So, addressing everyone in the audience, he said, "For fairness' sake, I'd like to pick someone from the crowd to perform on the spot—anyone with a skill can raise their hand. They'll showcase their specialty, and then both teams will try to replicate it. The audience will serve as judges—how about that? Isn't that fair?" As soon as he finished speaking, applause erupted from the crowd. A senior gentleman raised his hand and stepped forward first, volunteering. His performance was a craft skill—making clay figures! The man's hands were remarkably dexterous. A complete clay figure would emerge in just a few minutes. Watching him take another lump of clay, he first shaped it into a circle, then gently kneaded it until it became soft and smooth. Next, he continued kneading it, gradually forming the head, torso, and legs of a person. With his left hand supporting the figure, he skillfully manipulated the right hand over the head, and soon, the figure wore a stylish, slightly tilted hat. Neither Gao Peng nor Gao Liang had ever handled such things before, so both of them fumbled as they shaped the clay with clumsy hands. Though neither had formal training, Gao Liang seemed to instantly absorb the elder's key techniques for shaping clay, then replayed them with precision. Gradually, the clay figures in his hands took form—first only a vague human outline, with the head, body, and legs indistinct. But as he continuously kneaded here and there, adjusting and manipulating the clay, the figure soon began to come alive, showing clear features reminiscent of the elder's own clay figures. To mold clay figures is nothing short of a refined art! This is mere trifling! I won't accept it!" Gao Peng looked utterly dismissive, showing clear contempt toward the elder and his brother Gao Liang. "Ladies and gentlemen present, please share your thoughts. Who do you think has the stronger learning ability? Who picks up new skills more quickly?" With her gentle and melodious voice, Xie Ningbing asked the audience. "Undoubtedly, the young man who excels at molding clay figures! His work is outstanding—so talented! We all admire him!" The audience's admiration was fully focused on Gao Liang, applauding enthusiastically. The host grew increasingly frustrated—he clearly aligned with Gao Peng. So he said, "Today's format is best-of-three, so Mr. Gao Peng has won." "Wait! This doesn't seem fair!" "Xie Ningbing is a woman of exceptional grace—she commands respect without anger or coldness, and this is a golden opportunity. She's determined to secure it. She has already spotted Zhao Wei, the chairman of the Second Group, and is also fixing her gaze on Gao Peng, turning to the audience and saying, 'If we're to compete, we can certainly compete. Why only three matches? Five would be even better—though the questions themselves would be proposed by our live audience. Wouldn't that be wonderful?' The audience erupts in applause, shouting, 'That's fair! Transparent! Just right! We love it!' Gao Peng is momentarily stunned—what about those minor, showy displays? He absolutely doesn't want to go through with them. So he signals to one of his attendants, who quickly approaches Xie Ningbing and whispers a few words. 'As long as we don't have to compete, we'll import your company's products,' the attendant says. Seeing her objective achieved, Xie Ningbing decides not to further embarrass Gao Peng—after all, it's a cooperative relationship, and mutual benefit is always better than division. Thus, she holds her words and announces to the audience, 'Today's competition Please go now! Thank you so much for your support!" With that, she walked over to Gao Liang, holding the small clay figure she had just molded with great excitement and saying, "Xiaolong, thank you so much! For our company! Can you give me this clay figure?" "If you like, take it," Gao Liang smiled. "Hmph! Don't get too happy yet! Li What-Long? You'll see—eventually, I'll wear you out!" Gao Peng sniffed, completely ignoring him. Zhao Yuhuan had intended to have a talk with Gao Liang, but her father, Zhao Wei, stopped her and said, "Do you really plan to settle for a man who can only mold clay? Today, Gao Peng has done so much for you—everything, even his own face and dignity. If it weren't for you, he wouldn't have dared to compete with this young man from a humble background, nor would he have molded that clumsy clay figure, ending up with his hands stained. After all, he's the son of a chairman from the top-tier group!" Zhao Yuyan was about to argue with her father when she noticed someone gazing at her warmly. Oh! It was Gao Peng. He was carrying a large bouquet of flowers, walking toward her with a voice that was both soft and melodic: "Yuyan! Everything I've done has been for you! For you! I've lowered myself to compete with that young man. Please consider our long-standing friendship, and especially the deep bond between my father and your uncle. Accept me, Yuyan! I promise you happiness!" Gao Peng truly had a way with him—though his declaration sounded somewhat artificial, even a little insincere, it still held strong appeal for a 18-year-old girl like Yuyan. Yuyan's cheeks flushed slightly, yet her gaze shifted toward Gao Liang, her expression one of admiration, clearly impressed by the way Gao Liang had molded that clay figure. This proved that Gao Liang's learning ability far surpassed Gao Peng's. Gao Liang was a truly admirable man—though not wealthy, he was reassuring and worthy of praise, which is precisely why Xie Ningbing, general manager of Hao Shisu Auto Sales, admired him so much! Thinking about all this, Gao Liang didn't accept the flowers Gao Peng had brought; instead, his mother, Sun Yano, took them and smiled warmly at Gao Peng. "Gao Peng, don't worry," she said. "Give my daughter Yu Yan some time. I'm sure with my father's support, we'll manage to change her around!" Hearing his mother's words, Gao Peng felt greatly reassured. With his father and mother's backing, combined with his own efforts, he was confident that Zhao Yu Yan would eventually become the tender, delicious piece of meat in the pot—she couldn't escape that fate. As for Gao Liang, he clearly saw all of this unfold. Xie Ningbing, standing beside him, sensed his thoughts and immediately pulled him aside, saying, "Today you've made a significant contribution to the company—I'd like to treat you to some candy!" She then burst into laughter Gao Liang watched the usually serious Xie Ningbing, pretending to be annoyed. "What would you like to eat?" Xie Ningbing asked him. Gao Liang leaned in close to her ear and whispered a sentence that instantly turned Xie Ningbing's face crimson. Though she didn't speak, she merely lowered her head, her bashfulness and charm evident. Don't always keep him busy? Just give him a few days off—let him spend some time with Grandma! I'd love to chat with him too!" Grandma brightened up, as if suddenly rejuvenated. "Grandma! It's not that Ningbing isn't giving me time off—there's just so much going on at the company that I simply can't step away from it! So many things depend on me!" Gao Liang smoothly interposed. Hearing her granddaughter and Xiaolong communicate so naturally, Grandma's eyes shone with delight. It truly seems like these two have a special connection! Grandma, after all, is a practical person and deeply wishes for her granddaughter to spend more time with this outstanding, devoted Gao Liang. She feigned yawning, saying she needed to return to her room to rest, thus giving them ample time and space to continue their natural conversation. In Xie Ningbing's bedroom, a pleasant fragrance lingered. Gao Liang entered and noticed the room was warmly and thoughtfully arranged, with soft, warm tones that created a gentle atmosphere. There are also several precious flowers, brought from somewhere unknown, exuding a delicate fragrance. As Gao Liang stepped into the room, a warm sensation surged through his heart—deeply soothing, as if washing away the fatigue of the day and relaxing his nerves. "Xiao Long, I truly want to thank you for everything today!" Xie Ningbing gazed at Gao Liang with heartfelt eyes—the man who had become irreplaceable in her life. "I've said before, friends don't need to express gratitude!" Gao Liang replied, meeting her bright gaze. "I know you've endured great humiliation!" Xie Ningbing grew animated, for Liu Qingsong had already told her about the injuries Gao Liang suffered at Zhao Yuyan's home. Now, instead of jealousy or complaints, she only felt sympathy—because Gao Liang had been deceived by Zhao Yuyan. Gao Liang remained silent, simply gazing back at her. "But, Xiao Long, you must be strong! I believe in you! I truly believe you can become the most outstanding and successful man!" Xie Ningbing gazed at Gao Huang, giving him strength and comfort. "Thank you! It's been a long time since I've heard you encourage me like this!" Gao Huang became equally excited; now completely unable to contain himself, he swept Xie Ningbing into his arms. Xie Ningbing tried to pull free symbolically, but of course, she couldn't succeed. She blushed, becoming shy and delicate, her posture soft and girlish as she was held. Xie Ningbing's subtle fragrance seeped into Gao Huang's nose, stimulating his neural centers. He grew increasingly excited—his member swelled, becoming thick and firm, pressing upward against Xie Ningbing's body. Clearly, Xie Ningbing's delicate frame trembled slightly. Her neck lowered, her cheeks flushed. "Now I'm going to take you!" Gao Huang panted, holding her tighter. He suddenly pushed Xie Ningbing down onto the bed. Xie Ningbing felt a bit disoriented, her face deeply flushed, but Gao Huang's lips were already approaching hers. "No!" Before Shang Ningbing could finish speaking, her delicate lips were pressed against by his bright, glowing ones. This was their very first kiss! Shang Ningbing felt a bit uncomfortable at first and tried to retreat, but Gao Huang had already firmly secured her, so every time she stepped back, she ended up falling short. Shang Ningbing was actually a very graceful and delicate woman. Watching her trembling, full chest—those two round, full, firm "white rabbits"—it was truly delightful to imagine how satisfying it would be to gently caress them. And then there was her alluring hips, full and well-proportioned, not clumsy or unappealing like a plump woman, but rather exceptionally attractive. As a daughter of such refinement and charm, Shang Ningbing embodied a mature, magnetic womanhood—her body like a perfectly ripe Fuji apple, surely sweet and delicious to the touch. So, the smooth, radiant buttocks were glowing and silky—High Light longed to pull off Xie Ningbing’s pants all at once, to admire them, then gently run his fingers over them, ideally, to insert his own erect member deep into her body, achieving perfect union, which would be absolutely heavenly. With that in mind, High Light kept kissing Xie Ningbing while restlessly tugging at her pants. "No!" Xie Ningbing caught High Light’s restless hand, blushing in mild protest. High Light was now so consumed by desire that he didn’t heed her—he eagerly pulled at her pants. But at this moment, Xie Ningbing held firm, guarding the last line of defense. "Why won’t you let me…" High Light asked, puzzled. "Xiao Long, forgive me! You may now kiss me—but not yet—can’t you wait until later?" Xie Ningbing spoke with a tone of appeal, lying on the bed. "I don’t care! I want it now!" High Light suddenly warmed up again. "Xiao Long! Listen to me!" I'm actually a very traditional girl. Once I fall in love with someone, I'll love him wholeheartedly—even at the cost of my own life. But right now, I still can't give you that love. If you truly care about me, you must become better and better. One day, when you marry me, I'll fully surrender myself to you!" Xie Ningbing poured all her emotions into her gaze, fixing her eyes on Gao Huang's face. "Ningbing, if we can't do it now, then let's simply kiss deeply and passionately!" Gao Huang tightened his arms around Xie Ningbing. "Yes! Xiao Long! I actually can't live without you! Kiss me! I need you!" Xie Ningbing's voice was soft and tender. "I can't live without you either, Ningbing!" Gao Huang and Xie Ningbing kissed passionately once again. This kiss was as profound as Gao Huang's final farewell kiss with Dong Mengyao! Why? Because, despite having never been humiliated by anyone, Zhao Yuyan's father treated him with complete contempt from the very first meeting—never once meeting his eyes. When he learned today that he would be competing against Gao Peng on the field, Gao Liang naturally saw Zhao Wei, yet Zhao Wei's gaze was fixed solely on Gao Peng, the man he had chosen as his son-in-law. As for himself, this once-promising but now struggling young man, he was met only with disdain. Gao Peng's gaze toward him was no different—filled not only with contempt, but also with outright hostility. Gao Peng saw him as a thorn in his side, someone he intended to wear down and defeat, someone who would suffer at his hands. He even urged him to appoint himself, saying things like, "You're a toad trying to eat a swan's flesh—your fate will be tragic. Don't burn yourself out!" Fortunately, when he suffered a crushing defeat, Xie Ningbing stepped in to support him—simultaneously helping him and herself, rescuing the situation. Though the outcome was far from perfect, it was still quite satisfactory. Xie Ningbing is still my friend, isn't she? I always thought she was just a workaholic who wouldn't be particularly attentive to me. I didn't expect today—she already knew about my matters, came to comfort me, and gave me the strength to keep going. "Ningbing, I love you!" Gao Liang said passionately as he kissed her. "I love you too, Xiaolong!" Xie Ningbing, slightly breathless from Gao Liang's embrace, still looked deeply happy as she spoke. Because of love, there is no sense of loss or helplessness in the world. So, with love, their kiss became even more heartfelt and immersive. Gao Liang gently massaged Xie Ningbing's stunning, full breasts; the round, generous "big white rabbit" constantly shifted shapes under his touch, causing Xie Ningbing to close her eyes, exhale softly, and breathe with gentle, delicate sighs. A stunning portrait of a beautiful woman. The way Xie Ningbing lies on the bed is simply breathtaking—so delicate and tender, one can hardly help but feel both endearing and deeply fond. As Highlight kisses the fragrant lips of Xie Ningbing, he gently slides his tongue into her mouth. In return, Xie Ningbing extends her tongue, intertwining it with Highlight’s. Suddenly, a delicate fragrance of jasmine fills Highlight’s senses—Xie Ningbing’s own gentle tongue scent, subtle yet profoundly pleasant. This evokes a surge of excitement throughout his body. With passionate fervor, he sweeps his tongue across every part of her mouth, determined not to leave a single corner untouched. He intends to kiss every inch of her lips and mouth, lingering on the most alluring areas where her lips and tongue leave lingering scents. Xie Ningbing also fully embraces his passionate kisses. Women are made of water, Highlight believes. Only water can take on various forms and blend harmoniously with everything. And here, this graceful, delicate beauty—so gentle and enchanting—stirs the soul with every breath. High Light no longer satisfied merely with kissing Xie Ningbing’s lips and tongue. He wanted to savor this divine treasure bestowed upon him by heaven. His lips had wandered over her face, ears, forehead, neck, and collarbone. He was ready to remove her silk undergarments and feast on her two adorable little piglets. Yet Xie Ningbing prevented him, using one hand of jade to press against his mouth and said, “Xiao Long, please forgive me. I cannot give you now. I will give you freely—without reservation—when one day you truly grow excellent and strong. Please don’t let me down!” “Ningbing, I promise!” High Light once again embraced and kissed Xie Ningbing. That night, High Light did not return to his home in Guiyuan Subdistrict. He stayed at Xie Ningbing’s place, embracing and kissing her all night. This brought High Light great comfort. That day was fine and sunny. Gao Liang was humming a song, tapping out a tune on his nose, carrying the company-provided dinner, walking home since it was only one stop away. He didn’t take the bus—not only to save a dollar, but also to get some exercise, treating the walk as a form of physical activity. Both cost-effective and health-promoting—what could be better? As he strolled with his lunch box, he suddenly came face to face with an elderly man, wearing a slightly soiled coat, still vigorous and bright-eyed, blocking the path of a young man and pleading, “Please, sir! Please, young man!” The old man spread his hands in appeal. After hesitating for a while, the young man finally pulled out a five-jiao note from his pocket, looking visibly displeased and shouting, “That’s all I have!”