Chapter 16

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Leaders sure know how to seize opportunities!

A group of officials, led by provincial leaders, personally came forward to thank Zhou Yuqi.

Naturally, this led to exchanging names.

So, they became acquainted.

Compared to Xiang Hui, Zhou Yuqi was not only superior in appearance.

Although born into a prestigious family, his manners and demeanor were impeccable, without a hint of arrogance.

Such excellence was regrettably marred by his physical disability.

Many sighed inwardly.

The leaders had already suspected, based on John’s behavior, that Zhou Yuqi was deeply connected to Changning Holdings. Now, seeing him directly command the hotel general manager confirmed their thoughts, and they were certain he was the sole heir of Hong Kong’s Changning Holdings.

After the reform and opening-up, Changning Holdings was among the first Hong Kong investors in the mainland, maintaining very good relations here.

The current head, Zhou Changning, had once stood atop the city gate tower.

And Zhou Yuqi was Zhou Changning’s only son.

To boost the economy, many officials were well-informed about Hong Kong affairs, and Fengcheng’s leaders were no exception. They knew the Zhou family, though not counted among the four great Hong Kong tycoon families and with a slightly smaller industrial scale than the Zhanhong Group, was an old and wealthy clan with deep financial reserves beyond outsiders’ grasp.

The main reason Zhou Yuqi had remained low-profile was that for over a decade, he hadn’t developed business in Hong Kong.

Upon learning that Mr. Zhou was indeed Zhou Yuqi, the leaders were so delighted they might have set off firecrackers at the entrance, and eagerly engaged him in conversation for days, hoping to attract more investment to Fengcheng.

Li Shanshan stood idly among the crowd, watching Zhou Yuqi navigate the discussions with ease.

His speech was gentle, his movements graceful; though exuding a powerful aura, it was not sharp or cutting, but rather refreshing, like a spring breeze.

The leaders, perceptive as always, noticed Zhou Yuqi’s tired expression and promptly wrapped up the conversation, watching as his bodyguards escorted him into the elevator.

Since Zhou Yuqi had moved in, Xiang Hui seemed like a timid quail, leaving most official matters to John.

Li Shanshan knew he was hiding something.

At least, things were quieter.

Work progressed swiftly.

After several meetings, Fengcheng’s officials and Qilin Technology quickly finalized their cooperation.

The contract was signed on Friday morning.

John led the entire process; Xiang Hui was merely a rubber stamp, responsible for signing.

Li Shanshan, young and a temporary interpreter, did not participate in the signing and was unaware of the agreement’s details, but she knew both parties were pleased and clearly benefiting each other.

Once the work concluded, Xiang Hui and others set their return schedule.

With Zhou Yuqi present, Xiang Hui could barely wait to leave.

He did not want to stay a moment longer!

According to reports from a world-class wealth magazine, Yang Hailin ranked high on the Chinese tycoon list, while Zhou Yuqi remained unknown. Xiang Hui himself had married Zhou Yuqi’s previous betrothed from a past life, disrupting what should have been a smooth path for Zhou Yuqi. Though proud and self-satisfied, he still feared Zhou Yuqi.

Even though he was no longer a low-level employee under Changning Real Estate.

Before his rebirth, Xiang Hui was an inconspicuous staff member at Changning Real Estate’s Guangzhou branch. Though born on the same year, month, and day as Zhou Yuqi, his family background, abilities, and looks were all vastly inferior.

Zhou Yuqi had married two wives in succession, both praising him, while Xiang Hui?

Both his two wives turned cold and heartless.

His first wife had dated him for five years before finally marrying him; they had two daughters. But a few years later, unwilling to have a son, she asked for a divorce.

She took half of a Guangzhou property worth hundreds of thousands, half the savings, took the two daughters away, demanded a large amount of child support, then used her share to buy a house in Shanghai. Remarkably, she even secured a Shanghai blue stamp household registration under the policies then, becoming a prospective new Shanghainese.

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Her life developed even better than before the divorce, which was hard for Xiang Hui to accept.

At that time, Xiang Hui was deeply disappointed, while Zhou Yuqi was holding a grand wedding in Hong Kong for his young bride, handing out red envelopes to all employees under Changning Holdings.

Xiang Hui received eight hundred yuan.

Could eight hundred yuan heal his wounds?

No, it could not.

His second wife was even worse.

After several years and a hefty bride price, Xiang Hui was introduced to a younger, more beautiful wife. But she had previously been married at home, though without a marriage certificate. After marrying, she came to Guangzhou to work at Qilin Technology’s factory doing electronic assembly. Two years into marriage, her husband showed up, making Xiang Hui a laughingstock!

In contrast, Zhou Yuqi, his peer, had a doting wife and children and a flourishing career.

Fortunately, he was reborn.

Rebirth changed everything!

Xiang Hui was especially grateful to heaven for his streak of luck, which allowed him to marry Yang Hailin and enter high society smoothly, becoming a life winner. Only Li Shanshan had not taken the bait, so he dared not act rashly.

If only Li Shanshan would agree to be his second wife, life would be truly perfect.

Li Shanshan was truly beautiful!

In three or four years, she would reach the peak of her beauty.

Radiant and captivating, a national beauty.

Xiang Hui had secretly observed that in recent days, Li Shanshan and Zhou Yuqi had met. After all, they both stayed at the Ronghua Hotel. Leaders actively visited Zhou Yuqi but did not approach him as the gold-diggers in past reports did, who threw themselves at him. It was unclear how those women had gotten close to him before.

Many women lingered near Zhou Yuqi’s door recently, trying to find chances to get close.

Vanity and materialism were innate to women.

Some waitresses even flirted with him secretly, but Assistant Wang swiftly dismissed them.

With Li Shanshan shining so brightly, Xiang Hui naturally looked down on those plain women. Since there were no signs of progress between Li Shanshan and Zhou Yuqi, he could safely return to Hong Kong to manage his property before the market dropped drastically next year, avoiding a severe blow. He planned to come back as a good Samaritan once Li Shanshan ran out of tuition and had to drop out.

It was a happy decision.

Without hesitation, Xiang Hui told John to book afternoon flights.

John agreed.

Few would fly; afternoon flights were plentiful.

Before departure, John found Li Shanshan. “Li, I asked around. Josephine’s garment factory does have a large batch of surplus stock. Can you handle it?”

“How large?” Li Shanshan perked up immediately.

John had been silent for days, and she almost thought he’d forgotten his promise.

Thankfully, he hadn’t.

John smiled, wrinkles creasing his face. “About 400,000 pieces, covering spring, summer, autumn, and winter fashions. Most are overproduced items; a few have minor defects and can’t be exported, so they’re piled up in the warehouse. They’re all recent models. Quality is reliable; I can guarantee that.”

Li Shanshan felt confident she could manage and asked about the price.

“Three hundred thousand yuan,” John said, surprised at how cheap the surplus was.

Li Shanshan clenched her fist. “I want it all. When can it ship? Do I need to pay a deposit? I don’t have much cash, but I can come up with a few tens of thousands.”

At worst, she could sell two pieces of rare jade she had found.

Money was the priority.

With money, she could buy more ancient jade.

John waved his hand. “Since I said you could pay after recouping funds, there’s no need for a deposit upfront. Is my trust not worth three hundred thousand? I’ve informed Josephine. She was surprised but agreed and instructed the factory to start counting, packing, and sorting. The goods should arrive in Fengcheng within half a month if all goes smoothly. If you’re worried, you can inspect the goods at the factory before shipment, or check upon arrival and return any defective items.”

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Li Shanshan was overjoyed. “Thank you, thank you!”

She trusted Yang Hailin’s credibility.

“No need for thanks,” John smiled at her beautiful face. “You gave me that jadeite, and Josephine thinks highly of you. She’s willing to open doors for you.”

Yang Hailin’s meaning was clear: this girl was no ordinary person; it was better to befriend her than to antagonize her.

The garment factory faxed over a formal contract for selling the surplus stock.

Li Shanshan wasn’t yet eighteen; it was too late to call her father. John had her sign the preliminary contract so they could proceed, and her father would later countersign after inspection, avoiding difficulties if the goods didn’t pass.

Li Shanshan was naturally grateful.

After sending Xiang Hui and John off at the airport, her work was done, and she had successfully earned five thousand yuan.

The Fengcheng translation agency extended all interpreters’ stays at the Ronghua Hotel by one night; they could check out the next morning, indicating the work had been quite profitable.

Li Shanshan then withdrew thirty thousand yuan from the bank and hurried to find Chen Bing to inquire about renting a market stall.

Zhou Yuqi coincidentally saw her and was about to greet her, but she vanished like the wind.

He couldn’t catch her.

Upon hearing that Yang Hailin’s garment factory sold 400,000 pieces for 300,000 yuan—less than 0.8 yuan per piece on average—the profit margin was visibly huge. Chen Bing’s eyes lit up and immediately instructed Secretary Qin to personally take Li Shanshan to view three stalls and a warehouse prepared for her, all located in Fengcheng’s wholesale market for clothing, shoes, and hats, three stalls connected.

The market land still belonged to the state, and to boost the economy, rent was not expensive, with many concessions for ordinary tenants. Li Shanshan’s thirty thousand yuan could rent the space for a year.

Of course, they gave her a discount.

Additionally, by regulation, she was offered a nearby commercial apartment with a five-year lease, rent to be paid by herself.

All tenants had such benefits; she was no exception.

Chen Bing saw potential in her business and hoped it would stimulate Fengcheng’s and neighboring towns’ economies, even if it was insignificant compared to Qilin Technology’s investments.

Having connections in government made things easier.

The location was prime and spacious; the stalls were visible right upon entering the wholesale market.

Everyone knew Li Shanshan was underage, so when Secretary Qin handed her the lease contract, he said, “You have a couple of days off. Take it home, have your father sign it, and bring it back. No rush.”

Li Shanshan immediately called Li Chunrong to pass the message and asked her father to come the next day.

After ending the call, Secretary Qin smiled and said, “The leaders and Mr. Zhou have a dinner planned in a private room at the Ronghua Hotel. They want you to join. Please do us the honor.”

Li Shanshan feigned ignorance, “Mr. Zhou has been speaking Mandarin since his arrival; he doesn’t need an interpreter.”

“They didn’t say they wanted an interpreter. They just want you there for company,” Qin said. Having worked with Chen Bing for years, he was no newbie. “Don’t you want to get into the foreign trade surplus business? Knowing some wealthy people can’t hurt. Changning Holdings also has companies in the clothing industry, with scales not inferior to Ms. Yang’s factory.”

Li Shanshan was well aware.

If the Zhou family weren’t involved, how would she have met those clothing business owners?

It was just dinner.

She would go.

She hadn’t done anything to betray Zhou Yuqi.

The past was past; a new life was beginning.

She was no longer the Li Shanshan of the previous life, dependent on Zhou Yuqi in high society!