At the heart of Capital City.
Many old Capital City residents often come for a stroll in Lake Beibo Park.
Cao Jinse came running from behind on the track.
She truly had a magnanimous heart, having brushed off Jiang Chen’s previous speechlessness in the office as if it were nothing. Yet now, as he looked at her, he couldn’t help but feel slightly uneasy.
The persuasion from Lan Peizhi, like an enchanting tune, kept swirling in his ears.
Cao Jinse stopped, noticing something off about the other person’s gaze.
Dressed for a morning run, she wore athletic clothes and sneakers, simple yet fresh. Her long hair was casually tied up with a rubber band into a ponytail, effortlessly handling various styles.
"Nothing, just not used to getting up so early anymore, feeling a bit uncomfortable."
Jiang Chen smiled as if nothing was wrong. It took him half an hour to drive here from the Epang Palace, and he even took the time to buy a set of exercise clothes on the way.
"The key to one’s day lies in the morning, and at your age, you shouldn’t be too indulgent with yourself."
Jiang Chen immediately nodded, showing a look of embarrassment, "From now on, I’ll definitely be strict with myself."
Cao Jinse shook her head with a smile and looked forward, "Let’s run for a bit."
Though it was early, not even eight in the morning, there were quite a few people exercising in the park.
Jiang Chen always ran alongside Cao Jinse, matching her pace, whether fast or slow, never a step ahead or behind.
After about two or three kilometers, Cao Jinse, slightly panting, stopped and wiped the fine sweat beads from her forehead, looking at Jiang Chen in surprise, "Not bad, you’ve got some hidden talents."
Even though most young people now are physically weak, let alone two or three kilometers, many can hardly last a lap on the 450-meter track in a university campus. But Jiang Chen had always kept up with his exercise.
Besides, as a man, if he couldn’t even outpace a woman, what face would he have to live in this world? It would be better to commit suicide by disembowelment.
Cao Jinse’s stamina also exceeded Jiang Chen’s expectations. As a pampered and high-born lady who usually sat in an office, it was commendable that she could run so far.
"Actually, I’m almost at my limit. If you don’t stop after another hundred meters, I will have to."
Upon hearing this, Cao Jinse showed a trace of annoyance, "You should have said earlier."
Cao Jinse laughed as well.
"Didn’t expect Miss Cao to be in such good shape." Jiang Chen was no longer jesting. She was undoubtedly someone who led a refined life, not like some obsessive career women who only had work and nothing else.
"I should thank you for that."
Jiang Chen was puzzled.
Cao Jinse looked at him with a smile that was not quite a smile, "You mentioned Rehmannia Pill. I’ve taken it, and it really works."
Jiang Chen was momentarily stunned, then smiled awkwardly.
Cao Jinse didn’t continue on the subject and went ahead, wiping her sweat.
"I agree to let Aunt Lan manage it, if she’s willing." Hearing the voice beside him, Jiang Chen was not at all surprised.
After all, it didn’t make much difference who managed it, as Cao Jinse, representing Jiuding Group, was always going to be the major shareholder of the new company.
"So when can we sign the contract?"
"What? Are you afraid I’ll go back on my word?" Cao Jinse laughed, "We can sign the contract anytime. I’ve promised you, so I won’t break my word. On the contrary, I’m more worried you’ll change your mind."
"How could I. If I dared to stand up Miss Cao, I’d have no place to hide in all of Shenzhou."
"Good to know." Cao Jinse nodded seriously but couldn’t help laughing a little afterward.
"Speaking of it, I should thank you."
"You’ve already thanked me just now." Jiang Chen said.
Cao Jinse made a rather childish gesture, rolling her eyes at Jiang Chen as if on impulse.
Then, she spoke in an even tone, "I’m serious, Jiuding Group is considering exploring a new field, and you’ve indeed pointed out a direction for me."
Jiang Chen said with a bitter smile, "Jiuding Group already covers such a wide range of businesses, is there really a need to explore new areas? Miss Cao, aren’t you cutting off other businesses’ livelihood?"
"Learning is like rowing upstream; not to advance is to drop back. Business is the same. Born from difficulties and dying from ease, precautionary preparations and considering potential dangers in times of safety allow one to remain undefeated."
A playful expression suddenly flashed across Cao Jinse’s elegant face, "And given the current state of the real estate industry, which you’re well aware of, don’t you think I should find a new track to fill the gap left by real estate?"
Jiang Chen nodded and replied with a smile, "You should."
It was common knowledge.
Real estate was a vital link in the complex network of Jiuding Group’s businesses.
And today’s state of the real estate market, not just savvy entrepreneurs, but the average people were quite clear on that too.
Recently, several real estate leading groups had burst like bubbles, a clear indicator of the current situation.
"Countless have soared with steel and concrete; who knows how many will be left with nothing due to the same reason."
Cao Jinse murmured, gazing at the distant skyscrapers.
"Real estate has completed its mission for its era, and it’s time for it to exit the stage of history," Jiang Chen said softly.
Cao Jinse came back to her senses and turned her head, "Did you study economics in college?"
Jiang Chen nodded, "Yes."
Cao Jinse spoke with interest, "Then tell me, the general public has long been grumbling about the high housing prices. So, why did real estate remain unshaken and prospering until now?"