CHAPTER 533: CHAPTER 543: SNOWFALL GOES BEST WITH HOT POT

Ninth Uncle: The photos turned out well.

Xiao Chen: Yes, they’re really good.

Joanna: Meow Meow Meow is the prettiest!

Ninth Master and Xiao Chen quietly saved all the photos from the tic-tac-toe grid. The snow outside grew heavier, and their faces turned blue from the cold. They quickly headed inside, grateful for the warmth from the heater.

Once inside, they finally felt warm. There was a fire burning in the hearth, and Qin Miaomiao proposed:

"Why don’t we have hotpot? On snowy days, it’s perfect to eat hotpot, sing songs, and pair it with Erguotou."

The butler said respectfully, "Miss, there aren’t any ingredients."

"That’s easy—I’ll arrange for someone to buy them."

And so, Little Sixth and Little Seventh were given a very important mission!

The Young Madam called and gave instructions: Go to the supermarket to buy hotpot ingredients. Buy plenty, including Erguotou and beer. Get extra lamb for dipping—we’re having a party, eating hotpot!

She even sent out more than ten 200-yuan red packets in the bodyguard group chat!

The group of bodyguards was stunned. The typically stingy Young Madam had suddenly given out nearly 10,000 yuan! This extravagance had to be madness!

Little Fourth, Little Second, Little Sixth, and Little Seventh made their decision: two would stay behind to protect the Young Madam, while the others—including braving the heavy snowfall—would ensure they procured all the hotpot ingredients.

Qin Miaomiao also rarely stepped into the kitchen and personally cooked dumplings, stating firmly that on such a snowy day, dumplings were a must!

Though the pot of dumplings she cooked was a mess, both Ninth Uncle and Xiao Chen generously ate several despite the risk of an upset stomach.

Meanwhile, Lu Qing, who was still at the company negotiating business with international clients, glanced at the occasional photos Qin Miaomiao sent him and couldn’t help but smirk.

But the softness on his face vanished in an instant. He returned to dealing with the crafty demands of the international clients. His firm stance caused the negotiations to break down.

The representatives left in disappointment, and Jin Jing, the company’s second-in-command, scoffed:

"These Americans are really difficult to deal with. They probably wanted us to compromise."

Lu Qing’s attitude remained resolute, as he responded calmly, "Not giving an inch."

"Brother Lu, you’re tough. After talking for so long, my head hurts. Jiaojiao went off to shoot her drama again, and I feel terrible inside. Look at this snowy weather—so romantic—but here I am guarding an empty room."

"You could go see her."

"I want to, but she’s not in the City. Are you really giving me leave?"

"Yes."

Jin Jing looked at him in surprise. "Really? You’re being so easygoing today?"

Lu Qing stood up, his lips curling into a smirk that carried a hint of smugness. "My wife has prepared hotpot and is waiting for me. I’m leaving first."

Jin Jing: ...

You’re doing this on purpose! Absolutely on purpose!

"Little Lu, don’t you think this is a bit unfair? I’m stuck here guarding an empty room, and you’re flaunting your love!"

"Sorry, I’ve always enjoyed rubbing it in."

Jin Jing let out a cold laugh. "Ha! Don’t think your wife prepared the hotpot just for you. She’s still at her family home, right? Don’t you need to go over and pick her up? Oh, by the way, Ninth Master Su is an intimidating figure—he’s not someone easy to handle. And you’d better not forget about your brother-in-law. That youngster is really making waves lately. On the surface, your wife might be the heir, but many matters are being entrusted to him by Ninth Master Su. His methods are ruthless; he’s already taken care of several younger members of the Su Family behind the scenes."

Lu Qing’s brows raised slightly, and Jin Jing continued:

"Little Lu, the Su Family’s wealth accumulated over several generations is probably far more than yours. With your wife’s family being so powerful and having such a shrewd father-in-law and brother-in-law, aren’t you feeling the pressure?"