On the other end of the line, Jiang Ziliu was lying in bed, rubbing his head, “Brother-in-law, it’s the middle of the night here. Disturbing my sleep is a serious offense.”
Han Liren smiled smugly, “Sophie’s failure is on Han Jie. I’m sorry. But Nan Nan’s playing a dangerous game.”
Jiang Ziliu chuckled, “She’s young and can afford to take risks. Let her give it a try. Keep an eye on her. As long as she doesn’t cross any lines, let her do her thing. I’m aware of the situation. I’m in the process of transferring the Sophie Winery to her name. Even if she runs it into the ground, the experience will be worth it. After all, she only wants to manage citywide distribution, not the whole winery. Thank you for keeping an eye on her. I’ll have a word with Jiayi.”
Han Liren was taken aback by his brother-in-law’s polite but pointed remarks. The implication was clear: if Han Jie could mess around, then Jiang Nan could take on a project, and the Jiang family could afford it.
Realizing he might have overstepped, Han Liren quickly apologized, “I understand. Sorry for disturbing your sleep.” This time, the apology was sincere. Han Liren knew that while he held a small stake in Hongda, the Sophie brand wasn’t part of the company—it was just being managed by Hongda. With Han Jie’s mismanagement, Jiang Ziliu’s remarks served as a reminder that Sophie belonged to the Jiang family. Of course, Ziliu also acknowledged Han Liren’s efforts.
After hanging up, Han Liren made another call. When it connected, he said with a smile, “Xiao Sun, be as accommodating as possible.”
After giving his instructions, Han Liren shook his head with a bitter smile, realizing that letting Han Jie manage Sophie had been a huge mistake.
Zeng Yu hadn’t expected Assistant Sun’s attitude to change so drastically after receiving a phone call. Where he had been nitpicking before, now he seemed to have lost all patience, nodding to everything. When Jiang Nan returned, she quietly observed Zeng Yu and Assistant Sun negotiating.
Assistant Sun started making concessions, and the negotiation progressed quickly. Not only did they secure the two-million-yuan deposit, but they also got a warehouse, though Assistant Sun insisted Zeng Yu pay rent. Knowing they wouldn’t get it for free, Zeng Yu looked at Jiang Nan. Jiang Nan finally smiled and said, “Assistant Sun, how about this: we’ll defer the payment until the end of the year?”
Jiang Nan’s slightly coquettish tone made Assistant Sun uncomfortable. He glanced at Zeng Yu, thinking, What kind of luck did this guy have to catch the attention of the young lady? She’s helping him so much.
He nodded, “Alright, we can defer the payment, but the rent will be ten percent higher. Is that acceptable?”
Before Zeng Yu could respond, Jiang Nan agreed, “Sure, that sounds fair.”
As they left Hongda, stepping out of the Seven Stars Building, Jiang Nan raised her hand, “High-five to celebrate.”
Seeing Jiang Nan’s smiling face, Zeng Yu was momentarily intoxicated, forgetting to high-five her. In his mind, a line from a poem flashed: Her pretty head, her slender brows, her bright smile.
Jiang Nan noticed Zeng Yu’s daze and felt a secret satisfaction.
“Hey, I’m waiting for that high-five. What are you spacing out about? Not happy?” Jiang Nan’s face flushed slightly, a mix of shyness and pride, with an unmistakable charm.
Zeng Yu extended his hand, slapping his palm against hers.
“How should we celebrate tonight? Let’s have a good meal.” Jiang Nan’s spirits lifted.
Zeng Yu, busy ordering a ride on his phone, replied without looking up, “It’s too hot to be running around. If you want a good meal, let’s go to the market, buy some ingredients, and cook ourselves. The company’s just starting. Don’t think a few million is a lot—it can disappear quickly. We should save where we can.”
“Then let’s go to my place and cook. But if we’re saving money, why are you ordering a ride?” Jiang Nan teased.
Zeng Yu looked up at her, “Then let’s take the subway.”
Jiang Nan felt like they were on different wavelengths. In reality, whether it was taking the subway or ordering a ride, she didn’t have much experience with either. Today, all the rides had been ordered by Zeng Yu.
“How about I borrow a car?” Jiang Nan suggested cautiously. This time, Zeng Yu didn’t object, thinking it over, “We should consider buying a Wuling van. It’ll be convenient for deliveries when needed.”
“You can’t get a license plate for it. What’s the point of buying one?”
Zeng Yu paused, realizing he had overlooked that detail.
This guy is always so gloomy, like he’s been hit by life. Jiang Nan didn’t dare voice her thoughts, afraid of upsetting him.
“I’m telling you, we’re just starting out. We should save where we can. Let’s take the subway. Once we start making money, we’ll buy a license plate and then talk about getting a car. By the way, what kind of car do you like?”
“A car? Never really thought about it. I have a license, but I’ve never had a chance to use it.” Zeng Yu sounded frustrated.
The subway station wasn’t far, just a five-minute walk. Zeng Yu looked down at Jiang Nan’s feet.
Jiang Nan, puzzled, followed his gaze. Her shoes had high, thin heels.
“Don’t worry about it. Women walk in heels all the time. What’s it to you?” Though she said this, Jiang Nan secretly enjoyed his concern. This guy actually knew how to care for someone.
At that moment, Zeng Yu’s phone rang. Jiang Nan glanced at it—the caller ID showed it was the ride-hailing driver.
She chuckled softly, “Liar!” But for some reason, she felt a warmth in her heart. This scorching summer, if she had to walk to the subway in high heels and then take the subway home, it would be torture!
They got into the car, and Zeng Yu sat in the front seat. The two didn’t speak on the way. Jiang Nan put on her headphones to listen to music, while Zeng Yu fiddled with his phone. When they arrived at the complex entrance, Jiang Nan suddenly said, “You should get a new phone.”
Zeng Yu looked at the phone Xiao Xiao had given him and quickly realized she was showing concern. Zeng Yu smiled, “Thanks, but I’m fine. I can handle this. It’s not a priority right now. I’ll make do.”
Jiang Nan’s eyes sparkled, “Oh, by the way, my mom works at a bank. They gave her a phone she hasn’t used. How about I give it to you?”
Zeng Yu didn’t argue, looking into Jiang Nan’s sincere eyes. Without hesitation, he nodded, “Thank you.”
Jiang Nan breathed a silent sigh of relief, glad he didn’t refuse. Jiang Nan’s thoughts were simple. Having lived under her parents’ protection all her life, and being an only child, her mother couldn’t have more children due to health reasons. Once, she had overheard her parents discussing how their biggest concern was whether Jiang Nan could handle the family’s large estate with her abilities. Jiang Nan had been looking for an opportunity to prove herself and find a sense of accomplishment. Her partnership with Zeng Yu was primarily because she saw his talent.
From Jiang Nan’s perspective, the most important skill she needed to develop was the ability to manage people well.
Jiang Nan thought of the historical conflict between Chu and Han, wondering how Liu Bang had managed his many talented followers. The answer was simple: by sharing the spoils! Jiang Nan believed she needed to learn Liu Bang’s leadership style. This new distribution company would be her kingdom, and Zeng Yu would be her Xiao He, her Zhang Liang.
Yes, that’s it. She would surprise her parents and uncle.
With these thoughts in mind, Jiang Nan clenched her fists, silently cheering herself on. Her parents weren’t bad, but they might not fully recognize her abilities. This was Jiang Nan’s challenge: she wanted to prove herself through hard work, gain a sense of accomplishment, and earn her elders’ approval.
Upstairs, Zeng Yu stood at the kitchen door, looking serious, “We should go out to eat.”
Jiang Nan was puzzled, “What’s wrong?”
Zeng Yu pointed at the kitchen, “There’s no rice, no salt, no oil, no seasoning. How do you expect us to cook?”
Jiang Nan looked dumbfounded, “I didn’t know. I’ve always ordered takeout.”
“Anyone would think you’re from a regular family. But if they didn’t know, they might think you’re some rich kid.” Zeng Yu shook his head in disbelief. The kitchen was too clean, with nothing in it. It seemed like no one had lived there for a long time since the old lady’s passing.
Jiang Nan was startled when Zeng Yu called her a “rich kid” and continued to stare at him blankly.
“Alright, stop daydreaming. If you’re not going to live here, there’s no need to stock up.” Zeng Yu smiled wryly, shaking his head.
“I am living here. Why wouldn’t I? It’s not convenient to stay at home.” Jiang Nan quickly explained, not wanting Zeng Yu to suspect anything. She did need a place to discuss business with Zeng Yu; she couldn’t keep bringing him home or always meeting in cafes.
Jiang Nan was twenty-two, fresh out of college, and hadn’t yet entered the workforce. She had taken her parents’ money and traveled the world for half a year before returning. She hadn’t gone to work at the group headquarters and suddenly wanted to prove herself. But she wasn’t confident. Zeng Yu was different. Jiang Nan had someone check on him—his parents were small-town workers. He had earned his tuition through part-time jobs and scholarships, barely costing his family anything. In terms of social experience and work experience, Zeng Yu was far ahead of her.
Being with Zeng Yu, Jiang Nan tried to appear mature, but she still unconsciously revealed her girlish side. This made Zeng Yu uneasy—she was like a flower growing in a greenhouse.
“By the way, does your family support you in doing this?” As they left, Zeng Yu couldn’t help but ask.
Jiang Nan blurted out, “Of course… not really. But I insisted, so they had to agree. Zeng Yu, my dowry is in your hands. You have to help me make money.” Jiang Nan nearly said, “Of course, they support me,” but quickly corrected herself.
Zeng Yu didn’t think too much, nodding gravely, “When you put it that way, I feel a lot of pressure.”
“Don’t worry. Even if we don’t do this, I’ll find something else to do. I’m young and can afford to lose. Even if we lose this house, my parents still have a place to live.”
Jiang Nan quickly reassured him. She didn’t care about the few million yuan. This house had been left to her by her grandmother, once a work unit’s property, now in her name.
The Hualian supermarket was just a three-minute walk away. The house had nothing, so Zeng Yu grabbed a small notebook, noting everything they bought. Luckily, the kitchen had pots, pans, and knives, so they didn’t need to buy those. They bought oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and rice. Zeng Yu carried the rice on his shoulder and a bag of groceries in his hand. Jiang Nan helped by carrying a bottle of soy sauce and a bag of salt, also holding a half-eaten ice cream cone.
Seeing Zeng Yu sweating as he climbed the stairs, Jiang Nan instinctively offered him her half-eaten ice cream, “You look hot. Have a bite to cool off.” At home, Jiang Nan often fed her parents like this, so it came naturally.
Zeng Yu was taken aback, staring at the ice cream she had licked, feeling awkward.
“Oh, I forgot. I’ve already eaten it.” Jiang Nan blushed, embarrassed, and stuck out her tongue.
Back in the kitchen, Zeng Yu took out a pen and paper, quickly writing a list. He handed it to Jiang Nan, “Go to the supermarket again and buy the vegetables listed here, following the types and quantities.”
Jiang Nan took the list, tilting her head as she studied Zeng Yu, “I go to the supermarket while you do what?”
Zeng Yu sighed, pointing to the kitchen, “This kitchen needs to be cleaned thoroughly. If you’re going to live here, it should be well-organized. Or, I’ll buy the groceries, and you clean?”
Jiang Nan exclaimed, “I’ll go get the groceries!” With that, she quickly left.
Jiang Nan wandered the supermarket with the list in hand, her experience in this area being zero. She spent a long time finding the produce section. She hadn’t bought any vegetables yet, but her cart was already full of snacks. Zeng Yu would probably be annoyed when he saw it. Jiang Nan found the spinach and was about to buy it when someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around and was pleasantly surprised, “Yuan Lei, you’re grocery shopping too?”
“Just getting some fruit. What about you? Don’t tell me you’re cooking yourself.” Yuan Lei’s tone was teasing.
Jiang Nan was honest, “No, Zeng Yu’s cooking.”
Yuan Lei was slightly surprised, “Things are moving fast. You’re already living together?”
Jiang Nan blushed at her words, lightly pushing her shoulder, “We’re just business partners. We’re working together to distribute Sophie in this city.”
“Wait a minute. Isn’t Sophie Winery your family’s business? Are you undermining your own family?” Yuan Lei was even more surprised.
“That’s one way to put it, but my cousin Han Jie has been handling the Sophie brand, and you’ve seen how it’s been going. It’s on the supermarket shelves right now, losing an average of ten million yuan a year for the past three years. I couldn’t stand it anymore. So, instead of letting him lose money for fun, I’ll lose money for fun.” Jiang Nan’s dissatisfaction with Han Jie was evident.
“Alright, then. I’ll tag along for dinner. No problem, right?” Yuan Lei joked, but she was actually thinking something else. Isn’t Zeng Yu planning to become Jiang Nan’s boyfriend? Jiang Nan was raised in comfort and can’t match Zeng Yu’s social experience.
With this thought, Yuan Lei followed Jiang Nan home. They put down the groceries and changed into slippers.
Jiang Nan called out, “Where is he?”
Zeng Yu heard the commotion and came out of the kitchen, wearing an apron. Jiang Nan was stunned. She was reminded of how, during the New Year, Jiang Ziliu would cook, wearing a similar outfit. But Zeng Yu, a young man, dressed like this, seemed so out of place. Jiang Nan couldn’t help but laugh.
“What’s so funny? If I don’t cook, what will you eat? Also, if you live alone, you shouldn’t cook. I’m afraid you might burn down the kitchen.” Zeng Yu, annoyed, grabbed the groceries and went back into the kitchen.
After the kitchen door closed, Yuan Lei asked in a low voice, “Is he in a bad mood?”
Her question was subtle, and Jiang Nan replied, “He’s just complaining. I insisted we cook at home.”
Yuan Lei nodded thoughtfully, “He’s a good guy—handsome and does housework. Too bad you’re not interested in him. Maybe I should take him off your hands.”
Jiang Nan laughed again, lightly tapping Yuan Lei’s shoulder, “If you like him, take him! Just make sure he comes back to make money for me.”
Yuan Lei laughed, “I’ll pass. If I take him, he’ll never come back to you. Even if his body is with me, his heart will be with you.”
The two women turned on the TV and sat on the couch, chatting. Zeng Yu worked alone in the kitchen, with no one to help. He sighed inwardly, These women are spoiled. One reason Zeng Yu liked Xiao Xiao was that she could cook and did it well.
Xiao Xiao was Zeng Yu’s first serious girlfriend. When they were together, she would often come over and cook something delicious for him before spending the night.
“You relax. I’m going to take a shower. I’m all sweaty.” Jiang Nan went to the bathroom, leaving Yuan Lei alone. She was bored, so she went to the kitchen. The living room was air-conditioned and cool. When she opened the kitchen door, a wave of heat hit her, making her face feel hot. Yuan Lei saw Zeng Yu sweating profusely, his back soaked. She couldn’t help but feel touched.
“Do you need help?” Yuan Lei asked as Zeng Yu turned around. She felt bad seeing him working in the sweltering kitchen while they relaxed in the cool living room.
“No, you should close the door. The smoke’s too strong.” Zeng Yu replied flatly, showing no expression.
Jiang Nan quickly rinsed off and changed into her pajamas. She saw Yuan Lei’s serious expression and sat beside her, asking, “What’s wrong?”
Yuan Lei lowered her voice, “Go to the kitchen and see for yourself. It’s like a steam room in there. His clothes are soaked with sweat. I felt terrible watching him.”
Jiang Nan peeked into the kitchen and saw that Zeng Yu’s shirt was indeed soaked with sweat, stirring an odd emotion inside her.
She left the kitchen, deep in thought. Maybe it was a small thing, but it felt important to Jiang Nan.
“What are you thinking about?” Yuan Lei asked, and Jiang Nan smiled, “I’m confident about our future partnership.”
Yuan Lei had more life experience than Jiang Nan. Hearing her say this, Yuan Lei felt a bit envious. This girl is lucky. She’s found a gem.
Yuan Lei reminded her, “He doesn’t have a change of clothes.”
That comment snapped Jiang Nan out of her thoughts. She remembered how she had quickly taken a shower and changed into fresh clothes after grocery shopping. Zeng Yu had been in the kitchen for two hours, sweating like crazy. This old house had air conditioning in the living room and bedroom, but none in the kitchen. After two hours, he was drenched.
“Oh no, there are no men’s clothes here.” Jiang Nan started to panic.
Yuan Lei sighed, “Don’t worry. I have some clothes in my car, bought for my dad. He’s about the same size as Zeng Yu. I’ll go get them.” As she spoke, Yuan Lei headed out.
Jiang Nan followed her to the door, hands clasped together, “Thank you! Thank you so much!”
“It’s him who should thank me, not you.” Yuan Lei teased as she left.
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