Chapter 454: Family Reunion (Part 1)
(Green Pepper wishes all readers a Happy New Year, good health, and abundant children, blessings, and wealth!)
At the end of January, in the VIP section on the 3rd floor of St. Mary's Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital.
Flight Attendant Liu Yun's second child gave Cao Pingao another daughter, named Cao Xuanyu;
Two days later, Qiao Yueran's first child gave birth to a son for him, named Cao Cheng.
Little Cao Cheng also brought Boss Cao his 6th [Silver Prosperous Husband Badge].
After two days of observation in the hospital, Cao Pingao personally picked up Liu Yun and her daughter, and Qiao Yueran and her son, taking them back to the Donghuwan Villa Area and Tongque Garden respectively to continue their postpartum recovery at home.
---Tongque Garden, in the living room on the first floor of the villa.
Qiao Weigong's face was beaming like a flower. He first held his granddaughter Cao Xuanyun for a while, then his eldest grandson Cao Cheng, unable to put either of the little babies down.
"Ah! Good, good, wonderful! My granddaughter is clearly going to be a great beauty, and my eldest grandson is clearly going to be a handsome man!"
Sitting on the sofa, Qiao Yueran asked with a smile, "Dad, Little Chengcheng was born less than three days ago, and his features haven't even filled out yet. How can you tell he'll definitely be handsome?"
At this moment, Li Ping, who was sitting nearby with a large belly, chimed in with a smile:
"Yueran, you and your sister are so beautiful, and Pingao is tall and handsome.
With such good genes from their parents, both little babies will surely grow up to be handsome men and beautiful women."
Qiao Yueran had never really liked Li Ping, this overly young "stepmother," so in the face of her flattery, she only responded with a forced smile.
In the evening, the family gathered again in the spacious dining room for dinner.
During the meal, Li Ping repeatedly took the initiative to find topics to talk about with Qiao Yueran, trying to bridge the gap between them, but Qiao Yueran was unwilling to engage and spent most of the time chatting with her sister.
Seeing this, Qiao Weigong had no choice but to seek help from his son-in-law again.
He leaned in close to Cao Pingao and whispered:
"Pingao, Xiaoping is due to give birth right after the New Year. I promised her that once she gives birth to my son, I will give her an official status.
Help me talk to Yueran. After all, we'll be family in the future, and a harmonious home brings prosperity to all things."
Cao Pingao nodded with a smile. "Don't worry, Father-in-law, I'll help talk sense into Yueran.
Also, congratulations, Father-in-law. Your Jinqiao Group will soon have a male heir."
At the thought of having a son soon, Qiao Weigong's smile was so wide it almost reached his ears.
He raised his glass and said, "I owe my late-in-life son to the Golden Scale Root Strengthening Formula you recommended to me.
Ah, Pingao, I won't say more thanks; it's all in the wine."
Cao Pingao also smiled and raised his glass. "It's all in the wine."
---After dinner and sitting for a while longer, Qiao Weigong and Li Ping stood up to take their leave and head home.
In the villa's foyer, Qiao Weigong said to his two daughters:
"Yunran, Yueran, it's very cold outside now, and both of you have just given birth recently. Seeing us off here is enough."
Big Qiao linked arms with Little Qiao and nodded. "Dad, then stay safe on your way back."
Qiao Weigong: "Mm, alright."
Cao Pingao took the overcoat handed to him by the maid Li Xiangxiu, put it on, and escorted Qiao Weigong and Li Ping all the way to their Bentley.
When Cao Pingao finished seeing them off and walked back into the villa, Li Xiangxiu, who had been waiting in the foyer, quickly stepped forward to help him take off his heavy overcoat and hang it on a nearby rack.
Then she knelt on one knee at his feet to help him change into slippers.
Cao Pingao lifted his left foot, then his right. "Not bad, as smart and sensible as ever."
Li Xiangxiu's face turned red. "Thank you for the praise, Boss~"
After changing his slippers, Cao Pingao went straight to the second floor and pushed open the door to Qiao Yueran's room.
He saw that her sister Qiao Yunran was also there. The two sisters were sitting on the sofa together, chatting while nursing their respective infants.
Qiao Yunran: "Yueran, Li Ping was so friendly to you today. Why are you still unwilling to accept her?"
Qiao Yueran pouted and said, "I don't know why either. Anyway, whenever I see her with Dad, I feel uncomfortable."
Cao Pingao sat down beside her, put his arm around her shoulder, and smiled. "If you don't want to acknowledge Li Ping as your young stepmother, then once the child in her belly is born, will you acknowledge this half-brother?"
Qiao Yueran pursed her lips. "A biological brother is part of our Qiao family after all. Of course I'll acknowledge him."
Cao Pingao smiled. "Then just for the sake of your dad and your soon-to-be-born brother, can you at least try to get along with Li Ping on the surface?"
Under the repeated persuasion of her sister and husband, Qiao Yueran finally relented, agreeing to at least maintain appearances and no longer opposing Qiao Weigong and Li Ping getting officially married.
---At the beginning of February, Jiangcheng Tianhe Airport.
Wearing a white knit hat and a white down jacket, Gulina immediately attracted the gazes of countless people waiting at the arrivals gate as she stepped out:
"Holy crap! Look, look! A huge beauty!"
"Damn, that look! Those features! Western Region beauties are really stunning!"
"My god, she's even prettier than those movie stars—I wonder who's lucky enough to be her Boyfriend."
While everyone was talking, Cao Pingao, standing in the crowd, waved at Gulina with a smug expression.
When the beauty from the western regions saw him, a bright smile immediately appeared on her pretty face, and she quickly ran toward him, dragging her suitcase.
Seeing this, Cao Pingao rushed forward to meet her. "Slow down, slow down. Be careful of your belly, Nana."
Gulina didn't care about anything else and threw herself into his arms. "Hubby, I missed you~"
Cao Pingao also hugged the beauty from the western regions tightly. "I missed you too, Nana."
Seeing the man she had been thinking about day and night again, held in his arms once more and smelling his scent, Gulina couldn't help herself. She looked up, wrapped her arms around his neck, stood on her tiptoes, and kissed him passionately in public.
This time, the male comrades around who were already envious of Cao Pingao were now even more distorted with jealousy—
"Holy shit, this guy is just a bit tall, right? He's not even that handsome. How on earth did he get such a beautiful Western Region girl?"
"Exactly, why is the Western Region beauty so proactive with him? This kid must have some special strengths!"
//455//
Chapter 455 – A Reunion of the Whole Family (Part 2)
On the ride home from the airport, first-time visitor to Jiangcheng, Gulina, clutched Cao Pingao's big hand with her tiny one while staring in curiosity at the unfamiliar streets outside the window.
Before long, the rolls-royce phantom that had left Jiangbei District was crossing the Yangtze River Bridge.
"Wow—husband—the Yangtze is so wide!" Gulina exclaimed, shaking Cao Pingao's arm in excitement.
Cao Pingao smiled and pointed ahead. "When we come off the bridge you'll even spot the Yellow Crane Tower.
But today we're heading straight home for dinner; I'll take you to climb it another day."
Gulina beamed. "Mm, great~"
Another half-hour's drive and the Rolls finally glided into the Donghuwan Villa Area.
Peering through the window at the two rows of handsome mansions, Gulina asked, "Husband, are we here?"
Cao Pingao: "That's right, we've arrived."
Once out of the car she looped her arm through his again. "Which villa is ours?"
Cao Pingao grinned, swept his arm wide and said, "The whole complex is ours."
Gulina's eyes went round as saucers. "—"
Still laughing, Cao Pingao led her toward Villa No. 1.
—At that moment, in the grand living-room of Villa No. 1, Cao Song and Wang Lan were trying to memorize all their grandsons' and granddaughters' names.
Wang Lan, cradling her eldest grandson Cao Ang, asked, "Old Cao, how many grandchildren do we have now?"
Cao Song, holding his favorite little Cao Chong, answered, "Thirty-five grandsons, twenty-seven granddaughters—sixty-two little imps in total."
Wang Lan gave a wry laugh. "I did nag Pingao to let me hold a grandchild soon, and preferably several—but who knew he'd produce a whole battalion at once?"
Cao Song chuckled. "That's why you don't make careless wishes; you may get more than you can handle."
Just then Cao Pingao walked in, leading the beautiful Gulina by the hand:
"Dad, Mom, this is Gulina, your daughter-in-law."
Gulina's pretty face flushed; she gave a shy smile. "Dad, Mom."
Cao Song and Wang Lan's eyes almost disappeared into smiles at the sight of their gorgeous new daughter-in-law:
"Ah, wonderful, come sit, quick, sit."
After Gulina had chatted with his parents for a while, Cao Pingao called Jin Yao over:
"Yaoyao, you take Nana and introduce her to the rest of the sisters; I'm off to Tongque Garden to pick up Yunran and Yueran."
"Yes, husband~" Jin Yao nodded, then gently took Gulina's small hand and went to greet the other girls in the room.
—6:30 that evening.
Four large round tables had been set up in the great dining hall of Villa No. 1.
Cao Pingao seated his parents, Cao Song and Wang Lan, at the head table, with Jin Yao, Li Jing, Qian Wan, Yu Qian, Liu Ruyan, Fan Binbin, Liu Yun, Liu Sijie, Xiao Ya and Xu Bei keeping them company.
He himself took the host seat at the second table; to his right sat Qiao Yunran, Qiao Yueran, Chen Shuting, Lele, Jie Jie, Shen Qingyu and Lü Xiaomeng;
to his left, in order, were Chen Xue, Gulina, Sun Shangxiang, Deng Xiaorong, Director Bai and Zou Huimin.
Twelve girls—Zheng Jiaqi, Zhang Yuwei, Wang Lulu, Xu Tiantian, Zhou Jing, Huang Panpan, Jiang Xinxin, Jiang Qianqian, Sophia, Li Yixuan, Li Shihan and White Dove—occupied the third table.
Another twelve—Xia Tian, Xu Yingying, Yang Zihan, Wei Mengmeng, Su Xiaoqi, Sun Ying, Wang Hui, Wang Yuwen, Qian Jia, Qian Yi, Li Xiaoman and Xiao Lili—sat at the fourth.
Soon, fragrant, colorful dishes were carried in one after another by young maids and set upon the tables.
Surrounded by a roomful of beauties, each with her own charm, Boss Cao felt both proud and delighted, and without noticing he drank two extra cups.
After dinner, slightly tipsy, Cao Pingao plopped down between Qiao Yunran and Qiao Yueran, an arm around each:
"Tomorrow is New Year's Eve and it's freezing outside; you two should stay here tonight instead of going back to Tongque Garden."
Qiao Yunran glanced across him at her sister. "Yueran, why don't we stay here for the holiday? Then husband won't have to shuttle between two places."
Qiao Yueran nodded lightly. "Fine, wherever you say, sister, I don't mind."
"Perfect!" Cao Pingao beamed. "The more the merrier at New Year."
Qiao Yunran added with a smile, "Just to be clear, Yueran and I are only staying for the festival; we haven't agreed to move in permanently."
Cao Pingao hugged her slender waist and kissed her. "No problem—you're free to stay wherever you like; your husband absolutely respects your wishes."
That night Gulina, and the Qiao sisters Yunran and Yueran, all chose to sleep in Villa No. 1.
The two new secretaries, Li Xiaoman and Xiao Lili, were housed across the road in Villa No. 10.
—New Year's Eve morning.
The moment Cao Pingao opened his eyes he saw the long-haired, snow-skinned Gulina gazing down at him with misty eyes.
"Husband, you're awake~"
Cao Pingao smiled. "Did you sleep well?"
"As long as I'm beside you, I always sleep soundly~"
With a faint blush she leaned forward, kissed him, and after their morning "exercise" the two walked hand-in-hand into the en-suite bathroom to shower together.
Freshly washed and dressed, he had just come downstairs when he saw a black rolls-royce ghost and a black Bentley pull into the compound, one behind the other.
Out of the Bentley stepped Qiao Weigong and his very pregnant young Girlfriend Li Ping.
From the ghost emerged Jiang Dawei and Zhou Li; in Zhou Li's arms lay a month-old baby—Jiang Dawei's youngest son and Jiang Qianqian's little brother, Jiang Xiaobao.
Cao Pingao hurried out of Villa No. 1 to greet his two fathers-in-law:
"Welcome, welcome—everyone's invited to Donghu Bay Villas to celebrate Spring Festival with us."
The following days, just like last year, Boss Cao covered all travel, food and lodging expenses in Jiangcheng, so the girls' parents and relatives flocked to the city for a holiday visit.
With so many guests this year, Cao Pingao did not house them in his own compound but booked the entire Cao Wei International Hotel for them.
From the first to the fifth day of the new year nothing special happened; everyone simply ate, drank and enjoyed themselves.
On the morning of the sixth, Cao Pingao lounged in a chair outside Villa No. 8, legs crossed, basking in the sun while watching his eldest daughter Lele lead a band of younger brothers and sisters in games on the lawn.
Naturally, besides the Boss, a dozen nannies stood not far away, each keeping an eagle eye on her assigned child.
Suddenly a black mercedes-maybach emerged from the underground garage and stopped on the main road nearby.
Just as he wondered about it, the spectacled Lü Xiaomeng, dressed in a light-grey wool coat, hurried out of Villa No. 8.
Cao Pingao asked curiously, "Xiao Meng, where are you off to in such a rush?"
Lü Xiaomeng answered, "District Mayor He isn't feeling well; she called and asked me to accompany her to the doctor."
Cao Pingao: "District Chief He is sick? What's wrong?"
Lü Xiaomeng shook her head. "She didn't give details—she said she'll explain when we meet."
Cao Pingao stood up at once. "Wait while I change, Xiao Meng—I'm coming with you."
//456//
Chapter 456: Family Inheritance (Part 1)
Cao Pingao quickly returned to his room and changed into a crisp, thickened Armani suit, then draped a long black wool coat over his shoulders.
He then called Master Dian to bring around his exclusive ride—a shiny black rolls-royce phantom—and hurried with Lü Xiaomeng toward the residential area where the beautiful District Mayor, He clear, lived.
On the way, Lü Xiaomeng adjusted her glasses and asked with a mischievous smirk, "As soon as you heard the District Mayor wasn't feeling well, you insisted on coming along—Hubby, you don't have some sort of designs on our District Mayor, do you?"
Cao Pingao reached out and put his arm around the bespectacled girl's shoulder, laughing. "Xiao Meng, don't let your imagination run wild. It's just that I've been home taking care of the kids so much over the New Year that I'm about to lose it. I wanted to take this chance to get some fresh air."
"Besides, District Mayor He is the local official overseeing our Cao Wei Group, and she usually looks out for us. Now that she's feeling unwell, it's only right that I go visit her."
Lü Xiaomeng stared into the man's eyes for a moment with a knowing look, but found no trace of a lie. "Fine, I'll believe you for now."
Before long, the rolls-royce arrived at the three-bedroom apartment building where He clear lived.
Cao Pingao and Lü Xiaomeng took the elevator to the 12th floor and rang the doorbell for unit 1201.
Soon, He clear, wearing a light gray coat, opened the door and stepped out.
When the beautiful District Mayor noticed the tall figure of Cao Pingao standing behind her secretary, Lü Xiaomeng, her pretty face immediately began to flush slightly.
"Boss Cao? Happy New Year."
Cao Pingao smiled and said, "Happy New Year, District Mayor He. I heard from Xiao Meng that you weren't feeling well, so I came along to check on you."
Lü Xiaomeng asked with great concern, "District Mayor, exactly what part of you is unwell? What are the specific symptoms?"
Hearing Lü Xiaomeng ask about her condition, He clear's face turned even redder.
"Um, well, Xiao Meng, let's head downstairs first. I'll tell you slowly on the way."
Seeing He clear's unnatural reaction, Lü Xiaomeng, who had been her secretary for years, quickly realized: it seemed the District Mayor might have some sort of gynecological issue and was embarrassed to speak about it in front of her husband.
So she quickly took the bag hanging from He clear's arm. "District Mayor, let me carry your bag for you."
As they took the elevator downstairs together, Cao Pingao, standing behind He clear and Lü Xiaomeng, directly activated his system—
[Breeding target He clear has a health abnormality, diagnosed as a Breast Tumor (benign).]
[System rating downgraded from {Qualified} to {Unqualified}.]
[Note: This condition can be completely cured through Holy Healing Technique.]
Cao Pingao thought: No wonder she was embarrassed to say where she was hurting; it turns out her breasts are sore.
Once they reached the ground floor, Cao Pingao tactfully sat in the front passenger seat of the rolls-royce, leaving the private space in the back to the two ladies.
On the way to the hospital, Lü Xiaomeng whispered in He clear's ear again:
"District Mayor, where exactly are you feeling unwell?"
He clear glanced at Cao Pingao in the front seat, then pointed to her chest and whispered back:
"My left breast has been hurting suddenly these past few days."
"Your chest hurts?" Lü Xiaomeng looked at where He clear was pointing. "So it's uncomfortable there. Is the pain serious?"
He clear nodded gently. "It's starting to affect my sleep at night, and the Ibuprofen I took hasn't really helped."
Lü Xiaomeng said with a serious expression, "This could be a big or small matter. You were right to let me accompany you to the hospital for an exam, District Mayor."
He clear's face showed some apology. "I'm sorry, Xiao Meng, making you go to a place like the hospital during the New Year."
Lü Xiaomeng quickly took He clear's arm. "At work, you're my boss, but after hours, you're my big sister.
Isn't it normal for a younger sister to accompany her older sister to see a doctor?"
Touched, He clear leaned her head gently against Lü Xiaomeng's shoulder. "Thank you, Xiao Meng."
Half an hour later.
The rolls-royce passed through the barrier and entered the parking lot of Jiang City People's Hospital.
While Master Dian and Cao Pingao were looking for a parking spot, Lü Xiaomeng, sitting in the back, said:
"Hubby, I'll go in with the District Mayor to see the doctor by myself. You and Master Dian can walk around the hospital area. We'll call you when we're done, and you can come back to pick us up."
Cao Pingao turned to look at her and He clear, then nodded with a smile. "Sure, just call me then."
After Lü Xiaomeng led He clear by the hand out of the car and into the outpatient building, Master Dian finally spoke up:
"Boss, where should we go next?"
Cao Pingao rubbed his chin and thought for a moment. "At this time... let's just find a foot massage place nearby to kill some time."
Master Dian said solemnly, "I know a place nearby called Zhenpin Foot Spa. The environment is good and the price is reasonable."
Cao Pingao burst out laughing. "Whoa, Old Dian! You usually act like you're so devoted to your wife, but you secretly like to enjoy yourself outside too!"
Master Dian quickly explained, "Boss, don't misunderstand. I just occasionally get a foot wash outside. I definitely haven't done anything to betray my wife."
Cao Pingao waved his hand while laughing. "Alright, alright, I'm not going to tattle on you to your wife.
Let's go. I want to see if the technicians you usually pick are pretty."
Inside the People's Hospital building.
Due to He clear's special status, the hospital had assigned a Little Nurse to follow her and Lü Xiaomeng the entire time as their guide.
Furthermore, whether it was seeing a senior specialist or undergoing various tests, there was a special 'Green Channel' for them throughout the process.
Before long, He clear and Lü Xiaomeng returned to the specialist's office with all the test results.
After reviewing the various test reports, chest X-rays, and MRI scans, the specialist's expression suddenly turned grave.
"District Mayor He, I assume this isn't the first time you've had chest pain?"
He clear was stunned for a moment, then nodded gently. "Yes, doctor. It hurt a few times last year, but it wasn't severe, so I didn't see a doctor."
Sitting beside her, Lü Xiaomeng's eyes were full of heartache. "District Mayor..."
He clear gave her a gentle smile. "It wasn't serious before, so I didn't tell you."
The specialist looked at the young and beautiful He clear, then back at the test results, and sighed softly.
"Sigh, District Mayor He, it would have been better if you had come to the hospital for an exam sooner. Currently, the tumor in your left breast is already somewhat large.
I'll write you a referral; go and get a Needle Biopsy done. Let's see the specific nature of the tumor first."
After leaving the consultation room, He clear's face gradually turned pale, and her steps became unsteady.
Lü Xiaomeng, accompanying her, quickly supported her arm and comforted her. "District Mayor, don't think the worst. Let's do the test first; we don't know the situation yet."
With reddened eyes, He clear said, "Xiao Meng, you don't understand. Many of the female relatives in my family have suffered from this disease.
My two aunts, who loved me the most when I was little, both passed away before they were fifty because of this disease..."
//457//
Chapter 457: Family Inheritance (Part 2)
Lü Xiaomeng helped District Mayor sit down on the stainless steel bench nearby: "District Mayor, don't think of the worst-case scenario first—besides, medical technology is so advanced nowadays, you'll be fine."
Under Lü Xiaomeng's constant comfort, District Mayor's emotions gradually calmed down: "Xiao Meng, you're right. Let's go do the biopsy first and see what the results are."
After the biopsy was done, because the test results wouldn't be out until tomorrow morning at the earliest, Lü Xiaomeng called Cao Pingao and they sent District Mayor home together.
In the living room, Lü Xiaomeng whispered to Cao Pingao: "Hubby, District Mayor's relatives aren't in Jiang City, and she doesn't want to tell her parents about her illness."
"You go back and rest first. I'll stay at her house to keep her company tonight."
"Alright." Cao Pingao stood up and greeted District Mayor, "District Chief He, get some good rest. I'll be leaving now."
Just as District Mayor was about to get up from the sofa to see Cao Pingao out, Cao Pingao quickly raised his hand to stop her:
"District Chief He, you're not feeling well today, so don't get up to see me out."
District Mayor didn't insist and forced a smile at Cao Pingao: "Sorry for the trouble today, Boss Cao."
Cao Pingao smiled back: "It's nothing."
Just as Cao Pingao was changing his shoes at the door, the phone in Lü Xiaomeng's bag suddenly rang.
She took out her phone and saw it was a call from the auntie who looked after the children at home:
"Hello, Aunt Wang, why are you calling me?
What? How could they both suddenly have a bit of diarrhea? Weren't the two little ones fine when I left this morning?
Okay, I understand. I'll be back right away."
After Lü Xiaomeng hung up, District Mayor, who was sitting nearby, quickly asked:
"Xiao Meng, do Xiao Chengcheng and Xiao Xuanmeng have diarrhea?"
Lü Xiaomeng nodded with a slight frown: "Maybe they didn't wear enough clothes while playing outdoors, and their stomachs caught a bit of a cold."
District Mayor, who liked Lü Xiaomeng's twins very much, said with a worried look: "Then you should hurry back with Boss Cao to see them. Children need their mother by their side most when they're not feeling well."
Holding her phone, Lü Xiaomeng looked conflicted: "But I don't want to leave you alone at home at a time like this. How about I call your Secretary Wang and have her come accompany you?"
District Mayor shook her head gently: "Don't trouble Xiao Wang during the Lunar New Year, and I don't want too many people to know about my illness."
At this point, Cao Pingao, who was halfway through changing his shoes, put his slippers back on and walked back into the living room, saying:
"Xiao Meng, how about this: you go home first to check on the children, and I'll stay to keep the District Mayor company for a while.
You can come back after the children's diarrhea issue is resolved."
To let Lü Xiaomeng go home to care for the children with peace of mind, District Mayor agreed with Cao Pingao's words: "I think Boss Cao's suggestion works."
"Xiao Meng, don't overthink it. Even if I need you, it will be after the results come out tomorrow."
"Alright." Persuaded by the two of them, Lü Xiaomeng no longer hesitated. She stood up, left District Mayor in Cao Pingao's care, went downstairs, got into the Phantom, and rushed toward the Donghuwan Villa Area.
---Cao Pingao boiled a pot of water in the kitchen and made a cup of hot tea for himself and District Mayor.
Sitting on the sofa, District Mayor took the teacup and said: "Boss Cao, actually, it's fine for me to be alone. If you have other things to attend to, go ahead."
Cao Pingao took a sip of tea and smiled: "I have no other urgent matters today. If I go home, I'll just be looking after the kids. I might as well enjoy some peace and quiet here with you."
"I really envy you." District Mayor said with a complicated look, "Actually, I like children very much, it's just a pity—"
District Mayor didn't continue speaking about her private matters, and Cao Pingao didn't find it appropriate to ask, so the room suddenly became quiet.
Actually, the fact that District Mayor and her husband had been living apart for a long time was no secret; many people knew about it.
Just as everyone suspected, their marriage was merely a political alliance between two families.
Therefore, after marrying her, District Mayor's husband had taken the initiative to transfer to another province and began living there with his first love, even having three children together.
At the thought of her husband living a happy life with another woman and their children while she lived alone in Jiang City and now had a "terminal illness," District Mayor was overcome with grief, and tears couldn't help but stream down her face.
Seeing this, Cao Pingao quickly took some tissues and sat down beside her: "District Chief He, don't worry. Your illness can definitely be cured."
District Mayor said through her tears: "Thank you for your comfort, but I know our family's situation. I know that this time, it might be more bad news than good—"
Cao Pingao said with great certainty: "No, District Chief He, you are blessed by heaven. I guarantee that not only will you get through this safely, but you will also have your own children in the future."
"My own children?" District Mayor looked up and saw Cao Pingao looking at her with a gentle yet firm gaze—
At this moment, being emotionally extremely vulnerable, she instantly felt an inexplicable sense of security and trust toward Cao Pingao.
"Can... can you give me a hug?" District Mayor asked, her face covered in tears.
Cao Pingao didn't hesitate to pull her into his arms: "Sister Qing, as long as I'm here, I won't let anything happen to you."
After hugging for a while, District Mayor finally stopped her tears and pulled back from the man's embrace with a flushed face:
"Thank you~"
Cao Pingao smiled: "It's a small matter, you're welcome."
District Mayor tucked a strand of hair behind her ear: "Um, I'm a bit tired, so I'll go back to my room to rest. Please help yourself to any food or drinks in the house."
Cao Pingao: "Alright."
Watching the curvaceous and beautiful District Mayor walk into her bedroom and close the door, Cao Pingao reminisced about the feel of her in his arms while thinking:
How should I create an opportunity to personally step in and give her an injection to treat her illness?
---The next morning.
Accompanied by Lü Xiaomeng and Cao Pingao, District Mayor came to the Jiang City People's Hospital again.
In the same consultation room as yesterday.
After carefully reviewing District Mayor's biopsy pathology report, the Old Expert smiled and said:
"Good news, District Chief He, your tumor is benign."
District Mayor let out a deep sigh of relief, and Lü Xiaomeng hugged her with a face full of joy:
"That's wonderful, District Mayor! I knew you'd be fine."
The Old Expert adjusted his glasses and added: "Although the tumor is benign, its size is already quite large. I suggest you have surgery directly to have it removed."
"Surgery?" District Mayor's expression became solemn again. "Doctor, will the surgery affect my ability to breastfeed children in the future?"
The Old Expert nodded seriously: "In your case, it indeed will have an impact."
"Then can I try medication first instead of having surgery?" District Mayor pursed her lips and asked again.
The Old Expert replied: "Conservative treatment is also an option, but in that case, District Chief He, you must come to the hospital for regular check-ups."
"And if the tumor shows signs of continuing to grow, surgery must be performed immediately."
---District Mayor and Lü Xiaomeng walked out of the consultation room hand in hand and told the good news that the tumor was benign to Cao Pingao, who was waiting in the hallway outside.
After hearing that District Mayor didn't want surgery, Cao Pingao tried his best to suppress the rising corners of his mouth and said:
"District Chief He, since you plan to take conservative treatment, I happen to know an old Chinese medicine doctor with excellent medical skills. I can introduce you to him."
//458//
Chapter 458: I Know a Little About Massage (Part 1)
After coming out of the People's Hospital, Cao Pingao and the others took a car together to the Hou Longhai Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic.
After performing the four diagnostic methods of traditional Chinese medicine, the grey-haired and white-browed Hou Longhai spoke:
"Family members, please step out for a moment; I would like to speak with Ms. He privately."
"Oh, alright, Doctor." Lü Xiaomeng turned to District Mayor and said, "Then we'll head out first and wait for you outside."
District Mayor: "Mhm, okay."
After Lü Xiaomeng walked out of the consultation room arm-in-arm with Cao Pingao, Hou Longhai asked while flipping through District Mayor's medical records:
"Ms. He, you should be married already, right?"
District Mayor nodded. "Yes, I am married."
Hou Longhai flipped another page of the medical records and asked, "Then how old is your child this year?"
District Mayor froze for half a second before saying, "Doctor Hou, I don't have a child of my own yet."
Hou Longhai looked up at her. "Ms. He, then are you and your husband living apart for a long time and rarely seeing each other?"
District Mayor's eyes widened instantly. "That is the case—Doctor Hou, how did you tell?"
Hou Longhai closed the medical records and leaned back in his chair. "Because the breast-related condition you have is quite closely related to your long-term solitary lifestyle.
Lack of activity over a long period leads to congestion, which easily forms breast nodules. If these nodules aren't treated, they can easily develop into tumors."
After hearing Hou Longhai's words and finding them very reasonable, District Mayor said with a slightly flushed face, "Doctor Hou, then please prescribe some medicine for me to help regulate my condition."
Hou Longhai waved his hand. "All medicines have side effects. Since the general hospital has already prescribed Western medicine for you, just follow the doctor's orders and take that.
As a traditional Chinese medicine doctor, the 'prescription' I'm giving you is to pay attention to getting more massages in the future to promote blood circulation.
Furthermore, you must maintain a happy mood and not excessively suppress your body's natural instinctive reactions."
District Mayor's face turned even redder. "Doctor Hou, the natural instinctive reactions you mentioned, specifically refer to—"
Hou Longhai took a sip of hot tea and smiled. "The 'Classic of Rites' says, 'Food, drink, and sex are the great desires of humanity'.
Excessive indulgence can harm the body, but excessive suppression of one's natural desires is also detrimental to health.
Ms. He, do you understand what I'm saying?"
District Mayor nodded with a crimson face. "I understand. Thank you, Doctor Hou."
---After seeing District Mayor come out of the consultation room, Lü Xiaomeng, who was waiting outside, hurriedly went up to meet her. "District Mayor, give me the prescription Doctor Hou gave you, and I'll go to the pharmacy to get the medicine for you."
District Mayor shook her head gently. "Doctor Hou said the Western medicine is enough; he didn't prescribe any additional medicine."
"Huh? Doctor Hou didn't prescribe medicine?" Lü Xiaomeng was a bit confused. "Then didn't we come all this way for nothing?"
District Mayor took her small hand and said, "Not exactly. Although Doctor Hou didn't prescribe medicine, he gave me some other supplementary therapies—I'll tell you more about it on the way home."
After seeing the TCM doctor, Cao Pingao and the others took a car back to the residential complex where District Mayor lived.
Upon arriving home, the two girls walked into the bedroom hand-in-hand, leaving Cao Pingao alone in the living room.
In the bedroom, District Mayor took off her underwear and lay flat on the edge of the bed wearing only a cotton nightgown.
Lü Xiaomeng stood beside her, giving her a breast massage while watching an instructional video on her phone:
"District Mayor, is this pressure okay? Do you feel any discomfort?"
"No, Xiao Meng, you can use a bit more strength. Your touch is too light; it actually makes me itchy."
"Okay."
In less than half an hour, Lü Xiaomeng's hands ran out of strength. "Sigh, this massage work doesn't look hard, but it's actually quite physically demanding."
District Mayor: "Thank you for your hard work, Xiao Meng. Sit down and rest for a while."
Lü Xiaomeng sat down beside her and asked while shaking her hands, "Do you feel any better after the massage?"
District Mayor touched her chest. "It seems to have some effect; it doesn't feel as congested and uncomfortable as before."
Lü Xiaomeng smiled. "It's good that it works. We'll continue in a bit."
---For the next few days, Lü Xiaomeng brought her dragon and phoenix twins to District Mayor's home every day to visit her.
With the company of Lü Xiaomeng and the two adorable children, District Mayor not only felt much better in spirit, but the physical pain also significantly lessened.
After spending these few days together, the personal bond between the two women deepened further, and Lü Xiaomeng began to call District Mayor "Sister Qing" directly in private.
---This morning, District Mayor received a call from Lü Xiaomeng:
"Sister Qing, my parents have come from our hometown in Anhui to see Xiao Chengcheng and Xiao Xuanmeng. We won't be coming over to accompany you today; make sure to eat well and rest well yourself."
District Mayor: "Okay, Xiao Meng, enjoy your family reunion. Don't worry about me."
After hanging up, District Mayor opened the photo album on her phone and looked through the photos she had taken with the two children over the past few days, one by one, an auntie-like smile involuntarily appearing on her face:
"Sigh, these two little ones are truly too adorable~
I wonder if Xiao Meng and he would agree if I said I wanted to be the two little ones' godmother?"
Suddenly, the doorbell rang.
District Mayor: "Eh? Didn't Xiao Meng and the others say they weren't coming today? Who would come to see me at this time?"
Feeling somewhat puzzled, District Mayor walked to the door in her slippers and looked through the peephole—only to see the tall Cao Pingao standing outside.
She quickly opened the door. "Pingao, why are you here?"
Cao Pingao lifted the bag of ingredients in his hand and smiled. "Xiao Meng was worried about you being home alone, so she sent me to keep you company for a meal."
An inexplicable joy surged in District Mayor's heart. "Come in first; it's cold outside."
After entering, Cao Pingao skillfully changed into his slippers, then carried the groceries directly into the kitchen and began preparing lunch for the two of them.
Before long, two meat dishes, one vegetable dish, and a tomato and egg soup were laid out on the dining table.
Cao Pingao served a bowl of rice for himself and one for District Mayor. "Sister Qing, I haven't personally cooked in a long time; don't have too high expectations."
District Mayor picked up her chopsticks and took a few bites, her face immediately lighting up with a look of surprise. "I didn't expect a big boss like you to know how to cook, and to cook so well too."
Cao Pingao laughed. "Hahaha, if you think it's good, then eat more."
After finishing lunch together, District Mayor began to clear the dishes.
Cao Pingao stood up and said, "Sister Qing, you're not feeling well; let me clear up instead."
District Mayor smiled and shook her head. "I've been much better these past few days. Besides, you worked hard cooking; I can handle washing these few bowls."
With that, she carried the dishes into the kitchen.
Cao Pingao took out his phone and had just replied to a few wechat messages when he heard a "clatter" from the kitchen.
He hurriedly got up and rushed over, only to see District Mayor looking pained, her right hand supporting her on the counter and her left hand clutching her left chest.
A porcelain plate had shattered on the floor by her feet.
Cao Pingao stepped over the shards and carefully helped District Mayor from the kitchen to the bed in the bedroom to lie down:
"Sister Qing, are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital?"
District Mayor turned her back to Cao Pingao, curling up and clutching her left chest. "No need. It just hurts like this occasionally—it'll pass if I bear it for a while. Don't worry about me."
Cao Pingao sat by the bed and said with concern, "I heard from Xiao Meng that massage can help ease the pain a bit.
I happen to know a little about massage; why don't you let me try?"
//459//
Chapter 459: I Know a Bit About Massage (Part 2)
District Mayor's somewhat pale face suddenly flushed red.
"This... isn't very appropriate, is it?"
Cao Pingao said in a serious tone, "Sister Qing, this is a special situation. You're already in so much pain, so don't worry about the differences between men and women."
District Mayor turned to look at him. "Do you really know how to do massages?"
Cao Pingao's sword-like brows furrowed, and he countered with a "checkmate," saying, "Sister Qing, you don't suspect me of trying to take advantage of you while you're sick, do you?"
District Mayor quickly said, "No, of course not—well, then I'll have to trouble you to give me a massage."
Cao Pingao tried his best to suppress the curl of his lips. He turned around, his back to District Mayor, and said, "Sister Qing, you need to take off your bra before the massage."
"Okay, wait for me a moment."
District Mayor's face turned red. While keeping an eye on Cao Pingao, she took off her bra and lay on the bed wearing only a thin undershirt.
"I'm ready."
Cao Pingao turned back and said with a serious face, "Sister Qing, I'm starting now."
"Mm~" In pain and shame, District Mayor closed her eyes, looking like a lamb led to the slaughter.
A wicked smirk finally appeared on the corner of Cao Pingao's mouth as he reached out with his large hands.
—A man's strength is something a woman cannot compare to.
After a very proper massage, the pain in District Mayor's left breast was clearly relieved.
Cao Pingao rubbed his nose with the back of his hand, taking the opportunity to catch the scent of District Mayor's body fragrance.
"Sister Qing, do you feel better?"
District Mayor pulled the quilt over herself, too shy to look Cao Pingao in the eye. "I feel much better. Thank you, Pingao."
"That's good." Cao Pingao asked with a smirk, "Sister Qing, is my massage technique more professional and effective than Xiao Meng's?"
"Mm~" District Mayor nodded, her face flushed.
Cao Pingao grinned and said, "Then how about I take her place and give you massages from now on?"
District Mayor's eyes widened, and her face turned crimson. "Actually, Xiao Meng's massages are quite good too... I wouldn't want to trouble a busy man like you."
Cao Pingao laughed. "Alright, then when Xiao Meng is busy one day, let me, the'substitute,' step in."
—That evening, at Donghuwan Villa Area.
Cao Pingao accompanied Lü Xiaomeng's parents for dinner in the dining room of Villa No. 8.
After dinner, Lü Xiaomeng sat beside Cao Pingao, resting her head on his shoulder. She watched her parents—one looking after their grandson and the other their granddaughter—fully enjoying the happiness of family life.
"Hubby, how was Sister Qing's spirit when you visited her today?"
Cao Pingao put his arm around Glasses Girl's shoulder and said, "She's in good spirits. Her chest hurt for a bit right after lunch, but I fixed it with a massage."
"Mm, that's good—wait a minute?"
Lü Xiaomeng sat up straight instantly, staring at her man with wide eyes. "Hubby, what did you just say? You gave Sister Qing a massage today?"
Cao Pingao nodded with a tilted smirk. "What's wrong? It was just a simple massage for medical reasons. No need to make a fuss."
Lü Xiaomeng looked at him with a knowing gaze. "As if I don't know you. It might be a simple massage today, but who knows about tomorrow or the day after? Hubby, Sister Qing's situation is completely different from the other sisters in the family. Her husband is the third-in-command of XX Province. You must be careful!"
Cao Pingao reached out and pulled Glasses Girl into his arms. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
—As the frequency of Cao Pingao's massages increased, District Mayor's favorable impression of him continued to build.
This beautiful District Mayor, who had lacked a man's nourishment for a long time, began to unconsciously dream of Cao Pingao, experiencing one indescribable encounter after another with him in her sleep.
Time flew by, and soon it was the Lantern Festival.
Invited by Lü Xiaomeng and Cao Pingao, District Mayor took a car to Donghuwan Villa Area to celebrate the festival with them.
As soon as she got out of the car, the beautiful District Mayor's gaze was drawn to a large group of children laughing and playing on the lawn—
District Mayor: "I know this entire villa area is his private property... but surely these dozen or so children aren't all his?"
Just then, Cao Pingao and Lü Xiaomeng walked out of the villa together to greet District Mayor. "Sister Qing, welcome to our home for the Lantern Festival."
As they walked toward Villa No. 1 together, District Mayor whispered in Lü Xiaomeng's ear:
"Xiao Meng, are those children on the lawn over there all his too?"
Lü Xiaomeng nodded with a smile. "Those dozen or so older children who can already run and jump are just a small portion. You'll see the rest of the little ones once we get inside."
District Mayor: "..."
—After entering Villa No. 1 and seeing a room full of over 40 beautiful women of all ages, each with her own unique charm, and the Little Babies in their arms, District Mayor was still hit with a massive psychological shock despite being mentally prepared.
Besides the shock of the quantity, there was also the shock of the quality.
District Mayor, who was originally very confident in her looks and figure, suddenly realized that she—a great beauty who had stunned everyone wherever she went—didn't seem so outstanding in Cao Pingao's home.
What amazed District Mayor even more was that the women of the Cao family—whether they were university students in their twenties or career women in their thirties—all had excellent mental and skin conditions.
Especially Chen Shuting, who was already 36 years old and had given birth to three children; her skin was still rosy and white, as delicate as a young girl in her twenties.
While sitting together for dinner that evening, District Mayor curiously asked Chen Shuting, "Shuting, what brand of skincare products do you usually use?"
Chen Shuting smiled and said, "Sister Qing, actually, besides using a bit of basic moisturizer in the winter, I haven't used any extra skincare products for a long time."
District Mayor: "Really? Then your natural skin is amazing. I'm so envious."
Chen Shuting laughed meaningfully. "Sister Qing, actually, my skin and physical condition weren't as good as they are now. All these changes happened after I got together with Pingao..."
After hearing the "secret" from her peer Chen Shuting, District Mayor became even more interested in the physically exceptional Cao Pingao.
—After dinner, Cao Pingao personally drove District Mayor to the bottom of her apartment building.
After getting out of the car, District Mayor looked up slightly at Cao Pingao and said, "Thank you and Xiao Meng for inviting me to spend the Lantern Festival with you today."
Cao Pingao smiled. "You're welcome. You're welcome to visit our home anytime you're free.
I'm heading back now. Sister Qing, get some rest early."
"Hey, wait a minute~" District Mayor called out to Cao Pingao as he was about to get back into the car. With a somewhat suggestive look in her eyes, she said, "Um, it's still early. Why don't you come upstairs for a cup of tea before you go?"
//460//
Chapter 460: Rain After a Long Drought (Part 1)
Cao Pingao saw the longing in District Mayor's eyes:
"Alright, then I'll have a cup of tea before heading back."
He turned and gave Dian Wei, who was sitting in the car, a look that said "go back and rest first," then walked into the hallway with District Mayor and took the elevator upstairs.
After returning home, District Mayor took off her overcoat, revealing a white wool sweater and black trousers underneath.
Her plump yet slender figure was exceptionally prominent and alluring under the tight sweater, instantly capturing Boss Cao's gaze.
District Mayor naturally noticed the man's unscrupulous gaze—however, instead of feeling any resentment, she felt a wave of secret joy:
"Pingao, you sit down first. I'll go boil some water."
Cao Pingao, his fighting spirit rising, did not choose to sit down. Instead, he followed District Mayor into the kitchen.
Just as District Mayor filled a kettle and pressed the boil button, a pair of large hands wrapped around her from behind.
"Oh~ Pingao, what are you doing~"
Cao Pingao leaned down and whispered into her ear with a smile, "Sister Qing, I suddenly remembered I haven't given you a massage in two days. While the water is boiling, let me give you a rub."
District Mayor's face flushed red from being held. "Only my left side is uncomfortable, why are you doing that to both sides~"
Cao Pingao's mouth was almost pressed against her ear. "You should get regular massages even when you're healthy. Prevention is better than a cure, after all."
Under the man's fiery embrace, District Mayor's last psychological defense was quickly breached. "Not here. After we finish the tea, let's go back to the bedroom for the massage, okay?"
Cao Pingao smiled wickedly. "I'm not thirsty at all right now. Why don't we start the massage first?"
District Mayor nodded shyly. "Alright then~"
After getting an affirmative answer, Cao Pingao picked District Mayor up horizontally from the floor in one swift motion.
"Oh~" District Mayor subconsciously reached out and hugged his neck. "Pingao, you startled me~"
Cao Pingao grinned. "Sister Qing, have you ever been carried like a princess before?"
District Mayor blushed and shook her head gently.
"Hahaha." Laughing, Cao Pingao carried District Mayor into the bedroom with large strides, while simultaneously deactivating the [Sharpshooter Badge] and [Armor-Piercing Round Badge] in the system.
---After a bout of rain following a long drought.
[host has successfully activated Holy Healing Technique]
[Recovery progress of the treatment target District Mayor +5%. Current total progress: 5%]
District Mayor snuggled into Cao Pingao's arms with a face full of happiness, feeling an unprecedented sense of relief both mentally and physically:
"Thank you, Pingao~ It's been a very, very long time since I've been as happy as I was just now~"
Cao Pingao stroked her back and smiled. "You're welcome, Sister Qing. I've always been one to help those in need when I see injustice."
District Mayor caressed his chest and asked, "So, when did you start having designs on me?"
Cao Pingao recalled, "It was probably two years ago, when Big Brother Jiang first introduced us."
District Mayor looked surprised. "You had naughty thoughts about me even back then?"
Cao Pingao smirked. "Of course. Sister Qing, you're such a beautiful woman with such a great figure. What man with normal preferences wouldn't like you?"
District Mayor laughed happily. "Even though I know there's some flattery in your words, I'm still very happy to hear you praise me like that~"
Cao Pingao immediately said seriously, "There's absolutely no flattery involved. Every single word comes straight from my heart."
District Mayor pursed her lips and smiled. "Alright, I believe you~"
After hugging for a while longer, District Mayor suddenly touched his cheek and said, "Pingao, can you stay with me a bit longer tonight and go home later?"
Cao Pingao lowered his head and kissed her cherry lips. "Tonight, your home is my home. I'm not leaving."
"Pingao~" District Mayor's eyes were misty and touched. She proactively wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately again.
---The next morning.
Cao Pingao woke up in District Mayor's warm and soft embrace.
District Mayor stroked his hair and said with infinite tenderness, "You worked hard last night. Do you want to sleep a bit longer?"
While washing his face with cleanser, Cao Pingao laughed and said, "No more sleep. I have to be back before noon because I need to take Gulina to the airport this afternoon."
Afterward, the two got up, washed, and had breakfast together.
When he was about to leave, District Mayor hugged Cao Pingao's waist reluctantly at the door, not wanting him to go at all.
Cao Pingao lowered his head and gave her a firm kiss, smiling. "After I get back from the airport this afternoon, I'll come straight to see you."
District Mayor almost wept with joy. "Okay, then I'll wait for you at home and won't go anywhere."
---Downstairs, Dian Wei, who had gone home early last night to rest, was already sitting in the rolls-royce phantom waiting for Boss Cao.
Before long, Cao Pingao strode out of the hallway and climbed into the back of the car. "Home."
Dian Wei said with a serious face, "Yes, Boss."
Half an hour later, the black rolls-royce drove into the Donghuwan Villa Area.
As soon as Cao Pingao walked into the large living room of Villa No. 1, Chen Shuting, Chen Xue, and Lü Xiaomeng, who had been waiting there, handed the Little Baby in their arms to the nanny nearby, then crowded around Cao Pingao and led him to the adjacent study.
Lü Xiaomeng asked after closing the door, "Hubby~ Did you spend the night at Sister Qing's house last night?"
Cao Pingao smiled. "I chatted with her for a while. Since it was late, she asked me to stay, so I spent the night there."
Chen Xue asked with a meaningful look, "Just stayed there? Did nothing happen between you two last night?"
Cao Pingao grinned. "Well, when a man and a woman are alone in a room, it's hard not to cross the line."
"Sigh, I figured as much." Chen Shuting sighed and said with a serious expression:
"Hubby, you're not thinking of having District Mayor move into the villa area too, are you? She has a husband, and he's not someone to be trifled with."
Cao Pingao sat between Chen Shuting and Chen Xue, wrapping his arms around their slender waists. "Don't worry, Sister Qing and I have agreed that we'll only maintain a private friendship.
By the way, the three of you must keep my staying at her place last night a secret. Don't let all the girls at home find out."
Chen Shuting gave Cao Pingao a somewhat helpless sidelong glance. "Of course we know that. As for you, make sure to take safety precautions and try not to get our District Chief He pregnant."
Cao Pingao chuckled. "Hahaha, I got it, Sister Shuting."
//461//
Chapter 461: Rain After a Long Drought (Part 2)
In the afternoon, Cao Pingao accompanied Gulina, who needed to return to the Imperial Capital Medical University to complete her doctoral studies, to Jiangcheng Tianhe Airport.
Outside the security checkpoint, the beauty from the western regions hugged Cao Pingao tightly, her beautiful large eyes filled with tears: "Hubby~ I really can't bear to leave you~"
Cao Pingao caressed the long black hair behind Gulina: "I can't bear to leave you either."
"I promise you, as soon as I have time, I'll go to the Imperial Capital to see you, okay?"
Gulina sniffled: "Okay~"
Cao Pingao lowered his head and kissed the young girl's soft lips: "Don't cry. It breaks my heart to see you like this."
"Mhm, I'll be good, I won't cry anymore~" Gulina wiped the corners of her eyes, looked up at the man, and said, "Hubby~ then I'm going through security now."
Cao Pingao: "Alright, I'll stand right here and watch you go through."
Only after the beauty from the western regions had passed through security and disappeared into the depths of the terminal, looking back every few steps, did Cao Pingao turn to leave.
---Ever since she sent Cao Pingao off in the morning, District Mayor had been acting as if she had lost her soul.
She couldn't focus on her books, didn't want to browse her phone, and had no appetite for food; her mind was filled with images of her and Cao Pingao lingering together last night.
She waited blankly like this from after 10 AM all the way until around 5 PM.
Suddenly, the long-awaited doorbell rang.
District Mayor hurriedly stood up from the sofa and ran to open the front door.
As soon as Cao Pingao entered, she threw herself into the man's arms: "Pingao, I missed you~"
Cao Pingao hugged the woman and smiled: "Sister Qing, but I only left your place this morning. We've only been apart for a few hours."
With her pretty face slightly flushed, District Mayor took Cao Pingao's hand and led him toward the bedroom: "Come inside with me. You haven't given me a massage today yet~"
---In the following days, District Mayor, like parched land meeting sweet rain, met with Cao Pingao for trysts almost every night.
Having been fully nourished, the beautiful District Mayor not only saw a great improvement in her condition and a boost in her spirits, but her skin also became fairer and more delicate.
Her colleagues all said her recent state made her look ten years younger, and they were all asking for her health secrets.
This afternoon.
Accompanied by her secretary, Lü Xiaomeng, District Mayor went to Jiang City People's Hospital for a regular check-up.
In the specialist's consulting room, the Old Expert carefully reviewed the test results twice and said with a look of astonishment: "District Chief He, for some unknown reason, the tumor in your left breast has shrunk on its own. It's now only one-tenth of its previous size!"
District Mayor said happily: "Thank you, doctor. It must be the medicine you prescribed that worked."
The Old Expert waved his hand: "Your rapid recovery really isn't my credit. It would have been good enough if the medicine I prescribed could just suppress the tumor's growth."
"District Chief He, have you been taking any other medicine at the same time?"
District Mayor glanced at Lü Xiaomeng beside her and said with a slight blush: "I haven't taken any other medicine; I've just been getting some massages regularly."
"Massage?" The Old Expert looked completely bewildered. "I've never heard of a tumor being massaged away—District Chief He, based on the results of this check-up, you are completely out of risk for surgery."
"Continue with the medicine, continue with the massages, and keep up your current healthy lifestyle. I believe your illness will be fully cured soon."
---That evening, when Cao Pingao arrived at District Mayor's home, he found the living room lights off, with candles, a cake, and red wine set out on the dining table.
District Mayor herself was wearing a purple off-the-shoulder bodycon dress and black stockings, standing at the door to welcome him:
"Pingao, you're here~"
Cao Pingao smiled: "Sister Qing, is today some special occasion? Why such a grand setup?"
District Mayor took his arm and led him toward the table while saying: "I have some good news for you. Sit down first."
Cao Pingao sat in a chair, and District Mayor sat directly in his lap:
"Xiao Meng accompanied me to the People's Hospital for a follow-up this afternoon, and the doctor said my tumor has shrunk on its own and that I don't need surgery anymore~"
Cao Pingao smiled with a look of "surprise": "Whoa, that's wonderful news. We definitely need a glass of wine to celebrate."
District Mayor picked up two wine glasses from the table and placed one in Cao Pingao's hand: "I'm still taking medicine so I can't drink, but I can clink glasses with you."
Cao Pingao clinked glasses with her and downed it in one go, then said with a mischievous grin: "I also want to drink a glass of 'imported' red wine."
District Mayor blushed, took a sip of the red wine from her own glass, and then lowered her head to kiss his mouth:
"Does the 'imported' red wine taste good?"
Cao Pingao chuckled: "It's delicious. Have another sip."
After drinking a few glasses of red wine like this, District Mayor began feeding cake to Cao Pingao:
"Thank you, Pingao~ I know the reason my body was able to recover so quickly is largely because of you."
Cao Pingao hugged her slender waist and smiled: "Is that so? Am I really that amazing?"
District Mayor nodded with eyes full of gratitude: "After being with you, my physical and mental state have clearly improved.
I'm happy just thinking about you during the day, and even happier when I'm with you at night~
You've given me a feeling of being reborn~"
Cao Pingao chuckled: "I'm also very happy to be able to help you regain your health."
District Mayor used a tissue to gently wipe his mouth: "Have you had enough to eat and drink?"
Cao Pingao nodded: "I've had my fill."
District Mayor said with an ambiguous look in her eyes: "Then let's go into the room~"
Cao Pingao swept her up in a princess carry: "Let's go, into the room."
---[host successfully activated Holy Healing Technique]
[Recovery progress for treatment target District Mayor +3%, current total progress: 100%]
[Breast tumor of breeding target District Mayor completely cured; system rating adjusted from 'Unqualified' back to 'Qualified']
Although the system had once again listed District Mayor as a [Qualified Breeding Target], in order not to affect her career, Cao Pingao would turn off several reproduction-related badges every time before they had an intimate exchange.
---At the end of February, Li Xiaoman gave birth to a daughter for Cao Pingao, named Cao Xuanman.
At the beginning of March, Su Xiaoqi gave birth to a son for Cao Pingao, named Cao Xin.
At the end of March, District Mayor received news from her superiors. Because of her outstanding performance during her tenure as the District Mayor of Jiangnan District, the Jiang City Government planned to promote her from District Mayor to Vice Mayor in the second half of this year.
District Mayor immediately shared this good news with her most trusted secretary, Lü Xiaomeng.
Lü Xiaomeng looked delighted: "That's wonderful, District Mayor! With your ability, being just a District Mayor was a waste of your talent. You'll definitely achieve even greater things in the city."
District Mayor, however, wasn't that happy in her heart, because she knew that once she was transferred to the city, she would definitely be busier, and she surely wouldn't have as much time for trysts with Cao Pingao.
---That evening, District Mayor invited Cao Pingao to her home.
After a bout of passion, District Mayor snuggled in Cao Pingao's arms and murmured:
"Pingao, I want to have a child with you~"
//462//
Chapter 462: Desperate for a Child
"Ah?" Cao Pingao was startled. "But Sister Qing, if we have a child together, how will you explain it to your husband?"
He Qing gently caressed his chest and said, "I plan to find a time to divorce Hong Feng. Once we're divorced, he won't be able to control who I'm with."
Cao Pingao: "---"
"Sister Qing, I heard from Xiao Meng that you have a promotion opportunity to the city in the second half of the year. Won't a divorce now affect your career development?"
"Even if it does, I don't care."
He Qing suddenly sat halfway up, looking at Cao Pingao with eyes full of affection:
"After that major illness during the Lunar New Year period, I've been thinking a lot lately.
I know very clearly now what I truly want—it's not some political career, but a child of my own."
Cao Pingao was still a bit hesitant: "Sister Qing, having a child is a major matter. How about we consider it a bit more?"
He Qing shook her head: "Pingao, I'm already 40 years old this year. I don't want to, and I can't, wait any longer to have a Little Baby."
With that, she opened the nightstand drawer and threw all the 'little umbrellas' inside into the small trash can nearby.
Cao Pingao: "---"
"Sister Qing, it looks like you're determined to have this child."
He Qing smiled and sat on top of him, her plump and beautiful figure trembling slightly:
"Are you a bit worried that my husband will come looking for trouble once he finds out about us?"
Cao Pingao smiled: "A little. As the old saying goes, 'Commoners shouldn't fight with officials.'"
He Qing leaned down and kissed the man's lips: "You don't need to worry about Hong Feng at all. Our He Family's strength is not inferior to the Hong Family's. With me protecting you, he won't dare do anything to you."
Feeling the soft sensation of the two large mounds against his chest, Cao Pingao smiled: "Since you've put it that way, let's have a Little Baby together."
Although he agreed to have a child with He Qing, Cao Pingao did not activate the [Sharpshooter Badge] inside his body.
He planned to see how things went first.
--- The next morning.
While Cao Pingao was sleeping half-awake, he suddenly felt a pair of soft lips kissing his cheek.
He opened his eyes and saw He Qing, already wearing light makeup and a deep blue professional suit, kissing him:
"There's a meeting in the district this morning, I have to head out. Breakfast is in the microwave; eat when you're done sleeping.
Also, remember to come back early for dinner tonight. I've calculated the dates, and these few days happen to be my fertile window~"
Cao Pingao stretched and smiled: "Got it."
"Then I'm off, bye-bye~"
After giving the man another kiss, He Qing reluctantly walked out of the bedroom.
Having exerted quite a bit of energy last night, Cao Pingao went back to sleep and didn't wake up until noon.
After getting up, he ate the breakfast He Qing had prepared for him while sighing in his heart: A woman in her thirties is like a wolf, and in her forties like a tiger. Sister Qing is at that exact age, and she's been 'hungry' for so many years.
If I didn't have the [Yin-Yang Harmony Technique] given by the system to protect me, I probably would have been squeezed dry by her long ago.
After finishing his meal, Cao Pingao went downstairs and sat in his rolls-royce:
"Old Dian, to the company."
Dian Wei had a serious look: "Yes, Boss."
--- Donghu Bay Tower A, 40th floor, in the Chairmans Secretary Office.
Since Li Xiaoman was at home for her postpartum recovery after giving birth, and Xiao Lili's due date was next month and she had already started her maternity leave,
Only two college students in OL suits were sitting in the office—Wu Zihan and Xiong Qianqian.
The two girls were scrolling through their phones at their workstations while chatting.
Wu Zihan: "Hey, Qianqian, I heard from some Front Desk Young Ladies on the 37th floor that every girl who has been a secretary for the Chairman eventually ends up pregnant with his child.
Do you think this rumor could be true?"
Xiong Qianqian: "Anyway, Sister Xiaoman and Sister Lili are both pregnant, we just don't know if it's the Chairman's."
Wu Zihan: "Hey Qianqian, what would you do if the Chairman took a fancy to us too?"
Xiong Qianqian looked up at Wu Zihan: "If such a good thing happened to me, I'd obviously lie flat and accept it immediately."
"Ah~" Wu Zihan frowned slightly, "But what if we accidentally get pregnant?"
Xiong Qianqian smiled: "If I really could get pregnant with the Chairman's child, then my life would be set."
Just then, Cao Pingao suddenly strode in from outside.
Seeing this, the two Little Secretaries quickly stood up from their seats:
"Good afternoon, Chairman."
"Mm, hello."
Xiong Qianqian pouted and said somewhat resentfully: "See, the Chairman is usually surrounded by beautiful women; he doesn't care for us at all."
Wu Zihan also nodded: "Indeed, we might be considered beauties at school, but there are just too many top-tier beauties in the company."
--- Cao Pingao stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window for a while looking at the scenery, then turned back to the desk and picked up the landline:
"Hello, Sister Shuting, are you busy right now?"
"I'm alright, what's wrong?"
"If you're not busy, come up for a bit. I have something I want to discuss with you."
Soon, Chen Shuting, wearing a purple silk shirt and a black hip-hugging skirt, pushed the door and walked in.
Cao Pingao went forward, put his arm around her slender waist, and sat with her on the large leather sofa in the office:
"Sister Shuting, it's like this. Last night, Sister Qing suddenly said she wanted to have a child with me---"
After listening to Cao Pingao's account, Chen Shuting sighed softly and said, "I can completely understand Sister Qing's desire for a child of her own.
But it's best to wait until Sister Qing and her husband are officially divorced before having one."
Cao Pingao nodded: "I think so too.
Sister Shuting, you and Xiao Jie should carefully check the company's accounts again. Not a single yuan of taxes should be missing; we must ensure our company can withstand the strictest audit."
Chen Shuting's eyebrows furrowed slightly: "Okay, I understand."
--- That evening.
As soon as Cao Pingao walked into the door of He Qing's home, he smelled a strong scent of seafood.
He Qing, who had been waiting at home with light makeup and wearing a tight deep purple 'milf' dress, greeted him with a smile and took his arm:
"You must be hungry, I've already prepared dinner."
Led by He Qing to the dining room, Cao Pingao saw that besides fish, meat, and vegetables, there was also a large basin full of fresh steamed oysters on the table.
He Qing pulled out a chair for the man to sit down, then leaned over and kissed him on the cheek:
"I know you've been working hard because of me lately~
Eat more oysters to replenish yourself, we'll continue our efforts tonight~"