122. Beyond Life, There Is More Life (Seriously, Please Subscribe—I Really Need It Urgently)

In the span of two months, the biggest change was Ada—the dog who had just had his splint removed. From a distance, when he spotted the dark green Land Cruiser, he dashed wildly toward it, almost as if he intended to crash headfirst into the hood. Bai Haonan had to quickly pull over to the side.

Once again, it was confirmed: a Cocker Spaniel doesn’t just smile, it truly cries. His eyes were brimming with tears as he sprinted over, his long ears flying like kite tails, his whole body leaping into the air before plunging firmly into Bai Haonan’s half-squatting, open-armed embrace at the car’s front. He choked back sobs, whining incessantly. Even without much education, Bai Haonan could feel the depth of emotion; he missed him too. He reached out to stroke Ada’s head, and the dog pressed his head against his shoulder, rubbing vigorously, the whimpers sounding like a heart-wrenching cry.

Bai Haonan smiled as he sniffed the dog’s scent—it was soaked in perfume!

Following the girls, he had become a bit effeminate. He lightly scolded Ada with a couple of pats on the rear, then smiled at Yu Jiali, who was walking over.

In just two months, Yu Jiali obviously hadn’t neglected her training. Her body fat had surely dropped below 25%, the very lower limit of a healthy figure. Now, the girl could definitely be described as slender—slender yet full of elasticity. She looked like she was constantly springing, brimming with vitality.

But Bai Haonan’s expert eyes sensed that Yu Jiali was trying to hide something. Her pace was deliberately slow, each step heavy, as if expressing dissatisfaction. From afar, she even crossed her arms, clearly puffed up with anger.

Yet, as she drew closer, Bai Haonan noticed the man in front of her—without sunglasses, wearing a plain white crewneck t-shirt and loose sweatpants, cheap sandals on his feet. Especially with Bai Haonan’s two-month-grown messy hair and wild beard, looking a bit disheveled and carefree, the ill-fitting oversized t-shirt made his tall frame look like a clothes hanger. Without realizing it, Yu Jiali’s pace quickened.

She didn’t even notice herself speeding up.

Even more striking was her attire: a black sleeveless knit top proudly showing off her arms, now white and delicate without any roundness. A silver pendant hung at her chest, accentuating her narrow upper body, a stark contrast to the chubby girl she once was. Her knit top faintly concealed a skirt that seemed to shimmer, hugging her hips, and her daring high heels completed the transformation into a tall, graceful new image.

The most revealing sign of her true feelings was her hair—still styled in the slightly curled bun with bangs that Bai Haonan had done for her two months ago. Who knew how many top hairstylists she had to visit to keep it intact for so long?

Seeing the sulky yet quickening strides of the girl, Bai Haonan couldn’t help but laugh, feeling a warmth like reuniting with family.

The funniest moment came next. When Yu Jiali was within two or three meters, she pinched her arms hard, trying to hold back her emotions, as if restraining anger. But the moment their eyes met, her whole face burst into uncontrollable laughter. Unable to suppress it, she admitted, “So handsome…” then quickly covered her mouth, utterly adorable!

It was the same starstruck adoration a fan has when seeing their idol.

Bai Haonan hugged Ada and reached out to Yu Jiali, pulling her into an embrace and patting her back. “Thanks for taking care of them. I’m back.”

The anger Yu Jiali had been playing out over the phone vanished. With her hands cupping her chin in disbelief, she begged, “One more hug!”

Her makeup was flawless, exuding youthful charm mixed with a mature confidence, making it impossible for Bai Haonan to refuse. He hugged her again, and Yu Jiali reached out playfully to Ada, who wagged his tail happily. There was indeed a warm feeling of family reunion.

Bai Haonan remembered there were others watching. He put down the dog and turned toward the passenger seat, with Ada practically clinging to his leg as he was pulled along—he was used to this mode of transport by now. Bai Haonan opened the door and showed Chen Niu, who was limping with a broken calf and still recovering, resting beside him. “Your leg’s broken, still healing. But it’s good to be back. Niu’er, shouldn’t you thank Miss Yu?”

Chen Niu forced a smile, “Thank you, Miss Yu, for your concern.”

Yu Jiali always treated Bai Haonan’s friends with the utmost kindness and warmth. “It’s nothing, as long as you’re back, big things can be handled.” She noticed the young man’s uneasy mood.

Bai Haonan then opened the back door and helped Chen Meijuan out. “Everyone out. Chen Meijuan, flip your seat so those in the back can get out easily. You’ll be staying here tonight.”

Chen Meijuan obeyed like a devoted servant. Bai Haonan couldn’t quite describe the change in her attitude—it was definitely different from when they were trapped in the pyramid scheme. Watching her follow his previous seat-flip instructions, she reclined her seat, then silently turned and stepped out of the car, facing Yu Jiali.

Her clothes were poor, just an ordinary white t-shirt from the pyramid scheme team, but the simplicity only highlighted how tight the shirt was on Chen Meijuan’s body. Her womanly curves and recently blossoming vitality were fully on display; her rounded chest made Yu Jiali lower her gaze for a moment, as if confirming Bai Haonan’s earlier observation.

Most importantly, Chen Meijuan didn’t speak. She simply nodded at Yu Jiali and stood expressionless beside Bai Haonan. Then another girl got out, also in a white t-shirt, looser fitting, paired with a denim skirt that gave off a youthful, rebellious vibe. Her face was slim and youthful, and she glanced cautiously at Yu Jiali before standing next to Chen Meijuan.

More followed, each more delicate and refined than the last. Their faces beautiful, though their hair was a bit messy. Comparing herself before makeup, Yu Jiali felt a bit insecure, shooting Bai Haonan a sharp glare. But his face, dazed and stunned as always, made her forgive him again.

Turning her head, Yu Jiali saw shy Li Lin step out.

Tall enough to work as a flight attendant model in college, her dark stockings perfectly matched her flight attendant uniform. Perhaps the only thing missing was a bright silk scarf around her neck. Like a curious and cautious little lamb, she immediately flashed her signature wide grin upon seeing Yu Jiali, radiating pure brilliance.

Yu Jiali couldn’t help herself. “Old Bai!”

Bai Haonan involuntarily responded in dialect, “What’s up?”

The moment they exchanged words and glances, Yu Jiali’s anger vanished, replaced by a playful, foot-stomping pout. “Can’t you just chill? Are you here to rescue people from pyramid schemes or to enter a beauty contest? All tall like that! You’re gonna kill me! How many more are there? Bring them all!”

Right on cue, Xiao Wan was the last to get out. Her once frail frame had gained some nourishment over the past two months. She wore tight sports pants and a sports bra, her shy yet fresh demeanor tinged with athletic energy. More polite than the others, she bowed as she stepped out. “Hello, madam.”

Yu Jiali loved that title, instantly brightening, smiling from ear to ear. “What’s your name, miss?”

Bai Haonan rolled his eyes. The thin girl could act the part perfectly, but he found it hard to recognize her himself. He cut off Yu Jiali’s attempt to interact with them. “Alright, alright, let me settle them first. They’ll stay at the company hotel…”

The Jiazheng Building did have a hotel, though not very large—three or four floors. It was convenient for internal receptions. After all, the group company had to manage everything.

Yu Jiali, who had stood by the building’s entrance, shot Bai Haonan a glare. “All these people staying here? You want the whole company gossiping? Over here!” Someone immediately came to drive the Land Cruiser away for handling. They thought maybe there was luggage on board, but found nothing.

Actually, Yu Jiali had arranged for them to stay at a neighboring, more upscale five-star hotel. She was already calling to find a doctor, coordinating with her assistant to prepare replacement clothes for everyone present—both men and women. Bai Haonan instantly felt he should do it himself, since he knew all their underwear sizes perfectly.

Of course, that was just a thought.

Each girl got a room. None, including Li Lin, had ever stayed in such fine accommodations before. Especially after the extreme deprivation in the pyramid scheme team, suddenly arriving in such luxury, the five female members plus the small naïve one instinctively clustered together, unconsciously moving closer to Bai Haonan.

This frustrated Yu Jiali, who wanted to speak privately with Bai Haonan, but her upbringing demanded she maintain composure in front of so many. “Why don’t you all go back to your rooms and rest?”

The girls looked at Bai Haonan. He planned to bathe Chen Niu first. “You all rest, okay? And keep an eye on Li Lin. That little brat doesn’t know anything. Call your parents to come get you!”

The assistant swiftly opened a row of room doors. Bai Haonan carried Chen Niu into one, went into the bathroom, turned on the bathtub faucet, and started undressing his friend. Chen Niu finally moved slightly. “I have hands!” He glanced at Yu Jiali, who had followed him into the bathroom. Laughing, Chen Niu stepped back slightly but lingered near the door, adjusting so he could see Bai Haonan perfectly. “Tell me, what’s the story with these six beauties? And what’s the plan?”

Bai Haonan grinned proudly. “Originally, there were thirteen!”

Chen Niu couldn’t help but chuckle. Bai Haonan helped him lie down in the hot bathwater. “Niu’er, that’s the end of it. No matter how much you spent before, it’s over now. Find another girlfriend and think about marriage and kids. Look at her…”

Chen Niu slid painfully into the water. “Don’t say anymore!”

Bai Haonan persisted. “I think I have to explain it all to you, so you learn from your mistakes.”

Yu Jiali interrupted, “Have you ever learned from your mistakes?”

Bai Haonan struck a pose. “Men are talking, why are you butting in?”

Yu Jiali couldn’t help but laugh, pursing her lips in mock disdain while leaning in to listen closely.

Bai Haonan continued, addressing both of them. “The pyramid scheme team was dull and tense. I had to use this way to get information…”

Even Chen Niu didn’t believe him, blowing bubbles underwater. “Good thing you still remember me!”

Yu Jiali rolled her eyes hard and turned to grab a bag of coffee from the cabinet, intending to throw it at Bai Haonan, but couldn’t bring herself to do it, only muttering, “You’re not afraid of getting sick?”

Bai Haonan grinned mischievously, poking his head out. “I always use protection!”

Now Yu Jiali truly wanted to hurl the coffee pot.

Their conversation lasted over two hours. By the time they arrived, it was already past midnight. Yu Jiali finally gave in to her biological clock. “Come over to the suite later, same as before!” She had something private to discuss.

Bai Haonan didn’t even look as he took the key card from her and continued coaching Chen Niu, who was now submerged in the water, only his nose above the surface. With skills like that, he should have joined the swim team—not the soccer team!

Suddenly, Yu Jiali’s panicked shout came from the hallway. Bai Haonan jumped up, concerned.

The assistant had already left. The doors to four or five rooms on both sides of the hallway were all open, including Chen Niu’s. The luxurious, quiet hallway was eerily silent. This strange atmosphere made Yu Jiali timidly peek into the open room, only to see five pyramid scheme members tightly surrounding the girl in the flight attendant uniform.

All because Bai Haonan had casually told them to watch Li Lin!

In the dimly lit hotel room, the five figures sat motionless, forming a chilling circle.

Seeing Bai Haonan rush out, Yu Jiali breathed a sigh of relief and patted her chest.

But Li Lin herself lay on the bed, snoring deeply, utterly at ease in such an environment. Was she not afraid of being taken advantage of? She twisted awkwardly, her skirt riding up to fully reveal her long legs in stockings. Yu Jiali caught sight of Bai Haonan emerging and quickly pulled the nearby sheet over her, clearly no longer trusting his hormonal impulses.

Bai Haonan looked on, not too surprised—more like feeling detached, as if from another world, like dreaming. “Xiao Wan, relax. Chen Meijuan, all of you relax. The pyramid scheme is over. We’re going to be normal people now. Get some sleep, and tomorrow we’ll go to the gym together. If you want to stay and work there, fine. If you want to go home, I’ll pay for your fare. This is all over now.”

In pyramid schemes, it was common to have a group sitting around one person to prevent escape or suicide. Those who stayed this long had endured countless sleepless nights like this. Maybe sitting like this was even comforting.

No one spoke, but they all glanced at Bai Haonan. Their gazes were complex but silent, finally resting on Yu Jiali, who also said nothing. Well, the boss was sharp; she shook her head and stepped back. “Old Bai, come over later. I won’t close the door… it’s a bit creepy.”

Her suite was indeed at the end of the hall. As long as Bai Haonan stayed nearby, even with the door open, it was safe. This was also a subtle reminder for him.

Facing the six girls—except for the soundly sleeping and blanket-kicking college student—the others had all once been wild and frantic with him. Now, when they looked up and met each other’s eyes, their expressions were clear and uncomplicated. Chen Meijuan was the first to stand and speak. “Old Bai? Your wife calls you Old Bai?”

Bai Haonan smiled wryly. “Not my wife, but she’s my boss, my bread and butter! If you stay and work, she’ll be your boss too. So, what do you think? Confident enough to slowly become normal and completely forget about the pyramid scheme?”

Chen Meijuan looked at him, slowly raising her hand as if to hug him. Another girl skillfully went behind Bai Haonan to close the door, while someone else started unbuttoning her shirt.

Bai Haonan hurried out. “Enough! It’s all over! Back to normal life, and remember to have some shame!”

Even Teddy, who had seen and done it all reforming people in pyramid schemes, knew about shame!

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