Chapter Index

    “I’m giving you three seconds to apologize to my shoes!”

    Wearing his leather boots, Ah Hai firmly stepped on the other person’s shoe, saying, “This is how my shoe apologizes to yours!”

    Witnessing this scene, Jiang Qin, lounging on a genuine leather sofa, felt a headache coming on.

    This aggressive style didn’t suit him at all but seemed more like something Cao Guangyu would do in his early days; hard and arrogant. He’d boast about having been with five women, found them boring, but in reality, he’d never been with any. He had been subdued by Ding Xue, even taken to the riverbank for a harrowing time.

    Bored, Jiang Qin shifted his position and ended up sitting there until nine at night.

    The night had grown dark. The banks of the Huangpu River dazzled with neon lights, showcasing the unreachable opulence of Linchuan with colorful lights reflecting off the shimmering water, like a dream.

    He stood by the window for a while, then decided to bath early and go to bed but heard a knock before he could undress.

    As the door opened, Sun Zhi entered in yellow shorts and a T-shirt, handing Jiang Qin an out-of-town schedule for Hangzhou.

    Dream Paris Spa, Jiang Qin glanced at the logo on his chest, “Old Sun, taking some leisure time for yourself, sneaking off to get a foot massage?”

    “No, it was President Qin who took us, lots of us went, even President He.”

    “?”

    Tugging at his T-shirt, Sun Zhi said, “The hotel provided these thick, large bathrobes I’m not used to, so I took this masseuse outfit home since we paid for it.”

    Jiang Qin paused, feeling unmistakably targeted.

    Spending time in Shanghai means you all had fun. I stayed at the hotel watching meteor showers for two days. Damn, if this gets out, I’ll lose all my dignity.

    “By the way, boss, why didn’t you go?” Sun Zhi suddenly asked.

    Jiang Qin coughed, “I’m currently a student at Linchuan University and a representative of the Linchuan business community. I must always remember I represent them and Linchuan University. The world can be corrupt, but I must remain noble.”

    “You have noble virtues, the ability to amass wealth, iron-fisted methods, and an interesting soul. Boss, you are practically perfect, I’m almost ashamed.”

    “Enough with the flattery. Let’s follow this itinerary for Hangzhou.”

    Taking back the schedule he passed earlier, Sun Zhi left Jiang Qin’s room in the Dream Paris outfit, leaving Jiang Qin deep in thought.

    Who doesn’t want me getting a foot massage? Who has the power to stop me?

    “……”

    On the third day of the National Day holiday, a sunny morning, after on-site visits and face-to-face negotiations, He Yijun decided to take over the project, seizing the opportunity provided by the perfect alignment of timing, geographical convenience, and human harmony to make a name for Wanzhong.

    Before the deal was signed, both parties consulted again and held a collaborative research meeting.

    The meeting focused on discussing the details of this cooperation and forming a written contract, reaching a consensus.

    As the second shareholder, Jiang Qin was of course participating, and this time even Qin Real Estate brought several executives.

    Among them was a

    remarkable woman in her forties. Her demeanor was graceful and her expression cool, but her aura was inexplicably powerful, as if she belonged to the high society encountered only at the top business banquets.

    Although Qin Zhihuan didn’t introduce her and only introduced others like President Hong, President Liu, President Qian, everyone’s focus was immediately drawn to her, then reluctantly shifted because of her intimidating presence.

    “President He, thank you for your company’s trust. Today’s cooperation will be the beginning of a bright future……”

    “After signing, we hope construction on the project can start as soon as possible. We will cooperate fully with Wanzhong……”

    “Regarding share subscription matters, I think the ratio needs further discussion. If President He and President Jiang have no other engagements, please consider staying in Shanghai for a couple more days……”

    Actually, for a cooperation where both sides are eager, negotiations were smooth as both He Yijun and Qin Zhihuan stand to make significant returns from this project.

    Thus, aside from some detailed negotiations, most of the meeting was spent in gratitude, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

    Jiang Qin, as an ordinary second shareholder of Wanzhong, only spoke a few times about parts he was interested in, remaining silent the rest of the time, like a proper support person.

    Part of the reason was because he recognized He Yijun’s capability and did not want to overshadow him. Another part was that the dignified woman opposite kept staring at him with an appreciative, almost maternal gaze.

    “President Jiang, why do you look so young? Are you in your twenties?”

    “Your perception is accurate, I just turned twenty. How may I address you?”

    “I am Zhihuan’s maternal aunt, my name is Qin Jingqiu. You can call me……nevermind, it’s too confusing, let’s keep it formal, call me President Qin.”

    After the meeting, over a lunch, Qin Jingqiu approached Jiang Qin, greeting him as if meeting him for the first time.

    But who knew? Just on her computer, she had about 100GB of information on Jiang Qin!

    Indeed, the reason Qin Zhihuan joined the Linchuan business community was arranged by Feng Nanshu’s aunt, aiming to make business contacts with Jiang Qin and pave some paths for him.

    After all, her niece seems unable to do without him.

    Initially, Qin Jingqiu was unaware of the existence of Wanzhong. It was only after Qin Zhihuan visited Wanzhong and reported back that Wanzhong came into Qin Jingqiu’s view.

    Honestly, urban complex development has always been a key focus in recent city developments. Based on Qin Zhihuan’s description, Wanzhong’s business layout is very advanced and reasonable, appearing not as a hastily changed response to shifts, but rather like an upgraded version of several generations.

    Moreover, knowing that Jiang Qin is the second shareholder of Wanzhong Group, she took the initiative to finalize this cooperation, otherwise, this opportunity would not have fallen to He Yijun’s lap.

    Naturally, upon thinking about the current structure and business mode of Wanzhong, combined with the behind-the-scenes group-buying, even Qin Jingqiu had to admire his ambitious vision.

    In the whole city, he controls the largest business district, has a dense online sales network, and a mature regional distribution model. These seemingly fragmented elements, when combined, seem like a monster.

    If these elements can be successfully linked, Jiang Qin’s future is undoubtedly going to be extraordinary.

    Of course, Qin Jingqiu has indeed been deliberately concealing her identity.

    On one hand, to comfortably observe Jiang Qin, and on the other hand, to evaluate him. After all, if Jiang Qin knew who she was, any further behavior would have a performative aspect.

    Jiang Qin has always felt targeted, with everyone else having fun programs, but he stuck in the hotel watching TV, all because Qin Jingqiu didn’t allow it.

    She and Feng Nanshu have some issues, letting her niece know she arranged for her man to visit such places would make Feng Nanshu ignore her for a lifetime.

    Though she isn’t in Linchuan, she often receives investigative reports from there, well aware that her niece is somewhat jealous, viewing Jiang Qin like a treasure no one else can touch.

    “President Qin, I don’t know why, but there’s something familiar about you.”

    “Where familiar?”

    Jiang Qin thought for a moment, “The aura, I always feel like I’ve encountered your extraordinary and aloof air somewhere.”

    Qin Jingqiu was surprised at his keen detection, “Perhaps my kind of demeanor is common everywhere?”

    Jiang Qin shook his head, “Your aura is something many can’t cultivate, apart from you, I’ve only seen it in one other girl, and she is a celestial.”

    “President Jiang, you’re quite the charmer. I heard you’re still in university, haven’t you deceived a few young ladies?”

    “President Qin, you misunderstand. I’m chaste and only have one female friend. Most of my time is spent on studies and entrepreneurship. Perhaps you don’t know, but I am the first ‘Star of Study’ at Linchuan University and also a young entrepreneur of Linchuan.”

    Qin Jingqiu laughed, “They say youth is enchanting, but I can hardly believe that from you.”

    Jiang Qin showed a humble and tactful smile, “Youth is enchanting because they don’t know what they want, relying only on such things for presence. But I’m different, I know what I want.”

    “What do you want?”

    “Family to be safe and healthy, friends to be happy every day, to make a fortune myself, and for the world to always be peaceful.”

    Qin Jingqiu’s expression suddenly softened, “It seems you really are a fine young man.”

    Jiang Qin looked at Qin Jingqiu, “Thank you for the compliment, President Qin. I don’t know why, but you remind me of an elder.”

    “Really?”

    “Yes.”

    In an instant, Qin Jingqiu’s smile broadened, showing much more warmth than before.

    He Yijun, who was drinking at the time, couldn’t help but look at Sun Zhi, “Your boss is usually so domineering, scooping everyone into his plans, but today why did he suddenly turn so sycophantic?”

    Sun Zhi chewed on a piece of steak, speaking vaguely, “I don’t know, the boss definitely has his reasons.”

    “What reasons? I think this guy just wants to cling to higher-ups. You guys, his employees, are just too idolizing of him.”

    “Clinging to higher-ups is also a formidable business strategy. Many want to, but can’t even get close.”

    “That makes sense… Wanzhong collaborating with Qin Real Estate somewhat implies clinging to higher-ups. I’m also not clear on how this opportunity ended up on my head.”

    While they were talking, Jiang Qin had already said goodbye to Qin Jingqiu and returned to his table, silently sipping his drink.

    Unexpected huh, the little rich girl’s aunt is also quite young and speaks so gently.

    The sort of defensive aloofness that Feng Nanshu exudes must be learnt from her aunt.

    Yes, he was sure that Qin Jingqiu was the little rich girl’s aunt.

    Three reasons.

    First, he has no relatives in Shanghai. If someone were overtly or covertly taking care of him, it had to be the little rich girl’s family.

    In their eyes, he might be a potential son-in-law for the Feng family, but they are too naive, not understanding what lifetime good friends mean.

    Second, who wouldn’t let him go get a foot massage? Such an entertainment place, parents definitely wouldn’t allow, and although Feng Nanshu might seem clueless, she also has a bit of a jealous streak, surely wouldn’t allow it.

    But stopping him from going to entertainment spots in Shanghai could only be done by Feng Nanshu’s family.

    Third, the only person he ever encountered, or rather indirectly encountered, here was Feng Nanshu’s aunt, who helped retrieve misplaced luggage during a market research visit to Shanghai with Su Nai and Lu Xuemei.

    Pretending not to know me, just to evaluate me, right?

    Noble families really are strange. Making friends still requires checks and balances. Are they afraid that a noble like me could act out of line?

    Jiang Qin popped a peanut into his mouth, pulled out his phone, and looked at the wallpaper of the clueless-faced little rich girl pouting.

    Little rich girl, oh little rich girl, to become lifelong good friends with you, I’ve put in my best efforts. If my feelings are right, your aunt must really like me now.

    “President Jiang, what are you grinning about?” He Yijun suddenly asked.

    Jiang Qin came back to his senses, handed over his drink and clinked it with He’s, “President He, Wanzhong is in your hands. Do well.”

    “?”

    He Yijun was puzzled. There was something odd about that statement.

    Jiang Qin was a shareholder of Wanzhong Group, true, but He was the one with the largest share. Yet, why did that statement sound like Jiang owned Wanzhong?

    Meanwhile, on the way back from Kempinski Hotel to Sheshan Manor, Qin Jingqiu made a call to her husband, Feng Shihua, to discuss today’s meeting and her interaction with Jiang Qin.

    “He’s a great young man, carries a sense of righteousness, and handles things gently. What’s most precious is that despite his wealth, he’s not arrogant but very polite, even humble. I can feel his sincerity.”

    After hearing this, Feng Shihua was stunned for a moment. “This doesn’t match the investigative report that describes him as full of tricks and limitless in marketing. Are you slipping into a mother-in-law’s role again?”

    Qin Jingqiu sighed, “I’ve said it before – seeing things through others’ eyes is not always accurate. We should use investigative firms less.”

    “You’re sure you’re not giving him such high praise because, as a mother-in-law, the more you see your son-in-law, the more you like him?”

    “No, not at all. But funny enough, Jiang Qin doesn’t even know who I am, yet he feels a familial vibe from me. Maybe some things are just meant to be.”

    “…”

    Feng Shihua opened his computer, viewed Jiang Qin’s profile, how he self-promoted his milk tea shop, blasting ads using DuangDuangDuang, embedding ads in short videos and then urging to avoid pornography, gambling, and drugs for maintaining health. Is that supposed to be upright?

    Can someone’s work persona really differ that much from their actual character?

    Chapter Summary

    Jiang Qin navigates complex social and business dynamics during formal negotiations and personal interactions focused on a major project. Amidst strategic partnership talks and playful banters with high-profile individuals like Qin Jingqiu, he reflects on his personal ambitions and connections, revealing deeper layers of business politics and familial influences affecting his career and relationships. In discussing Jiang Qin, Qin Jingqiu expresses unexpected admiration for his character, contrary to negative reports, exploring the potential discrepancy between Jiang's public persona and private ethics.

    JOIN OUR SERVER ON

    YOU CAN SUPPORT THIS PROJECT WITH

    Note