Jing Tian took another sip of tea from my hand and said slowly, “I heard that you’d lost a lot of manpower. I can’t help with that, but I can support you with money. Also, I can lend you Gao Da for a period of time!”
Gu Nian’s eyes lit up. “Really?”
Jing Tian stretched out three fingers. “Three months, not even one day more than that!”
Gu Nian’s face turned green. “That’s enough!” He said, “Aren’t you afraid that I’d end up getting Gao Da to work for me?”
Jing Tian gave him a sidelong glance. “Why don’t you give it a try?”
Gu Nian was very happy. “Forget it. I can train a righthand man myself.”
Jing Tian then got down to business. “We’re going back to China. Gao Da, Lu Heng, and Xiao Yi will stay behind to help you. Gao Da is mainly to help you train new people. We’ve tested Lu Heng, so there’s no problem. He’ll stay here to guard Nanxing’s home. Xiao Yi’s skills are pretty good, so you’ll definitely need it. When you’re all settled here, you can send Xiao Yi back.”
Gu Nian nodded.
Jing Tian continued, “As for the investment side, Ye Qian’s people are quite well-prepared. Nanxing and I will also take a stake. Tong Le and Qu Hao will both contribute too. The shareholders are just common people, but their backgrounds aren’t bad. What do you think?”
Gu Nian couldn’t hide his smile. “Very good, very good! That’s great!”
I wasn’t interested in their specific affairs, so I only asked, “Is this presidency going to be difficult? This island was left to me by my parents, and I like it very much. I hope you can help me manage this island well.”
Gu Nian looked at me with an extremely serious expression. “Nanxing, thank you for taking me in.”
I looked at him in surprise.
Gu Nian exhaled lightly. He smiled. “My relationship with Master Gu Er and Master Wei Wu has soured. I won’t have a good ending if I go back to China. Even if they’re weak now, it’s hard to defend against an ambush. I’ve had enough of fighting with them. This kind of isolated life suits me the best.
“Since this island is yours and technically, I’ll be working for me, it motivates me. I will never let you now. Nanxing, believe me, I will definitely take good care of this island.”
I nodded. “Of course, I believe you. I just feel that you two have always loved freedom, but this is going to tie you down.”
Gu Nian smiled. “You’re talking about Ye Qian, right? We understand each other very well, and we both get what we want. Why not? But you shouldn’t sacrifice yourself for anyone. You’re welcome to come back no matter what. This is your home, your own territory. If someone dares to harm you, just say the word, and I’ll immediately bring all the elites of the island to support you!”
He glanced at Jing Tian lightly.
Jing Tian said slowly, “It sounds like I should be more vigilant and not for you to turn this place into a new headquarters.”
Gu Nian shrugged, “What can you really do to me?”
I found it funny. “Alright, here we go again!”
I climbed onto Jing Tian’s arm and said with a smile, “Can we come back here every year? I also want to bring Auntie Lan and Auntie Bai Rui with us.”
Jing Tian said, “It’s up to you. You can come whenever you want. You can also check on President Gu’s work. If he doesn’t do a good job, we’ll instigate a coup and bring him down.”
I gave him a gentle slap. I said to Gu Nian, “I know you’ll be a good president. Actually, I know you care about the islanders. This island is lucky to have you. Gu Nian, I’ll miss you from time to time. I’ve always cherished you as a friend. Take care of yourself.”