Silent Vigil

After singing several songs, everyone sat around the sofa to rest and chat, and somehow the conversation circled back to investing.

"By the way, Zhao Chen," Chen Shuhua said, adjusting her glasses, her tone carrying both curiosity and admiration.

"That Bitcoin you mentioned in class before... we all kept an eye on it afterward. Just like you predicted, it's been rising nonstop. It recently broke through 900 US dollars."

Li Jing nodded as well, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"We looked up a lot of information. The more we read, the more we felt that this thing... was incredible, and astonishing.

Do you really think it still has room to rise?"

Zhou Xiaowen leaned right in and asked eagerly.

"Chairman Zhao, Master Zhao! Did you secretly get in early? Take us with you! The Harem Group's spending money is counting on you!"

As she spoke, she mischievously winked at Shen Zhiyi.

Shen Zhiyi ignored Zhou Xiaowen's teasing. She merely tugged lightly at Zhao Chen's sleeve and looked up at him, her clear eyes filled with trust and anticipation as she said softly, "We all believe in your judgment... If it's suitable, can you tell us what we should do?"

Her gaze was pure and intent, as if every word he said were sacred truth.

That unreserved trust softened Zhao Chen's heart.

Looking at the four pairs of expectant eyes, especially Shen Zhiyi's pleading gaze, Zhao Chen pondered for a moment before nodding.

"I do hold Bitcoin through other channels."

He admitted it frankly, without revealing the exact amount.

"At its current price, I still think it's an excellent time to get in for the long term.

However, its fluctuations will be far more intense than stocks. You need to be mentally prepared."

"We're not afraid!" Zhou Xiaowen immediately declared. "With you leading us, it's a sure thing!"

Chen Shuhua and Li Jing nodded solemnly as well.

The Sanjiang Shopping battle had been nothing short of a miraculous victory, and Zhao Chen had long since established a reputation in their hearts for practically turning stone into gold.

"Then... can we buy some too?"

Shen Zhiyi asked quietly, unconsciously winding the corner of Zhao Chen's clothes around her fingers like a child who wanted candy but feared being refused.

Seeing that little gesture, Zhao Chen's last trace of concern vanished.

He caught her fidgeting fingers in his hand and said gently, "You can. If you really want to participate, I suggest pooling your funds together and sharing one account according to your investment ratios. I'll help you operate and manage it.

That'll be more convenient, and it can also spread out the risk a little."

After discussing it, the four women invested a total of 600,000.

Shen Zhiyi contributed 240,000, accounting for a 40% share.

Zhou Xiaowen contributed 120,000, accounting for a 20% share.

Li Jing contributed 120,000, accounting for a 20% share.

Chen Shuhua contributed 120,000, accounting for a 20% share.

"Alright." He tightened his grip on Shen Zhiyi's hand.

"Then it's settled. Shen Zhiyi gets 40%, and the three of you get 20% each.

I'll open a separate account with this money and buy Bitcoin when the time is right. I'll let you review all transaction records and account details regularly."

"Yay! Thank you, Chairman Zhao!"

"That's wonderful!"

The girls happily high-fived, and the Private Room filled with cheerful energy.

Zhou Xiaowen slipped back into her dramatic act and said in a pinched voice, "Thank you for Your Majesty's grace! Now our 'harem' finally has its Cosmetic Money!"

Shen Zhiyi blushed and tried to pinch her, only for Zhao Chen to laughingly pull her back into his arms.

He lowered his head and whispered into her ear, "Don't worry. I'll make sure your 'Cosmetic Money' is managed properly."

Leaning against his chest, feeling the steady heartbeat and reassuring warmth radiating from him, she felt that everything tonight was as beautiful as a dream she never wanted to wake from.

Outside the window, the lights of Christmas Eve flowed like a river. Yet her entire world, at that moment, was safe and sweet within this man's embrace.

The revelry continued until late at night.

When they stepped out of the KTV, the frigid Christmas Eve wind rushed toward them. Zhao Chen immediately spread open his coat and wrapped Shen Zhiyi inside it.

Her small figure huddled within his oversized coat, with only her flushed little face exposed.

"Are you cold?" he asked, looking down at her.

"No." She shook her head, gazing at him with sparkling eyes full of affection. "I'm very happy."

"So am I." Zhao Chen held her closer and gently kissed the top of her head.

Zhou Xiaowen, walking ahead, happened to look back and immediately covered her eyes dramatically. "Oh my! I can't watch, I can't watch!"

Everyone burst into laughter again.

Shen Zhiyi buried her face in his chest and giggled foolishly as well, radiating happiness from head to toe.

The night had grown late, and the clamor of Christmas Eve gradually settled.

Zhao Chen got Shen Zhiyi and her roommates settled into a hotel. After arranging everything for them, he left alone in a taxi.

The city beyond the car window glittered with light, and the festive atmosphere remained strong, but his thoughts slowly pulled away from the lively joy of earlier.

The steering wheel turned steadily in his hands as he headed for the Villa on the other side of the city—the place he now regarded as his "rear base."

The Villa was silent, with only a few warm yellow wall lamps left on in the entryway and Living Room.

Zhao Chen pushed open the door, and a familiar, reassuring scent greeted him, faintly mingled with the fragrant aroma of Soup warming in the Kitchen.

He changed out of his shoes and was about to head upstairs when he noticed that the reading lamp beside the Living Room Sofa was still on.