"No way! I～～I only connected with Mr. Li yesterday through the company's online contact number～～I don't even know him," Zhang Xiaoya, blushing furiously, stammered in embarrassment under their teasing.
"Xiaoya, you're so lucky. Only here four or five days and you land a client like that. Your commission's gonna be sweet."
"Keep that client close—maybe he'll come back to buy more."
"Xiaoya, did you ask if this Li Bin's married? He looks like he's 30 tops. If you snag a tycoon like him, you're set for life!"
"These naive nouveau riche types are the easiest to hook. Xiaoya, don't waste this chance!"
The two saleswomen chattered enviously beside Zhang Xiaoya. They didn't mean much by it, but naive Zhang Xiaoya soaked it all in.
～～
The Pan Pacific Fishing Platform Hotel wasn't far from the Hezhong 4S dealership. After driving in, Li Bin was met by hotel staff he'd coordinated with yesterday, who took the car to the first-floor banquet hall and began decorating it with pre-arranged adornments.
Li Bin briefed the staff on tonight's setup, then hurriedly took a cab back to the dealership, grabbed his beat-up car, and stopped at a noodle shop for a quick bowl.
By the time he got home, it was past 1 p.m.
Shen Han, accompanied by her three doting daughters, had spent the morning shopping.
When Li Bin walked in, Shen Han and the Wen sisters were chatting in the living room, the coffee table piled with gifts the daughters had bought for their mother.
Seeing Li Bin, Shen Han stood with a smile. "Xiao Bin, where'd you run off to? Eaten yet? Come here, Mom got your favorite milk tea and sushi."
Shen Han wore a new outfit today, her hair styled in a sleek updo of wavy black curls, exuding charm and elegance. Her curvaceous figure and the waft of her perfume made Li Bin's eyes linger hungrily.
"Oh, Mom, I've got tonight all set. We're dining at the Pan Pacific Fishing Platform Hotel to celebrate your birthday properly. You've worked so hard all these years," Li Bin said, touched, taking a sip of the milk tea she handed him, warmly looping his arm through hers with a smile.
"Why go to such an expensive place? I'd be fine cooking at home. This is too extravagant! Xiao Bin, really～～" Shen Han protested, but her heart was blooming with joy, her approval of her son-in-law growing by the second.
"Mom, no wonder you're sweeter to Brother-in-law than us now. If I were you, I'd love a son-in-law like him too," Wen Lan giggled, glancing at Li Bin and sticking out her tongue.
Li Bin noticed Wen Lan's favorability toward him had climbed again, now at 95%, just shy of 100%.
Wen Wan, meanwhile, blushed with happiness, her eyes brimming with proud love for Li Bin. His efforts to please her mother warmed the filial Wen Wan's heart, making her utterly satisfied with him.
Only Wen Ting sat quietly to the side, giving Li Bin a cool, piercing look, like she saw right through him, making his stomach churn with unease.
In this family, Wen Ting was a ticking time bomb. Li Bin always felt she might explode one day, exposing his ugly sins and leaving him ruined.
He genuinely regretted letting his lust get the better of him, acting so sleazy toward Wen Ting.
He wanted to mend things with her but had no clue where to start.
Wen Ting was now hyper-vigilant around him, and the girl was sharp—unyielding to soft or hard tactics. Li Bin was at a loss, only able to fret internally.
"Xiao Bin, you've worked hard. Sit, have some fruit, rest," Shen Han said, doting, noticing his sweaty brow. She pulled him to the couch, cutting him a slice of watermelon like a mother would.
Wen Wan, sweet and tender, speared a piece of cantaloupe with a toothpick and fed it to Li Bin's mouth.
Surrounded by four gorgeous women, basking in the warm, loving family vibe, Li Bin felt drunk on bliss, his heart swelling with sweetness.
Beep beep!～～
Just then, a car horn sounded from the back door. Wen Wan stood with a grin, saying to the group, "That must be Aunt and them! I'll go let them in!"
She hurried to the garage, excited.
The family stood, heading to the back door to greet them.
As the garage door opened, an old Honda's door swung open, and out stepped a young woman and a girl who looked about fifteen or sixteen.
The woman carried a big bag of gifts, while the girl kept her head down, shy and reserved.
"Aunt! You're finally here! I missed you guys!" Wen Wan rushed forward, warmly hugging Wen Ying, who held the gift bag, her voice thick with excitement.