There was no denying it—today, Chen Xiaoxi's luck was truly exceptional.
The moment she stepped into the bedroom, she ran straight into Zhang Yichen, who had just come out of the bathroom.
The instant he saw her, the fire he had barely been suppressing reignited.
"You came at the perfect time."
Before she could say a word, Zhang Yichen lifted her effortlessly and carried her onto the bed.
"Mm—It's the middle of the day. What are you doing?"
"Doing…"
Zhang Yichen used both hands to tug at her clothes—
…
After the storm had passed, Chen Xiaoxi lay nestled in his arms and suddenly spoke in a soft voice,
"Yichen… I can't accept those shares. I want to give them back to you."
Resting lazily with one arm around her waist, Zhang Yichen paused slightly. Then he chuckled and looked down at her.
"Why?"
Her finger unconsciously traced circles on his chest. Her voice was hesitant, filled with reluctance.
"That twenty percent is worth too much…"
He didn't interrupt. He simply watched her quietly, his gaze deep, as if trying to see straight into her heart.
Under his intense stare, she grew flustered. She bit her lower lip and continued,
"I really haven't done anything to deserve it. I don't feel qualified to accept those shares."
Zhang Yichen finally spoke, his voice low and gentle.
"Xiaoxi, do you know why I gave them to you?"
"Why? Isn't it compensation?" she asked, blinking in confusion.
"It's not compensation."
He raised his hand and gently caressed her cheek.
"I gave you those shares because you, Chen Xiaoxi… are my family."
Her eyes trembled. Warmth surged through her chest, but she still protested softly,
"But… it's so much money. I really feel guilty taking it."
"Silly girl."
Zhang Yichen laughed and playfully pinched her nose.
"If I didn't need absolute control of the company, I would have given you all my shares."
"But—"
He cut her off immediately.
"No buts. You're my family. What's mine is yours. There's nothing to feel guilty about."
"Then… alright."
Seeing he wouldn't change his mind, she finally nodded obediently.
"That's more like it."
He gave her a mischievous look.
"Now that we've finished the serious talk… should we… go for another round?"
He usually prided himself on his self-control. But when it came to Chen Xiaoxi, it always fell apart.
"Go away, you shameless rogue! Yue is still waiting for us in the study!"
She shot him an annoyed glare, quickly got dressed, and walked out.
This time, Zhang Yichen didn't tease her further. He dressed quickly and followed.
Today, the supporters were already winning. They didn't even need him to tip the scales.
But there was nothing wrong with adding a little extra fuel to the fire.
Especially when he himself stood to benefit.
He had already decided yesterday—no matter how things turned out today, he would host a debut livestream.
A joint debut livestream with Chen Xiaoxi.
That alone would be enough to draw massive attention.
When they entered the study, Zhang Yichen immediately gave instructions.
"Xiaoxi, Sister Yue—use your social accounts and post this:
'Chen Xiaoxi × Zhang Yichen — Duo Debut. Surprise Inside. Livestream at 3 PM. Don't miss it.'"
"You want to go live today?" Li Yue asked.
She was genuinely surprised. The two of them had been gone for nearly two hours. Shouldn't they settle the share distribution first?
She was the company's CEO and the third-largest shareholder. She had the right to know.
Or… had they spent those two hours doing something else entirely?
She didn't need to ask. The lingering blush on Chen Xiaoxi's face said everything.
"Yes." Zhang Yichen nodded. "Post it now. We go live at three sharp."
"Alright."
Li Yue nodded.
There was barely anything to prepare. Everything was already set up in the study.
Ever since moving in, Zhang Yichen practically lived there.
Aside from the bedroom, most of his belongings were in this room.
Before the livestream began, Li Yue leaned closer and whispered,
"So… did you resolve the share issue?"
"Mhm."
Xiaoxi nodded.
"We decided to keep everything as it was."
"That's good."
Li Yue let out a quiet breath of relief.
As her best friend, she wanted Xiaoxi to keep those shares.
The future was unpredictable.
Who knew if Zhang Yichen might change someday?
He was young—too young.
Not immature. But not completely steady, either.
If one day he stopped loving her…
That twenty percent stake would become Xiaoxi and her daughter's lifeline.
"You two finished talking? If so, let's begin the livestream."
Hearing his voice, the two women exchanged glances and nodded.
Then they posted the announcement.
"Do you have a plan for the debut stream?" Li Yue asked.
She still felt uneasy.
If today went wrong, everything could collapse.
"No plan."
Zhang Yichen slipped his hands into his pockets, completely relaxed.
"We'll just chat casually. The key is to be natural. Viewers like authenticity. The more relaxed we are, the better."
Xiaoxi took a deep breath and sat in front of the camera.
Her hands instinctively clenched the hem of her clothes, betraying her nervousness.
Zhang Yichen walked over and gently patted her shoulder.
"Don't worry. I'm right here."
Li Yue finished adjusting the equipment and stepped aside.
She understood.
This livestream wasn't just marketing.
It was a turning point.
At exactly three o'clock, the livestream began.
They used Xiaoxi's account—she had the larger following.
The moment they went live, over one million viewers flooded in.
Bullet comments instantly filled the screen.
"Finally!"
"I've been waiting!"
"What does duo debut mean?"
…
Zhang Yichen smiled and waved.
"Hello everyone, I'm Zhang Yichen."
"Wow! So handsome!"
"So handsome!!"
The chat exploded.
"Hello everyone, I'm Chen Xiaoxi."
She waved gently.
"Perfect couple!"
"Perfect couple!!"
"Perfect couple!!!"
The chat erupted again.
"Ay…"
Zhang Yichen rubbed his forehead.
These viewers were far too enthusiastic.