In April, the Jiangnan region was already sweltering like mid-summer.

  Lining the river stood rows of buildings with sweeping eaves, willows lush and green. The streets bustled with shops of all kinds, brimming with prosperity.

  The entire third floor of a grand restaurant—its most luxurious level—had been reserved. Thick carpets covered the floors, and the windows opened toward the river, letting in a refreshing breeze. It was the perfect place for bold discussions and serious negotiations.

  But in a more secluded suite inside, sat a group of distinguished-looking individuals.

  To the left of the seat of honor was a man in a crisp Zhongshan suit, holding papers and discussing something earnestly. On the right sat a man dressed in a dark crow-blue Tang jacket, his coarse hair slicked back to reveal a clean forehead. His chiseled face bore little expression, sharp and cold—he was listening intently to the ongoing conversation.

  On both sides of the table sat various businessmen, some in Zhongshan suits, others in traditional Tang attire.

  This was no ordinary deal. This was a venture into uncharted territory—no one had done it before, and the risks were unknown.

  Though outwardly composed, Huo Zhenting was growing increasingly impatient. Truthfully, he had little tolerance for the southerners' overly cautious and mild manners.

  Having served by the head of the Huo family for many years, Huo Liming, who led the opening talks, could already tell that Master Huo was running out of patience.

  This southern trip, including travel time, had taken nearly a month. The terms had been made clear, the framework was sound. The Huo family was offering the most generous share—its name alone was enough to command respect. Southern merchants would simply supply the goods; the Huo family would handle the sales and management. Profits would be split evenly.

  The goods were not a problem—but the scale of the order was. To fulfill it would require heavy investment, including large-scale equipment purchases, which left the southern merchants hesitant.

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  After days of negotiation, a conclusion was overdue. All that remained was final approval.

  "If any of you have further requests, feel free to speak. As long as it's reasonable, the Huo family will do its utmost to meet them. For this deal, we're going all in." Huo Zhenting spoke calmly, but with undeniable authority.

  In recent years, Master Huo rarely made personal appearances for standard business. But this venture was massive in scope—hundreds of businesses along the Yangtze River, extending to the capital and Shanghai. The port in Shanghai was already open; if the goods were exported in full, the profit would be staggering.

  Seeing him speak with such confidence, calm and commanding, coupled with Huo's reputation in Qingcheng for being decisive, meticulous, and bold, the southern merchants finally felt assured. The Huo family's industries had flourished under his leadership—collaborating with someone like him could only lead to success.

  The deal was sealed. The contract was signed. The atmosphere instantly warmed.

  Dishes of rare delicacies were brought to the table one after another. The merchants, now sensing great fortune ahead, grew excited, drinking and laughing with joy.

  By the time the banquet ended, the sky had darkened.

  Outside the restaurant, the Huo family's black cars waited. After politely bidding farewell, the three sleek vehicles sped off into the night like shadows returning to the sea.

  In the spacious back seat of the central car, Huo Zhenting closed his eyes, resting.

  Up front, Huo Liming stole a glance back at him. Not even a moment of rest after sealing the deal—they were heading back right away.

  They had driven through the night, still halfway to their destination.

  As dawn broke, the first light touched the skies over the capital.

  Qiao Kui had already risen. She neatly folded her bedding, smoothed out the sheets, put on her school uniform, and stepped out of her room.

  In the living room, Aunt Zhang was busy preparing breakfast. Holding a tray of steaming soup dumplings, she smiled when she saw Qiao Kui come out.

  "You're up, Xiao Kui. These soup dumplings just came out of the steamer—go sit at the table and eat them while they're hot. The director is here too."

  Qiao Kui walked into the side room and saw Qiao Guowen sitting at the dining table, reading the latest paper.

  "Good morning, Uncle," she said softly, taking her seat.

  At seventeen, she was in full bloom—petite, gentle, and graceful. Like a nimble little deer, she moved with quiet liveliness. After living together for so long, Qiao Guowen had come to see a quiet strength in her. But there was one fact no one could ignore—she was the fiancée chosen by Huo Zhenting.