The island was about half an hour's sea journey from the mainland. A steamship hauled all the equipment over at once. Shen Qi was setting foot on a seaside island for the first time, especially a private one like this. "Yining, is this island yours too?" Shen Qi couldn't help asking. "Such a big island." "Yeah, a few years ago, I thought the scenery here was nice, so I bought this island, built a villa on it, and it's pretty good for fishing when I have nothing to do." He Yining wore sunglasses, a white long pants paired with a white sports vest, looking devastatingly handsome.
Shen Yinyin stood to the side, greedily staring at He Yining's profile, clutching her phone reluctantly. On it were the photos she'd secretly taken just now. When night fell and no one was around, she could finally drool over them. The He Yining in the frame was utterly exquisite and handsome to the extreme. How could such a good man end up with Shen Qi? A man like this—even a single night of passion would make life regret-free, let alone spending a lifetime with him? He Yining stood beside Shen Qi, their mutual gaze and smiles glaringly bright in Shen Yinyin's eyes.
The island arrived quickly. Xiao Chun went ashore first with the crew, checking safety protocols to ensure no danger on the island, before He Yining took Shen Qi's hand and slowly disembarked. Shen Yinyin was forgotten in a corner, forced to follow off the boat in resentment.
The island covered about a dozen hectares, surrounded by trees. At its center stood a four-story main building, with two more floors underground. It housed living rooms, entertainment rooms, a gym, a game room, a media room, a reception room, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, a parking lot, a plaza, a garden, and other basic facilities. It was a self-sustaining, perfectly equipped island—small but complete.
The island's caretaker was a burly middle-aged man. Shen Qi was startled when she saw him. He was well over two meters tall, both tall and stout. Most strikingly, his thick body hair gave him an oddly comical look in the sweltering summer heat. "His name is Heizi, the head caretaker of the island," He Yining introduced to Shen Qi. "He's responsible for the island's daily maintenance and operations." "CEO, Madam." Heizi grinned at He Yining and Shen Qi, revealing two rows of neat teeth. Shen Qi, amused by Heizi's bear-like presence, couldn't help smiling. "Hello, I'm Shen Qi. You're really tall!" Feeling playful, Shen Qi ran over to stand beside Heizi and compared their heights, instantly feeling like a dwarf. "He's a solid two meters twenty-three, about as tall as Yao Ming," He Yining said with a smile. "Comparing heights with him will crush your self-esteem!" Shen Qi couldn't help sticking out her tongue, saying seriously, "It really does!" He Yining burst into laughter. Heizi scratched his head awkwardly.
Seeing Shen Qi so happy, Shen Yinyin viciously twisted the hat in her hands. Originally, that position should have been hers... Now Shen Qi had stolen it! Little bitch! No matter how happily she laughed, she was still a little bitch! She and her brother were both little bitches! Bitches! Shen Yinyin quickly lowered her eyes, afraid she'd lose control and slap Shen Qi.
Heizi quickly addressed He Yining and Shen Qi, "CEO, Madam, everything's normal on the island. Since it's a private island, hardly anyone comes by. The rare birds you sent last time are all well cared for. Your rooms are cleaned and ready. Would you like to see them now or check out other things first?" Shen Qi waved her hand. "Why look at rooms so early in the morning? Let's go see the scenery." As a first-time visitor, Shen Qi was full of curiosity and wanted to see everything. Since He Yining had brought her here to lift her spirits, he readily agreed. The two happily wandered off to enjoy the views, leaving Shen Yinyin standing alone, ignored.
Heizi noticed her, but since the CEO hadn't formally introduced her, she must be unimportant. Heizi had no interest in unimportant people. Just as Heizi was about to leave, Shen Yinyin's eyes darted, and an idea struck. She rushed over to Heizi, putting on a sweet smile. "Brother Heizi! I'm Shen Qi's sister. See, I'm carrying my sister's luggage. Could you tell me where her room is? I'll take it in." Heizi reached out. "Just give me the luggage." Shen Yinyin hid the bag behind her back, feigning shyness. "I can't! This is my sister's stuff. How can I let another man touch it? She'd be mad if she found out!" Heizi scratched his head, finding her words somewhat reasonable. Looking around and seeing no other women, he relented. "Fine, drop it off and leave right away. The CEO's room isn't for other women to wander into. It's the easternmost window on the fourth floor—the CEO and Madam's room." A glint of triumph flashed in Shen Yinyin's eyes. "Thanks, Brother Heizi!" She grabbed the bag and dashed into the building.
Shen Yinyin quickly found He Yining and Shen Qi's room. Pushing the door open, she was stunned by the luxury before her. She touched every piece of furniture, every item—things she'd never seen before. Even a lamp was crafted into an exquisite, ornate work of art. Let alone the meticulously detailed bedroom. Deep greed flickered in Shen Yinyin's eyes. If only all this were hers. Standing still, she pulled a packet of powder from her pocket and clutched it tightly. Tonight was the perfect chance! She had to have He Yining! She had to get rid of Shen Qi and become the second young mistress of the He family, the CEO's wife of the He Corporation!
Shen Yinyin opened the room's mini-fridge. Inside were several bottles of water airlifted from Italy. She opened each one and sprinkled the powder in. After finishing, she restored the bottles to their original state and put them back. Not daring to linger, she grabbed her things and quickly left.
What Shen Yinyin didn't know was that Xiao Chun had been watching her every move. Seeing her actions, Xiao Chun marveled at the CEO's foresight—he'd predicted even this. After Shen Yinyin left, Xiao Chun removed the spiked water from the fridge, replaced it with fresh bottles, and moved the doctored ones to Shen Yinyin's room. Since she was so eager to court death, let her have it!
Shen Qi and He Yining strolled leisurely along the island's ring road. Trees on both sides shaded the path completely, making umbrellas unnecessary. A refreshing breeze made the walk utterly pleasant. Shen Qi couldn't help praising, "I've realized you've hoarded quite a few great spots! H City has so many beautiful places, and you own a good chunk of them." He Yining chuckled softly. "H Province is the He family's home base, so it's only natural to manage it well. Though the He family's influence spans the globe with branches in various countries, you know how it is—Chinese people value returning to their roots. So the home base has to be well-maintained. Across H Province, the He family controls over a hundred such environments and terrains. Among them, over thirty are permanently privately held, including the sea and beach around the He family mansion." Shen Qi stuck out her tongue. "Permanently held!" "Yes, it's a privilege the government granted the He family." He Yining smiled. "As long as the He family's home base stays in the country, that sea and beach will always belong to us." Shen Qi was awed. "Suddenly realizing your husband is rich, huh? Feeling emotional?" He Yining teased her. "Not regretting marrying the wrong man now, are you?" Shen Qi's face flushed. "I never did..." He Yining suddenly leaned in, lowering himself to her eye level, staring at her red cheeks. "Hmm? Never what... That I didn't satisfy you last night?" Shen Qi's face burned even hotter, and she stepped back. "That's not it..." "Hmm?" He Yining smirked, stepping closer. "So I did satisfy you?" Shen Qi felt like her face was on fire! How could he ask that? It was so embarrassing! How was she supposed to answer? They'd been at it for most of the night! Shen Qi shoved his chest, annoyed. "You're doing this on purpose!" He Yining let out a low laugh. He absolutely loved her flustered, angry expression. It was so vivid. Shen Qi shot him a glare. "I'm going to see the fish pond!" With that, she covered her ears and ran off. Watching her flee, He Yining couldn't help laughing out loud. "Wait for me—without my fingerprint, it's hard for others to get in." He lengthened his stride and quickly caught up.
By lunchtime, Xiao Chun came to fetch the two, who were watching a little monkey eat fruit. Shen Qi, phone in hand, kept snapping photos of the monkey. Seeing Xiao Chun, she smiled and waved. "I heard you brought this monkey back from Africa?" Xiao Chun replied with a smile, "Yes. During a project in the Congo with the CEO last time, the local government gave it to him as a gift. I went to great lengths to help it overcome its fear of heights and bring it back to the country through all kinds of trouble." Shen Qi asked curiously, "Then why go through all that trouble to bring a monkey back?" Xiao Chun opened his mouth, then turned to look at He Yining. Clearly, it was a secret. He Yining flicked Shen Qi's nose. "You'll find out later. Come on, let's eat. The ingredients here are all cultivated with high-tech methods. Today, you'll get a taste."