The sky was high and vast, a deep blue like the sea, exuding an aura of freedom. As Li Xi entered the Chamber of Commerce's reception room, a middle-aged man was leaving. Chairman Wang, arms crossed, leaned back in his chair, his eyes indifferent, his expression numb.
Upon seeing Li Xi enter, Chairman Wang's eyes suddenly lit up. "Young Master Li, you've arrived? Please have a seat. Those old scoundrels are two-faced and insolent, they've infuriated me! What food did you bring today for me to try?"
"President, you have such keen eyes! You noticed it all. I put it at the door and haven't brought it in yet. I was hoping to give you a surprise." Li Xi had been discussing cooperation with President Wang every day for the past few days.
Chairman Wang flipped through Li Xi's project proposal, expressing his strong approval of the term "project proposal." Li Xi explained it as, "Without a plan, you'll waste effort when you're busy," emphasizing that having a structured approach helps maintain a clear mind.
Li Xi brought a simple bowl of plain noodles and a small jar of chili sauce. The chili sauce was made with fermented black beans and diced chicken, stir-fried together, similar to the homemade chili sauce of later generations. Li Xi scooped a spoonful into the noodles and stirred it well. Chairman Wang couldn't wait to pick up his chopsticks and slurp up the noodles.
Chairman Wang finished his meal in just a few bites. "Young Master Li, is there any more? I haven't had enough yet," he said, his anger from the day before now making him so hungry he wanted to curse. "And this second dish..." Li Xi said mysteriously, taking out a ceramic plate, opening the lid, and releasing a fragrant aroma.
"What's this?" Chairman Wang asked in surprise. The dish looked and smelled delicious. "It's called pickled fish." Picking up the rice Li Xi had prepared, the chairman unceremoniously picked up his chopsticks and started eating.
"This pickled fish is sour and spicy, the fish is tender and fresh, and it's unforgettable," she said, completely captivated by the dish. "Good lad, what other tricks haven't you come up with yet?" Chairman Wang beamed.
"I'll leave you in suspense for now; you'll find out tomorrow. Besides, eating too much can cause internal heat. Here, have a bowl of herbal tea," Li Xi handed Chairman Wang a cup of tea. It was Meng Zhelan's specially made herbal tea, sweet and somewhat reminiscent of Wang Daji from later generations.
Chairman Wang downed a few cups and felt much better. "You guys really have a lot of tricks up your sleeves. Manager Meng is also a capable person. The health tea recipe he made contains medicinal herbs, but it doesn't have a bitter taste. You guys are pretty good."
Chairman Wang was very satisfied with Li Xi, and immediately summoned a constable to sign the contract, making it a written agreement. The profits would be split 50/50 as previously agreed, and both parties had no objections, so everyone was happy. Li Xi slipped a tael of silver into the constable's hand, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, brother. Please take this and have some tea." The constable was overjoyed, "You're too kind, young master. We can't neglect what Chairman Wang instructed."
"President, I'll leave the task of collecting chili seeds to you. I still have a few hundred plants. Once you find a greenhouse, you can move them there. Ideally, find a farm with fields on the outskirts of Beijing, and build the workshop and greenhouse together..."
Seeing Li Xi's eloquent explanation, Chairman Wang couldn't help but tease, "Aren't you afraid I'll find a way to fire you? I can afford the penalty for breach of contract." "Hmph, look at you," Li Xi replied. "With your vast wealth and power, would you really renege on my debts? Besides, I have more than just this one business. Chairman Wang, don't you want to take things to the next level? This chili pepper business is about making big money ahead of others, seizing that time advantage. Once our product hits the market, I'm sure many talented people will be able to replicate it..."
"Haha, you're quite interesting, kid. You've got guts! You're right, seize this opportunity. Also, should I call you Young Master Li or Miss Li from now on? Or should I just call you Xiao Xi?" Chairman Wang looked at Li Xi meaningfully.
"Huh? When did you figure it out? So you were watching me put on a monkey show?" Li Xi was annoyed. So far, only Grandpa Sun had figured out that she was a girl. She thought that no one else knew.
"Actually, I only realized it yesterday. You helped me up yesterday, and when I got close, I smelled your unique feminine fragrance. I was like that back then too. When doing business, it's definitely much easier for men than for women, and they can avoid a lot of harassment. When will women be truly free in this world?" Chairman Wang's lowered eyelids showed some sadness.
Li Xi understood that President Wang's achievements today must have come through many hardships. "President, you have such discerning eyes. I will need your continued guidance in the future," Li Xi said, bowing deeply to her.
"No problem. Seeing you reminds me of myself back then. It's not easy being a woman in this world... I'll still call you Xiaoxi from now on, so I won't let anything slip," Chairman Wang said softly, softening his tone.
“Okay, President, you are a role model for us women. Please continue to guide us in the future,” Li Xi said sincerely, and the two looked at each other and laughed.
About thirty li (approximately 15 kilometers) outside Guangming Gate, where they lived on Changyang Street, Chairman Wang owned a estate covering two thousand mu (approximately 133 hectares). This estate had one thousand mu (approximately 133 hectares) of fertile land, enough to set up workshops and greenhouses. Once this batch of chili peppers was produced, they could seize the market and earn her first pot of gold.
Chairman Wang nudged her arm. "Xiao Xi, wake up. You're drooling. We're almost at the manor." "Ah, oh, we're here so fast." The two were riding in Chairman Wang's carriage. On the surface, it looked like an ordinary carriage, but inside it was so luxurious that Li Xi's eyes widened.
My goodness! Two whole white fox furs were laid out at my feet, and there was enough room for two couches to fit inside. I saw Chairman Wang reclining there, holding a red agate bracelet in his hand. There was a brocade blanket on the couch, and boxes full of pastries and tea were placed on both sides. The stove next to me was exquisitely crafted, and the openwork patterns were enough to show the craftsman's skill...
Forgive her for being a country bumpkin; this is the first time in her life, both past and present, that she's enjoyed such a luxurious carriage. She'd better hold onto Chairman Wang's coattails tightly; this is a real goldmine.
Seeing Li Xi's surprised expression, Chairman Wang couldn't help but find it amusing. This kid was really honest. She didn't hide anything at all. It must have been exhausting dealing with those who flattered her to her face but mocked her behind her back.
The carriage stopped. The coachman was much more skilled at driving the horses than Li Xi. Li Xi jumped down, turned around and helped Chairman Wang down from the carriage. He had to be a good lackey.
The manor appeared ordinary from the outside, but its vastness inside left her speechless. In her past life, the domineering CEO novels always depicted heroines who could never escape the manor, only to be forcibly taken by the CEO. Indeed, the real manor was far more extravagantly large than she had imagined; poverty had limited her imagination. "President Wang, my admiration for you is boundless." "You're quite an interesting person, haha, it's nothing, I'll show you something even bigger in the future."
The two rode horses to survey the estate; Chairman Wang's horsemanship was just as good as hers. Like leaders on an inspection tour, they gestured with a map of the estate, and Li Xi used charcoal sticks she'd retrieved from the stove to draw several rough sketches.
As dusk fell, the two took advantage of the darkness to head into the city...
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