Why is the system taking my request to photograph a cosplayer seriously?

Chapter 259 The Daughter Who Favors Outsiders

It was the second day of the Lunar New Year, and it was still dark.

After settling the girls in his family, Ding Heng drove alone onto the highway.

More than an hour later, the car came to a stop downstairs in Zhao Yanxi's residential complex.

Ding Heng turned off the engine, got out of the car, took out several boxes of gifts from the trunk, walked into the building, and went upstairs to knock on the door.

The door was practically kicked open.

"Brother Ding Heng!!!"

Zhao Yanxi, dressed in a bright red dress with her long, rose-red hair flowing freely, resembled a dancing flame as she threw herself into Ding Heng's arms.

"It's the Lunar New Year, so be careful with your money!"

Since they were at Zhao Yanxi's house, Ding Heng couldn't be too affectionate.

"hey-hey----"

Zhao Yanxi stepped out of Ding Heng's arms, looked up and smiled with her eyes crinkling, and reached out to straighten his collar.

"You look pretty handsome today."

"Of course!"

"Vanity."

The two were arguing when Zhou Rongmei leaned out and called out to them.

"Little Ding's here? Don't just stand there at the door, come in quickly, it's cold outside."

Ding Heng changed his shoes and walked into the living room, placing the gift he was carrying on the coffee table.

Zhou Rongmei followed over, her gaze sweeping over him briefly. She didn't say or ask anything, but simply gestured for Ding Heng to sit down.

Have you had breakfast?

"Not yet."

"That's perfect, the dumplings are fresh out of the pot."

Zhou Rongmei brought out a plate of steaming dumplings from the kitchen and poured him a dish of vinegar.

At the same time, Zhao Xingguo walked out of the study and nodded happily to Ding Heng.

After everyone sat down and exchanged a few polite words, the topic quickly turned to Ding Heng's father.

Zhou Rongmei asked curiously, "Didn't your dad come home for Chinese New Year this year?"

Ding Heng picked up a dumpling, dipped it in vinegar, and took a bite.

"No, he went to the southwest to film something. He called me on New Year's Eve, but the signal was intermittent, and he hung up after only a few words."

"Is it like this every year?"

Zhou Rongmei frowned slightly.

Logically speaking, Ding Heng's father graduated from Peking University and originally had a proper job, but now he doesn't even come home for the Chinese New Year.

Ding Heng swallowed the dumpling: "Pretty much — ever since my mother passed away, he hasn't spent much Chinese New Year at home. He used to occasionally take me with him, and we've traveled all over the country. He has his own pursuits, and as his son, I can't stop him."

Zhou Rongmei looked a little embarrassed, realizing she had asked too many questions.

Zhao Xingguo then said, "I was thinking that if your father were in Xingcheng this year, our two families could have a meal together and get to know each other."

"Cough cough cough————"

Zhao Yanxi was stuffing dumplings into her mouth when she heard this and almost choked: "Mom, why are you in such a hurry than I am? Ding Heng and I are only sophomores!"

Zhou Rongmei glared at her and said irritably, "I'm just seeing someone throwing themselves at me like that. I can't stop them."

"snort!

Zhao Yanxi playfully stuck out her tongue but didn't reply.

Ding Heng tried to smooth things over: "There will be opportunities, Auntie. When my dad can't run anymore, I'll bring him here as well."

"No rush."

Zhou Rongmei was amused and didn't say anything more.

Ding Heng remained outwardly calm, but he already had some plans in mind.

Zhou Rongmei brought up his family matters on her own initiative today, which doesn't seem like a spur-of-the-moment decision.

She and Zhao Xingguo have probably discussed it privately and have basically approved of their "future son-in-law." They may even be planning to finalize the marriage as soon as their daughter graduates.

After all, at Ding Heng's age, having a car, a house, and a company, and being generous yet knowing how to keep a proper distance, makes him a highly sought-after individual.

After finishing breakfast, Zhao Xingguo had tasks to complete at his workplace during the Spring Festival, so he received a phone call and hurriedly left.

Zhou Rongmei picked up her bag and called out to Zhao Yanxi.

"Are you all packed? Let's go, your grandparents are waiting."

"Alright, alright!"

Zhao Yanxi changed her clothes and rushed out of the bedroom, grabbing Ding Heng's arm.

"Let's go, Brother Ding Heng, today is your first visit as the new son-in-law."

"Don't talk nonsense."

"It's only a matter of time!"

Zhao Yanxi chuckled, while Zhou Rongmei looked utterly helpless.

The three of them went downstairs. Ding Heng drove, and Zhao Yanxi and Zhou Rongmei sat in the back seat.

The car drove out of the residential area and merged into the main road.

Zhou Rongmei's hometown is in a small county under the jurisdiction of the state, about a two-hour drive away.

Zhou Rongmei leaned back in her chair, occasionally exchanging a few words with Ding Heng. The topics were nothing more than everyday matters.

How are your grandparents doing?

"I'm fine, I can eat and sleep well."

"Is your company usually busy?"

"It's alright, there are people who take care of it, so I don't really manage it."

Zhou Rongmei nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

She didn't really understand Ding Heng's "company," only that it was located in Hong Kong, but she had no idea what it did or how big it was.

However, she didn't plan to ask too many questions for the time being. Firstly, it would make her seem materialistic, and secondly, Ding Heng's performance so far was already satisfactory enough to her.

Finally, the car turned onto a cement road.

The road is narrow, and the houses on both sides are crowded together, mostly two or three-story buildings.

Zhao Yanxi's maternal grandmother's house is a three-story self-built house on the edge of the county town. There is a small cement open space in front of the house with several cars parked there, among which Zhou Rongsen's black BMW is the most eye-catching.

Ding Heng stopped the car and turned off the engine. Zhao Yanxi jumped out and shouted into the house.

"Grandpa and Grandma! I'm here!"

The room immediately became lively.

An elderly couple with gray hair came out of the main room to greet us, their faces beaming with smiles.

"Yan hope is here! Come in, come in!"

Happy New Year, Grandpa and Grandma!

Zhao Yanxi called out sweetly, and the elderly couple couldn't stop smiling at her.

Zhou Rongmei followed behind, calling out "Dad, Mom," before the elderly couple noticed her. They then turned their attention to Ding Heng.

"This is... Xiao Ding?"

My maternal grandparents met Ding Heng once last year and still remember him.

Zhao Yanxi ran back to Ding Heng's side and took his arm.

"Grandma, do you still remember my boyfriend?"

Ding Heng stepped forward and bowed slightly.

"Hello, Grandpa. Hello, Grandma."

The elderly couple exchanged a glance, and a satisfied smile appeared on their faces.

"Good, good. You're a spirited young man. Come in and sit down, don't stand outside."

Many relatives had already arrived at the house. Men, women, and children chatted in twos and threes. The coffee table was full of melon seeds, peanuts, and candies. The TV was replaying a Spring Festival Gala skit, and laughter came in bursts.

As soon as Zhao Yanxi entered the room, she immediately became the focus of attention.

"Yan hope is here!"

"Wow, you look even prettier!"

"College students are just different; look at their demeanor."

All her relatives praised her in various ways, and Zhao Yanxi responded to each one with sweet words, as if she had been coated with honey.

Ding Heng followed beside her, being pulled along and introduced to her.

"This is my boyfriend, Ding Heng."

"Hello, Uncle."

Hello, Auntie.

"Happy New Year."

Finally, Ding Heng was seated next to his maternal grandfather to chat with the old man.

My grandfather didn't say much. He asked a few questions like "How many people are in your family?" and "What do your parents do?" and then stopped there.

Ding Heng didn't deliberately try to find topics to talk about; he would occasionally chime in, but most of the time he would listen quietly.

Zhao Yanxi had long been pulled aside by her cousins to chatter away, occasionally winking at Ding Heng before turning back to continue talking.

Ding Heng sat on the sofa, bored. After glancing around, he suddenly noticed Zhou Rongsen's girlfriend, Qiao Yun.

A woman in her late twenties, with long, flowing hair and exquisite makeup.

She was talking to Zhou Rongsen in a gentle tone, and her attitude was impeccable.

Many relatives came today, but it was mainly because it was the first time Zhou Rongsen had brought a woman home.

As the hope for the Zhou family to carry on the family line, 35-year-old Zhou Rongsen has been constantly nagged by his older sister and parents.

I finally brought a wife home this year!

After eating sunflower seeds and peanuts for a long time, Zhou Rongsen stood up and suggested going to town to buy some things.

The children immediately cheered and clamored to go together.

"Okay, okay, everyone go."

Zhou Rongsen took out his car keys from his pocket and called out to Zhao Yanxi, "Yanxi, let's go to town with your uncle."

Zhao Yanxi was chatting happily with her cousin when she heard this, she turned her head and her eyes darted around.

"Sure, but Uncle, you'll ride in my car and Ding Heng's. I have something to tell you."

Zhou Rongsen was taken aback, glancing at Zhao Yanxi and then at Ding Heng.

"What is it?"

"Let's talk about it after we get in the car."

Zhao Yanxi grabbed Ding Heng's arm and pulled him outside. Zhou Rongsen shook his head helplessly and handed his car keys to Qiao Yun.

"Xiaoyun, you drive my car with these kids. Don't be afraid, just drive slowly."

"Oh well."

Qiao Yun quickly took the car keys with a respectful attitude.

Ding Heng drove, Zhao Yanxi sat in the passenger seat, and Zhou Rongsen sat in the back seat.

The children all squeezed into Zhou Rongsen's car, chattering and making a ruckus.

The two cars drove out of the yard and onto the main road.

Zhao Yanxi glanced at Zhou Rongsen in the rearview mirror and chuckled mischievously.

"uncle."

"Um?

"Um—Auntie, are you the actress you hired?"

The carriage fell silent, and Zhou Rongsen looked astonished.

He asked guiltily, "How...how did you know?"

Zhao Yanxi snorted, "First, from the moment you two walked in until now, your interactions have been incredibly awkward, not like a couple at all. Second, the way she looks at you, it's like she's looking at her boss, not her boyfriend!"

Zhou Rongsen didn't speak, his face turning pale and then flushed.

"besides!"

Zhao Yanxi continued, "You said she works at a bank, but why would someone who works at a bank habitually wear such strong perfume—"

"You're just like your dad!"

Zhou Rongsen was utterly speechless.

He was relieved that his brother-in-law Zhao Xingguo was absent today, but he never expected that Zhao Yanxi would see through his act.

"Of course."

Zhao Yanxi asked smugly, "Uncle, tell me the truth, have you ever had a proper relationship? When you interact with women, it's either getting a foot massage or engaging in sexual activity?"

"Cough cough cough—you little brat!"

Zhou Rongsen coughed twice, patted his chest, and it took him a while to recover.

My niece's words were so hurtful.

What exactly constitutes a serious relationship?

"that is----"

Zhao Yanxi thought for a moment, then suddenly turned to the side and gave Ding Heng a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Look, this is the real deal."

Ding Heng's hands on the steering wheel remained as steady as a mountain, his expression unchanged.

Zhou Rongsen was both amused and exasperated: "Anyway—don't tell your mom and grandparents about this. It's the New Year, let them have some fun."

"Keep it a secret, of course, but—"

Zhao Yanxi drew out her words, her eyes gleaming with cunning.

"Uncle, you don't want my mom and grandparents to know, do you?"

"You little devil, what are your conditions?"

"Uncle, you earn so much money, have you ever thought about making some investments?"

"You certainly know how to worry about your uncle. What, do you have a good project to recommend?"

Zhao Yanxi gestured with her chin toward Ding Heng.

"Why don't you ask Brother Ding Heng?"

"Hey, you're waiting here for your uncle, right?"

Zhou Rongsen finally understood that his sister's adopted daughter had begun to side with outsiders.

Ding Heng finally spoke up: "Uncle, let's talk about the investment privately."

Zhou Rongsen nodded and said nothing more.

The two cars stopped in front of the snack shop in town.

The group got off the bus one after another. Zhou Rongsen's "girlfriend" Qiao Yun led several children into the supermarket, skipping and jumping towards the snack section.

Zhao Yanxi followed behind, turned around and winked at Ding Heng, then was pulled away by her cousin and disappeared among the shelves.

Ding Heng and Zhou Rongsen stayed at the supermarket entrance.

Zhou Rongsen took out a pack of He Tianxia cigarettes, pulled one out, and handed it over.

Ding Heng waved his hand, indicating that he wouldn't smoke.

Zhou Rongsen didn't care and lit a cigarette, exhaling a puff of white smoke.

"Xiao Ding, Yan hope doesn't speak tactlessly, don't take it to heart."

"fine."

"She doesn't understand at all."

Zhou Rongsen lamented, "All they know is that I made some money."

Ding Heng replied politely, "Uncle, don't worry, I understand."

He knew better than anyone that Zhao Yanxi simply wanted to strengthen the bond between her family and Ding Heng, making it difficult to sever ties later.

Zhou Rongsen took a puff of his cigarette: "But speaking of which, what kind of investments are you making now? Would you mind telling your uncle about it?"

Ding Heng responded, "I have an investment company in Hong Kong called Hengbai Capital."

"HK company—is it all yours?"

"When it comes to partnerships, I take the lion's share."

What are your main investment areas?

"We cover technology, new energy, and consumer goods. Specific projects depend on the team's analysis and judgment."

"What about the rate of return?"

Zhou Rongsen asked very directly, without any beating around the bush.

"Last year I was pretty lucky, with an annual return of around 30%. Of course, the market fluctuates, and it's impossible to have such a high return every year."

However, our strategy is relatively conservative, and we have managed drawdowns quite well.

Zhou Rongsen remained silent, silently processing the information.

He had been in the business world for over a decade and had met many investors, many of whom boasted about their abilities.

A 30% return rate is already an extremely exaggerated figure, and for it to come from the mouth of a young man like Ding Heng inevitably makes people feel uneasy.

"Tsk tsk tsk — 3%!"

Zhou Rongsen continued, "So, what's the background of your team?"

"Our core team previously worked at top-tier institutions both domestically and internationally. While their experience may not be top-notch, their strengths lie in their youth, drive, and high market sensitivity. Additionally, we have partners overseas, which allows us to leverage information asymmetry."

Ding Heng's words were mostly the usual platitudes that Secretary Huang used when communicating with others, and were half true and half false.

The company's profitability is mainly due to his own efforts!

Zhou Rongsen nodded and took a deep drag on his cigarette.

He doesn't understand finance very well, but he understands people.

You should know that Ding Heng is the prospective son-in-law approved by his brother-in-law!

"That----"

Zhou Rongsen tentatively asked, "Shall I throw a little?"

"How much does Uncle want to bet?"

"Three million?"

Zhou Rongsen tried to give a number: "Is that enough?"

For Zhou Rongsen, three million is the maximum he can afford right now; any more would mean touching his retirement savings.

As for Hengbai Capital, it's not even a mosquito's leg—