On the other side of the city, in the Hao Group's top-floor office, Andrew Hao,also known as Hao Jinlin, tapped his pen rhythmically against the table as his assistant delivered a detailed report on the meeting with Lin Corporation.
"They didn't rush to accept the order blindly," Andrew remarked indifferently. "Unlike the others."Assistant Li nodded in agreement. "Yes, Boss. Their Managing Director is exceptionally sharp."
Andrew leaned back in his chair. "Even if she hadn't raised those conditions, we would still have chosen Lin Corporation."
Assistant Li looked surprised.
Andrew continued calmly, "Because even if they failed, they're the only ones in the entire market capable of compensating our losses.
"After a brief pause, he added, "Schedule a meeting with their Managing Director for tomorrow. And—did you pay the women from last night, what was her name?"
"Yes, Boss. I handled it in advance, her name is Ling Mei . Assistant Li replied promptly.
"Good," Andrew said coldly. "Those old men can keep stirring trouble. I won't give them an heir no matter what."
Assistant Li lowered his gaze. He knew his boss had gone as far as undergoing a vasectomy to ensure he would never have children.
Who would have known…
A procedure that was over 99% effective had failed at the remaining 1% and worse, Andrew had gone into the wrong room that night.
After lunch with her assistant, Amber returned to her office.She paused when she saw the date on her computer screen.
June 12th.She had two years.Without hesitation, she opened a document and began listing her priorities.
>First: a personal spacecraft, capable of carrying 10 to 20 people.
> Second: weapons.
> Third: food, water, and essential provisions—enough to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
The most difficult task was the spacecraft blueprint.Although she held degrees in aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering, drafting a complete blueprint alone was unrealistic yet alone building it .She would need experts help.
As she was deep in thought, her phone rang.
"Boss," her assistant said, "Mr. Hao's assistant called. They'd like to arrange a meeting with you tomorrow. Should I confirm?"
"Go ahead," Amber replied without hesitation.
She lowered the phone, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
In the past, it had always been the Hao Group that provided the most advanced spacecraft—capable of transporting tens of thousands of people at once.
If only Andrew Hao's team could assist her…She would pay them generously.
After finishing her work at the company, Amber waited for the valet to bring her car. Just then, she spotted her grandfather's old friend, Grandpa Zhao. She greeted him cheerfully.
Grandpa Zhao looked at her and laughed. "Oh! Isn't this little JieJie? How have you been?"
Amber couldn't stop smiling. "I'm doing great, Grandpa."
Grandpa Zhao nodded repeatedly. "Good, good. It's a blessing that I ran into you here. I wanted to invite you to Miemie's wedding. You still remember her, don't you?"
"Of course I do, Grandpa," Amber replied warmly. "I'm so happy to hear Sister Miemie is getting married."
Grandpa Zhao chuckled and added, "Then it's settled—you'll be the bridesmaid. Got it? I'll also introduce you to my other grandchildren. Who knows, maybe one of them will catch your eye!"
Amber blushed instantly. "There's really no need for that, Grandpa."
Laughing heartily, Grandpa Zhao said, "Why not? Having you as my granddaughter-in-law has always been my wish. I even mentioned it to your grandfather many times, but he refused—said you shouldn't be married off so early. That old geezer left this world too soon, leaving you all alone."
He sighed, then softened. "Come visit my house often, alright? I'll have Miemie send you the invitation."With that, he got into his car. Amber quickly supported him and smiled. "Good night, Grandpa."
When Amber's car arrived, she drove back to her house. After taking a hot shower, she changed into comfortable clothes and headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner.She wasn't in the mood for anything complicated—just a simple dinner with protein.
She started preparing Pan-Fried Tofu with Soy Sauce
She began with the tofu.
Amber gently pressed the tofu between two plates, letting the extra water slip away. Once it was firm, she cut it into neat squares. The pan warmed slowly, oil shimmering -one by one, the tofu pieces touched the pan.
Hiss.
She didn't rush them. She let them turn golden, flipping only when the edges were crisp. When the tofu was ready, she added minced garlic. The fragrance bloomed instantly. A splash of light soy sauce, a whisper of dark soy, and just a spoon of water followed. The sauce wrapped the tofu like silk.She sprinkled chopped spring onions, turned off the flame ,in another pan she made Kung Pao–Style Chicken .
Amber sliced boneless chicken into small cubes and placed them in a bowl. She added soy sauce, a spoon of cornflour, and a drizzle of oil, mixing gently until each piece was coated. She let it rest, when the pan was heated oil went in, then dried red chilies and garlic. She added the chicken, stirring quickly. It turned pale, then glossy, then perfectly cooked. A spoon of soy sauce, a dash of vinegar, and a pinch of sugar balanced the heat. Lastly, she tossed in roasted peanuts,one final stir, and it was done.
Amber plated the dishes beside a bowl of steaming rice. She then took out a can of soda from the refrigerator, the cold metal sending a chill through her fingers. With a soft psst, she popped it open and took a small sip, letting the fizzy sweetness wash away the lingering fatigue of the day.