Chapter 42

"Let's complement each other's strengths!" Lin Zixian perked up, looking enlightened. He threw away his cigarette butt, moved his chair closer to her, and with shining eyes said, "I happen to have some money on hand. I'll invest the capital, and you'll invest your management skills. Once the store is up and running, you'll manage it entirely, and we'll split the profits fifty-fifty. What do you think?"

Although the idea was good, Tong Yinan felt it was too much of a favor. If they lost money, it wouldn't be a big deal for her, but Lin Zixian would suffer the most.

However, she couldn't resist Lin Zixian's persuasion. He kept talking about different ways to use the money, making Tong Yinan feel anxious. All those unrealistic ideas sounded like throwing money into the water.

When he mentioned using all his savings to invest in the stock market, Tong Yinan, who had been holding back, finally couldn't help but say, "You said you don't know anything about stocks and are just gambling. Why not invest in something more practical, like opening a clothing store? Clothing is a basic necessity, and even if you lose money, it won't be as bad as losing everything in the stock market."

Lin Zixian rolled his eyes and pointed at himself, asking, "Do you think I have what it takes to sell clothes? I'm better at buying them. Let's stick with the stock market. My luck can't be that bad! What if I hit a lucky stock and make several times the money... hehe! I just wonder how likely that is."

Tong Yinan held back her frustration, almost cutting her finger with the kitchen knife. Finally, she gritted her teeth and said, "I have some experience in business. How about we do it your way? You open the clothing store, and I'll help manage it. Forget about splitting the profits; just pay me a salary."

Lin Zixian disagreed, insisting on splitting the profits. But Tong Yinan refused to take advantage. In the end, they compromised. After much persuasion from Lin Zixian, Tong Yinan agreed to take a 20% share and receive a fixed monthly salary.

Once the deal was settled, Lin Zixian handed the kitchen over to her and went to pick up Zhang Beibei.

Outside the courtyard, Lin Zixian couldn't help but smile bitterly and shake his head. He had gone through so much trouble, starting from buying groceries, to finally achieve his goal. He was trying to help her, but he had to make himself look like a wastrel, pretending that she was helping him. Where was the logic in that?

But there was no other way! Tong Yinan had been through a lot, and her self-esteem was already fragile. It was her last line of defense. Unlike some shameless people, she couldn't just go through life with a thick face. If he helped her openly, she would feel indebted and burdened. He had no choice but to take a roundabout way and endure some委屈. After all, he was a good person, handsome and charming!

Riding his bicycle slowly, he took out his old phone. As soon as he turned it on, he saw a bunch of missed calls, mostly from Ning Lan, but also from Meng Zidan and Qiao Antian. He filtered out the latter two, not wanting to deal with them right now, and found a quiet spot to call Meng Zidan.

As soon as the call connected, Meng Zidan's voice came through, "You, you crazy dog, still have the nerve to call me?"

He was in a position to beg, determined not to fight back or argue. His voice was unusually friendly, and he chuckled, "Boss Meng, I drank a bit too much yesterday. If I said anything inappropriate, please forgive me. You're a big person, so don't take it to heart."

She was taken aback, surprised, "Wait! Is the sun rising in the west today... Oh, it's still rising in the east! This doesn't sound like you, Lin Zixian! When you're nice, it's either because you're up to no good or you want something. If I'm not mistaken, you're sober now and want that ten million back! Come on, call me 'Grandma' first, make me happy, and then we'll talk about the money."

Her tone was no longer angry but full of confidence. As she spoke, she was looking at herself in a mirror in her office, trying to cover up the dark circles under her eyes from a sleepless night.

"That's not the way to talk. Once money is given, it can't be taken back. Consider that ten million as an apology for my rude words yesterday. If you're still upset, I'll give you another ten million," Lin Zixian said generously.

"Are you trying to make me angry or calm me down? Do I look like someone who likes money?" Meng Zidan asked.

"Uh... I like money, but if you don't, I can help you get rid of it. Just let me know if it will make you feel better."

"Cut the crap. You wouldn't think of me if you didn't need something. What is it?"

"Boss Meng, you're sharp. I can't hide anything from you," Lin Zixian said with a forced laugh. "I need a small favor."

"Listen to this, I knew you were no good. When you don't need me, you call me names, but when you do, you act like a wimp. How can you be so disgusting? How did Ning Lan ever fall for you..."

Meng Zidan ranted, running out of insults and then asked, "Hey! Are you still there?"

"Dear Boss Meng, I'm all ears," Lin Zixian said with a bitter smile. He had indeed offended her last night, and now he was getting his comeuppance. Karma was a real thing!

"Get lost, who are you calling 'dear'? Save that for Ning Lan." After venting, Meng Zidan was curious why he was suddenly willing to endure insults. She asked, "What do you want?"

"I... I want to open a clothing store in Donghai, but I know nothing about it. With your resources, you can help me plan it out. I'm asking for your help, Boss Meng," Lin Zixian said cheerfully.

He had no choice but to ask her. He had considered Ning Lan or Qiao Antian, but he sensed that the conflict between Minghua and Shengqing wouldn't end easily. He didn't want to bring trouble to Tong Yinan and her daughter. Plus, he remembered Ning Lan mentioning that Meng Zidan had connections in the government and military, making her the best choice.

"Did I hear that right? You want to open a clothing store?" Meng Zidan asked, surprised. Someone who could casually throw away ten million wouldn't be interested in such a small business. She followed up, "Are you planning to create your own brand and open a chain of stores?"

She couldn't think of any other reason why he would want to open a clothing store. It didn't make sense.

"I don't have that kind of ambition. I just want a regular store, not too high-end or low-end, just something in between. I don't care how much money it makes. The only requirement is that it shouldn't lose money, even if I have no experience. Oh, and it should specialize in women's clothing. Boss Meng, use your resources to help me plan it out," Lin Zixian said with a fawning smile.

Meng Zidan was confused, her head full of questions. She couldn't figure out what he was up to. One thing was clear: he wasn't doing this for the money.

"Minghua Group has its own clothing brand. Why don't you ask Ning Lan for help?" Meng Zidan asked.

"I have my reasons for asking you!" Lin Zixian pleaded. "Please, Boss Meng, help me out. Money is not an issue. Whatever expenses you need, I'll pay in full."

"Would a hundred billion be okay?" Meng Zidan asked, testing him.

"Okay... uh..." Lin Zixian was about to agree but then realized the amount was absurd. He almost choked, feeling embarrassed and angry. "Meng Zidan, are you addicted to extortion? I'm being serious, don't think I'm joking."

Meng Zidan covered the phone and laughed so hard she could barely breathe. When she finally calmed down, she said, "If you don't have money, why act like a big shot?"

"I..." Lin Zixian was speechless, unable to respond.

"Alright, I'll take care of it. Remember, don't turn off your phone. I'll contact you when I have news." Meng Zidan hung up, laughing uncontrollably. She hadn't been this happy in years. After laughing, she leaned back in her chair, lost in thought about her future.

Lin Zixian looked up at the sky, speechless, and finally sighed, "Karma!"

But he knew that once Meng Zidan agreed to something, she would act quickly. He shook his head and rode his bicycle to pick up Zhang Beibei.

After school, Zhang Beibei didn't want to wait alone in the classroom for Lin Zixian. She was mainly worried that if he carried her down the stairs, the other students would see. With the help of a few female classmates, she was supported down the stairs and walked toward the school gate.

A car drove by and stopped not far ahead. Huang Mao stuck his head out the window and excitedly turned to the back seat, "Boss, look, there's such a beautiful girl at your school! I'll get her in the car and we can have some fun." He pointed at Zhang Beibei, who was being supported by her classmates.

'Pa!' Gao Yunliang slapped his hand down, angry, "Are you crazy? The principal of this school is much higher in rank than my uncle. If we cause trouble here, even my uncle will be in trouble. When have you ever seen me pick up girls at school? Wait until we're outside."

Huang Mao wasn't angry. He greedily looked at Zhang Beibei a few more times and nodded, "You're right, boss. Let's wait for her outside. Sanzi, drive." The car quickly left the school and parked across the street.