131: Chapter 131 Birthday Gifts

Chen Mo had arranged her daily routine and diet meticulously, and seeing her complexion improve day by day, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

That evening, after settling Su Yingxue in, Chen Mo drove straight to Liu Yifei's private villa.

Chen Mo opened the door with the passcode.

Hearing the sound of the door opening, Liu Yifei turned her head.

Upon seeing it was Chen Mo, her eyes curved instantly, and she said with pleasant surprise, "Why are you here?"

Liu Yifei was wearing simple loungewear, lying on the sofa, holding a cat in one hand and snacks in the other while watching a show.

"I just finished up the work at hand, so I came to see you and, by the way, ask about the recent situation of the Tianxing Short Video International Edition," Chen Mo said as he walked in.

"I was just about to find you to talk about this," Liu Yifei said, getting up to pour Chen Mo a glass of warm water before sitting down beside him.

"The Tianxing Short Video International Edition is gaining strong momentum right now. It's not just a hit in Southeast Asia; downloads in Europe and the Americas have also exceeded 600 million, with daily active users holding steady at over 200 million. It's directly suppressing similar foreign software, leaving them unable to lift their heads."

Chen Mo nodded and asked, "There hasn't been any trouble over there, has there?"

"How could there not be?" Liu Yifei sighed lightly, her tone filled with indignation as she said, "The US side can't stand to see us doing well. They are imposing sanctions both openly and covertly and even want to force us to hire more of their people. I suspect they want to plant spies to probe our core data. Their intentions are so dirty."

Liu Yifei was extremely dissatisfied when talking about this.

Chen Mo smiled and ruffled her hair, saying, "Since they want to make trouble, then let's lay off the non-essential positions in the US. Cut all the non-technical and peripheral roles. We have always kept the core technical layer under our own control."

"Furthermore, gradually scale back local business in the US and shift the focus to friendly markets like Southeast Asia and Europe. We can stand firm without relying on them."

Liu Yifei nodded immediately and said, "I understand what you mean. We'll do it that way. I'll start making arrangements tomorrow; I won't let them lead us around by the nose."

The two chatted for a while longer about the details of the overseas business. As the night deepened, Liu Yifei looked at Chen Mo, and Chen Mo looked at Liu Yifei. Slowly, an ambiguous atmosphere filled the air.

Chen Mo reached out, picked up Liu Yifei, who was leaning in his arms, and walked towards the master bedroom upstairs.

The night grew deep as their passion unfolded.

The next morning, Liu Yifei slept until she woke up naturally. Chen Mo knew Liu Yifei's temper, so he didn't wake her but slept with her until she woke up naturally.

After eating, Liu Yifei packed up and set off to fly to the United States to handle business. Before leaving, she looked at Chen Mo, her tone carrying a hint of coquettishness: "When I'm not here, don't just focus on work and neglect your health. Take care of yourself."

She looked just like a little wife worried about her husband, completely devoid of the airs of a big celebrity.

"Got it, be safe on the road," Chen Mo replied with a smile.

After watching Liu Yifei's car drive away, Chen Mo dialed Zhang Kai's number.

"Old Zhang, Zhao Liying's birthday is coming up. Prepare a gift for me. The place she's living in right now is too shabby; get her a property."

Zhang Kai replied, "Alright, Boss Chen, I'll go take care of it right away."

In the blink of an eye, it was the day of Zhao Liying's birthday. Zhang Kai rushed to the film crew where Zhao Liying was shooting early in the morning. As soon as he walked to the entrance of the set, he attracted the attention of the crew and stars, and whispers erupted one after another.

"Isn't that Boss Chen's subordinate, Zhang Kai? Why did he come to our set?"

"Look at who he's heading towards. It's Zhao Liying! My god, when did Liying get involved with Zhang Kai?"

"Are you stupid? Zhang Kai coming in person must mean it's Boss Chen's intention. Liying has hidden this too well; it turns out she has Boss Chen backing her!"

"No wonder Liying's resources have been so good lately. It turns out she has Boss Chen as such a big backer. It's so enviable!"

"I usually see Liying as low-key and down-to-earth. I didn't expect her background to be so strong. I'll have to get along well with her in the future!"

Zhao Liying had just finished a scene. Seeing Zhang Kai, she walked over with a puzzled look.

"Zhang Kai, why are you here?" Zhao Liying asked, surprised.

"Boss Chen arranged for me to come and pick you up. The birthday banquet is all prepared. Shall we go?" Zhang Kai replied with a smile.

Zhao Liying was stunned, then smiled and said, "Sorry for the trouble."

Wanda Plaza had been booked out for the entire venue, decorated luxuriously and warmly. All the big names in the industry arrived, including famous stars like Liu Tao and Hu Ge. Many international directors and artists also made special trips, making the scene grand in the extreme.

The stars who arrived looked at this scene and whispered among themselves privately:

"This scene is too big. Booking the entire Wanda Plaza for a birthday banquet—only Boss Chen has the boldness for that!"

"It seems Boss Chen really values Liying. She's usually low-key and quiet, but when he makes a move, it's a big one!"

"Liying is down-to-earth and hardworking. It's only right that she gets Boss Chen's appreciation, unlike some people who only know how to play tricks."

"I'm afraid the landscape of the entertainment industry is going to change. Liying has completely established her footing now!"

"Don't look at the fact that Boss Chen didn't come; Zhang Kai is here, which represents Boss Chen's heart. Anyone with eyes can see it!"

There were also many entrepreneurs at the banquet trying to ride the wave of popularity, showing up uninvited and busy trying to build connections and make their presence known.

Zhang Kai didn't drive them away and let them be, managing the scene in an orderly manner throughout.

Looking at the full house of guests, with the keys to her new home in her hand, Zhao Liying's eyes turned slightly red. She had climbed up from the bottom and had never been treated with such importance. Her liking for Chen Mo was overflowing.

She was introverted and practical, not good with words, but she kept this sentiment firmly in her heart.

After the banquet ended, Zhao Liying took a car back to where she usually lived.

As soon as she opened the door, she was stunned.

Chen Mo was sitting on the sofa waiting for her.

"Chen Mo? Why are you here?" Zhao Liying was both surprised and happy.

She had originally thought that Chen Mo would be too busy to appear tonight; she didn't expect to see him when she got home.

"Waiting for you," Chen Mo stood up and said with a smile, "Happy birthday, did you have a good time?"

"Happy, so happy," Zhao Liying lowered her head, her fingers gently rubbing the corner of her clothes as she said, "Thank you... No one has ever thrown such a big birthday banquet for me before."

"You deserve it," Chen Mo said, looking at her.

Zhao Liying looked up, and her eyes suddenly grew hot.

She had climbed up step by step from the bottom, had suffered grievances, been looked down upon, and had endured hardships all the way. No one had ever said the words "You deserve it" to her.

"Boss Chen, I..."

She wanted to express her gratitude but didn't know how to say it.

Chen Mo stepped forward, said nothing, reached out, and gently pulled her into his arms.

Zhao Liying's body stiffened, her heartbeat accelerating, about to burst out of her chest.

Chen Mo used his hand to pinch Zhao Liying's soft chin. Zhao Liying closed her eyes, her face flushed red.

Chen Mo slowly lowered his head and kissed Zhao Liying's red lips.

Zhao Liying's hands subconsciously wrapped around Chen Mo's neck.

The temperature in the room slowly rose.

Chen Mo released Zhao Liying's red lips and carried her into the bedroom.

Zhao Liying knew what was going to happen tonight!

She didn't speak, just closed her eyes with a flushed face, quietly waiting for it to come.

That night, passion bloomed in the quiet of the room.