Chapter 18: It Will Probably Hurt Quite a Bit

For the first time in her life, Qiu Yurou was struck by her father, screaming hysterically like a madwoman.

“No one will ever hurt me as long as Bufan is here, besides, he saved my brother and can cure him completely. You’re just prejudiced against him.”

Qiu Zhenhu’s anger only flared higher. “You’re hopeless! Your brother is fine as he is. At least he doesn’t run around anymore, so he’ll stay alive. All he needs to do is carry on the family line.”

He waved his hand, ordering someone to take Qiu Yurou away. This time, she wasn’t locked in her room, but thrown into the basement.

Once everyone had dispersed, Cao Mang glanced up at the streetlamp’s crest. “Ye Bufan must be in pain right now.”

Qiu Yumeng, who hadn’t yet left, pressed her lips together in a mischievous smile. “He’s not that impressive, nothing compared to you. One day I’ll have Lingzhu try it and see if she can handle it, and I’ll make her write a ten-thousand-word reflection.”

You’re the real devil!

Cao Mang sighed inwardly, though he knew Qiu Yumeng would have no chance to bully Lingzhu again.

Lingzhu’s identity as an illegitimate daughter, if properly maneuvered, was much more useful than Qiu Yurou’s status as a widow—it could prevent Qiu Zhenhu from swallowing the Ling Corporation whole.

Qiu Yumeng gave him a light kick. “I can’t sleep, drink with me.”

“I’m afraid I’ll lose control when drunk. Better not.”

She scoffed. “So you have the desire but not the courage?”

“I’m afraid you’ll get drunk and come on to me.”

Qiu Yumeng raised her fist. “You damned servant, do you want a beating?”

Cao Mang could see it was the bloody scene earlier that had stirred her up. With Qiu Zhenhu at home, he didn’t want any extra trouble.

He strode toward the servants’ quarters, but she followed persistently. If she followed him to his bedroom, it would be a problem.

There were too many hidden cameras in the Qiu household, so he led her to the surveillance room instead.

Qiu Yumeng assumed the air of the second young lady. “Everyone out. Cao Mang and I need to check something.”

The security staff quickly vacated. As soon as the door closed, Qiu Yumeng kicked Cao Mang.

“You brought me here to plot something, didn’t you?”

Cao Mang had no intention of indulging her. His mind was already full of training methods, and she was perfect to practice on.

Qiu Yumeng’s body wasn’t weak—she excelled at dancing and taekwondo—but she still couldn’t withstand the torment and soon begged for mercy.

Cao Mang didn’t linger too long, lest anyone suspect. He took the opportunity to delete the video of himself and Gao Yanhong sneaking into the car trunk, erasing that threat for good.

When Qiu Yumeng left, she felt as if she were falling apart, yet there was a trace of lingering attachment and grievance. She hinted that Cao Mang could be even rougher, but he, like a block of wood, remained oblivious.

As Cao Mang reached the servants’ quarters, a maid stopped him and led him to the pavilion in the backyard.

Su Meiqi, clad in a black gauze dress, stood amidst the moonlight and a profusion of flowers, looking like a seductive fox spirit, impossible to ignore.

Her beautiful eyes roamed over Cao Mang, a playful smile on her lips.

“I’ve already suggested to the head of the family that you manage the Tianlan Hotel. How are you going to thank me?”

Cao Mang’s face lit up with excitement. “I’m willing to serve you to my last breath, madam.”

Su Meiqi’s smile turned alluring. “Don’t talk about life and death so lightly—it’s unlucky. You have to stay alive to serve me better.”

“I will remember your instruction, madam.”

“Good. I have a task for you. Qiu Yumeng has a ledger. Find a way to get it, and don’t let anyone else know.”

“Yes, madam!”

Su Meiqi stood, unable to resist stroking his abs. “Do well, and I can give you what no one else can.”

She inhaled his masculine scent, suppressing her urge and quickly leaving.

What Su Meiqi never expected was that, upon returning to his room, Cao Mang immediately called Qiu Yumeng.

“You have a ledger?”

“Yes, of course. Su Meiqi’s father manages the company’s finances and has embezzled plenty over the years.”

“Give it to me tomorrow morning.”

“Why should I? Without the ledger, will you give me money to spend?”

Cao Mang understood now—Qiu Yumeng had been blackmailing Su Meiqi for years, while keeping her father in the dark. She was a traitor within the family.

He couldn’t help but laugh. “Relax. One day, I’ll take you out to rob someone.”

“Rob a bank or a jewelry store?”

Her eager tone left Cao Mang speechless.

“Just wait for my instructions. Otherwise, I won’t take you along anymore.”

“You dare? I’ll bite you to death.”

Qiu Yumeng wanted to continue the conversation, but Cao Mang hung up. She pouted angrily.

“This insensitive brute, one day I’ll tame you into a good little puppy.”

Her ambition was sizeable, but she hadn’t realized she was already on the path to being tamed.

The next morning, Cao Mang’s door was pushed open, and Qiu Yumeng leapt onto his bed.

She straddled him, hands around his neck, shouting like an angry kitten.

“I’m furious! That wretched maid Lingzhu has actually joined the Ye family!”

Cao Mang instinctively pushed her away, but his hand landed on her chest.

Qiu Yumeng shuddered as if struck by lightning, falling back, only to pounce again.

“Filthy rogue, how dare you take advantage of me!”

Smack!

Cao Mang slapped her. “Stop it, it’s too early for this. Did you bring the ledger?”

“It’s right here, take it yourself.”

She pointed to her thigh, where a black leather strap held a small notebook.

She hadn’t used smoky eye makeup today, and wore a schoolgirl uniform—completely different from her usual style.

She looked like a vibrant, pure, and adorable campus beauty.

Her pale legs were wrapped in black stockings, sitting cross-legged on him, making Cao Mang lose focus.

Qiu Yumeng was pleased with his gaze and feigned fierceness. “What are you staring at? Get up, we’re going to work together.”

She added with pride, “From today, I’m the general manager of Tianlan Hotel, and you’re the security captain and my personal bodyguard.”

That’s not what Su Meiqi said.

Cao Mang felt a twinge of annoyance, knowing it was because Qiu Zhenhu still didn’t consider him a trusted aide.

He wrapped an arm around her slender waist, making her lie on top of him.

“Is this close enough?”

For once, Qiu Yumeng lost her usual arrogance, her face flushed as she whispered, “You scoundrel. There will be consequences for taking liberties with me. Hurry up and get up.”

Cao Mang let go, and Qiu Yumeng rolled off, watching as he lifted the thin blanket and walked to the bathroom.

Her eyes couldn’t look away—the first time she realized a man’s body could be so attractive.

He dressed and took her to the car, asking casually, “How’s your sister?”

“What do you think? Still locked up. She brought it on herself.”

Her expression soured. “Can you help me get rid of Lingzhu? After all these years, she’s enjoyed my flowers and my possessions, and now she dares to betray me. Unforgivable.”

Cao Mang replied indifferently, “We’ll see. There’s an operation tonight.”

Qiu Yumeng’s eyes lit up instantly; she licked her lips, anticipation written all over her face.