Will be away for two months

Dear readers,

I know many of you are following the progress of the story and are waiting patiently for the translations. Thank you very much for your support! You have been a great motivation for me to keep working on chapter after chapter.

But sorry to disappoint you, I will have to stop for two months now, as I will be traveling during the next two months and will have no access to this blog space at all. But I will try to find time for the translation work during my time away. And hopefully when I come back, I will be able to post several chapters all at once to make up for the two-month gap.

Again, thank you for your love of Ding Mo's novels and thank you for reading my translations. Hope to see you again in two months!

--Palmtree H

Summer #37

Don't Turn from Summer (莫负寒夏) by Ding Mo (丁墨)

Chapter 37

The second lot is Lot B.

This time, Rong Yue shows a plan called Home―Rong Yue. Namely, creating an atmosphere of home in the whole community. So it is very different from other commercially developed residential communities. When you enter the community, there’s a home manager who greets you. On the way home, you will pass the garden, the athletic field, the senior center, the children’s playground, and finally the entrance to your home unit.

How’s the relationship between neighbors? Each building has its own homeowner association subgroup. Doctors, police officers, lawyers, and other public services professionals in the community will be courteously registered, so that whenever there’s some urgent need, they will be contacted to provide voluntary help.

The units are mostly three bedroom designs, aiming at the middle class who have steady income and are ready to start families. Also, in addition to the quality restaurants outside the community, there’s even a dining hall within the community, with an A Level of Sanitation, managed directly by the community management company...

When the manager from Rong Yue finishes presenting the plan, the officials are all smiles. This plan is not like that of Lot C, everything of which is of top quality, but it still is an attractive choice.

After the presentation, Rao Wei comes out from the room, when he sees Lin Mochen, followed by Antony, walking over. Feng Chen is the next bidder for Lot B. This time Rao Wei doesn’t smile. Instead, he gazes at them quietly. Whereas Lin Mochen, with a hint of smile lingering at the corner of his month, walks right by him without even looking his way.

 The officials all look at this newcomer with some curiosity. After all, they have more or less heard about the recent sudden rise of Feng Chen and their open and secret battles with Rong Yue.

With smiles, Lin Mochen concisely introduces the officials to the strengths and background of Feng Chen. Of course, he hasn’t forgot to mention that they have a globally renowned designer Antony, their international influence. Then the presentation begins.

The lights are dimmer, as if the thin mist in the mountains are covering the ancient looking buildings. The video starts to play, with Antony and Lin Mochen’s deep and slow voices describing and explaining in English and Chinese.

...

When the video is over, it is very quiet in the room. With smiles, Lin Mochen and Antony rise to say thank you.

--------

It’s almost noon, but the officials are not leaving for lunch yet. They all stay in the conference room, excitedly discussing.

“Rao Wei’s plan is not bad. Feng Cheng’s is also very good. This makes us hard to decide.” Deputy mayor Mr. Fan says smilingly.

The Director of Design Institute is a straightforward person. He says earnestly, “I think Feng Chen’s plan is better, more touching. Rong Yue’s is fine, but the concept of harmony is not a new one in the country. Whereas Feng Chen’s design is disruptive, brand-new. If such as community appears in Lin City, it will really become a trend leader of architecture. Aren’t we trying to encourage real estate companies to bring forth more creative and valuable plans so as to reverse and rescue the market? I think we should encourage the innovation of companies like Feng Chen!”

Mr. Fan just smiles.

Another official says, “Mr. Zhou, you are right. But Rong Yue is after all the most powerful company in the grand southwestern area and the biggest tax payer in our Lin City, while Feng Chen is just a new company from somewhere else. I agree that their plan is really stunning and a little bit better than that of Rong Yue, but it’s really uncertain whether they can build it the way they designed. Leaving it to them is not as reassuring as leaving it to Rong Yue. After all, Rong Yue has done a lot of real estate projects in Lin City. Their quality can be guaranteed.”

Mr. Zhou replies, “But I think we should be enterprising rather than conservative.” The remark leaves that official speechless.

Mr. Fan then smiles, “I agree with Mr. Zhou. We should be enterprising, not conservative. Feng Chen’s plan is really a good piece of work and makes us hard to give up. However, this lot is quite large and the risk is relatively high. We can let Feng Chen try when we have other opportunities later. Mr. Fang, you haven’t given any opinions yet. What do you say?”

Everyone looks toward the high official who arrived in the city not long ago. It’s not yet clear which side he takes.

Fang Chengzhou picks up the cup of tea and takes a sip. Then he says with a smile, “I think both are very good. Feng Chen’s plan is really a little better. It would be a pity if it is not implemented in Lin City. But Rong Yue has greater strength overall and it’s a major tax payer. It’s only right to give them some extra favor. So, it’s all up to you.”

This means the decision making authority of this round is given to Mr. Fan.

--------

After taking a very hasty lunch with his men, Rao Wei got the news.

Lot B is theirs.

They can’t help but beam at the news. Out of the three lots, they’ve obtained two. They’ve almost fulfilled their mission. Besides, these two lots are the most suitable for Feng Chen. Rao Wei believes that today he is bound to win everything. Then he imagines that when he goes to report to Zhang Yifang next time and they mention Lin Mochen, Chief Zhang may want to praise him more.

But he still needs to be cautious. Because the remaining Lot A is what they definitely need to obtain. The several lots surrounding Lot A has been obtained by Rong Yue during the past few years. According to Chief Zhang, they will be used together for a whole set of development plans, building a super sized commercial and refined residential area. Therefore, this lot can’t be lost to others.

But when Rao Wei enters the conference room for the third time today, he somewhat has a feeling of uneasiness, as if he has missed a step or two somewhere. Everything has gone on smoothly today, but there seems to have some undercurrents developing in the smoothness. Lin Mochen First gave up Lot C. His plan for Lot B was very astounding as he heard, which caused heated discussion among the officials. Rong Yue only had a narrow victory over him. Where on earth got wrong?

...

For Lot A, Rong Yue prepared a plan of commercial and residential dual use. Undoubtedly, this matches the overall construction plan to the commercial center of which this is only a part. Quality and delicate small apartments and neatly laid small landscapes typical of downtown area, no problems can be picked. And everything used on this lot is naturally the best resources.

When Rao Wei exits the room, Lin Mochen and Antony come in for the second time. What plan will they bring? Even Deputy Mayor Mr. Fan is looking on expectantly. After being seated, however, Lin Mochen just smiles a little and says, “Respectful judges, we don’t have any new plans. What we have is still the plan we showed just now. The difference is, Lot A is smaller than Lot B. It will be easier for Feng Chen to manipulate. We will also be able to build it in a more adequate and refined manner. Furthermore, we really hope that we can implement our fist real estate project in Lin City.”

The lights are turned off and the video starts again. But compared to the first time, there are more people scenes this time. For example, in the community, the elderly people are strolling, the children are playing and laughing, the young people are gazing at the starry night sky in their balconies...If the first video brought amazement and enchantment, then the second time, there’s only quiet appreciation and enjoyment.

--------

Rao Wei sits in the waiting room. The expression of the several subordinates nearby are rather relaxed, but his face is heavily overcast. Putting all the clues together, he feels a chill rising from his heart.

He has never thought about what to do if what Lin Mochen wanted was Lot A. It’s not because he wasn’t considerate enough. For one thing, Lot A was small in size and high in price. There’s little profit in developing the lot alone. It’s only profitable when developed as part of the whole plan of Rong Yue. So, regular people won’t ever want it, not to mention someone who emphasizes profit so much as Lin Mochen. Everybody would think that as a new player in real estate business, Lin Mochen would grab the most profitable merchandise, just as what he has done in the apparel industry, and stand his feet steadily in the industry with one successful strike. Secondly, according to the news he got from some secret sources, Lin Mochen has been focusing on Lot C and then Lot B. It’s said that he stayed up night after night just to keep a close eye on the plan for Lot C. Damn who could have guessed that he directly gave up on Lot C first thing today, leaving him totally bewildered? Thirdly, even without lot B or C, it won’t be easy to take Lot A from Rong Yue. After all, Rong Yue has a whole set of development plans for the area and has a good relationship with the government. Besides, their design and operation capacities are really strong. If they just compete for this lot, Rong Yue is still very likely to win.

But, what if Lin Mochen’s target has always been Lot A, from the very beginning?

What if giving up at the first bidding and losing closely at the second bidding are both the preludes of the bidding for Lot A? What if everything is done to get around the hard obstacles and move the judges so that they can attack Rong Yue at its base? Lin Mochen won’t earn much with this lot, but it would become very difficult Rong Yue.

Rao Wei has always known that Lin Mochen is someone who starts his real estate business with great ambition. So he has implemented the defenses. But he definitely wasn’t able to imagine that Lin Mochen could be so crazy as to bring trouble to Rong Yue at the price of his own profit...

Cold sweat finally roll down from Rao Wei’s forehead. If he really loses Lot A, he will be in big trouble, in really big trouble. 

Summer #36

Don't Turn from Summer (莫负寒夏) by Ding Mo (丁墨)

Chapter 36

The location for bidding is a hotel that is contracted to some government sectors. When Lin Mochen and Antony arrive, there is only 10 minutes left before the bidding starts.

The lobby is brightly lit and neatly decorated. Many people, also formally dressed, are going in and out. The atmosphere is solemn. Quickly some staff members come to usher them into the a big conference room. Lin Mochen has gone back to his smiling way, chatting casually with a few familiar government employees and the executives from other companies. At the same time he notices that Rao Wei, general manager from the Real Estates Business Division of Rong Yue Incorporate, is sitting in the front row, who at the moment turns around and notices him.

Rao Wei doesn’t act aloof, instead he gets up and walks over. Others nearby immediately call out with smiles, “Hi, Chief Rao.” Lin Mochen also smiles a little.

After saying hi to the few others, Rao Wei fixes his eyes on Lin Mochen. Many eyes around are also on the two of them.

“Chielf Lin, you have been very famous lately and has inspired awe throughout the city.” Rao Wei says smilingly “I finally meet you in person today. Surely we have a promising young man here!”

Everybody smiles. Lin Mochen also smiles and says, “Thanks for the compliment. But Chief Rao is truly the pillar of the real estate industry in the grand southwestern area. We are just a younger generation. It’s so nice to meet you.”

The two of them shake hands with seemingly great enthusiasm.

Right then, several higher rank government officials enter the room. Everybody turns to greet them with smiles. The staff member introduces, “This is Deputy Mayor Mr. Fan Long, who’s in charge of planning, tourism, industry and commerce and so on. This is Deputy Mayor Mr. Fang Chengzhou, who’s in charge of construction, industry, economics and so on. This is the Director of City Bureau of Land Resources Planning...They are all the judges for today’s bidding, and they are here to meet everybody before the bidding starts.”

Rao Wei is naturally the first one who shakes hands with the officials. The officials ask questions amiably and the others reply warmly. Lin Mochen stands nearby and rests his eyes on the deputy mayor Fang Chengzhou. Wearing a Chinese tunic suit, he is a little over 50, with a energetic spirit and a cool and graceful manner. Compared to Mu Hanxia’s description, he looks even more sharp-minded.

At the moment, Fang Chengzhou’s eyes also sweep over to his face. Lin Mochen nods politely. Fang Chengzhould smiles faintly and moves his eyes elsewhere.

--------

Mu Hanxia stands at the roadside, waiting for the police to wrap up the accident. Those few bastards instantly behave compliantly as soon as the police arrive. Some even smile at her. After all, they are paid only to keep them as long as possible, not to really make fatal damages.

But now the accident site is cleaned up and these guys have to go to the police station, not knowing when they can get out of this.

Mu Hanxia stares at the stream of cars a little absentmindedly. It’s time for the bidding to start. She wonders how it is going with Lin Mochen right now, but she knows he can’t contact her right now.

She raises her hand and touches her cheek again. In her heart, there seems to be some silent flames rolling by, burning but withholding, not thorough, not complete.

Is it time for the bidding of the first lot, Lot C? The most suitable lot for them according to their earlier analysis. Lao Fang must have made the arrangement. Yes, she thinks of Lao Fang, Fang Chengzhou again.

When did she start to get suspicious about his identity? At the very beginning, she had heard the owner of the coffee house Xue Shao’an, as well as the waiter at the coffee bar, mentioning that besides investors, government officials may come visit in disguise. When she first saw Fang Chengzhou, she immediately sensed his unusual air which is gentleness with sharpness hidden underneath. That didn’t give him a feel of a dejected professor. Of course, other young people in the coffee house eagerly looking for investment didn’t seem to notice this elderly person, except her.

Additionally, there were other details that didn’t seem important. But to Mu Hanxia, they were the proofs of her instinct.

For example, he used HP laptop. Everybody knows that HP is the brand for government office supplies. And he used one with a top configuration. HP is strong for office use and is relatively expensive. A regular college professor uses a laptop more for research. With the same ten-thousand-yuan cost, won’t they prefer Thinkpad or Apple brands?

Also, his oral English is very good and his interest is the environment protection project. A few days after Mu Hanxia described it to Lin Mochen, he made some discovery. Lin City did have a new deputy mayor recently, whose last name was Fang. He’s in his 50s, had education in Germany, and had a very prominent administration history. He is an enterprising person who at the same time cares a lot about the common citizens. His children are all living abroad, and wife passed away. There’s only he who remains in the country.

Does Lao Fang know that she has already learned about his identity? At first Mu Hanxia was a little worried, but later as she has interacted with him longer, she comes to realize that it’s not important.

It’s not important when you interact with such a wise person who has seen a lot of years and humanity. More importantly, don’t try to disguise yourself or pretend. Make acquaintance by chance, treat each other candidly, and let everything happen naturally. That will be good enough. And that’s what they value most.

--------

At the bidding.

The bidders are all waiting in the big room next door. This small conference is the real battlefield. The lights are clear, the aroma of the tea fill the room. It is very quiet. The government officials are all sitting at the judging area. Deputy Mayor Mr. Fan tells the staff member in a low voice, “Let’s start.”

In the past years, the land bidding took the form of mailing documents in sealed boxes, the results of which were then announced on a different date. However, the real estates market is so bad this year. To encourage the real estate companies to build communities with quality and maintainable value, as well as to ensure the effective use of land, this year a step of bid presentation is added based on an agreement among the government leaders. That is, each bidder of the lot needs to briefly describe their plan to the judging committee. The one that gets the highest comprehensive scores and move the judges the most is the most likely to get the land.

There are not many lots for bidding today. The first one is Lot C.

Before Rong Yue, a small real estate company did a presentation. But Rao Wei has no concerns about them at all. Followed by two managers, he enters the bidding room. Seeing that the officials are not showing any excitement or particular sentiment, he is certain that the company before them failed.

His competitor is someone after him. But this lot, he will definitely take over.

Thanks to the reputation and strength of Rong Yue, the officials all brighten up and show interest at seeing him. The experienced manager who comes in with Rao Wei starts right away with the beautiful PPT presentation.

Their goal is to build a delicate idyllic community in the off-downtown area on Lot C. The design team of Rong Yue is one of the best in China, and in the pictures, there appear the compact and elegant small high-rise buildings with American rustic styles, lush vegetation and good layouts. In the past, this design was seldom used on such a small lot due to the high cost.

“All units are two bedrooms of about 80 to 90 square meters, good for young people.” The manager introduces, “This happens to echo the City’s idea of encouraging young people to start their own businesses and to support real estate business. These homes are very suitable for young people.”

The officials all constantly nod at their presentation.

But the strength of Rong Yue is more than this. Their strongest part is the comprehensive capacity. Next, the manager announces that the best elementary school will build a division in the community, the shopping center will be introduced to the community... All the construction materials are high quality and Rong Yue will use their very own first-class real estate management team...

Rao Wei is very clear that such a complete set of plan is something Lin Mochen absolutely unable to match. Among the three lots, he put almost all the best resources on this one which Lin Mochen wants the most. The information he received earlier also verified that Lin Mochen had repeatedly told his trusted subordinates that he wanted this lot.

Rao Wei put all the Level A design and materials on a lot that only requires Level B investment. It’s unlikely Lin Mochen’s design will reach this level. Even if it does, does he have elementary school? Does he have shopping centers? Or quality real estate management? And price. Can Lin Mochen reach the low price that Rao Wei reaches? If he does, he will lose money.

Plus, Rong Yue has always had a good relationship with the government. All things considered, Lin Mochen definitely won’t be able to get this lot.

The presentation is over. Rao Wei looks smilingly at the judging officials, who are all nodding approvingly and making exchanges in low voices between themselves. They look highly satisfied. Deputy mayor Mr. Fan even says smilingly, “Xiao Rao, you certainly have put in a lot of efforts here.” Rao Wei replies with smiles, “Thank you but that’s nothing much. We just want to shoulder some responsibility in reviving the real estate industry in our Lin City.”

Followed by the two managers, he is ready to exit the room. He is mostly certain about the result so his eyes are somewhat indifferent when he glances toward the entrance of the room. Just wait until Lin Mochen comes in and tries to exercise all his skills.

But right at this moment, a secretary comes running in and reports in a low voice, “Mr. Fan, Mr. Fang, and Mr. Cui, Feng Chen says that they relinquishes the bidding for Lot C and will directly bid for Lot B.”

All the officials are stunned. Rao Wei, who has reached the door is also shocked.

Relinquish?

He doesn’t want Lot C, which is the best choice for Feng Chen? What does he want then?

What does he dare to want?

Rao Wei looks up. In the big conference room, Lin Mochen, who is seated in the crowd, also looks up. Their gazes meet.

A smile slowly appears on Lin Mochen’s face.

Summer #35

Don't Turn from Summer (莫负寒夏) by Ding Mo (丁墨)

Chapter 35

For such a small company as Feng Chen, there is art in the number of people to bring for the bidding. Too many―as many as ten who fuss around―will give an impression of over emphasis due to inadequate company strength. Too few is definitely unacceptable either, as it means you are not giving it enough attention.

Therefore, Lin Mochen brings three with him. Sun Zhi, manager of the real estate sub-company, is for doing the work. Antony is for doing the job as well as touching up the image. And Mu Hanxia? He certainly will bring his woman.

It’s a little past eight in the morning, the traffic is still a little congested. Time is a little more than sufficient to the appointed 9:30.

Mu Hanxia and Lin Mochen are sitting in the back seats.

“Do you think Lao Fang will adjust the bidding order?” She asks.

“He will.” He replies.

He speaks with such confidence，and Mu Hanxia’s mind is settled.

Suddenly he speaks again, “After the bidding, go with me to take another look at the lot.”

Mu Hanxia smiles and says with a voice that only the two of them can hear, “You are so sure that we will get that lot?”

“Yes, I’m so sure.” Looking at her, Lin Mochen’s eyes are deep.

Mu Hanxia says nothing.

“Remember, stay with me after it is over. Don’t run around.” He whispers.

“Oh.” Mu Hanxia answers vaguely, suddenly getting a little absentminded.

Right at the time, Sun Zhi, who is driving, suddenly says, “Jason, there’s something wrong with that car beside us. It has been trying to push us aside.” They all look up and see the black sadden driving very closely to them in the next lane. Like he says, the car is neither faster nor slower, following them all the time and pushing against them from time to time, forcing them to get closer to the left to avoid collision.

Antony is very imaginative and says in shock, “Jason, are they trying to murder us?”

Lin Mochen ignores him. How can it be possible? The business competition in mainland China can’t be so bad as allowing law violating behaviors. But they indeed come deliberately. He asks Sun Zhi in a low voice, “Be careful. Can we get rid of it?”

Real estate manager Sun Zhi is not a professional race car driver after all. He says rather nervously, “I’ll try.” But after he speeds up for a while, that car is still following closely. The traffic is not light at the time, so it’s impossible for them to accelerate too much.

Mu Hanxia also gets nervous and keeps staring at the black car from the window. Her hand that has been pressing on the seat is suddenly held gently by Lin Mochen. He whispers, “Don’t be afraid.”

At an intersection, the traffic becomes lighter. The black car beside them seems to slow down a little to a steady speed.

Suddenly Lin Mochen yells a warning in a low voice, “Watch out!”

Right then, the black car suddenly accelerates and presses against them as if with all its might. The driver hastily turns the steering wheel and barely escapes the front of that car.

At the same time.

A minivan charges out from the left of the intersection. It’s too late to avoid it. Sun Zhi gasps and Antony is also stupefied. Mu Hanxia stares through the side window at the front of the gray van that seems to appear from nowhere dashing toward them crazily like a monster.

Lin Mochen is closer to it. He holds Mu Hanxia tightly in his arms and bend down. Mu Hanxia also clutches tightly to his waist out of instinct. The chilly wind blows by their ears and hearts. The banging sound is very close but at the same time seems very faraway. His hands almost cut into her flesh, but Mu Hanxia just feels a strange calmness in her heart.

The car screeches to a stop.

The four of them all look up. The glass on one side of the car is shattered. Needless to think, the body of the car must have been crashed severely. Lucky that no one is injured. Only Sun Zhi and Lin Mochen, who sit on the left, are covered with shattered glass pieces. Noticing the trace of blood from a scratch on Lin Mochen’s left cheek, without any thinking, Mu Hanxia raises her hand to gently wipe it off. He gazes at her at an extremely short distance, his eyes dark and tender.

A dozen ganster-like guys have come out of the van that collided with them. Whereas the culprit, the black car, has already left and disappeared.

Lin Mochen and Sun Zhi look at each other. Sun Zhi says, “Chief Lin, we don’t have time to tangle with them! There’s only 40 minutes left before the bidding starts!”

Antony is astonished, “You mean, they had the crash on purpose, to keep us from bidding? What shall we do now?”

Those guys outside are now tapping their window with enraged faces.

Lin Mochen tells Sun Zhi, “You stay.”

Sun Zhi stares at the small crowd outside the window and feels a little daunted. But he nods firmly. Then, Mu Hanxia speaks up, “I stay here with him. He may not be able to deal with so many people alone. Jason, you and Antony go.”

Lin Mochen gazes at her.

Mu Hanxia: “You go. Don’t worry, I can handle things like this. You’d better go to the bidding. Or else it will be too late. Go get that lot.”

Antony looks at the two of them and says nothing. Sun Zhi also urges, “Right, Chief Lin. You two go, Manager Mu and I definitely can handle this. We’re in bright daylight and this is a major road. The police will be here any minute. They won’t dare to do anything.”

“Hmm.” Lin Mochen answers in a low voice. He suddenly reaches out and pulls Mu Hanxia into his arms. Sun Zhi and Antony look on quietly. Lin Mochen turns and prints a kiss on her cheek, “Come to the bidding as soon as you’re done here. Protect yourself.”

Mu Hanxia is stunned. It instantly feels like burning where he placed his kiss.

He lets go of her.

Mu Hanxia and Sun Zhi get off the car. He is a local, who has worked in the real estate business for quite some years and has seen much of such devils. So he hollows to them unflinchingly, “Your damn eyes don’t watch when you drive? Don’t you damn know to yield to the straight going cars before you turn?” Mu Hanxia also walks over with a cold face.

The others are also cursing loudly and nastily, pushing and pulling at the same time.

Lin Mochen and Antony get out of the car right then. Without any pause, they walk over to the other side of the road and get a taxi. A couple of gangsters notice them and are about to go after them, when Mu Hanxia stretches her arms in front of them and stops them with glaring eyes. She’s a girl, and a pretty one. With her imposing air, the gangsters don’t dare to do any harm for a moment.

The entire chaos is left far behind by the taxi.

Lin Mochen sits there silent as a mountain, his eyes icy cold. Antony, however, anxiiously looks over his shoulder from time to time, very concerned. When they are almost out of sight, he suddenly mumbles, “Jason, your heart is really cruel. If I were you, I definitely won’t let my girl trapped in such a situation, even if I had to give up the bidding... What’s the use of a kiss? What’s the use?”

Lin Mochen glances up at him, his eyes freezing cold. Antony instantly stops his lecturing but continues to chide silently: capitalist, cold-blooded freak, favoring the business over the beauty...
Lin Mochen gazes at the building flashing past him outside the window. Most of the time, he is someone who never looks back. But when the taxi is making the turn, he can’t help but turn to look. At the far end of the road, there is the small crowd with her crammed in between, totally indiscernible.

Summer #34

Don't Turn from Summer (莫负寒夏) by Ding Mo (丁墨)

Chapter 34

The cool breeze picks up and the night gets chilly. Mu Hanxia gets out of the car. In front of her and surrounded by trees is a lake glittering in the dark. A club house stands in the center of the view. This is a tranquil suburban area.

She walks into the club house and moments later arrives at the suite reserved by Lin Mochen. Gently pushing the door open, there she finds Lin Mochen lean in the coach under the quiet light, with two foreign young men beside him.

He notices her and speaks smilingly to them in a low voice, “...that is Summer...” The two foreigners, both wearing well-ironed shirts, instantly show understanding and excitement. Their glances feel weird to Mu Hanxia, and she seems to hear them saying things like “...your girl?””...she’s beautiful...” and Lin Mochen’s answer with a gentle “hmm”.

Mu Hanxia: “...”

At last, she walks over as if she has heard nothing and greets the two foreigners smilingly. Lin Mochen also acts innocent and introduces them to one another. The taller one is the chief designer Antony and the shorter one his assistant. Since they came to China, Lin Mochen has kept them in the club house. The design plans are also made here. The whole thing is strictly confidential. It is by his request that Mu Hanxia comes today to learn about their final design.

The three of them talk on in very fluent English, mixed with slang now and then. Mu Hanxia sits right beside Lin Mochen. She understands some but is at a loss with other parts. Suddenly Lin Mochen turns to look at her, “Can you follow us?”

Mu Hanxia shakes her head.

“Didn’t you do very well in high school. We will have plenty of interactions like this in the future. Don’t leave English behind.” He says.

This remark of his touches the thought that has long been on Mu Hanxia’s mind. She says, “I actually thought about going abroad.”

Lin Mochen shows a little surprise in his eyes and asks, “Where do you want to go?”

“The United States.”

He immediately smiles, “America isn’t a bad idea. What do you want to do there?”

Mu Hanxia replies, “If possible, I want to go study there.”

They gaze into each other and, under the light, he says gently, “You can go wherever you want.”

The woman I love, wherever she wants to go, she surely can go.

Mu Hanxia’s heart skips a beat. His eyes are like an abyss, One would get trapped deeply in it if not very cautious. She lowers her head and avoids his eyes.

If there were not those two big shining light bulbs present, Lin Mochen wants to hold her hands in his. The probing and tempting is quite enough, he doesn’t want to let her shun him any more.

The four of them settle in the conference room and Antony starts to introduce their design. Although she can’t totally understand what he says, helped by text and illustrations, Mu Hanxia grasps the most part.

Antony has a rather positive opinion about the current building construction situation in Lin City. The projects of Rong Yue, in particular, have paid a lot of attention to the usability of unit layout. Their building quality and landscaping are both quite good. Although the building volume rate is a little too high, it is much better than “what he saw in many other cities where the buildings were all identical.”

“However, those architecture designs all miss the soul.” Antony says, “Jason, you have always been a fighter who turns the industry over. The plan I design for you has to be very unique, so unique that people feel it has echoes in their souls. No matter which lot is your target, I hope it will help you beat the more powerful rivals!”

He plays a 3D simulation video.

First there is the mist. In the mist, the forest gradually appears. Birds are chirping, streams are flowing, and the sun beams are penetrating―people feel as if they are in a real forest.

The sun gets brighter and the morning mist dissipates. But the forest is not a real forest, it’s just a grove of trees with different heights. Amid them are a few tall pseudo - classic architectures of dark grey color.

“Those are our buildings.” Antony whispers.

Tranquility fills Mu Hanxia’s heart. Such a quiet and ancient-looking beginning appeals to her very much. Looking closely, one can see that the whole area is not even and flat like a regular community. Instead, it’s constructed in accordance to the slightly undulating ground. And those trees―apple trees, pomegranate trees, powder puff trees, ginkgo trees, and so many more―are dotting in between. If you walk on the path in the woods, you are unable to tell this is cultivated at all. Instead, you would think this is an extremely quiet and beautiful natural grove.

Water is brought in from the lake afar to form the long and narrow lagoon, flowing around the buildings. The water body is named “Night View,” and the video shows exactly the night view of it. A bright moon is hanging high on the sky, while another one below the buildings. The view makes you feel as if you were in Xanadu.

Next, it’s the interior of the building. The first floor lobby comes first. It’s not the magnificently decorated lobby that’s popular these days. Instead, it’s just a serene doorway. On the pure walls with quiet colors, hang the chandeliers of a middle-age style. The warm yellow light shines on the lawns and trails in front of the door.

The units are mostly two-bedroom suites between 80 and 90 square meters, squarely shaped with plenty of natural light. Also, as the buildings are designed with different elevation and the landscape has an encircling design, the green fields and clear streams can be seen from the windows of every unit. Plus, in the thin mists, the buildings outside the community look so faraway as if they are in a different world.

The highlight is the patio of each unit. The vegetation on each patio will be planted before the residents move in, which is designed by one of the best landscape designers in the US, who’s also a friend of Antony’s. When you look out from the patio, you will have the illusion that the green colors nearby is part of the view outside the window, as if the flowing lavish green has also flown into your home.

Because most of the area is used for landscape, the community doesn’t have a shared club house, or stores, or restaurants. The parking lots are all tucked underground. Only strict security has been placed at the east, west, south, and north sides. Additionally, a key elementary school will build a campus at the northwest corner of the community, a project that will cost a lot of money.

The unit price is one third higher than other units in similar city zones, but due to the limit area of each unit, the overall price per unit won’t be too high.

......

“Jason, upon finishing this project, you may not make a great deal of money. But everyone in the city will definitely want to buy homes from you.” Antony says.

Lin Mochen replies, “This is exactly what I want. Right now the real estate market is in a large scale recession. The product I’m going to create is something that will counter the market.”

He turns to look at Mu Hanxia, “How do you like it?”

Mu Hanxia is still staring at the screen, reflecting on what she just saw. She says, “You know what is my favorite part?”

“What?”

“My favorite part is the light at the door. When one returns in the snowy night, the home-bound path is lighted. It gives me a warm sense of home.”

Lin Mochen smiles.

“Anyway, the whole community is really well designed, very well designed.” Mu Hanxia says earnestly, “It’s so remarkable, so unique. It will definitely touch those bidding officers from the government. For the entire city, it will be a very special landmark. The customers will definitely want to buy when they see this. I personally want to buy a unit myself.”

“You will have better ones in the future.” He says.

Mu Hanxia turns away from him and says, “Hmm, I will save money and buy myself a home.”

Lin Mochen is silent.

--------

Inspired by Antony’s design, Mu Hanxia decides to make big changes on the plan she made at the Qing Yu Coffee House. She stays up for several nights and tries very hard to show the uniqueness and potential of Feng Chen. She is confident that it will eventually move some investors into actions.

Today, she sees Lao Fang again at the coffee house. They are now quite familiar with each other. Lao Fang waves her over and, to her surprise, hands her two jars of honey.

Mu Hanxia asks, “Why give me this?”

Lao Fang says, “Someone gave them to me, but I don’t eat sweets. You girls should love it, right?”

Mu Hanxia seldom interacts with the older generation like this. His words bring warmth to her heart. She says, “Thank you. Next time I will bring you some special products from Jiang Cheng.”

Lao Fang just smiles.

Grasping the opportunity, Mu Hanxia says, “By the way, I revised my business plan. Could you take a look and give me some advice?”

Lao Fang is quite interested, “Sure.”

They go to the small conference room in the back of the coffee house―this is also a special feature of the entrepreneur’s coffee house. Here, Mu Hanxia presents the plan to Lao Fang in a highly concentrated manner with vivid language.

When it’s finished, Lao Fang does not disguise his appreciation and amazement. “Well done. I didn’t know Feng Chen is such a visionary company with an emphasis on quality. Your boss is a good person. It’s no wonder you can have some accomplishments in such a short time.”

Mu Hanxia grins and says, “He is very very outstanding.”

Lao Fang gives her a glance.

Mu Hanxia says again, “Lao Fang, do you think this plan of mine can attract investment?”

“Yes, It can.” Lao Fang replies very affirmatively, “It’s just a matter of time.”

Mu Hanxia feels a surge of joy.

Then Lao Fang speaks smilingly, “Xiao Mu, I have a favor to ask. Could you help?”

Mu Hanxia feels a tingle in her heart and says, “Of course. What’s it?”

“Your plan is done so well. I’m working on the project about renewable environmental resources. Can you help compile the plan for me? I can pay you.”

Mu Hanxia immediately says, “No need to pay. As a retired professor, your financial circumstances can’t be too good. I will try my best. But I’m just not sure it will really help.”

Lao Fang looks into her eyes, as if he has penetrated everything, or maybe he is just looking at her with brightened eyes, and smiles faintly.

After that, Mu Hanxia stays up a few more nights and puts in all her efforts. She even goes to consult Lin Mochen at the risk of being taken advantage of by him. Finally she finishes the plan beautifully.

When she gives the plan to Lao Fang, he is very pleased and keeps nodding his head. He even pats her on the head, as if she’s a kid, and says, “Good, very good. If everybody is as diligent and intelligent as you at their work, what can’t be accomplished in this world?”

Mu Hanxia just grins proudly and doesn’t mention anything else.

Another two days pass. Lao Fang actually gives her a call, inviting her to dinner because the renewable resources project has been approved and is preparing to launch.

To Mu Hanxia, this is both unexpected and reasonable. She is somewhat envious in her heart. She has shown Feng Chen’s plan to quite a few people, but has yet received any investment.

At dusk, after careful selection, she changes into a pretty and tasteful outfit. She is just about to leave the office when she runs into Lin Mochen. He says evenly, “Dressed so pretty. Going to see someone?”

Mu Hanxia replies, “Wasn’t you who led me into the vanity fair?”

Lin Mochen is silent. Mu Hanxia gives him a weak smile and leaves.

Lao Fang is a simple person. He chooses a clean and inexpensive mid range restaurant for the dinner. Mu Hanxia doesn’t mind, instead it makes her feel comfortable. Without being over polite, she orders a few house specials and enjoys them enormously.

Lao Fang finds some casual topic, “You are from Jicang Cheng. Who else are there in your family?”

“None.” Mu Hanxia says.

Lao Fang is taken aback.

“My parents passed away a few years ago.” She says calmly.

There is some obvious pity in Lao Fang’s eyes. He nods, “You are fine. You are the more independent and stronger one among your peers.”

Mu Hanxia smiles.

They talk some more, about her plan of pursuing further studies, about the apparel industry in Lin City, and also about Feng Chen. In the end, Lao Fang says, “You did me a favor by compiling the plan for me. I will remember this favor of yours. If you need help from me some day, just let me know. Of course, it cannot violate my principles.”

Mu Hanxia stirs the food in her bowl with the chopsticks. She feels the timing is good, but is still not totally sure about Lao Fang’s attitude. So she tries, “Actually, I personally don’t have any favor to ask. It’s just that our whole company is working very hard on the upcoming real estate project. Next week, the government is opening lot bidding. You know our Feng Chen is a very outstanding and quality oriented company. But we are not as powerful as other companies. If we can get help in any way, it would be invaluable.”

Lao Fang’s face is very calm, not showing any delight or anger. He says, “the government’s bidding process is very just and fair. One has to rely on his or her own strength. Nobody could or should help any bidders.”

Mu Hanxia quickly looks up at him. “No, we absolutely won’t seek help that’s against any principles and unfair to other companies. We just need a small favor―can the order of the lots go like C, B, and then A?”

Lao Fang pauses.

Mu Hanxia goes on to say, following the instructions of Lin Mochen, “This is just an unimportant sequence arrangement. It won’t affect the interest and principle of anyone...”

--------

One morning a few days later, Lin Mochen, followed by Mu Hanxia, Antony, and manager of real estate department Sun Zhi , drives to the previously announced venue to bid for the lots.