I’ve been visiting Ling Xiaoxin’s house too often lately. I need to take it easy!”

Meng Xingzhe was also wary of his future father-in-law’s authority and didn’t dare to overstep. He thought that his sneaky behavior was due to not having all ten cards issued, leaving his identity unclear and unable to officially face his future father-in-law.

With this thought, when he dropped Yao Jia off at her doorstep, Meng Xingzhe blocked her from entering and held out his hand, palm up.

“?” Yao Jia raised an eyebrow in confusion, placed her hand in his palm, and gave him a playful slap. “What are you up to now?”

Meng Xingzhe laughed in exasperation. “Yao Xiaojia, it’s been so many days. Don’t you think it’s time to issue me a new card?”

Yao Jia finally understood his gesture.

She immediately teased him, “Shameless! You can’t just ask for a ‘Heart Card’ yourself! It only counts when I’m willing to give it to you!”

Meng Xingzhe could handle anything, but he couldn’t handle Yao Jia.

After a moment of trying to persuade her, seeing she had no intention of issuing a new card, he had to give up.

“Yao Xiaojia, there are only three cards left. I’m not threatening you, but you’d better hurry and issue them, or this perfect man might just get snatched away one day!”

Yao Jia couldn’t help but laugh. “Hahaha, who calls themselves a perfect man? Meng Xingzhe, you’re so shameless!”

After laughing, she told Meng Xingzhe, “Actually, the cards…” weren’t limited to just seven.

But she stopped halfway, deciding not to reveal more.

In the end, Meng Xingzhe left with a look of unfulfilled desire and frustration, devoid of any dignified demeanor.

Several days had passed since Wen Zhihe had extended his offer of collaboration. During this time, Yao Bingkun and Meng Xingzhe were fully engaged in the acquisition process.

Amidst the busyness, Yao Jia asked Yao Bingkun, “Dad, has Wen Zhihe been pressing you for a follow-up response?”

Yao Bingkun shook his head, indicating no. Then he said, “This is quite unlike Wen Zhihe. He’s not one to easily give up once he’s set his mind on something.”

Yao Jia couldn’t help but agree. Wen Zhihe’s determination to acquire Xingbei Technology, and his persistence even after failing, by trying to invest in Kunyu Electric, was a testament to his tenacity.

Hearing her father murmur, “So this time, when I gave him a stalling tactic, he accepted it without further pressing, which is surprising.”

A sudden thought struck Yao Jia, and she casually remarked, “Could he have been distracted by something new?”

At the time, Yao Bingkun neither confirmed nor denied it.

Later that afternoon, when Yao Jia went to report work to Yao Bingkun, after discussing business, he said, “Xiaojia, you were right. I’ve received news that Wen Zhihe has indeed been occupied with other matters.”

Yao Jia was surprised. “Did I really guess correctly?” She asked, “Dad, what is Wen Zhihe busy with? Does it relate to our home appliance industry?”

Yao Bingkun nodded, “It has a lot to do with it. Wen Zhihe is planning to acquire or invest in a mobile phone company.”

Yao Jia immediately raised her voice, “A mobile phone company? Why would he want to acquire a mobile phone company?”

At that moment, there was a knock at the office door. The door was actually open, and when Yao Jia turned to look, she saw Meng Xingzhe standing there.

He had come to discuss acquisition details with Yao Bingkun.

Having overheard part of the conversation, he joined in, saying to Yao Jia, “It’s obvious, Wen Zhihe has his eyes on the smart home industry chain.”

“I know that. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be trying to get involved with Kunyu,” Yao Jia said, looking at Meng Xingzhe. “But if he’s interested in the smart home industry chain, why did he put our negotiations with Kunyu on hold and not push for our response, only to suddenly make a move on a mobile phone company?”

Meng Xingzhe glanced at Yao Bingkun, who nodded, signaling him to explain the situation to Yao Jia if he knew the reason.

Turning to Yao Jia, Meng Xingzhe said, “He’s not rushing Kunyu for a response because he knows it won’t work. Neither Uncle Yao nor I would ever agree to his terms.”

Yao Jia looked at Meng Xingzhe, whose expression was defiant. He clearly had no respect for those eyeing Xingbei Technology.

“And Wen Zhihe isn’t just contacting us; he’s also reached out to Jiangfeng Electric, expressing interest in collaborating and investing in the smart home industry with them. He’s comparing which partnership offers a better return and will choose to invest accordingly. This comparison process is his way of pitting us against Jiangfeng Electric, hoping to gain from the rivalry.”

Yao Jia found this explanation a bit confusing.

“How can he gain from this when we at Kunyu have no intention of letting him invest? What benefit could he possibly get from us?”

Meng Xingzhe raised an eyebrow at her, as if to say, “Think about it.”

She pondered for a moment and suddenly understood.

“Oh, I get it! If he approaches us and we agree to let him invest, that’s ideal for him. But even if we don’t, only he and we would know that. Jiangfeng Electric wouldn’t. Knowing that Wen Zhihe approached us would make Jiangfeng anxious, fearing we might strike a deal with him. Jiangfeng has always been eager to cozy up to Wen Zhihe. In their anxiety, they’d likely relax their terms and offer Wen Zhihe a lower stake price.”

Meng Xingzhe raised his eyebrows again, indicating she was correct.

Yao Jia shook her head in admiration. “Wen Zhihe is quite the strategist. I wonder what kind of person could ever outmaneuver him.”

Meng Xingzhe was displeased by her indirect praise of another man. “What’s so impressive about him? Even you figured out his scheme!”

Yao Jia felt slightly offended by his remark. What did he mean by “even you”? Was she considered the lowest in intelligence among these business elites?

With her father present, she decided to hold back and not retort, but she did roll her eyes at Meng Xingzhe.

Then she asked, “While Wen Zhihe is waiting to reap the benefits, why is he acquiring a mobile phone company? Is this a smokescreen, or is he serious about it?” She returned to her previous question.

She looked at her father, who met her gaze with an inscrutable expression. Yao Jia felt that Yao Bingkun’s look carried a deeper meaning, as if he had insights he wasn’t sharing.

She turned to Meng Xingzhe.

Meng Xingzhe didn’t keep her in suspense and explained directly, “Specifically, the mobile phone company Wen Zhihe is interested in acquiring or investing in is Four Dot Technology.”

Yao Jia’s eyes widened.

Meng Xingzhe looked at her with a hint of jealousy. “Yes, it’s the company of that Yue Xuran you know.”

Yao Jia pressed her lips together, keeping the fact that she was an investor in Four Dot Technology a secret.

She felt it wasn’t the right time for the world to know.

“Besides making phones, Yue Xuran’s team is also working on routers and developing an open platform system.”

Yue Xuran regularly sent reports from Four Dot Technology to Yao Jia’s email. But lately, she had been preoccupied with Kunyu Electric’s affairs, only glancing at Four Dot Technology’s financial reports to confirm their profits were rising, without delving into other matters.

She hadn’t realized Yue Xuran’s team was involved in so many projects. Besides phones, they were developing router products and an open platform system.

Suddenly, Yao Jia’s eyes lit up.

Phones, routers, platforms—this was all designed for the smart home ecosystem!

Phones could connect and control various smart home devices through routers and open platforms, forming a complete smart home loop. Four Dot Technology’s phones would become the control hub for smart homes.

Moreover, Four Dot Technology also had a highly active smartphone enthusiast forum, providing a strong user base for future products.

No wonder Wen Zhihe was interested in Four Dot Technology. Any company aiming to develop in the smart home industry would be intrigued.

Sure enough, she heard Yao Bingkun say to Meng Xingzhe, “In that case, should we also consider making phones to form our own smart home ecosystem loop?”

Meng Xingzhe smiled. “I think it’s feasible.”

Yao Jia wanted to interject, “Actually…”

Yao Bingkun asked Meng Xingzhe, “But won’t outsiders think we’re straying from our core business if a home appliance company like ours starts making phones?”

Meng Xingzhe replied, “They might, but we don’t need to explain everything we do.”

Yao Jia tried again, “About Four Dot Technology…”

Meng Xingzhe, not wanting to hear anything about Four Dot Technology or Yue Xuran, quickly diverted the conversation, keeping Yao Bingkun’s attention on him.

Yao Jia was speechless, realizing that Meng Xingzhe’s jealousy was becoming more pronounced.

Yao Bingkun said, “The problem is that good phone companies might be too highly valued, making it more cost-effective to develop our own. Acquiring a failing phone company would just be a mess, worse than starting from scratch.”

Meng Xingzhe nodded in agreement.

Listening to their conversation, Yao Jia suppressed the urge to reveal her investment in Four Dot Technology.

She decided it was best to first discuss with Yue Xuran and see if he was interested in a deeper collaboration with Kunyu. Even as an investor, she felt she should respect the founder’s wishes.

That evening, Yao Jia and Meng Xingzhe had dinner together. Afterward, with the night still young, Meng Xingzhe finally convinced Yao Jia to visit his home for a while.

As they sat on the sofa, one thing led to another, and they found themselves kissing.