Chapter 393: The Son-in-Law Comes Over

At dusk, Jiang Qin drove a small Wuling van out from the branch office.

This van is said to be an old hero of the Pintuan College Town ground-push plan, having earned significant merits for the team.

Back then, the group-buying market in the college town was quite chaotic until one day, a swarm of people from a van changed the ownership of the place.

Afterwards, there was a time when seeing the same model of van made some ground-push teams feel the urge to run, almost like unlicensed vendors spotting city management.

Jiang Qin drove this war vehicle to a shopping mall, wandered around a bit but didn’t really decide what to buy.

The Feng family is wealthy; they probably lack nothing. Jewelry might not catch their eye, and as for cigarettes and liquor, Jiang Qin isn’t well-versed enough to judge their quality and authenticity.

Maybe buy something he liked instead?

Feng Nanshu’s aunt would surely say, “What gifts are you bringing when you come to play at home as a junior? Take it back; otherwise, Auntie will get angry, and you won’t be allowed to come next time.”

Reasonable, very reasonable.

Though that’s what he thought, Jiang Qin eventually picked some donkey-hide gelatin and tea, using a Suixin Group coupon to get a discount, then drove the little van clanging all the way to Sheshan Manor.

Meanwhile, Qin Jingqiu was at home hosting two relatives, a chubby distant cousin sister-in-law named Zhang Meilan, and her son, Su Huiqiang.

Qin Jingqiu wasn’t very familiar with them, but since they came uninvited, it was only proper to host them.

Zhang Meilan’s husband is in the wholesale business — not very rich, but well-off. Her son is currently studying at Jiao Tong University in Shanghai.

Qin Jingqiu knew they were taking advantage of the summer vacation to get acquainted and pave the way for their son. She was no stranger to hosting such relatives over the years.

Su Huiqiang studied finance and was dressed in a suit to meet the “influential person” mentioned by his mother, appearing quite eloquent.

“With the rise of the internet economy in China, Aunt Qin, I think you can invest in this industry.”

“But investment shouldn’t be reckless; there is still a lot of froth in this industry.”

“Among so many internet companies, I am most optimistic about Alibaba. I believe this company is destined to achieve great things. After graduation, I hope to work there.”

Listening to Su Huiqiang, Qin Jingqiu smiled and nodded repeatedly.

Zhang Meilan was also beaming, “This child has been sharp since he was small. His father and I don’t have much education; nowadays, we can hardly keep up with his conversations, only you can chat with him.”

“That’s good; it’s good for young people to be active thinkers. Much better than those who just bury noses in their books,” Qin Jingqiu encouraged.

As they were talking, a clanging ringing sound suddenly came from the door; all three turned to look and saw a small Wuling van driving in.

Seeing a young man in shorts and a T-shirt get off the van, Zhang Meilan couldn’t help but be surprised, wondering why this delivery person did not use the back door and swaggered through the front instead.

“Auntie, long time no see,” said Jiang Qin as he approached with his items.

Qin Jingqiu instantly beamed, “You busy man still remember to visit me?”

“I just arrived in Shanghai yesterday, rested at the hotel for a day and came straight here, didn’t dare to delay.”

Zhang Meilan was surprised, “Who is this?”

Qin Jingqiu hesitated, “He is…”

“A relative,” Jiang Qin quickly replied for Qin Jingqiu.

Qin Jingqiu felt the description was quite apt, “Yes, a relative.”

After hearing this, Zhang Meilan thought this must be some distant relative, considering the Qin and Feng families’ status, this person wouldn’t just drive a van otherwise.

Qin Jingqiu introduced Jiang Qin to Zhang Meilan and her son Su Huiqiang, then excused herself to go upstairs to call Feng Shihua.

It was one thing to host relatives she barely knew herself; there was no need to involve her husband as well.

But Jiang Qin’s visit was different — essentially, it was like the prospective son-in-law’s first visit, and it would be impolite for the father-in-law not to show up.

“Shihua, come downstairs; meet the guest.”

“I am practicing calligraphy, dear. Haven’t we agreed that I generally don’t show up on such occasions, so you can talk freely?”

Qin Jingqiu gave him a look, “It’s not my cousin sister-in-law; Jiang Qin is here.”

“Jiang Qin is here?” Feng Shihua was startled and immediately put down his brush to head outside.

“Wait a moment.”

“What’s up?”

Qin Jingqiu looked at him, “Change into something more formal before you go.”

Feng Shihua glanced at his ordinary home clothes — not exactly pajamas but certainly casual, “Isn’t this alright?”

“How can that be alright? Jiang Qin is here for the first time; you need to present yourself better.”

“Our Nanshu isn’t even married yet.”

Qin Jingqiu pursed her lips, “That’s because you were too busy during the New Year and didn’t come with me to Jizhou. I guess Nanshu even feels like she’s already married.”

Feng Shihua then reluctantly changed his clothes, feeling somewhat nervous, “Is this okay?”

“That’s better,” Qin Jingqiu adjusted his collar.

Meanwhile, in the living room downstairs, Jiang Qin sat opposite Zhang Meilan and Su Huiqiang without much desire to speak, just quietly observing his surroundings.

Truth be told, he had seen many villas, including President He’s, but there weren’t many European-style buildings that he found pleasing.

He considered whether to gift a set of this type to Zhang Boiqing and Professor Yan; the two old men would probably be thrilled.

From the perspective of the mother and son across, Jiang Qin seemed a bit like Granny Liu entering the Grand View Garden, somewhat out of his element.

“Sheshan Manor is an example of classic European architecture, designed by Michael, a master architect from Southern California. He excels at capturing the aristocratic essence of European styles; this is his first work in our country.”

Jiang Qin was taken aback and said, “Awesome,” but couldn’t help wondering, wasn’t Michael a dancer? Why was he building houses now?

Zhang Meilan smiled proudly, pleased by her son’s knowledge.

Just then, Qin Jingqiu and Feng Shihua came downstairs, both dressed more formally than before.

Zhang Meilan was slightly flattered and promptly greeted Feng Shihua warmly.

Although Uncle Feng hadn’t come down for the mother and son, since they were right there, it was only polite to converse with them.

Of course, while chatting was fine, his main task was to observe Jiang Qin.

“Jiang Qin, how did you come here?”

“Uncle, I drove here,” Jiang Qin pointed to his little van.

Feng Shihua found it amusing, “You came in a little van?”

“This car is pretty good, even has air conditioning. Very cool,” said Jiang Qin.

Hearing this, Su Huiqiang couldn’t hold back a chuckle, but he pretended to cough to cover it up, maintaining his usual composure.

Afterwards, Qin Jingqiu invited them to dine in the restaurant and whispered to Jiang Qin that her aunt’s braised pork ribs were especially delicious, urging him to eat more.

Jiang Qin enthusiastically agreed, even joking that he would eat the share of the ‘little rich girl’ for her, making Qin Jingqiu very happy.

However, normally only the two of them dined at Qin Jingqiu’s home, so there were only two chairs in the dining room. One of Jiang Qin’s best traits was never seeing himself as an outsider. Noticing the shortage of chairs, he turned to look for more.

The moment he brought one over, Zhang Meilan took it from him; then as he brought a second, Su Huiqiang took it.

It wasn’t until Jiang Qin brought a third chair and sat down that Zhang Meilan showed a surprised expression, thinking that even such a distant relative was invited to dine, perhaps her cousin was too gracious.

“You’re dining with us?” asked Su Huiqiang, a college student without much tact, surprisedly blurting out.

Qin Jingqiu’s face changed instantly, clearly annoyed, thinking, ‘You’re the ones shamelessly mooching off us, and he is practically my son-in-law!’

Before she could speak, Jiang Qin had already settled down, “I’ll not dine with you. I’ll just have some side dishes. Auntie mentioned the dishes are tasty and besides, I’m on a diet, cutting down on carbs.”

Hearing this, Feng Shihua was even more impressed with his prospective son-in-law; he couldn’t understand how such a young guy could speak so tactfully. His emotional intelligence seemed extraordinarily high.

His words not only covered up for the distant relative’s tactless remark, saving everyone’s face, but also managed to appear obedient to his wife-to-be—it seemed like Nanshu truly found a gem.

Jiang Qin wasn’t usually so patient, but since it was his first visit, he didn’t want to leave the ‘little rich girl’s’ uncle and aunt with a bad impression; otherwise, he might have already called a truckload of Pintuan crew with vans.

“Jiang Qin, how’s the market doing for you now?”

“I’m focusing on second and third-tier cities; the competition in first-tier cities is too fierce, and I’m not yet planning to get involved.”

Hearing Feng Shihua and Jiang Qin suddenly dive into business talk, Su Huiqiang was taken aback, his expression blank.

Feng Shihua then continued, “I’ve been following this industry recently too; the competition in the first-tier cities is indeed crazy.”

“It can’t stay crazy for long, uncle. If there’s no progress by year’s end, the small capital won’t hold up. Most investors, aside from professional pushers, hope to see a sizable ROI soon.”

Jiang Qin put down his chopsticks, “If burning cash doesn’t show results, who would continue to throw money in? How can the capital market let consumers keep taking advantage of it?”

Su Huiqiang, hearing the mention of ROI, pursed his lips, now understanding the term meant ‘Return on Investment.’

Feng Shihua glanced at Jiang Qin, “So you’re saying this drama will end by year-end?”

“By the end of the year, useless websites and weak small capitals will be ousted, with internet giants stepping in, picking their battles, and settling the scores. And this battlefield will not be limited to one city but nationwide.”

“Are you sure about that?”

Jiang Qin nodded, “Currently, the hottest website in Shanghai is Suixin Group. They got a five-million-dollar investment this May. I’ve checked and found that the investment company is intricately linked to Alibaba.”

Qin Jingqiu couldn’t help but speak, “Alibaba only invested five million, ensuring Suixin Group wouldn’t lose or win; actually, they aim to attract more capital for everyone to inflate the bubble together.”

“Auntie’s right. So starting from year-end, after the small capitals tire out, all websites will pursue city coverage, naturally enlarging the playing field for the big fish to smoothly reap the benefits.”

“I’ve always thought doing business in your twenties is foolhardy and rash, but your insight has surprised me.”

Feng Shihua fell silent for a moment, then added, “I know you’re gearing up for the last round; you can come to me when the time comes.”

“That might not be necessary; I still have several cards up my sleeve, plus the Eight Great Kings backing me up.”

As Jiang Qin spoke, he suddenly noticed Su Huiqiang stretching his chopsticks towards the braised pork ribs on his plate, so he smiled and swapped the ribs to his side.

Seeing this, Su Huiqiang was momentarily stunned, suddenly reminded of an experience from his childhood where, if he liked a dish at a banquet, his uncles and elders would happily move the dish toward him with smiling faces.

Zhang Meilan didn’t catch that detail but heard a keyword, “Qiangqiang, is Alibaba the company you mentioned before?”

“Yes…”

“Alibaba is indeed a great company. Our Qiangqiang wants to work there,” Zhang Meilan added for her son.

Feng Shihua gave a nod, appreciative, “That company is indeed good. Qiangqiang could likely make it.”

Suddenly, Qin Jingqiu spoke up, “I heard something earlier. Wasn’t President Pang trying to recruit you to Alibaba for a senior position?”

Jiang Qin nodded, “She mentioned it once. She said she hoped to work with me after I graduate, but whether she recruits me or not isn’t what’s important. Her underlying message was that they want to dominate.”

Su Huiqiang listened, stunned and a bit overwhelmed by the conversation.

He knew the discussion at the dinner table had nothing to do with him, yet he couldn’t help feeling restless and thought about leaving early.

After a pause, dinner ended. Zhang Meilan drove her BMW to take her son home, feeling something was amiss.

They had come to recognize the place and share a meal, but it somehow drained her son of his vitality.