"In at most a week, we'll complete the financial audit of all 1 billion RMB in registered debts for Rose Garden. Based on the current situation, as we initially expected, the actual debts this project will need to bear are only around 600 million RMB. The rest are debts from related parties that have no real claims over the project. If nothing unexpected happens, these can all be stripped away. Even if it goes to court, we're confident we'd win."
In the dining room of the courtyard house in Mao'er Hutong.
Hearing Jill say this, Chen Qing interrupted, "Jill, I need to remind you of one thing: you must abandon the American mindset of filing lawsuits at every turn. For this project, even if we ultimately walk away from it, there must be no public litigation whatsoever."
Jill was puzzled. "Chen, I don't understand?"
There were other people in the dining room, so Chen Qing didn't go into detail. She only said, "The city government wants us to take over this project precisely because they don't want any negative news to come out, and lawsuits are one form of that. So just keep this in mind for now; you'll gradually understand everything later."
"Alright," Jill nodded. Then she continued, "The estimated 600 million RMB in debts could be reduced to less than 500 million after restructuring. This makes it very worthwhile because, compared to four years ago, land prices in the CP district have more than tripled. The land alone is now worth over 500 million."
Zhu Momo, who had been sulking quietly due to the growing distance between herself and Jian Xin and Tao Yuelai, couldn't help but interject when she heard this. "If that's the case, why would the higher-ups hand this deal to us? Surely many people would be competing for it?"
Chen Qing looked at the young girl and retorted, "Can you easily come up with 500 million?"
Zhu Momo blinked, starting to understand.
For a certain man's wealth, 500 million RMB—less than 60 million USD—was just pocket change, equivalent to a few luxury houses. But for other investors, this would be a large sum of money that might be hard to pull together.
This was indeed the case.
However, Zhu Momo had only grasped part of the picture.
Other factors were at play as well. First, China's real estate industry was facing a challenging environment. Since the 1993 regulatory crackdown, the sector remained in a tightened state. Strict controls had depressed the overall market, inevitably dampening enthusiasm for new investments.
Second, the sheer scale of this project made it intimidating. While it didn't yet reach the absurd levels of later city-building projects, the Rose Garden in the CP district of Beijing, occupying 800 acres, was the largest villa real estate development in the country in 1996. This meant most potential buyers lacked sufficient resources to take it over, while those who could afford it were wary of the risks.
Finally, the entangled interests behind the project were a significant deterrent.
If not for the government stepping in to cut through the mess, even Simon wouldn't have casually taken over. As Chen Qing had privately discussed with Jill before, the best time to intervene in the Rose Garden project was after the government got involved but before the project declared bankruptcy.
They hadn't expected the authorities to proactively reach out to them.
Since they were already interested in taking over, resolving this issue could also earn them goodwill from the government. With the boss's approval, they ultimately decided to proceed.
As Jill sipped her sweet soup and noticed Zhu Momo had fallen silent, she continued, "Speaking of this, the government official overseeing this project asked about our funding today. They're probably worried we'll be like the previous investors who just wanted to—how do you say it in Chinese? Oh, 'play tricks without real investment.' Ha, that's an interesting expression."
Throughout dinner, Jill spoke to Chen Qing in Chinese. Upon hearing her use this phrase, Jian Xin and Tao Yuelai realized with a bit of surprise how much Jill's Mandarin had improved. In just a few months, her awkward Chinese had transformed remarkably, even with barely any accent left.
Noticing this, Jian Xin felt an inexplicable pressure.
At the table, whether it was Chen Qing or Jill, both seemed to be capable women who were also strikingly beautiful. By comparison, she and Tao Yuelai, apart from their outward appearances, didn't seem to have much else to rely on.
Perhaps it was time to pick up the fashion design studies she had put on hold due to a busy schedule and comfortable lifestyle over the past few months.
Seeing Jill bring up the government official, Chen Qing thought for a moment and said, "That director's surname is Li, right? Tomorrow... Hmm, how about this: I'll personally invite him to lunch tomorrow. You come along as well. We'll transfer some funds to the country under the name of Peckett Real Estate Investment Company."
Jill nodded but felt that Chen Qing was making an unnecessary gesture. Wouldn't directly transferring the money be enough? Why bother with a meeting?
Still, she suspected there were cultural nuances she didn't fully grasp yet.
There was always more to learn.
Chen Qing, of course, had her reasons.
Although their boss had personally approved this project, very few people on the domestic side were aware of it. This was also deliberate on Chen Qing's part, following the preferences of her boss.
He liked playing the role of the "man behind the scenes."
As such, this project was officially being negotiated by a newly registered company in Hong Kong called Peckett Real Estate Investment Company. The name "Peckett" was randomly chosen from Jill's surname, rather than using the Levison Group that the city government had anticipated. Even further up the chain, Peckett's parent company was a shell corporation registered in the Cayman Islands, completely disconnected from the Westeros system.
Thus, even for those aware of Chen Qing's background, the arrangement left room for doubt.
The best way to dispel the government's concerns was to demonstrate their financial capability.
In simple terms, they needed to transfer a substantial amount of cash into the country. This was likely what Director Li, the government official overseeing the project, and other interested parties were hoping for. Chen Qing's side found it a straightforward task, as the Westeros system was never short of cash.
To remove any lingering doubts and ensure full cooperation during the restructuring, Chen Qing had already decided on the amount: 50 million USD.
This would be over 400 million RMB in cash, and foreign exchange at that. While not a massive sum for the city of Beijing, it would be a significant gesture for Director Li, allowing him to decide which bank the funds would be deposited into. For the bank manager receiving such a deposit, it would be a political achievement.
This is how relationships are built.
Today you offer something, tomorrow you can ask for help. Over time, these exchanges create ties stronger than mere friendship.
Chen Qing handled such matters instinctively. For Jill, as an American—even one with a high IQ and a Princeton education—it would take time and experience to fully understand these dynamics due to cultural differences.
As they chatted, dinner was nearing its end. Chen Qing turned to Jian Xin and Tao Yuelai, saying, "The boss has already given you a great starting platform—like the recent CCTV interview and the Victoria's Secret show VCD release. You probably don't realize it, but just through one of my channels, 5 million copies of the Victoria's Secret show DVD have been distributed in China. Distributors are already asking for more orders after just a week. Imagine the level of recognition you have now. If it weren't for scheduling conflicts, you might have even made an appearance at the Spring Festival Gala. We'll aim for next year. Also, Xiao Han, you need to work hard too. From here on, how far you go depends on you. Just remember one thing: don't lower your standards by taking on anything and everything for quick cash. Consider your positioning carefully. You're world-class supermodels now, so maintain your class. Got it?"
Although Chen Qing's tone carried a hint of condescension, Jian Xin, Tao Yuelai, and An Xiaohan nodded in agreement despite feeling slightly uncomfortable.
After finishing the last sip of her sweet soup, Chen Qing put down her spoon and didn't forget to address Zhu Momo. Smiling, she said, "Momo, why don't you stay here tonight? The rooms in the inner courtyard are all full, so you and Wuling will have to stay in the outer courtyard."
Before Mo Wuling could speak, Zhu Momo, suppressing her frustration, quickly replied, "Alright."
Noticing her niece's expression, Mo Wuling hesitated but said nothing more. This girl, after all, had inherited certain personality traits from her elder sister. However, Mo Wuling decided she wouldn't mention tonight's events to her sister—otherwise, she'd definitely get scolded.
After making these arrangements, Chen Qing stood up to leave. The Jiangshanwu sisters, who had been quietly attending to Chen Qing, followed her like shadows as she exited. Watching this, Zhu Momo couldn't help but mouth the word "bootlickers." Unfortunately, Zhao Annie across from her noticed, prompting Zhu Momo to glare back defiantly.
Zhao Annie lowered her head and continued eating, silently thinking, "What did I ever do to you?" But she made up her mind—next time she saw the big boss, she'd take the initiative. Let's see how you dare to glare at me after that.
Hmph.
Once Chen Qing left, the group quickly dispersed. Even though Zhu Momo was assigned to the outer courtyard, she stayed, refraining from awkwardly trying to approach
Jian Xin and Tao Yuelai again. After being shown to her room by a maid, she flopped onto the large bed, rolling around with frustration as the rebellious thought of defying her mother for the first time crossed her mind.
In another wing, Jian Xin and Tao Yuelai were also housed in the outer courtyard. Having never stayed in the inner courtyard before, they didn't feel out of place.
They were too busy anyway.
Returning to their room, An Xiaohan, who had decisively stayed over after Jian Xin's casual invitation, began briefing them on the domestic scene. Once again, the two women were struck by their immense popularity in China.
Months of continuous promotion had laid the groundwork. After the fifth Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and their feature on Eastern Horizon, their fame had exploded.
Just within the past week, rumors of their impending return to China had sparked a flood of offers. Despite Elite China issuing a statement that any collaboration under 100,000 RMB was non-negotiable, An Xiaohan had received hundreds of invitations for events, endorsements, roles, interviews, and more.
Even without Chen Qing's dinner reminder, the headhunter-led Elite team, staffed by veterans of both European and Chinese fashion industries, understood how to position the two women.
China was entering an era of aggressive marketing. Any celebrity with a hint of fame could attract massive attention from advertisers. As the only two Chinese models to walk the Victoria's Secret runway, with coverage by CCTV and surging DVD sales of the show, Jian Xin and Tao Yuelai carried a "national pride" aura. Making money would be all too easy.
But anything overdone becomes counterproductive.
As Chen Qing advised, if they took on every offer—from shady health supplement endorsements to nightclub openings—they might make a lot of money in the short term but quickly lose credibility. Major brands, always mindful of their spokespeople's reputation, would steer clear of low-class celebrities.
On the flip side, modeling was a profession with a short shelf life. Maximizing earnings in the short term was also important.
It was all about striking the right balance.
Jian Xin and Tao Yuelai deliberated this with An Xiaohan late into the night and woke early the next morning.
Their trip to Beijing had two confirmed commitments: Jian Xin's endorsement deal with Simmons China and a joint Fashion magazine interview.
The Simmons endorsement was evidently orchestrated by Simon himself.
As a renowned international mattress brand under Apollo Management, Simmons had been expanding aggressively, with China as a key market. Simon had previously paid little attention to this but, after learning about Jian Xin and Tao Yuelai, discovered that Simmons had been underestimating the market due to Western bias. He intervened personally.
Simmons subsequently revised its 1997 China marketing strategy, which now included appointing brand ambassadors and increasing TV ad spending. Simon had directly selected Jian Xin for her elegant and refined image.
As for Fashion, this magazine had no affiliation with Vogue. It was a publication launched by the National Tourism Administration in 1993, making it state-owned and the most influential fashion magazine in China.
Within the expansive, almost cavernous five-courtyard complex, breakfast was less formal. Jian Xin and Tao Yuelai only sought out Chen Qing to bid farewell before leaving for the day.
While everyone else had started their busy schedules, Zhu Momo was the last to wake up, the last to eat, and the last to leave. As a non-matriculated student in the Central Academy of Drama's 1996 acting class, she only attended select professional courses. This morning, she happened to have a movement class.
Packing her bag and ready to walk to campus, Zhu Momo, who had been holding back her frustration all night, finally blurted out to her aunt before leaving, "I've decided—I'm staying here from now on. I'm not going back to the apartment in Hepingli. Aunt, if you tell my mom, I'll run away and go back to the US."
Having learned about Zhu Momo's experiences in the US and witnessed Simon's influence firsthand, Mo Wuling no longer had her initial fiery determination to report everything to her sister. But hearing her niece's obviously defiant tone, she couldn't resist retorting, "Your mom took your passport. How are you going back to the US?"
That reminder only added to Zhu Momo's frustration. Her mother must have foreseen this and confiscated her passport early on. However, she quickly countered, "I'll secretly get a replacement. If you tell on me, I'll run away."
Leaning against the doorframe, Mo Wuling studied her niece. "Even if I don't say anything, what's your plan for the future?"
Zhu Momo tightened the strap of her bag and firmly replied, "I'll just stay here."
"Well…" Mo Wuling hesitated before continuing, "Momo, I mean long-term. You know he can't marry you."
"Then… we'll see when the time comes," Zhu Momo replied, then added, "Aunt, maybe you should go back to Tianjin University. Finish your graduate studies and stick to your original plan of staying on as a lecturer. There's no need to keep following me."
Mo Wuling shook her head. "Even if I agree, your mom wouldn't. Besides, to be honest, the pay for being your assistant is way too good. I wouldn't want to quit."
When Mo Yiling asked Simon to assign two assistants for her daughter, she had directly filled one of the positions with her younger sister. This decision led Mo Wuling to abandon her graduate studies and the faculty role she had been working toward. Initially hesitant, she changed her mind after learning about the pay and her sister's insistence.
She even roped in a college friend to take the other position.
After all, the job came with a base salary of 1,000 USD per month—not to mention various benefits. It was like a dream. Even if her sister's instructions limited the job to five years, the total income would still exceed what many people earned in a lifetime.
Hearing her aunt's response, Zhu Momo had no choice but to sigh. "Fine, suit yourself. I'm off to class."
Mo Wuling nodded, watching her niece leave before heading back to her room in the west wing of the three-courtyard complex.
Despite the surreal salary, her duties were relatively light, as she was only responsible for looking after Zhu Momo. Compared to the dedicated staff of the Wei family, she was even more idle. She had also sent her college friend, Ren Jingxi, home to care for her ailing mother. Initially worried about repercussions, she eventually realized no one seemed to care, and she let it go.
In recent months, aside from managing Zhu Momo's daily life and scheduling her acting classes and filming, Mo Wuling had taken full advantage of the perks, such as obtaining a driver's license. She was even given a Mercedes-Benz—a car she could never afford in her lifetime.
Now that filming for Keep Cool had wrapped up and there were no new projects for Zhu Momo, Mo Wuling found herself with even more free time.
After tidying up her room, she recalled the small library in the garden and decided to visit.
Crossing the corridors to the garden, she entered the library, where a maid was cleaning but didn't stop her. Climbing the wooden staircase to the second floor, she browsed the shelves and found a copy of Stories to Awaken the World by Feng Menglong. The book had a bookmark in it and wasn't shelved properly. Taking it down, she settled at a rosewood desk by the window and began to read.
The sunlight streaming in was perfect, and the library was warm—completely unlike the chill of winter.
A sudden thought crossed her mind: Soft surroundings, a hero's grave.
As this phrase echoed in her mind, Mo Wuling realized that this might be an intentional setup by the high and mighty man behind it all.
This world wasn't just dangerous for men falling into luxury; women could be trapped by it too.
She realized she needed to find something meaningful to do. She couldn't allow herself to completely lose her drive in this "soft surroundings."
But what could she do? With a background in literature and having abandoned her original career path, she couldn't immediately think of a new direction.
It was frustrating.
Fortunately, there was no rush.
She could take her time to figure it out… slowly, bit by bit.
With this aimless resolve, she unknowingly let the entire day slip by.
Meanwhile, with Zhu Momo deciding to stay in the courtyard, Mo Wuling naturally stayed as well.
Chen Qing showed no objection, even actively asking if the two needed anything, displaying a rare concern that made Mo Wuling suspicious.
Chen Qing wasn't typically so agreeable.
But no matter how much she mulled it over, she couldn't figure out why.
This continued until Thursday, November 28th. It was Thanksgiving in the USA, and Chen Qing, having finally wrapped up her work in Beijing, was set to fly to Suzhou. Her next task was to join the IPO team of China Telecom for a global roadshow in preparation for their dual listing in Hong Kong and New York in mid-December.
The Gulfstream V landed in Suzhou at 10 a.m.
As soon as Chen Qing disembarked, she received a call from her family, urging her to return home as soon as possible.
It was rare for her father to call. Moreover, she hadn't informed her family of her itinerary. Slightly puzzled, Chen Qing was about to decline, saying she was too busy and would come by for dinner instead, but her father, furious, cut her off. He said if she didn't come back immediately, she might as well never return, and then slammed down the phone
.
There was no getting around it.
Reluctantly, she instructed her driver to head to her family home, wondering if her brother had caused trouble again. Ever since Chen Qing had become successful, her family had undergone significant changes—both good and bad.
It seemed certain people had noticed the Chen family's sudden rise in fortune but couldn't fully grasp its depths. Recently, her brother, Chen Liang, had been lured into gambling and lost over 100,000 yuan.
When this came to light, her father was furious. He not only made his 31-year-old son kneel in the courtyard for an entire day but also whipped him with a belt until his coat was shredded. If their mother hadn't fainted from distress, it was hard to say how far things might have gone.
Chen Qing had been the one to clean up the mess.
She was even angrier about the incident than her father.
Compared to her, the daughter her parents had always found worrisome, her brother had always been seen as a dutiful son—caring, considerate, and responsible. She couldn't believe he'd been so easily targeted.
For most families, such an ordeal would have been devastating. But unfortunately for those involved, they had crossed paths with Chen Qing. The municipal government soon launched a highly targeted anti-crime campaign, resulting in several arrests and even a death sentence. After receiving pressure from all sides, certain people finally realized that the Chen family was not to be trifled with.
Some even tried to contact her afterward to apologize.
Thinking back, Chen Qing felt reassured.
She had handled that incident decisively and thoroughly, leaving no loose ends. Her brother wouldn't get a second chance to make such a mistake—not with their father's temperament. Since that episode, their father had even taken over the family grocery store that Chen Qing had funded for her brother, worried he might squander it again.
With this assurance, Chen Qing turned her thoughts back to her plans in Suzhou.
Her main agenda this time was to discuss the ambitious expansion plans for Jinshu Cinema with Zhu Momo's mother. Thinking of Momo's mother, Chen Qing felt a twinge of dissatisfaction—not with Mo Yiling herself but with a certain female teacher she had planted at the school where Momo's father, Zhu Congxian, was the principal.
It had been so long, and she hadn't heard a single useful update. Truly useless.
Her mind racing through various matters, she didn't notice they had arrived until the driver reminded her.
As the car door opened, Chen Qing stepped out and noticed the front gate was ajar. Thinking nothing of it, she walked in.
And froze.
By the century-old osmanthus tree she had painstakingly arranged to have transplanted, a young woman stood alone. It was none other than Shen Lige—the useless individual she had just been thinking about.
What was going on? Was this rebellion or a death wish?
Before Chen Qing could process it, her father stormed out of the house, furious, wielding a feather duster.
Following behind him were her mother, brother, sister-in-law, and—to her shock—another unexpected guest.
Mo Yiling.
Her father, face flushed with anger, rushed up to her and began swinging the feather duster while shouting, "I raised you poorly! I raised you poorly! What did I do in my past life to deserve such a wicked daughter? How could you do something like this? I'll beat you to death today!"
Whack—whack—whack—
The familiar sting brought Chen Qing back to her senses. Seeing her teary-eyed mother standing helplessly nearby, she almost considered running away but ultimately stood her ground.
Still, she couldn't just let herself be beaten like this.
After a brief moment of hesitation, Chen Qing pitifully cried out, "Dad, stop! This outfit cost 120,000 yuan!"
Her father, who had raised his arm for another strike, froze mid-air. Frugal by nature, he couldn't fathom spending such an exorbitant amount on clothing. However, recalling his daughter's recent actions, he couldn't completely dismiss the claim. Grumbling angrily, he finally dropped the feather duster, glaring at her. "120,000 yuan? What kind of clothes cost 120,000? You're going to be the death of me!"
Throwing the feather duster aside, Chen Tiejun collapsed into a crouch, holding his head in his hands, muttering to himself.
Seeing her father no longer intent on hitting her, Chen Qing let out a small sigh of relief. But watching her father slump in despair and her mother tearfully trying to console him, she couldn't help feeling a pang of guilt.
Finally, her gaze landed on Mo Yiling, who stood there with an air of righteous indignation. Chen Qing gritted her teeth in silent fury.
Aunt Mo, you win this round!
______
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