Free Web NovelChapter 41: Chapter 41
"Su Li! We’re friends!" Zhao Wenming took a step forward, trying to grab Su Li’s hand.
Su Li jerked back and shouted, "Zhao Wenming!"
Zhao Wenming jumped, startled. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom
"Su Li, what are you doing? Keep your voice down. Why are you suddenly shouting? If someone sees us, it’ll be hard to explain..."
"So you know it’d be hard to explain? Then what are you doing grabbing at me?"
Su Li’s voice didn’t get quieter. In fact, it grew louder. "Zhao Wenming, do you want to go to jail?"
Zhao Wenming looked at the unfamiliar woman before him, his heart pounding with panic.
"Su Li, what are you talking about? What’s this about jail...?"
"You know exactly what I’m talking about! I don’t care who you flirt with—the young girls or the young wives in the village, that’s none of my business. But don’t you dare try anything with me. Hitting on me comes with a price. If your shamelessness pushes me too far, believe me when I say I’ll scream and have you sent to jail!"
Su Li harshly spat out the words she never had the chance to say in her past life. Thinking about everything Zhao Wenming had done back then, her eyes filled with murderous intent.
A Su Li like this was terrifying. Zhao Wenming was nearsighted and couldn’t see her clearly, but he could feel the terrifying killing intent radiating from her.
Zhao Wenming, already feeling guilty for having his secret intentions exposed by Su Li, was instantly cowed by the mention of jail.
He was, after all, an educated man and knew more than the other villagers. He was well aware that what he was doing was wrong, but he had assumed Su Li didn’t know.
He never intended to do anything physical with Su Li that would give her leverage against him, so he hadn’t worried about it. He never imagined she would call him out so directly.
"You... What nonsense are you spouting? Su Li, how can your thinking be so backward? Your mind is filled with nothing but this sort of thing. It’s... it’s simply outrageous."
Zhao Wenming struggled to stop himself from shaking as he yelled, all bluster and no spine. The moment he finished, he turned and ran.
In his haste, and without his glasses, he stumbled as he ran. He kicked a rock and nearly face-planted in the dirt.
Zhao Wenming felt he had lost enough face to last a lifetime. He scrambled back to his feet and ran even faster, looking more pathetic than ever.
Watching the man who had been so arrogant and domineering in her world during her last life flee in such disarray, Su Li slowly exhaled a heavy breath.
"Pah! If you ever dare to disgust me again, I’ll beat you every time I see you!" Su Li spat before turning to leave. freewebnσvel.cѳm
A while after Su Li left, Qin Shanshan appeared in the same spot, her gaze flickering as she watched the direction Su Li had gone.
「Time flew by.」
On the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, just after Su Li had finished lunch, Li Hongqin and Yin Cuihua arrived together.
It was still the New Year holiday, so they both brought gifts. They weren’t much, but it was the thought that counted. Unlike last time, they didn’t make a big show of their arrival, visiting as if they were just ordinary relatives.
Su Li wasn’t surprised to see them and smiled, inviting them in.
"Come in, have a seat. I was just thinking it was about time I heard from you two."
Li Hongqin and Yin Cuihua had spent the entire New Year on pins and needles. Su Li’s proposal had taken root in their minds, and they couldn’t forget it, thinking about it day and night.
They were conflicted yet excited. In any case, only Li Hongqin and Yin Cuihua themselves could understand the complexity of their feelings.
They struggled back and forth, hesitating constantly. They had almost decided to give up, but during the New Year, prodding from relatives and neighbors spurred them on again, making it impossible to let go of the idea.
Whether in the past or the future, everyone is surrounded by all sorts of people—some are simple and honest, while others love to show off their wealth.
Both Li Hongqin and Yin Cuihua had encountered people showing off. After the New Year festivities, they finally burned their bridges and made a decision.
They had made their decision, but their hearts were still racing with anxiety. However, after entering the Tang family home and seeing Su Li, they calmed down.
Su Li was the same as before, welcoming them with a warm smile. She remained composed and unruffled, completely devoid of their own panic. It was this very calm and collected demeanor that put them at ease.
"You must be tired from the walk. Have some water first, wipe the sweat from your brows. I’ll go make you something to eat," Su Li offered hospitably.
"No, Su Li, don’t trouble yourself. Let’s talk business first."
Li Hongqin and Yin Cuihua hastily wiped the sweat from their faces and quenched their thirst, then called out to Su Li in unison.
Su Li led them into the main hall to sit. The three of them sat on straw cushions, forming a circle to discuss business.
"Su Li, Sister Cuihua and I have thought it through. We’re in with you!" Li Hongqin announced their final decision, her face flushed with excitement.
"Excellent. Then let’s talk about the partnership model and plan our next steps..."
The smile on Su Li’s face finally bloomed completely.
Li Hongqin and Yin Cuihua stayed until just after five in the afternoon, when they had to leave. They had arrived full of apprehension, but when they left, their uncertainty was gone, replaced by fighting spirit and hope.
As they walked, they would occasionally touch their pockets, stroking them unconsciously with the utmost care. An outsider might have thought they were being so cautious because they were carrying money. No one could have known that what lay in their pockets was not money, but a contract.
And so, in a remote and quiet mountain village, Li Hongqin, Yin Cuihua, and Su Li—the powerhouse trio who would later become famous throughout the country—officially formed their alliance. On this day, the three held their first board meeting and signed their first partnership agreement.
On this day, Pinjun Clothing, the predecessor to the Pinjun Group, was officially founded.
Years later, Li Hongqin and Yin Cuihua, long since transformed into powerful businesswomen, would look back on this day and still be filled with emotion.
After seeing Li Hongqin and Yin Cuihua off, Su Li carefully put away the first partnership agreement she had drafted and signed.
’One down, two to go.’
The next day, the eighth of the Lunar New Year, Su Li needed to go to town to take an exam with Teacher Fan. It happened to be market day, so Su Li used the excuse of going to the market to buy things. She got up early, tidied up, and prepared to leave.
"Buy what you need and come back early," Mrs. Tang reminded Su Li.
Su Li gave a casual "Mhm" in response. Carrying a basket on her back, she had just reached the door when she ran into the postman.
"Is this Su Li’s home? Su Li, you have a letter."
"That’s me, that’s me!" Su Li’s eyes lit up. ’Tang Yuanxiao’s reply is here!’
"A letter from Tangyuan! Quick, see what he said!" Mrs. Tang got excited too.
The postman looked at their excited faces and couldn’t help but feel happy for them. "Don’t be hasty, now. Sign here first."
"Okay." Su Li eagerly took the pen and signed. The postman smiled and handed the letter to her.
"Thank you, you’ve worked hard. Please, come in and have a glass of water."
Su Li took the letter and thanked him sincerely. Xinghua Village was so far out; the postman truly had a difficult job, delivering mail all this way.
"That’s right, come in and rest your feet," Mrs. Tang added warmly.
"You’re too kind. It’s all part of my job." The postman scratched his head, embarrassed, and left.
"Hurry and open it! See what Tangyuan said," Mrs. Tang urged Su Li.
"Mhm." Su Li had been waiting for Tang Yuanxiao’s letter, for his response about the divorce. She was thrilled to finally receive it. Without needing Mrs. Tang’s prodding, she tore it open as fast as she could.
