Chapter 568: Little Rich Girl’s Imported Candy
by xennovelStanding at the forefront took flight, dominating the entire emerging group-buying industry, and expanding into broader domains while wealth accumulates.
Clearly, a golden phoenix flying right out of Jizhou’s earthy nest surely captured the local leaders’ aspirations.
Cities need more than just funds to develop; they need industries that fuel the economic cycle. This illustrates the difference between “fish” and “fishing.”
Having fish you eat once; being able to fish allows you to eat perpetually.
Compared to Linchuan, a heavy industry city made wealthy by mining, Jizhou, which lacks industrial pillars, needs more investment attraction.
The mission of people’s entrepreneurs isn’t just about money making; giving back to society is a crucial aspect.
In 2009, Dongge built the country’s largest customer service center in his hometown, Shucheng, creating nearly 30,000 jobs, and Shucheng has continually digitalized its industries to boost the economy, moving closer to the e-commerce sector.
It’s said that in the years following, Shucheng alone built three e-commerce parks, putting its economy in a positive cycle.
Indeed, a successful entrepreneur’s resources and capabilities can bring significant opportunities to a city.
The leaders of Jizhou didn’t hesitate to invite Jiang Zhenghong for drinks, eyeing a future where they could persuade Jiang Qin to invest back home when the timing was right.
Revealing this drinking invites to his son was Jiang Zhenghong’s way of hinting at the intentions of Jizhou’s city leaders.
“With industries growing, it can’t stay small.”
“It will continue to expand, adopting more orphaned money, giving it a warm home…”
“However, some things indeed could be shifted to Jizhou; this way, not only could it propel Jizhou’s development but also lower my labor costs.”
Jiang Zhenghong changing shoes, sat on the sofa: “Act within your means, if it’s feasible, do it; if not, let it be. Don’t strain yourself.”
Jiang Qin nodded: “The same goes for you, drink if it feels right, stop if you don’t want to.”
“Your old dad’s dictionary lacks the word ‘don’t want to drink’… let’s eat, eat, eat!”
Jiang Zhenghong, carrying freshly brewed tea, ran down to the dining room.
Dumplings, indeed a hassle to make—neither old Jiang at home nor young Jiang enjoyed such privileges, both benefited from Feng Nanshu’s kindness.
Otherwise, such treatment was only available during New Year celebrations.
“Hm? Why are there two types of fillings?”
Yuan Youqin looked up at Jiang Qin: “Because there’s not much shepherd’s purse, and it’s troublesome to wrap, I had to make more, so I used the remaining meat for some chive fillings.”
Feng Nanshu lifted her delicate face: “I only had the shepherd’s purse ones.”
Jiang Qin picked up a chive dumpling and fed Feng Nanshu: “Which tastes better?”
“Both are delicious.”
“You really know how to make my mom happy.”
Yuan Youqin, watching Jiang Qin feed Feng Nanshu so naturally and gracefully, exchanged a knowing glance with Jiang Zhenghong.
This damn son playing the good friend act at home, now caught red-handed!
Observing his skilled method, presumably a routine at school.
Secured, grandchildren are on the way.
Yuan Youqin scooped some layered pork for Feng Nanshu, watching the snowflakes dance outside, felt like celebrating New Year’s early.
Feng Nanshu sat next to Jiang Qin, holding chopsticks, seemingly tipsy, her heirloom always swaying.
The family of four reunited once again.
The next morning, Yuan Youqin and Jiang Zhenghong took a direct leave, stating they needed a couple of days off.
Jiang Qin sent them money monthly; actually, the couple was already financially secure. Work was just a way to stay occupied.
With both Jiang Qin and Feng Nanshu back, rushing to work seemed unnecessary.
So early in the morning, Yuan Youqin started making breakfast and doing laundry, truly enjoying the busyness.
“Jiang Qin, do you have any clothes to wash?”
“Yes, they’re in the bag behind the door.”
“What about Nanshu’s?”
“Hers are with mine.”
Yuan Youqin wiped her hands, took out Jiang Qin’s bag, rummaged, and tossed a few clothes into the washing machine.
While searching, she found two best friend outfits.
One was a triangular roaring little tiger, and the other a square one.
Yuan Youqin held her breath, quietly shoved them back in, already visualizing grandchildren scampering around.
These kids, probably not just feeding each other at school…
At this time, Jiang Qin just finished a call with He Yijun, updating him on the plans for the group-buy headquarters in Shanghai.
Wanzhong Group had transitioned from mall operation to commercial real estate development, and in the past two years, the newly built Wanzhong Mall in Shanghai had opened, housing many Linchuan business group brands, becoming a landmark.
The Kyoto project hadn’t started yet, but its pre-sales had already finished, feeling like it was impossible to even get a spot.
Apart from that, they continually took on old mall renovation projects; currently, six in second and third-tier cities were completed, and three were undergoing remodeling.
It must be said, if a commercial real estate company has the right connections, its growth can indeed be swift.
Moreover, Qin’s company’s resources and connections were vast, and the golden silkwood’s cash-pulling ability was truly shocking. Once everything aligns, explosive growth is unstoppable.
“You want to build headquarters in Shanghai? But Wanzhong lacks office building construction experience. Maybe reconsider.”
“No second thoughts. Old He, you need to challenge yourself!”
“I’m mainly worried about a win-win situation…”
He Yijun ended the call and consulted with Qin Zhihuan: “Jiang Qin wants to build headquarters in Shanghai, hoping Wanzhong will take the project. What do you think?”
Qin Zhihuan slammed the table: “Great, let’s keep it within our own industries. No need to let outsiders benefit!”
“You’re not worried about a win-win?”
“So? We are family. A win wouldn’t hurt.”
He Yijun let a sigh escape and gradually got convinced. Yes, they were family.
His own awareness wasn’t quite enough, he reflected. Though Jiang Qin always aimed for win-wins, his business had indeed grown significantly over the years.
Meanwhile, Jiang Qin holding a water cup walked out of the bedroom and chanced upon his mother giving him a tender look by the washing machine.
Little did he know, Yuan Youqin was envisioning her future grandchildren from his and Feng Nanshu’s behavior.
“Jiang Qin, tell me, what’s the actual relationship between you and Nanshu now?”
Jiang Qin tilted his head: “Best friends, forever.”
Yuan Youqin narrowed her eyes: “Can’t you ever spit some truth?”
“I’m all about big truths, even Buddha would hear me boast so!”
Just then, Feng Nanshu also got out of bed, her face still sleepy. Subconsciously, she clung to Jiang Qin, following him from the living room to the kitchen and back.
Then she remembered she got up to pee, a total dazed moment.
“Nanshu, and you? What’s your relationship with Jiang Qin now?”
“Best friends, the kind that share a quilt.”
Feng Nanshu wore a dazed cute look, sneaked a glance at Jiang Qin, then switched back to her usual aloof expression.
After breakfast, the family of four dressed to head out for a day trip, discussing the destination, Yuan Youqin suggested visiting Baiyun Mountain and its temple on the summit to burn incense.
Jizhou’s fascination with feudal superstitions was pretty intense, so this temple always drew crowds.
Yuan Youqin and Jiang Zhenghong knelt sincerely, making wishes for Jiang Qin and Feng Nanshu.
Wishing them health and happiness first and foremost.
Then, early romance, many children, and a blissful life.
Jiang Qin took Feng Nanshu for a stroll on the mountain, taking in the views.
Winter at Baiyun Mountain wasn’t much to look at since the trees were bare and there were no flowers or greeneries, but walking aimlessly with a dear friend was still fun.
During their walk, Jiang Qin confiscated several candies from the little rich girl’s mouth.
He wasn’t fond of sweets, rarely drank milk tea, but now he ate them daily.
The little rich girl even flaunted the candy before him, cheeks puffed, clearly indicating, “I’m sneaking candy, come and confiscate it.”
Her naive intentions were obvious to all.
Yet, her mouth was delicately sweet, and once Jiang Qin tasted it, he couldn’t stop thinking about it.
“Feng Nanshu, I warn you, I’m heading towards diabetes, can we stop for a bit?”
“Sure, I’m feeling a bit dizzy too.”
Feng Nanshu replied softly, somewhat dazed from the kisses.
Just then, Yuan Youqin emerged from the temple, urging them to come quickly as she had sought divination for them, needing them there for the interpretation.
The old monk at Baiyun Temple sat promptly beside the divination table, looking serene with thick earlobes, radiating a Buddha-like aura.
Seeing Jiang Qin and Feng Nanshu enter, the old monk immediately asked: “What is your relationship now?”
“…”
Jiang Qin stole a glance at the Buddha statues above, daring not to utter nonsense, fearful of a lifelong friendship being misunderstood by Buddha.
“Even Buddha would hear me say so.”
Feng Nanshu, holding a little face, couldn’t bring herself to say ‘just friends’.
One can deceive oneself, but not Buddha.
Jiang Zhenghong was not in the great hall but had gone to offer incense. Returning, he noticed Yuan Youqin laughing uncontrollably, somewhat puzzled.
“Why so cheerful? Did you get a good divination?”
“The master asked about their relationship, Jiang Qin let him guess, but the monk considered them merely as good friends. Your son was anxious, accusing the monk of being a swindler, and repeatedly blessing with ‘Amitabha, How sinful!'”