Chapter 26

 

Ming Xi had just come out of the restroom when she was suddenly called over to the imported women’s clothing section to attend to a VIP guest.

She usually handled men’s apparel sales, so being asked to serve a women’s fashion client on short notice didn’t make much sense to her — mainly because she wondered whose sales numbers this would count toward.

Straightening the fitted blazer of her uniform and without even having time to reapply lipstick, Ming Xi walked briskly to the women’s section — and immediately saw someone familiar: Zhang Min, whom she’d met once before at Xinghai Foreign Trade.

Zhang Min also noticed her but, perhaps finding it inappropriate to greet her here, politely turned her gaze aside and continued to look up at the woman in front of her.

Standing next to Zhang Min was a woman who looked a bit older. Ming Xi had never seen her before, but at first glance, it clearly someone extraordinary.

Ming Xi had worked in the imported goods department for a while now and had met her share of wealthy and influential people. Even if she’d only seen them once, someone like this woman was not the kind she could forget.

If she could exchange a few words with her, it would surely leave a lasting impression.

Just then, Manager Li, who was accompanying the guest, addressed the woman as “Director Gu.” In that instant, Ming Xi understood — this confident, commanding woman must be Gu Shuangyang.

Gu Shuangyang, the Executive Chairwoman of Shuangyang Electronics.

The nationally renowned home appliance brand “Shuangyang” was named after her.

An undisputed business queen — not only a powerhouse among women, but a formidable figure even among men.

Manager Li had called her here without warning. Did he really think she had a relationship with Gu Shuangyang? Or was he giving her a chance to demonstrate her sales skills? Ming Xi hoped it was the latter.

Manager Li must have mentioned her earlier. When Ming Xi stepped forward to serve, Gu Shuangyang turned and asked, “Are you the female student recommended by Old Liang, Ming Xi?”

Old Liang… Professor Liang? It turned out that Professor Liang had found her this job through Gu Shuangyang’s connections. Although she didn’t yet know the relationship between Professor Liang and Gu Shuangyang, Ming Xi nodded.

Then, with a composed smile, she faced Gu Shuangyang and said, “My name is Ming Xi. Thank you, Director Gu, for your help.”

Just right — she could take this opportunity to acknowledge Professor Liang’s favor.

“It’s nothing, don’t mention it.” Gu Shuangyang smiled easily. The young woman before her possessed a reserved composure, not the shyness often seen in young women, but rather a quiet steadiness that came from within.

Old Liang was known for being aloof and indifferent to worldly matters; she hadn’t expected him to personally ask her for a favor for this girl. Gu Shuangyang’s scrutinizing gaze at Ming Xi was piercing, almost blinding, yet undeniably captivating.

Ming Xi’s face remained calm. She didn’t flinch under that scrutiny; instead, she took a small step forward, positioning herself naturally at Gu Shuangyang’s side — in the stance of a professional saleswoman.

“But I remember Minwen said he had arranged a clerical position for you. Why did you switch to sales?” Gu Shuangyang asked.

Ming Xi replied simply, “Sales builds experience. I asked Manager Li myself for the transfer, and he agreed to train me.”

Gu Shuangyang didn’t comment further, merely listened.

Ming Xi didn’t continue talking about herself and just focused on her role as a salesperson. She looked at the full workout clothes Gu Shuangyang was wearing. It seemed Gu Shuangyang came straight over with Zhang Min after her early morning workout. Someone who worked out to stay active would definitely prefer a casual style in their personal life. Similarly, someone who maintained intense focus at work would definitely prefer a simple style.

With this analysis, Ming Xi began to make recommendations to her.

Zhang Min, standing next to them, took two steps back, a look of relief and disappointment evident on her face. Ming Xi could speak so calmly with Gu Shuangyang — but that ease came precisely because she was an outsider. From their exchange, Zhang Min had already gathered that Gu Shuangyang had once helped Ming Xi get a job, and who was Old Liang?

… It must be Liang Jiancheng’s biological father, Liang Yuzhi. So Ming Xi and Liang Jiancheng had met because she was his father’s student. Zhang Min remained silent, but her mind was busy turning over these connections.

She had heard her grandfather mention Liang Yuzhi many times, as he was quite controversial. He had ascended to high official positions, yet he had voluntarily stepped down, seemingly now relegated to the status of an ordinary teacher in Yicheng.

Her grandfather always said: “It’s easy to step down, hard to climb back up; it’s hard to act with integrity, harder still to live that way. To insist on following one’s own nature is a kind of self-abandonment. If you can’t be useful, you must at least be free of desire.”

When he said this, the example he gave was exactly Liang Yuzhi.

A brilliant mother, an eccentric father — and yet their son turned out steady, courteous, and rational, as if combining both natures in balance…

To say that Liang Jiancheng was power-hungry, he’d proven otherwise by giving up an executive role at Shuangyang to start a small company of his own. To say that he was aloof, that wasn’t true either — he was measured, kind, and thoughtful. Every word and action of his stirred admiration in her.

She knew he’d gone on several blind dates last year — everyone in their social circle knew that. His choosing her had been a pleasant surprise. She was aware she wasn’t especially beautiful, and even her academic performance in China wasn’t outstanding, which was why she went abroad to study.

Proud yet insecure, Zhang Min had convinced herself that Liang Jiancheng had chosen her because of her family’s prestige.

However, this wasn’t the only reason she wanted to be chosen.

She’d even suspected that Liang Jiancheng and Jiang Meiqian might have been involved — otherwise, why would Jiang Meiqian have come to her with such jealous anger? That suspicion had taken root, and since then, she’d never truly felt at ease with him — only doubtful.

Secretly glancing toward Ming Xi again, Zhang Min saw how much better she was than the nervous male sales associate from before. Ming Xi’s performance clearly pleased Gu Shuangyang — her words lively yet elegant, often drawing a genuine smile from the formidable woman.

When Gu Shuangyang asked difficult, precise questions, Ming Xi could answer; and when she couldn’t, she simply turned to ask the male salesperson beside her — calm, confident, unflustered.

In comparison, Zhang Min knew exactly where she fell short. She was like a piece of wood boiled soft in the tepid waters of her sheltered upbringing — her real self never as poised or quick-witted as she pretended. She had only learned a fraction of social grace from being surrounded by polished people. And since she hadn’t seen Liang Jiancheng often, the woman he admired wasn’t truly her.

That was why today’s “shopping trip” — a disguised test from Gu Shuangyang — made her feel more pressure than she’d ever known. It reminded her of the day of the college entrance exam — she wasn’t taking it to get into a good school, but to avoid disappointing her parents and grandfather.

The more she thought about it, the more stressed she became—before even stepping into the exam hall, she was already vomiting.

At this moment, Zhang Min felt that same uneasy stir rising again.

The male sales associate beside her stood straight as a rod, secretly admiring how someone new could already become the top seller—she really did have something special about her…

Throughout it all, Ming Xi kept a calm smile, performing with poise and ease.

In truth, Gu Shuangyang wasn’t a difficult person to serve at all. It was only when people were overawed by her formidable reputation that they tripped over themselves.

Most people admired strength—and in the presence of absolute power, they instinctively belittled themselves.

Gu Shuangyang was indeed a formidable woman in Haigang’s business world. But then again, Ming Xi was Longmao’s best sales associate. Once she thought of that, her nerves vanished completely. She simply put on her best attitude and her brightest service smile to face Gu Shuangyang.

Gu Shuangyang looked to be around fifty. Her complexion was healthy and natural, her face lined with only a few faint wrinkles, and yet she didn’t look old at all. Tall, well-built, and full of energy, she effortlessly made everyone around her fade into the background. Zhang Min had clearly dressed with care today—simple, elegant, understated—but standing next to Gu Shuangyang, she seemed pale and ill at ease.

Before true power and wealth, youth and beauty were only trimmings on the edge.

Ming Xi admired strength too—but before the strong, she became all the more certain of herself. Why admire the strong person, when one could admire the strength of their conviction instead? She might hold a humble position, but she must never lose her spirit. People live on breath and pride—lose neither, and you don’t lose face.

“Thank you for your patronage, Director Gu. We look forward to serving you again,” Ming Xi said, seeing Gu Shuangyang and Zhang Min off.

—

When Liang Jiancheng was about to arrive, Gu Shuangyang and Zhang Min had already left.

Gu Shuangyang did want to observe Zhang Min but did not want to make things difficult for her. She noticed that Zhang Min was a little exhausted, so she decided not to push further and instead chose a coffee shop in Longmao to have coffee and chat with her.

Still, she couldn’t help feeling a twinge of disappointment that her son had chosen such a delicate person.

Perhaps it was really her previous marriage that influenced Jiancheng’s values. He was unwilling to choose someone of equal match, but preferred someone gentler, easier to live with.

So be it, then.

Gu Shuangyang herself was a strong woman; she didn’t idolize strength and still felt compassion for those beneath her. But to say that the Zhang family’s daughter was “weak” would have been laughable.

Old Liang had once warned her that powerful parents often raise soft children. So before Liang Jiancheng even turned ten, she’d sent him abroad to study. Aside from basic care arranged through family, he received no special treatment or privileges.

That kind of upbringing had shaped him into an independent, capable man—careful, shrewd, and unafraid of hardship, with both ambition and conviction, loyalty to family and country alike.

Gu Shuangyang prided herself on reading people well, but even she could only claim to know about seventy percent of her son. The remaining thirty percent belonged to a young man already grown into his own—hidden behind the calm of a mature exterior. She didn’t know that part of him, and surely Old Liang didn’t either.

During Liang Jiancheng’s formative years, her career foundation in Shuangyang had not yet solid, and Yang Minwen subsequently handled many matters for her. Jiancheng had learned to navigate between his biological father and her boyfriend (now husband) with ease—clever, adaptable, yet emotionally reserved.

Such a son—if not perfect—was at least satisfactory. And yet, no matter how accomplished he became, Gu Shuangyang had never felt proud because of him. She was never one to rely on her son or husband for glory; they were them, and she was her.

Even her current husband, Yang Minwen, was more like a suitable and reassuring life assistant.

For a woman, caring too deeply about love only made one weak.

…

“Is Jiancheng almost here?” Gu Shuangyang asked casually, coffee in hand.

Zhang Min sat upright, taking a small, careful sip before smiling politely. “He messaged earlier, asking what I was doing. I mentioned I was out shopping with you, and he said it’s been a while since he last saw you. He knows you’ve been traveling since the Spring Festival, so he wanted to come and say hello.”

Gu Shuangyang smiled, “You’re quite thoughtful—helping him come up with excuses.”

But in her mind, she knew it was the other way around. Liang Jiancheng must have been the one giving her an excuse. Gu Shuangyang saw through it all but merely chuckled softly.

These two chuckles made Zhang Min very uncomfortable. Were mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law truly destined to be natural-born enemies—or did Gu Shuangyang simply not like her?

Zhang Min wasn’t especially shrewd, but she was sensitive. Her upbringing wasn’t as simple as that of ordinary people. In a complex and dignified household, it was very difficult for someone to develop a naturally simple disposition.

People like her dreaded dealing with domineering types. When faced with someone who always had the final say, she would feel stifled and tongue-tied—unable to object, yet too proud to look small or petty. Remaining quiet was the safest choice.

Perhaps… Liang Jiancheng liked her precisely for that calm, soft-spoken temperament, Gu Shuangyang thought to herself.

“What do you usually enjoy doing?” Gu Shuangyang asked.

“I like to read Russian novels.”

“How nice! I’m a rough person, and I admire people who can settle down and read,” Gu Shuangyang said with a kind smile.

Zhang Min pursed her lips silently and lowered her head.

Gu Shuangyang went back to her coffee and glanced at her phone. Five calls had come in, all of which she’d declined. She didn’t want to give her future daughter-in-law the impression that she was too busy or high and mighty. Since she’d agreed to meet today, she might as well put work aside for a while.

Zhang Min watched her check the phone again and again, her heart fluttering with anxiety. She silently prayed for Liang Jiancheng to show up soon—or, at least, for Gu Shuangyang to step away and answer the call…

Not far away, Liang Jiancheng parked his car and walked over across the street.

It was the busiest area in Haigang. A month after the Lunar New Year, new blossoms had already been planted in the roadside flowerbeds, their colors bright under the rare early spring sun.

Gu Shuangyang’s car was also parked on the side of the road, just opposite Liang Jiancheng’s.

Just then, Ming Xi came out with Manager Li, helping to load the items Gu Shuangyang had purchased into the car.

After today’s busy round of tasks, Ming Xi finally understood one thing clearly: Manager Li was the real expert. She herself might flatter customers now and then, but compared to Manager Li’s obsequious flattery, her efforts were mere gestures.

Ming Xi had a small smile on her face, carrying an air of quiet mischief.

Manager Li couldn’t help but ask, “Ming Xi, why are you smiling like that?”

“I’m in a good mood after closing so many deals,” Ming Xi replied.

Li Jian smiled. Earlier, when he had asked Ming Xi to deliver a gift to Liang Jiancheng, she’d done an excellent job. Liang Jiancheng even treated him to a meal afterward. And not only had he accepted the cigarettes and liquor Li Jian had prepared without protest, he had even mentioned his mother, Gu Shuangyang. The message had been clear enough—he knew everything, and he was accepting on his mother’s behalf.

Gu Shuangyang’s son was certainly a capable person.

Li Jian had no current favors to ask of her—he was simply maintaining the connection. When the day came that he really did need help, it wouldn’t feel awkward to ask. Gifts should always be sent before they’re needed, not after. A principle like that was second nature to someone who had climbed as far as he had.

Feeling a sudden urge to gossip, Li Jian looked at Ming Xi’s bright, gentle face and deliberately said, “Ming Xi, did you know that Gu Shuangyang’s been divorced—and that her current husband is twenty years younger than she is?”

Ming Xi was stunned. She blinked, dumbfounded. What? Gu Shuangyang was divorced?

Judging from the situation today, she had basically guessed who Gu Shuangyang was—it was obvious she was related to Liang Jiancheng, though Ming Xi hadn’t been sure how closely. Manager Li had only ever mentioned that Liang Jiancheng had once worked for Shuangyang Electronics…

Since Manager Li was in a chatty mood, and since they were outside anyway, Ming Xi thought for a moment, then asked cautiously, “Manager Li… that Mr. Liang from Xinghai Foreign Trade, and Director Gu—what’s their relationship?”

Her voice was quiet, her tone careful, like she was feeling her way through dangerous ground.

Manager Li was surprised, lowering his eyelids, and looked directly at her. “You really don’t know? They’re mother and son.”

Ming Xi: …

She really hadn’t expected that!

Then…

Wouldn’t that make Gu Shuangyang’s unfortunate ex-husband none other than Professor Liang, the poor man himself? Then, her current job was something that Professor Liang had begged his ex-wife to arrange?

In that moment, Ming Xi was overwhelmed with complicated feelings—moved, guilty, and oddly excited all at once. Sure enough, she was also a jerk, feeling thrilled while eating the “bloody steamed bun” that was bought at the expense of Professor Liang’s pride.

Suddenly, Manager Li stopped gossiping. Ming Xi tilted her head slightly and glanced past him.

Across the street, Liang Jiancheng had just gotten out of his car, carrying a small bag as he stepped onto the crosswalk.

His and Gu Shuangyang’s cars were parked on opposite sides of the street, facing each other.

He was dressed in a long, tailored trench coat, with a thin blue sweater underneath. The fine fabric draped naturally over his broad chest and straight back, exuding effortless ease and confidence. The shade of blue suited his temperament perfectly.

Liang Jiancheng recognized his mother’s business car and, seeing her there, paused for a moment before walking toward her.

She thought he was just Professor Liang’s son and the boss of a foreign trade company. But looking at him now, she realized she had fallen for someone utterly impossible. Since it’s impossible, well—so be it.

Ming Xi’s lips curved into a smile. As he approached, she greeted him in a bright, friendly tone, “Hi.”

After all, he said that she was his friend.

And in front of Manager Li, she should make full use of that “friendship.” Small people borrowed strength to gain footing—that was one of the lessons she had learned from Manager Li himself.

Liang Jiancheng came closer. Seeing Ming Xi’s radiant smile, he couldn’t help but pause in front of her, even though he was pressed for time and should have kept walking.

“Hi, what a coincidence,” Liang Jiancheng said, returning her greeting as he stood before Ming Xi and Manager Li.

Ming Xi’s lips lifted even higher as she replied cheerfully, “Not really a coincidence. When Manager Li and I came out, we already guessed that Boss Liang would probably appear in about five minutes.”

Liang Jiancheng laughed.

If that were true, he must have looked a little too surprised just now.

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