Chapter 71 All the goals set at the beginning of the year were exceeded…
Before the interior renovation of Times Square, the leasing of shops had been completed, and the interior decoration of shops was carried out simultaneously. Every step was seamlessly connected, and the store opened on New Year's Day.
A lot of promotional work was done in the early stages. On the opening day, there were discounts applicable to the entire mall as well as discounts between the same category. The promotions were very generous. Early in the morning, long queues formed outside the mall, with drums and gongs resounding and lion dance troupes performing. It was a lively and festive occasion.
Shumei was also there. Her business has been doing quite well these past few years, and she said she wanted to have a good look around and do some shopping today.
As soon as the mall opened, Shumei went to the handbag store and picked out a designer bag. In the past, she would never have bought such a luxury item, but now her mindset is different. She tried it on from behind, looked at herself in the mirror from left to right, and was very satisfied. She even said, "My business partners all carry bags like this. I'll buy one too, so I'll have something to talk about with them."
Nie Qingqing laughed and said, "You're spending money you earned yourself, so you can afford it. You don't need to make excuses."
Shumei laughed: "Yes, actually I just wanted to show off a little."
It really is quite beautiful. Nie Qingqing picked out a plain-colored bag that Xiaoyin liked, which she would bring to her as a gift during the Lunar New Year. She also chose a different color bag to give to Xiaoyin's good friend Wen Qian, to thank her for always standing by Xiaoyin's side.
Nie Qingqing is the general manager of Yuanda and can get internal discounts. When Shumei saw that it was such a good deal, she dragged her around the store. When they came out, she was carrying about ten bags. Half of them were for herself and the other half were gifts for her family.
Nie Qingqing bought Xiaoyin a bag, and bought shoes for Tangyuan, Xiaoyuan, and Hensheng. Since they are boys, buying shoes is a safe bet, and they will all like them. She also bought Song Zhao a suit and tie. After shopping around, she was carrying seven or eight bags.
...
The best location at the entrance of Times Square was where Attorney He said he wanted to open a fried chicken restaurant for Tangyuan. The investment manager was very capable and had negotiated with McDonald's. So the best location had to be given to them. The fried chicken restaurant was located next to the movie theater, which was also a very good location.
Looking at the packed McDonald's with the queue stretching out the door, Shumei exclaimed, "You guys are so honest! If this location were used to open a fried chicken restaurant, it would definitely be a great success."
Nie Qingqing is the general manager of Yuanda, and she has to be responsible for Yuanda. She smiled and said, "The location next to the movie theater is also very good. Tangyuan is extremely satisfied. Lawyer He will have no difficulty in dealing with the shareholders."
The restaurants in the mall were packed, with long queues at several places she wanted to eat at, including the fried chicken restaurant. She and Shumei went out to eat, but Shumei couldn't get a table at the restaurant she had been looking forward to. They agreed to come back on the weekend.
However, it was still impossible to get a seat on the weekend. For a whole week, the newly opened Times Square was doing very well, with turnover far exceeding expectations. No one expected that a high-end shopping mall could achieve such outstanding results.
Before the holiday, we held a meeting to summarize the results. All the goals set at the beginning of the year have been exceeded. The land plots to be developed next year have also been auctioned. Yuanda has a lot of cash flow on its books, and it is expected to grow by 60% for the whole year next year. We can have a good year.
...
However, Fangyan brought back a document that Nie Qingqing took seriously.
Luo Xiangqin switched to Shih Hua, and her first year was also very successful. Shih Hua acquired several plots of land in the same area as the land that Yuanda was reserving for next year.
Fangyan's assistant did a very good job. She didn't need anyone to tell her what to do; she collected all the relevant information before handing it over to her.
“Shih-Hua’s plan is to develop the plot of land adjacent to ours first, as they want to rush the construction schedule and open for sale before us.”
There is overlap in customers, and everyone is selling the same products. However, the market is polarized, with the good customers getting better and the bad customers getting worse. Therefore, it is essential to prepare well in advance.
Nie Qingqing first asked Fang Yan, "What solutions can you come up with?"
Fangyan said, "Then I'll rush the construction schedule, ensure the quality, and open the project before them to seize the opportunity."
Nie Qingqing then asked Hensheng, "If it were you, what solution could you come up with?"
After this period of training, Hensheng was able to speak. After careful consideration, he expressed his thoughts: "Let's first understand the products developed by Shihua. If our products are slightly better than theirs, we will be competitive."
Nie Qingqing and Fang Yan both laughed.
Fangyan said, "Manager Nie, I've learned a lot from following you."
Nie Qingqing said, "It's because he's quick to understand. Yuanda's brand is stronger than Shihua's. As long as we don't make any mistakes, Shihua will have a hard time competing with us. Don't worry too much. Let's have a good New Year first."
...
It's holiday time. Tangyuan and Xiaoyuan are back, but Xiaoyin isn't. She said she has to work during the Spring Festival.
Nie Qingqing couldn't understand: "Why did Xiaoyin's company arrange for colleagues from other places to be on duty on New Year's Eve this year?"
It's expected that we'll be on duty during the Spring Festival, but we usually don't assign colleagues from other places to work on New Year's Eve. If the leadership wants to treat everyone equally this year, then there's nothing to say.
Tangyuan no longer calls him Brother Kaiyang, but addresses him by his full name: "Meng Kaiyang is back. New leader, new ideas, but I don't believe he didn't have some ulterior motive in arranging things for my sister."
"I see," Nie Qingqing asked. "Does Meng Kaiyang have something in mind?"
Tangyuan chuckled a few times: "My sister doesn't go back to an old flame. Nothing he says will work. Mom, are you still angry? Didn't you tell him that Xiaoyuan and I are coming back today?"
Nie Qingqing said, "He can't stay idle. He's busy collecting recyclables to make money during his holidays."
Tangyuan looked at Xiaoyuan and said, "Let's go find Hensheng. He's our brother. Let's not let him feel that we don't value him."
Xiao Yuan nodded: "Then let's go now."
Nie Qingqing stopped the two of them, pointed to a pile of things in the storage room, and said, "Hensheng refuses to come and live here. Perfect, you two can be my laborers and move the New Year's goods I prepared for him over there."
...
Hensheng is actually rich, but he doesn't know it himself. Tangyuan asked, "Mom, when are you going to tell Hensheng about his profit sharing from the electronics factory?"
Nie Qingqing explained, "Your father and I can't talk about this. It's up to Mr. Zhong to decide. And this money is to back him up, not to give him the money right now and leave him at a loss."
Tangyuan said, "That's troublesome. I was thinking of helping him invest in business and make money."
Nie Qingqing said, "What he needs most right now isn't money, but training. Don't worry about him, just mind your own business."
"I'm perfectly fine," Tangyuan said. "Mom, the one you don't need to worry about the least at home is me."
Nie Qingqing smiled and stopped talking about him.
...
Fortunately, they arrived. Hensheng was being harassed by another scrap collector who felt that Hensheng was engaging in unfair competition by offering higher prices and not cheating on the weight, thus stealing a lot of his business. Hensheng then accused Hensheng of stealing his scrap.
Hensheng can speak now, but how could he possibly win an argument against someone like this? He was so frustrated that his face turned red and his fists clenched.
What an honest kid! You can't hit him now. One punch and he'll lose all his reasoning.
Nie Qingqing stepped forward and pushed the person away. Having been in management for so long, her imposing presence naturally came through.
“Tell me, which piece of scrap metal in my child’s tricycle was stolen from you? Point it out, and we’ll go to the village where he collects scrap metal and ask each household there. Let’s see if you’re slandering him, or if he really did steal it!”
This person was always bullying the honest and kind-hearted boy. When he saw that the boy's family had arrived, he wanted to smooth things over and said, "Maybe I saw wrong. If you didn't steal it, you didn't steal it. Why are you being so aggressive?"
Once the matter was clarified, Nie Qingqing persisted: "You falsely accused my child of stealing. Many people heard about it. What will people think if word gets out? Aren't you a scrap collector? You have a drum and gong ready. Go from one end of the village to the other and shout that you falsely accused your fellow scrap collectors."
The man hurriedly replied, "I have other things to do, I don't have time for this!"
Tangyuan stepped on his car wheel to stop him from leaving: "When you were framing my brother, you were so free, but you didn't have time to apologize? Then go to the police station, you'll definitely have time then."
...
Nie Qingqing and Xiao Yuan accompanied Hensheng as they watched the apology hawking. They saw the scrap seller haggling with Tangyuan until his voice was hoarse before finally giving up.
Everyone was wasting time in the same way, but Nie Qingqing was happy.
Hensheng was also moved. It turned out that when he was in trouble, those who claimed to be his brothers would really rush to his aid. Godmother was not just a title; she cared about what he truly valued.
If they had been by his side before he went to jail, he might have been spared that ordeal. But at this moment, he is happy, so those regrets from the past don't seem so important anymore.
...
The small scrap metal dealer who had wronged her had been taught a lesson enough. Nie Qingqing told Tangyuan and the others to hurry up and sell the scrap metal: "I won't go. I'll wait for you at home. We'll go home together for dinner after we're done selling."
A short while later, Tangyuan rode Hensheng's tricycle back in a hurry. Pointing to a large open space not far away, she reported to Nie Qingqing, "Mom, guess who owns that garbage dump?"
Nie Qingqing looked around for a while. There was only a makeshift garbage recycling plant on that piece of land. She looked away and asked, "If you're saying this, you must know someone. Who is it?"
“Brother Zhou, I’ve been in contact with him all along. He came back to do scrap metal business, but he didn’t even tell me!”
Zhou Chengzhong? Nie Qingqing stood on tiptoe and looked again. The land was indeed very large. It was a suburban area. Song Zhao had said that according to urban development, the area around Hensheng's house would be demolished and incorporated into the city in the future.
Song Zhao was right. Yuanda was a real estate developer, and they knew some things earlier than others. The landfill was also within the demolition area, and Zhou Chengzhong had invested in it in advance. He had a very good eye for things.
She muttered to herself, "Lehan didn't say whether she's coming back this year or not. Should I tell her?"
...
Song Zhao stayed home to cook. When she saw Nie Qingqing come back alone, she asked with a smile, "Tangyuan and the others don't want to come home for dinner, do they? I told you, kids grow up and don't miss home anymore. How are we going to eat all this food?"
Nie Qingqing glanced at the menu; there were eight dishes and a soup, which they couldn't possibly finish. She covered a few dishes with a plate and put them in the refrigerator to save for dinner. Two dishes and a soup would be enough for her and Song Zhao.
“Zhou Chengzhong is back.” Nie Qingqing thought about it all the way and said, “He’s been traveling around and seeing things for a while now. I guess he’s figured things out. He hoarded a garbage dump and then got slated for demolition. I guess he’s going to start doing his own thing now.”
No need to ask anymore, Tangyuan Xiaoyuan and Hensheng went to have dinner with Zhou Chengzhong.
Song Zhao sees things differently from others: "You can do business anywhere in the country. He's probably back because he wants to partner with Uncle Gu's family to do hotel business."
"Doesn't he feel embarrassed?" Nie Qingqing was a little angry: "Le Han pursued him for so long, and he was unmoved. Now he has the nerve to come back?"
Song Zhao hesitated, then decided not to speak.
Doesn't Nie Qingqing know him well enough? She must have thought of something and insisted on asking him to tell her.
Song Zhao said, "Back when you were pursuing Tangyuan's dad, he was also being difficult. Later, he compromised and came back to you. Why didn't you reject him?"
Nie Qingqing laughed: "You can even get inexplicably jealous when talking about other people's affairs. Okay, I'm not going to say anymore. I'll go find Lehan after dinner."
...
No need to look, Shumei and Lehan came over to deliver New Year's gifts right after lunch.
Nie Qingqing asked with a smile, "Did you two plan this?"
Shumei said, "No, I didn't know Lehan was coming back. I just happened to run into her at the door."
Le Han didn't say she was coming back for the New Year. Nie Qingqing asked knowingly, "Le Han, you're coming back for the New Year without telling me?"
Gu Lehan felt guilty: "It was a last-minute decision. Zhou Chengzhong said he wanted to discuss some business matters. He wants to open a chain of hotels in Guangzhou and also wants to invite Yuanda to participate. I'm hosting a banquet at a restaurant on the first day of the Lunar New Year. Auntie, why don't you come too?"
Nie Qingqing suddenly remembered Song Zhao's jealousy earlier and turned to look at the man washing dishes in the kitchen.
Song Zhao sensed it, looked up, and smiled.
Nie Qingqing turned around and said, "Okay, tell Zhou Chengzhong that our whole family will go on the first day of the Lunar New Year."
...
On New Year's Eve, the first phone call from home was from Tangyuan. He chatted for more than ten minutes, and Nie Qingqing walked back and forth a few times to make sure that it was a girl on the other end.
She quietly asked Xiaoyuan, "Is the girl Tangyuan was talking about a classmate or someone else?"
Xiao Yuan didn't even need to guess: "It's his pen pal, the one we met when we went to the capital to look at houses."
Nie Qingqing was quite surprised: "You've already progressed to exchanging home phone numbers?"
Seeing her mother's surprise, Xiao Yuan quickly explained, "Mom, don't misunderstand. In the letter, Tangyuan even talked about who likes him and who he has feelings for. It's a pure friendship with his pen pal, not what you think."
Nie Qingqing truly didn't understand: "I just don't get it from you guys. You're not dating anyone yet, so pen pals are fine. But once you're dating someone, you can't do these things."
Tangyuan had just finished talking to someone and hung up the phone when she came over and said, "Mom, you're usually so open-minded, so why are you being so old-fashioned now? Just because I'm dating someone doesn't mean I can't have pen pals. You and Dad got married, but you didn't say I couldn't have male friends. Especially you, Mom, you come into contact with so many men at work, and Dad never said anything."
Song Zhao quickly said, "I'm talking about your business, don't drag me into it. Your mother is right, once you have a girlfriend, you need to be careful with your pen pal."
Tangyuan chuckled and assured, "Okay, I definitely will."
...
Before the New Year's Eve dinner, Xiaoyin called back. Nie Qingqing quickly snatched the phone from Tangyuan's hand, chatted with Xiaoyin for a while, and asked her where she was going on the first day of the Lunar New Year after her night shift.
"Tang Gao said you're going to your uncle and maternal grandmother's house on the second day of the Lunar New Year. Are you planning to stay home and rest on the first day?"
Xiaoyin hurriedly said, "I'm going to Wenqian's house on the first day of the Lunar New Year. Her mother has invited me several times, so it would be impolite not to go. I'll visit my uncle and grandmother on the second day."
Nie Qingqing really wanted to ask who else was on night shift at her workplace, guessing that Meng Kaiyang should be, but she was too embarrassed to ask. She only reminded her:
"It's cold at night, so be careful to keep warm. Times Square is opening soon, and I saw a bag I liked. I bought two different colors. I'll bring them to you in Shanghai after the Lantern Festival, one for you and one for Wenqian."
Aunt Qingqing bought two to help her maintain her relationship with her good friend. Xiaoyin felt a warmth in her heart: "Thank you, Mom."
Nie Qingqing handed the phone to Song Zhao, and the group chatted for a while. Since Xiaoyin didn't mention Meng Kaiyang, none of them asked about him.
After hanging up the phone, she called for dinner, and before raising her glass, she asked Song Zhao and the children, "Do you think Meng Kaiyang is on duty tonight?"
Song Zhao didn't care: "Even if he's on the night shift, this little trick won't move Xiaoyin."
Tangyuan was certain: "He's definitely there, but Mom, don't worry, he won't make things difficult for my sister."
"Why?" Nie Qingqing asked.
Tangyuan said, "Even I know that deliberately making things difficult for an ex-girlfriend is a terrible thing to do. If Meng Kaiyang doesn't understand this, he's wasted his life."
That's true. Nie Qingqing was afraid that Meng Kaiyang would resort to underhanded tactics to win Xiaoyin back.
...
Xiaoyin was on duty on New Year's Eve, arranged by Meng Kaiyang. She noticed that Meng Kaiyang had become more direct and bolder than before since returning from abroad.
It was late at night. He cooked some glutinous rice balls on the small coal stove, and without asking her if she wanted any, he handed her a bowl, then casually sat down opposite her and said:
“Xiaoyin, I understand now why you wanted to go abroad. Going out and seeing the world can really broaden your horizons. Looking back now, I realize I made a lot of wrong decisions.”
Xiaoyin held the soup spoon and stirred the glutinous rice balls in the bowl absentmindedly. Suddenly, she thought of her younger brother's nickname and wanted to laugh, but she was afraid that Meng Kaiyang would think she was making fun of him, so she quickly composed herself.
"Director Meng, isn't it pointless to say these things now?"
Even the way he addressed her had become distant. Meng Kaiyang sighed, "I was wrong before, Xiaoyin. Can you please not talk to me like that?"
It's rare that he would actually admit he was wrong.
But a change in attitude doesn't mean a change in personality. Doesn't Meng Kaiyang understand this by now? The boy she liked during that summer vacation in high school was shy and a little insecure, not the increasingly mature and scheming Meng Kaiyang of today.
Xiaoyin said, "Director Meng, we are both very rational people now. Let's think about it. If we reconcile and become husband and wife, and we have to weigh the gains and losses for every decision we make, what's the point of being a couple like that? We can each live our own lives, and both of our futures have unlimited possibilities. Don't you think choosing the latter path is better?"
Meng Kaiyang completely gave up that last bit of hope: "Actually, the reason I asked you to work the Spring Festival shift was to see if you would get angry. You didn't even complain. Without love, there is no hate. I understand. I won't test you again in the future."
Xiaoyin nodded, and the two fell silent.
...
On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, Xue Jinyun brought her best friend to deliver dumplings to Meng Kaiyang. To show that she had changed, she also delivered a portion to Song Xiaoyin.
Xiaoyin knew that Xue Jinyun's friend came from a well-off family, better off than Xue Jinyun's.
Meng Kaiyang has excellent conversational skills; he clarified the situation in just a few words. Xue Jinyun's friend's sense of superiority wasn't something she deliberately flaunted; it was something she developed from her childhood environment.
Xiaoyin found out by asking around, while Meng Kaiyang also found out by observing her expressions.
As she was leaving, the girl turned back, clearly showing her fondness for Meng Kaiyang, who was gentle, polite, and handsome.
Xiaoyin glanced over and happened to see Meng Kaiyang, and also gave the girl a more friendly smile.
She turned her head away, a mocking smile playing on her lips, which she quickly suppressed. She then casually handed over her shift to her colleague, no longer getting involved in Director Meng's personal relationships.
...
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Nie Qingqing and Song Zhao took several children to Le Han's hotel for lunch and to discuss cooperation with Zhou Chengzhong.
Zhou Chengzhong is easygoing and composed, with a much more mature demeanor. It seems that going out and seeing more of the world has its benefits.
Zhou Chengzhong told Uncle Gu about his plan: "The demolition of the land where the garbage collection station is located has been finalized. Once the compensation is received, I want to develop another chain hotel in Guangzhou."
Gu Zhengshan was naturally happy to do so; otherwise, why would he make this trip during the Chinese New Year?
But he said, "I'm not involved in things anymore. Lehan is capable of handling things on her own. You young people can talk about it."
Le Han forced herself to remain calm: "Sure, how much are you prepared to invest? How do you plan to cooperate?"
Zhou Chengzhong shared his thoughts, then asked Nie Qingqing, "Manager Nie, are you partnering with us privately, or is Yuanda Group collaborating with us?"
Broad Group previously participated in the development of hotels in Shanghai, and by using Broad Group's name, one can access Broad Group's resources.
Nie Qingqing didn't hesitate: "Yuanda, that's what you need too. Tell me about the cooperation plan, so I can call and report to Attorney He later."
...
Zhou Chengzhong never fights a battle he's not confident of winning. His plan was very detailed, and he had prior experience building a hotel from scratch. With this plan, Attorney He was sure to agree. Over a meal, the cooperation plan was finalized.
Nie Qingqing made a request to Zhou Chengzhong: "Tangyuan keeps mentioning you to Hensheng. Hensheng admires you a lot. If Attorney He agrees to cooperate, after the hotel project starts, could you let Hensheng work for you and mentor him?"
Hensheng was nervous when he heard that the topic was about him, but he really wanted to follow Zhou Chengzhong, who had taken revenge and been reborn.
Tangyuan chimed in, "It's good that Hensheng is with my mom, but she's too protective of him. Brother Zhou, let Hensheng stay with you."
Zhou Chengzhong agreed: "Okay, but if you follow me, your way of doing things will be just like mine."
There's nothing we can do about it. Xu Jianchun is still persistent, and Nie Qingqing can't watch him grow up forever. He still has to grow up on his own.
...
After finishing their conversation and preparing to leave, Zhou Chengzhong suddenly asked Gu Lehan, "Do you have time this afternoon?"
Le Han paused for a moment, then asked, "Is there anything else?"
Zhou Chengzhong shook his head: "It's nothing."
Le Han didn't ask any more questions, and the two fell silent.
Nie Qingqing, standing anxiously to the side, said, "We're about to cooperate on developing a hotel, you can't talk like that! Get to the point! Zhou Chengzhong, what were you about to ask?"
Zhou Chengzhong said, "It's nothing, I just asked her if she had time to go see a movie together."
Nie Qingqing was greatly shocked when Zhou Chengzhong actually took the initiative to invite Le Han to play.
She turned to Gu Lehan and asked, "What about you? Do you have time or not? Give me a straight answer."
Le Han blushed, completely unprepared, and didn't know how to answer.
Uncle Gu chimed in, "It was agreed a long time ago that Lehan would accompany me to visit a friend this afternoon, so she doesn't have time today, but she'll be available tomorrow."
Zhou Chengzhong nodded, but still didn't say anything.
Nie Qingqing was furious: "What do you mean by nodding? It's the New Year, don't make me angry."
Zhou Chengzhong almost regretted it. After mentally preparing himself, he invited again: "If you have time tomorrow, would you like to go to the movies together?"
Gu Lehan's fingers were almost bleeding from scratching, but after being pushed by Tangyuan, she quickly nodded.
Tangyuan said, "Sister Lehan said it's okay!"
...
On the second day of the Lunar New Year, Nie Qingqing and Song Zhao went to visit Shumei's family. Tangyuan Xiaoyuan and Hensheng went shopping and came over in the evening. They said they "bumped into" Zhou Chengzhong and Gu Lehan. The two of them were walking together and there was enough space between them for one person to squeeze in.
Tangyuan said, "Brother Zhou really doesn't know how to woo girls. It seems I have to teach him some tricks."
"You shouldn't hit children in the first month of the lunar year," Nie Qingqing scolded, "Where did you get this experience from? Don't make things worse."
Shumei laughed and made a bet with Nie Qingqing: "Of all the children in your family, I think Tangyuan will be the first to get married."
Tangyuan: "Godmother, I need to focus on my career. You watch, I'll definitely be the last one to get married, or maybe I won't get married at all!"
Song Zhao hurriedly said, "Generally, the harsher you say, the harder you get slapped in the face. Quickly take back what you just said."
Tangyuan disagreed. The world is so wonderful, why should he be tied down to marriage so early? He didn't want to be bound up so soon.
...
On the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, Tangyuan and Xiaoyuan returned to Shanghai. Lawyer He called and gave them a positive response, saying that they could cooperate in developing a hotel.
On the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, Nie Qingqing went to work and reviewed Yuanda's plans for the new year.
After the Lantern Festival, Manager Lu from Chenguang Real Estate called to urge her to come over for the resumption of work, saying that Shihua had already resumed work and the construction site was bustling with activity, and Chenguang and Yuanda also needed to hurry up.
"Manager Nie, why aren't you in a hurry? We developed two projects in Shanghai last year, and the number of projects we're cooperating on this year has doubled. Please come quickly."
During the first half of the lunar year, Nie Qingqing made a detailed plan. She was confident and said, "The tickets are bought. I'll arrive tomorrow. There's no need to rush. I have a plan in mind."
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