Chapter 39

 

Ming Xi’s experience stepping into the Scully Hotel this time was completely different from the time she’d delivered clothes to Mr. Mills a few days ago.

The lounge and café on the first floor were packed. The few foreign businessman was surrounded by white-collar professionals in suits and ties.

Elegant women holding phones spoke fluent English, tossing around phrases about product quotations and shipping follow-ups.

Today, the people coming to Scully Hotel to discuss business were not only foreign trade bosses, but also ship agents, freight forwarders, and insurance company representatives.

It was Ming Xi’s first time seeing a scene like this. Before leaving Yicheng, she had attended the Yicheng Textile Conference while job-hunting. Most attendees were businessmen from nearby cities—the farthest being Hong Kong or Taiwan, brought in only after the local government spent considerable effort to put up a show.

But the Haigang Internatiol Trade Exchange Conference was truly connected to the global markets.

Times and platforms—these were the only things small people like her could rely on to grow.

Heat and restlessness surged inside her. Ming Xi tightened her palms helplessly. Today, she was still just a tiny, insignificant salesperson—

Just someone delivering crispy candies to Mr. Mills—a lowly figure.

Standing in the bustling lobby, Ming Xi appeared calm, yet deep down she knew she was a “three-no” person: no resources, no clients, and no professional qualifications. However, she had already read the informational materials for the foreign trade qualification exam, and she was sure to pass it. She just had to wait for the exam notice.

Ming Xi had been paying attention to the foreign trade industry for a long time, so the moment she stepped into this hotel she carefully observed and absorbed everything. She held in her breath the whole time…

Even though she was a layman who had never seen the world, she maintained a calm demeanor.

Since she was here, she wasn’t in a hurry to leave.

She couldn’t afford to stay in this hotel, but she could afford a cup of coffee. After finishing her errand, she would buy one and find a seat.

She wasn’t a hunter yet, and couldn’t snag clients, but she could learn how these people negotiated and communicated. If the price of a cup of coffee could buy her a little learning experience, it would be a great deal.

Looking at the gathering of foreign guests, clients, and bosses, Ming Xi wondered if Mr. Mills was also busy entertaining others and might not have time to see her.

Never mind, Ming Xi decided not to take too much credit. A favor was still a favor, even without meeting face-to-face; and if he happened to forget, she had still gained a valuable experience just setting foot in the Scully Hotel today.

Ming Xi went to the front desk again.

The staff at the Scully’s front desk were very busy today. Ming Xi waited for a while before a receptionist in a beige suit finally greeted her and asked if she was checking in. Ming Xi took the candy in her hand and said, “This is for Mr. Mills, who stays in room 1880. He asked me to buy it for him, but he might be busy right now. Please pass it on to him.”

“Of course, one moment.” The receptionist checked the computer, then looked up politely. “Mr. Mills is still staying with us—

“Please register here,” the receptionist handed her a small, elegant card.

“Thank you.” Ming Xi grabbed a pen and began writing “To: Mr. Mills.”

After writing the note, Ming Xi removed the candy from the bag and prepared to insert the card into the outer wrapper. She was so careful and focused the entire time that she didn’t notice someone nearby had been staring at her for a long time.

Just as she was about to hand the bag to the receptionist, a voice—polite but hollow—rang beside her:

“Ming Xi… Miss Ming?”

Ming Xi turned and saw He Yuan, one of the bosses of Haiou Foreign Trade. He stood with practiced elegance, his gaze still lingering on her—as though he had been observing her for quite a while.

“What a coincidence, Mr. He,” Ming Xi greeted casually.

“Not really. Practically every foreign trade boss in Haigang city is here these days. My being here is perfectly normal,” He Yuan explained.

Indeed, He Yuan had been standing there for almost two minutes, watching Ming Xi inquire after Mr. Mills and ask the front desk to pass along the candy.

Mr. Mills had entrusted many people with the task of finding this candy, yet it was found by someone completely unexpected. He had been struggling to find a suitable gift or token—well, now he had one right here.

“Ming Xi, how have you been lately?” He Yuan asked with a friendly smile. Before presenting a request, one must make small talk.

Intentional conversation often has an agenda.

Ming Xi stood calmly, the corners of her lips carrying a modest smile. She was always confident but never delusional. What status did she have that a foreign trade boss would approach her with such politeness?

Ming Xi’s quick mind, after a moment’s reflection, guessed why He Yuan had called her.

“I’ve been doing well. Closed a few big orders recently, though compared to your company’s orders, they’re nothing.” Ming Xi also spoke in a roundabout way, not forgetting to praise He Yuan.

He Yuan clicked his tongue twice, then finally asked, “Ming Xi, one question—do you know Mr. Mills?”

… As expected, she guessed correctly. He Yuan went for the candy in her hand.

“Yes, I know him. I just happened to be delivering something to Mills the other day,” Ming Xi stated confidently, omitting the part where Liang Jiancheng introduced her to him. She simply remarked on what a wonderful client Mr. Mills was. “He’s very nice, but I don’t know why he insisted on bringing back Yunnan crispy candies. I went to great lengths to get them for him.”

Ming Xi even showed it to He Yuan.

A vague, indescribable look flashed through his eyes, followed by a comfortable smile. His appearance was ordinary but proper—not as striking as Liang Jiancheng, but still refined enough for a businessman.

“Ming Xi, the thing is, I happen to be going upstairs to see Mr. Mills. How about I pass it on for you?” He Yuan suggested.

Ming Xi looked at He Yuan, feeling amused. She felt that Boss He treated her like a child. Even children knew how to handle their own affairs. Why would she delegate such a ‘small matter’ to someone else?

But she was no longer the blunt, inexperienced girl from last year’s interview. Her dark eyes glimmered with intelligence, her smile carrying a hint of deliberate insight.

“Oh? Mr. He, are you trying to steal the credit for a little girl’s hard work?” Ming Xi joked, exposing his intention without malice.

She wasn’t easy to fool, and He Yuan wasn’t embarrassed. He said, “How much is your candy? I’ll pay ten times as much for it.”

Oh, ten times?

She loved hearing things phrased that way.

If only another boss would jump in and bid, her trip would be even more worthwhile.

Scheming playfully, she spoke unhurriedly, her tone laced with polite difficulty: “Mr. He, I really would like to give you the candy, but Mr. Mills sincerely asked me to help him. I searched almost the entire city to find it. I’d still prefer to deliver it under my own name. If he remembers this favor, maybe next time he’s in China he’ll come to Longmao to buy a few more pieces of clothing and help boost my sales.”

Businessmen understand the balance of interests best. Although wasn’t one—yet—she wasn’t stupid.

Ming Xi’s words, which took into account both feelings and interests, were sincere and realistic. After listening to them, He Yuan realized that he had really underestimated this out-of-town girl who came to interview for the foreign trade assistant position.

He should have added a few hundred yuan to the offer last year to keep her!

He regretted it inwardly, but the smile on his face only grew more amiable, even showing a hint of praise. Then he spoke almost pleadingly: “Ming Xi, let me be honest with you. I came to see Mr. Mills to discuss an order. If we secure it, it won’t just be a few hundred yuan in commission. How about this—if it’s the commission you want, I’ll come to Longmao tomorrow and buy seventeen, eighteen, nineteen pieces from you. I’ll make sure your monthly performance skyrockets!”

People like to hear nice words. Ming Xi was no exception.

Perhaps, she should also do Boss He this favor. Who knew—if she wanted to switch to foreign trade someday, she might end up working under him.

Compared to Mr Mills’s unreachable distance and status, giving this favor to He Yuan might actually help her more. Ming Xi thought to herself.

“It’s fine, I was just kidding, Mr. He,” Ming Xi said with a bright smile. She withdrew all earlier teasing and adopted a respectful tone as she prepared to hand the crispy candy to him. “Since this crispy candy is so important to you, and I happen to have it, of course I’ll give it to you for free. Haiou was the first company that interviewed me, and you were the first person to recognize me and give me a chance. The most important thing in life is to repay kindness. I can’t be an ungrateful person!”

Ming Xi spoke with such sincerity and generosity that He Yuan felt happy and relieved.

“Thank you!”

He reached out with both hands to take the candy.

But behind them, another voice suddenly sounded—a familiar clear, cool tone.

Ming Xi turned around. Liang Jiancheng stood two meters away, posture straight, his sharp jawline raised slightly, expression open and confident, his presence both sharp and steady. His gaze paused on her briefly. Seeing her exchanging polite words with Boss He didn’t surprise him.

Liang Jiancheng approached, still acting as a friend.

Compared to Ming Xi, who didn’t react much, He Yuan stiffened when he saw a competitor. He spoke first, preemptively: “Mr. Liang, you’re not thinking of taking this crispy candy too, are you?”

Huh?

Did Liang Jiancheng want it? Ming Xi blinked, unable to stop her gaze from landing on his face. He looked calm, showing no interest in the candy.

But because of He Yuan’s question, he seemed a bit interested—almost as if he was more curious about her reaction than the candy.

One was the boss of the company who had interviewed her, while the other was a friend and the son of her benefactor. Obviously, one relationship outweighed the other…

Suddenly, Ming Xi felt she was being a bit heartless—and she did feel guilty.

What she didn’t know was that Haiou and Xinghai had been competing over Mr. Mills’ order for a long time. From early prototyping and sample delivery onwards, the two had been rivals. At present, seven companies were on the race.

But Haiou and Xinghai were having the best odds.

Besides Mr. Mills, He Yuan had been troubled by Liang Jiancheng for the past year. Xinghai, a newly established company, had already been edging ahead of Haiou in sales last year, and this spring, its momentum had intensified, nearly surpassing Haiou. If Xinghai snatched this major order, Haiou’s reputation in the industry would likely be eclipsed by Xinghai’s.

So…

Liang Jiancheng’s sudden appearance and calling Ming Xi by name—no wonder He Yuan instinctively fired that provocative question.

Though his words contained provocation, competitors saw each other constantly; there was no need to be overly polite.

Liang Jiancheng only smiled at the implied offense. His gaze drifted down from Ming Xi’s face and landed on the crisp candy in her hand.

He had no intention of stealing anyone’s achievement. He was just surprised—this candy was extremely hard to find, yet she had managed to get it.

Seeing Liang Jiancheng’s gaze fixed on the candy, Ming Xi must have misunderstood that Liang Jiancheng wanted it too.

She looked at the candy she had not yet given away and suddenly felt that its value—and her own—had risen.

On one side was a friend.

On the other was a boss she might need in the future.

To her, this wasn’t difficult at all.

He Yuan feared she might fall for a handsome face. Chuckling, he leaned closer and said: “Ming Xi, I still mean what I said before—if you ever want to switch to foreign trade, Haiou will always welcome you. And you wouldn’t have to start as an assistant. I believe you have the ability to be an independent foreign trade rep.”

Listen to that… business owners really know how to sweet-talk.

There wasn’t a sentence she didn’t like.

Ming Xi grinned, her bright eyes rippling like clear water catching the light.

Since He Yuan was saying such nice things, she obviously couldn’t disappoint him. Without hesitation, she offered the candy with both hands: “Even though Mr. Liang and I have known each other longer, I should still give what I promised to you—

“Best of luck, Mr. He.”

“Thank you, Ming Xi, thank you, Miss Ming!” He Yuan took the gift, clasped his hands together, and said to her gratefully, “Later, I’ll definitely come to Longmao next time to pick clothes. Choose a few nice ones for me.”

Ming Xi nodded slightly, a polite smile playing on her lips, “Then I look forward to Mr. He’s visit.”

He Yuan: “I definitely will, definitely will!”

For a salesperson, the excitement of anticipating a big order was no different from foreign trade bosses eagerly waiting on overseas clients.

Shameless anticipation…

That was also how she felt every time she encountered Liang Jiancheng.

Once He Yuan left with the candy, Liang Jiancheng remained standing there. Clearly, he hadn’t stayed out of boredom—he was waiting for her.

She felt a little guilty, but ignoring him would be rude.

“If you need it too… I can give you the address where I bought the candy,” Ming Xi offered, walking up to Liang Jiancheng.

Liang Jiancheng replied, “I don’t need it.”

…Oh, that’s good. She must have misunderstood.

“That’s great, or else I would’ve felt bad,” Ming Xi said politely.

“Why would you feel bad?” Liang Jiancheng asked, pretending to be clueless.

Why?

“Because you’re my friend. Of course I’d think of you first. From Mr. He’s attitude earlier, your company must be competing with his. If my candy can be of some use to Mr. He, it might also be of some use to you. It’s only right and proper for me to give it to you.”

Compared to Liang Jiancheng’s pretentiousness, Ming Xi’s response was more forthright.

“… So I was afraid you’d be angry. Since you’re not, that’s great.”

She finished her explanation and withdrew her gaze with a smile. But Liang’s next words caught her completely off guard—

“What if I’m angry?” The height difference caused Liang Jiancheng to lower his gaze slightly, and for a moment, he couldn’t control himself and asked something that even he found awkward. His delicate eyelashes fluttered uncontrollably.

“…” Ming Xi’s thick lashes fluttered too. She was silent for a moment, then lifted her hand and made a small gesture in the air: “Please wait a moment, Mr. Liang.”

Ming Xi turned around and quickly took a piece of free candy from the hotel’s front desk. Then, she casually and lightly offered it to Liang Jiancheng.

“If Mr. Liang plans to be petty with me over this, I then I can only treat you like a child and coax you with a candy,” Ming Xi said, her lips curling slightly, a relaxed expression that hinted at a half-smile.

Completely earnest, she placed the free candy into Liang Jiancheng’s hand. Straightening up, she blinked at him and repeated the same polite line: “I wish Mr. Liang good luck, too.”

Liang Jiancheng’s eyes softened and calmed as he accepted the candy. He hadn’t expected the girl who once begged his father for a job could now handle him as easily as coaxing a child.

“Thank you,” he said, His Adam’s apple rolled slightly; his eyes were focused, tinged with disbelief.

“As long as Mr. Liang doesn’t dislike it,” Ming Xi said naturally. She ended the joke and added more earnestly, with a hint of apology, “If you really want it, I can help pick up some crispy candy for you later.”

Liang Jiancheng made his point clear, “Ming Xi, I truly have no thoughts about the candy. Since Mr. He already went up with it, if I buy two more packs now, it won’t be a gift anymore—just baggage.”

“So I didn’t burden Mr. Liang, right?” She asked politely, though she felt no real guilt.

“No, a packet of crispy candy can’t decide anything.” Liang Jiancheng’s tone was light, even a little amused.

“That’s what I thought too. Mr. Liang has strong ability and good temperament. If I were Mr. Mills, I’d also like to work with a boss like you.” Ming Xi continued to coax him. The crispy candy was given to Mr. He, and the nice words were given to Mr. Liang.

Liang Jiancheng accepted that one piece of candy, but as for Ming Xi’s flattery, he could only smile helplessly and gently reminded her, “You said the same thing to Mr. He before, right?”

“Of course not.” Ming Xi pressed her lips together, unembarrassed at all by her blatant diplomacy. “Besides, whatever I say, Mr. Liang can always judge accurately. You’re smart—you know I say these auspicious little things just to make you happy. If you’re happy, then my intention is delivered.”

Since it was for good luck, he accepted it. Liang suddenly met her gaze. He didn’t speak immediately; his eyelashes blinked once, then twice—each blink seeming to carry some subtle, enchanting rhythm. Then he spoke: “Ming Xi, you really are quite the—”

He paused.

Ming Xi looked up. “Quite the what?”

Liang Jiancheng thought for a moment, and came up with a word, deliberately teasing: “Water-balancing masterMeaning someone who balances relationships expertly.”

Ming Xi’s face flushed slightly.

She knew how to flatter; he knew how to tease. Perfectly even.

Liang’s expression steadied., “Are you leaving soon?”

Ming Xi glanced at the coffee shop not far away, and without hiding the slight desire in her eyes, she said, “I want to have a cup of coffee before leaving.”

Liang Jiancheng: “Come with me.”

Ming Xi didn’t understand but followed him to the coffee shop on the right side of the hotel lobby. He told the staff with practiced ease: “One cappuccino, and an afternoon tea set. Charge it to Xinghai Foreign Trade.”

Ming Xi: …

Liang Jiancheng had already resumed his composed and noble demeanor, said to her, “I said I’d treat you to coffee in Longmao, but I never got around to it. So, now is the day to fulfill my promise.”

Ming Xi felt a bit embarrassed, a bit amused, but she accepted the treat graciously.

Liang Jiancheng had business to handle, so he couldn’t stay to drink coffee with her. He walked away, long steps tapping against the polished marble floor. The small candy remained in his palm before naturally slipping into his suit pocket.

He strode out confidently. Unlike other businessmen whose steps were either anxious or forcedly imposing, his were steady and relaxed—his easy grace apparent even from behind.

—

Ming Xi enjoyed coffee and afternoon tea set at the Scully Hotel. She intentionally sat among the crowd, removing her blazer and hanging it over the sofa armrest, revealing her crisp white shirt. Holding her coffee leisurely, face thoughtful, she genuinely looked like a foreign trade rep waiting for clients.

Sure enough, someone approached her with an advertisement flyer—unexpectedly, it was the same gold-chain-wearing, Jaguar-driving middle-aged man.

He hadn’t realized she was a passenger in the taxi behind him. Seeing the exquisite snacks and coffee before her, he completely mistook her for a respectable businessperson.

He respectfully handed her a product flyer.

“Hello, I’m from Japan-America Company. We produce chemical products. Please help us promote or represent our products,” The gold-necklace man bowed slightly.

Ming Xi’s mouth parted in mild surprise.

…If she hadn’t seen the man’s arrogant attitude in the taxi earlier, she wouldn’t have been so shocked by his humble manner now.

“Alright, I’ll take a look.” Slightly masking her reaction, Ming Xi leaned over, calmly accepting the flyer and waving at the other person.

Signalling the other person to give her the flyer and tell him to leave.

Oh my god, she actually had a talent for putting on airs!

One led to another, and soon, Ming Xi had nearly ten product flyers in her possession.

These days, factories popped up like bamboo shoots—products were everywhere, but companies capable of selling it to foreigners were few. Many small businesses lacked proper sales departments; the boss was the lead salesperson, and product sales depended entirely on the boss’s skill.

Ming Xi had gained a lot, and after finishing her cup of coffee, she was reluctant to leave. Just then, a familiar figure approached the coffee shop.

This time, Ming Xi didn’t act embarrassed. She set aside the stack of flyers and waved.

He Yuan walked over.

Ming Xi had done him such a big favor, and He Yuan had been thinking about buying her a cup of coffee if he ran into her downstairs. Unexpectedly, someone else beat him to it.

“Was it Mr. Liang from Xinghai who picked up the bill?”

Ming Xi smiled warmly, her brows raised slightly. “Mr. He is really sharp—you guessed it so quickly. Did you guess that I couldn’t bear to pay for such an expensive afternoon tea myself?”

He Yuan was caught off guard and laughed awkwardly, quickly explaining: “No, no, I just used my male intuition. Beautiful women never lack people willing to pay for them. I was simply in a rush to meet Mr. Mills earlier. Otherwise, I would’ve gladly paid for today’s afternoon tea.”

Ming Xi propped her chin with one hand, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. She lifted one of the flyers, lightly weighing it, and noticed an exhibition address printed below.

Before He Yuan arrived, she had also seen Haiou Foreign Trade’s introduction on one of the flyers.

Haiou was indeed a well-established foreign trade company in Haigang.

“With Mr. He’s gentlemanly demeanor, of course you wouldn’t take advantage of an out-of-town girl like me.” Ming Xi said lightly, tilting her head just a little.

Her expression was half-serious, half-playful as she looked at him.

He Yuan froze for a moment before nodding.

He had worked in foreign trade for years, built his own foreign trade company, and was nearing forty. He had been in the business world for many years and had met many people, especially women.

Bold young women were not uncommon nowadays, but ones who were bold without being offensive were rare. At that moment, Ming Xi looked at him openly, with bright, lively eyes—like a bonfire suddenly lit in a spring night field. Brilliant, warm, even a little courageously revealing.

The intelligence and purity in her gaze were also completely unrestrained.

“Since someone has already treated me to coffee, Mr. He, why don’t you treat me to something else?”

Ming Xi curled her lips, speaking playfully.

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