“Tina, life isn’t like the movies.”

Ji Yuanyuan looked at her seriously. “I know what Mother did was wrong, but she raised me for many years, and we share deep emotions. I hate her, but I also love her deeply. I know my biological father is innocent, and I yearn to build a close father-son relationship, but I have various concerns and complaints… You see, perfect happy endings only exist in movies.”

Tina remained silent for a long time.

Ji Yuanyuan was trying to persuade her differently.

But Ji Yuanyuan had hit upon exactly what was in her heart.

As someone who had also been deceived, Ji Yuanyuan could understand her.

She wasn’t unaware of right and wrong, just like Ji Yuanyuan knew what Madam Ji Ya did was wrong.

However, emotions and reason were difficult to separate clearly.

Tina lowered her head and muttered, “You’re definitely in league with my brother!”

Ji Yuanyuan ruffled her hair, “I just know that when a young lady has considerable wealth and no protection, her life can spiral out of control at any moment.”

Tina cast him a sidelong glance, “Stop explaining! You’re just a messenger my brother sent! It’s unnecessary – I’ve already agreed to place the money in a trust.”

Money was indeed valuable.

Her lifestyle depended on it.

Yet she didn’t require such an enormous amount.

Tina asked softly:

“Why don’t you reconcile with your father?”

Ji Yuanyuan’s biological father hadn’t taken the lives of his mother and adoptive father, so Tina thought Ji Yuanyuan could at least attempt.

Ji Yuanyuan stood up:

“Because I haven’t achieved independence yet. I still owe Mother for my upbringing, and until I’ve cleared this debt, I must consider her feelings.”

“I can lend you the money!”

Tina eagerly offered – lending to Ji Yuanyuan, she could witness a real-life happy ending.

Ji Yuanyuan didn’t appear to be someone who would default on a loan.

Ji Yuanyuan observed her intently, making Tina uneasy:

“…Is it a substantial amount?”

“No, just several tens of thousands of dollars, and I’ve already gathered the sum… But that’s not the crucial point. I mean to say, aren’t you being too naive? I shared a story with you, and without verifying its truth, you’re willing to lend me money. Haven’t you considered I might be deceiving you?”

“So you were lying?”

“No… Never mind. Your decision is correct – following your brother’s advice and placing all your money in a trust, receiving monthly living expenses is the most suitable arrangement for you.”

Ji Yuanyuan’s frank honesty made Tina wail loudly.

This reaction wasn’t ladylike, just like when she had settled herself on the hotel entrance steps, but it felt wonderfully liberating!

Ji Yuanyuan took off running, with Tina chasing after him, both circling the grand swimming pool at the hotel entrance.

…

In a room upstairs, Madam Ji Ya stood by the window, a smile playing on her lips as she turned to Mrs. Wilson and said:

“Young people always have more in common when they’re together, wouldn’t you agree?”

Mrs. Wilson appeared worn but refused to show weakness before Madam Ji Ya.

She maintained her superior gaze when looking at Ji Ya:

“What are you implying? Are you feeling proud that your son has gained Tina’s favor? Rather than concerning yourself with such matters, you’d do better to attend to your business affairs. I hear the banks are pressing you for loan repayments. Chinese banks truly have low interest rates – in America, someone in your situation would have declared bankruptcy long ago.”

Only Chinese banks operated like charities.

Yet even with banks being charitable, Ji Ya couldn’t manage her business properly, failing to repay loans on time. To Mrs. Wilson, such personal incompetence was truly abysmal!

Someone of such limited capability had no right to advise her on how to conduct affairs.

Madam Ji Ya desperately wanted to throw Mrs. Wilson from the window – this American mother-in-law was utterly insufferable!

Suppressing her rage, Ji Ya replied:

“I’m trying to discuss with you about reconsidering your approach! I heard from George about your difficulties in America, and I suspect bringing Tina, who has a substantial inheritance, to China isn’t merely for relaxation. But Tina’s brother has already arrived in Pengcheng, and as siblings, their bond naturally surpasses your relationship as an aunt… Tina has agreed to place her inheritance in trust, and this won’t change until she graduates from university. Whatever plans you and Ivan have, under Harold’s persistent pressure, you won’t be able to wait until Tina’s graduation, will you?”

Ji Ya’s tone carried little courtesy.

Her American in-laws were not good people, making her sign property renunciation agreements, and treating her with the suspicion reserved for thieves.

Now that her in-laws had fallen on hard times, Ji Ya was secretly pleased.

Yet at this moment, Xuan Sheng was pressing her to repay bank loans, and she couldn’t produce 10 million Yuan, nor did she wish to beseech George’s help… even if George truly wanted to help, he was currently powerless!

Ji Ya had to devise her solution.

She had set her sights on her American in-laws, or rather, when she learned of Tina’s substantial inheritance, she believed she’d discovered the real reason for her American mother-in-law’s visit to China.

Over 20 million US dollars in cash.

Plus considerable real estate holdings.

Tina was unquestionably wealthy.

Ji Ya had no intention of deceiving Tina of her money; she merely wanted to use this knowledge to establish a mutually beneficial arrangement with her American mother-in-law!

Mrs. Wilson examined her briefly, “I permit you to continue.”

“I need to borrow 3 million US dollars for circulation, and whatever you’re planning, I can assist you. As you’ve seen, young people form friendships particularly quickly, and I’m not working alone, but have help.”

Even a lean camel is bigger than a horse – at this moment, only her American in-laws could lend her such a sum in the shortest time.

“With 3 million USD as collateral, I’ll secure a new bank loan. I won’t even touch this 3 million USD, it’s just for short-term circulation, only for a month… no, just half a month!”

The Spring Festival was approaching, and banks wouldn’t process business during the New Year period.

That’s why Ji Ya specified half a month.

Otherwise, she could transfer the 10 million loan from one hand to the other within a week.

Ji Ya had learned something from her years in business – at least she understood how to handle bank loans now.

She had mortgaged her brand stores to the Pengcheng branch where Xuan Sheng worked, and now that Xuan Sheng was pressing for repayment, she needed to clear this loan first. But without 10 million Yuan available, she could only secure money from another bank using new collateral, repay the Pengcheng branch loan, and free up her company and stores from the mortgage.

Initially, Xuan Sheng had granted her an irregular loan.

Now, she had developed numerous stores with the bank’s money, creating tangible collateral that could be used for loans at other banks.

After one round of transfers, the problem with Xuan Sheng would be resolved, and she would owe the bank 10 million Yuan anew, this time with complete proper documentation, allowing for lower interest rates and gradual repayment!

As long as she had collateral.

As long as her American in-laws would lend her 3 million USD.

Ji Ya felt this matter could be perfectly resolved.

She wasn’t trying to swindle money or take advantage; she truly wouldn’t even touch the 3 million USD.

“What do you think? We can help each other.”