Chapter 204 Riverside Scenery
Xiao Li: "If a man isn't a little bad, how can women love him? You rascal, it's okay, just be even more mischievous! That way, Ping will love you even more!"
Mu Ping said, "No, everyone, please don't target me alone!" For some reason, everyone was making fun of Mu Ping tonight. Fortunately, Mu Ping was a very broad-minded person, but everyone's jokes had limits and would never hurt anyone's self-esteem. Da Qi usually paid special attention to this when interacting with everyone; jokes were fine, but self-esteem and personality would never be joked about.
After having dinner with his five wives, Daqi led them for a walk along the riverside promenade. The Rongjiang River was incredibly beautiful at night, truly a wonderful place to relax. There were many lawns where people could lie down and rest. Since the city management officers usually don't work at night, there were many vendors selling snacks, barbecue, or popsicles, making the promenade particularly lively. It was a place where people could not only relax and play, but also enjoy some light meals. Qiwen bought six ice creams for everyone, and they all found an open space to sit down. Daqi rested his head on Xiaoli's lap, and all the beautiful wives sat down, facing the Rongjiang River.
Xiao Li: "It's really fun and relaxing for the whole family to go out for a stroll like this. It makes us feel so good!"
Meiting: "I'm really happy to be with everyone, I don't feel lonely at all." Meiting had been alone in Singapore for a long time, so her feelings were particularly profound. Daqi smiled at her: "Meiting, you'll never be lonely here." She smiled and nodded; in Daqi's eyes, her smile was always so beautiful and sweet! What Daqi least expected was that Meiting would return to his side. He had thought he would never see her again in his life.
Daqi gazed at the starry sky and the beautiful Rongjiang River, thinking about Meiting. He thanked God; no matter what had happened between them in the past, no matter what had befallen Meiting, she had ultimately returned to his side. He didn't know why, but he didn't mind Meiting's past in Singapore at all. Perhaps some men would mind or even hold a grudge about this period in Meiting's life. But he didn't think that way. Why? Because Meiting had no choice at the time. He believed that Meiting loved him, and that he was the one she loved most. She had rejected the advances of a wealthy young man during her student days and chosen him as her boyfriend. Her parents' passing was too sudden. She must have been forced to do it. Therefore, he didn't care about Meiting's past. On the contrary, he would love her even more, protect her, and ensure she never had to endure the hardships of life again. Daqi rested his head on Xiaoli's lap, holding Meiting's hand, gently stroking her soft, snow-white palm.
Qiwen said, "Honey, when we have money, let's buy a villa by the river or the sea. I like houses by the river or the sea."
Daqi asked the other beauties, "Do you guys have any objections?"
The women all smiled and shook their heads. Mu Ping said, "Looking at the sea or river view is a pleasure, especially on summer evenings. I also like houses by the sea."
Xiao Li: "Back when I was in Longhai, I wanted to live by the sea, especially around the Ring Road area."
Daqi: "That area is so beautiful, I really want to buy a villa there. It'd probably cost two or three million." Daqi knew Xiaoli was a little afraid to go back to Longhai, but he also understood that she loved the city. Daqi asked Xiaoli: "Li'er, if we both moved to Longhai, would you mind?" Xiaoli sighed and said, "I've thought it through now. The past is the past. Actually, in ten years, who will even know who Zeng Xiaoli is? So, I don't care. Besides, I'm no longer a host, and I don't have to face the public every day. So, honey, if we could really live in Longhai, I'd be happy. That city is so beautiful, really more beautiful than Rongzhou."
Daqi nodded and touched Xiaoli's face, saying, "I'm relieved that you're okay with it. I was always worried that you couldn't forget the past." Xiaoli said, "Being with you and everyone else is simple, but I'm really happy. There's no fighting here, and everyone is considerate of each other. I feel like I'm in a paradise. But everything feels so real. I love everyone in this family!" Yijing also said, "I love everyone too! My parents, grandparents, and younger brother all died in the flood. Since coming to the Tong family, I've felt at home again. I think it's my family protecting me." Qiwen hugged Yijing and said, "Jing, you're my most beloved sister. Don't worry, everyone in this family loves you the most!" Everyone laughed.
Daqi said, "Wife, I promise you that as soon as I have money, that is, after I really cooperate with Cheng Renji to develop his plan of 100 villas, I will buy a villa by the sea for you to live in. However, are you all willing to leave Rongzhou? After all, we have established a business here."
Qiwen: "What's there to be reluctant about? At worst, our family can make a name for ourselves in Longhai. I believe that if we can stand firm in Rongzhou, we can do the same in Longhai."
Daqi: "However, if I really complete this villa project, I might really retire from the business world. I don't want to be a businessman anymore. Being a businessman is boring and doesn't suit my personality."
Mu Ping smiled and said, "If we really complete this villa project, our whole family won't have to worry about buying a villa in Longhai to live in. I think we have enough money to live on."
Xiao Li: "That's right. If we have money, we can buy a few shops in Longhai and the rent will be enough for us."
Qiwen: "Great idea, then what do we do all day when we're just killing time?"
Daqi: "I do literary creation, just for fun. I don't care about becoming famous or making money."
Xiao Li: "I might as well learn some handicrafts at home. I like traditional Chinese embroidery, but I've never learned it. If I have time, I'll try it out. If I'm good enough, I'll go and compete."
Daqi laughed and said, "Great idea, Ping'er, what about you?"
Mu Ping: "I'll talk about it later. I have a wide range of interests, so it doesn't matter."
Qiwen: "I still work in fashion design, but I also participate in competitions every time, not for money, just for fun."
Yi Jing: "I'll cook for everyone every day!" Everyone laughed again. Da Qi laughed: "That's a good thing, and a good thing at that. Someone has to cook, right? Anyway, it's a pleasure to have something you enjoy doing when you're free!"
Meiting: "When I was little, I wanted to go to an art school to learn a musical instrument or something. I might as well learn that." Daqi nodded and said, "Just tell me what you want to learn, and I'll send you to learn." Meiting said, "We'll see. Running a general store is quite leisurely now. Maybe I'll still be running the general store with Jing'er. It's very easy. I can work and relax every day. If I'm lazy, I can just close the store and have a good sleep."
Everyone talked about their future plans. Suddenly, Qiwen said, "Honey, my cousin is coming to our house this Sunday. You should be home then, right?"
Daqi asked, "Is that Cousin Lijie?" Qiwen nodded and said, "I haven't seen her in so long, I wonder how she is now?"
Daqi said, "Don't worry, I'll definitely be home. Wives, listen up, Wen'er's cousin is coming, everyone be welcoming! She's our honored guest, and also our great benefactor!" Everyone smiled and said they understood. Actually, the family gradually learned that Lijie had been raped because of Qiwen. Therefore, everyone understood how important Lijie was in Qiwen's life. Thus, everyone treated Lijie like a VIP.
Everyone enjoyed the river breeze and the night view until around 11 pm, when Xiao Li said she was a little sleepy. Da Qi then suggested that everyone go home to rest. Afterwards, the man drove his five beautiful wives home. When they arrived home, their mother was already asleep. Da Qi spent the night with Mei Ting.
For the next two days, Daqi went to the construction site to inspect the work and personally instructed the workers on how to carry out the construction. After all, the workers couldn't fully grasp the meaning behind some of the design drawings. Just as he was instructing the workers, Liu Donghua ran over and said, "President Tong, President Cheng has brought several foreigners to visit again, along with a translator." Daqi quickly went out to greet President Cheng and his group.
Daqi: "Hello, Mr. Cheng!" Daqi disliked Cheng Renji a bit, so he stopped calling him Uncle Cheng.
Cheng Renji: "Oh, my nephew's here too. Perfect timing, there are some foreigners here, they're clamoring to see the designer, I was just about to call you." There were three foreigners, two men and one woman. Cheng Renji also brought a translator, a woman, who was quite ordinary-looking, so I won't waste time describing her further.
A foreigner asked, "Are you Mr. Tong Daqi, the designer of this villa?" The translator immediately translated for Daqi (Note: Daqi's subsequent conversations with foreigners were conducted through the translator, while his conversations with his own people were conducted directly).
Daqi: "Yes."
Foreigner: "We saw your news in the newspaper, to be precise, the Rongzhou Daily. It was when you won the design competition last time."
Daqi: "Winning an award is secondary; what matters is that the design expressed my design philosophy. Expressing the philosophy is the most important thing; whether or not I win an award is secondary."
The foreigner said, “Mr. Tong, you’re too kind. I really didn’t expect you to be so young. You know, in my country, Australia, many interior designers participate in interior design competitions held in various cities every year. However, there has never been a case of someone under 35 years old winning first prize. I’ve seen Mr. Tong’s entries; I myself am one of the judges in an interior design competition. If you were to bring your work to our country for an exhibition, I’m sure you would win an award. Of course, not necessarily first prize, but winning an award is certain.”
Daqi chuckled and said, "Eastern and Western people have different concepts about living, especially in terms of specific decorations and layouts. For example, people in your country like to use crosses, while people in our country prefer to use chopsticks. Therefore, my design may not suit your tastes."
The foreigner said, “Mr. Tong, you misunderstand. What I admire is your design style. If it weren’t for the appeal of your design, I would never recommend that my compatriots buy villas by the Rongjiang River. Many of my compatriots want to settle in China, or more precisely, in Rongzhou.”
Daqi: "Chinese cities have a unique charm, especially Rongzhou. It's warm all year round, with no cold winters, making it a very livable place. The fact that your compatriots chose to settle in Rongzhou is enough to show how smart you Australians are."
"Thank you for your compliment, Mr. Tong!" The group chatted as they toured the construction site. Cheng Renji couldn't get a word in edgewise because he didn't understand the industry. He knew that with Tong Daqi around, everything would be fine! Several foreigners took turns asking Daqi questions, which he handled with ease. He was naturally eloquent, and his understanding of interior design concepts was quite avant-garde, so he wasn't afraid at all. On the contrary, he was quite happy to communicate with these foreigners; he just didn't understand English.
Daqi thought to himself: Is it necessary to know English? For some people, it is, for others it isn't. Language is just a tool; for him, hiring a translator would solve everything. He preferred Chinese and simply couldn't accept English; he had an innate aversion to it. If he encountered a foreigner, he could just hire a translator; he certainly had the means to do so.
The foreigners, while touring the construction site, kept nodding in approval and then asked Daqi, "Chinese designers like to use expensive materials to decorate houses. But Mr. Tong is different; he uses very ordinary materials. I've looked closely, and they're 100% green and environmentally friendly. Why do you do that? In other words, why don't you use expensive decoration materials to decorate your house?"
Daqi laughed and said, "Living is living. Food, clothing, shelter, and transportation are indispensable parts of life. We live in houses every day. Using green and environmentally friendly materials is from the perspective of human health. When choosing between beauty and health, I would definitely choose health. This is the fundamental concept of my design. Many designers blindly use expensive decoration materials, even toxic ones, in pursuit of aesthetics. This is exactly what the old Chinese saying means: 'putting the cart before the horse.' I believe that the most important thing about living is health, and only then is aesthetics. It is definitely not about blindly pursuing beauty, showing off, or display. There are many reports in the media about poisoning from renovations. In fact, there are reasons for this, including designers, real estate developers, and consumers themselves. But they all made the same mistake: they forgot that health is the most important thing. It's not that I don't know how to use these expensive materials, but for the health of the residents, I still gave up using some toxic but expensive decoration materials."
Chapter 205 Xiaoman's Tutoring
Daqi continued, "Actually, I also used expensive materials. For example, all the floor tiles in this villa are 'Nobel' tiles. 'Nobel' tiles are recognized as the highest quality and most beautiful floor tiles." The foreigners looked at the floor tiles, some even touching them and nodding in praise, saying, "Oh, yes, OK!"
Foreigner: "Mr. Tong, your design looks simple yet elegant, giving people a very refined and comfortable feeling, rather than the kind of opulent and luxurious feel that most people prefer. Is this your consistent design style?"
Daqi nodded and said, "Yes, my designs have always pursued this style." The foreigners laughed, and one of the foreign women asked, "Mr. Tong, may I ask a question?"
Daqi: "Okay, go ahead and ask!"
The foreign woman said, "Why don't you pursue a more elegant and luxurious design?"
Daqi smiled and said, "If you understand Chinese history, you will know that during the Wei and Jin Dynasties, many literati who were not satisfied with their official careers would pursue a life of tranquility and detachment. Many more would find solace in nature. Perhaps I was influenced by this tradition."
The foreign woman said, "Could this be interpreted as Mr. Tong lamenting his bad luck or setbacks in his career? This is purely a private matter, and you don't have to answer it."
Daqi laughed heartily, "You could say that. I'm not a businessman, much less a designer. I've simply been forced down this path by life's circumstances. Therefore, my designs won't blindly pursue anything too utilitarian; at worst, no one will see them. If no one sees them, I'll just hang them at home for myself to see." Everyone laughed. Of course, Cheng Renji couldn't laugh. Because he was semi-literate, he couldn't quite understand the conversation between Daqi and these foreigners.
Foreigner: "Mr. Tong, it's been a pleasure talking to you. I think my compatriots, and those from other countries who choose to settle in China, do so because they love China, especially its culture. If they knew that the interior design of their homes was done by a designer with a deep understanding of Chinese history..."
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Section Reading 171
I think they'll be very happy!
Daqi laughed and said, "Thank you, thank you, thank you for appreciating my design." After saying this, the foreigners finished touring the construction site and went to rest. Cheng Renji pulled the translator aside and asked, "So? Do they plan to buy it?" The translator said, "They definitely will, because they had a very pleasant conversation with Mr. Tong. I know these foreigners; they don't beat around the bush. If they like it, they'll buy it. However, you must insist on this design style, otherwise, they might not buy it." Cheng Renji happily said, "Okay, okay, okay. As long as they're willing to buy, any style is fine!" The translator smiled and went to accompany the foreigners.
Cheng Renji spoke privately with Daqi. He smiled and said to Daqi, "Well, nephew, I reckon my villa project is nearing completion. Let's find some time to discuss my plan for 100 villas. Don't worry, if the discussion goes well, we can cooperate." Daqi laughed, "Don't worry, it's a big project. How many villas do you plan to develop?" Cheng Renji said, "Let's develop 100 first. If sales are good, we'll develop another 50 to 100." Daqi said, "How about we schedule another time for a formal meeting? A contract is definitely necessary." Cheng Renji nodded and said, "Alright, let's do as you say." The two chatted for a while longer. Finally, Daqi asked him, "Mr. Cheng, you can set the specific meeting time. I'm available anytime. You're the CEO of a large company; it's more convenient for us to meet when you're available." Cheng Renji smiled and said, "Okay, no problem." Then, Cheng Renji left with the foreigners. Daqi also said goodbye to Liu Donghua and drove back to his company. He went straight to his office upon returning to the company. He called Yulou, Suqin, and Pingjia into his office. Today, Daqi was quite serious; he simply sat with Suqin on his lap and chatted with the three women. Daqi told them about his encounter with the foreigner and his conversation with Cheng Renji that day.
Yu Lou said, "I know he will probably work with you because foreigners like your design style."
Daqi: "The pressure is also great. I'm afraid that each foreigner will have a different style, which will make the design process extremely difficult for me."
Pingjia: "Then let's calculate the design fees separately from President Cheng, one set at a time."
Yu Lou: "I guess he's only willing to talk to you about how much money is invested in each set, and the specific design of each set will have to be done by our company."
Daqi: "It would be easy if we all used the same decor, but foreigners are very particular about personalization. This makes our workload much heavier. The company now has several designers."
Suqin: "Including Zhang Jie, you're one of the four."
Daqi: "That's enough. As long as we can reach an agreement, let them do the design. I'll just point out the principles and keep an eye on things."
Yulou: "You're the boss now, not the designer. Naturally, you should let them design more. But Cheng Renji values your designs the most."
Daqi nodded and said, "It's alright, I'll review every single design drawing. Actually, these designers are quite skilled; I interviewed them myself before hiring them. They should be able to finish it."
Pingjia: "Sir, when do you estimate the talks will take place?"
Daqi: "I'm not in a hurry, there's no use in being in a hurry. I'll wait for him to contact me."
Yu Lou: "Don't worry, based on my understanding of him, he'll want to talk to you within ten days."
Daqi: "At that time, I will arrange a formal meeting with him at a certain place, and I will hire a lawyer to review the contract with me."
Yu Lou: "We need to examine it carefully; this old devil often plays tricks with contracts."
Daqi: "I know him. He's not going to cheat me. Besides, we're all in this to make money; he should understand the principle of sharing profits." Daqi chatted with them for a while, then asked the three of them to plan for the company's official establishment of four departments next month. Pingjia said, "Sir, Sister Xiao is a very capable person. She manages everything perfectly. You can rest assured!" Suqin also said, "I'm just an accountant, and I don't know much about management. With Sister Xiao around, things are much easier for us."
Daqi: "Yulou, do you have a private office now? I don't think so. How about this, there's a spare room in the company, you can use it as an office. From now on, when I'm not around, you'll be in charge of the company's affairs. Qin'er, you'll be in charge of the finances, and Jia'er, you should spend more time with me." All three women nodded in agreement.
The division of labor must be clearly defined. From a company management perspective, there can be no management if the division of labor is not clear. The most basic aspect of management is a clear division of labor.
Pingjia said, "Then we need to buy some computers and office equipment in the next couple of days."
Daqi: "Purchases under 10,000 yuan can be signed off by Yulou and Suqin. If there are any problems, come to me. If there are no problems, the two of them can make the decision. Yulou is in charge of administration, and Suqin is in charge of finance. You two can make the decisions. For purchases over 10,000 yuan, just let me know."
Yu Lou laughed and said, "My dear CEO Tong, you've given too much authority. In the past, Cheng Renji had to review anything over three thousand yuan."
Daqi laughed, "You're all my wives, I'm not worried, everything'll be fine. I generally don't want to interfere too much." The three chatted for the afternoon, but nothing much really happened. Daqi would occasionally take advantage of Yulou, sometimes touching her cute little bottom, and then kissing Pingjia, making the three women laugh...
During dinner, Daqi told his family about Cheng Renji. When he mentioned hiring a lawyer, Qiwen said, "I'll call Uncle Ding and ask him to find us a good lawyer. With Uncle Ding involved, the lawyer will do his best for you. Of course, we can pay a higher fee." Daqi nodded and said, "The fee is no problem. Since we've hired him, we won't treat him unfairly. Then I'll leave this to you." Qiwen nodded and said, "No problem." Xiaoli said, "Hiring a lawyer is more cost-effective for big projects, but for small projects, the money earned isn't even enough to hire a lawyer." Daqi smiled slightly and nodded in agreement.
On Saturday, Daqi went to find Jia Ran. He was tutoring her daughter, Xiaoman, that day. When he parked his car and arrived at Jia Ran's office, the mother and daughter were already there. Jia Ran was wearing a classic Chinese cheongsam, looking elegant and graceful. Xiaoman, on the other hand, was dressed very fashionably, not at all like a student. The beautiful and pure Xiaoman wore a black off-shoulder dress, her fair neck appearing incredibly delicate against the black fabric, almost as if it were about to burst with moisture. When Xiaoman saw Daqi, she smiled slightly and said, "Brother Qi, hello!" Then she ran over to Daqi, hugged his neck, kissed him on the cheek, chuckled, and went back to her mother.
Jia Ran immediately said, "You little devil, be serious. Don't be so casual in front of Brother Qi."
Daqi simply treated her like a little sister, smiling but saying nothing. Xiaoman said, "Mom, Qi-ge is family, I kissed him to thank him for tutoring me today." Jiaran laughed, "Little brother, if Xiaoman doesn't study hard, you can spank her. Don't worry, I won't blame you!" Daqi laughed, "How could I dare to spank her?" Xiaoman happily replied, "That's right, Qi-ge would never spank me." The three chatted and laughed for a few moments, then Jiaran left the office to attend to other matters. Daqi and Xiaoman sat down at the desk, and he began tutoring her. Xiaoman listened attentively, constantly smiling at Daqi. Xiaoman said, "Qi-ge, you explain it so well, it's simple and easy to understand, unlike how our teachers explain things in such a difficult way." Daqi said, "Every teacher has a different teaching style, so don't be too demanding of the teacher's method. The key is for you to pay attention in class." Xiaoman listened very carefully to Daqi's explanation, so he taught her with extra care. Daqi looked at Xiaoman without any impure thoughts: a classic oval face, a head of fragrant hair, and a perfectly straight nose—truly a standard little beauty. She was a bit young, though; he figured she'd grow up to be a stunningly sexy woman!
Daqi ate lunch with Jiaran and Xiaoman. During lunch, Jiaran asked Daqi, "How was the tutoring?" Daqi replied, "Xiaoman is very talented and quick to learn. She just doesn't pay attention in class. Once she's focused, she can handle anything. She did very well this morning!" Xiaoman smiled and said, "Mom, it's because Qi-ge teaches so well. He explains things in a simple and easy-to-understand way, and I can understand." Jiaran smiled and said, "As long as you study diligently, Mom will grant you any request." Xiaoman said, "You said it!" Jiaran said, "When have I ever gone back on my word?" Xiaoman laughed and said, "Okay, can I ride in Qi-ge's car for a drive this afternoon?" Jiaran said, "You little rascal, I just gave you a favor, and you're already asking for it?" Xiaoman pouted and said, "Mom, you promised me, you promised. I've been studying all morning, I'm so bored. Let me catch my breath this afternoon, and I'll study some more tonight, okay?" Jiaran looked at Daqi and then at Xiaoman. Daqi spoke up, "Sister, it's okay. I helped her catch up on lessons she'd been studying for weeks and highlighted the key points for her. Let her play all afternoon, it'll be fine." Xiaoman said, "Mom, look, Qi-ge (Brother Qi) said so, so please promise me!" Jia Ran couldn't persuade her daughter otherwise, so she said, "Okay, okay, okay, for Qi-ge's sake, I'll let you have your fun all afternoon." Daqi said, "But Xiaoman, you have to promise me you'll study tonight. I'll come and ask you next week. If you can't answer, I'll never take you for a drive again." Xiaoman smiled and said, "Qi-ge, don't worry. I'm like my mom, I keep my word. If I say I'll study tonight, I definitely will!" Daqi could only smile and nod.
Hey, let's just take her for a drive. This little girl is naturally playful and active; there's just no way to control her. You can only guide her to read, not force her. Forcing her won't work at all.
Daqi understood this principle. After lunch, Daqi and Xiaoman got into the car, and Jiaran specifically reminded them, "Be careful!" Daqi said, "Don't worry, sister!" Xiaoman smiled and said, "Mom, don't worry!" Jiaran sighed, watched them leave, and then she returned to the hotel.
Daqi, driving Xiaoman, asked, "Xiaoman, where do you want to go?"
Xiaoman: "Brother Qi, you're such a nice guy. I asked you to take me out to play, and you actually did."
Daqi: "As long as you study hard, I'll take you out to play every day!"
Xiaoman: "Really?" Daqi smiled and nodded. Xiaoman sighed: "We have to go to class during the week, so we can't play even if we want to."
Daqi: "Don't worry, weekends, winter and summer vacations. As long as your grades improve, I'll take you on a blast!"
Xiaoman: "Okay, okay! Brother Qi, let's go to the clothing market in the city now!"
Daqi: "Huh? What are you going there for? To buy clothes?"