Although I have been bestowed with 10% of XQ stocks which gave me a little peace of mind, I still had some unanswered questions.  So I asked Jiang Li.  "Since 10% of XQ shares are still missing, what makes you think that Ai Rui will repay the loan?"

Jiang Li replied with a smile.  "I mortgaged the entire XQ business to borrow the money."

So that was it.  If Ai Rui refuses to repay the loan, the bank will move in to control XQ, right?  That would mean they could not refuse to repay the loan.  It was a good move. 

Jiang Li, you are so sinister…….                                   

 

                                                  ***#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#***

 

Sure enough, as Jiang Li expected, as soon as Ai Rui took control of XQ as the main company shareholder, the bank came forward to chase for repayment of the loan.  Ai Rui could not afford not to pay the bank or else the ‘ducks in hand’ would really fly away and no matter how reluctant, Ai Rui still had to settle the loan.

Two days later, after Ai Rui had settled the bank loan, Jiang Li took me out for a meal with the Bank Governor who gave him the loan.  The Bank Governor was a nice little old man and later during our conversation, I found out he was a former college mate of Jiang Li's father.  The road was paved with friendship……..

Holding up a glass, the Bank Governor toasted to Jiang Li.  "Clever boy.  You are worse than your father!"

I sweated.  I was not clear whether he was scolding Jiang Li or praising him…….

Well, I did not understand a thing about the dealings between masters, so I might as well concentrate on my food instead!

 

                                                  ***#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#***       

 

Initially, I thought that after Ai Rui had settled the bank loan, Jiang Li would blatantly make an announcement of my 10% controlling stake but he did not seem to be in a hurry.

Later, I understood why he was not in the least anxious.

Not long after Ai Rui had settled the bank loan, suddenly the stock market was flooded with rumors of Ai Rui's suspicions.  Majority of the investors held serious suspicions and negative thoughts on Ai Rui's finance and operations. 

Once, when I went home to visit my mother, I found her standing with hands to her waist talking with confidence to several uncles and aunties in the district.  " Ai Rui stocks cannot be bought.  They will definitely become a loss."

I sweated.  I quickly pulled my mother home.  Normally my mother did not buy shares but ever since that time when she bought XQ stocks and made a lot of money, she started to imagine herself as a Stock God.

Coming back to the original topic on the mysterious rumors of Ai Rui.  Initially, it seemed to be just a small matter coming from the grapevine.  In the beginning, it was the problem in Ai Rui's operation system which showed their profit margins were overvalued and later it spread to their financial problems which said that they falsified accounts.  It was also rumored that they owed a lot of money.  Later on, it was reported that their problems began to vary from staff treatment to corporate culture and even some people said that there were hidden rules within their business.  Even more outrageous was that someone said  Xue Hong's father has an illegitimate child and there was even evidence of the child's surname and name.

I asked Jiang Li.  "Did you do this?"

He replied.  "Some of them.  But the following frivolous information was posted by others who ‘looted while there is a fire’*. (Taking the opportunity to hit at others during the chaos.)

I think it was also correct since Ai Rui is such a ‘big tree which will attract the wind* (Attracting attacks from others).  Ai Rui such a big company would surely have many competitors who would not hesitate to seize the opportunity to ‘step on their foot’* (Hit someone when the person is down).

I asked Jiang Li.  "Those serious points in the rumors, are they true?"

He replied.  "Some are true, some are false.  At present, some of their problems are being investigated."

I asked the last question in my heart.  "But how do you know of all these things?"

He replied with a smile.  "Stupid, if there are spies in XQ then, of course, there will also be spies in Ai Rui."

Understood.  This is the first time I got to know of high-level business espionage. 

Because Jiang Li had given Ai Rui a little problem and the others were following to give them pressure, so now, Ai Rui had another crisis of their stock price falling miserably.  Eventually, their stock price fell below the ten yuan mark.  Investors who were holding Ai Rui stocks began to sell off their shares once they saw Ai Rui's situation and my father happily began to buy over the stocks.  Not only did he buy up the loose unit stocks but also bought stocks in blocks.  Because Jiang Li had said that an account was not allowed to hold exceeding 5% of the total stocks, otherwise that person had to be registered in Ai Rui's registry of shareholders, my father simply opened another account under his wife's name.  Then in each account, he respectively stored up about 4% of Ai Rui stocks.

I kept sighing.

Jiang Li, my father is going crazy because of you………

But I still had a question that I did not understand.  It was the reason why Jiang Li did not want my father's name to appear in Ai Rui's registry of shareholders.

His reply was just simply this........"Keep it as it is.  It'll be useful later.  It will not be so troublesome when eventually he sells off the stocks."

I was puzzled and asked.  "Why not put it anonymously, like mine?"

He looked at me with disdain.  "Do you think it is so easy?"

Forget it, I really did not understand.

 

                                                  ***#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#***

 

The lethal stock wind slowly blew over and Ai Rui was not badly affected due to its strength.

At this time, Jiang Li suddenly announced that his wife also held 10% of XQ stocks and Ai Rui went into an uproar.

Finally, Xue Hong's father decided to meet Jiang Li face to face.

As always, Jiang Li took me along for the meeting.

Xue Hong's father was a lean man with eyes of an eagle that were sharp and cold.

When he saw Jiang Li, he smiled calmly and said.  "As expected, it is the case of the ‘back waves pushing the front waves of the River’* (The younger generation replacing the older generation).  I did not think I would actually fail in the hands of a younger generation."

Jiang Li still gave him ‘face’*.  "The one who failed in my hands is your daughter."

(Face is equivalent to respect).

I sweated. 

Jiang Li, you are too much!

The old man sighed and said.  "My final conclusion is that I had underestimated the enemy."

Seemingly uninterested, Jiang Li replied lazily and bluntly.  "XQ still has 10% of Ai Rui's stocks which I presume you have not dealt with it yet?"

I just got to know that XQ was holding 10% of Ai Rui stocks which Jiang Li had bought with most of the bank loan.  The 10% was bought when he was the Chairman of the Board and it was directly transferred from a shareholder from Ai Rui. 

Jiang Li said that Ai Rui could control the handling process of XQ's 10% of Ai Rui stocks.  Ai Rui could either recover the stock by canceling the deal or it could also be transferred.   The old man's position in Ai Rui was not stable and Jiang Li had gambled that the old man would not let go of this 10% and he would find ways to turn this stock to his own name.  Of course, this process was more complicated which would certainly be opposed by other Ai Rui shareholders.  The old man also knew that there would not be enough time to complete the process.

At this point, the old man's expression changed a little and said.  "So, what does President Jiang has in mind?"

JL:   "Let’s do an exchange."

Before this, Jiang Li had explained to me.  He would use 10% of Ai Rui stocks in exchange for 20% of XQ’s stocks, after which the exchange would be deemed as satisfactorily completed and closed.

The old man looked at Jiang Li coldly and said.  "Exchanging 10% for 20%?  Is this a joke?"

Without any expression, Jiang Li said.  "Up to you.  Anyway, I have the controlling power of XQ now and if later, I were to accidentally transfer my Ai Rui shares to others then I hope you will not regret."

At present, compared with the old man, Ai Rui's second-largest shareholder was holding 5% less than the old man's share.  If Jiang Li was to sell his share to the second-largest shareholder, then the old man would be pulled down from his top position.

The old man stared hard at Jiang Li as if he wanted to pierce a hole through his body.  After a long time, he finally said.  "Alright."   Although his eyes showed calm, I still could see a trace of pain over the business loss……..

They discussed for some time and eventually the deal was concluded.  Then the two people hypocritically complimented each other for a while.  Suddenly Jiang Li said to the old man.  "A little while back, your daughter provoked my wife and made her extremely unhappy.  Can you ask her to apologize to my wife?"

I really did not expect Jiang Li's sudden outburst.  My heart felt warm and my mood was complicated……

Xue Hong's father expression changed several times and finally, he said coldly.  "President Jiang, don’t be so overbearing."   After he finished, he did not look at us and angrily walked off.

I pulled at Jiang Li, feeling both ashamed and moved. "Jiang Li, you don’t need to do that."

He smiled meaningfully and said.  "Since they are not willing to apologize, then, of course, they have to pay a price."

I asked.  "Hasn’t he paid the price already?"  Ai Rui had used a ‘bamboo basket to scoop water from the well’* (Doing something with no benefits) and it resulted in Ai Rui spending a huge sum of money to repay the large debt.

JL:  "That was the price for their acquisition of XQ but….. as for Xue Hong's destruction of my family’s happiness, she has yet to pay the debt."

I wiped my sweat and asked.  "What are you going to do?"

JL:   "Xue Hong's father has been Ai Rui's head for far too long.  It is time for a change."

I really did not understand.  Two weeks later, I got the answer.

 

                                                  ***#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#***

 

XQ and Ai Rui signed an agreement to return each other's shares and XQ's controlling stake was finally returned to Jiang Li.

Two weeks later, my father and his wife sold off the almost 10% of shares at a high price to the second-largest shareholder of Ai Rui…….and, of course, he became the largest shareholder.  

Xue Hong's father who was the Head fell down from his top position.

At this point, XQ mergers and acquisitions had finally halted.  Jiang Li did not spend even a single cent.  Not only did he counter Ai Rui's attack but also put Xue Hong's father in his place.  In short, XQ was the winner in this tussle for power.

Everything in the company was back on track.

At this time, XQ's employees suddenly set off a wave of slogans like 'Believe in Jiang Brother'.  Many others also wrote a variety of slogans including 'Believe in Jiang Brother, Up with Wages' or 'Believe in Jiang Brother, Not afraid of Acquisition'.  Recently there was an executive in the company who was suffering from constipation and so Jiang Li had to take over the executive's work and thus the recent slogan was 'Believe in Jiang Brother, No constipation'.  When I heard that, I laughed until my tummy ached……..

I really could not figure out…….why Jiang Li looked calmer and more serious and why were his staff so talented…….

XQ's employees were not only talented and sometimes they also acted abnormally, such as Jiang Li’s precious assistant.  That long-winded assistant wanted to show off that he was smarter than me, so all day he would chase after me and wanted to relate to me the principle of victory over Ai Rui and also relate how heroic Jiang Li was.  I told him that I did not want to listen and he despicably said I had no curiosity at all. 

Overcome with anxiety, I shouted at him.  "Tell me, do you have a crush on my family's Jiang Li?"

 At this point, Jiang Li was drinking coffee and when he heard my words, he immediately choked and could not control his cough.

His assistant immediately became neurotic and hastily explained to Jiang Li.  "Jiang Brother, please don’t misunderstand.  I have a wife.  My wife is a C-cup and is especially charming!"

With grief, I glared at the assistant and said.  "You, you……what do you mean?!"

The assistant also realized his mistake and was at a loss for words.

At this time, Jiang Li elegantly wiped his mouth and smiling, he said.  "I hate C-cups.  I love A-cups.  My wife, come over here."

My face relaxed a bit as I sauntered over to Jiang Li and sat down by his side, proudly staring at his assistant.

His assistant ignored me and smiled at Jiang Li.

Jiang Li nodded at his assistant and said.  "You may go out.  Shut the door and no one is allowed to come in."

After his assistant left, Jiang Li pulled me into his arms and blowing hot air into my ear, he said.  "Come, let me taste your A-cup."

My ears immediately burned. 

Jiang Li, you have become more and more shameless!

Just then the office door was kicked open with a loud 'bang'.  Feeling shocked, I looked towards the door and met Xue Hong's pair of eyes which looked as if she was going to kill someone.

As soon as she entered the door, she screamed.  "Jiang Li, you are a bastard!"  While saying those words, she moved towards us.  Jiang Li's assistant and two security guards hurriedly came in and dragged her out.  His assistant exclaimed as he retreated.  "I'm sorry, Jiang Brother.  This woman is crazy."

As soon as they left, I quickly took out my cell phone and looked for Xue Hong's number.  I texted her this message: 

~ Silly, isn’t it?  Feel slighted?  I told you earlier not to provoke my family's Jiang Li…….ha,ha,ha………

I put away my phone and placing my hands on my waist, I laughed crazily. 

This villain is feeling great!

At this time, Jiang Li suddenly moved over and sat by my side.  He pinned me down on the sofa and with a wicked and dangerous smile on his face, he said.  "Guan Xiao Yan, how about playing a game with me?"

I asked.  "What game?"

JL:   "The game of giving birth to children."

Me:  "….."

He leaned over and planted a kiss on my forehead.  He desolately said.  "It's nothing.  If you are not willing, it's alright."

I blushed and said reservedly.  "Who……who said I'm not willing……."

Jiang Li's hands which were clutching my shoulders tightened and his sparkling eyes were looking at me.

I smiled at him in embarrassment and said.  "But I……I'm nervous in the office.  It may affect the quality of the child……."

"That is easily settled."   Jiang Li said.  He picked me up, carried me in his arms and walked towards the door.

His assistant was standing outside guarding the door.  When he saw us, he was caught by surprise and he stammered.  "Jiang……Jiang Brother, are you going home?"

He answered naturally.  "Yes.  Going home to have children."

Me:   "….."

This time I really don’t know how to face people.  You don’t have to be so sturdy and obvious!

Jiang Li and I rushed home and together we rolled in bed under the bedsheets for a while.  Later, as I lay in his arms breathlessly, I asked him.  "Jiang Li, do you want our child to be a boy or a girl?"

He thought for a moment and replied.  "A daughter like you."

I said.  "Actually, I want a son.  Since I can’t bully you, I can bully your son."

JL:   "….."

After a while, Jiang Li said.  "In fact, as long as you are the one giving birth, even if you give birth to a cockroach, I will also like it."

Me:   "….."

I sighed.  In this world, there is actually someone who can say such sweet words that can make one speechless…….

He hugged me, held up my hand and intertwined our fingers together.   He kissed my hair and said softly.  "Guan Xiao Yan, as you can see, nobody can separate us."

I buried myself in his arms and let out a sound in agreement. 

Why are you treating me so tenderly, I feel so embarrassed. 

He did not notice my discomfort and went on to say.  "Guan Xiao Yan, I will love you for a lifetime."

I rubbed his arms and said.  "Me too."

JL:   "Actually, I wanted to say these words to you when we are old and unable to walk but I cannot wait."

I was so touched and kissed him hard on his chest.

He gave a grunt and in a hoarse voice, he said to me.  "Okay, let's continue with our game."

Me:  "…..."

                                       

                                        *#*#*#*#*#*** END ***#*#*#*#*#*

 

Translator's notes:

We have come to the end of the story and there are still 3 epilogues and 3 side stories.  

The 3 side stories are humorous and will be about their children which will give you an idea about their characters.