Qing Xiaoxu called twice, both times discussing business. She hoped that she would continue to run the factory in Guangdong and promised to provide policy support.

Qin Xiaoyu had two reasons: first, she had a promise to Lu Di; second, she had absolutely no liking for people like Qing Xiaoxu. Someone who would even fawn over his daughter's enemy for the sake of his career was truly despicable.

Such people can either add to someone's success or kick them when they're down. In comparison, Lu Di's character was far superior—he offered help in times of need.

Qin Xiaoyu took the initiative to call Lu Di, and soon the factory site and the number of employees were approved.

After much consideration, she realized that although acquiring bankrupt factories would be easier, she couldn't afford to expand her efforts beyond her hometown if she wanted to make it prosperous.

Now that the heavy industry is declining, more and more workers in her hometown are being laid off, and more and more families are facing difficulties. She can't just stand by and do nothing.

Because of the original succession system, many families had all their members working for the same company. So when the company went bankrupt, the blow to the family was devastating. If she could save one person, the whole family would be saved.

Compared to southerners, northerners lack a strong sense of crisis and are somewhat lazy. Qin Xiaoyu is forcing them to change.

Recruiting went smoothly. Qin Xiaoyu asked Factory Director Fei to organize training sessions so that the workers could hone their skills before the factory and machinery arrived.

The city had long understood that Qin Xiaoyu was a cash cow and a major economic pillar, so they offered all the preferential policies they could. With Lu Di's help, the benefits were not much different from Qing Xiaoxu's promises.

However, north-south transportation was still inconvenient, as logistics relied entirely on trains in those days. And those trains, with their green metal carriages, were as slow as snails. So, Qin Xiaoyu, to give Qing Xiaoxu some face, acquired two more small factories in the surrounding area.

As her business grew, Qin Xiaoyu found herself with more ease than before. She rarely went to the store unless absolutely necessary, spending more and more time at home.

The weather was unusually fine that day. After accompanying her on a walk that morning, A-Lei went to the backyard to help Commander Zhou tend to the flowers and plants. Qin Xiaoyu watched them work from the back window. A-Lei picked a flower and ran over to give it to her to smell. Their eyes met, and they became all lovey-dovey…

Suddenly the doorbell rang, and the maid ran to the door and knocked. Judging from the voice, it was her third sister bringing people over. Qin Xiaoyu stood up from the sofa.

"Third sister, Ms. Lin Yaofangfei?" Fortunately, Qin Xiaoyu has a good memory.

The last two times I saw Lin Yaofangfei were at dances, where she wore a gown and heavy makeup. Now, she's suddenly dressed simply, and her face looks pale and yellowish; she looks like an ordinary local woman.

"I begged Emma to bring me here. I'm here to discuss business." Lin Yaofangfei smiled and looked at Qin Xiaoyu's belly. "How many more months until your due date?"

"About three months, that's just a rough estimate." Qin Xiaoyu was rather casual about it, and since the two of them were so intimate, she really didn't know exactly when she conceived.

"It's such a blessing. I never imagined we'd meet like this when we first met in Hong Kong." From her third sister's words and the news in the newspaper, Lin Yaofangfei was completely convinced of Qin Xiaoyu's abilities.

"Are you looking for the Hong Kong agency rights?" Qin Xiaoyu guessed. Hong Kong wasn't a developed market yet, so if Ms. Lin Yaofangfei were willing to act as an agent, that would be ideal. She had heard that this woman's business was quite large, including luxury jewelry; having her handle it would be a good way to enhance the brand.

"Being an agent is definitely necessary, but there's one more thing I hope you can help me with."

"Please tell me, I will definitely help if it is within my power."

It turns out that Lin Yao Fangfei not only runs her own business, but also chairs a charity foundation. She's always done a great job with it; recently, she organized a benefit performance to raise funds for children with congenital heart disease, and invited a designer from a Japanese brand.

Everything was already arranged, but then the designer suddenly fell ill and passed away. The brand is now facing a split, with the major shareholders fighting fiercely, let alone fulfilling the agreement.

Lin Yaofangfei had prepared the venue, but it was difficult to find a suitable model team. It was her third sister who suggested that Qin Xiaoyu's Riyue Clothing come over.

Lin Yaofangfei didn't have high expectations for the mainland modeling team, but Riyue Apparel currently has several advantages. It has a good reputation in Shanghai and Beijing exhibitions and its brand is very well-known in China. If she takes advantage of this to develop in Hong Kong and then acquire the agency rights, it would be a sure-fire way to make money.

Third Sister thoughtfully brought over a few of A Lei's publications, which greatly impressed Lin Yaofangfei. The quality was beyond question; it met international standards, further solidifying her resolve to invite her.

"Emma, ​​you're such a troublemaker! Little Fish can't go anywhere like this!" A Lei came in from the backyard and heard their conversation. He said this with displeasure.

“See, I told you Alxe would get angry.” The third sister shrugged and said to A Lei, “Don’t make a fuss. Look at the eldest sister, she was still traveling around by plane when she was about to give birth. You’re being too careful with the little one.”

"I don't care, she is her, and Xiaoyu is Xiaoyu. I said Xiaoyu can't go anywhere, and she just can't go!"

"We can take the train instead of flying. It's so close, what's the difference between that and taking a car ride?" Qin Xiaoyu had been planning this for a while, and she clung to A Lei's arm, pleading.

“I said no, and that’s final. Don’t try to fool me. I’ll call Mom right now,” A Lei threatened.

“Even without your mother saying anything, I still disagree.” Commander Zhou also came in.

"Oh my god, Emma, ​​if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I really wouldn't have believed that Alxe is such a man, it's simply..." Lin Yaofangfei held her face in surprise, her mouth agape.

"Let's not talk about that now, let's arrange dinner for our guests first." Qin Xiaoyu then pulled out her trump card, pouting and saying, "I'm hungry."

"Anyway, they won't get past me!" A Lei said angrily as he went to call someone to cook.

"You're amazing." Lin Yaofangfei gave her a thumbs up.

Mrs. Fang was also invited over for dinner. She knew Lin Yaofangfei and they chatted briefly.

“Going to Hong Kong for a fashion show, that’s interesting.” Mrs. Fang’s ambition was comparable to Qin Xiaoyu’s. The two exchanged a glance and found an ally.

“Grandma!” A Lei warned.

“Alxe, you should understand that Xiaoyu is not your possession. She has her own freedom. Although she is pregnant, you can't stop her from doing what her body allows. Doing so will make her lose her spirit. Do you like a wife who only listens to you?”

Mrs. Fang truly deserves her reputation as a pioneer of feminism. A few words left A Lei speechless.

"Let my brother-in-law handle this," A Lei said, summoning Deng Jianyan over with a phone call.

"The baby's pregnancy is going well, so there's no problem with the train journey. You're traveling in a soft sleeper, and it's only a short trip, so it's fine."

Deng Jianyan has always discouraged pregnant women from staying at home, and he's always urging Qin Xiaoyu to go for walks. He's long forgotten the time when Zhou Yue was pregnant, when he was by her side 24/7.