Chapter Forty-Nine: Strategizing in the Command Tent

After the nerve-wracking placement exams that had every student on edge, the first year of high school began its closed-off teaching system: all students were now required to live on campus and were not permitted to leave except for weekends. Yet, I swaggered into the homeroom teacher’s office and, citing my need to study computer science in preparation for the national competition, directly applied for and was granted the privilege of ignoring the boarding requirement.

During this period, my relationship with Su Xin grew ever warmer, but there was never a chance for the two of us to go out alone. After school, her father always had someone pick her up, and her upbringing was so strict that she rarely had the opportunity to leave the house. Still, I understood that love was a matter of a lifetime, so I didn’t allow myself to become impatient. What preoccupied me most during this time was keeping a close watch on Xia Jianren’s movements, fearing he might be plotting something sinister. Strangely, ever since I confronted him that time, he’d become as docile as a kitten, keeping a remarkably low profile. The quieter he became, the greater my sense of unease grew, so I began rising early each morning to train myself, repeatedly practicing the martial arts I remembered from my previous life. By now, I had made some progress; if those thugs from last time were to come looking for trouble again, they would surely suffer a humiliating defeat.

Even more reassuring, Li Dabiao, who had returned to the Northeast, suddenly called me yesterday. He told me his mother’s illness had stabilized, and once her surgery was over, he’d have Li Siying stay to care for her while he returned to help me. To my delight, Li Dabiao wouldn’t be coming back alone—he was bringing a dozen of our old underworld brothers along. Inspiration struck; I decided that when he returned, he should look up Zhang Jing. I planned to use these martial arts-trained men to start a security company—both to protect myself and to recruit more guards, providing protection for the Sunshine Group.

Gazing at the living room filled with a feminine charm, I couldn’t help but glance at Zhang Jing, who was lounging lazily on the sofa watching TV. Tonight, she wore a pink camisole nightdress; her full bosom and sensuous figure exuded a faint fragrance that stirred a sudden impulse within me. Dressed like this, she clearly didn’t see me as a man. I gave a wry smile and shook my head. Her beauty was beyond words, her figure simply flawless—just the sight of her translucent, fair skin was enough to drive any man mad. Yet, she wore such a revealing nightdress; it was nothing short of criminal temptation.

But though these thoughts crossed my mind, I dared not cross the line. Since fate had given me a second chance at life, I knew I should treasure it and treat Su Xin with all my heart. Though Zhang Jing was stunning—her beauty almost suffocating—now that I had Su Xin, I was afraid of bringing harm to the woman I loved most. I was human, not a beast ruled by lust, so I forced myself to exercise restraint, as I must.

I had been living here for several days. Apart from reserving the ground floor for daily life with Zhang Jing, I had split the middle floor in two—one side transformed into a training room, the other into a study, which also served as Zhang Jing’s office. The top floor was entirely my own; there, I had established a technology lab and a high-tech computer control room. Though far from complete, I already had a clear vision in my mind: I would turn the top floor into the most technologically advanced space in the world of 1997! From now on, all my research and innovations would be born there.

“What are you thinking about?” Zhang Jing turned to me with a smile, pointing at the TV. “Look, the city government’s plan to redevelop the old district’s steel factory is being broadcast. I told you, didn’t I? With the government making such a high-profile announcement, they’re bound to make a big move soon. The old steel plant has already shut down, and that piece of land is the most valuable. Now that it’s been officially put on the agenda, Tianlai must acquire it. Once it’s developed, its value will be more than just a few times its current worth.” She glanced at me with a sly smile. “Recently, Xiawang Construction has been having a tough time because of me—a few major real estate projects have been snatched right from under his nose. It looks like he’ll make a move for this plot as well.”

I nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, then asked, “Toppling Xiawang Construction won't be easy. As they say, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. Though you’ve used our financial advantage to take a string of his projects, I don’t believe Xia Fugui is a fool. The profits and opportunities in the old district redevelopment are massive—he’ll be determined to win. What we lack isn't capital or company strength, but government backing. You know his brother is the mayor of C City; his connections in the government run deep and tangled. If we want to overthrow Xiawang Construction, we’ll need power from the government—that’s exactly what we’re missing.”

“What do you mean, always talking down our side and boosting theirs…? I’ve already done well buying off officials as you suggested, and many city committee leaders are now connected to our company. But… you’re right. No matter how many people we have in the government, compared to Xia Fugui, it’s not enough. His brother is the mayor, and the party secretary was just transferred in—he won’t be swayed by anything…” Zhang Jing’s face, previously animated with excitement, was instantly doused by my cold water. She frowned at me in frustration. “So, according to you, are we just supposed to let the Xia family take the redevelopment project?”

“That won’t happen. Since only Tianlai and Xiawang Construction are capable of handling this in C City, it’s like two fish in clear water—if one wants all the oxygen and food, then even if we can’t beat him, we can at least muddy the waters, make it harder for him to see what’s really going on,” I replied unhurriedly, already brewing a plan in my mind.

“What? Are you really thinking of giving up on this investment? Xiao Qiang, do you realize how big this opportunity is? Whoever secures this project will practically have the title of C City’s top developer. Are you willing to let Xiawang Construction win over Tianlai?”

“Win? Not a chance.” I sipped my tea leisurely and smiled. “Competition is necessary. Our advantage is capital; Xia Fugui’s is government connections. In today’s China, power often translates to money, but money doesn’t always command power. I think Xia Fugui has better odds—at least until we know someone more powerful than the mayor of C City, or until his brother loses office. That’s my conclusion.” Seeing the disappointment on Zhang Jing’s face, I couldn’t help but secretly laugh. “Don’t worry. Even if Xia Fugui wants to win, I’ll make sure his victory turns into defeat! Mercy to the enemy is cruelty to oneself—that’s a timeless truth. Everything is within my control.”

“Hmph, you’re always so impressive.” Zhang Jing wrinkled her delicate nose in mock annoyance, her coquettish manner almost making my heart leap with joy. I discreetly wiped the sweat from my brow. Truly, feminine charm is dangerous…

“Heh, it’s not that I’m impressive, but that dealing with old hands like Xia Fugui requires catching them off guard.” I laughed awkwardly, trying to cover my embarrassment, and continued, “Zhang Jing, you need to broaden your vision. Don’t just focus on Xia Fugui. A gentleman’s revenge can wait ten years—don’t be blinded by immediate gains; think more about the company’s future. I’ve considered it; with the current Asia-Pacific financial crisis, I want to ride the wave as it hits Japan and make a fortune alongside Mr. Soros. As for you, besides managing Tianlai, you must also follow the list I gave you and take over those manufacturing and soon-to-be-bankrupt companies. Sunshine Group’s future is diversified—we can’t let personal vendettas hold us back, understand?”

“Why so fierce… Fine, I got it…” Seeing my serious expression, Zhang Jing pouted with a hint of grievance and resentment. “Sometimes I just don’t get you. The companies on your list are either on the verge of collapse due to poor production or about to go under from lack of technology. Do you really think acquiring these small firms will have any effect? Looking at them, they’re from all walks of life. Never mind the digital ones—why even take over a fertilizer factory?”

“What’s wrong with fertilizer? Don’t underestimate it. Believe it or not, in a year I’ll make that fertilizer plant world-famous.”

“Hmph, keep bragging, you’ll burst one day. Whatever, you’re the boss—you call the shots. If you say acquire, we acquire. After all, it’s your money we’re spending. Hehe, I’m off to bed.” Zhang Jing stretched languidly, her curvaceous figure swaying in front of me as she strolled to her room like a cat. But just as she reached the bedroom door, she turned her exquisite body and glanced back at me with a teasing smile. “Don’t go into the wrong bed tonight, okay?”

I could only smile wryly, shaking my head as I headed upstairs to the top floor to continue my research. After I left, the door to Zhang Jing’s bedroom gently opened again. The wild abandon of that night, the tender embrace of that day—everything was written upon her lovely face, full of deep emotion and resolve.

“Xiao Qiang… no matter what you do, I’ll always support you, because I know I’ve fallen in love with you…”