Logically speaking, after helping someone win a high-stakes gambling game, one would at least ask for a "cut" of the winnings, but what surprised Jiang Chen was that Vera had not shown up again after leaving Las Vegas, as if she had vanished from the earth after that Texas Hold’em game.
Although it was odd, life is like that—many people are destined to be just passersby. Jiang Chen didn’t think too much about it,
and temporarily put the matter aside. He devoted himself to playing the role of a competent boyfriend, taking Li Shuru on a romantic trip—San Francisco, Chicago, New Orleans... They left their footprints in several famous cities.
About nearly twenty days later, the group finally returned to New York.
Because they were about to return to their home country, Liu Hongzhi and Xue Yali formally invited Jiang Chen and Li Shuru to dinner.
The chosen place was rather upscale, located next to Times Square in a century-old renowned establishment.
"To discuss a matter."
Leaving the Peninsula Hotel, as the distance was not far, Li Shuru and Jiang Chen chose to walk.
This trip had completely elevated the relationship between the two. If there had been a display of affection, Jiang Chen suspected that Li Shuru’s fondness for him might have now reached 100.
He gently held Li Shuru’s hand, strolling the foreign streets in the same manner as the past twenty days.
Not only for Li Shuru, but this journey was also going to become a cherished memory for him.
"What do you think of Liu Hongzhi?"
Li Shuru turned her head to ask.
She was indeed a girl who knew how to dress up. Simply put, she possessed good fashion sense. Today, she wore a Chanel suit bought during their journey, displaying her long, straight legs, and, like her younger sister, she wore a black beret at an angle, looking no less striking than a fashion model in a magazine ad.
Passersby, especially foreigners, frequently glanced her way.
"Talented and handsome."
Jiang Chen answered without hesitation.
"Do you really think so?"
Jiang Chen nodded, "What’s up?"
"I was thinking... Isn’t Tianci short on staff? Maybe we could, you know, recruit him."
Jiang Chen was a bit surprised, "Why would you think that?"
"He’s sufficiently capable, and he also has a wealth of work experience. His joining Tianci would definitely be of great help to Tianci’s development."
Li Shuru looked serious.
Seeing she wasn’t joking, Jiang Chen’s attitude shifted, pondering for a moment.
"I admit he’s capable, but have you considered one problem? If you want to hire him for Tianci, he would have to work back in our home country, at least for the time being. What about your sister then? Do you really want them to live apart—not just in different places, but in different countries? Aren’t you afraid your sister will blame you?"
"You don’t have to worry about that; Ya Li won’t mind."
Jiang Chen asked instinctively, but quickly realized, "Could it be that your sister..."
Li Shuru shook her head gently, "She hasn’t told me directly, but she’s hinted at me, saying that Liu Hongzhi isn’t really happy working on Wall Street and that the pressure is quite high."
Jiang Chen could certainly see this, even though they hadn’t been in contact for long.
It’s the same in any industry. No matter how prestigious it may seem, in reality, it’s not as glamorous as outsiders might think, especially when striving in a foreign land.
Forget about Americans always mumbling about democracy, freedom, and equality for all, opposing racial discrimination.
But what’s the reality? The whole world sees it.
During his dealings with securities dealers, Jiang Chen had deeply felt the arrogance of Westerners, who only changed their attitudes after understanding his capabilities.
Even though he managed a fund of tens of millions of US Dollars, Liu Hongzhi probably wasn’t living as comfortably as one might wish on Wall Street.
"You’re her sister, and she’s playing riddles with you?"
"You have a good relationship with Luo Peng as well, and there are things he won’t directly tell you, right?"
Jiang Chen nodded, "That makes sense."
"What’s your opinion?"
Li Shuru linked arms with him.
"Of course, I have... no objections,"
Jiang Chen said with a smile, "Since your sister doesn’t mind, why would I object to the company recruiting a talented individual? However, I’m worried that Tianci might seem too modest of a venue for your brother-in-law, and he might not want to step down."
"Why don’t you ask him later?"
Jiang Chen chuckled, disbelief in his smile.
"Why don’t you have your sister directly ask? They are lovers; wouldn’t it be easier for them to talk?"
"Are you really that intelligent and still not understand?"
Jiang Chen chuckled knowingly, "You and your sister really know how to handle men, making it impossible for any man to escape from in front of you."
If Xue Yali directly asked, it could hurt Liu Hongzhi’s pride.
Li Shuru gave him a gentle pinch.
"Alright, I’ll find an opportunity to ask him later, but you’re underestimating your brother-in-law too much. Do you think he’s so fragile that he can’t even accept his girlfriend’s kindness?"
Jiang Chen shook his head, smiling.
They chatted idly en route to the restaurant.
Li Shuru released Jiang Chen’s arm.
Liu Hongzhi and Xue Yali had already arrived and stood up to greet them.
Host and guests took their seats.
The sisters sat next to their boyfriends—a scene that was enviably wonderful.
"Mr. Jiang, congratulations,"
Liu Hongzhi began to speak, and with the new meeting, the look he gave Jiang Chen had undoubtedly changed again.
Jiang Chen understood what he was congratulating him for,
"I should say thank you. It wouldn’t have gone so smoothly without your help."