Chapter 1: I'm Going to Have a Daughter!

“I had someone look into Chen Yu. There’s nothing to his career or background—it’s all a blank slate!”

“So you’re saying he’s living with you now, entirely dependent on you to support him?”

“You’re the president of Jiangsheng Group, and you’re interested in a man who just… lives off a woman?”

At the very top of Jiangsheng Tower, in the heart of Yunhai City, Jiang Zhiyun listened to her father’s furious interrogation, responding with only a gentle, amused smile.

“Dad, he’s so handsome—how can you say that about him?”

“Besides, I’ve got plenty of money. All he needs to do is look good, and that’s enough for me. What’s wrong with that?”

She wore an ivory suit that accentuated her graceful figure, her long hair loosely gathered at the back, strands falling artfully along her neck, a hint of careless pride in the curve of her lips.

Jiang Shicheng’s face contorted with shock and anger at her words.

“What are you saying? I can hardly believe this is coming out of my daughter’s mouth!”

“Do you know what Jiangsheng Group means in Yunhai? If word gets out that my daughter’s keeping a useless man, where will I put my face?”

He strode to the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out over the glittering city, neon lights casting shifting colors across his glasses. Yet his voice was as heavy as thunder: “A daughter of the Jiangs doesn’t just pick any man.”

“Dad, what era are we living in? Why are you still obsessed with matching families and status…”

Jiang Zhiyun rose and walked to his side, her tone unwavering. “Love is a personal choice. Marriage is my decision. I’ll marry who I like—does it have to be about money?”

“You—”

Jiang Shicheng was momentarily at a loss for words.

After a pause, something seemed to occur to him. He drew a deep breath, his brows easing slightly. He turned and asked, “Didn’t you adopt a little girl not long ago?”

Jiang Zhiyun arched a brow. “Why are you suddenly asking about that? Her name’s Nian Nian. She’s about to be discharged from the hospital. She’s physically fine now, but she’s forgotten a lot.”

His gaze was sharp as an eagle’s, habitual authority radiating from him. “A friend of mine is producing a parent-child reality show and needs a new family for the cast. You should have Chen Yu and Nian Nian join.”

“A variety show? Dad, what are you getting at?” Jiang Zhiyun frowned, realizing her father was up to something with Chen Yu as the target.

Jiang Shicheng sneered. “If you’re going to be so stubborn, then I have no choice. Let the whole country see whether this Chen Yu is fit to be your man!”

“If the viewers approve, Jiangsheng Group will be yours. If he’s unfit…”

“Then maybe your brother should have a try at being president.”

“My brother?” Jiang Zhiyun’s face changed. “Dad, Hao only cares about racing—he’s not fit to manage the company!”

“That’s not your concern.” Jiang Shicheng turned his back, his tone brooking no argument. “This is my final compromise. Either Chen Yu goes on the show, or you step down as president right now. Choose.”

Jiang Zhiyun bit her lip, staring at his uncompromising figure. At last, her resolve crumbled. “…Fine. I understand.”

He pointed to the phone on the table. “Call him now. Put it on speaker.”

...

“All troops, attack!”

Chen Yu lounged on a six-figure leather sofa, fingers flying over his phone screen. The crystal chandelier cast its glow on him, making his absurdly handsome face seem almost unreal.

But just as he pushed through the enemy’s base, his phone buzzed insistently.

He glanced at the caller ID: Jiang Zhiyun. He answered with a casual swipe.

“Hello?”

“Darling~”

Jiang Zhiyun’s voice came through the line, cloyingly sweet, utterly unlike her usual self. Chen Yu nearly dropped his phone in shock.

Their marriage was a sham, a contract with ten thousand a month—they each got what they needed. Normally, she greeted him curtly by name or with a brusque “hey.”

This sudden “darling” could only mean trouble!

Someone else must be there—or she needed him to play along for some secret reason.

He immediately sat up straight and put on a syrupy tone. “Sweetheart, what’s up? What does your beloved husband need to do for you?”

“…”

A pause. Then, a gruff, elderly man’s voice, tinged with displeasure, cut in.

Chen Yu’s heart skipped a beat. So, she really was putting on a show.

Jiang Zhiyun cleared her throat.

“I’ll be home late tonight—and I’ll be bringing a child.”

Her tone slipped back to its usual coolness, though she forced a bit of gentleness.

“A child?” Chen Yu was taken aback.

“Yes. The girl’s called Nian Nian. Her parents died in a car accident, and she has amnesia. I’ve adopted her. From today, I’m her mother, you’re her father, and she’ll be living with you.”

“…”

Chen Yu was dumbfounded. “Wait, hold on…”

He was speechless. He had no idea how to look after a kid—couldn’t they talk this over?

“No room for discussion!” Jiang Zhiyun’s voice shot up, brooking no dissent. “You have to agree—or else… deal with the consequences yourself!”

Beeep—beeep—beeep—

The call was cut off.

Chen Yu stared blankly at the now-dark screen.

He’d just gotten comfortable with the easy life, and now, out of nowhere, a “daughter” had fallen from the sky?

He was a single guy who’d just crossed over into this world—barely able to support himself, let alone a kid!

No, this called for the system’s advice!

Lowering his voice, he called out, “System! System, come out here!”

A sweet, mechanical voice sounded from thin air.

“Greetings, esteemed host! The Super Sugar Daddy System is at your service. How may I help you?”

Chen Yu jumped right in: “System, Jiang Zhiyun wants me to take care of an adopted child. What kind of event is this? Does looking after a kid count as ‘sugar-daddy’ duties? Does it earn me points?”

“System data retrieval in progress…”

“Ding—Host is about to unlock the ‘Stay-at-Home Dad’ side quest!”

“Taking care of an adopted child is part of improving your sugar-daddy skills!”

“Depending on your performance, you’ll be awarded points you can use to upgrade your physical stats—and if you’re lucky, you might even win a special skill essential to becoming the ultimate sugar daddy!”

Chen Yu’s eyes lit up at that.

He remembered that when he first crossed over and activated the system, his starter reward was “Facial Refinement”—which had instantly caught Jiang Zhiyun’s eye and won her favor, securing him his easy life.

A special skill for the ultimate sugar daddy—how bad could that be?

Determined to go further down this path, Chen Yu rubbed his hands together, plotting his next move.

Jiang Zhiyun might have a temper, but she was generous with her money.

Looking after a kid, plus his monthly ten grand—he was in!

He immediately began preparations, ready to change into a stylish outfit he’d bought with the “princess money” from Jiang Zhiyun.

After all, first impressions with his “daughter” were important.

“Wow, I’m going to have a daughter!”

Chen Yu rubbed his palms together, a mix of excitement and nerves as he waited for evening to fall…

The villa’s front door chimed as the electronic lock disengaged.

He knew the stars of the show had returned.

He quickly composed himself, put on his best “model husband” look, and strode to the entrance to welcome his “wife” and “daughter.”