Xia Xiaolan smiled:
“Miss Song, we’re alike. You raise a vicious dog, but be careful it doesn’t turn around and bite its master.”
So Xia Xiaolan knew?
Song Minglan was taken aback – before she could even boast, Xia Xiaolan had figured out Han Jin’s involvement.
In front of Xia Xiaolan, Song Minglan refused to show weakness. “If it doesn’t behave, I’ll just get another one. What’s so difficult about that?”
Song Minglan’s gaze fell on Xu Jing and Ma Hai. She had never met either of them, though she’d heard Han Jin mention Xu Jing’s name. He was formerly a teacher at Beijing Normal University who sold his ancestral property to study abroad for the Li Project, only to be dumped by her. By the time Song Minglan arrived in New York, Xu Jing had already stopped attending student parties… In short, he was a failed man.
This wasn’t surprising – among those who struggled to study abroad, some succeeded while many failed.
However, given Xia Xiaolan’s investment in Xu Jing, Song Minglan doubted he was the failure others described.
Why would Xia Xiaolan help Xu Jing and Ma Hai?
Out of kindness?
Don’t be ridiculous!
Song Minglan had always considered Xia Xiaolan calculating, a businessperson who never acted without profit. Without returns, Xia Xiaolan wouldn’t bother with Xu and Ma.
If Xia Xiaolan hadn’t invested in them, they wouldn’t have displayed wealth, triggering Li Project and Li Yong’s schemes.
Realizing she had quietly resolved the Li Project and Li Yong situation for Xia Xiaolan, Song Minglan felt annoyed and had to needle her: “If you keep testing them, your investment might go to waste.”
Meanwhile, under others’ persistent prodding, Xu Jing and Ma Hai finally revealed their plans to return to China.
This wasn’t loose talk – Xia Xiaolan had permitted them to share this information.
Excessive secrecy prevented others from seeing the essence through appearances; no one knew how Xu Jing and Ma Hai had changed.
These international students could be useful for future convenience.
Also, to let Li Project know that Xu Jing was no longer the same person – weren’t these the two reasons Xia Xiaolan attended the gathering?
First, to help Xu Jing and Ma Hai rebuild their social confidence, rising from where they had fallen.
Second, to ensure Xu Jing wouldn’t act foolishly.
The first goal had been achieved.
As for the second, everyone awaited Xu Jing’s response-
Li Project’s eyes sparkled as she looked over:
“Don’t tease us. Xu Jing and I used to date, but we’re still friends after breaking up. Your comments make it awkward for future encounters. Xu Jing, congratulations on graduating. With your major, shouldn’t you stay in America for better job prospects? Why return to China?”
Li Project’s greeting seemed generous.
Her thick skin made even Ma Hai grind his teeth.
Old Xu better not mess up!
Ma Hai broke into a nervous sweat.
Xu Jing hadn’t seen Li Project in a long time, and she now seemed like a stranger.
Men shouldn’t dwell on the past; those old matters had blown away with the wind. But Li Project seemed too familiar, still claiming friendship?
If they were friends, she shouldn’t have sabotaged his and Ma Hai’s investment opportunity.
Xu Jing didn’t understand Li Project’s intention, but without hostility, he simply stated facts:
“Our work has received investor approval. Instead of staying in America, Ma Hai and I plan to return home and start a factory in the Special Economic Zone. Since everyone’s here today, consider this our formal farewell!”
What explosive news!
Considering how Xu Jing and Ma Hai had suddenly repaid their debts, disappeared for so long, and now reappeared looking prosperous – only to bid farewell?
Someone exclaimed:
“You two created something and plan to start a factory back home?”
“Xu Jing, think carefully! You’ve made it to America, why not stay?”
“Right! How can any Special Economic Zone compare to New York’s prosperity?”
“What’s so good about it? I visited Pengcheng before coming abroad – construction everywhere, how can it compare to New York?”
The last speaker wasn’t deliberately elevating foreign lands while belittling Pengcheng – in 1986, Pengcheng was far behind New York.
Not just Pengcheng, few cities worldwide could compare to New York.
In terms of urban development, Pengcheng couldn’t compete with New York. Even after 30 years, given America’s position, New York would remain a global super-metropolis. But for personal development, Pengcheng offered better opportunities – its rapid construction and development would create a generation of successful individuals.
Despite others’ comments, Ma Hai and Xu Jing remained resolute.
“We’re determined to return and start our business. Since someone recognizes our abilities, why couldn’t we build something successful? No need to persuade us – everyone has their path. If you return to China, you’re welcome to visit us in the Special Economic Zone!”
The students laughed – such determination made persuasion futile.
Li Project’s expression darkened. She had come seeking sympathy through her misfortune – Li Yong had beaten up her American lover, who then broke up with her upon her hospital discharge. Now she truly had nothing to rely on.
She had thought Xu Jing would stay and work in America, but this wooden head was focused on returning to start a factory.
Li Project remained very calm.
Whatever little gadget they’d created couldn’t simply lead to wealth and success – otherwise, America would be overflowing with rich people!
If they wanted to start a business, they should stay in New York where opportunities abounded… These two fools might look refined now, but they were still empty inside.
Xia Xiaolan stepped forward:
“Let me add my congratulations to both seniors for their entrepreneurial venture and bright future! You all might not know, but if all goes well, they’ll receive million-level investment upon returning-“
Xia Xiaolan’s words poured oil into an already boiling pot.
The splashing oil droplets could scald onlookers.
Millions?
In yuan or dollars?
Surely not dollars – no one dared imagine what a million dollars meant.
This was in 1986 when most New York international students were government-sponsored. There weren’t many wealthy second-generation students occupying New York yet, so hearing about million-level investment stunned everyone.
“Old Xu, Ma Hai, is what Junior Xia said true?”
“A million? Where could you get million-level investment?”
“A million yuan is already substantial… Wait, it couldn’t be dollars, right?”
Even Xu Jing and Ma Hai were stunned – Xia Xiaolan hadn’t consulted them about this announcement!
Seeing Xia Xiaolan step back, leaving them the attention, Ma Hai suddenly understood: Junior Xia wanted to create buzz for them. New clothes alone couldn’t establish their presence – she wanted the student circle to believe they’d achieved major success!
Ma Hai reluctantly played along: “We got lucky, the investor liked our product.”
Should he claim a million yuan or a million dollars?
Ma Hai himself was confused, so his answers remained vague. But his hesitation made others more likely to believe Xia Xiaolan’s words – Chinese people were known for being modest about wealth.
Li Project looked between Ma Hai and Xu Jing.
Xu Jing couldn’t lie – he’d blush immediately. His cheeks were slightly red now, but it seemed more from excitement at being surrounded by people – could their electronic dictionary attract million-level investment?
Who was the investor, could it be Xia Xiaolan…