Asian women had a mysterious allure.

Their charm was subtle.

Men of taste could appreciate that… what was strange about being interested in Asians?

The man withdrew his gaze. “No, I’m not interested. I’m just surprised.”

His companion had a revelation, “Do you know them?”

The man didn’t answer.

His companion was sensible enough not to probe further. This was supposed to be their date, yet the conversation kept revolving around another woman – a beautiful young Asian woman at that. His companion wasn’t a fool!

In America, lunch dates and dinner dates carry different meanings. They hadn’t progressed to the dinner date stage yet.

After paying, they headed to the underground parking garage. The man suddenly stopped:

“Would you mind taking a taxi back? I suddenly have something urgent to handle.”

His companion could barely maintain her smile:

“Darling?”

How could he be so ungentlemanly? What a bastard!

The man wouldn’t compromise. His companion finally burst out, “You’re terrible!”

It was so damaging to a woman’s self-esteem – eyeing another woman during their date. Arrogant bastard – she hoped he’d pay for such behavior one day!

Harold leaned against his car, smoking a cigarette.

Events had taken an unexpected turn.

When he left China and met Xia Xiaolan at the airport, he’d been so certain they’d never meet again.

The Chinese girl who’d frustrated him would be just a passerby in his life, their paths never crossing again… That had been Harold’s plan, but after returning to America, his assistant Karl in Pengcheng kept reporting Xia Xiaolan’s activities for some inexplicable reason!

Fine, he admitted Xia Xiaolan’s handling of the residential complex was impressive, but that was only remarkable in China. In America, with its developed advertising industry, talented marketers were everywhere!

Even across thousands of miles, Xia Xiaolan’s presence was as pervasive as a virus!

Recently, the reports had finally stopped, though Harold wouldn’t admit he felt somewhat unaccustomed to their absence.

But look who he’d just seen.

Xia Xiaolan!

Chinese facial features weren’t distinct enough for Americans, who often had trouble telling them apart.

But that didn’t apply to Xia Xiaolan. Her looks, figure, and subtle charm would stand out anywhere in the world. Harold couldn’t mistake her – which was frustrating. He’d said they’d never meet again, yet here she was in America?

America was so vast – why did she have to appear in New York, in Manhattan of all places?

Harold stubbed out his cigarette. The parking garage elevator dinged, and Xia Xiaolan emerged with two Chinese men.

The three were chatting and laughing, which irritated Harold.

What could they have so much to talk about?

Being so friendly with such Chinese men… hmph.

He crossed his arms, his gaze sharp like an eagle eyeing its mouse prey from above – though if Xia Xiaolan was a mouse, she’d be the world’s most beautiful one, capable of enchanting even natural predators.

Someone with Harold’s commanding presence couldn’t be ignored, even in the dimly lit parking garage.

The hair on Xu Jing’s neck stood up:

“Junior Sister Xia, look at that man…”

He seemed angry.

Having just sworn allegiance to Xia Xiaolan yesterday, Xu Jing and Ma Hai summoned their courage to stand in front of her.

Xia Xiaolan wasn’t foolish. She’d noticed Harold’s distinguished presence in the restaurant.

But since he’d had a female companion then, she’d pretended not to see him.

She’d only paid and left after seeing Harold leave with his companion. Now Harold was alone in the parking garage, his companion nowhere in sight. Xia Xiaolan couldn’t convince herself he wasn’t waiting for her.

“It’s fine, he’s someone I know.”

Their cars were parked opposite each other across the aisle.

“Mr. Harold, as you said, Easterners believe in fate. Look how we’ve met in this vast New York – even I can’t deny there must be some destiny at work.”

That’s why one shouldn’t make absolute statements – she’d wanted to argue this point at the airport.

Harold seemed to believe in fate, and Xia Xiaolan felt it was quite fateful too.

This restaurant was upscale for international students but probably just mediocre for someone of Harold’s wealth. She’d come on Wen Manni’s recommendation – who knew they’d meet here?

Harold tilted his chin up. “When did you come to America?”

“February, about a month ago.”

This wasn’t confidential information, so Xia Xiaolan answered casually.

With Xia Xiaolan’s cooperation, Harold couldn’t maintain his lofty pose: “Here to expand business?”

“You’re thinking too much. Even if I wanted to, I lack the capability. I’m just here to study – a one-year exchange student.”

Karl hadn’t reported this.

Harold couldn’t help but laugh in frustration.

Previously reporting everything, yet not knowing Xia Xiaolan had come to America as an exchange student? Of course, Karl had no personal connection with Xia Xiaolan, and George, that bootlicker, was opposing her, so he wouldn’t mention this.

Recently, even George had become more subdued. According to Karl’s gossip, George’s marriage to a Chinese woman seemed troubled, and he was frantically sending American lawyers to China to sign a postnuptial agreement… Fool, why not sign before marriage rather than trying to fix things now?

Many thoughts crossed Harold’s mind. “Is your school in New York?”

“In Ithaca.”

Ithaca?

That would be Cornell University.

Harold didn’t pursue further – knowing this much was enough.

He wasn’t a persistent man, but rather a wealthy man with charm and grace who didn’t lack female attention! Harold didn’t know why he’d dismissed his companion. If Xia Xiaolan hadn’t coincidentally exited the elevator, he’d planned to return to the restaurant… Shit!

“Welcome to New York. I won’t disturb you and your friends. Goodbye.”

Harold got into his car.

Xu Jing and Ma Hai had been completely ignored throughout – Harold had no interest in meeting them, and Xia Xiaolan had no intention of making introductions.

“Junior Sister Xia—”

The car had already driven away, and Xia Xiaolan came back to herself:

“Let’s go. He’s just a wealthy American I dealt with in China.”

Without Xia Xiaolan’s explanation, Xu Jing and Ma Hai could see how wealthy he was. Xia Xiaolan’s new Ford was enviable among international students, but Harold’s car was extremely expensive… They didn’t need to probe Xia Xiaolan’s relationship with Harold – they just had complete confidence in her!

Confidence in her financial capability.

65,000 dollars wasn’t Xia Xiaolan’s limit.

She wasn’t lying about being able to set up a factory back home!

Rich people only knew other rich people – this was an eternal truth. Why couldn’t they attract investment? Because they were both poor and without a single wealthy friend.

Xu Jing was now immensely grateful he’d attended the international student party!

If not for meeting Xia Xiaolan, he and Ma Hai would have had to abandon their dreams.

Now things were different – they were full of motivation.

Xu Jing’s joy lasted until the moment he saw Xiang Li…