Empire of Desire: An Alpha’s Financial Reign - Chapter 26

Sunlight streamed through the narrow gaps in the curtains, casting a soft golden glow across Ni Jia’s desk. She sat with a quiet focus, carefully wrapping two gifts. One was a premium tin of Xishan Cuihu Longjing tea, its delicate aroma hinting at refinement and tradition.

The other was a handpicked landscape painting—misty mountains fading into a tranquil horizon, serene and poetic. These weren’t just gifts; they were tokens of respect, meticulously chosen for her parents’ long-awaited return to China.

On speakerphone, Han Zaijing’s voice rang out, playfully teasing. “So, you’re secretly trying to bribe my future in-laws with gifts?”

Ni Jia rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips. “Says the one who sent over two carefully wrapped ‘junior’ offerings. What are you up to, you scheming pervert?”

Zaijing laughed, feigning innocence. “Come on, I’m just being courteous. It’s basic etiquette—your parents are my parents too. Besides, I care about everything that concerns my girlfriend. Oh, and check the gift bag—I added VIP tickets to the City Myth Game Finals in Hong Kong next month.

If your parents aren’t into e-sports, they can always pass them on to a friend’s kid. Those tickets are practically impossible to get.”

Ni Jia scoffed. “Look at you, suddenly remembering the role of the ugly son-in-law meeting the in-laws.”

“Of course!” Zaijing replied smugly. “How else can they have confidence in handing their precious daughter over to me? I’m clearly a high-potential stock.”

Ni Jia crossed her arms, smirking. “Who said I’m marrying you, you rogue? Don’t flatter yourself.”

Zaijing’s voice lowered in mock outrage. “Ni Jia, you didn’t say that last night. If I remember correctly, you promised to love me forever. Who’s the scoundrel now?”

Ni Jia burst into laughter, covering her mouth to stifle the sound. Their teasing banter filled the room with warmth and affection. Soon after, she left with her brother, Ni Kuang, to head to the airport.

They arrived early, standing at the arrival gate with eyes filled with anticipation. It had been a long time since they’d seen their parents. Ni Jia missed her father’s stern wisdom and her mother’s gentle warmth.

When the flight landed and Mr. and Mrs. Ni finally emerged from the gate, the siblings rushed forward. Emotions surged as the family embraced, smiles and tears mingling in a moment of reunion.

“Welcome home, Mom and Dad!” Ni Jia choked out, her voice thick with emotion.

Father Ni patted her shoulder, eyes gleaming with pride. “Jia Jia, you’ve grown even more beautiful.”

Mother Ni reached for Ni Kuang’s hand, her expression tender. “Kuang’er, you look so much more mature now.”

Back at home, they gathered in the living room, the cozy space filled with laughter and the warmth of reunion. As they settled in, Father Ni’s attention turned to more practical matters.

“Jia Jia,” he asked, “how are your studies progressing? Are you still thinking about interning at a television station as a news anchor?”

Ni Jia straightened her posture, her eyes brimming with resolve. “Yes, Dad. I’m preparing already. I just hosted the Beijing Elite School Exchange Gala, and I plan to apply for a TV internship next year.”
Father Ni nodded approvingly. “Good. That kind of experience will build your confidence.”

Then he turned to his son. “And you, Kuang’er? How’s the internship at the communications firm?”

“It’s going well,” Ni Kuang replied. “Everyone at the company has been really supportive, and I’m learning a lot while keeping up with school.”

A satisfied smile spread across Father Ni’s face. He then looked back at his daughter. “And how’s your relationship with that guy, Zaijing?”

Ni Jia blushed slightly. “We’re doing well. She actually sent a couple of gifts for you—Longjing tea and a traditional landscape painting. She wanted to show her respect.”

Father Ni examined the offerings and nodded. “A decent gesture. Polite and thoughtful. And those game tickets?”

Ni Jia grinned. “She said if you weren’t interested, you could give them to someone else.”

Father Ni chuckled. “That guy really knows how to express herself. I can tell she’s trying hard. Let’s see if she keeps it up—I won’t be convinced so easily.”

Later that evening, the family sat down to dinner, the table full of delicious home-cooked dishes and foreign specialties brought back from abroad. Mr. and Mrs. Ni recounted amusing stories and memorable experiences from their time overseas. Laughter echoed through the house, bridging the time and distance they had spent apart.

“Jia Jia, try this,” Mother Ni said, handing her a piece of fine French chocolate. “It’s your favorite.”

Ni Jia looked up in surprise. “You remembered?”

Her mother smiled and gently stroked her hair. “Of course. I never forget my baby’s favorite things.”

After dinner, Ni Jia retreated to her room and called Han Zaijing on video chat. She appeared on screen lounging in bed, clad in pajamas, grinning at her like a lovesick fool.

“I can’t sneak out to stay with you tonight,” she said, whispering. “My parents are back, remember?”

Zaijing laughed. “That’s fine. We’ll just have overnight dates through the screen. And whenever you want to be with me, I’ll be here—any time, any place.”

Ni Jia’s face turned red. “Stop saying such dangerous things! You’re the one who always gets me flustered.”

“I know,” she said, her voice suddenly softer. “It’s my fault. I’ll behave. I want you beside me too. Someday, I’ll make sure we can be together without hiding, openly and proudly.”

Their quiet intimacy lingered until Ni Jia’s mother called from outside, reminding her it was time to sleep. She quickly ended the call and returned to her family.

Meanwhile, Han Zaijing glanced at her phone. A message had arrived from Jiang Shutong.

Jiang Shutong: “I’m staying late to work overtime.”

Han Zaijing: “Where exactly?”

Jiang Shutong: (with a smirk emoji) “At the office, of course! What were you imagining?”

Han Zaijing: “Alright then, investor. I’m on my way.”

Throwing on her clothes, she headed to the company, working well past midnight. Later, she posted on social media:
Han Zaijing’s status: “Have you ever seen the light at one, two, three, four, or five in the morning?”

The comments rolled in:
Ai Li: “Night shift?”

Lin Qianyang: “Bro… did you go to a brothel?”

Wesley: “What’s the number this time?”

Jiang Shutong: “The investor is very satisfied.”

Jiang Wan: “Boss, why work so hard when some truths are obvious? 😂”

Under the relentless teasing, Han Zaijing nearly spat bl00d.