Chapter 41: Arrangement

The night was hazy, in the Zhao family study.

Zhao Chengyu leaned back in his cool chair, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the smooth tabletop, his gaze as calm as a deep, icy pool.

That little girl, at this moment, was probably like an overly frightened rabbit, yearning nothing more than a safe haven where she could curl up and feel secure.

As for such trivial matters as work, naturally, he, the eldest son of the Zhao family, didn't need to handle them personally.

Chen Ming… the name flashed through his meticulous mind like a bird skimming across the water.

He was his childhood friend, they knew each other inside and out.

Most importantly, Chen Ming was shrewd and exceptionally tight-lipped, a key figure with real influence at the slaughterhouse.

Cleverly arranging Li Yaqin's work there, and specifying that Chen Ming personally oversee it, was undoubtedly the best choice.

This ensured she got a leisurely job that others would envy.

He could fulfill her small wish while keeping her under his watchful eye, like a kite string, always within his control.

Chen Ming was a man of great discretion; he knew what he should do and what he shouldn't ask.

He wouldn't allow any irrelevant gossip to tarnish his, Zhao Chengyu's, reputation.

This move was prudent and flawless.

Next came the issue of accommodation.

The outline of a house with a separate courtyard gradually became clearer in the corner of his memory.

It was an inconspicuous house among his grandfather's many inheritances, but its location was perfect, right next to the noisy, pungent slaughterhouse.

The courtyard itself was quiet and elegant, and the surrounding neighbors were mostly law-abiding and honest people, which greatly facilitated his covert monitoring of her movements without being detected.

Coincidentally, that courtyard was currently empty, as if it had been prepared specifically for her.

The location was superb, just steps away from the slaughterhouse where she would soon be working.

The neighborhood was simple and friendly, making it easy for his men to keep track of her movements.

Tomorrow, he would have someone deliver the heavy keys and property deed to her.

He would say it was to repay her for her unexpected act of saving his life.

This small reward would also solve her immediate financial crisis.

As for the name on the deed, it wouldn't matter if it was temporarily changed to hers…

A cold, controlling smile curled at the corner of Zhao Chengyu's lips. He only felt secure when he had her firmly in his grasp.

Once she moved in and gradually became accustomed to the readily available comfort, she wouldn't be able to break free.

That seemingly ordinary courtyard gate would be the first fence of her magnificent cage.

It would silently bear his, Zhao Chengyu's, invisible mark.

There's one crucial link that must be arranged beforehand.

And then there's Zhao, the matchmaker with the best connections in the city…

Zhao Chengyu's deep eyes narrowed slightly, like a hawk locking onto its prey. This woman might be useful in his plans.

This young girl possesses a tenacity that shouldn't be underestimated.

If she experiences any setbacks in life, or feels too pressured, it's hard to guarantee she won't harbor other thoughts.

For example, she might secretly find a matchmaker to arrange a marriage, hoping to use it as a springboard to completely escape his sight.

If the young girl truly intended to find a matchmaker, in this city, nine times out of ten she would go to the well-connected and well-informed matchmaker, Zhao.

He had to give her a warning beforehand, making her understand the boundaries.

Whether she wanted an early engagement to gain a formal status, or simply to use him as a shield, while it wouldn't cause major trouble, it would still be unpleasant.

Zhao Chengyu's slender fingers drew a circle in the air on the table, as if marking his territory.

It was time to make that shrewd matchmaker, Zhao, completely understand that some people and some things were not for her to casually arrange.

He had a foolproof way to make her clearly understand who Li Yaqin's destined, only "suitable" match was.

If she really foolishly went to matchmaker Zhao to register, hoping to get rid of him through a blind date...

So, no matter how harsh or demanding the conditions Li Yaqin sets,

the only one ultimately presented to her for her to choose from will be him, Zhao Chengyu.

He must act first, silently setting up this vast, inescapable net.

This net must be woven flawlessly, leaving her nowhere to escape.

He already fully understands this young girl's seemingly complex and unpredictable nature.

He clearly sees her deep-seated, shrewd self-interest,

and her intense yearning for a comfortable and peaceful life.

What she seeks, in essence, is nothing more than a guarantee of food and clothing, a stable life without hardship.

Her desire is almost frighteningly simple, and therefore, easier to control.

"Heh!" Zhao Chengyu finally couldn't help but chuckle softly, his chest heaving slightly.

How adorable! This simple and straightforward desire.

And all of this was precisely what Zhao Chengyu could easily grant with a wave of his hand.

Li Yaqin would eventually fall into his arms willingly or reluctantly.

It was only a matter of time; he had the patience, and more importantly, the confidence.

An almost brutal, undeniable possessiveness, like surging magma, churned violently within his broad chest.

He wanted her, now, immediately, rightfully his wife.

Every moment of pointless waiting felt like sharp needles piercing his flesh, triggering uncontrollable anxiety and impatience.

What if, during this time, some blind fool lingered even a moment longer, his greedy gaze fixed on her alluring figure?

This was something he absolutely could not allow to happen.

Any covetous glance from others, even a fleeting, unintentional look, was enough to ignite a burning rage within him.

That kid He Chengyang…

Zhao Chengyu's fingertips unconsciously increased the pressure of their tapping on the table, producing a soft yet muffled thud.

The way that kid looked at her carried a hazy, almost imperceptible, affection.

This nascent feeling hadn't yet taken shape, and it was best to nip it in the bud now.

As for that kid He Chengyang…

A cold glint flashed in Zhao Chengyu's eyes.

Those inappropriate thoughts must be ruthlessly nipped in the bud; they cannot be allowed to fester.

Should she be adopted into the He family as their foster daughter?

Zhao Chengyu pondered for a moment, carefully weighing the pros and cons. This move was truly brilliant!

Firstly, it would legitimately elevate her status.

It would transform her from a country girl into the He family's adopted daughter.

This would be enough to silence the old fogies in the Zhao family who valued social standing, saving them from endless trouble and criticism later.

Secondly, once the sibling relationship was established,

even if He Chengyang harbored any improper thoughts,

he would have to consider the moral order and social norms, and the invisible pressure of public opinion would suppress him completely.

Persuading the He family to accept this proposal…

Zhao Chengyu was absolutely confident in this.

Uncle He owed his father a favor from years ago, and the He family was already eager to further strengthen their relationship with the Zhao family.

The actual resistance to this matter wouldn't be too great.

Besides, the He family's influence in this area is deeply entrenched and far-reaching, and they will undoubtedly be an indispensable asset to him in the future.

This is truly a brilliant plan that kills several birds with one stone; why wouldn't he take it?

Even if that brat He Chengyang still harbors ulterior motives and harbors secret ambitions,

the gossip from the He family elders and surrounding relatives and friends is enough to completely suppress those inappropriate thoughts like a mountain.

This path, even if it can't completely block all his thoughts, is enough to make it extremely difficult for him to move forward, ultimately forcing him to retreat.

Moreover, the He family's influence in this area is deeply rooted and intricate; this relationship will surely be useful in the future, adding a significant boost to his career.

The afternoon sun was beginning to set, its rays lengthening all the shadows on the ground, casting a lazy, golden hue.

Li Qiang clutched the letter of introduction, stamped with a bright red seal, tightly. The edges of the paper were slightly curled from tension and sweat.

Leading Li Yaqin behind him, he walked briskly along the uneven country road towards the slaughterhouse.

A faint, pungent smell wafted through the air.

As they drew closer to their destination,

the stench, a mixture of animal excrement and heavy blood, grew stronger, forcefully assaulting their nostrils.

Not far ahead, a corner of the slaughterhouse's massive, open iron gate revealed a glimpse of its interior.

The cold metal door was covered in mottled rust, a testament to the ravages of time.

High walls blocked most of the interior view, allowing only glimpses of busy figures moving about.

Li Qiang and his companion did not head towards the slaughtering area, from which the clamor and the squeals of livestock emanated.

Instead, at a fork in the road, they were led to a detached brick and stone building on the side.