It was much like the Great Leap Forward production of yesteryear; the vigorous construction of Liangshan County commenced precisely at the stroke of Sunday midnight. A massive transport aircraft, easily the size of the small city of Liangshan itself, first delivered waves of machinery—equipment specifically designed for road-building and engineering projects. These machines rapidly leveled several large areas suitable for aircraft landing and takeoff. Then, more machinery and road materials were ferried in. By Sunday evening, all 30 engineering corps and every last bit of material were perfectly positioned.

The astonishment of the people had barely faded when, as if by magic, they awoke the next morning to find the old, dilapidated highway gone. In its place was the subgrade for a new road, much wider and significantly flatter, though lacking the final layer of asphalt or stone paving.

Everyone was dumbfounded. Many believed the heavens were playing tricks, and some even began devoutly praying at the long-abandoned Dragon King Temples. It wasn't until the giant, ant-like machines began operating after eight o'clock that they realized this construction was man-made.

Drawn by curiosity, many people crept close to the worksite to observe. The machines operated without human control. Some resembled massive burrowing worms, drilling into one side of a mountain and emerging from the other shortly after, thus creating a spacious tunnel. By the daylight hours of the second day, they had finished all the tunnels, pouring reinforced concrete into them, filling in ravines, compacting the earth, and even staging all the necessary gravel and asphalt for paving. When the people looked again on the third day, a completely finished asphalt road stretched between Liangshan and Shimen City. Before dawn broke, all the machinery had silently withdrawn. The road construction, spanning two days and two nights, was complete.

Simultaneously, on Tuesday morning, a beautiful, modern beverage factory in the suburbs was finished. It only awaited the curing of the concrete floor and the application of the white plaster to begin equipment installation. A pipeline for water transport was also laid from Xiamaguan directly to the suburban factory. Based on professional geological surveys, the water intake source was designed so as not to affect Xiamaguan in any way. Now, everything was ready; they only lacked the final push.

No one came forward to claim credit; there were no firecrackers, no ribbon-cutting ceremonies. A national highway-grade road was quietly opened, a factory suddenly stood complete, yet the entire populace of Liangshan County was buzzing with excitement.

On Friday morning, a victory rally was held by the Liangshan County government. Specialists from both Shimen City and the provincial level arrived to inspect and offer congratulations. Secretary Ma had originally intended to invite representatives from Peach Blossom Financial Investment Company and Earth Energy, ideally the two beautiful CEOs in person, but this wish was firmly declined. Fortunately, Lan Feng represented Peach Blossom Financial Investment Company, which salvaged some face for the Secretary.

After the midday meeting adjourned, Secretary Ma took his entourage out for food and drink. He had invited me, but I declined, as I was heading to the new home that noon. Ning Shixuan had already rented an apartment behind the farmer’s market—nearly seventy square meters. Yesterday, we had moved our belongings together, and today everyone was scheduled to celebrate the housewarming.

As soon as the meeting broke, Ning Shixuan and Zhang Fengzhen pulled me into the market. Ning Shixuan complained, "Secretary Ma's banquet was just a way to show off, but he didn't even invite us who actually worked on the project! It’s like they want to take credit for our success, but when it comes to celebrating, they leave us out. It’s so unfair to the director here!"

I replied to Ning Shixuan, "It doesn't matter. Are we the kind of people who chase fame and fortune?"

Zhang Fengzhen chimed in, "We just can't stomach this injustice on your behalf, Director. By the way, I’m treating everyone for lunch today. No one fights me for it, or I’ll lose my temper. You two are moving into a new place; as your colleague, I have to contribute something."

Ning Shixuan sighed, "We can't argue with you. All my savings went into the new place, and Zhao Qian and Yun Yao are flat broke. If the beverage factory doesn't start paying dividends soon, I don't see myself buying a house anytime soon."

I said, "You don't need to buy a house, Shixuan. Just live at my place."

Zhang Fengzhen warned, "Hey, you two, stop flirting in front of me. It’s a good thing not many people in the government know about you and the Director. Otherwise, you’d have trouble every day. Little Ning is the county flower of Liangshan; who wouldn't want to pursue her?"

I countered, "Not many people know? Secretary Liu has already spread rumors about me, saying I steal Shixuan's underwear and peep while she showers. I’m completely innocent! Shixuan never tells me when she’s showering."

Ning Shixuan pouted charmingly, "If I told you, would you try to peek?"

Zhang Fengzhen was captivated by Shixuan’s pout, "Little Ning, while you’ve surpassed the county flower level, you only truly outshine those other girls when you’re angry."

Ning Shixuan tapped Zhang Fengzhen's head, "Are you cursing me to be angry all the time so you can win over others sooner?"

Zhang Fengzhen quickly backpedaled, "Never, never! My whole future depends on you two getting rich!"

Zhang Fengzhen kept calling us a couple, making Ning Shixuan beam so brightly she couldn't hide her smile. After buying groceries, the three of us went to the new apartment. Yun Yao was off work today. After a full day yesterday and this morning's tidying, the house looked brand new. Ning Shixuan used her savings to furnish the home with a refrigerator, TV, air conditioner, sofa, and kitchenware. Though not the most expensive or famous brands, in this small city, it was considered a well-off household. The only pity was that the property wasn't ours.

This apartment was a three-bedroom, one-living room layout: one room for Yun Yao's mother, one for Yun Yao, and one for Ning Shixuan. Originally, the two girls wanted to reserve a separate room for me so I could move in, but after a quick discussion, they canceled the plan. I could come over every night, but moving in officially might cause issues. First, getting past Yun Yao’s mother would be tough; she was a standard rural woman, and Yun Yao described her as belonging to the "feudal generation," unlikely to tolerate our casual behavior—at the very least, she wouldn't allow Yun Yao and me to cohabit. Given this, I remained an unofficial resident of the home.

With the three women busy cooking in the kitchen, Zhang Fengzhen and I settled down to watch TV. Honestly, I hadn't watched TV in ages, nor had I felt such a sense of home. Zhang Fengzhen sat opposite me on the sofa and asked, "Director, Secretary Ma is deliberately sidelining us now. What should our next move be?"

I replied, "The beverage factory equipment will be installed in a few days. These next few days, let's focus on setting up the management team for the factory."

Zhang Fengzhen worried, "Will Secretary Ma and County Head Zhao try to snatch our authority again?"

I said, "I trust County Head Zhao. Secretary Ma is a bit slippery. And that group from the city today—I suspect most of them are just freeloaders. The beverage factory absolutely cannot fall into their hands. However, I doubt they’d dare defy the wishes of Peach Blossom Financial Investment Company and Earth Energy. Otherwise, they’ll learn they won't have a good outcome."

Zhang Fengzhen nodded. No one had dared challenge Earth Energy yet. He mused, "But who should manage the beverage factory? Technically, the investors should decide, but since the investor is your girlfriend, the decision falls to you. Perhaps you should take the lead, Director?"

I shook my head, "That won't work; we government personnel can't go into business. I’m not that familiar with Liangshan. Do you know anyone suitable? I know you have a wide circle; Manager Hu from the City Department Store is still looking to speak with you."

Zhang Fengzhen blushed, "Director, don't embarrass me. They talk to me only because of my past role in the Economic Commission, hoping to scam some state loans. Besides, the beverage factory is our brainchild; we can't let those people who only know how to eat, drink, and play manage it."

"What are you two discussing?" Ning Shixuan asked as she brought dishes to the dining table in the living room.

Zhang Fengzhen casually replied, "The Director asked me to find a suitable person to manage the beverage factory."

Ning Shixuan set down the food. "Have you found anyone?"

Zhang Fengzhen said, "Not yet."

Ning Shixuan laughed, "Why shy away from relatives? How about my uncle?"

I chuckled, "Why not? But you need to give a reason. Managing a beverage factory isn't like selling wontons."

Ning Shixuan sat beside me and explained, "Don't assume my uncle only knows how to make wontons and grilled squid. Years ago, he worked in a big factory in Shimen City. While he didn't reach a leadership role, he definitely has practical work experience. Plus, he's honest and has no ill intentions; I think he can be trusted."

Zhang Fengzhen interjected, "Little Ning, please. We need someone who understands management, not just someone we trust. Otherwise, if the factory management becomes a mess and we lose money, how can we face the Director?"

Ning Shixuan looked troubled, "I don't actually know if my uncle understands management. It seems unlikely then."

I addressed both of them, "Actually, you're overcomplicating things. When I hire people, I don't look at their current capabilities; I focus on cultivating them. As long as the person is trustworthy, I don't mind how much money they lose or how many mistakes they make initially. They will eventually grow into the role."

Ning Shixuan was so delighted she almost hugged and kissed me right in front of Zhang Fengzhen. "Zhao Qian, you're amazing! I love your approach. Are you planning to mentor my uncle?"

I nodded, "We can give it a try. Don't worry too much, either. Although Peach Blossom Financial Investment Company is the investor, the management and sales will be handed over to the BaiXing Shopping Group. As a subsidiary production plant of that group, I've already negotiated with the BaiXing Group; they will send technically skilled and experienced management personnel to Liangshan. Once we can operate independently, they will withdraw."

"You, you, what kind of relationship do you have with that temptress from BaiXing Shopping Group?" Ning Shixuan suddenly asked, sounding extremely worried.

I was surprised, "Why do you say that?"

Ning Shixuan retorted, "Who in Dragon Country doesn't know that Ouyang Qian from BaiXing Shopping Group is a siren? Her face is everywhere on the internet and TV. She's too seductive. Any man with a brain would be mesmerized by her. You negotiated with that company—you probably dealt with that fox spirit, didn't you?"

Zhang Fengzhen jumped up, "No way, Director! Do you really know her?"

I asked, "Do you want an autograph? We were classmates. I often ate in their dormitory, so I can probably get you a few."

"You're classmates too!" Ning Shixuan sounded skeptical.

Just then, Yun Yao entered, carrying food to the dining table. I grabbed her arm and asked, "Yun Yao, have you heard of Ouyang Qian from our Longteng University?"

Yun Yao replied, "I know of her! She’s in the Marketing Department. Lots of people got jobs at big companies through her connections. I wanted to ask her for help finding a part-time job too, but I’ve never run into her. She’s supposed to be very alluring, right? Everyone in our dorm says so, but I’ve never seen her myself."

Zhang Fengzhen exclaimed, "Your classmate is incredible! She’s the President of BaiXing Shopping Group now—young, beautiful, seductive, and capable. She’s the dream idol of every man! Can you introduce me sometime?"

I replied, "Sure, just make sure she doesn't steal your soul when you meet her."

"Exactly," Zhang Fengzhen agreed, licking his lips as he savored the thought. "Her face, her figure—they are soul-stealing. They say she has one of the top one or two faces in the world, the ultimate femme fatale."

As Zhang Fengzhen continued to savor the memory, Ning Shixuan grabbed me and Yun Yao and pulled us into her room, slamming the door shut with a kick. "Zhao Qian! Tell me the truth! What is your relationship with her? I don't believe you were just classmates. Why were you eating in her dorm? Yun Yao, make him confess! He listens to you."

Yun Yao also looked expectant, "Brother Zhao, do you know Ouyang Qian? I want to ask her to help me find a part-time job when I return to the capital."

I almost burst out laughing. "We've shared a bed, the three of us. I won't hide it from you: she's number ten."

"So there’s a numbering system!" Ning Shixuan exclaimed. "Then what number is Yun Yao?"

"Fourteen."

"And, if—I’m just saying if—Yun Yao and I were to... sleep together, what number would I be?" Ning Shixuan asked very seriously. That night, although we all shared the big quilt, Ning Shixuan had hidden in the corner, too scared to watch when Yun Yao and I made love, only returning to my embrace afterward.

"If we did it right now, you would be fifteen."

The two women lay on the bed without speaking for a long time. Finally, Yun Yao broke the silence to comfort Ning Shixuan, "Sister Shixuan, don't worry. Since Brother Zhao treats those older sisters well, what do we have to fear?"

Ning Shixuan replied, "I’m not afraid he'll treat us poorly. I’m afraid he’s the Jade Emperor descended to earth, and he’ll eventually abandon us to return to the Heavens."

Yun Yao giggled, "There is no Jade Emperor, just fairy tales to fool children."

Ning Shixuan insisted, "If he’s not a god, look closely. What qualities does he possess that attract so many capable, beautiful women to stay by his side, all of whom are talented enough to make me want to commit suicide?"

I lay down beside them and pulled Ning Shixuan into my arms. "Don't say such self-deprecating things. If you didn't have unique qualities, why would you attract me?"

Ning Shixuan pouted, "It's because I was shamelessly persistent."

I pretended to start undressing her. "If you keep talking nonsense, I’m going to make love to you right now."

"Stop, stop, I’m scared, darling. You promised to let us see the recording of you with the others last time. It’s time to keep your promise, right? It definitely includes Ouyang Qian? I really want to see how you make that siren submit."

I held both women, one on my left and one on my right. "Of course, I have it. But I have to film yours first before you can see hers."

Ning Shixuan immediately pulled Yun Yao up. "Yun Yao, let's go out. This guy has bad intentions. Do you think he’s a good person after deceiving more than ten young women?"

Yun Yao walked along, saying, "But Sister Shixuan, I am Brother Zhao's now. No matter what, I won't leave him."

Ning Shixuan shook her head. "I surrender to you. But we can't stay another minute! If we don't leave, your mom will get suspicious!"

The two girls laughed as they opened the door. Ning Shixuan looked back at me, "Come over tonight. We're going to interrogate you. Be prepared to face a storm!"

Yun Yao’s mother was mostly recovered, though she still had some residual bruising in her brain that occasionally caused a slight headache, which didn't impede her daily life. Furthermore, Ning Shixuan had spared no expense in buying a full set of new clothes and daily necessities for the family. She now looked like a truly beautiful matron.

During the meal, Zhang Fengzhen inquired again about the hot spring project he had developed. I informed him, "I've already submitted the report. They will be coming to inspect soon. We won't know the full geothermal development potential until they conduct an on-site survey."

"More people coming to inspect?" Ning Shixuan and Zhang Fengzhen asked in unison. "Which company?"

"Galaxy International. They specialize in the hotel and catering industry; who else would we approach?"

"Zhang Xiaoya!" Ning Shixuan and Zhang Fengzhen shouted together.

I put down my chopsticks. "Is there a problem?"

Ning Shixuan puckered her lips at me. "No problem at all. We warmly welcome them."

Zhang Fengzhen added enthusiastically, "Yes, if President Zhang Xiaoya herself comes to inspect, we welcome her even more warmly! Rumor has it that before joining Galaxy International, this President Zhang was the first beautiful flight attendant in the national aviation service. If I could meet her in this life, I would die without regret."

I asked, "Is it really that exaggerated? Come on, let’s drink first."

Yun Yao’s mother was also very happy. After all, this was the start of a new home, and seeing that we all had promising business prospects, she kept urging us to drink more. The result was that we all got quite drunk. Zhang Fengzhen skipped dinner and staggered downstairs, saying he was going to karaoke. I suspected he was more likely going to a sauna to visit some married women—that guy was even hornier than me.

Yun Yao’s mother, who had a slight headache, retired to her room after we persuaded her to have a few drinks. The remaining three of us sat in the living room. Ning Shixuan stammered as she asked me, "Zhao... Zhao Qian, do you like this place that Yun Yao and I arranged for you?"

I replied, "I love it. We finally have a home in Liangshan. But you used up all your savings. Thank you, Shixuan. I will compensate you doubly later. It’s not that I’m deliberately being stingy; my hands are tied financially right now because I’m trying to prove my ability starting from scratch."

Ning Shixuan insisted, "We’re family, why talk like that? Your salary card is still in our hands; we can deduct a little bit. Besides, you’re so capable, you won't let us sisters starve, will you?"

Yun Yao rubbed her forehead. "Brother Zhao, my head hurts. I’m going to bed."

Ning Shixuan pulled me toward the bedroom. "Let’s go together. You still haven't shown us the recording."

Yun Yao secretly peeked through the crack in her mother's door, then pulled us into their room and locked the door from the inside. The three of us happily lay down on the bed. The air conditioning was set quite cold, so we held each other tighter.

Ning Shixuan gently bit my chest flesh. "You said there were other girls from the GHL Cup, but you won't show them to us, hmph, stingy! You should at least let us see Ouyang Qian and Zhang Xiaoya. Don't tell me you have no relationship with Zhang Xiaoya either. I suspect every famous young, beautiful girl in Dragon Country is your girlfriend."

Yun Yao blushed and whispered, "I... we took the photos. Brother Zhao won't use that as an excuse to dismiss us again, will he?"

I was startled. "You took photos? How did I not know? Show me quickly!"

Ning Shixuan said, "We didn't plan to tell you, but since Yun Yao mentioned it, you can see them. They are on your phone."

It turned out they had borrowed my phone the night before to take pictures. I wondered why Yun Yao had blushed so much when borrowing the phone and avoided looking at me when returning it. I hadn't realized it until now—I was such a failure.

After looking, I realized I had been tricked. "These aren't nude photos at all; they are blurry shots! Fine if you obscure the lower half, but I can barely make out your upper bodies. Why cover up? It would be better to show everything, since I’ve already seen and touched the real thing."

Yun Yao blushed and explained, "Brother Zhao, it was our first time too; we were a bit shy."

Ning Shixuan added, "Yes, and I was still a virgin! How could I take nude photos? Can we proceed step-by-step?"

I could only say helplessly, "Fine. I will pull up the photos of Ouyang Qian and Zhang Xiaoya for you. But when you actually meet them, you are not allowed to mention this incident. That’s a hidden rule in the Zhao household."

Ning Shixuan smiled. "Understood. Girls need to maintain their composure."

As I looked, my desire ignited, and my hands began to move involuntarily. Yun Yao, having experienced my passion before, remained silent, simply closing her eyes to enjoy the moment. As her clothes came off, Ning Shixuan cried out, "You two, stop making love in front of me! I have a condition!"

I leaned down to suckle Yun Yao’s breast while telling Ning Shixuan, "I know. I'm intentionally making you experience this kind of scene more often. In a few more times, you’ll get over your fear of intercourse."

Ning Shixuan pouted, unconvinced, but she knew deep down she hadn't reacted strongly when touched all over a few nights ago. She was already over her 'phobia'; it was just an excuse.

I was in the middle of taking off my own clothes when Ning Shixuan’s phone rang. When she answered, she realized it was her aunt, Ning Yumei, who hadn't seen her niece in days and wanted her to come over that afternoon to help fold wontons.

Yun Yao’s mother had mostly recovered, only occasionally suffering mild headaches from the blood clots in her brain that needed to clear. Plus, thanks to Ning Shixuan's generous spending, the house was stocked with new clothes and daily necessities. She truly looked like a beautiful woman now.

During the meal, Zhang Fengzhen asked about the hot spring project he had developed. I said, "I've already submitted the report. They will be coming to inspect soon. We won't know the full geothermal development potential until they conduct an on-site survey."

"More people coming to inspect?" Ning Shixuan and Zhang Fengzhen asked in unison. "Which company?"

"Galaxy International. They specialize in the hotel and catering industry; who else would we approach?"

"Zhang Xiaoya!" Ning Shixuan and Zhang Fengzhen shouted together.

I put down my chopsticks. "Is there a problem?"

Ning Shixuan puckered her lips at me. "No problem at all. We warmly welcome them."

Zhang Fengzhen added enthusiastically, "Yes, if President Zhang Xiaoya herself comes to inspect, we welcome her even more warmly! Rumor has it that before joining Galaxy International, this President Zhang was the first beautiful flight attendant in the national aviation service. If I could meet her in this life, I would die without regret."

I asked, "Is it really that exaggerated? Come on, let’s drink first."

Yun Yao’s mother was also very happy. After all, this was the start of a new home, and seeing that we all had promising business prospects, she kept urging us to drink more. The result was that we all got quite drunk. Zhang Fengzhen skipped dinner and staggered downstairs, saying he was going to karaoke. I suspected he was more likely going to a sauna to visit some married women—that guy was even hornier than me.

Yun Yao’s mother, who had a slight headache, retired to her room after we persuaded her to have a few drinks. The remaining three of us sat in the living room. Ning Shixuan stammered as she asked me, "Zhao... Zhao Qian, do you like this place that Yun Yao and I arranged for you?"

I replied, "I love it. We finally have a home in Liangshan. But you used up all your savings. Thank you, Shixuan. I will compensate you doubly later. It’s not that I’m deliberately being stingy; my hands are tied financially right now because I’m trying to prove my ability starting from scratch."

Ning Shixuan insisted, "We’re family, why talk like that? Your salary card is still in our hands; we can deduct a little bit. Besides, you’re so capable, you won't let us sisters starve, will you?"

Yun Yao rubbed her forehead. "Brother Zhao, my head hurts. I’m going to bed."

Ning Shixuan pulled me toward the bedroom. "Let’s go together. You still haven't shown us the recording."

Yun Yao secretly peeked through the crack in her mother's door, then pulled us into their room and locked the door from the inside. The three of us happily lay down on the bed. The air conditioning was set quite cold, so we held each other tighter.

Ning Shixuan gently bit my chest flesh. "You said there were other girls from the GHL Cup, but you won't show them to us, hmph, stingy! You should at least let us see Ouyang Qian and Zhang Xiaoya. Don't tell me you have no relationship with Zhang Xiaoya either. I suspect every famous young, beautiful girl in Dragon Country is your girlfriend."

Yun Yao blushed and whispered, "I... we took the photos. Brother Zhao won't use that as an excuse to dismiss us again, will he?"

I was startled. "You took photos? How did I not know? Show me quickly!"

Ning Shixuan said, "We didn't plan to tell you, but since Yun Yao mentioned it, you can see them. They are on your phone."

It turned out they had borrowed my phone the night before to take pictures. I wondered why Yun Yao had blushed so much when borrowing the phone and avoided looking at me when returning it. I hadn't realized it until now—I was such a failure.

After looking, I realized I had been tricked. "These aren't nude photos at all; they are blurry shots! Fine if you obscure the lower half, but I can barely make out your upper bodies. Why cover up? It would be better to show everything, since I’ve already seen and touched the real thing."

Yun Yao blushed and explained, "Brother Zhao, it was our first time too; we were a bit shy."

Ning Shixuan added, "Yes, and I was still a virgin! How could I take nude photos? Can we proceed step-by-step?"

I could only say helplessly, "Fine. I will pull up the photos of Ouyang Qian and Zhang Xiaoya for you. But when you actually meet them, you are not allowed to mention this incident. That’s a hidden rule in the Zhao household."

Ning Shixuan smiled. "Understood. Girls need to maintain their composure."

As I looked, my desire ignited, and my hands began to move involuntarily. Yun Yao, having experienced my passion before, remained silent, simply closing her eyes to enjoy the moment. As her clothes came off, Ning Shixuan cried out, "You two, stop making love in front of me! I have a condition!"

I leaned down to suckle Yun Yao’s breast while telling Ning Shixuan, "I know. I'm intentionally making you experience this kind of scene more often. In a few more times, you’ll get over your fear of intercourse."

Ning Shixuan pouted, unconvinced, but she knew deep down she hadn't reacted strongly when touched all over a few nights ago. She was already over her 'phobia'; it was just an excuse.

I was in the middle of taking off my own clothes when Ning Shixuan’s phone rang. When she answered, she realized it was her aunt, Ning Yumei, who hadn't seen her niece in days and wanted her to come over that afternoon to help fold wontons.

Yun Yao pulled her clothes up to cover her chest. "Brother Zhao, let's do it tonight. I’m afraid Mom will come in suddenly. Let’s go help wrap wontons together."

Ning Shixuan said, "It’s a good time to mention the beverage factory matter to my uncle. After all, he needs to be on board with the idea."

I started to dress. "Right, the important business comes first. Let’s go."

It was the first time visiting Ning Shixuan’s aunt’s upstairs apartment, and it was indeed incredibly cramped. No wonder Shixuan didn't want to spend the night here; it was stuffy and hot, nothing like the cool air in our government dormitory. Now that we’ve rented a proper house with air conditioning, I figured she’d be even less inclined to stay at her aunt’s.

While wrapping wontons, Ning Shixuan asked Sun Caiwu, "Uncle, do you want to run a wonton stall for your entire life?"

Sun Caiwu chuckled. "This child. If there were a better way out, who would stick to a wonton stall? Your aunt and I are just trying to save up enough money quickly to buy you an apartment and find you a good husband."

Ning Shixuan glanced at me. "Uncle, let’s not talk about far-off things for now. Have you heard about the road construction and the beverage factory development in Liangshan these past couple of days?"

Sun Caiwu replied, "Every person in Liangshan with eyes and ears knows about it. That fellow’s speed is practically divine. Little Xuan, you work in government circles—are these all Master Zhou’s initiatives? He truly is a good official. Liangshan finally has hope."

Ning Shixuan said, "Uncle, you don’t need to ask who did these things. I just wanted to get your opinion: if you were offered a job at the beverage factory, would you take it?"

Sun Caiwu paused, stopping his hands from the folding motion. "Are you the one who decides this? That would be wonderful! We were just worried they wouldn't accept us without connections. As long as the salary isn't too low, your aunt and I both want to go. The wonton stall business only works during the night market hours; once autumn comes and the nights get cold, nobody comes anymore."

Ning Shixuan asserted, "Of course, I decide. Our Investment Promotion Office is responsible for this project. Moreover, I can arrange for you to take a management position so you don't have to work as hard as the regular laborers."

Ning Yumei exclaimed happily, "Little Xuan has grown up; she can find jobs for us now! Old Sun, this is an opportunity, you absolutely cannot miss it. We can temporarily keep the wonton stall running. I’ll stay home, and you go work. Working at the factory isn't a twenty-four-hour grind; you can still help me at the night market in the evenings. Or maybe Little Xuan can spare some time to help me too. When the weather cools down and the night market closes, if you are settled in your factory job, then Little Xuan can pull strings, and I can join then too."

Indeed, she was a businesswoman; she planned for a dual safety net. Ning Shixuan said, "If Auntie is worried, this is the safest way forward. I wonder if Uncle wants to earn big money or small money?"

Sun Caiwu asked, "What do you mean, big money or small money? Isn’t the salary paid monthly?"

Ning Shixuan explained according to what I had instructed her on the road, "Uncle, don’t you know about the concept of investing for shares now? If you work as a regular laborer or in management, you receive a stable monthly salary. But if you want to increase your year-end dividends, you must invest first. The longer you invest, the higher the year-end dividend will be."

Sun Caiwu inquired, "What if the beverage factory doesn't make a profit and loses money?"

Ning Shixuan countered, "Uncle, haven't you seen the speed of their construction? They are powerful, established enterprises. Outsiders aren't even told these things. If you are still uneasy, you don't have to invest, but you might miss out on over a hundred thousand RMB in year-end bonuses."

"What! How much? One hundred thousand plus? Little Xuan, you aren't fooling your uncle, are you?" Sun Caiwu couldn't believe it.

Ning Shixuan insisted, "Uncle, think about it—what job do I do? Besides, I am your biological niece. I wouldn't deceive others, especially not you. I still want you to save money so I can buy a house and get married; why would I let you lose money?"

Ning Yumei urged Sun Caiwu, "I believe Little Xuan. She used to be the office secretary for Director Da! Only insiders like them would know these confidential matters. Old Sun, we cannot hesitate, or we will regret it later. Think about it, they built a major road in two days and two nights—how advanced must their machinery be? Do you think they would risk losing money doing this?"

Sun Caiwu gritted his teeth. "Right, you can't catch a wolf without sacrificing your child. We don't understand this kind of thing. Little Xuan, handle everything on behalf of your uncle. We have a total of thirty thousand yuan left in the house; we'll use all of it for the investment."

Only thirty thousand? I frowned. If we followed the principle of fair distribution, even if the beverage factory’s profit doubled by year-end, they wouldn't receive much in dividends. Ning Shixuan whispered to me, "I'll ask someone in the government to help Uncle borrow some more money. If we can scrape together fifty thousand, maybe we can at least get the principal back by year-end."

I replied, "That should be possible, but it’s still not enough. I’ll figure out a way to help you borrow three to five hundred thousand later. In any case, apart from the Peach Blossom Investment Company, Uncle’s funds must hold a substantial share. Otherwise, when it comes to managing the beverage factory later, others will gossip."

Ning Shixuan froze. "Zhao Qian, are you implying that we intend to hand over complete management of the beverage factory to my uncle in the future?"

I confirmed, "Yes. Did you think Ouyang Qian and Xu Jing would really have the time to come here and manage things personally? The purpose of setting up this factory isn't to enrich a few companies; it’s to enrich the people of Liangshan. That’s the real reason. Uncle is one of the people of Liangshan, isn't he? We must start making wealth from those close to us first—after all, we don't let good fortune flow to outsiders."

Sun Caiwu looked confused. "What are you talking about? Management? Outsider fields?"

Ning Shixuan told him, "Uncle, don't worry about it. I’ll tell you what to do when the time comes. You are my uncle, which makes you his uncle too; he will take care of us."

"He? Who?" Sun Caiwu and Ning Yumei asked in unison. "Oh, right, what about Lan Feng? We haven't seen him these past two days."

"We broke up," Ning Shixuan stated flatly. "Don't mention him again."

The older couple wanted to press for details, but seeing Shixuan’s resolve, they let it drop. I turned to Sun Caiwu. "Uncle, since you are familiar with the area, mobilize more people to invest. This is a good thing; everyone who has money can earn together. Also, the recruitment advertisements have already been posted. You had better prepare; the official start date is Monday. You need to work alongside the management personnel coming from the capital to recruit and train employees, so you can familiarize yourself with the workflow first."

Sun Caiwu responded, "I don't understand anything. I’ll just do whatever you and Little Xuan tell me to do; listening to you two is never wrong."

I, the Director of the Investment Promotion Office, led two subordinates in skipping work that afternoon. After wrapping wontons for half the afternoon, the lingering effects of the midday alcohol had worn off. Leaving Ning Shixuan’s aunt’s house, I decided to take the two women to look around the Entertainment City, and perhaps borrow some money from Scarface on the way.

On the road, Ning Shixuan asked me, "Zhao Qian, how exactly do you plan to arrange things with my uncle? Can you be completely honest with me first?"

I answered, "Sooner or later, you two will return to the capital with me. And there are countless small production plants like this managed by the Citizen’s Group and Peach Blossom Company; no one can oversee all of them. If your aunt and uncle are unwilling to follow us, we will hand the factory over to them to manage. If they choose to come with us, we will make other arrangements."

Ning Shixuan mused, "This matter requires Xu Jing and Ouyang Qing to give their approval, right? Don't put yourself in a difficult spot in front of them by casually giving favors. They are strong businesswomen; they must value face."

Yun Yao suddenly interjected, "Little Sister Ning, are you genuinely naive or just pretending? Don't you understand by now?"

Ning Shixuan looked perplexed. "Understand what?"

Yun Yao chuckled. "Brother Zhao is the secret master behind all of this, silly girl! We are all just little darlings being nurtured under his care, including the sisters back home!"