When She Stops Being Dramatic

Remembering his grandfather’s trust in Chi Yun’er, Zhao Jinming took the proposal, still half in doubt, and went straight to the Dean’s office.

"What brings you to Grandpa’s today? You’re not usually this free." The old Dean peered at him over his reading glasses. With a smile, he told him to pour his own water and went back to burying his head in his documents.

"Oh, Chi Yun’er just spoke with me for a bit. She asked me to bring this for you to see."

Zhao Jinming handed over the proposal, sat back down on the sofa, and slowly sipped his tea.

The old Dean was a little puzzled. He picked up the document. The title read, ’A Proposal for the Kyoto Technology Mall.’ He continued reading. ’Such a bold and comprehensive move... who else but Chi Yun’er could come up with this?’

By the time he’d read it from beginning to end, he understood his grandson’s decision.

"Jinming, this time, Grandpa has no reason to stop you from going out and making a name for yourself. But do you really think you deserve to take a fifty-percent share of the profits?"

"Without Chi’s massive capital injection and her meticulously detailed proposal, how much of a splash could you make just by relying on the supply network you’ve built traveling all over the country these past few years?"

Zhao Jinming’s face flushed with shame at his grandfather’s words. "I... I was just trying to get your approval first. I’ll definitely take a smaller share later on."

The old Dean let out a long sigh. "That won’t be necessary. Chi and Yihua are both very smart people. They have a precise grasp of how to handle people and situations."

"The clause they wrote about pulling out after twenty years, or once profits reach twenty times the principal investment—that’s because they’re afraid the friendship between you might sour. They’re striking just the right balance."

"To put it bluntly, they’re essentially lending you the capital, selling you the idea, and even letting you pay for it in installments."

The more his grandfather spoke, the more restless Zhao Jinming became.

"Grandpa, then... can I still accept the offer?"

"Accept it, of course. Why not? If you don’t, they’ll just find someone else. At least you’re not an ungrateful person," the Dean said with a smile. "But you must constantly remind yourself to be indifferent to fame and fortune. Never, for the rest of your life, make an enemy of Yihua and Chi."

"Remember their kindness to you."

"How could I ever be their enemy? Even if they didn’t give me any shares, I’d still be happy to work for them," Zhao Jinming huffed.

"Alright then, let’s proceed according to the plan," the Dean nodded. ’With Chi Yun’er keeping an eye on things, my grandson can only succeed, not fail.’

’But if everything goes too smoothly, this boy will lose his ability to identify a crisis. Everyone needs to take a few tumbles as they grow up.’

After laying out a few of his own requirements, the Dean agreed to help him silence the other dissenting voices in the family.

For his part, Zhao Jinming immediately processed his resignation and reported to Chi Yun’er the very next day.

It was as if he feared his family would go back on their word if he were even a second too slow.

"The government has changed its methods. Many projects are now being handled through a bidding process. It’s not just for the investment group—anyone in the Capital City with the ability and capital can participate."

"We’re going to target this project. Even if we don’t win it, we have to help the government drive up the price." At this, Chi Yun’er let out a low laugh.

"The government also agreed to secretly bundle this plot of land with the one across from it in the bid. As long as the final price exceeds their expectations, we’ll get the other plot for free."

Zhao Jinming chuckled. "Chi Yun’er, who’s foolish enough to try and snatch this piece of land from you?"

Chi Yun’er snorted. "Jiang Zishi!"

Zhao Jinming understood immediately. "Don’t worry, leave it to me. I’ll make sure he has to cough up a lot more money."