“This bank president doesn’t accept dinner invitations. Are you thinking of having A’San invite the president out? A’San doesn’t deal with the president. The president of a major city branch—we all look up to him from afar, and usually communicate privately with specific account managers. Would it work to just meet with the specific account manager?”
“Meeting just the specific account manager won’t help with this matter.” Qian Hongming looked at Liu Jun for a while before continuing, “I’ll find another way. Do you have any free time recently? Preferably a whole week consecutively.”
“No, my situation lately has been like fire and ice—constant troubles with exports and imports, while domestic sales are falsely booming. We have to make micro-adjustments to the strategy daily, and I need to be there to sign off and oversee everything. Plus, my heat treatment branch factory is completed and preparing for production—there are countless details. Is this… about Jiali’s situation?”
“I’ve already arranged immigration for Jiali and Xiao Suihua, but I really can’t get away right now, and I can’t leave, especially not go abroad for an extended period—there would be too many rumors. Moreover, given the current exceptional circumstances, I don’t plan to publicize Jiali and Xiao Suihua’s departure yet. I want to keep the number of people who know to a minimum. But I’m not comfortable letting Jiali take Xiao Suihua abroad alone. There are many procedures to handle over there—buying a house, naturalization, Xiao Suihua’s school enrollment… Even with reliable intermediaries, you still need your people watching to feel at ease, sigh…”
“Your import-export company colleagues?”
“They could do it, but they probably can’t keep their mouths shut. And… the key issue is that Jiali is afraid of dealing with strangers, especially in a foreign country.”
“Hongming, recently, there’s been a lot of bad news from Shenzhen about real estate agency companies, with some bosses absconding with funds. You…”
“I haven’t sunk to that level yet. Immigration has been my plan for a long time—I just kept procrastinating until today, when it finally got done. My main purpose is still considering Jiali and Xiao Suihua’s safety. Like today’s loan rollover that couldn’t go through—it trapped a large sum of my money. I’m first trying to help him through the bank, but if that doesn’t work, I’ll have to force him to find other ways to repay. You should be able to imagine this, and besides, Jiali’s personality is very different from A’San’s. You’re busy, so I’ll think of another way. About your import-export problems…”
Liu Jun saw Qian Hongming’s face full of worried irritation and wanted to blurt out an agreement to help escort Jiali and her daughter to settle in Australia. But he truly couldn’t leave recently. The ice disasters before and after Spring Festival had already caused chaos—receivables weren’t collected at the time, making post-event collection somewhat difficult, plus many other matters, and a trade show was also squeezed in. He couldn’t even leave for three days, let alone a week or possibly longer. “Would it work for Jiali to leave a month from now? Let me see if I can squeeze out a week after a month.”
Qian Hongming waved his hand. “I’ll think of another way. If it still doesn’t work after a month, I’ll come back to you. Tell me about the import-export problems you’re encountering for my reference.”
“Here’s an example: I import a type of component from Europe, using products from companies A and B, recently using A’s. Yesterday I especially called to ask about A’s recent situation, worried that the financial crisis already appearing in Europe and America might affect A’s supply. I also asked about B’s situation, and A said that now we shouldn’t ask whether B is doing well, but whether B is still alive. B expanded too fast these past few years with too much debt on the books and was just forced into bankruptcy by banks. Haven’t you heard of similar situations? When I discussed this with several friends, their foreign partners also encountered similar situations, showing it’s not an isolated case.”
“Hmm, my recent imports have been relatively simple, so it’s been fine—I haven’t encountered similar… I should pay attention to this right away, make some calls. I’ve been busy with lending lately.”
“Hongming, when you’re busiest, you should set aside an hour each day to sit alone quietly and draw a comprehensive layout map of recent work.”
“Yes, I need to arrange time tonight to think calmly.” But Qian Hongming quickly steered the conversation back. “Look, will the impact of America’s interest rate cuts transmit to China? Will our country also follow suit by cutting rates and loosening credit? Bank credit has been tight lately—many people in our industry are struggling. Credit officers are usually friendly, with also say their bonuses this year are toast.”
“From foreign financial news I’ve seen, the main cause of America’s financial crisis this time is—I can’t explain those professional terms very clearly, ask again if you don’t understand—high leverage. But now the leverage has problems, forcing banks to be reluctant to lend, causing many companies that borrowed heavily from banks to have problems. But look at our country’s originally thin foundation—developing rapidly is also appropriate, it’s just that recent development has been too fast, like being injected with stimulants, very much focusing on one thing while neglecting another. People’s livelihoods are very difficult. Fortunately, the hot money that couldn’t be driven away since last year is now flowing back to America and Europe to solve leverage problems, which solves our economic overheating problem and allows the economy to slow down slightly to solve development balance across all industries. I feel China’s economy should be generally healthy and upward. Stepping on the brakes at this time is beneficial with no harm. The country shouldn’t follow Europe and America’s lead by loosening credit at this time, ignoring people’s livelihoods and inflating the overheated economy that just cooled down back up like a bubble.”
“Didn’t America also suddenly tighten after overheating, and now the Federal Reserve is cutting rates and taking measures to promote credit?”
“Our country recently suffered from hot money, causing inflation that made bottom-tier people return to burning coal briquettes, causing housing prices to surge so that ordinary people with legitimate jobs couldn’t afford them—this was already abnormal. It’s just that any adjustment policies last year were robbing Peter to pay Paul. Driving out hot money isn’t easy, so everyone said the national policy was hijacked by real estate and stock markets. Now it’s good—hot money is voluntarily leaving, housing prices show signs of stabilizing and declining, stock markets are also falling, and the situation is trending toward normal. With appropriate guidance, this is perfect for letting industrial capital that was seeking profit in these two markets flow back to industry, which is very beneficial for industrial development that had capital drained but false prosperity. I don’t think the country will greatly loosen credit and indulge false prosperity that shakes foundational industry development. You say the country uses real estate as a pillar industry—I very much disagree. Real estate absolutely cannot become a country’s pillar industry; that’s deformed. With past lessons, the country shouldn’t allow real estate to hijack the economy again. The economy must step on the brakes.”
Qian Hongming kept watching Liu Jun, carefully listening to every word he said. After Liu Jun finished and paused for a moment, he said, “It seems you quite dislike our industry.”
“I understand—for individuals, it’s all just following policy trends. What positive or negative feelings are there? I just want to remind you to pay attention to the big picture.”
“What you’re saying does make some sense. I’ll think it over carefully. If that’s the case, I need to consider contracting my battle lines.”
“Yes, I… some people mention capitalist versus socialist, but I think that regardless of what nature a country has, economic development should always put people’s livelihoods first.”
But Qian Hongming looked at Liu Jun suspiciously. “Do you think so? Then how were the medical reform, housing reform, and education reform policies introduced?”
Liu Jun smiled self-deprecatingly. “Kind people naively and tolerantly believe that policy makers should be given a chance to discover and correct mistakes. Didn’t we just get a set of overcorrecting new Labor Contract Law that obviously favors working people and very righteously seeks justice for the laboring masses? No matter what, those in power definitely understand the two words ‘people’s hearts.'”
“But have you considered that they favor the masses in the new labor law because doing so empties your bosses’ pockets while winning them a reputation for loving the people? But education reform, housing reform, medical reform, etc., are different matters—those would empty their own pockets. So when you say banks won’t loosen credit, I need to go home and think it over carefully. Your situation is too idealistic, taking too seriously what they say.”
Liu Jun spread his hands and found himself speechless. He struggled to say, “Last year’s economy couldn’t stop—can’t we learn from that lesson?”
Qian Hongming leaned back and considered for a long while. He genuinely wanted to refute Liu Jun, hoping to defeat him completely so his own heart would feel better. “If the economy really brakes, even if a small fry like me has any trouble, it could implicate several officials. Have you considered what kind of impact that would be?”
Liu Jun was slightly stunned and surrendered. If this had been when he first returned to China, perhaps he would have insisted on arguing to the end. But now, after so many years back in China, having experienced many large and small matters and dealt with many large and small officials, he could occasionally be naive, but he could also be awakened by Qian Hongming’s words. He could only helplessly shake his head, shake again, and keep shaking until Qian Hongming smiled and left. He no longer knew whether he should celebrate for Qian Hongming.
That evening, when he told Cui Bingbing about Qian Hongming, hoping she would introduce him to Tengfei’s basic account bank president, Cui Bingbing repeatedly said no. But what Cui Bingbing didn’t say explicitly was that this kind of introduction of Qian Hongming to the president would require her to stake considerable face and bear great risk. Without corresponding benefits to match the face and risk, who would do such a thing? But Qian Hongming was Liu Jun’s good friend, and Liu Jun was too scholarly—he wouldn’t accept benefits from anyone, including what Qian Hongming might offer. Then wouldn’t she, Cui Bingbing, be at a great loss? She didn’t consider Qian Hongming a good friend. Moreover, now that Qian Hongming’s industry faced increasing risks daily, she was too busy avoiding him to accept any amount of benefit to bear risks for Qian Hongming at this time. Fortunately, she suspected Qian Hongming also wouldn’t insist on troubling her for the same reasons, knowing she would find ways to refuse. Qian Hongming understood people too well. Fortunately.
Regarding Qian Hongming hoping Liu Jun would escort Jiali and her daughter to Australia, Cui Bingbing snorted coldly. “He trusts you. But Liu Jun, even if the parties involved are willing, you must consider appearances. You’re dealing with me, someone reasonable—what if I were a jealous woman?”
“I’m not that kind of person. Besides, didn’t I say I don’t have time?”
“Even if you had time, you couldn’t go. If you’re worried about Jiali’s safety, then sacrifice me—I’ll accompany her. Going to Australia isn’t like journeying to the West for Buddhist scriptures—is it worth such a big production? We’re all women, all have similar education levels, and all have daughters. What can I do? What can’t she do? You men are just cheap—see a delicate woman and you rush to cherish and protect her. See me being independent and self-reliant, and you try to isolate me. Liu Jun, I don’t know how annoyed I am that you meddle in Cui Jiali’s affairs. Let me tell you, I’m very jealous. I’ve been jealous since we married until today.”
Liu Jun was stunned by Cui Bingbing’s sudden emotional outburst. “I didn’t even go manage it. Fine, I manage Jiali’s affairs only because of Hongming… Fine, I admit my method is wrong. I surrender.” Liu Jun intentionally tried to smooth things over.
Cui Bingbing quit while ahead and softened her tone. “Don’t worry—people are all forced into capability; no one is naturally good at everything from childhood. You all protect Jiali too much, and she lacks ambition, so you’ve made her increasingly ethereal. In the future, when Qian Hongming mentions such ridiculous ideas as accompanying his wife to Australia, just bring me up. I’ll escort her—let’s see if he still has the nerve to suggest it.”
Liu Jun turned and rolled his eyes, paying lip service while understanding his wife’s bottom line.
This cold, special winter finally gradually receded. When the warm sun returned to Earth, willow branches were the first to sprout tender buds, creating clusters of green mist along the large and small inland rivers. Dandan, freed from her bread-like down jacket, grew as fast as new bamboo shoots in spring, becoming increasingly mischievous and adorable. Liu Shitang, now leisurely, always competed with his in-laws for business, always arriving early to take his granddaughter away before his son could send her to his in-laws’ house. This worried Liu Jun and Cui Bingbing terribly, fearing that Liu Shitang, full of street wisdom, would take Dandan to play mahjong and gossip.
But on this day, Liu Shitang still arrived at his son’s house before Liu Jun and Cui Bingbing left. Just as Cui Bingbing was about to tell her prepared lie, Liu Shitang spoke first: “Bingbing, don’t mind me. Go ahead and take Dandan to your mother’s house. I’ll go to the company with A’Jun today—the heat treatment branch factory is officially starting operations, and I want to watch the excitement.”
Cui Bingbing secretly wiped cold sweat and quickly took Dandan and fled, afraid her father-in-law would change his mind. Here, as soon as his daughter-in-law left, Liu Shitang said to his son, “Is Qian Hongming doing some Shanghai building project?”
“I’ve heard about it, but Hongming hasn’t told me about it. When was this?”
Liu Shitang looked at his son in surprise for a full half minute. “Didn’t it start last year? Renovation of a building in Shanghai’s Xujiahui district. Looking at the plan, it should generate good returns after completion…”
“Qian Hongying?”
Liu Shitang hesitated for a long time before finally nodding. “Yes, her. Since last year, she’s been urging me to invest. I got so annoyed by her pestering that I simply sold all my stocks and bought the house in your name. She’s wary of you, so she stopped bothering me after that. But I heard she raised quite a lot of money with very high interest rates. I have an old friend who borrowed money from relatives to lend to Qian Hongying, profiting from the interest difference. But yesterday she came asking me for loans again, and I smell something desperate about it. I would never lend money to Qian Hongying—that kind of person won’t have a conscience with me. My money in her hands would be like giving it away for free. I’m warning you, A’Jun—you’re also not allowed to lend money to Qian Hongming.”
“Hongming hasn’t asked me for money lately.” Liu Jun hesitated, not telling his father about Qian Hongming’s recent cash flow problems and their causes, fearing his father would maliciously spread it around and cause unnecessary trouble. He finally understood the reason for his father’s withdrawal and thought about how much more there might be behind that phrase, “annoyed by her pestering.” He didn’t want to think deeply about it and could only say, “Dad, you’re right not to lend. My funds are always tight, and I have no money to lend. Dad, you can rest assured.”
Liu Shitang hesitated again for a long time before saying, “Qian Hongying doesn’t know how much she hates me, but she doesn’t dare offend me. I think she most wants to swindle away my money and hold my old life in her hands. But now I’m certain she’s desperate. She…”
“Dad, don’t go near her when nothing is going on.” Liu Jun refused to listen further, feeling his father didn’t know how many sordid things he’d done, so he could only frown and stop him. “I know—she might be desperate now, swindling as much as she can, then absconding with the money after swindling, right? I’m leaving. I don’t want to be late for work.”
But since Liu Shitang had mustered the courage to confess to his son, he naturally wouldn’t return empty-handed. He got in the car with his son and chattered all the way, introducing his discoveries to his son. His purpose was singular: he wanted to tell his son that he felt the Qian family’s financial situation was abnormal, and his son, who valued friendship, must not fall for Qian Hongming’s tricks.