Movie: Get Alpha Dog at the start

Chapter 1543 Zhao Mei's Filter Shattered

The afternoon sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the spacious hall of the villa and making the marble floor shine.

Zhao Mei sat on the soft leather sofa, arms crossed, her eyes fixed on the kitchen—Qin Hao was wearing an apron, busy at the stove, the soft clatter of pots and pans carrying a hint of home cooking.

She looked again at the exquisite crystal chandelier and the oil paintings on the wall, then touched the smooth-textured sofa beneath her, and finally couldn't help but speak, her tone full of disbelief: "Is this what you call moving?"

Liang Danning blinked, picked up a bottle of soda from the coffee table, and tossed it to her.

"Yes, didn't I tell you?"

Zhao Mei caught the soda and rolled her eyes.

"Do you want to check the call logs?" She unscrewed the bottle cap and took a swig. "When did you ever tell me you were going to live in such a luxurious villa?"

Liang Danning smiled shyly, moved closer to sit next to Zhao Mei, and said in a low voice.

"Actually, I didn't expect it either. He just brought me to see the house a couple of days ago, and then he bought it the very next day."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Mei glanced warily towards the kitchen. After confirming the kitchen door was closed, she leaned closer and asked in a low voice.

Has your name been added to the house deed?

Liang Danning paused for a moment, then smiled.

"This house was originally bought for me by him."

Zhao Mei fell silent instantly.

She leaned back on the sofa, her eyes somewhat glazed over. She had surveyed the villa as soon as she entered—three stories, with a garden, overlooking a lake, it must cost at least tens of millions. Such a luxurious villa was something she never dared to dream of.

Thinking back to how she had given Liang Danning advice before, worried that she was wasting her youth, Qin Hao gave her a luxury mansion just a few days later.

Is it really true, as those toxic motivational quotes online say, that the more a woman asks for something, the more a man should give it to her?

"What are you daydreaming about?" Liang Danning took her hand. "Come on, let me take you upstairs. Let me tell you, the view from the rooftop is absolutely stunning—"

Zhao Mei silently followed Liang Danning upstairs.

The second floor houses the bedroom and study, decorated simply yet exuding quality. The third floor opens onto a spacious terrace. Wicker chairs and a coffee table adorn the terrace, with several potted plants in the corner. Standing by the railing and looking down, the lake shimmers in the sunlight, and several egrets skim across the surface. The distant horizon is as pristine as a painting.

Zhao Mei unconsciously opened her arms and closed her eyes. A breeze blew from the lake, carrying the scent of water and grass.

"How about it? The view here is pretty good, isn't it?"

Liang Danning's voice pulled her back to reality.

Zhao Mei opened her eyes and looked at everything before her. This villa was wonderful in every way, but unfortunately, it had nothing to do with her.

However, after calming down, she was still happy for her best friend.

"At least he still has some conscience." She patted Liang Danning on the shoulder: "With this villa, you have some security."

Liang Danning said reproachfully, "Oh dear, why do you always say such discouraging things?"

"Okay—" Zhao Mei raised her hands in surrender: "Then I'll say something to make you happy."

She walked to the edge of the balcony, cupped her hands around her mouth, and shouted loudly at the lake.

"Liang Danning—I'm so envious and jealous of you—!"

"Haha—" Liang Danning was both annoyed and amused, and slapped Zhao Mei: "Ugh, who likes to hear this?"

The two laughed and joked around for a while, then leaned on the balcony railing to catch their breath when they got tired. Liang Danning put her arm around Zhao Mei's shoulder and leaned against her.

"Zhao Mei, you're so smart and hardworking, you're sure to find a handsome guy who's right for you."

Zhao Mei hesitated for a moment.

"Actually, I did meet one recently."

Liang Danning suddenly raised her head.

"Really?" Her eyes lit up. "Do you have photos? When will you bring them so I can give you some advice?"

Faced with Liang Danning's barrage of questions, Zhao Mei was speechless for a moment.

"Big sister, it's still early." She rolled her eyes. "It was just a chance encounter, we exchanged contact information, and then had a meal together..."

"Just had a meal?" Liang Danning asked with a mischievous smile.

Zhao Mei rested her chin on one hand, giving him a knowing look.

"Anyway, so far, we can only say that we have mutual feelings for each other. And we're both pretty busy, so it's not certain that things will turn out well."

“I see—” Liang Danning drawled, looking regretful. “Then introduce him to us after you’ve completely won him over.”

Who should we introduce to?

The sound from behind startled the two of them.

Liang Danning patted her chest, turned around and scolded, "How could you eavesdrop on our private conversation?"

“Exactly, that’s so ungentlemanly,” Zhao Mei chimed in.

Qin Hao spread his hands, looking completely innocent.

“Sister, you’ve been chatting upstairs for an hour. I called you but you didn’t respond, and no one answered my video call. If you were to fall from this building, I would be liable for compensation, so I had to come up and check on you.”

Zhao Mei was furious and quickly pushed Liang Danning out.

"You need to control your husband, he's bullying us too much."

“Exactly, how can you talk to my best friend like that—” Before Liang Danning could finish speaking, Qin Hao pulled her close and gently kissed her lips.

“From now on, we’ll be a family.” He looked up at Liang Danning. “You can’t side with outsiders, you know?”

Zhao Mei was extremely displeased with Qin Hao's behavior of not treating her like a human being at all.

"Hey, I'm still right here!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide. "Could you two go any further?"

She stood with her hands on her hips, looking indignant.

"You're not satisfied with just taking advantage, are you? Dream on!"

Even Liang Danning couldn't hold back anymore and burst into unrestrained laughter.

Zhao Mei was so angry that her face turned red.

"You're still laughing!" she stamped her foot. "Whose side are you on anyway?"

Liang Danning hesitated for a moment, then gave Zhao Mei a provocative look.

Isn't it obvious?

Zhao Mei was completely furious.

"You can't treat people like this!" she roared. "You just wait! I'll find someone later and make you taste what it's like to have your mouths stuffed with dog food!"

After a period of playful banter, the three returned to the restaurant downstairs.

The table was laden with dishes—braised pork ribs, steamed grouper, boiled beef, and more—the presentation was excellent, and the aroma was irresistible.

Zhao Mei looked at Qin Hao with suspicion.

"Qin Hao, did you really make this?" She picked up her chopsticks and tapped the rim of her bowl. "You didn't order takeout while we were out, did you?"

Qin Hao didn't even bother to answer and just sat down on his own.

Liang Danning had already picked up a piece of braised pork rib and put it in her mouth to savor it.

"Hmm—it tastes the same as usual." She nodded. "He made it."

Zhao Mei, still somewhat skeptical, picked up a piece and put it in her mouth.

The ribs were stewed until tender and the sauce was flavorful; it's definitely not something takeout can compare to.

"Qin Hao, you've got cooking skills too?" she asked. "Why have I never seen you cook when we had meals together before?"

Qin Hao curled his lip.

"Nonsense, cooking together occasionally is a little romantic gesture between lovers. Your involvement just ruins the atmosphere."

Zhao Mei suddenly felt that the ribs in her mouth no longer tasted good.

"If I had known you had such a sharp tongue," she said angrily, "I would never have tried to match you two up. You've corrupted Liang Danning."

Liang Danning covered her mouth and chuckled, then nudged Qin Hao.

"Stop bullying Zhao Mei."

Qin Hao shrugged and put a piece of spare rib on Liang Danning's plate.

The housewarming party ended in a lively atmosphere. Although Zhao Mei was displeased, she still took her leave politely when it was time to go.

"I'm leaving now. You two can continue enjoying your time together."

She stood at the door and waved to Liang Danning.

I'll come visit you another day.

"Okay, be careful on the road."

Liang Danning watched Zhao Mei's figure disappear into the night before turning around and going back into the house.

……

A month has passed in the blink of an eye.

That evening, Qin Hao and Liang Danning were snuggled up on the sofa watching TV. Snacks and fruit were laid out on the coffee table. Liang Danning leaned on Qin Hao's shoulder, her feet tucked into the sofa.

My phone suddenly rang.

It was a video call from Zhao Mei.

Liang Danning answered the call, and Zhao Mei's face appeared on the screen. The background was a white wall, a blue partition curtain, and an IV stand.

"Zhao Mei!" Liang Danning exclaimed in surprise, "Why are you at the hospital so late? Did something happen?"

Zhao Mei quickly explained, "I'm fine with Daning! It's a friend's mother who has fulminant diabetes. It can't be treated in ordinary hospitals, so she needs to be transferred to the Fourth Hospital."

She paused.

"Could you ask Qin Hao if he has any connections in this area? If he really doesn't, then forget it, I'll think of another way."

Liang Danning's eyes suddenly lit up.

"Friends?" she asked with a mischievous grin. "What kind of friends? Is it the kind you told me about last time?"

Zhao Mei became anxious.

"Oh dear, what time is it and you're still listening to gossip!" she urged. "Quickly ask Qin Hao for me."

"No need to ask, I'm listening."

Qin Hao's voice came from the side.

Liang Danning switched the camera to the front and pointed it at Qin Hao.

With lives at stake, Qin Hao didn't continue arguing with Zhao Mei. He took out his phone, scrolled through his contacts, and dialed a number.

The phone rang a few times before being answered.

"Hey, Mr. Wang. You're in the medical supplies business, are you acquainted with the leaders of the Fourth Hospital?"

After a few words were spoken on the other end, Qin Hao nodded.

"Okay, sure. Then please give them a heads-up for me. Send me the number in a bit. It's a matter of life and death, so I won't stand on ceremony. I'll treat you to drinks later."

After hanging up the phone, Qin Hao forwarded the number he received directly to Zhao Mei.

"Just make this call."

Zhao Mei, on the other side of the screen, looked extremely grateful.

"Thanks," she said, her voice a little hoarse. "I'll treat you to dinner once this is all done."

Before Qin Hao could speak, Liang Danning spoke first.

"What's the deal with you inviting him?" she said with a grin. "Every wrong has its perpetrator, every debt its debtor. Let him invite him. If he doesn't come, then it doesn't count."

Zhao Mei naturally understood what Liang Danning was planning. A hint of shyness flashed across her face, but she immediately agreed.

"Row."

The video call was then disconnected.

……

three days later.

Qin Hao was reading a report in his office when his phone suddenly rang.

It was a video call from Liang Danning.

He answered the call, and Liang Danning's face appeared on the screen. She wore light makeup, her hair was styled, and she looked to be in a good mood.

"Zhao Mei is treating tonight." She blinked. "No, it's her 'friend' who's treating."

Qin Hao smiled.

"Shouldn't we fleece him?"

Liang Danning said reproachfully, "Oh? Isn't that a bit inappropriate? What if her friend is short of money?"

Qin Hao joked, "Isn't that perfect? ​​It helps her eliminate a bad choice."

Liang Danning glared at him.

"Don't say that!" she said seriously. "Zhao Mei isn't that kind of person."

"I'm just stating the facts." Qin Hao leaned back in his chair. "Anyone Zhao Mei would approve of wouldn't be unable to afford a meal. Don't worry."

After careful consideration, Liang Danning couldn't find any counterarguments. She could only offer her advice.

"Don't say anything careless then. Zhao Mei finally found a suitable partner, and you'll ruin it for her."

Qin Hao looked completely innocent.

Do I look like such a boring person?

Liang Danning looked at him and thought about it seriously.

"picture."

At 5:30 p.m., Qin Hao's phone rang again.

Liang Danning sent a video call. On the screen, she was standing by the roadside, with a restaurant sign in the background.

"Are you off work yet?" she asked. "I'm almost there."

Qin Hao glanced at the time.

"So early?" he teased. "I feel like you're even more eager than Zhao Mei to start a relationship."

Liang Danning covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

"Okay, I'm not talking to you anymore, I'm getting off the bus." She waved at the camera: "Come over here quickly."

After hanging up the phone, Qin Hao packed his things, went downstairs, and got in his car.

Since Zhao Mei and Liang Danning both work the night shift, they arranged to meet quite early. Qin Hao arrived at the restaurant at 6:15.

Inside the private room, Zhao Mei and Liang Danning were already seated. Next to Zhao Mei sat a man in his early thirties, wearing a dark blue suit, his hair neatly combed, looking refined and well-mannered.

Qin Hao pushed open the door and went in.

"Sorry, there was some traffic on the way, I'm late."

Liang Danning invited him to sit down next to her.

Just as Zhao Mei was about to introduce him, she saw the man stand up and extend his hand.

"Hello, Mr. Qin, I didn't expect to run into you here."

Qin Hao was slightly taken aback, then grasped his hand.

Zhao Mei looked at Li Dongming with some surprise.

"You know him?"

Li Dongming smiled and explained, "President Qin is a prominent figure in the tech industry, the CEO of Xingyao Yanxuan. I met President Qin once at an industry summit, but there were too many people around him, and I couldn't squeeze in."

He took out his business card and handed it to Qin Hao with both hands.

"So Mr. Qin probably doesn't remember me. Li Dongming, Senior Partner at Ruijing Consulting."

Qin Hao took the business card, glanced at it, and smiled with a hint of amusement.

“Ruijing Consulting?” He looked up. “So, we used to be in the same industry.”

"Oh? Is that so?" Li Dongming looked surprised.

Liang Danning, standing nearby, explained with a smile, "He used to work in consulting. Was that company called Xingchen?"

"I see." Li Dongming nodded. "So it seems that President Qin and I are really destined to meet."

Zhao Mei sat to the side, watching this scene, feeling a mix of emotions she couldn't quite describe.

In her presence, Li Dongming always maintained that "elite" demeanor—eloquent, knowledgeable, and occasionally a bit aloof. But now, when he met Qin Hao, he adopted a fawning attitude, smiling obsequiously and speaking humbly.

She felt a sudden pang of disappointment for no apparent reason.

Even she herself couldn't explain why she felt this way. After all, Li Dongming was far better off than her; he would definitely be a hot commodity in the marriage market.

But why...?

Watching Li Dongming bow and scrape before Qin Hao, she felt as if a stone was lodged in her heart.

The following dinner party left Zhao Mei feeling utterly bored.

She mostly listened to Li Dongming and Qin Hao talk about topics in the tech industry. Things like supply chain digitalization and private domain traffic operation... She understood each word individually, but when put together, she had no idea what they were talking about.

Occasionally, Liang Danning would interject, asking about the relationship between Li Dongming and Zhao Mei.

"Mr. Li, how did you and Zhao Mei meet?"

Li Dongming smiled and said, "I really went to great lengths to get a bite to eat at a steamed bun shop. I got up early in the morning to queue up. At first, I thought she was doing the same thing as me, but when I asked her, I found out that she hadn't slept at all. We chatted for a bit at the steamed bun shop."

"That's quite a coincidence," Liang Danning blinked. "And then what happened?"

"Later we added each other on WeChat and had a meal together."

"Just had a meal?" Liang Danning asked with a mocking expression.

Just as Li Dongming was about to answer, Qin Hao cleared his throat.

"Danning, are you checking my household registration?"

Liang Danning stuck out her tongue shyly.

Li Dongming smiled generously and said, "It's alright, President Qin. Zhao Mei and I are indeed still in the stage of getting to know each other, but it's okay, time will tell."

Li Dongming then steered the conversation back to the tech world.

Zhao Mei sat to the side, eating her food half-heartedly. Occasionally, Li Dongming would put food on her plate, and she would just smile politely.

After the dinner, the group left the restaurant.

Night had fallen, and the streetlights cast a dim, yellowish glow.

Li Dongming turned to look at Zhao Mei.

"I'll give you a ride; the car is just ahead."

Zhao Mei shook her head.

"No need, I have to go to work soon." She glanced at her phone: "It's almost time, I'll just take Qin Hao's car."

Li Dongming didn't insist and nodded.

"Okay, let's reschedule for another day."

Zhao Mei smiled at him, then turned and walked towards Qin Hao's car.

Liang Danning was somewhat surprised.

"Zhao Mei, why didn't he see you off? That's so ungentlemanly of him."

Zhao Mei opened the back door and got in.

"No need, it's not on my way anyway."

Qin Hao started the car and drove onto the main road.

As soon as she got in the car, Liang Danning turned around and started gossiping.

“Zhao Mei, I think this Li Dongming is really good.” She counted on her fingers: “He’s quite handsome, successful in his career, and has excellent manners. I might consider continuing to date him.”

Zhao Mei leaned back in her chair, looking rather uninterested.

"Hmm, let's observe further."

Liang Danning was stunned for a moment.

"What's wrong? What do you think is wrong with him?"

“There’s nothing wrong with it.” Zhao Mei gazed at the streetlights rushing past the window: “It’s just…”

She paused, then didn't continue.

Qin Hao glanced at her in the rearview mirror and chuckled inwardly.

He could tell that Zhao Mei actually had feelings for Li Dongming. However, Li Dongming's behavior at today's meal had created a disappointment in Zhao Mei. She had initially thought of Li Dongming as a high-and-mighty elite, but he acted like a fawning figure in front of Qin Hao. This discrepancy shattered her idealized image of Li Dongming.

However, it's not appropriate for outsiders to comment on such matters.

Qin Hao focused on driving and didn't interrupt.

Liang Danning was still chattering away, praising Li Dongming, while Zhao Mei just mumbled "uh-huh" in response.

The car drove along the Pearl River, the lights on both banks reflected on the shimmering water. (End of Chapter)