If not an outsider, was she an insider then?

Without Grandmother Yu’s involvement, she and Xu Zhongyi had no relationship at all. Going to America to search for someone was for Grandmother Yu’s sake. Her dealings with Zhang Jiadong were also for Grandmother Yu. What did it have to do with Xu Zhongyi? Xu Zhongyi just happened to be Grandmother Yu’s son and a pitiful man whose wife had cheated on him, nothing more.

The paper Xia Xiaolan gave to Xu Zhongyi read “Hereby borrowing 1.5 million US dollars from Xu Zhongyi to invest in Shangdu Asia Mall, agreeing to repay 1.5 million US dollars in two years, or return 18% of Asia Mall’s shares” – this was an IOU.

Xu Zhongyi was angry because Xia Xiaolan refused to accept his “thank you gift.”

Xia Xiaolan remained completely calm and explained unhurriedly:

“Uncle Xu, do you have confidence in this mall that Manager Zhu is building?”

“Of course I do, otherwise why would I help you invest—”

“Isn’t that enough then? You’ve already given me a very generous thank-you gift. Being able to buy 18% of Shangdu Asia Mall for 1.5 million dollars is only possible because it hasn’t been built yet! You see potential in this location and believe in Zhu Suizhou’s project, just as I do. I think Asia Mall’s future looks very promising… In the future, 18% of the shares will be worth much more than 1.5 million dollars. I’d prefer if this money were a loan from you.”

Since Xu Zhongyi didn’t interrupt her, Xia Xiaolan continued:

“I don’t want to accept this 1.5 million dollars ‘gift.’ It’s a large sum, but it would also make me uncomfortable when facing Grandmother Yu as if my relationship with her was built for today’s generous gift. Of course, Uncle Xu, you have your position, and I have mine. Why don’t we compromise? Let’s both take a step back and treat this money as a loan, an interest-free loan, allowing me to invest and earn profits. This is already showing support from an elder to a young person. What do you think?”

Xia Xiaolan’s reasoning was sound, and Xu Zhongyi couldn’t find words to refute her. She could have refused earlier or proposed this compromise, but she deliberately waited until just before signing the investment contract to speak up, clearly choosing her timing carefully.

Xu Zhongyi had always known what kind of person Xia Xiaolan was. But at this moment, he realized he had still underestimated her. Her attitude wasn’t aggressive, nor did it leave others in an awkward position. Instead, one could sense the sharp wit and pride of youth… yet somehow it wasn’t off-putting.

At Xu Zhongyi’s age, with his extensive experience, both his IQ and EQ had been refined to a certain level. He found Xia Xiaolan’s handling of matters to be watertight. After two minutes of deadlock, Xu Zhongyi accepted the IOU.

“You’re right. Young people can be supported, but my approach was too forceful. Let’s proceed according to your proposal.”

“Thank you for understanding, Uncle Xu!”

Having reached an agreement, the awkwardness between them diminished somewhat.

You Li’s heart was pounding. She had been present when Manager Xia wrote the IOU – a full 1.5 million US dollars that someone was willing to give Manager Xia as a “thank you gift”!

1.5 million US dollars, equivalent to over 5 million in Chinese currency, and Manager Xia had transformed an outright gift into an interest-free loan… Little You didn’t understand at the time, but Manager Xia simply told her to learn gradually.

You Li wasn’t sure how much she could learn, but working alongside Xia Xiaolan was indeed different from other places. Watching Xia Xiaolan and Xu Zhongyi move from disagreement to agreement, You Li pondered those words repeatedly, vaguely understanding what was different – working in a clothing store, who could she learn from? Colleagues? The store manager? At most, she could only become a store manager!

But working beside Manager Xia, who was now discussing business worth millions, You Li could truly broaden her horizons!

Yes, the platform was different, so the perspective was different too. The exchange between Xia Xiaolan and Xu Zhongyi would give You Li much to contemplate, and her whole body tingled with excitement.

From the airport, they went to Chaoyang Real Estate’s office in Shangdu. The contract had been prepared in advance, and checked by Xu Zhongyi’s people, and Xia Xiaolan carefully reviewed it herself before signing.

After signing the contract, Zhu Suizhou enthusiastically shook Xia Xiaolan’s hand: “Manager Xia, you’re young and capable. Your methods in operating the Jinsha Pool Complex gave me much inspiration. From now on, we’re partners, and we’ll make the Asia Mall project successful together!”

“Manager Zhu, you’re too kind. I’m just an investor; daily operations will still be under your control. Now that the contract is signed, I do have one request for you.”

In the signing office, Sheng Xuan hadn’t shown up at all, but Xia Xiaolan wasn’t affected. She still needed to make her position clear – she truly had no intention of interfering with Asia Mall’s operations and management. After all, she just wanted to make a profit and leave, not shoulder heavy responsibilities in an attempt to save Asia Mall.

“Please go ahead, Manager Xia.”

Zhu Suizhou didn’t believe Xia Xiaolan’s words. He had studied her business methods – she didn’t stint on small amounts and was willing to share some profits with others. But in matters she truly valued, she wouldn’t yield an inch.

This was evident from Qihang Real Estate – it was a company wholly owned by Xia Xiaolan personally, revealing her domineering, monopolistic nature!

Zhu Suizhou didn’t underestimate Xia Xiaolan because of her age or gender. When two strong-willed people clash, they can’t always remain peaceful; eventually, one must come out on top… But Xia Xiaolan making a request so quickly made him curious.

Xia Xiaolan knew Zhu Suizhou would overthink it.

But she had no intention of fighting for power, just a small request:

“Since we’ve established our cooperation, Building 45 will soon be demolished. Currently, my relatives operate a clothing store in Building 45, and the demolition will greatly affect them. I was wondering if, after the mall is built, the clothing store could relocate inside? What do you think, Manager Zhu?”

Just such a small matter?

Zhu Suizhou couldn’t understand what kind of move this was. Was it a test?

It was just a trivial matter!

“That’s easy to arrange. When the time comes, let your relatives choose two well-positioned storefronts. Tonight I’m hosting, Manager Xia must honor us with your presence…”

Despite Zhu Suizhou’s warm invitation, Xia Xiaolan showed an apologetic expression: “I’m really sorry, but I need to return to my hometown county to handle some matters at my alma mater. We’ll have to celebrate next time! We’ve agreed, next time I’ll definitely be the host.”

Dining with Zhu Suizhou and Sheng Xuan?

Xia Xiaolan wasn’t very interested.

She’d rather spend that time having a good meal with Principal Sun and Old Wang. During this trip back to Yunan, the contract signing was secondary; her main purpose was to visit Anqing First High School. The matter at Cornell University had reminded her of Anqing First High School. Since leaving Yunan to study in Beijing, she had been too busy, and this was her first formal visit back to see Principal Sun and the others.

She would send gifts every year and occasionally make phone calls, but it wasn’t the same.

Just thinking about seeing those lovely teachers again made Xia Xiaolan’s thoughts drift… Zhu Suizhou didn’t understand, only feeling that despite Xia Xiaolan’s young age, she was incredibly deep!