Chapter 94

 

While Xinghai Foreign Trade was celebrating with a lively afternoon tea party, Ming Xi received a rejection email from Smith at 2 PM.

Although Smith had already hinted at his reluctance to establish a long-term partnership with Mingzhou during the factory inspection on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, receiving the rejection email and learning of Smith’s confirmed partner still left Ming Xi feeling slightly frustrated and… extremely angry.

The slight frustration stemmed from the failure of the cooperation, which was quite common in business.

But what angered her greatly was that she and many other foreign trade companies had fought tooth and nail for this deal, only to have Xinghai Foreign Trade suddenly appear and snatch it away!

In recent years, Xinghai Foreign Trade had gradually reduced its involvement in the textile business, and Liang Jiancheng had focused most of his attention on Xinghai Technology. As a result, she had actually overlooked Xinghai as her biggest competitor.

Ming Xi had always been emotionally steady. She no longer felt extreme joy or sorrow over winning or losing orders. But this time was different. One second earlier, she had just transferred Liang Jiancheng one hundred thousand yuan as a service fee. The next second, she learned that the one who intercepted the deal was Xinghai Foreign Trade. For the first time, Ming Xi was so angry her teeth itched.

In a surge of fury, Boss Ming grabbed the office landline and forcefully punched in a string of memorized numbers, directly calling Xinghai Foreign Trade’s main office.

Just as she was about to hang up, it connected.

A mature, steady male voice with a slight Cantonese accent answered politely: “Hello, Miss Ming. How may I help you?”

“Hello, I am… Hello, Kevin. How did you know I’m Miss Ming?” Ming Xi paused in surprise.

“…”

Inside the Director’s office at Xinghai, Kevin held the receiver and helplessly gestured toward Liang Jiancheng, attempting to hand it back. Liang Jiancheng looked even more helpless than Kevin. He took the receiver, his tall figure leaning lightly against the desk.

“Miss Ming…” Liang Jiancheng greeted her in the familiar tone.

“Oh, Mr. Liang is here.” Ming Xi’s voice tinged with a slight smile, though it carried a hidden edge.

“Yes. Kevin is now in charge of Xinghai Foreign Trade. I just happened to be here today,” Liang Jiancheng explained calmly.

“Oh, is that so? Nothing much, I just called to say congratulations, wishing Boss Liang great financial success. Especially today, you must have made a huge profit.” Her tone was lightly teasing. No trace of displeasure could be heard.

Liang Jiancheng smiled wryly, about to reply, when “click—” Ming Xi had already hung up the phone decisively.

Liang Jiancheng remained calm and casually put the landline receiver back in its place.

On the 24th floor of the Jiemu Building, Ming Xi tossed back the phone, and leaned back in her chair, creating deliberate distance from her desk. She’d thought that spending money today would bring her a good mood, but now it seemed her good mood had all gone to Liang Jiancheng!

Suddenly, a text message came in, sent personally by Boss Liang: “Miss Ming, wanna meet tonight?”

Meet for what?! Ming Xi pressed the phone button heavily, replying with a refusal: “Mr. Liang, please refrain from contacting me this week unless it’s work-related. I’ll be working overtime. Thank you.”

When Liang Jiancheng read the message, he silently felt a headache coming on. The hardest job in the world was offending your client. Harder still — when the client wouldn’t even grant you a meeting.

In that case, his “part-time job” would be extremely difficult to carry out…

Liang Jiancheng dialed the number again.

Ming Xi answered the phone normally, and calmly told him again, “Mr. Liang, if there’s nothing else, please don’t disturb me. Otherwise, no matter what you say, I’ll feel like you’re showing off in front of me. Goodbye!”

“Miss Ming, I knew nothing about the DG order,” he quickly explained from inside his car before she could hang up.

“Mr. Liang, you misunderstand. I’m not angry about that. I’m just busy this week and can’t keep in touch with you for anything unrelated to work.”

Liang Jiancheng understood… He could only see Miss Ming through work, right?

“What should I do if I miss you?” Liang Jiancheng shamelessly said.

“That’s your problem.” Ming Xi hung up the phone again.

She tossed the phone aside and let her head fall back against the top of her lounge chair.

In recent years, because she didn’t have her own factory, she missed many opportunities, especially in terms of product control, where she lacked absolute control. However, running a foreign trade company was relatively easy— a flexible, asset-light model. The advantage was agility; small ships turned quickly. But as Zhang Xia had said, being asset-light also meant, to some extent, having no real assets.

However, building a factory and getting involved in production lines would mean moving into the real economy. At that time, Mingzhou’s strength would increase, and its business would expand, but the corresponding risks would multiply accordingly.

Life rarely allows perfection, and business is no exception. Since China joined the WTO, foreign trade conditions changed every year. In the past two years, foreign trade had been extremely lucrative. Even small companies could earn handsomely from modest orders. But Chinese businessmen had always been skilled at competing fiercely for profit. Before the New Year, Zhang Xia had mentioned integrating trade and manufacturing. If Mingzhou didn’t strengthen its core capabilities, future orders would become increasingly marginal. Profit margins would be squeezed thinner and thinner.

The logic was simple, but the decision was not. Caution was definitely needed before making a decision.

Ming Xi hung up the phone with Liang Jiancheng and contacted Zhang Xia. Zhang Xia was still in Sanya when she received her call and was overjoyed: “Ming Xi’er, I knew you’d call me after the New Year. So, after listening to my suggestion before the New Year, are you tempted?”

“I’m not really tempted by the money, but I’m craving spicy food. When are you coming back, Miss Zhang? Let’s make another appointment?” Ming Xi asked with a smile.

“Ming Xi, how about this? You come to Sanya, and I’ll book your plane ticket tonight. I’ll show you around the real estate projects in Sanya and we can have a good chat about how to expand your business.” Zhang Xia suggested expectantly.

Ming Xi held a pen and tapped the table lightly: “Sanya really knows how to enjoy life. I’d love to fly over tonight. But I’ve got a pile of mess here. I can’t leave.”

“I know, I’m joking. I’m back Saturday. I’ve arranged a golf game with Director He from Tianjian — the one who specializes in factory properties. Big name in Hiagang. I’ll introduce you. Interested? Saturday at Yuexi Golf Course.”

Ming Xi quietly considered, flipping through her weekly planner. Saturday was free.

Zhang Xia said slowly, “Alright, if you’re not coming, that’s fine. I know you’re not into networking, but Ming Xi, in this society, you have to be in certain circles.”

“I was just looking at my notes. I’m free on Saturday,” Ming Xi explained calmly. “See you on Saturday, Sister Zhang.”

“Okay, see you on Saturday.”

Friday evening, before leaving work, Ming Xi browsed the local official news site. There was an article about Director Sheng of the Haigang Commerce Bureau visiting Xinghai Technologu’s production line. The article briefly mentioned that Xinghai Technology’s major shareholder, Liang Jiancheng, would transfer 15% of his shares to the management team, and that Xinghai Technology was expected to reach a strategic cooperation agreement with Haigang Zhongke Electronics Research Institute this year.

Haigang Zhongke Electronics Research Institute was a state-owned research institute. For a private company to evolve toward state affiliation required gradual integration into the formal ranks.

Liang Jiancheng had handled every step perfectly.

Gu Shuangyang was right. To build tech hardware, you needed the hardest kind of strength.

“If a company stagnates, equity is the most useless asset in a manager’s hands.”

This was a post Liang Jiancheng had written years ago on a forum under the name “Jiangliu Dadao.” In recent years, Liang Jiancheng had been far too busy—ambitious and on a steady rise—to have time to write on forums anymore. In his own words: “I’ve already told Boss Ming most of my ideas. If I repeat them online, it loses that feeling of sharing. I’d rather spend that time talking to you.”

Ming Xi figured that Liang Jiancheng stopping online updates was also a way of protecting his privacy.

In the evening, after finishing a day’s work, Ming Xi brought gifts and went to Factory Director Li Tianming’s home for dinner. After she founded Mingzhou, Factory Director Li—who had long cooperated with Haiou—became her first supplier. He Yuan, petty as ever, had cut off cooperation with Factory Director Li as soon as he learned he had taken her orders. Fortunately, in the past few years, Factory Director Li’s business had been doing well. In business, if the east isn’t bright, the west will be. Only long-term friendship was lasting; cooperation never stays unchanged forever.

In recent years, Tianming Factory had also completed privatization reforms. Li Tianming now held the largest share and management authority in Tianming Electrical Appliances Factory. He worked even more diligently and energetically than before.

They hadn’t seen each other for a while, and since it was still the first lunar month, Old Li took out a treasured bottle of liquor he had kept for years and insisted she drink a little. He knew she could handle some alcohol.

“How am I supposed to drive back tonight?” Ming Xi said awkwardly.

“It’s fine, I’ll have Quanquan drive you,” Old Li said with a smile. Quanquan wasn’t a dog, but his son—Li Ju, whose nickname was Quanquan. In recent years, Li Ju had been working at the family factory, learning technology and management from his father. A few years younger than Ming Xi, he was a smart and honest young man.

Although Ming Xi had a good relationship with Zhang Xia, also a supplier, their level of mutual understanding couldn’t compare with what she had with Old Li. With Zhang Xia, they could eat together; with Old Li, they could truly talk.

“Thinking of taking it a step further?” Old Li looked at her kindly, smiling. Seeing her ask about the factory several times at the dinner table, he had already guessed her intentions.

Ming Xi didn’t hide it. Looking at him with trust, adopting the posture of a junior, she asked, “Old Li, do you think I can do it?”

Li Tianming was over sixty now. Over the years dealing with Ming Xi, this young woman from out of town, he had witnessed her journey—from leaving Haiou, to starting a service agency company, to developing a foreign trade company, step by step to where she was now. Many people, upon reaching her position, would choose to settle for the status quo—earn more if there was money, switch industries if there wasn’t, chase wherever the next hot trend was. But from what he knew of her temperament, she was someone deeply rooted. Over the years, Mingzhou had rarely changed its agency products, instead constantly refining them to perfection.

“Ming Xi, I think you can,” Li Tianming said sincerely. At his age, he wouldn’t make such an irresponsible statement without considerable understanding.

After a pause, he recalled how many years ago Tianming Electrical Appliances had faced the crisis of outdated products and near elimination. It was Ming Xi’s proactive attitude that had influenced him. Now, though old, his heart was not. Unfortunately, Tianming Electrical had ultimately been a step too late in reform and development and could no longer stir up big waves.

“Let me brag a little. Years ago, Director Gu from Shuangyang Electronics approached me for cooperation. At the time, I thought—how bold could a woman be? So I refused! And now? Shuangyang Electronics has become a major brand and conglomerate. Though Tianming has done okay these past few years, how can we compare? Once an opportunity is missed, it’s gone. But what I used to regret, I no longer regret. If time went back, I would still refuse to cooperate with Shuangyang. Ming Xi, do you understand what I mean? Whether you buy a factory and build one, whether you produce your own products, doesn’t depend on whether there’s a good opportunity now. It depends on whether you have the courage to do it.

“If I were to give you my assessment based on my experience, you’re suited for business and product development. You have a conscience, integrity, and energy. You can become a conscientious entrepreneur like Director Gu.”

This was the first time Ming Xi had been compared to the renowned Gu Shuangyang. Old Li raised his glass; she let out a light laugh and lifted her small cup in response.

Strangely, on New Year’s Eve she had indeed felt somewhat humiliated at Gu Shuangyang’s place. Yet now, being compared to her, she didn’t feel offended at all. She had always been competitive and admired strength.

“Thank you, Old Li. With your words, my confidence has at least grown by this much.” She drained the last sip and jokingly held up her thumb and index finger, leaving a narrow gap between them.

“Only that much? Then you haven’t drunk enough—have some more.” Li Tianming also half-jokingly tried to persuade her to drink.

Ming Xi quickly hid her small cup behind her back. Under the warm dining-room lights, her lively face looked even more radiant. “I can’t drink more—I still have materials to read when I get back.”

“Li Ju, see that? That’s why I have high expectations for you. Look at Sister Ming,” Li Tianming said to his son.

Li Ju had already brewed two cups of tea—one for Ming Xi and one for his father. “I really should learn more from Sister Ming.”

At nine in the evening, Li Ju drove Ming Xi home. As the car smoothly parked in the underground garage, before she even got out, she noticed a black sedan parked beside them. She stepped out. Liang Jiancheng was still patiently sitting inside, as if he had been waiting for her, not minding waiting longer.

Li Ju not only brought her back but also packed a portion of his mother’s yellow croaker pastries, handing it to Ming Xi personally as he got out to say goodbye.

“Thank you. It’s late, so I won’t invite you upstairs,” Ming Xi said politely.

“No problem.” Li Ju waved generously, then added expectantly, “Sister Ming, if you think my mom’s cooking is good, come often. I really need to improve. Every time I listen to you and Old Li talk, I gain a lot.”

“Me too, I benefited greatly. Goodbye!” Ming Xi smiled brightly, then reminded him not to exit through the driveway but to take the elevator to the first floor and leave through the south gate.

“Oh.” Li Ju was slightly disappointed; he had wanted to take the elevator with Ming Xi.

Ming Xi pointed behind her, “A friend of mine is waiting for me.”

Only then did Li Ju notice a black sedan of the same brand but a higher model parked next to where he had parked.

“Okay, goodbye, Sister Ming.”

Ming Xi smiled and waved gratefully to Li Ju again.

Ming Xi hadn’t drunk much tonight, not even slightly tipsy; she was just keeping Old Li company.

After Li Ju left, Ming Xi walked gracefully to the driver’s window of the black sedan. Before she could knock, Liang Jiancheng lowered the window first.

“Mr. Liang…why aren’t you getting out?” Ming Xi’s charming smile and alluring presence met Liang Jiancheng’s eyes.

“I’m not sure whether my current status allows me to get out, so I’ll wait for Miss Ming’s instructions,” Liang Jiancheng said, half-joking yet objective.

“Oh.” Ming Xi suddenly understood; that was indeed the case!

“Thank you for being considerate, Mr. Liang.”

“As I should.”

“Alright, I’m going upstairs. If you have nothing else, you can drive back… Thank you for waiting in the car just to see me. You’ve seen me now—goodbye.”

Liang Jiancheng almost laughed out of exasperation, but he didn’t say it directly, only reminding her, “Miss Ming, have you forgotten that you transferred 100,000 yuan to me?”

“Of course I remember, I never forget any expense over a thousand yuan.” Ming Xi’s gaze swept over Liang Jiancheng’s handsome face. Then, seeing no one in the garage, she bent down and quickly planted a kiss on his lips.

Alright, enough advantage taken for today!

Liang Jiancheng: …

“I have two sets of materials to read tonight, and tomorrow at 5:30 a.m. I have to drive to Yuexi. Sorry—I really don’t have the energy to keep Mr. Liang company.”

Liang Jiancheng: “Why are you going to Yuexi at 5:30 in the morning?”

To visit graves?

The scenery in Yuexi, near Haigang, was beautiful, with many cemeteries. Several of Liang Jiancheng’s elders were buried there.

Ming Xi was amused by Mr. Liang’s humor. She had no relatives in Haigang to visit graves, and even if she did, she couldn’t possibly go at 5:30 in the morning—it would be so impolite, disturbing all the neighbors!

“I’ve arranged a networking meeting tomorrow morning. Boss Zhang Xia is introducing me to Director He of Tianjian at the Yuexi golf course. I don’t know how to play, so I need a coach for a crash course. I don’t have time this week, so I can only get up early for intensive training. Fortunately, the coach is willing to go at 5:30 to teach me the basics.”

Liang Jiancheng was astonished. He felt both impressed and helpless at Boss Ming’s time management. He had specifically cleared his Saturday to spend more time with Miss Ming, only to find she had none to spare.

“Then what about me…”

Ming Xi leaned down again and kissed Liang Jiancheng’s lips once more, then straightened up and uttered two words: “Good night.”

Liang Jiancheng’s unsatisfied eyes were particularly clear.

Ming Xi could only coax him gently: “Alright. Please understand how hard it is for us women to earn money outside. One hundred thousand a year in ‘service fees’ isn’t cheap either. Goodbye! Good night!”

Liang Jiancheng was completely dismissed.

In high spirits, Ming Xi carried her briefcase toward the elevator. Halfway there, she turned back, tilted her head slightly, boldly winked at him in the car, and blew him a kiss before walking away with light, confident steps.

Left in the car, Liang Jiancheng closed his eyes. That one hundred thousand was indeed not easy to earn… Not directed at Ming Xi, but at himself. At this moment, he didn’t want to earn money—he wanted to pay instead. He’d pay Boss Ming one hundred thousand just to buy a single day of her time!

And was she really going to learn golf at 5:30 a.m.?

Liang Jiancheng rubbed his forehead with his long fingers. After wrapping up a week’s work and clearing all weekend business engagements just for her, he hadn’t expected someone to be practicing golf at dawn.

The next morning at 5:30 AM, at the Yuexi Golf Course driving range, the air was cold and the dew heavy.

Wrapped in a guest blanket, Liang Jiancheng looked toward Ming Xi not far away. She, too, was wrapped in a scarf, diligently following the coach’s instructions and learning the finer points of her swing. On the tea table in front of him sat two cups of ginger tea, waiting for Miss Ming to return from her hard practice and warm herself… So at five-thirty in the morning—what exactly was he doing here? Watching Miss Ming practice golf with a muscular coach?

Liang Jiancheng picked up the ginger tea and took a sip. The spiciness nearly made him spit it out. He couldn’t handle spicy food—apparently not even ginger tea. It was also the first time in his life he had arrived four hours early at an agreed location, just to wait for a scheduled business acquaintance to play golf.

By eight-thirty, Ming Xi had basically mastered the essentials of striking the ball. She gave the club a confident swing and sent out a decent shot. Turning around, she looked at him. “Mr. Liang, how was it?”

Liang Jiancheng honestly replied, “My golf level is about the same as what you just learned today, Miss Ming, so I can’t really comment.”

She looked doubtful. After the coach stepped away, she lowered her voice and asked, “With my level, if I play with them later, will I be laughed at?”

“No,” Liang Jiancheng answered confidently, giving his reason, “because everyone’s only third-rate level.” Whether you can make a shot depends purely on luck.

“Really?”

Of course, at least from the few golf games he had participated in, most of them were newly rich businessmen trying to appear refined. Strictly speaking, golf—this bourgeois luxury sport—had not even been permitted domestically before the reform era. The first modern golf course in the country wasn’t established until 1984. From the 1990s onward, the sport resurged among the wealthy. But one shouldn’t overestimate the actual skill level of the new generation of rich.

“Those moves you just made were really good, much better than many nouveau riche bosses.”

Oh, Ming Xi was touched.

So Boss Liang got up so early specifically to encourage her! Ming Xi smiled happily.

Liang Jiancheng handed her ginger tea, which she drank more than half of in one gulp.

Liang Jiancheng shook his head watching her—she truly wasn’t afraid of spice at all.

“So Miss Ming worked this hard to learn golf—what high-end circle are you planning to break into?” His gaze was long and probing.

Ming Xi didn’t hide anything from Liang Jiancheng: “It’s not that I want to join any circles, I just want to get some information.”

“Does Mingzhou have plans to build a factory?” Liang Jiancheng asked directly.

As expected of Boss Liang—sharp as ever. Yesterday when she mentioned meeting Director He of Tianjian today, he had already guessed. She also knew that at her current level, she wasn’t qualified to cooperate with a giant like Tianjian. She came here simply to observe how these industry heavyweights operated. She might not be able to emulate them, but she couldn’t be completely ignorant.

“Ming Xi, if you have this idea, why didn’t you tell me?” For the first time in a while, Liang Jiancheng called her by her name directly.

Standing before him, Ming Xi finished the rest of her ginger tea, set the glass down, and smiled. Switching to English, she replied, “If you were my daddy, I’d definitely tell you.”

Liang Jiancheng’s gaze sharpened. He stepped forward with sudden interest, picked up a club leaning against the wall, and with an easy swing sent a beautiful practice shot flying. Turning back, his gaze—provocative yet gentle—settled on her. In English, he responded that if possible, in this lifetime he wouldn’t mind being Miss Ming’s “daddy.”

He would give her all the support she wanted—at the very least, she wouldn’t need to wake up at five-thirty to learn golf like this. Just as Gu Shuangyang had supported him.

That was why, even knowing that once Xinghai Technology underwent state-ownership reform he would lose a great deal of personal freedom, Liang Jiancheng had still resolutely chosen that path.

No one in this world could define success. But businesspeople like him and Ming Xi both knew the ceiling of their companies’ growth. To break through required tremendous effort and sacrifice—and the tailwind of the times. With favorable winds, one could be carried up into the clouds.

Her phone rang. It was Zhang Xia. Time to go greet them.

Before leaving, Ming Xi winked at Liang Jiancheng, signaling that when they met later on the course, he must not reveal their relationship.

Liang Jiancheng gently shook his head; he might have to disappoint Miss Ming.

…

After the first snowfall in Haigang, the weather gradually warmed. It was late February now—not yet the season of blooming grass and singing swallows—but when the morning sun fully bathed the lush green golf course, the warmth of spring seemed to arrive early.

Ming Xi thought she was just an unknown figure in Haigang’s business circle. But when Zhang Xia introduced her to the Director He of Tianjian, this seasoned, big-brother-type boss said: “What an honor today. I didn’t expect Zhang Xia to be able to invite Miss Ming. I thought a great beauty like Miss Ming would only be willing to deal with a handsome boss like Mr. Liang.”

“…” So, Liang Jiancheng knew him too!

Without missing a beat, Ming Xi admitted generously, “Mr. Liang and I are indeed good friends.”

“I know, Miss Ming. Allow me to add—Mr. Liang’s mother, Director Gu, and I are also good friends”

The smile on Ming Xi’s face stiffened slightly.

Old He meant no teasing. He simply remarked that he had run into Liang Jiancheng earlier by coincidence. Since Miss Ming and Mr. Liang were so close, why would she need Zhang Xia to introduce her to him? If their relationship became official, and Miss Ming came to dine at his home, he would have his chef prepare a grand banquet.

Who would have thought… Ming Xi walked along, gripping her golf club, her expression composed yet her mind preoccupied.

Even Zhang Xia hadn’t anticipated that Ming Xi would have connections with Old He. At that moment, Liang Jiancheng approached with his business companion and openly stepped forward to shake Old He’s hand.

“Wow, we were just talking about Mr. Liang, and here he is,”

Liang Jiancheng replied politely, “Since I learned from Miss Ming in advance that Director He would be here today, I also wanted to take the opportunity to meet you.”

Old He responded, “Is that so?”

Liang Jiancheng smiled handsomely and frankly, “Of course, Miss Ming and I are very close friends who tell each other everything.”

“Yes, yes, yes… I was just joking with Miss Ming. After doing business for so many years, I rarely see her out socializing. I thought she only liked dealing with Mr. Liang. Seems I misunderstood. So it seems Mr. Liang who’s been deliberately hiding such a good friend.” Old He chuckled.

Standing on the side, Ming Xi felt the glaring sunlight annoyingly piled on her brow and eyelashes. Life was like theater; in such settings one had to play along. Wasn’t Liang Jiancheng acting too?

When Old He’s assessing gaze turned to her, she spoke:

“Mr. Liang isn’t hiding me—he just doesn’t like taking me out to play. With him, I’m just a clumsy little bird. Sister Zhang is better—whenever there’s an opportunity to make money, she never forgets me. She even brought me today to meet Director He. I didn’t even know Director He and Mr. Liang knew each other. See? Mr. Liang only takes me out to spend money, never to make it. Otherwise he’d have introduced me long ago.”

Ming Xi’s playful words not only clarified her cooperative relationship with Zhang Xia but also indicated that her personal relationship with Liang Jiancheng was free of any business interests. In social situations—especially high-end ones—making people laugh wasn’t enough; one had to manage the dynamics.

At her words, Old He laughed the heartiest. Turning to Liang Jiancheng, he teased, “Mr. Liang, your mother told me a few years ago that you chased a girl for years and couldn’t catch her. Now I understand why. We men have to be more generous!”

Liang Jiancheng’s lips curved in a smile. Earlier, when Ming Xi said being around him only cost her money, he had already struggled not to laugh. What could he do? He felt rather ashamed.

Facing everyone, Liang Jiancheng smiled, clearly stating his position as a “friend”: “No matter what, Ming Xi’s personal credibility today is certainly stronger than mine. It’s not that I don’t want to take Miss Ming along to make money. It’s just that over the years, she and I have always been competitors. Being both friends and rivals at the same time—it’s not easy. That last deal a while ago? I’m still in Miss Ming’s bad graces because of it. Director He, since you and my mother are old friends, why don’t you help put in a good word for me and ask Miss Ming to forgive this ‘bad friend’ who never yields in business?”

Old He beamed: “So, Mr. Liang has angered Miss Ming? I’m not helping with that— Jiancheng, you figure it out yourself!”

Ming Xi shot Liang Jiancheng a light glance, her smile sweet. “Director He, listen to how grand and righteous Mr. Liang makes it sound. How could I not be angry? He says we’re good friends, but in business competition he doesn’t give me an inch.”

“Hahaha!” Old He laughed heartily. The handsome man and beautiful woman standing before him—teasing each other with words that carried unmistakable warmth—were a pleasant sight for someone long accustomed to the scheming of the business world.

“Miss Ming, if Mr. Liang doesn’t help you make money in the future, just tell me. If I find a good business opportunity for you, you’ll be the first I bring in.”

The moment those words left his mouth, Zhang Xia’s expression tightened beside them, stunned beyond belief.

Ming Xi, too, was surprised. She had never intended to cling to a towering tree like Director He. Some things were better heard first and judged later. But when a favor was offered, one must accept it.

“Thank you for your care, Director He.”

Perhaps that favor also carried a trace of Gu Shuangyang’s influence.

Ming Xi had arrived in Liang Jiancheng’s car, and she left in it as well. On the way back, she mulled over the information she’d gathered from today’s “circle” and suddenly said, “I shouldn’t have come to this game today.”

Liang Jiancheng kept his eyes on the road. “That Director He is actually a decent person. There’s no harm in knowing him.”

It was rare for Liang Jiancheng to give such high praise to a nouveau-riche boss.

Ming Xi shook her head. That wasn’t the reason. She hadn’t expected Liang Jiancheng and Old He to know each other. Today, she and Liang had played off each other brilliantly—but in doing so, she had neglected Zhang Xia.

Zhang Xia was her biggest supplier. She neither wanted nor could afford to offend her.

As for Zhang Xia… Liang Jiancheng was reluctant to discuss other people’s private matters, especially regarding sexual orientation. But was Ming Xi being a little too slow in this regard? Why did Zhang Xia always use “making money” as bait to draw her closer? Was it really just business camaraderie?

“Miss Ming, do you have any different feelings for Zhang Xia?” Liang Jiancheng asked intentionally.

Ming Xi blinked: “I think Sister Zhang is very handsome.”

…Well, at least her instincts weren’t entirely off.

“Between Zhang Xia and me—who’s more handsome?” Liang Jiancheng asked abruptly.

Ming Xi laughed. How could that even be compared? One was a man’s kind of handsome; the other was a woman’s bold, big-sister charisma.

Ming Xi tilted her head: “Mr. Liang, you must be joking.”

“I’m not joking.” Liang Jiancheng carefully chose his words. “In a sense, Zhang Xia and I could potentially become love rivals. Miss Ming, do you understand what I mean?”

Ming Xi’s lips twitched. What?

He continued, clarifying his judgment. “If today you feel you offended Zhang Xia, it’s not because my connection with Director He made her lose face. It’s because she sensed that my feelings for you go far beyond what she imagined. She’s jealous. Jealous of me—a man.”

Ming Xi: “…”

The car suddenly fell silent.

Liang Jiancheng stole her a glance. Had he startled her?

Indeed…

After a long moment of serious thought, Ming Xi voiced her concern with slight anxiety. “Liang Jiancheng, I still have two containers of goods not yet produced at Zhang Xia’s factory. Do you think she’ll deliberately delay them because she’s jealous?”

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