Rely on powerful figures?

No thanks.

At most, when suitable opportunities arose, Xia Xiaolan would invest in enterprises destined for future success, content to be a shareholder waiting for dividends. She couldn’t bring herself to play subordinate to big shots.

Though not some brilliant business genius, her years of foreknowledge gave her an edge. Many future industry leaders currently didn’t even match her starting point.

They weren’t running businesses as smoothly, and didn’t have her capital – why should she grovel to them? She wasn’t crazy.

When Xia Xiaolan suggested doing real estate in Qiong Island together, Liu Yong was immediately interested, agreeing almost instantly.

Qiong Island was a new territory for both of them. Starting a business there might be harder than in Pengcheng, but making money would be more unrestricted – the mere thought was exhilarating!

“When do we leave?”

“I’ve sent Ge Jian and the others for market research first. You can start gathering funds on your end.”

Xia Xiaolan was just giving Liu Yong advance notice so he could prepare his finances.

As for herself, she would naturally assess the situation in Qiong Island while working on the museum project after returning from America.

On April 2nd, Eric finally sent Xia Xiaolan confirmation that the first court hearing was scheduled for 10 AM on April 5th, New York time!

Xia Xiaolan hurriedly packed and departed.

Only then did Liu Fen learn that Xia Xiaolan was going to America for a lawsuit. Seeing her off in Pengcheng, Liu Fen couldn’t say anything in front of Mao Kangshan and Madam Song, fearing they would worry.

After Xia Xiaolan and the elderly couple passed through customs and disappeared from view, Liu Fen complained to Tang Hongen:

“This child is too independent, never telling family about major events!”

Tang Hongen thought you’re only feeling this now? Why didn’t you object when she said she wanted to marry Zhou Cheng?

He couldn’t speak honestly, instead consoling his wife: “It’s fine. I asked Jiangyuan about this – Xiaolan can handle it herself. She has a renowned lawyer, and many people support her. The chances of winning are very high! Don’t you trust her? She would never plagiarize someone else’s work.”

Plagiarism was too troublesome.

One lie would require countless others to cover it up.

Given Xia Xiaolan’s character, if she truly liked an architect’s work, she would find ways to buy it – whether the design or the architect. Why waste time and energy when money could solve the problem?

Liu Fen gave him a peculiar look: “You knew about this already?”

“No, I just found out too.”

Tang Hongen firmly denied it.

Liu Fen was half-convinced, but Tang Hongen’s expression showed no flaws, and she couldn’t press him further.

Actually, how could Tang Hongen not know? Even Zhou Guobin knew to seek embassy assistance. Tang Hongen first felt he shared common ground with Zhou Guobin in handling this matter.

This was a professional lawsuit; their positions as domestic leaders couldn’t help here.

While unaccomplished children could be frustrating, sometimes overly accomplished ones left them feeling equally helpless – the fledgling had flown beyond their reach!

Xia Xiaolan was on the plane.

The Mao couple was there too.

And there was the reluctant Tina, willing to testify.

Mrs. Wilson was also a witness but for Lisa’s side. Tina knew nothing about this – Mrs. Wilson had told her she needed to return to America for some business, leaving Pengcheng two days earlier. By the time Xia Xiaolan’s group departed, Mrs. Wilson had likely already reached New York.

Taking off from Hong Kong airport toward Japan, Madam Song firmly gripped the armrests, leaning forward to look out the window.

Though not her first time on a plane, it was her first time abroad.

“Never thought I’d visit America, more fashionable than young folks.”

The old lady had always been optimistic. Though without great personal achievements, she meticulously cared for Mao Kangshan’s daily life and raised several children.

Mao Kangshan’s single-minded architectural pursuits wouldn’t have been possible without Madam Song’s care.

This time, even after Xia Xiaolan offered two reasons, Mao Kangshan still hesitated. Finally, when Xia Xiaolan added the third reason – asking if he didn’t want to take his wife abroad – he decisively packed his bags.

His wife had been illiterate when they married but was diligent in managing their home, always putting him first. Even during food shortages, she ensured he ate first, then the children, taking the last portion herself… He could only pretend to be full so she would eat more.

Living until their feet were nearly in the grave, looking back on life, he owed her the most.

He had been abroad, but she never had the chance. Mao Kangshan no longer hesitated, tacitly accepting Xia Xiaolan’s flight arrangements – she had already secretly prepared their documents, confident he couldn’t resist this reason.

He had fallen into his little disciple’s trap again, but willingly so.

As Madam Song curiously looked around the plane, Mao Kangshan set aside his usual stern expression, showing rare tenderness as he quietly shared his knowledge about America with her.

Tina didn’t mock Madam Song’s wide-eyed wonder. Instead, she moved closer to Xia Xiaolan, whispering: “Your teacher must be amazing, right? Ji Jiangyuan said Old Mr. Mao is an excellent Chinese architect, that’s why you’ve gone further than others.”

Standing on giants’ shoulders naturally made success easier.

Tina felt a hint of envy. Her promotion still hadn’t received approval from her superficial ‘grandmother’.

Xia Xiaolan glanced at her, “You’re half right. My teacher is indeed an excellent Chinese architect, which explains why I’m more accomplished than my peers. But think about it – would someone of his caliber accept just any disciple?”

Tina choked – Xia Xiaolan was too shameless, finding ways to praise herself even indirectly. If only she had kept quiet!

But with such a long flight to America, how could she not speak to Xia Xiaolan at all?

Tina glared at Xia Xiaolan intensely – after all, who was she testifying for on this trip?

…

As Xia Xiaolan’s plane left Hong Kong airport.

Meanwhile, Xia Ziyun, who had been recuperating in the hospital for several days after her miscarriage, was ready for discharge. The paparazzi blocking the hospital entrance had been dispersed by Du Chengrong. Completely wrapped up from head to toe, Xia Ziyun entered the car accompanied by her new bodyguard.

Du Chengrong had promised to give her an explanation after discharge.

Xia Ziyun was internally impatient – surely those who harmed her, causing her to lose a child, couldn’t escape without consequences?

She understood that only about two-tenths of Du Chengrong’s anger came from concern for her, while eight-tenths stemmed from wounded pride. Her attendance at the golf club’s opening ceremony had been with Du Chengrong’s permission, his special treatment had been willingly given… For the Du family to try to kill her showed complete disregard for Du Chengrong’s wishes, challenging his authority within the family!

“Mrs. Du, we’re home. Mind the steps.”

The maid, Sister Sun, had been replaced. Two new maids now served Xia Ziyun, eager to please the favored fifth concubine.

Xia Ziyun also noticed the driver had been changed, leading her to certain suspicions.