Chapter 117: The Business Card

I was slightly surprised and asked curiously, “Us? Just the two of us? How could that be? Are you joking?” But Fan Yunting’s expression was serious. She placed her hands firmly on the table and said earnestly, “Why not? As long as we work together, with your talent and my skills, I believe we will definitely succeed!” I didn’t know where she got such confidence, but I knew that developing a new product and successfully entering the beverage market was no small feat. It was impossible for just Fan Yunting and me to accomplish it alone. So I analyzed seriously, “Manager Fan, you’ve been in the industry for quite some time. You should understand product operations better than I do, right? Without the company’s support, how much energy and money can we two muster to handle such a huge production and marketing effort? If you only want to produce a few bottles of a new product just for fun, then what’s the point? It would be better not to do it at all!”

Fan Yunting smiled, taking a sip from her glass. “You don’t need to worry about funding. Actually, before coming to Green Lady Company, I had already thought about starting my own business. But I hesitated because I hadn’t found the right investor or core project, so I held back. Later, when General Qi invited me so warmly, I had no choice but to accept. My original plan was to develop for a while, accumulate capital and experience, and when the time was right, I would strike out on my own. Just a couple of days ago, a British Chinese investor promised me fifty thousand pounds to start a company. Although it’s not a huge amount, it’s enough for us to buy new equipment and rent a factory. Combined with all my assets—well, if I sell my house too, that would be around two million yuan—this should cover our basic research, development, and production expenses. Of course, even then, our company will be very small. Not to mention competing with a giant like Green Lady with assets in the billions, even some medium-sized beverage companies like Baozheng or Master Zhao’s have much stronger capabilities than us. But I believe that as long as we have our own ace product and the channels I control, we can grow significantly within two years, and won’t be any less competitive than companies like Green Lady or June Flower. So, what do you say? Are you interested now?”

Honestly, I was tempted. I realized Fan Yunting wasn’t joking, and I also knew this woman was quite capable—and ambitious. I began to consider it seriously. I lit another cigarette, thinking it over. “Starting a new company isn’t just about funding. Personnel are important too. If it’s just me alone, success is impossible. I need assistants, and the company requires a full team including marketing, planning, finance, procurement, and other specialists. Have you thought about that?”

Fan Yunting brightened upon hearing this. “So you’re agreeing to work with me?”

I smiled faintly. “Not so fast. Your company is still just an idea. Let’s wait until things take shape. But I do believe in your ability, and I will seriously consider it.”

Fan Yunting said, “Good. I’ll start moving things forward soon. But I need a promise from you because everything I do depends entirely on the new product you develop. Without you and the product, everything else is empty. So right now, I want you to promise me that once our company takes shape, you’ll definitely help me. Otherwise, it’ll all be for nothing.”

I took a drag on my cigarette, thinking carefully. I was actually looking for a similar job anyway, so my years of study wouldn’t be wasted. Now the opportunity was here. Though it meant starting from scratch, at least I’d be doing what I loved. I had no reason to refuse. Besides, Fan Yunting seemed sincere, and even if it failed, I wouldn’t lose anything personally. It wouldn’t cost me a penny. At worst, I’d find a new job later. But if we succeeded and my product became a hit, it would be a dream come true. My reputation would grow, and whatever I did in the future would have a strong foundation.

I finished my cigarette, crushed it out in the ashtray, and made up my mind. “If Manager Fan thinks so highly of me, then Tang Qian is not ungrateful. As long as the company is established, with funds and personnel in place, I’m willing to do my best to help you.”

Fan Yunting smiled joyfully. “Good. Your words are a real reassurance. Everything is almost ready; we're just waiting for the final push. I’ll start preparing to set up the company tomorrow. Wait for my news!”

I asked, “Starting tomorrow? What about your position at Green Lady Company?”

Fan Yunting waved off my concern. “Don’t worry about that; I’ll handle it.”

I nodded. The irritation from earlier over personal matters was now replaced by the excitement of a new venture. I stood up and said, “Then I look forward to hearing from you! It’s getting late, so I’ll take my leave.” I waved to call the waiter to settle the bill. To my surprise, the waiter said, “Sir, our boss said your drinks are on the house. No charge.”

I asked curiously, “Why?”

Fan Yunting smiled and stood up. “I mentioned earlier—the bar owner is a friend of mine. Since he knows I’m with you, he wouldn’t feel right charging you. Besides, it was only one bottle of beer. You shouldn’t refuse his kindness.”

I suspected the owner and Fan Yunting had a special relationship; otherwise, he wouldn’t just give free drinks to anyone she knew. But I didn’t want to pry. Since the owner said so, and it was only a beer, insisting on paying would make me seem petty. So I said, “Then please thank your friend for me. Goodbye!”

Just as I was about to leave, Fan Yunting said, “Wait up. I’m heading your way anyway. I’ll give you a ride.”

I asked, “The same way? You know where I live?”

She smiled. “Of course. Forgot? I’ve seen your file. Having a photographic memory is one of my talents.” She winked and added, “Wait a moment—I’ll grab my bag and say goodbye to a few friends.”

I watched her head to a corner and return a moment later with a bag. She seemed in good spirits, smiling brightly as she said, “Let’s go!”

Fan Yunting drove a yellow Hyundai sports car. Once inside, she laughed and said, “Green Lady Company just suffered a big loss—two key players gone, and a promising, lucrative project snatched away by us first. Since you and General Hua are such good friends, don’t you feel a bit guilty?”

I was stunned. “General Hua? Hua Jingjing? I... we...” I stopped myself because I didn’t really know how to explain my relationship with Hua Jingjing. It was complicated. Why would Fan Yunting think we were friends? Had she sensed something?

I was about to ask when Fan Yunting said, “I know there’s some emotional entanglement between you and General Hua. Your resignation was probably because of her, right? But I don’t care about that. What matters is that before I’m absolutely sure, I don’t want anyone in the company to know our plans. Otherwise, I’d be at a disadvantage. I want to handle the company separation my way. Do you understand?”

I nodded. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone, not even Hua Jingjing.”

Fan Yunting smiled in satisfaction and started the car. During the ride, I wanted to ask how she knew about my complicated relationship with Hua Jingjing but held back. With her sharp mind and having caught us arguing twice before, it wasn’t hard for her to guess something was wrong. Asking would only make things awkward, so I decided to play dumb.

Following my directions, Fan Yunting parked under my apartment building. I thanked her and was about to go upstairs when I heard her call, “Tang Qian!”

I turned around. “What is it?”

She rummaged in her bag and pulled out a business card, handing it to me. “Here. The phone number on it is for you to reach me anytime, twenty-four hours a day. If anything comes up, just call this.”

I took it and looked it over. The card was simple—just a name and a mobile number, no title or company. It seemed like a private card, typically only given to important clients or friends.

I clasped the card in my palm. “Okay. You have my number too, right?”

Fan Yunting started backing out, waving one hand at me. “I have a photographic memory, so don’t underestimate me. Alright, goodbye!” She made a U-turn and sped away from the complex.

I stood there a moment, thinking how unpredictable life was. Just a few days ago, Fan Yunting and I worked together at Green Lady Company, both toiling for someone else. Now, I was about to work for her. And if nothing went wrong, I’d have my own lab, leading research on beverage products I was skilled at and passionate about. My heart surged with excitement, as if I were dreaming.

To prove I wasn’t, I opened my hand and looked again at the business card. Suddenly, a hand shot out from behind me and snatched the card away.

Startled, I turned to see Hua Jingjing. Her brows furrowed, face dark, lips clenched tightly. She took three steps back, raised the card high under the streetlight, glanced at it, and snorted sharply.

I gaped in surprise, then finally reacted. “Jingjing? What are you doing here?”