The Jealous Pot and the Shameless Man
Zhu Chunyi felt a little emotional. Judging from Miss Su's delicate and tender eyebrows and skin, Zhu Chunyi was only a year or two older than her. However, Zhu Chunyi was already a well-established singer, while the young lady in front of her had a face that could cause trouble in this chaotic world, yet she was still so arrogant and willful. It can only be said that some people are always favored by fate, which is something to be envied.
The sound from outside the door gave Zhu Chunyi some confidence, and she breathed a sigh of relief. Young Master Ye always showed more care and pity to weak women. If Su Mei continued to act recklessly, Young Master Ye would not let Zhu Chunyi be bullied.
Even though Zhu Chunyi, she understood that Young Master Ye had just arrived at the dock today and had come here, probably not to catch up with her, but because of this Su Mei.
Su Mei casually put down the packet of opium, lightly tapped the carpet with her heel, and with a flick of her toe, the packet of premium opium that addicts coveted slid under the Baroque sofa.
"I'm planning to open a nightclub soon, which is why we met today." After saying this, Su Mei sat down on the sofa, her expressionless, seemingly unconcerned about Zhu Chunyi's lack of cooperation.
It seems that Miss Su's style is to give people no choice. Zhu Chunyi, she knows she has no choice. Young Master Ye can protect her once, but he can't protect her forever. The resentment that a woman harbors because of jealousy is the most unforgettable and lasting. This has been true throughout history.
The foreign guard opened the door, turned around in his Zhu Chunyi, his face no longer showing any grievance or stubbornness, but a gentle smile that conveyed a harmonious atmosphere, looking at the Young Master Ye Chenyu, who was still travel-worn and weary, yet still elegant.
Su Mei didn't turn around to look at Ye Chenyu. She just stared calmly at the window painted with colorful lacquer. Her fingers were stroking the colorful fabric of the Saint-Cyr fine wool rug on the sofa. Her fair and delicate fingertips slowly glided over the bodies of the Greek gods in the rug's pattern, languid and elegant.
"Long time no see." Ye Chenyu smiled, took off his hat and handed it to Zhu Chunyi.
Zhu Chunyi, she reached out and placed her hand on his collar, gently helping him take off his coat, saying, "It's been so long! I planted a pot of violets when you left, and they're blooming today."
"Then I'll go check on the flowers later."
"Please have a seat, I'll go get the flowers."
"Good."
Zhu Chunyi, she smiled sweetly and left the private room. She knew why Su Mei had come, and she also knew what Young Master Ye was thinking.
"She's a natural-born vixen," Su Mei murmured. These women of the night were so adept at flattering men. She didn't believe that Zhu Chunyi would plant violets specifically for Ye Chenyu. Maybe Zhu Chunyi would say the same thing to another man, and next time she'd bring up something like cats or dogs.
Su Mei shook her index finger, and the two guards went out and stood guard at the door.
"Cousin, how have you been?" Ye Chenyu and Su Mei sat on the same sofa, so that even if Su Mei turned her head to look out the window, she would still have someone in her eyes.
"I caught a cold earlier and rested at South Plum Garden for half a month. Jinmei and Ziqing came to visit, and that's when I found out you went to Argentina. Jinmei and Ziqing searched for that place on a world map for ages before finally finding it, it's a million miles away from here." Su Mei's voice was as cold as the temperature outside the window. He can go wherever he wants, it's none of my business anyway, but now that I've come looking for Zhu Chunyi, he wants to interfere, it's really infuriating.
Su Mei frowned and coughed lightly.
Ye Chenyu touched the rim of the teapot, poured a cup of water, and said, "Drink more hot water."
Su Mei didn't take it, but pointed to the coffee table, indicating that he should put it down.
"The Britain ambassador to Argentina was Malcolm Robertson. Through his connections, I sold all the railways in Argentina to William Wilwright. Years ago, we collaborated on building the Retiro to Tigre railway, which was the first electric railway among the countries surrounding Argentina... I'm selling them all while it's still a booming period for railway construction." Ye Chenyu explained what he was doing. His cousin was a natural businesswoman, and talking about this kind of thing always managed to divert her attention.
"The situation has changed?" Su Mei sat up straight, her expression attentive. Although she still harbored a deep-seated, unspeakable hatred for Ye Chenyu, she had to admit that she could still learn a lot from him. Otherwise, why would she occasionally think of him?
"Argentina now has the world's eighth largest railway network, with 70% of the mileage in Britain hands. The profits from this are enormous... Moreover, the Britain do much of the related maintenance, driving, and other work. The Argentina government provides many tax exemptions, the land along the railway lines is under the jurisdiction of the railway company, and there's even a subsidy system that guarantees foreign railway companies an annual profit margin of no less than 7%... They've made enough money over the years; it's time to stop."
"There's never enough money to be made," Su Mei disagreed. "No wonder you spent so much money to buy the shop back from me."
Su Mei didn't think there was anything wrong with taking advantage of the situation. Even if she didn't act, given the Ye Family's past circumstances, others would have. It would be better for others to benefit, so why couldn't she benefit as well? Besides, everything is a cycle of cause and effect, and she had also paid a heavy price.
There was no remorse in her eyes, only a faint, almost imperceptible shyness. Taking advantage of his inattention, she glared at him reproachfully, then resumed her indifferent demeanor as he turned away.
"Actually, since the South Sea Company era..." Ye Chenyu paused, "After the last World War, Britain's national strength was not what it used to be. Foreign investment slowed down, and its influence in Argentina also weakened. The local politics were unstable. As more and more popular leaders emerged, relying on the power of the people rather than traditional political oligarchs and representatives of foreign powers, they would first strip foreign companies of their various privileges and treatments, and eventually nationalize foreign railway companies... At that point, it would be impossible to intervene."
"Do you really think this situation is inevitable? That there won't be large and small military governments emerging? You just need to support the army and maintain your railway mileage. As long as none of them have the power to influence and rule the whole country, and you unite with the Britain and United States forces, let them fight each other, check and balance each other, and they'll always need your support. Wouldn't that solve everything?" Su Mei looked at Ye Chenyu, puzzled. Surely he couldn't have missed such a simple and obvious solution? "I looked at the map; Argentina is right below the United States."
"The main reason for the Britain investment boom in Argentina was that a century ago, many South American countries gained independence and experienced a period of stable development, creating a huge demand for foreign capital. Therefore, Britain was no longer satisfied with simply exporting goods and began investing in various sectors such as lighting, water supply, sewage systems, railways, and ports. The potential to influence and control a stable and developing country was far more appealing than the profits. Only countries perceived as threatening were desired to be divided and embroiled in war; this was a greater political need than mere profit... Ultimately, it was about the safe and secure exploitation of the country. The most important point was, 'I need money.'"
"When a business grows big, you need to pay attention to the political environment and the international situation." Su Mei felt inferior. The Su Family was wealthy and had a large business, but they were only concerned with managing the various big and small figures in their own little world.
"I'll tell you about the South Sea Company selling its shares next time," Ye Chenyu smiled. "You're not feeling well yet, go home and rest early."
"Stocks? My family still has shares in the China Merchants Steam Navigation Company and the Kaiping Mining Bureau... but that was because my grandfather gave Li Hongzhang face; he sent money in and never expected to get it back." Su Mei asked with great interest, "And what is the South Sea Company? Where did you set it up?"
"It wasn't me." Even Ye Chenyu wasn't willing to take on this matter just to boast in front of the little girl. He only facilitated some people buying and selling stocks. As for how this company dragged down Britain and severely damaged its economy, and how it took the Britain stock market a hundred years to recover from the shadow of the South Sea Company, that had nothing to do with Ye Chenyu. That was the work of a knight who joined the Royal Academy of Sciences and became a friend of Newton. Besides, just like Newton initially made a fortune of 7,000 pounds but ultimately suffered a huge loss of 20,000 pounds, it was nothing more than insatiable greed. What did it have to do with anyone else?
That was in the 18th century.
"I plan to open the largest nightclub in the Far East." After talking for a while, Su Mei's cheeks flushed slightly, and her complexion improved considerably.
"Is this your reason for becoming a hostile guest that all karaoke bars and dance halls want to turn away from you lately?" Ye Chenyu said with a half-smile.
Su Mei bit her lip, glaring at Ye Chenyu. Seeing that his smile hadn't faded, she couldn't keep staring at such a shameless villain. Su Mei turned her head away, a faint blush rising on her pink earlobes.
"Gu Liancheng's Paramount only 700,000 yuan, yet it's already touted as the best in the Far East. I plan to invest two million to poach all the most popular and beautiful singers and dancers here." Su Mei certainly had her own legitimate reasons. As for having nowhere to go if the most popular and beautiful singers and Ye Chenyu were all poached, that was just a small prank she was playing. She figured if he wanted to flirt with those vixens again, he'd have to do it right under her nose, and he'd probably feel very uncomfortable. Eventually, there would be no fun in it, and he'd be able to settle down.
"I don't know if your nightclub is the best in the Far East, but you're definitely the most jealous person in the Far East." Ye Chenyu nodded knowingly.
"Who... who is the number one jealous person in the Far East! Do you think I'd be jealous of you? What does it matter to me if you flirt with these women? Don't flatter yourself... you're so self-righteous..." Su Mei blushed instantly and sat up straight, trying to explain herself.
Ye Chenyu reached out and grasped her slender waist, as delicate as a willow branch.
Su Mei's body stiffened, and the overflowing rouge color on her already pink, peach-blossom-like cheeks seeped onto her neck.
"How did you catch a cold half a month ago? You shouldn't be sick now," Ye Chenyu whispered in her ear.
"I fell into the water."
"I see. Given your original constitution, you probably would have had to stay in bed for two or three months. You're much better now."
"What's it to you? Don't pretend, I didn't even know you went to Argentina."
"Let me rub your tummy to get rid of the cold."
Ye Chenyu placed his warm palm on Su Mei's lower abdomen.
"Cousin... men and women shouldn't touch each other, please have some self-respect." Su Mei collapsed into Ye Chenyu's arms, panting heavily.
I'll come find you tonight.
"You dare! I've hidden under the bed... thirty... ten guards."
"Isn't that murdering her husband?"
"You shameless bastard... Ouch... Your hand is burning me..."
-
-
-
-
I've caught another cold, but my eyes and gums are fine now. I can usually handle a cold, but I've had a fever since early this morning and haven't been able to move. I can't just rush through the chapters about Ye Chenyu and Su Mei; I really can't type when I'm not feeling well.