Chapter 02 Determined to Go Against the Wind.
She finally woke up, hearing her heart beating wildly in the darkness
That kind of gaze, devoid of any blame, distant, yet subtly estranged, is all too familiar
He is not like the typical players in the realm of romance, who remain unperturbed and composed regardless of the tumultuous changes they experience. The absurdity and upheaval of that night left him feeling somewhat embarrassed
Through her demeanor and expressions, he could roughly infer her state of mind
A sudden pang struck her heart as she wondered how she had come to this place. Did she wish to see that person once more? But what significance would it hold to see him again
Xu Si possesses a charming and dashing appearance, with well-defined features that cannot be deemed unattractive. However, there is one thing: whenever he desires, he can distinctly adopt an air of arrogance. At this moment, he embodies that very expression.
Hong Die explained to her: "This is not a small project for Xu Feng Investment either, and Xu Si is fully responsible for it." She paused, thought for a moment, and cautiously said to Jiang Hu, "If you really want to repurchase, you still need to communicate with Xu Si."
After such a soft-spoken opening, Qi Sitian spoke in a gentle yet dignified tone, inviting yet not pleading, saying: "My first film is about to be released, and I wonder if you have the time to support it"
One is not luckier than others
The spring new style of the fitted long velvet shirt with off-shoulder design from Jianghu is worn, extending below the hips. The shirt is black, paired with black leggings on her legs, and below, she wears a pair of brown sheepskin long boots. The entire outfit is simple yet appropriate
The process was quite frustrating, yet there was nothing she could do about it. She had her driver's license confiscated by the traffic police, received a fine, and was publicly reprimanded. There were many strangers watching around her; she should have felt humiliated, but as she stood on the street, her overheated mind gradually cooled down. She should not have given up on herself in public; since she had already turned back from the edge of the cliff in Japan, she needed to take good care of herself.
Ren Bing and Yue Shan both insisted on taking items for the Jianghu to the parking lot
Xu Si did not get out of the car; he simply took out his phone from the bag on the passenger side and made a call. He spoke methodically, stating that an accident had occurred, involving a red Porsche that had brushed against the rear of his car, and that his vehicle was located on a certain road at a certain section.
The rivers and lakes raise their heads
Ren Bing smiled and said, "In the world of rivers and lakes, everything will be fine, everything will pass."
It was not until a long time later that she understood why he looked at her that way; just a single glance from him made it impossible for her to continue to argue with confidence.
And Ren Bing revealed the answer to her. He hesitated again and again, but ultimately decided not to keep it from the world, saying: "Your uncle intends to sell the factory to the Xu Feng Group"
However, the rivers and lakes did not inherit their father's beautiful teeth, so they can only pucker their lips from time to time
Someone gently tapped her shoulder from behind
At that time, Jianghu made a face at her father, wrapped her arms around his neck, and laughed, saying: "Dad, if I were a tomboy, wouldn't that be terrible? Who would I marry in the future?"
And the rivers and lakes only speak of the way: "I must return to my room, I will accompany you less."
She leaned against her father's embrace and said, "Oh, you are the extra burden of our family's nanny!"
Ren Bing took a step forward and called out to her: "Jianghu." It seemed as if he wanted to explain.
Xu Si curled his lips slightly, glancing back at her with little concern
It is this Xu Si, who is on everyone's lips in the martial world. What exactly has this person been up to in the past few months? He intends to acquire Tengyue, and he is still associating with his father's old acquaintances.
Suddenly, yet not unexpectedly, a thought emerged from the depths of her mind, like a ray of light breaking through the deep sea, dazzling and vibrant, causing her heart to race. This powerful heartbeat nearly overshadowed all the sadness and despair that had just surged within her.
Fang Mojian stepped forward and called out: "Jianghu"
Jiang Qisheng became a witness and testified against my father and his superiors at the unit. My father was sentenced to death
It has been quite embarrassing. During these days, she often lingers here, not to witness his perpetually cold demeanor, which makes her feel utterly ashamed.
The rivers and lakes have just begun to warm up, and upon looking back, it turns out it is not the palm of Gao Yi, but rather the embrace of my father
Gao Yi's small face, with starry eyes and sword-like brows, when looking at others, has a calm gaze, as if the tranquil sea conceals all its thoughts.
In a moment of impatience, Jianghu wanted to overtake, but unexpectedly, the Lexus in front suddenly changed lanes, blocking her path. She was unable to evade in time and brushed against the tail light of the Lexus.
Jianghu revealed a smile of blessing, "That's good, you will all have a new beginning. The free horse will also have new choices"
It turned out to be an acquaintance of hers who would immediately add fuel to the fire upon seeing her
The mother passed away early, and everything in the home was arranged by the father, who consistently emphasized simplicity and elegance. The entire set of exquisitely designed mahogany furniture and the black leather sofa all reflect a cold and hard color scheme
Aunt Hong Die also sternly warned him, "You must forget this matter quickly and not mention it to anyone, as it concerns the reputation of the young lady."
This is another profound pain in the heart of the rivers and lakes following the father's passing
In just the moment she turned her head, she could still hear the distinct clamor of the street, but when that figure appeared, the world instantly became quiet, so quiet that it nearly numbed her consciousness
She silently glanced at the door of Jiang Qisheng's office, turned her head, and led Jiang Hu into a small conference room at the other end, closing and locking the door. She then placed the documents she had brought with her one by one in front of Jiang Hu, saying: "These are the items your father left with me during his lifetime. All the procedures have been completed, and I have confirmed that this portion of the assets can be utilized. Today, I am returning everything to you. These are the properties he purchased in your name in the local area, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong; these are the jewelry and ornaments stored in the local bank's safe deposit box; in addition, your father has overseas stock investments, but as you know, this portion has suffered significant losses, and it is currently under investigation. His personal bank accounts have all been frozen, and there is a need to carry out settlement work."
After finishing her speech, she hurriedly walked out of the place, as if fleeing
On her way back from the cemetery, she would buy a newspaper, always habitually flipping to the business section, yet unable to focus on anything within it
Gao Yi did not speak, show any expression, or display any attitude; he merely looked at her with confusion, as if she had disturbed him
Looking back at the rivers and lakes, I was quite surprised to see Hong Die. She hurriedly took out a tissue to wipe away the tears lingering on her face
This is hardly the spirited Jiang Qisheng that one is accustomed to
Who is she? At the very least, Jiang Qisheng still holds a formidable reputation in the martial world, and her status as a daughter of a wealthy family remains valid. To say this about her is somewhat excessive.
In the world of rivers and lakes, she inclined her body slightly, wanting to turn and leave, but Fang Mojian called out to her again, gesturing for her to come over and whispering, "Your father once gambled with Shen Gui on a golf course and won five million from him. Before Shen Gui went to prison last week, he had already informed his assistant to transfer the check to you."
She often goes to the cemetery, sitting in front of her father's tombstone, and can stay for a long time
Although his thoughts were accurately perceived by the elders, Xu Si did not feel guilty. His decision to come today was indeed not driven by any particularly honorable intentions
In the next moment, he grasped her wrist
Sitting inside the Lexus is Xu Si
The rivers and lakes were practically in an uproar, "Xu Si, get out here!"
She placed the family photo by her pillow and then lay down again with a sense of peace
From Xu Si's perspective, the demeanor of the jianghu is quite beautiful. From her hairline to the tip of her nose to her chin, along with her slender neck, it transitions to the rounded shoulders exposed by the round collar, and the body wrapped in a fitted velvet top, the lines are all very smooth, almost resembling a mannequin
He first secured the window tightly, and when he turned back, Jianghu was already standing up
In the fleeting moments of dawn and dusk, as the affairs of the world rise and fall, one can sleep in the rivers and lakes, oblivious to whether it is day or night, only to rise again and muddle through life in a daze
Do you believe in God
Her moment of despondency did not escape Hong Die's notice. She thought to herself that the girl before her was delicate in thought, possessing both pride and keen insight, which made her feel a sense of pity. "Let us order; I will have the auntie treat you well"
The father's clear and refined face, with a stubbly beard, pricked her delicate and tender complexion
Ren Bing was taken aback, startled by the sudden appearance of Jiang Hu. He glanced at Xu Si, a detail that Jiang Hu noticed.
She was on the verge of anger, but the boiling rage within her reached its peak, only to be extinguished completely when she caught sight of Gao Yi
Xu Si is not unalert; he even admits that he has indeed committed a great disgrace. His actions of secretly taking what does not belong to him, in stark contrast to the fierce and death-seeking behavior of those in the rivers and lakes, can make him feel deeply ashamed.
The father held her in one arm while holding a wedding photo with her mother in the other. The mother in the photo had such a gentle and affectionate expression on her face
Spring in Shanghai has indeed arrived earlier than everyone expected. At the beginning of March, a gentle warm breeze greets you, allowing one to leisurely shed heavy outer garments and embrace a lighter attire
The brief meeting with Hong Die was not without its gains in the world of Jianghu. Upon returning home from Cee Club, she first took a hot shower, calming her thoughts amidst the rising steam
Since there is nothing happening in the world, he Xu Si also promotes the principle of ladies first. Following this, nothing indeed happened, which can be considered a kindness to others. However, there remains an inescapable feeling of discomfort in his heart
One might wonder in the world of rivers and lakes, how is it that this person is born with such a cold disposition
However, Xu Si is even more certain.
Jianghu stood up and entered the bathroom, seeing her pale cheeks in the mirror, with a large expanse of glaring white tiles behind her, cold and gloomy. She splashed her face with icy water, her cheeks trembling slightly, unable to withstand the chill
Once there was a father and daughter relying on each other, and the world of martial arts did not feel cold and hard at home. But now she is left all alone. As she looks around, she wonders why the mahogany feels as cold as an ice pop. The black leather sofa is too dark. Fortunately, the living room TV cabinet holds several photo frames, all family pictures, along with various national, ministerial, provincial, and municipal awards her father received since starting his business, which adds a bit of liveliness to the atmosphere
Yue Shan was unaware of the myriad emotions in Jiang Hu's heart, but seeing her expression of sorrow, he feared she would be hurt again. He gently patted her back and reassured her, "He is a father who cares for his daughter, and he is an entrepreneur who stands ahead of many others." She held Jiang Hu's hand tightly, so tightly that Jiang Hu could no longer think, "This is enough, for you, it is enough."
The wanderer looked up at the setting sun in the west, then glanced at the sincere smile of the elder, and thus nodded.
and impulsiveness
He was certain about it; this section of the road is close to the bus stop, allowing vehicles to stop, and he signaled. Technically and according to the rules, he did nothing wrong
Outsiders may not understand, but the underworld is well aware of what the Tengyue Shoe Factory means to the Jiang family and to my father. My father went through numerous difficulties in his attempts to privatize Hongqi, but he was ultimately unsuccessful. However, he did manage to achieve the privatization of Tengyue.
Thus, Xu Si, too lazy to put on a pleasant expression, simply remained seated in the car, only slightly raising his head and casually said to Jianghu: "Call 122, file a report, my insurance company will handle it"
Father murmured, "Zhijian, as you wished, I have bought Tengyue back for Dad."
Fang Mojian was not particularly surprised to see Xu Si, but he did not greet him publicly and continued to converse with those around him. Xu Si leisurely waited nearby until he noticed his uncle heading alone to the large conference room on the second floor, at which point he followed him.
She gradually learned to endure
The gaze of the martial world swept over Gao Yi, pausing on these two individuals, causing their minds to immediately turn to mush
He is very tall, so she always needs to look up at him
How can they remain so calm and composed
She recalled the evening at Tiancheng Mountain that she desperately wanted to forget, and she looked up at him. He was always so tall, excessively tall, making her forget everything else in his presence, even if she fell, it was entirely her own fault. Gao Yi would not glance sideways even a little, nor would any surprise show on his face, indifferent and distant, just as he had been from the very beginning.
After greeting, I poured hot water and washed my face. After drying it, I suddenly remembered that this sentence was originally said by my father
Hong Die took her to a well-known high-end social club in the city, Cee Club.
In a single sentence, Jianghu was left speechless, feeling a knot in his heart; his anger was already unsettled, and after being interrupted by him, his face turned even paler. Seeing this, Pei Zhiyuan softened his tone, saying, "Jianghu, I understand your concern for the family business, but you really must face reality; times have changed."
Hong Die was taken aback and asked, "Do you know how much this costs in the jianghu? After purchasing, how much more is needed for daily operations?"
Fang Mojian first shot him a glare, "What scheme are you trying to pull by rushing over here in such a hurry today?"
However, Xu Si's presence always brings with it the weapon that inflicts harm upon her, unintentionally wounding her to the core—those nights of utter despair, and the current state of exhaustion and depletion.
How did the red Porsche Cayman at the back get polished up?
Jianghu walked to the television cabinet, holding the family photo of the three of them in his arms, murmuring, "Dad, Mom, at least I can still keep the last bit of memory of our family, right? I shouldn't let Tengyue be lost to someone else again, right?"
Why does he need to have it
Now Ren Bing is on her other side, and she does not know what the situation is like
Unconsciously, Jianghu called a taxi, unconsciously reported the address, and unconsciously arrived at the department store that was about to open
Yue Shan called out to her anxiously from behind, but she dejectedly waved her hand, not bidding farewell to either Yue Shan or Ren Bing, and slowly drove away from the place
In the world of rivers and lakes, one should not act in such a manner; she must take her leave
Tired of the world, he lazily returned to his room. Lying on the bed, he closed his eyes and fell asleep, drifting into a state of drowsiness
However, it seems that the world does not think so
Indeed, Yue Shan and Ren Bing, along with the Hongqi factory here, have now become a part of my father's history; everything has passed.
Father has not gone far, this phrase lingered by the ears of the rivers and lakes, and she heard it clearly. She was pondering, who is Zhijian? Upon further reflection, it turned out to be her mother
In the midst of the rivers and lakes, I suddenly asked myself in a hushed voice: "Do you believe in the divine?"
Xu Si said with a smile, "I have come to learn and observe." Noticing Fang Mo's stern expression, he continued, "I have always been quite interested in the children's clothing sub-brand Little Red Horse of Free Horse, so I came to take a look this time."
Jianghu returned to her room and took out a check from the drawer. It was a check for five million that she had received a few days earlier. She thought to herself that since she could not buy back the little red horse, perhaps if she invested all she had, she might be able to buy back Tengyue. However, Hongdie reminded her that she had plenty of ideas but no plan.
Thinking of this, I suddenly close my eyes, step on the accelerator, wanting to speed past and not linger here to invite sorrow.
Xu Si first parked his newly purchased Lexus by the side of the road, rolled up the newspaper at hand, and took another glance at it before tossing it onto the back seat of the car. The headline of the economic section was printed in bold black letters, stating: "The controlling party of Hongqi Group, the Textile Factory No. 1 of Sishui City, plans to sell its original Hongqi segmented business to the outside world in the near future"
She cried with snot and tears, shouting and throwing a tantrum. She heard her own voice hoarse, "You liar! The news about Huanyu Finance acquiring Lidu Department Store was leaked to my father by you! You even went to the Commercial Crime Investigation Unit to give a statement!"
A terrifying thought suddenly emerged in Jianghu's mind, just like the last time she saw Xu Si walking out of the Hongqi Building with his uncle, at that time Ren Bing was still by her side, explaining the situation to her
He has returned and also represented the newly opening department store in the western part of the city for an interview
The rivers and lakes understood his inconveniences, and thus did not inquire further. They merely inclined their bodies slightly towards him before turning and walking towards Jiang Qisheng's old office at the other end.
It was merely an inquiry from the uncle that left Xu Si in deep confusion, to which he replied, "Yes, is there any historical anecdote?"
Although it is not yet business hours, the place is empty, with not a single table occupied, yet the waiter still respectfully came out to greet us
Xu Sito, the intermediary, managed to convey some intentions to a factory director named Pei at a shoe factory. To his surprise, the other party was quite willing, and Xu naturally took the opportunity to proceed smoothly.
This thought made Xu Si feel somewhat uncomfortable
Gao Yi stopped at the entrance of the department store, followed by two men who walked out behind him. One was of similar height to him, wearing a striking checkered shirt. The other was shorter and somewhat plump, but his well-tailored suit made him appear very spirited.
However, Xu Si will not back down and never admits to being wrong
Upon hearing the words, Jianghu raised her head, feeling both astonished and alarmed. The astonishment stemmed from her unexpected realization of Hong Die's directness, as if she were aware of the psychological torment Jianghu had just endured. The alarm came from the fact that Hong Die's brief statement abruptly brought her back to reality. After learning about the connection between her uncle and Xu Si, although she felt confusion and sadness, those emotions were fragmented. What she had not considered was the extent of Xu Si's ambition; he sought not only to acquire the Tengyue Shoe Factory but also a sub-brand of Hongqi. The alarm came from the fact that Hong Die's brief statement abruptly brought her back to reality. After learning about the connection between her uncle and Xu Si, although she felt confusion and sadness, those emotions were fragmented. What she had not considered was the extent of Xu Si's ambition; he sought not only to acquire the Tengyue Shoe Factory but also a sub-brand of Hongqi.
With a forceful kick, she struck the ground with a loud thud. Still feeling unsatisfied, she followed up with another kick
In the presence of this strict uncle, he only needs to express his intentions clearly, and he will generally receive the assistance he desires. He also believes that his uncle is somewhat aware of his plans.
Fang Mojian expressed concern, saying: "You must take care of your health"
Jianghu stood in place, lost in thought for quite a while, feeling like a complete fool just moments ago. She realized that she was utterly powerless; although she was physically present in this factory, she could do nothing at all
Jianghu parked the car, carried the cardboard box into the elevator, and went upstairs, finally returning home
The martial world is not unfamiliar with this place, as I have accompanied my father here for numerous business banquets in the past. Of course, the standards and expenses of the entire club are among the best in the city. Nevertheless, when business hours arrive, guests continue to come in an endless stream
In the past, there had been several discussions with her uncle regarding this matter. She held only one thought: Tengyue was the last remaining asset of her mother and father, belonging to both the Pei and Jiang families. Her uncle should not easily sell the factory.
This is the attitude towards the opposite sex that Xu Si deserves
He patted the shoulder of the rivers and lakes, as if soothing a child, and after calming him down, he went off in search of his benefactor.
He simply could not be bothered to argue with her
Jianghu tightly grasped Yue Shan's hand and urgently asked: "Dad's stocks have lost money, the investment in the building has collapsed, and even Hongqi has been dragged down with it. However, he can find a way to repay it. Although—although he still has to go to prison, he can still survive. Why couldn't he hold on? Why did he suddenly suffer a myocardial infarction?"
However, on this night, she dreamt again
Behind them is the first counter of Free Horse in the city’s 101 store, and there are veteran employees of Red Flag arranging merchandise behind them
The journey was not very smooth, and it was nearing the peak hour for getting off work, causing heavy traffic on the road. After finally crossing the river, the road ahead was somewhat clearer, but there was a car blocking the way, a Lexus sports car, moving very slowly and continuously obstructing the path.
Another photo features Jianghu with her father. In the picture, a three or four-year-old Jianghu is proudly sitting on her father's shoulders, pouting and smiling with her eyes squinted, her small hands tightly embracing her father's cheeks
Such blatant rudeness is too obvious. Xu Si's expression darkened slightly, as he deliberately pulled out the chair beside her and sat down gracefully.
It is uncertain whether it is in a dream or outside of it, the face of the rivers and lakes feels cold all over, upon touching it, my hands are met with tears
In the blink of an eye, she greeted him, but then found herself at a loss for words. She turned her head, and her reflection was cast upon the glass window.
Seeing Yue Shan in the rivers and lakes felt like encountering a family member, and in a dazed and childlike manner, I asked her: "Aunt Yue, when my father left, was he not in pain?"
The circles under Jianghu's eyes could not help but turn red
Gao Yi walked up behind her and tightly grasped Jiang Hu's small hand. As Jiang Hu saw the shadows of the two gradually merging on the opposite wall, intertwining to form the character "人", she felt a surge of strength, enabling them to lean against each other for warmth
The rivers and lakes can only divert their gaze, surveying the interior of the room
Xu Si did not wish to make himself feel foolish for the second time, so he simply stood his ground and did not step forward
Do not think, do not think. She comforted herself in her heart like this
The cemetery is very quiet, as if it were another world. Jianghu sits in front of his father's tombstone, thinking how wonderful it would be if he could remain in this world forever without coming out.
She took the documents from the Jianghu one by one to examine, and each one left her astonished. She said, "Dad is wealthier than I imagined. He has considered everything so thoroughly." After reviewing the documents one by one, she asked, "He lost several hundred million, how could he still have so much left?"
Xu Si was initially at a loss.
Hong Die was quite familiar with the surroundings, and chose an antique leather sofa to sit down with her companion from the jianghu, asking her: "Would you like to order something?"
I fear that she regarded last night as an absurd play, a magical night in which she indulged herself and fell into the abyss. With the first light of day appearing, she must extricate herself and strive to distance herself as much as possible
He feigned a casual tone, discussing matters as if they were trivial. However, he noticed that Jianghu gritted his teeth and closed his eyes for a moment, realizing that there was an issue with his tone.
This visage was both familiar and unfamiliar, and she finally understood that it was not due to his inherently cold demeanor
Her short hair had grown slightly longer, covering her forehead. She instinctively brushed it aside with her hand and replied, "Uncle Fang"
The rivers and lakes settled in the corner of the wall, blowing his nose, tightly pinching his own tiger's mouth, admonishing himself, "I must not cry anymore. Since I did not die in Japan, I must not cry anymore"
However, after just one night, she instinctively felt a resistance to his touch, and coupled with such a dismissive and disdainful attitude, it inexplicably ignited a surge of unnamed anger within Xu Si
They conversed and laughed calmly right in front of her, exuding an air of triumph as if basking in the spring breeze
The world of martial arts has regained its calm, she thought, and she needed to think this matter through calmly. She raised her wine cup, smiled, and said to Hong Die, "Aunt Hong, thank you for your guidance"
Hong Die clinked glasses with her, saying, "Where is it? It is Aunt Hong who wants to thank you for accompanying this old lady to come here to eat foie gras"
Jianghu found two photo frames in his father's cardboard box and placed them on the TV cabinet
Jianghu clutched this photograph taken with his father, leaning back on the sofa and curling up his body
The rivers and lakes sighed and nodded with difficulty
In the world of rivers and lakes, I gaze at Hong Die, whose smile always provides me with the courage to continue moving forward at the right moment
Ren Bing hesitated for a moment before nodding his head
One must not think, nor should one think
How did this woman suddenly appear again
She recalled that dream, which was not a dream at all, but reality
The rivers and lakes remain silent
Until Jianghu cleared his throat and said to him: "Those who come out to play must always bear some responsibility. It is beneficial to be well-prepared, both for others and for oneself. I understand this principle."
Once again expressing her gratitude, it was also because Ren Bing had single-handedly organized her father's funeral, providing her with considerable support. She then asked with concern, "Have you decided on your next destination?"
As she slowly exited the factory area, Jianghu closed her eyes, feeling a sadness as if she were leaving behind a landscape of broken walls and ruins. She thought to herself that in the future, there would be no more advertisements for free horses, and the overpass would also be gone
Xu Si is too busy to attend the event. He replied, "After I return to the country, I will have my secretary get the tickets from your agent."
How could these three people be mixed together? The world of Jianghu reflects that the combinations of people can be so absurd. Xu Si and Gao Yi are gathered together, and they are joined by this former marketing director of the Hongqi Group, Ren Bing
The father patted her hand, his expression filled with affection.
The content reported by Jianghu has been read thoroughly, and it mainly introduces the recent developments in the department store industry, as well as providing a brief introduction to the interviewee.
However, on that day, a headline caught her attention - "The Department Store Industry Firmly Believes That Winter Has Passed and Spring Is Approaching!" In the lower right corner of the report was a small portrait of the spokesperson for the department store industry. It was only an inch in size, but she could already see clearly that face, that familiar expression of cold pride, indifferent to those around her.
Later, my father decided to relocate the headquarters of Hongqi from Sishui City to the southern part of Pudong, where transportation was more convenient, and he once said at home while smoking a cigarette.
The heart of the rivers and lakes sank down, urging her to rush forward and call out to Ren Bing in a stern voice. The sound was somewhat loud, causing the three men over there to turn their heads.
Xu Si's demeanor is relaxed, occasionally providing a brief explanation or two. It is only when he speaks that Gao Yi will follow up with a sentence or two.
As soon as this conclusion was reached, the Lexus brothers promptly got into their car and drove away in a cloud of dust, leaving Miss Porsche behind to continue answering the inquiries of the traffic police
She covered her ears, yet his voice came through so clearly.
Mother is like a deity, therefore she will never leave you
Jianghu bit her lip fiercely, stepped forward with determination, and called out loudly: "Uncle."
The world of Jianghu believes that her return from the cliff signifies a new beginning, but that is not the case; she still cannot be reborn. What is happening now continuously gnaws at her and torments her
This is like a basin of cold water being splashed down, leaving the martial world in a state of shock, prompting it to reflect on its own impulsiveness
Just now, he only wanted to pull over to take a phone call, which seemed to be from Director Pei who called earlier. He initially did not want to answer it, but the phone kept ringing, and he felt increasingly irritated, so he decided to stop the car to take the call
While Xu Si was browsing the internet in his room, he came across this report. The article was written in great detail, and the journalist seemed to have gathered information from multiple aspects regarding Jiang Qisheng's past business activities. The sudden death of Jiang Qisheng was attributed to two main reasons: first, after the failure of his stock reform, he turned to speculate in real estate with the property developer Shen Gui. The investment property collapsed suddenly due to the construction party cutting corners, and those involved naturally faced lawsuits; second, Jiang Qisheng's private investment in Hong Kong's Lido Department Store shares plummeted due to the failure of his acquisition plan with Australia's Universal Finance, which involved share purchases and property swaps. This incident not only brought his private accounts to light but also resulted in significant economic losses.
She clearly saw her own terror
Only with a favorable climate can we bid farewell to the remnants of winter and return to the starting line, embarking on the prologue of a new year
Someone came over and patted her shoulder. Jiang Hu turned around to see Yue Shan, the financial manager who had served at Hongqi Group for twenty years. She also managed Jiang Qisheng's personal accounts, and the relationship between the Jiang father and daughter was very close
In the face of an uncertain future
Jianghu sat on the steps of the large exhibition area outside the conference room, with three to five wooden mannequins behind her dressed in last year's winter collection from Free Horse, striking attractive poses
Without any surprises, Gao Yi will receive a severe scolding, yet will remain unchanged.
A passerby advised, "Little girl, don't be so angry. You might kick the car door out of its hinge. This is a car worth over one million!"
She murmured to herself, "This cannot go on like this."
As expected, Fang Mojian asked again, "I heard your aunt mention that you still want to acquire the Tengyue Shoe Factory?"
She wanted to walk over, but upon seeing his silhouette, she ultimately did not move
On the face of Yue Shan, who is in his middle age and has a prosperous yet fair complexion, a trace of pain flashed by
After several cycles, the tears finally ceased
Dreams become real and familiar, and past events are vividly recalled like an old movie
Yue Shan still could not bear it and repeatedly advised, "Your future path is still long, take good care of yourself, only then will your father feel at ease"
Dishes were served one after another, and Hong Die seemed eager to comfort Jiang Hu, continuously serving her food and introducing, "I love the foie gras made by the chef here. Ever since I had it in Australia, I have been unable to forget it. Later, he was hired at a high price by Cee Club, which suited me perfectly, as I no longer had to make the crazy move of flying to Kangaroo Country to satisfy my cravings"
Hong Die said: "Child, do not be nervous. You can take your time to think about this matter. If there is anything Aunt Hong can assist you with, I will certainly help."
However, at that time, he was thinking that the current state of mind in the jianghu was not suitable for reading such reports
Rubbing his eyes, he stood up calmly, walked into the bathroom, and washed his face with hot water, making it rosy. Then, raising his head to face the bright mirror, he commanded himself to speak.
Both vehicles had to come to a sudden stop simultaneously
She heard herself answering: "I am God"
It was on the night of her mother's passing that the warmth of Gao Yi's palm brought her comfort
This is the first time Jianghu has looked so clearly at Xu Si's face, and it is also the first time he has faced him so directly
The exterior of the department store's skirt building is wrapped in large lightbox fabric printed with "Grand Opening Soon," featuring vibrant red and green colors, evoking the warmth of spring
After the layers of sadness are peeled away, one must inevitably continue on the path ahead
Since returning from Japan, she has always been grateful for Hong Die's comforting words that supported her between life and death. However, at this moment, seeing this elder in such a disheveled state, she felt ashamed. She forced a smile and said: "Aunt Hong, I apologize for making you laugh; it is I who have lost my composure"
Upon turning back in the rivers and lakes, I saw him; I stood up, turned my head, and wanted to leave
The scenes of the past are vividly before my eyes, yet now there is only an overwhelming tide of sorrow
The father, whose handsome face is partially obscured by the little paws of the rivers and lakes, holds her two delicate white legs, facing the camera, laughing heartily
The woman's reactions are always beyond his expectations
Her straightforwardness and candor carry no hint of pride or sarcasm, and the facts expressed in her words leave a chill in the hearts of those in the community. This leads one to wonder what Xu Si and Gao Yi were discussing just now; was it a collaboration on a new venture? Is that why Hong Die also appeared at the scene?
The traffic police conducted an inspection and concluded that the collision between the front and rear of the vehicles was not significant. The tail light of the Lexus was broken, while the front of the Porsche had some paint scratches. A report was filed, advising the parties involved to seek compensation from their insurance company. The Porsche owner should bear full responsibility for this incident
A sudden pain struck her heart as she opened the car door, intending to get in, only to catch a glimpse of her uncle Pei Zhiyuan accompanying Xu Si as they walked out the door, causing her heart to ache in astonishment.
She, as she had in recent days, had that long dream again
Jianghu never expected to encounter her uncle at this time and place, and moreover, he was following Xu Si in a fawning manner. This truly compelled her to think of the situation in the most unacceptable direction.
Xu Si was taken aback, as he never expected that the shoe factory he had inadvertently intervened in would have such intricate connections with the underworld. Moreover, he had arranged to meet with the factory director of Tengyue here today for further discussions. With this thought, a sense of inexplicable discomfort immediately arose in his heart
In a state of agitation, Jianghu called out to him and asked sternly: "Uncle, are you planning to sell the factory to Xu Feng?"
The rivers and lakes do not allow for embarrassment, and I slightly lowered my head
Especially now, when the ink sword below called out "Jianghu," the gaze of Jianghu clearly swept over here. She saw him, but she acted as if she had not seen him.
Xu Si noticed the Tengyue Shoe Factory while searching for suitable acquisition targets, primarily because it is an old factory established in the 1930s, known for its rubber-soled shoes that were once extremely popular over a decade ago. However, in recent years, it has gradually declined, relying solely on orders from Hongqi and foreign trade to sustain its operations. With the turmoil at Hongqi and the financial crisis, it seems to be struggling to hold on, yet it still possesses rich industry experience.
Father said again: "You have left, but I am still alive. As long as I am alive, there is hope"
However, Uncle Pei Zhiyuan, having suffered losses in stock trading, is determined to sell the factory for profit, finding his niece troublesome and constantly seeking ways to avoid her
More than twenty years ago, Jiang Qisheng had foreign exchange indicators coming from Beijing and asked my father to take advantage of his position at an import-export company in the Luohu area of Shenzhen to import office equipment from Hong Kong for government agencies, converting the exchange rate difference into a profit from the circulation difference. This was a significant transaction, and my father was tempted. They collaborated very well and made money. However, how could such a large case of foreign exchange evasion go unnoticed? My father was arrested because there were transaction records in his unit's correspondence documents. This was a significant transaction, and my father was tempted. They collaborated very well and made money. However, how could such a large case of foreign exchange evasion go unnoticed? My father was arrested because there were transaction records in his unit's correspondence documents
On the morning following that night, Xu Si walked into the hotel lobby for breakfast and saw Jiang Hu sitting alone by the window, with a laptop in front of her. As he approached, he could see that she was on a Chinese portal website, with a prominent headline on the page reading: "The Complete Account of the Fashion King Jiang Qisheng's Downfall"
Fang Mojian stepped forward, while Xu Si remained stationary.
She moved step by step along the base of the wall by the sidewalk, as if seeking refuge from the clamor of the world in this corner. However, the road beside her was bustling with traffic and pedestrians, filled with the din of the city that disturbed her ears. Even the fading light of the setting sun intruded into this corner, exposing her in broad daylight.
My father once said: "I named you Jianghu, hoping you would carry a touch of a man's boldness"
With such thoughts, her heart was in turmoil, overwhelming her. She suddenly turned her head and ran wildly without knowing the direction, only realizing when she was almost suffocating that everything before her was a blur, and she had truly lost her way
His mind had not yet caught up, but immediately, the woman's rude actions and aggressive attitude struck a nerve with him
The rivers and lakes are filled with uncertainty as one nods in agreement
Those were the words of comfort he offered her after their mother passed away from colon cancer
Yue Shan could no longer hold back and said, "Jiang Hu, you must remember, this path was chosen by your father himself, and there is no room for complaint." After saying this, she finally shed tears, lowered her head, and endured for quite a while, ensuring that no trace was left at the corners of her eyes. When she raised her head again, she reminded Jiang Hu, "There will be a charity gala held by an evening newspaper in the second half of the month. An invitation was sent yesterday, and I hope you can represent your father to receive this charity medal. This is his honor"
It is indeed a case of not being able to speak of ghosts in broad daylight. He followed his uncle all the way to the second floor, and at a corner, he saw the world of rivers and lakes in the waiting area outside the conference room on the second floor
The gaze of the martial world shifted, and a fierce glance was directed sharply at Xu Si.
Gao Yi walked out of the department store in a natural manner, dressed in his uniform suit and trousers, with smooth hair and a clear expression.
She lingered outside for a long time, truly lacking the courage to step into the place where her father had passed away
This is truly a muddled exploitation of others' misfortunes, lacking in integrity and transparency
In the garden of the Tiancheng Mountain Inn, Gao Yi stood before her and spoke these words. Then these words became thorns in her heart, occasionally piercing her and causing her to bleed profusely
She sat in the dark corner beneath the model, curled up with her legs drawn in, motionless, and unaware of where her gaze had drifted. At first glance, Xu Si thought she was just another model that would not move.
Later, in the adjacent conference room, the leaders representing the equity stakeholders of Hongqi will announce the plan for the divestiture of Hongqi Group's segmented businesses. All the entrepreneurs present today share the same intention as him
The father lost his temper, struck her on the forehead with considerable force, and scolded, "What nonsense are you talking, girl? You should call him Brother Gao Yi. He has good grades and will be your little teacher in the future. You need to study hard with him."
Gao Yi—after so many days and nights, just the thought of his name would cause her heart to ache painfully.
In the world of rivers and lakes, the atmosphere became tense and awkward, indicating that she had realized her own inappropriate reaction. However, she did not speak immediately, or perhaps she simply believed that there was no topic of conversation between her and him, nor any necessity to engage in one.
She arrived with great momentum
Qi Sitian said: "Good."
However, on the day of my mother's passing, there was the sound of a piercing wind and the sound of pouring rain outside
He continued to gaze at her, not uttering a single word
She gasped, thinking that Gao Yi had returned, and that he was still mingling with that Xu Si, along with Ren Bing, who had been by her father's side for more than ten years
Pei Zhiyuan was utterly indignant and unapologetic about the misfortunes caused by the underworld, and he spoke rather bluntly: "Even the Red Flag has been sold out, so what’s wrong with my small leap? You know that the little private label business I do every year is for the Red Flag, along with some foreign orders, and this time it has all fallen through. My factory has hundreds of workers who also need to make a living. You can sit back and eat away at your inheritance, but don’t make a mockery of the situation in front of my workers who are just trying to get by." You know that the little private label business I do every year is for the Red Flag, along with some foreign orders, and this time it has all fallen through. My factory has hundreds of workers who also need to make a living. You can sit back and eat away at your inheritance, but don’t make a mockery of the situation in front of my workers who are just trying to get by.
She wondered, what story? She had already heard a story, a story of a sunrise in the face of the wind, so how could there be another story?
Indeed, the shoulders of the rivers and lakes twitched slightly, and Xu Si instinctively walked over, handing over a napkin.
Fang Mojian scolded, "Little Fox, I knew all along that you had ill intentions."
Jianghu shook her head, and Hongdie took the initiative to order the dishes, then said: "The foie gras here is quite good." She looked Jianghu up and down; the girl appeared haggard and listless, truly pitiful. She couldn't help but say, "Good child, why are you still being so hard on yourself?"
The leader of the Jianghu raised his head and clarified his thoughts, able to say in a calm tone: "The red flags are already in disarray, each seeking their own path. In a market economy, free trade is quite normal."
A kind of deep-seated terror is slowly brewing and swirling within. The fear that began on that afternoon at Tiancheng Mountain—she dared not think of it any further
He discarded the newspaper, opened the car window, leaned out to look towards the overpass, and saw workers at work, preparing to slowly lower the billboard
When the traffic police arrived, they saw a man and a woman standing coldly side by side on the roadside, neither of them speaking. Concerned bystanders were either busy trying to mediate or discussing how much it would cost to settle the insurance claims for the two vehicles.
Yue Shan's eyes also couldn't help but turn red, "I still have some matters to discuss with you"
Both points are on target and are fundamentally consistent with what Xu Si knows
After a while, she heard herself saying: "Do you believe in God?"
Fang Mojian did not respond
But enough is enough, this is not what the world wants to hear, she only feels foolish, truly foolish, foolish enough to come here and deliberately encounter such a scene that undermines her dignity. This is self-inflicted.
The rivers and lakes stood before him, unabashedly displaying their furious anger. After shouting, they reached out to grab the window of his car, pulling forcefully outward
The rivers and lakes anxiously clutched at their collars, recalling that on this day, before the story of the rising sun in the headwind, she had heard another tale.
In a state of urgency and uncontrollable anger, I got out of the car and rushed over, and the window of the Lexus driver's seat also rolled down.
Only because I began to understand
He released his hand and said, "Last night I was careless and did not take any other precautions"
The former director of this shoe factory was the father-in-law of Lao Jiang, who began his career in this industry with Tengyue. At that time, Tengyue was still a state-owned enterprise. Later, Lao Jiang assisted in its privatization and returned it to his father-in-law's family. Currently, their director is his brother-in-law, Pei Zhiyuan
This took Xu Si by surprise, as he did not expect his uncle to be concerned about the additional small plans within his grand scheme.
Xu was momentarily taken aback, watching the river and the world fade into the distance. Suddenly, his phone rang, and a melodious female voice on the other end said: "Hello, Mr. Xu. I am Qi Sitian"
It turns out that Xu Si is indeed the leader of this business, which is why he appeared at the entrance of Gao Yi's department store together with Ren Bing; they were probably discussing a collaboration
The rivers and lakes are shrouded in gloom; after enduring the pain of losing a father, learning to take care of oneself is a sorrow born of necessity and an unavoidable sadness.
The onlookers were genuinely afraid that the man driving the sports car would hit the woman driving the sports car on the spot. A kind-hearted person hurried over to stop Xu Si, saying: "My friend, it's one thing to talk, but don't resort to violence; after all, she is just a young girl."
This is the cornerstone of a事业 completed by the father, a genuine and deep love from the father to the mother, which must not be tarnished. The history of the腾跃鞋 brings her pride that even surpasses the honor and value once bestowed upon her by the自由马.
She turned on the light and immediately saw her father's room across from the front door, the brown door tightly shut. She gazed for a long time but still lacked the courage to enter that room
I am God
The world of rivers and lakes was even stirred by this thought in her heart; she had her historical mission, and facing this person before her, she should not miss the opportunity. She almost spoke urgently, "Then, Aunt Hong, can I buy the little red horse back from you?"
In the midst of great shock and fear, her only reaction was to stare in silence. Any feelings of indignation, sorrow, or self-pity could no longer manifest, leaving only a sense of desolation and loneliness.
She said, "Uncle Fang, I just came to take a look, and I have some of Dad's old belongings to sort out. I will leave once I have finished organizing them"
After the waiter served two cups of fragrant tea, Hong Die said with an extremely sincere expression: "Our Xu Feng Group is very interested in acquiring Hongqi's Little Red Horse and several garment and shoe factories"
The news that Uncle Pei Zhiyuan intends to sell the Tengyue Shoe Factory was heard by her when she returned to Shanghai from Japan
The rivers and lakes over there clenched their fists, immediately adopting a posture as if ready to strike at any moment
The boy in the dream is merely ten years old, standing awkwardly while being held by his mother's hand
Yue Shan extended her hand, and she tightly grasped Jiang Hu's hand, "Do not overthink these issues; they are of no benefit to you."
Hong Die smiled gently, her smile warm and amiable, capable of warming her heart. The elder said, "Child, what a coincidence to run into you on the road again. Do you have time to accompany your aunt for dinner?"
In the southern section of the Pudong suburbs, a massive complex covering a total area of 1,000 acres stands majestically on both sides of the main thoroughfare. Notably, enclosed sky bridges have been constructed between the main buildings on either side of the road, adorned with a row of large advertising slogans—"My City, My Life: Freedom Horse"
She kept staring at them, looking at Xu Si, looking at Gao Yi, looking at Ren Bing. She stared at them intently, wanting to see them clearly.
Xu Si observed the situation and the expressions of those around him. He was unaware of the matter at hand between the uncle and nephew, but it was evident that he did not wish to be a scapegoat. He quickly bid farewell to Pei Zhiyuan and hurried to his car, where he promptly climbed in.
Xu Si drove the car into the factory area, and as soon as he parked, he saw his uncle Fang Mojian walking out of the workshop, followed by several staff members and big bosses from the clothing industry
In the world of rivers and lakes, bowing down to follow is akin to tasting something that is fundamentally flavorless. She swallowed the food in her mouth, took a sip of red wine, and felt a bit of warmth in her heart
He looked up at her, watching her small figure looking down at him. He did not greet her
This was quite heavy, Xu Si frowned, feeling a surge of anger in his heart. He stamped his foot and sneered, "Oh, you have quite a bit of strength. Do you think you have a reason for violating the rules and overtaking? Speak up, do you want to fight or do you want to act like a rogue? I'm here for either!" After finishing, he rolled up his sleeves.
She was just crying incessantly, sobbing, struggling to catch her breath, and had shrunk back into a seven-year-old girl.
In just a few seconds, Jianghu thought of many things, almost instinctively. After holding back her anger for a long time, as these thoughts surged forth, she could no longer contain it and simply let it all out.
She pointed at Xu Si and shouted, "Have you grown any eyes? What kind of attitude is this? Do you just park anywhere on the road? Didn't your mother teach you about public morals? Do you even count as a man?" After shouting, she kicked his car door with her foot
This voice was extremely unfriendly and piercingly sharp. Upon hearing such an unreasonable call from the rivers and lakes in this tone, Pei Zhiyuan immediately felt somewhat unable to maintain his composure
Their days are good, and hers should not be worse; otherwise, she would not be the daughter of Jiang Qisheng
Jianghu first cast a sorrowful and cold glance at Hong Die, who was elegantly sipping tea. Her earlier tone had been gentle and calm, yet filled with a sense of apology. How could she not be calm? They were engaged in a legitimate business transaction, yet the elder still felt a sense of regret towards her. She was unable to respond to the rudeness.
In contrast, the world of the rivers and lakes, one night of madness and debauchery, the next day transforms into a lady, changing her demeanor faster than one can turn a page, showing a ruthlessness that surpasses that of men. Even Xu Si, born into a family of powerful women, finds it hard to adapt.
The rivers and lakes have grown chillingly cold from the bottom up, trembling and shivering, tears streaming down, still hoarsely shouting: "I am a fool! A fool! It was I who recommended you to my father! I have caused my father's death! I have killed him!"
However, she suddenly fell down, landing heavily on the lawn. The ground was very cold, and it was even colder above her head, as someone looked down at her.
Pei Zhiyuan felt quite anxious upon seeing him about to leave. He wanted to abandon the rivers and lakes to follow Xu Si, but was firmly held back by Jiang Hu.
However, this is the gap between two tall buildings, where the wind rushes through mercilessly, tousling the hair of those in the world of rivers and lakes
He will not even feel guilt
Xu Si felt a chill in his heart
Her forehead ached greatly, and with a pout of her lips, she burst into tears. While crying, she glanced at him from the corner of her eye, but he lowered his gaze and did not look at her at all
Xu Si in the car was first startled by Jiang Hu's sudden outburst. When she actually kicked his car door, she continued to kick a few more times, but could not hold on any longer, and swiftly opened the car door and got out. Jiang Hu, unable to control his foot, kicked heavily against Xu Si's leg.
In the darkness, Jianghu sat alone, surrounded by faint light that cast her small figure onto the ground, resembling a solitary little hill
One of the two picture frames contains a family portrait. In the photo, the parents are still young; the beautiful mother is holding a bag in one hand and supporting a child of about three or four years old with the other. The father stands with his hands on his hips, his handsome face exuding an air of confidence and superiority.
Daughter, do you believe in God
The rivers and lakes clenched their fists
This time, he is ambitious and wants to leverage his uncle's connections to acquire the children's clothing brand of Hongqi Group at a relatively favorable price. He is also preparing to purchase one or two garment and shoe factories to meet production needs. The Tengyue Shoe Factory mentioned by Fang Mojian is one of the factories he plans to acquire
The self in my dreams is merely a seven-year-old girl, nestled in her father's embrace
However, that is not correct; she saw the person in front of her looking down at her with indifference
In front of Xu Si, this young lady from the jianghu either showed indifference or acted in a hysterical manner, and her temper was excessively unreasonable. Throughout his life, he had never been treated this way by anyone.
When Jianghu returned to the bottom of his own apartment building located in the old villa area of the city, it was already past 9 o'clock
She always liked to follow him when he was a playmate. But he was always cold and unwilling to pay her any attention. She provocatively complained to Mother Gao, "Gao Yi ignores me."
Hong Die expresses her sincere apologies, "I should have informed you in advance and apologized. Ren Bing, the marketing director of Hongqi, is currently collaborating with Xu Si and is responsible for this matter"
Ren Bing has been speaking to Gao Yi, his voice not loud enough for the outside world to hear. However, those in marketing are known for their eloquence, and the community believes he can articulate his points exceptionally well, as Gao Yi listens intently. This man is deeply focused, his mind free of distractions.
However, the Jianghu was glaring at Xu Si with such a dismissive attitude. She thought that just now, her uncle was trying to curry favor with him; she thought that there were indeed people who were watching with predatory eyes, ready to take advantage of his misfortune... it was him, it was these people...
Jianghu awoke from a cold war, the blanket covering her having been kicked under the bed. She simply turned over, got out of bed, and walked into the living room, turning on all the wall lamps and chandeliers, illuminating the entire world. Then, Jianghu sat for a long time in front of the TV cabinet that held family photos, gazing at each frame. In those photos were her father, her mother, and her younger self. That was a complete family. Later, after her mother was gone, she thought that she and her father still constituted a complete family. Again, Jianghu sat for a long time in front of the TV cabinet with family photos, looking at each frame. In those photos were her father, her mother, and her younger self. That was a complete family. Later, after her mother was gone, she thought that she and her father still constituted a complete family. But now, there was only her. Yet her father and mother smiled at her from the photos, as if they were right by her side
In particular, he was also eyeing her father's company at that time. To delve deeper, he was indeed being excessively oppressive towards women and children
It is always easier than being strong
Yue Shan never told the Jianghu about this scene; she merely comforted, "Yes, your father passed away peacefully, as if he were in a dream. He did not suffer."
Someone asked her, "Do you want to hear a story?"
When my father smiles, he always reveals a set of neat and white teeth, which makes him appear friendly and endears him to others
Last night, he had once held her waist firmly along her hand, rendering her unable to move. Her reaction was dazed yet passionate. Now, her response was an involuntary and natural shiver.
Fang Mojian took a few steps forward and immediately noticed that the window opposite the exhibition booth was not securely closed. Although it was mildly warm in March, it was simply unacceptable for a lonely and vulnerable girl to endure the cold wind.
Yue Shan opened the door to the conference room, and Ren Bing, the marketing director of Hongqi, was standing outside holding a box. The eyes of this highly regarded protégé of Jiang Qisheng were slightly reddened as he looked at the world and said: "All of Jiang Dong's belongings are here."
It seems as if they are all mocking her
Hong Die's words are not without reason; they are thoughts she had not considered before. If she intends to put such an idea into action, she needs to weigh her own capabilities and consider various aspects of reality. At the very least, she must think carefully about how to negotiate this transaction with Xu Si.
Hong Die felt a twinge of pity for the child before her; in such a pitiable situation, she could still speak so candidly. She encouragingly patted her hand
Jianghu smiled sadly and asked in confusion, "How could Dad win so much money from Uncle Shen?"
Xu Si even considered that, at that time, he did not have a girlfriend, and he could provide her with some emotional compensation during this period of losing his father in the martial arts world
She was the first to discover that Jiang Qisheng had passed out in his office. She remembers Jiang Qisheng's final appearance, slumped over his desk, cold to the touch, his brow furrowed, his mouth slightly agape, and his hands tightly clutching the lapels of his shirt.