The transportation industry was not developed at this time. Seafood was uncommon in inland areas. Even with artificial farming, it was likely limited, making sea cucumbers even rarer and certainly expensive.
Chen Lishu declined, "This is too precious. You should take it back."
"Why are you being so polite with me? If you weren't pregnant, I would have eaten this myself long ago. It's not much, just enough for the two children to have one each. As their uncle, I have to be fair," he said.
Chen Lishu couldn't help but laugh at his words.
Zhang Xue chimed in, "Just take it if he gives it to you. Otherwise, it'll just be wasted in his stomach."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Can't you tell? You should be eating something to boost your brainpower."
"Oh my, how dare you say that to me?"
"..."
Hearing their conversation, Jiang Yuwei's expression visibly soured. The fingers holding the pen tightened, turning slightly pale.
The sea cucumbers Li Zhiwei had brought out to curry favor were obtained by her elder brother, Jiang Chengyi. Their own family hadn't even dared to eat them, sending them all to the Li family. She hadn't expected Li Zhiwei to give them to Chen Lishu so readily.
However, as if struck by a thought, Jiang Yuwei turned and looked at Chen Lishu's slightly pale complexion. She couldn't help but speak, "You don't look too well?"
Chen Lishu replied, "I'm alright. As long as you don't turn around, everything should be fine."
Since the incident concerning overseas study quotas, the two, despite being in adjacent seats, had virtually no communication.
Seeing Chen Lishu still putting on a brave face, Jiang Yuwei couldn't help but scoff inwardly, though she said aloud, "I heard your business ran into some trouble? Do you really think befriending Li Zhiwei will put your mind at ease? You're thinking too simply."
Upon hearing her words, Chen Lishu, who had been looking down, suddenly lifted her eyelids, her gaze sharp as she asked, "How did you know my business had problems?"
Jiang Yuwei's eyes flickered. Unconcerned by Chen Lishu's attitude, she tilted her chin slightly and said dismissively, "Is it hard to figure out? And why should I tell you?"
Chen Lishu's eyes narrowed dangerously, a cold smile playing on her lips. "Even if you don't tell me, I've already guessed a few things."
She had never revealed anything about her business dealings at school, not even to Zhang Xue and Li Zhiwei. Jiang Yuwei's words had now given her a clue.
Such a significant crackdown could only be orchestrated by someone she had contact with, likely Jiang Chengyi.
Could it really be about Sun Ling?
"So what if you guessed? Look at your current situation." Jiang Yuwei wasn't intimidated by her; instead, she glanced at Chen Lishu's belly and added, "You should be more careful."
Chen Lishu touched her stomach. "Then we'll have to wait and see."
Seeing Chen Lishu still being so stubborn even now, Jiang Yuwei's brow furrowed involuntarily.
Truth be told, she had never taken Chen Lishu, this girl from the countryside, seriously from the start. After all, she was a proud swan, and in terms of family background or looks, Chen Lishu couldn't compare to her.
Yet, this very person had stolen her limelight throughout their college years.
Her gaze fell on Li Zhiwei, who was still bickering with Zhang Xue. If she hadn't had any thoughts before, her family's constant nagging had gradually changed her perspective.
People strive to improve, just as water flows downhill. Chen Lishu was merely a small individual business owner, and the gap between them would only widen.
"I saw you talking to Jiang Yuwei just now. What did you say?"
After school, as they walked downstairs together, Zhang Xue asked curiously.
Chen Lishu pulled at her lips. "Nothing much. She was just showing off her family's background."
Jiang Yuwei dared to say those things so confidently because she was certain Chen Lishu could do nothing but swallow her pride.
"Her uncle is about to get promoted. She's probably happy about it," Li Zhiwei interjected suddenly.
Zhang Xue was curious. "I always knew her family had good conditions. What exactly does her family do?"
"Jiang Yuwei's mother is a section chief, and her father is a deputy director... Hey, do you know, her uncle is about to take over the position of that relative of our teacher? I suddenly feel like the world is quite small, and everyone knows each other indirectly."
The speaker was unaware of the implication, but the listener took note. Chen Lishu pursed her lips. As they exited the teaching building, she looked up, waved goodbye to them, and said with a smile, "I'll be going now."
Outside the school gate, seeing that it was still early, Chen Lishu went home first to get some things. After informing Li Xiulan, she went out again.
She first went to the shop. Wang Aixiang wasn't there. She learned from Tian Lin that she had gone to deal with the matter of the agent.
"Da Zhu, come out with me for a bit."
"Okay." Wang Da Zhu readily agreed and stepped over. "Sister-in-law, where are we going?"
Chen Lishu's red lips parted slightly. "To Longteng Company."
Meanwhile, Jiang Chengyi stared at the contract in his hand, his brows furrowed. After a moment, he looked up at the woman opposite him. "Assistant Zhu, there seems to be some discrepancy with the conditions you told me earlier."
Zhu Shasha smiled and replied, "Isn't this about the hotel investment project? I haven't gone back on my word."
Jiang Chengyi's facial muscles twitched involuntarily, and his expression turned grim.
"Aren't these conditions too harsh? I still have to handle things with the higher-ups. Do you think acquiring land is that easy? And the costs. You know how expensive steel is right now. With these calculations, I'm not even sure if I can break even."
The nature of land ownership was strictly collective or state-owned, with no allowance for private sale. To acquire land for construction, the higher authorities were unavoidable. The Jiangpan Garden currently under construction was also a joint venture, and he had poured almost all his money into it, waiting for the year-end presales to recoup his investment.
After all, developing a project could easily cost hundreds of thousands or even millions. If it weren't for the cooperation with the He family and his focus on long-term benefits, he wouldn't have lowered the price so much.
However, looking at the woman before him, Jiang Chengyi acknowledged that while her beauty was undeniable, her capability was also considerable, and she was even cunning.
Zhu Shasha put on a distressed expression. "This project was not originally within the plan. It was only after I persuaded Director He that it was considered. Jiangpan Garden hasn't even returned a cent yet, and our funds are limited. Besides, you are so resourceful, General Manager Jiang. I'm sure handling the formalities won't be a problem for you. Surely you don't want this plan to be shelved?" She implied that if he didn't agree to her terms, it would have to be shelved, and that wouldn't be her going back on her word.
Was she threatening him?
Jiang Chengyi looked at Zhu Shasha for a long time without speaking.
Zhu Shasha, on the other hand, allowed him to look at her without the slightest ripple on her face.
Jiang Chengyi took a deep breath and exhaled, finally nodding. "Once I have made the necessary arrangements with the higher-ups, we will sign the contract."
Although the conditions were a bit harsh, he could still make some profit. After all, with the help of his uncle's connections, the process would definitely be easier than for others.
Zhu Shasha smiled and stood up. "Then I will await your good news."