Xu Jing silently read through the agreement clause by clause.

Xia Xiaolan was thoughtful enough to provide both English and Chinese versions, ensuring he and Ma Hai could understand.

Indeed, all clauses were drafted in Xia Xiaolan’s favor, including one stating that if they leaked research progress to others causing losses, Xu Jing and Ma Hai would not only pay compensation but also face imprisonment under American law.

“Alright, I agree to sign!”

Surprisingly, it was the mild-mannered Xu Jing who made the decision first.

“Old Xu, Old Xu, let’s discuss this more!”

Ma Hai was anxious.

Xu Jing questioned him, “What’s there to discuss? Do you know any other wealthy people? Even if you did, would they treat us more fairly than Junior Sister Xia? She’s right – she could find others to do this, yet she’s willing to invest in us. I don’t think she’s bad at all.”

While Ma Hai still had naive illusions about Xia Xiaolan, Xu Jing had dealt with her before.

She was particularly skilled at negotiating prices when buying houses!

But they had no choice now – either accept Xia Xiaolan’s investment or continue their endless struggle. Which path to choose was obvious.

Seeing Xia Xiaolan’s shrewdness gave Xu Jing confidence in her.

Someone who could offer so much money had to be shrewd, or they would have been swindled long ago.

The more shrewd she was, the more likely her described future would come true – taking their mature product design back to China to establish a factory.

Xu Jing had originally gone abroad because of Xiang Li, and after traveling overseas, he still wanted to return to China.

Ma Hai was even more flexible and willing to go wherever success might lead.

Seeing Xu Jing’s sign readily, Ma Hai gritted his teeth and signed too.

Xia Xiaolan extended her hand, “Senior Brothers, from now on we’re partners. Here’s to a pleasant cooperation! Senior Ma, you’ve gotten the investment you wanted, why aren’t you happy? Though I may not be nice to outsiders, I’ve never mistreated my partners.”

Ma Hai grumbled and reluctantly shook hands with Xia Xiaolan.

Xia Xiaolan took out her checkbook and wrote a check:

“Now that the money’s in place, you can order whatever components you need. Also, start working on all the things I mentioned. My courses at Cornell are demanding, and I don’t have time for these details, so I’ll have to trouble you both.”

Ma Hai took the check:

“Got it! You… eh?”

The number on the check seemed wrong – why was it 65,000 dollars?

“Junior Sister Xia, did you write the wrong amount?”

Xia Xiaolan smiled:

“No mistake. As I said, business is business, personal relationships are separate. I’m willing to invest 60,000 dollars in your product, with an extra 5,000 dollars to clear your debts. I don’t want to be constantly questioned about dealing with defaulters and fraudsters. This 5,000 dollars doesn’t need to be repaid. The 60,000 is an investment in your product, this 5,000 is an investment in you – I have high hopes for both of you.”

The check suddenly felt burning hot.

If Xia Xiaolan had appeared naive and gullible from the start, Ma Hai wouldn’t have been so moved.

But she had already shown her shrewd side, then suddenly made this unexpected gesture – neither Ma Hai nor Xu Jing had anticipated it.

While others didn’t believe in them, Xia Xiaolan did.

This extra 5,000 dollars wasn’t just trust in their abilities, but also trust in and defense of their character.

How could they not be moved?

Just moments ago they thought Xia Xiaolan was a detestable capitalist; now she had transformed into a relationship-valuing talent scout.

“A gentleman would die for someone who truly understands him” might be too dramatic, and perhaps in the future Ma Hai and Xu Jing wouldn’t maintain their current mindset, but at this moment, their gratitude toward Xia Xiaolan was beyond words!

Their earlier discontent about the harsh agreement had completely vanished.

“Senior Brothers, you can go cash this check at the bank now and handle your matters. Besides paying off debts, I suggest you rent an independent apartment – not just for comfort but also for security. What do you think? Tomorrow noon, before I return to Ithaca, let’s have a feast together to celebrate this beautiful beginning of our business venture.”

With her alternating tough and gentle approach, both men’s minds were spinning from Xia Xiaolan’s combination moves. They lost their ability to think independently and naturally followed her lead.

They walked out of the law firm in a daze.

The street wind cleared Ma Hai’s head, and he jumped up:

“Old Xu, pinch me to see if I’m dreaming!”

Xu Jing pinched him several times, making Ma Hai howl in pain: “It’s real, I’m sure now, let go quick!”

Pain brought reality – so their luck had turned?

This 65,000-dollar check was certainly real.

Xia Xiaolan wouldn’t waste time taking them to a high-end law firm just to act – they could verify the check at the bank.

Ma Hai, usually impetuous, now held the check with tears in his eyes:

“Old Xu, being called fraudsters and defaulters feels awful. We must seize this opportunity and make something of ourselves to show everyone!”

Even if not to spite that woman Xiang Li, they needed to live with dignity.

Relying on a young junior sister’s aid to pay debts made Ma Hai both moved and embarrassed.

Xu Jing, not good at expressing emotions, had tears in his eyes: “Stop talking, let’s cash the check first, then gather all the IOUs and pay everyone back!”

Xia Xiaolan was their boss now, and her suggestions must be reasonable. They would handle everything properly, not to waste her trust and regard!

…

“I drafted the agreement myself, took an hour. Including drafting and paper costs, you need to pay 800 dollars.”

For an average American couple’s divorce with a regular divorce lawyer, the rate would be around 100 dollars per hour. Wen Mannie, working near Wall Street, clearly charged more than that.

800 dollars was already very reasonable.

She knew Xia Xiaolan had just invested tens of thousands of dollars in two Chinese students and wasn’t short of money, so paying this would be no problem.

Not only did this lead to a reassessment of Xia Xiaolan’s financial capacity, but her handling of the situation, making the two students’ emotions ride a roller coaster and leaving them immensely grateful to her, possibly willing to risk life and limb for her… with such ability, Wen Mannie couldn’t view Xia Xiaolan as just a student anymore:

“Last week you didn’t stay at my place, saying the party ended too late to be convenient. I think you weren’t truthful – did you hear Klaus and me arguing?”

“Connie, that’s your privacy. I haven’t mentioned it to Aunt Hu and the others.”

Xia Xiaolan couldn’t continue pretending ignorance.

Wen Mannie’s worried heart eased: “It’s best you didn’t say anything. I don’t want them worrying about my marriage. Klaus and I have some disagreements, but after a thorough discussion, we want to give each other another chance to save our marriage. Tonight I’ll formally introduce Klaus to you at our family gathering. Thank you for keeping this secret!”