Jonathan didn't keep them waiting long; Zong Jia received his call on Thursday afternoon.
After he hung up the phone, Jiang Xiaoli asked, "How did it go?"
Zong Jia remained calm. "Jonathan only invited us to dinner tonight; he didn't mention the outcome."
He paused and said, "But I don't think that will work. Let's wait until we meet to talk about it."
After washing up, getting ready, and changing their clothes, they headed to the restaurant.
Upon meeting, Jonathan was very enthusiastic. "Jonathan, my good friend, I see that my 'SOSO' account has been upgraded to a VIP member, and my name has turned red!"
Zong Jiayu smiled and said, "I'm glad you like it. There will be many new features in the future, and I hope you will continue to follow us."
"Definitely! Definitely!"
Jonathan is a chatterbox and very talkative; he talks about everything but the final decision of the "Vulcan" management.
It wasn't until the meal was over that he took Zong Jiayu's hand and said, "Zong, I'm really sorry. I've been trying to persuade the other partners since yesterday afternoon, but I'm sorry, the final answer is no."
Zong Jia had already anticipated this outcome. He calmly said, "Jonathan, I can see that you've worked very hard. I'm truly grateful for your strong support. Could you please tell me the reason for your refusal? Is it because of rampant piracy?"
Jonathan was a little embarrassed. "Friend, please don't be angry if I tell you the truth."
Zong Jia nodded and then gestured for him to enter.
Jonathan sighed. "Zong, I think you know that in the eyes of many Americans, China is a very backward place. When I proposed that you take over 'Extreme Assault', some people even asked questions like, 'How can China have computers?'"
Although I have high hopes for you, unfortunately, my influence in the company isn't strong enough to command everyone's respect. So I'm truly sorry for my colleagues' prejudice and narrow-mindedness.
Zong Jia nodded. "I understand, Jonathan. Regardless of whether we reach a cooperation agreement, you are my friend. There is a saying in China: 'If you fall behind, you will be beaten.'"
Our current development is indeed not as good as that of the United States and European countries, but please pay attention to us. We will soon catch up and impress everyone with our strength!
"Clap clap clap!" Jonathan clapped after hearing his words. "Zong, I believe you. I really look forward to seeing this day come!"
Zong Jiayu smiled and said, "It seems that my biggest gain from this trip to the United States is that I have made a close friend."
Jonathan was delighted to hear this, "Haha, of course, my friend!"
Back at the hotel after dinner, Jiang Xiaoli held Zong Jiayu's hand and said, "It's just an online game! If this doesn't work, we'll find another one. If all else fails, we can always create a masterpiece in China!"
Zong Jia knew she was trying to comfort him, so he smiled and said, "I'm fine. I won't give up. I don't know much about other fields and I wouldn't dare to make any grand promises, but in the internet field, the gap between us and these major Western countries isn't that big. Take Quan Wenyan, Ruan Jiajia, and Jonathan, for example—they all rave about 'SOSO,' don't they?"
She nodded repeatedly, "It's good that you think that way. If they look down on us today, we won't play with them in the future! Don't underestimate a young person's potential!"
Zong Jiayu smiled upon hearing her words, "That's right, don't underestimate a young man's potential!"
They left Philadelphia early Friday morning and returned to New York.
At noon, Ruan Jiajia received the news and ran over to find her, "Xiao Li, look what this is!"
She flipped to the latest page of her passport. "Ta-da! Ah Yan and I can go to China with you guys now!"
This was the first time Jiang Xiaoli had ever seen a Chinese visa issued to foreigners; the two of them could stay in China for 180 days.
She smiled and said, "Okay, I'll treat you well when you get to Kyoto."
Ruan Jiajia pressed further, "Xiao Li, what day and which flight did you book?"
She shrugged. "I really don't know. Let me make a call and ask."
Upon hearing that they had companions, Xiao Jincheng immediately said, "No need to wait for us. We'll stay until next Tuesday. Once we've finished our business, I'll fly directly to Wudu to find Xiaoyu. You can decide for yourselves when to return home."
Upon receiving this answer, they discovered there was a direct flight from New York to Kyoto starting early Saturday morning, so they booked tickets and decided to go immediately.
That evening, Jiang Xiaoli entrusted the entire set of Snow White dolls that she wanted to give to Jiang Qingxue to Xiao Jincheng, saying, "Uncle Xiao, then I'll trouble you with this."
Xiao Jincheng waved his hand, "It's nothing. If you mail this to the little girl, she might not receive it for a long time. There's no telling if it will get damaged or bumped. I'll just bring it along for you on my way."
She nodded. "Uncle Xiao, I wish you all the best in your work. When you get to Wudu, please have a good talk with Auntie and Xiaoyu. It's most important for the family to stay harmonious."
Xiao Jincheng put his arm around her and patted her shoulder. "Don't worry, I know everything. Little Pear, I've caused you too much worry."
Jiang Xiaoli said with a smile, "I'd feel distant if you didn't make me worry!"
Xiao Jincheng smiled but didn't say anything, everything was understood without words.
Their flight was scheduled to depart at 1 a.m. New York time. After packing their luggage and having dinner at the hotel, they rushed to the airport.
Ruan Jiajia was particularly excited, "I don't know why, but I feel so excited!"
Jiang Xiaoli smiled and said, "Don't worry, we won't sell you two."
They booked their tickets too late, and there were no seats available in first class or business class, so the group spent more than ten hours crammed into economy class.
The plane arrived at Kyoto International Airport at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, December 14th, Kyoto time.
"Achoo!" The cold air of Kyoto greeted them first.
Zong Jia and Zhan Ding buttoned up Jiang Xiaoli's coat one by one, and then tied her scarf before saying, "Don't just try to save trouble, be careful not to catch a cold."
Ruan Jiajia and her companion adapted well. "It was a bit cold in the morning, but it felt about the same as New York."
After they passed through customs and retrieved their luggage, Jiang Xiaoli saw Zhong Yuan leaning against the railing, yawning.
She asked with a smile, "Ayu, did you ask Brother Yuan to come pick us up?"
Zong Jiayu looked at Zhong Yuan and smiled, "I just asked him to arrange a car, I didn't expect him to come in person."
After squinting and yawning, Zhong Yuan had just wiped away his tears when he saw the group of people walking towards him with smiles.
He rushed forward, exclaiming, "You two are finally back!"
Why did you come by yourself?
Zhong Yuan continued to yawn, "Don't even mention it. At two in the morning, Master Liu called me and said he had been having stomach problems all night. At that point, I couldn't really ask anyone else for help, so I just came by myself."
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