Chapter 2: Fortune and Misfortune
No problem
Allow me to think! After saying this, Jian Heng closed his eyes and leaned back in his seat
"You are back?" Zhou Jun said while carrying her suitcase
Although Zhou Jun has not yet obtained American citizenship, she has found a Caucasian boyfriend. The two have decided to get married after just one month of dating, and it seems that today they are here to move things. Originally, Jian Heng wanted to advise her to be more cautious; it is not that Jian Heng is envious of her boyfriend's good looks, nor is it that she lacks a warm bed, but rather that Zhou Jun's judgment in choosing men is questionable.
The old man is the owner of the auction house, Frank Morgan. He is very proud of his son, who is young and intelligent, but still somewhat immature, carrying a hint of idealism. He enjoys seeing happy endings in comedies and believes that good people should be rewarded. While this is indeed a good quality for an ordinary person, it is not suitable for a businessman. Reality is sometimes not a matter of either/or, nor is it simply black and white.
So it is Mr. Diao, may I ask what guidance you have?
Jim nodded and said, "Yes, I appreciate his character"
Jian Heng also knew that Zhang Yiping had stabbed him in the back, causing years of accumulation to be destroyed in an instant. Just by observing the auction, he could see the lecherous old man frequently raising his paddle, and every time he won an item, he would demonstrate it in Jian Heng's direction. Jian Heng realized that the client list he had built over the years had been completely sold to the lecherous old man by the traitor Zhang Yiping. Otherwise, in previous auctions, there would only be two or three items, but today, how could there be so many all at once? Even before it ended, there were already five items.
Hearing the old fellow say this, Jian Heng nodded seriously and agreed, saying: "Indeed, there are indeed many talented individuals around you, all of whom are intelligent people"
You
Mike is already waiting for me downstairs
As the car was about to enter the main road, at the window of the auction house's fourth-floor office, an elderly man and a young man of Caucasian descent were gazing at the slowly departing Mercedes-Benz.
Whether it is Zhang Jialiang or Luo Min, both understand that losing this source of livelihood will likely make their future lives quite difficult. This time, Zhang Yiping has thoroughly exposed everyone's past, which can be said to have taken them back to the pre-liberation era, with their family secrets laid bare.
Today, Zhang Yiping's troubles made Jian Heng feel displeased, so he was not in the mood to persuade Zhou Jun. He also knew that his advice would not be heeded, as what was the purpose of their coming to America? Was it not to marry a Caucasian, have a beautiful mixed-race child, and enjoy a good life in America?
Zhang Yiping was momentarily taken aback by Jian Heng's question, and after about two seconds, he replied: "No! It's just..."
Handing over one's most important business contacts to others is almost equivalent to giving them the opportunity to betray you. One becomes a trivial ruler, having lost the list and consequently their small kingdom of profit. Ji Heng feels that this lesson is profoundly significant; years of hard work have been destroyed in an instant, and the loss is rather substantial
During the subsequent auction process, Jian Heng was in a haze, his mind filled not with thoughts of the jade that seemed to vanish into thin air, but rather with the question of why Zhang Yiping had chosen to betray him
Based on Jianheng's experiences, the white individuals that Zhou Jun associates with are merely "foreign trash." Many young women who have just arrived in the United States believe that all Americans are polite and good people, but over time, they come to realize that as a foreigner, the likelihood of encountering white trash in the United States is several magnitudes higher than that of meeting good people
This statement is somewhat veiled in sarcasm! It implies that you do not know how to behave properly
At this moment, the small shower room was already shrouded in mist, resembling a fairyland.
... ...
Jian Heng reached out and patted Zhang Jialiang, giving him a slight smile: "What is with all this anger! This is not a den of dragons and tigers; if someone comes in, can they not leave?"
In today's society, betrayal has become the norm, while loyalty is a rare commodity. Moreover, even among Jesus' followers, there was Judas; how much more so among humans!
"Jim, my child, some matters cannot be approached with a single model. Even if that old sly fox no longer participates, there will still be others willing to collaborate with us. What is important for us is the Chinese market, not any individual! Whoever can bring us business, we will consider them a friend." The old man gently tapped his office desk.
These words seemed to have struck a nerve with the old man Diao, causing his expression to suddenly resemble that of someone who had just lost a beloved father, looking exceedingly grim.
"A good bird chooses the right tree to perch on"
She shed her clothes and stood under the showerhead, allowing the steaming water to pour down directly from her head. With her eyes closed, she stood under the water for nearly three minutes, trying to cast away the gloom in her heart
With a loud bang, the door opened, and Jian Heng raised his eyes to see a woman in her twenties standing in the room, preparing to go out
Frank spoke candidly, and he understood that the young man named Jian would not accept it. If that young man were to accept it, the old man would consider it a new lesson for himself
The woman is Zhou Jun, the nominal wife of Jian Heng
The watch and ring are replicas, but this clothing is not! The entire outfit costs over 10,000 dollars, and the clothes taken off do not fold; they are just casually thrown on the ground, nothing like before. Every time I take off this outfit, it feels like a servant in a palace drama carefully attending to their master.
More than an hour later, the auction concluded. Jian Heng, accompanied by Luo Min and Zhang Jialiang, exited the auction house. Upon reaching the entrance, the large Mercedes-Benz they arrived in was already parked in front of them.
Zhang Jialiang did not know that Jian Heng was referring to Qingyu; he thought he was talking about Zhang Yiping. Looking in Zhang Yiping's direction, he cast a disdainful glance and spat.
As he walked and pondered, waiting until he reached the door of the room he rented, Jian Heng sighed, took out his keys, and muttered to himself: "If a minister is not discreet, he loses his life; if a ruler is not discreet, he loses his state. The ancients truly do not deceive me!"
Zhang Yiping lowered his head in shame after listening to Zhang Jialiang's words
Diao Jiahui grinned and chuckled twice, saying, "I wonder how Mr. Jian plans to make a living in the future! Are you perhaps coming back to engage in a price war with me? If so, I might just look down on you a bit. However, to be honest, I'm not afraid of that."
Do you admire him?" Old Frank smiled as he looked at his son, whom he was so proud of
No wonder we only have one single in this match, it turns out to be this traitor!" Luo Min said indignantly in a low voice
After finishing their conversation, Jian Heng and the other person said nothing more, directly closed the car door, then tapped the roof twice to signal the driver to start the car. They stood by the roadside watching the Mercedes-Benz merge into the traffic until it disappeared from sight
For an old man, this amount of money is insignificant; what is valuable is whether spending this money can bring life experience.
"Mr. Jian, please wait a moment!"
Although tattoos are very popular now, especially in the United States where they are everywhere, Jian Heng is not a tattoo enthusiast and has no interest in getting any designs on his body. However, he now inexplicably has a tattoo on his chest, which makes Jian Heng feel a bit uneasy.
The old face leaned about a meter in front of Jian Heng: "Mr. Jian, Mr. Zhang has jumped over to my side, and I am only now informing you. I trust you won't mind, nor will you blame Mr. Zhang Yiping for leaving without notice, will you?"
Just as Jian Heng was bending down to get into the car, an annoying voice rang out
At this point, Old Diao raised his hand and gestured around: "I have a wealth of talent on my side! I am just afraid that even Mr. Jian, using all his strength, won't be able to stir up much of a storm! There is no opponent; I monopolize the business of the mainlanders all by myself, this..."
Then you can return the ten thousand yuan to him!" After saying this, Old Frank picked up a checkbook from his desk, quickly wrote down a number, and handed it to his son.
Of course, it is a ghost, and an insider at that, bah!
At this time, Jian Heng had already adjusted his mindset. Although he was only twenty-four years old, he had already surpassed the age of impulsiveness.
Jian Heng shrugged his shoulders and said
However, based on Jian Heng's understanding of this troublemaker, if he were to do so, there would be no benefits at all. A business without benefits is something Jian Heng is currently not qualified to engage in
An elderly Caucasian man with graying hair retorted, "Why not?"
... ...
He is also well aware that getting angry or even hitting someone will not solve the problem; it will only bring him great trouble. They are not only trying to take away his business but also want to see his hysterical outburst after losing his composure
Father! Jim looked at his father with a puzzled expression, somewhat confused.
Throughout the entire auction, Jing Heng spent most of the time in self-adjustment
The old man here is somewhat annoyed, having been holding back his desire to watch the show. However, to his surprise, Jian Heng neither flew into a rage nor uttered any harsh words, maintaining a demeanor of calm indifference. Is it really necessary for someone in their twenties to be so composed? This has caused the few younger subordinates around him to cast somewhat strange glances at Zhang Yiping.
His methods are too despicable! Moreover, by offering such concessions, he probably won't make much profit himself! Haven't you always said that for a business to last, both oneself and partners must have appropriate profits? Why did you choose the sly one this time instead of the reputable Jian?
Father, why do we have to cooperate with that slippery character?" the young man asked, turning the wine glass in his hand
Diao Jiahui looked up at the 1.87-meter tall Jian Heng and said resentfully, "I hope you can still laugh in the future"
In fact, Jianheng does not understand why a woman like Zhou Jun, who has a good job in the country, a decent family, and a high income, would leave her stable life behind to come to the United States, and then go to great lengths to marry a white man
The situation described is straightforward: Zhou Jun wishes to obtain American citizenship, so an intermediary approached Jian Heng. The method involves Zhou Jun providing Jian Heng with a sum of money, and in return, Jian Heng facilitates Zhou Jun's acquisition of American citizenship through a sham marriage
Walking along the road, Jian Heng began to reflect on the mistakes he had made throughout the entire situation. As for Zhang Yiping's right or wrong, Jian Heng had no mood to judge, as he felt it was meaningless for himself. Even if Zhang Yiping were to kneel down and cry out in despair, the former clients would not return, unless he was willing to offer them a price lower than that of the one surnamed Diao.
Frank knew that the young man named Jian Heng was a good person, generous in character, responsible, and full of ambition, with considerable courage as well. The old man understood that this situation was also a spiritual trial for someone in their twenties. If he could overcome it, he would become psychologically stronger; if he could not, he would end up like some people, constantly complaining about fate, spending time lamenting the unfairness of life, and thus wasting away in the passage of time.
Jian Heng's face was as calm as an ancient well, and his expression, imbued with a serene smile, secretly displeased the old man
After driving for two blocks, Jian Heng instructed the driver to pull over, and he got out to walk for a while
Jian Heng smiled and said, "It's nothing much, I've just been learning how to be a person all along"
Good upbringing
Hmm! Are we just going?" Jian Heng casually asked.
Zhou Jun replied: "Just go, tomorrow I will have the lawyer come over to deliver the divorce documents to you, just sign them!"
Jian Heng suppressed the anger within him and reminded himself with the words of an old man: a person usually becomes angry not because of their strength, but because of their helplessness; when they have no other means, they resort to anger. Truly powerful individuals do not wield anger but rather a smile, calmly and charmingly inserting a knife into their opponent's heart, twisting it a couple of times, and as they watch their opponent fall, they elegantly wipe the blood from their hands and softly say: I am sorry. Truly powerful individuals do not wield anger but rather a smile, calmly and charmingly inserting a knife into their opponent's heart, twisting it a couple of times, and as they watch their opponent fall, they elegantly wipe the blood from their hands and softly say: I am sorry
He took off his watch and ring and put them in his pocket. Jian Heng bent over and leaned against the car roof, saying to Zhang Jialiang: "First, take Luo Min back, and then return the car to the dealership!"
This question is easy to understand, it is for the sake of money
However, the old man also understands that no one is born capable of everything; what young people lack is experience and practical training
Jian Heng turned his head and saw the old face that made him feel nauseous, approaching him quickly with a disgusting smile.
Zhang Jialiang could no longer contain his anger and confronted Zhang Yiping, who was following closely behind the old man, saying: "How dare you stand here? Have you forgotten how Brother Heng helped you when you first came to America? You shameless scoundrel!"
After Jian Heng and the other two got into the car, Zhang Jialiang immediately asked, "Brother Heng, what should we do?"
"You can give him the money and see if you can be friends with him!" Frank said
After signaling with a wave, he led the woman, along with Zhang Yiping and two younger brothers, past Jian Heng and his two companions, and drove away in his extended Cadillac.
After speaking, he turned to Zhang Yiping and asked softly: "Is there something I have not done properly, or do you think there is something wrong with me?"
A tattoo design has appeared at the position of Jianheng's chest
Next, Jian Heng cast a glance at the woman standing behind the old man Diao, then turned to Zhang Jialiang with a smile and said: "Some young women today are quite clever; instead of finding a young man with no money or an unreliable rich second generation, they might as well choose an old fellow who struggles to even get into bed. In a few years, when he kicks the bucket, all his money will be in their pockets"
Zhang Jialiang chuckled and remarked, "Who knows, in just a few years, if I go home and scrape a few more times tonight, someone might be buried by tomorrow morning! Marrying someone like us in our twenties, wouldn't that be exhausting? Staring at the same face for decades, who wouldn't want to vomit? Ah, being in your twenties, youth truly brings worries!"
As soon as Zhou Jun left, Jian Heng closed the door and began to take off his clothes
"Safe travels!" Jian Heng said blandly
With his eyes opened, Jian Heng raised his hand to turn on the small exhaust fan, standing bare in front of the mirror. He reached out to wipe the fogged-up mirror, initially intending to smile at his reflection. However, upon seeing the image in the mirror, Jian Heng was momentarily taken aback.
Mr. Diao, are you looking to have a match?" Jian Heng looked at Diao Jiahui with a beaming smile
Originally, it was merely a financial relationship. However, after living under the same roof for a few months, a pair of individuals from different countries ended up in bed together. Subsequently, Zhou Jun did not pay the remaining money, and naturally, Jin Heng did not ask for it again. The two began to live a modest life together.
Jian Heng did not want to hear his explanation and raised his hand to interrupt him, saying: "That's good! Now I can rest assured!"
Seeing Zhang Jialiang's worried expression, Jian Heng smiled and said, "I am fine, I just want to take a quiet walk. Don't worry, this little setback won't defeat me!"
Frank also appreciates this young man, Jian Heng, because his character is quite rare in today's era. However, as the boss of the company, he will not refuse the benefits that come from bringing someone in. The old man does this to teach his son how to learn from Jian Heng, how to grow into the core of a small group, and how to unite people around him. Although Jian Heng is currently experiencing betrayal, the act of seeking personal gain at the expense of others is something that makes someone like Frank, who has been in business for decades, feel nauseated. What businessman has not gone through such experiences over the years? The old man does this to teach his son how to learn from Jian Heng, how to grow into the core of a small group, and how to unite people around him. Although Jian Heng is currently experiencing betrayal, the act of seeking personal gain at the expense of others is something that makes someone like Frank, who has been in business for decades, feel nauseated. What businessman has not gone through such experiences over the years?
Jian Heng realized that he was isolated and alone in the United States, and thus subconsciously regarded Zhang Yiping, who had almost the same experiences and had come from the homeland, as a family member. He did not conceal anything from him, and this unreserved trust was the greatest hidden danger in the entire situation
It cannot be said that there is mutual love and affection between the two; it can only be described as two individuals staying together for warmth and support.