Chapter 2 (1): The Next Trial
Calling it viral would have been far too mild.
>>"The moment he said, 'The law does not see surnames,' every short seller ascended to heaven."
>>"Why is this governance wizard so overpowered? Face card lethal, moves fast, and he's married too?!"
>>"Wah, wedding band spotted sia."
>>"I thought he was just a Tyrant CEO. Didn't realize he was a married Tyrant CEO..."
>>"No wonder he's so steady lah. Wife at home is the real risk control."
>>"He flips the market with one ruthless move and he's married too? That's cheating."
>>"Rule of law and love--double victory."
>>"His face and his Tyrant CEO aura are both absurd. Stocks got squeezed, and so did hearts."
>>"Married CEO = predictable risk profile. Volatility just dropped."
Those kinds of comments were dancing all over social media, especially across Asia's investor circles.
Haotian had not read a single one of them.
But he knew.
Because the aftershocks had reached the one place they never should have.
"...An interview request?"
The low voice echoed through the living room.
Jia held an envelope of high-quality paper.
On the cover, a logo anyone would recognize--a luxury lifestyle magazine.
"'A visit to the CEO's private residence' and 'A look Mrs. Li's wardrobe'" Jia read aloud, her tone flat.
"They want to 'see your daily life and style'...though I barely leave the house."
A vein visibly pulsed at Haotian's temple.
"Refuse it."
Immediate.
"Of course. That was the plan."
Jia shrugged.
--So far, perfectly normal.
"Actually, Gege."
Haoming leaned against the bar counter, coffee in hand, waving lazily.
"I kind of want to see it."
Shuilan's voice joined in harmony.
"A lot of people definitely want to see your wife's closet."
But.
At that moment.
"--Don't be absurd."
Haotian's voice turned rough.
"We are not in the business of being displayed.
There is no reason to sell our private lives piecemeal."
"The internet won't leave you alone now, Gege."
"'Handsome Tyrant CEO.' 'Even hotter because he's married.'"
"...Haoming."
--The air snapped cold.
Haotian turned slowly to face Haoming.
"Are you on my side?"
"Neutral."
Instant reply.
"More like...spectator."
"Never let that kind of magazine near this house again."
"You're angry."
"Obviously."
Haotian stood and turned toward Jia.
At least, he lowered his voice properly.
"You are not someone to be 'explained' to anyone.
You don't need to be evaluated. Or consumed."
For a moment, Jia blinked.
Then she smiled.
"Thank you.
--But, my dear."
A slightly mischievous look.
"You're the one who went on television."
Silence.
Haoming burst out laughing.
"That press conference set every living room in Asia on fire. You really had no idea, Gege?"
"And you were dressed so plainly for the cameras."
"Sinful, truly."
Haotian exhaled deeply.
"...I will never accept a national broadcast again."
"That's not happening."
Shuilan's instant retort finally brought laughter back to the living room.
