Bai Yuxue woke up in bed, glanced at Bai Yushuang who was sprawled in a terrible position, and suddenly sighed.
It was hard to pinpoint its exact aning; happiness mixed with wistfulness, sweetness with bitterness, fullness with emptiness—complex beyond words.
...
Han Lie went downstairs full of energy, still savoring the thoughts in his mind.
...
Today was Sunday, but it wasn’t relaxing at all.
The scheduled plans were many, and Han Lie could only pick a few to complete.
In the morning, he returned to Hua Zhou Juntin, summoned by his prospective mother-in-law Zhao Anni for the review eting of the initial renovation draft.
Upon arriving at his villa, Zhao Anni was seated right in the center of the second-floor hall, wearing a luxurious coat, looking very serious, and even unusually wearing a pair of black-rimd glasses.
Wow, mother-in-law is taking it seriously...
Han Lie hugged Pan Ge and whispered in her ear, "Why did Mom co alone? That’s not like her..."
Pan bit her lip, stifling laughter, and replied softly, "She made all the other aunties run away! Not a single socialite dares show up in front of Mrs. Zhao lately, they don’t even invite her to play mahjong..."
Goodness, that’s more like it!
Unable to hold back, Han Lie jokingly asked, "She didn’t go knocking on their doors?"
"Of course she did!"
Pan Ge laughed so hard she almost collapsed, gasping as she said, "The first two tis she found people, after that every call was t with excuses like illness or relatives’ weddings. Auntie Wang went all out—claiming to be in New York just after landing, ’Don’t call!’"
Hahahaha!
My mother-in-law is so funny, a major player in the friend circle, huh?
Just as they were snickering together, Zhao Anni suddenly looked up, her sharp gaze cutting across like a knife: "What are you two whispering about? Co over here, the designers are arriving soon!"
"Oh oh!"
"Coming, coming!"
The couple exchanged glances, raising their eyebrows at each other, then swiftly went over obediently to play the good kids.
The scene today was still quite grand.
Zhao Anni had gathered all the design drafts she liked together and notified every firm, setting an appointnt to et today, asking designers to bring their concepts for a comprehensive presentation.
It was stricter than an average company interview.
But, as the client worth a billion-dollar deal... no, a billion-dollar client, she indeed had this leverage.
Those shortlisted design firms were also very proactive and eager to cooperate.
By 8:30 am, representatives from three firms were already waiting downstairs.
Then Luo Zhen also set aside his matters to join in, forming a review committee of four—Chief Examiner Mrs. Zhao, rebellious daughter Pan, the professional diator with a track record Han Lie, and the errand-running flatterer Manager Luo.
The first design studio that ca up imdiately sparked a fierce battle between mother and daughter.
"That chandelier, are you serious?!"
"Yes, it’s too cheap, 2.8 million, what’s that enough for?"
"I’m flabbergasted! Mom, I don’t want such a huge chandelier hanging from the ceiling to the floor! What era is this?"
"No matter the era, the hall on the first floor must be luxurious and impressive! You two are young, the guest’s first visit must leave a clear impression!"
"I want them to see that Lie Lie and I are rich and tasteful, not outdated!"
"Then you can ditch the palace style and opt for an avant-garde artistic design! But the hall needs a chandelier, otherwise what’s the point?"
"Oh co on, get off! It’s my house!"
"Sure, you pay for it all, don’t ask for a dowry, then it’s all your call~~~"
At this instant, Pan, who tried expanding the scope of the struggle, was instantly crushed by her mother.
So she tearfully looked at Han Lie, calling for reinforcents, "Lie Lie~~~"
Why are you calling ?
Mrs. Zhao is unstoppable; what can I do?
Han Lie felt a headache coming on and quickly stepped in to diate, "Auntie’s ideas are quite reasonable, but we must respect Pan Pan’s opinions too. I think maybe we can shelve this for now and discuss it after reviewing all design concepts? Perhaps soone can simultaneously et your core needs..."
"Right, right!"
Luo Zhen imdiately nodded: "Using Auntie Zhao’s ideas to match sister-in-law’s aesthetic requirents, combining both strengths will surely stand out! If it doesn’t, then it’s the designer’s fault!"
Oh boy, the manager and designer of Liang firm were ntally exhausted, wanted to cry but dared not, thus forced a smile as dry as an old orange peel...
Look at your demands, does it seem like you’re split personalities?
One wants luxury and impact, the other wants trendy, simple, non-intrusive designs; how on earth am I supposed to rge them?
Are you putting , Pound-Hu, in a difficult spot?
Standing before you is the national design award’s 2009 gold dalist, the most professional and talented top master in the industry!
Gosh, change what? Can’t change it!
Propose another unreasonable request and I’d rather die than agree!
Might as well quit... Artists never compromise!
The designer cursed inwardly, and then, as Han Lie turned to him with a gentle tone, asking, "Could you please reconsider?"
He imdiately beca courteous: "Of course, the custor’s needs are our direction for effort.
Elegant simplicity, right? It’s not a big deal, a highly fashionable expressive concept, both Mrs. Zhao and Miss Pan’s tastes are stylish and aspirational, I especially enjoy working with clients like you..."
Both Zhao and Pan were pleased, nodding with satisfaction.
Mr. Han and Manager Luo exchanged secret glances, wiping invisible sweat.
Oh crap, if the first one is this tough, today is going to be rough...
Indeed, they guessed it right.
The mother and daughter continued bickering till noon, consensus was rare.
Mrs. Zhao was just too concerned about this renovation, wanting the very best for the two children—the utmost luxury and grandeur, like a castle for a princess and prince.
While Miss Pan understood Han Lie better, seeking simplicity, trends, easy maintenance, and free living.
At their core, they were a bit at odds.
It’s understandable, given their significant differences in stance and taste, substantial negotiation and compromise are necessary to reach consensus.
Ultimately, the bla lies with Han Lie.
He casually gifted a 168 million dollar house to Pan Ge, with only one na on the deed, truly generous, and it brought enormous pressure to Zhao Anni.
Panzi and Zhao Anni’s circle of friends basically all knew about this, while they envied the good son-in-law they found, they also harbored deep jealousy.
When everyone ca over for the housewarming party, they noticed the decoration – oh, they spent so little money?
They wouldn’t think the couple liked minimalism, they would only mock Zhao Anni for being tacky and not reciprocating Han Lie’s generosity.
The modern minimalist style had a low threshold and high limit; 80 million wasn’t easy to spend, looking shabby compared to the publicly declared 300 million purchase, truly stingy.
So fundantal contradictions arose—
Zhao Anni wanted to splurge money desperately, while Pan Ge vehently opposed the luxurious style.
Han Lie muddled through until noon, getting a splitting headache from their bickering, finally realizing the root cause.
Feeling overwheld, he couldn’t help but sigh as he rubbed his forehead.
Ah, if he had known earlier, he would have told Pan Ge not to speak too quickly and just paid for the renovation himself...
But that’s unrealistic; Pan Ge, who doesn’t value money, wouldn’t shut her eyes and let Han Lie ss around freely.
Similarly, Zhao Anni, filled with fervor right now, can’t be stopped either.
So, the whole day was filled with listening to their bickering, with little consensus—well, they agreed on a few details, like ordering custom Hästens beds together.
Every room, all with Hästens.
The guest room had a normal VIVIDUS, while the master bedroom was specially customized.
Wow, it had Han Lie’s heart palpitating, almost scaring him to death.
What a close call!
If they had agreed on this earlier, they might have run into each other at the Hästens store yesterday—currently, there’s only one store in Magic Capital; customization must be done in-store.
Han Lie beca more cautious because of this.
Pan Ge’s living environnt destined her and her friends to frequently haunt various high-end places in Magic Capital, such as top malls, clubs, gourt spots, luxury stores, etc.
Han Lie wasn’t worried about Pan Ge seeing anything herself; her mindset is open-minded, and her abilities don’t allow her to control strictly.
But if Zhao Anni caught them... it may not be anything serious, but it could lead to social death!
Forget it, better to limit aimless wandering with won; Magic Capital isn’t that big anyway...
After thorough reflection, Brother Lie made progress in steadiness, congratulated indeed.
Soti past 6 in the evening, they finally reviewed all the shortlisted options, then the mother-daughter pair continued their quarrel, with Han Lie carefully diating in between; ultimately, they picked 7 companies for further selection.
Han Lie originally thought they could complete the full renovation in about 8 months; now, he sees that was too optimistic.
Even the design drafts may take another month to tweak.
But this isn’t necessarily bad.
Looking from another angle, this is really Han Lie adapting as a son-in-law to the mother-in-law; once he and Pan Ge formally get engaged, the interaction model with the Pan Family will inevitably change, and early adaptation is beneficial.
In the evening, Luo Zhen arranged dinner, then Han Lie followed the diminutive Pan back ho, having a lively chat with Panzi before heading upstairs to sleep.
Yes, that’s right; now, Dog Lie sleeping at the Pan Family house feels like sleeping at his own ho, except Pan Ge feels intrigued and conflicted, while Panzi and Annie absolutely enjoy it.
To what extent are they absurd?
Now they don’t even remind Pan Ge to take precautionary asures.
As if implying—if you get pregnant, then quit school and have the baby; no point in expecting you to learn anything, having a child early allows quicker recovery, and you can get married afterward.
Highlighting their absurdity.
Pan Ge herself is like a baby, you know?
So instead, it’s Han Lie who carefully took precautionary asures, fearing to beco a sudden dad...
Used precisely 42 minutes to drain the battery of the little vegetable, Han Lie flirted on WeChat until the early morning.
With Xiaoxi, Xiaobai, Xiaoshuang, Xiaoxue, Bai Yuqiu... he was incredibly busy.
Pan Ge slept soundly, limbs sprawled, showing no sign of insecurity.
Even though she’s a rich beauty, with money in one hand and love in the other, she can resolve most problems.
It’s great to be so fortunate.
...
The next day, Monday, Han Lie lazily went out, heading to the rental apartnt of the Frost-Snow sisters to check on Xiaoxue, who had mobility issues.
Upon arriving, he hadn’t been there long before receiving a call from Lisa the assistant—both funds completed the filing process.
Brother Lie perked up, instructing: "Tell the trading departnt to get ready; we’ll start once I return!"
Bai Yuxue, fighting back embarrassnt, asked curiously: "Are you going to start operating?"
"Yes!"
Han Lie proudly puffed out his chest and raised his head: "It’s ti to start building positions; within 5 trading days, if the market doesn’t fall, I’ll crush it until it does!"
n are most charismatic when bragging.
If bragging flops, they’re idiots; bragging splendidly and achieving it, makes them heroes.
The Frost-Snow sisters, gentle as water, one tidying his pants, the other arranging his clothes, sending him off to battle.
"Darling, wishing you great success!"
"When needing to soothe your emotions, feel free to co over; I’ll teach Xiaoxue well... hehe!"
"Sure, next ti I’ll check the howork!"
Bai Yushuang understood, laughing softly, Xiaoxue still had a puzzled expression, hesitantly unsure if she should react.
"Hahaha!"
Han Lie laughed heartily as he left, feeling elated and bold.
It’s often said gentle hos are hero’s graves, but true n instead grow ever more ambitious.
Beautiful won, I want, career I want, respect and awe from partners and clients, I also want!
On the eve of the bull market, it’s the ti to polish the legendary horn.
Once a great roc rises with the wind, it soars upwards ninety thousand miles.
I’m already impatient; how about you?
Reviews
All reviews (0)