“I can’t just stand by and let Zhang Ningfu not treat himself like a human being,” Jiang Luo said.
Huo Zongzuo, running the water at the sink, turned to him. “What about you?”
Jiang Luo shrugged, biting into his apple. “Worry about me? Please. I know how to enjoy life way more than they do.”
“I make my own money—I’m not giving it to anyone else. I’ll spend it freely and enjoy it fully.”
“I don’t have a wife yet, but when I do, I’ll never be like Zhang Ningfu. She has to be beautiful, fun to talk to, attentive to me… basically someone I like.”
Huo Zongzuo, genuinely curious, asked, “So what kind of girl do you like?”
Jiang Luo thought to himself: forget it, I don’t feel much for women anymore. Men, maybe.
Still, he turned to Huo Zongzuo and said smoothly, “First and foremost, she has to be beautiful.”
“Uh-huh. And then?” Huo Zongzuo asked casually.
“Well…” Jiang Luo chewed his apple thoughtfully. “Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.”
Huo Zongzuo laughed. “No other requirements at all?”
Jiang Luo, thinking he didn’t need a woman anyway, said aloud, “Nope. No parents to obey, no need to work to support a family, no need for any so-called high-level intellect… I can entertain myself, so I don’t need her to be fun for my sake.”
“And daily life? Eating, sleeping, chatting, arguing—if you like the person, it’ll all work out.”
Huo Zongzuo caught the point: “So basically, you just want someone you like.”
Jiang Luo: obviously.
Huo Zongzuo summarized: “Beautiful, someone you like.”
Jiang Luo immediately countered, “Don’t just ask me—what about you? Any requirements?”
Huo Zongzuo turned off the tap, leaning on the sink, keeping Jiang Luo close. “None. Same as you. As long as I like them.”
Jiang Luo raised an eyebrow. “So what kind of person do you like?”
Huo Zongzuo: “Beautiful.”
They both laughed.
Jiang Luo chuckled. “Guys really are shallow, huh?”
The factory had been renovated, new equipment installed, and new HR and management systems implemented. Hongming was officially up and running again.
Shengfei Factory had gained a reputation in the city and surrounding towns—people came from far and wide, either to check things out or to buy stock.
A small showroom displayed all kinds of sample clothes for wholesale buyers. Trucks transported clothing to the city and neighboring towns, actively opening the market.
Before long, the former small market where Jiang Luo sold dolls now had a floor full of garments labeled “Shengfei Apparel.”
The clothes sold extremely well and could command higher prices. Small shop owners and vendors all over the floor soon knew about Shengfei Factory in Juxiang Town.
People talked:
“The clothes from that factory are gorgeous.”
“I went there—wow, the showroom was packed. It was so crowded just to pick out clothes or stock up.”
“I’m going tonight. You coming?”
“Of course! Their lace-trimmed shirts sold out completely—I sold everything, and people were waiting for me to restock.”
From fabric sourcing, machinery operation, and production, to finished clothing and sales, the factory ran four shifts a day. Batches went out as soon as they were made. Gradually, both factories got back on track, and cash flow increased steadily.
Jiang Luo stayed extremely busy—either running between Juxiang Town and Haimen, reviewing patterns, selecting materials, designing new clothes in his office, or inspecting progress on the new factory building. Busy as he was, he felt incredibly fulfilled.
His favorite part? Designing and selecting materials in his office.
Whenever he was in that flow, he became completely absorbed. Time flew. Seeing his designs turned into samples, then finalized and mass-produced on the line, gave him a strong sense of accomplishment.
He watched wholesale buyers come in through the new side entrance, trucks going in and out of the warehouse, and the money in the accounts growing daily. It felt solid—his fate and direction were in his hands.
Of course, there were occasional hiccups. Zhang Ningfu’s wife still showed up at the gate a few times. Once she even called the police.
Jiang Luo thought: she loves to cry to the cops.
He made a small call to a local police contact. Next time she came, the police were ready—claiming she was disturbing the peace, they hauled her away. She never returned.
A tiny flaw, but Jiang Luo didn’t care. He stayed focused. The factory ran smoothly, and he kept moving forward steadily.
About twenty days later, a stylish woman arrived at Shengfei Factory’s gate. She wore a blue-and-white plaid dress, high heels, sunglasses, and her hair dyed brown and curled. Pulling down her sunglasses, she revealed a strikingly beautiful face—none other than Yu Dong.
She entered the office, smiling confidently. “Hello, Mr. Jiang.”
Jiang Luo, leaning back in his chair, smiled. “You got here sooner than I expected.”
“All settled in Singapore?”
“Of course, all done.”
Yu Dong looked radiant—bold, confident, made up, lipstick on. “What job are you assigning me, Mr. Jiang?”
Jiang Luo personally showed her around the workshop. Despite his arm being in a sling, the two of them—handsome and beautiful—were an eye-catching pair.
“I have a brand, ‘Vilanido,’ sold in department stores. It can’t compare with foreign luxury brands, but in the domestic market, it’s mid-to-high end.”
“Currently, we have three counters in Haicheng and one in Jinling. Jinling was arranged by Wang Chuang, who wanted to negotiate more, but he got too busy with the factory.”
Yu Dong understood: “You want me to expand ‘Vilanido’ in the market?”
“Yes.” Jiang Luo looked at her. “Can you handle it?”
Yu Dong smiled confidently. “Of course. The question isn’t me—it’s whether your brand and clothes are good.”
“Let’s start with the clothes.”
They toured the workshop. Seeing the latest summer dresses, Yu Dong’s eyes lit up. “These are gorgeous!”
“I know, right? They’re as nice as anything I’d buy in Singapore.”
Jiang Luo asked, “So you think the brand and clothes are good?”
“Absolutely!”
She was clearly knowledgeable. “If the clothes are beautiful and the materials high-end, selling them won’t be a problem.”
Back in the office, she asked about her salary.
“Don’t worry,” Jiang Luo replied confidently. “You’ll be satisfied.”
“And for business trips, any expenses or receipts—you get reimbursed.”
Yu Dong smiled. “You’re the boss. I trust you.”
They chatted more about Vilanido and a planned Beijing business trip. Jiang Luo instructed: “When expanding the market, handle social interactions however you like. Drink or don’t, smile or not—just know your limits. One rule: my factory, my company—my female employees don’t undress for anyone or sleep with anyone.”
“The Chinese market is huge. If one mall doesn’t work, try another. Your ability gets the results, not your looks or body.”
“Got it,” Yu Dong said.
“Remember, once you undress the clothes, they’re done. Can’t wear them again,” Jiang Luo added.
Yu Dong smiled warmly. “You’re a good boss, Mr. Jiang.”
She extended her hand: “It’s an honor to work with you.”
Jiang Luo stood and shook it. “The honor’s mine. Let’s make it a win-win.”
“Win-win,” Yu Dong agreed.
Yu Dong wheeled her suitcase toward HR to report in. Just then, Wang Chuang entered with a stack of files. Seeing Yu Dong’s face, he froze, eyes wide in shock.